Melbourne sports precinct, Melbourne, VIC © Tim Shaw, Visit Victoria

Melbourne and surrounds

Metropolitan Melbourne offers visitors a combination of world-class dining, cultural experiences and an exciting calendar of sporting events.

Melburnians are well-known for their love of sport, their obsession with the perfect brew (both coffee and beer) and a groundbreaking arts and culture scene that garners international attention. The city has a hip, European vibe, with cafes and speakeasies hidden in graffiti-laden laneways, rooftop bars that take in the sweeping skyline and exciting live music venues showcasing local and international acts. With so much to see and do in Victoria's capital, it’s no wonder that it’s regarded as one of the world’s most livable cities.

When to visit

It’s a running joke that Melbourne often experiences four seasons in a single day. The weather can change in an instant, so don’t be surprised if a bright summer day suddenly becomes cool and wet. Winters will bring cold weather; head just three hours north to the Australian Alps to experience Australia’s ski fields. In summer locals love to escape the city heat for excellent snorkelling and cool-climate wines on the Mornington Peninsula or competition-level surf conditions in the laid-back coastal villages dotted along the Great Ocean Road. Spring and autumn are ideal for exploring the city, stopping in at world-class museums, discovering the local Aboriginal history and tasting the incredible food and drink both in the city and the surrounding wine regions.

Find out more about seasonal weather in Melbourne.

How to get there

International and domestic flights arrive direct to Melbourne Airport from many major hubs. From the airport it’s a quick 30-minute taxi or shuttle bus ride to the city centre.