At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Uncover the capital of Victoria, a melting pot of culture and style. With over 480 hectares of internationally acclaimed parks and gardens, approximately 4500 restaurants, 82 beaches, 2 islands, world-class shopping, countless museums and galleries, sensational events, and limitless attractions. Go on a bespoke journey and discover Melbourne, one of the world's most lovable cities.
Where should you visit in Melbourne?
Sample trips
Travel with peace of mind
By choosing TravelEssence, you can travel with security and feel completely at ease.
- Experience exceptional hospitality due to our strong relationships and extensive local network.
- Benefit from our flexible booking options
- Avoid costly mistakes with over 30 years of experience in the travel industry
- Enjoy smooth processes and efficient systems from over 15 years of operation
- Feel secure with a holiday that is protected by ATOL
- We are there for you every step of the way with our 24/7 emergency number
- An average client rating of 9.4 from over 2000 reviews
Highlights
Are you ready to fall in love with the highlights of Melbourne? Start your journey by exploring the modern city centre and visiting Federation Square. Here, you can enjoy a collection of bars and restaurants. Fed Square is also an ideal spot to watch the Australian Open, a tennis tournament held annually at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, on the big screen.
Uncover the local side of the Yarra River precinct
Yarra River is Melbourne city's river precinct and attracts visitors from all over the globe. Here, you can discover a large collection of local restaurants and cafes, take an eco-friendly electric boat tour and visit world-class museums and art galleries.
Discover Melbourne's city laneways
Marvel at street art cafe and take a self-guided walk through the city's laneways. Along the way, you will find many vibrant murals. Some of the best laneways to visit are Hosier Lane, Flinders Way, AC/DC Lane, and Duckboard Place. Degraves Street is iconic and is filled with street art, quirky boutiques, coffee shops, and Euro-style restaurants.
Melbourne from above
If you would like a bird's eye view over Melbourne, the Skydeck is a must-do! As the Southern Hemisphere's highest observation deck, Eureka Tower is a 297.3-metre high skyscraper that is located in the Southbank precinct.
Are you searching for some family-friendly activities?
There are plenty of things to do and see in Melbourne to keep the kids entertained. Visit the Werribee Open Range Zoo and the Melbourne Zoo. Here, you can have close encounters with unique Australian wildlife. Or feel the excitement at Luna Park in St Kilda.
"I spent a week in Melbourne and it ended up becoming one of my favourite cities in the world. It has so many great places to eat, alleys filled with amazing street art, lots of live music and some of the best coffee I've ever had."
Ilona, Travel specialist
For the sporting enthusiasts
Victoria is a sports-loving state, and Melbourne is renowned for hosting world-class sporting events. The Melbourne Cricket Ground is home to many cricket matches and AFL (Australian Football League) games. Some major sporting events are the Australian Open, the Australian Grand Prix, and the Melbourne Cup.
Activities
Enjoy authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences with the locals. Let your travel specialist know your interests and they will advise what are the best activities for you. There are small-group activities available, ranging from easy-going to adventurous, or private tours for a more intimate experience. We can take care of every detail, so you just have to show up and enjoy an experience to look back on for years to come.
Neighbourhoods
Melbourne is filled with an eclectic mix of neighbourhoods. Each place oozing with its own characteristics and personality. Discover the urban Brunswick Street in Fitzroy or feel the beach vibes in St Kilda. The hip and vibrant Chapel Street stretches through South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor, and St Kilda. Here, you can find plenty of funky bars, boutique stores, and coffee shops. At Southbank, you can find some of the best waterfront restaurants in Melbourne and the famous and dazzling, Crown Casino.
Would you like to learn more about Melbourne?
Join one of our live and informative presentations, hosted by one of our travel specialists. And find out how to travel to Australia in a uniquely local way. There are also plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
Take advantage of our local knowledgeWhere to stay
Make your trip extra special by experiencing a unique stay from our large collection of hand-selected accommodations located in Melbourne and beyond. Whether you prefer a luxury hotel in the heart of the CBD, an apartment overlooking the Yarra River in Southbank or a quirky bed & breakfast along the Great Ocean Road, we have found the perfect place for you. Your travel specialist will match you up with accommodation that suits your wants and needs. A journey where your accommodation is an experience in itself.
Things to do and see
Would you prefer to embark on a small group tour to see the fairy penguins on Phillip Island, cycle the city with a local guide or sample wine at Mornington Peninsula? We have personally selected extraordinary local experiences for you in Melbourne and its surroundings.
From wildlife encounters, meetings with the locals, authentic cultural experiences, kayaking, wine tours, cycling and sailing trips, sightseeing flights and more. Our focus is on nature conservation and small-scale locally owned companies and our travel specialists can match you up with activities that suit your personality.
Shopping & markets
Melbourne is a shopper's paradise featuring high-end fashion stores, boutique designer stores, and local vintage shops. The largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere, Queen Victoria Market is a must-visit! For high-end shopping be sure to visit The Block Arcade. Located in the heart of Melbourne, the Block Arcade is one of Melbourne's most iconic boutique shopping experiences.
Here are some of Melbourne's best shopping streets:
- Gertrude Street in Fitzroy
- Collins Street in the CBD
- Chapel Street in South Yarra
- Sydney Road in Brunswick
- Bourke Street in the CBD
Dining and local cuisine
Melbourne is a foodie and wine lover's haven featuring rooftop bars, hidden themed bars, high-end restaurants, local coffee shops, brunch cafes, and much more. The local food scene is extremely varied and there is so much choice on offer. The local Yarra Valley wine is a must-try and be sure to indulge in Melbourne's coffee culture.
Taste the local flavours
Melbourne's dining precincts can be found at Lygon Street in Carlton, Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, Acland Street in St Kilda, Southbank, Chinatown CBD, Smith Street in Collingwood, Little Bourke Street in the CBD, Docklands, and Chapel Street in South Yarra.
Museums & art galleries
Melbourne is a cultural mecca and has a great assortment of museums and art galleries to visit during your trip. With over 100 art galleries and endless museums, Melbourne is an ideal city to delve into Australia's history and art scene.
The Royal Exhibition Building is a World Heritage Site-listed building and is part of the international exhibition movement. Built within the Carlton Gardens, it is one of the great enduring monuments.
Here are some of Melbourne's best museums and art galleries:
- Melbourne Museum
- National Gallery
- Immigration Museum
- Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre
- Old Melbourne Gaol
- Australian Sports Museum
- Scienceworks
- Jewish Museum of Australia
Parks & nature
Melbourne is a very green city and is known as Australia's garden city. The biggest park found in the city is called Royal Park with the largest open space in the City of Melbourne, covering 170 hectares. The Royal Botanic Gardens covers 38 hectares and is home to more than 8500 species of plants from around the world.
Fitzroy Gardens covers 26 hectares and is located on the edge of the Melbourne Central Business District in East Melbourne. The Dandenong Ranges are located 35 kilometres east of Melbourne and offer the perfect escape into nature. Birrarung Marr is an inner-city park located on the banks of the Yarra River (formerly known as Birrarung) and Federation Square.
Public transport
Melbourne has an excellent and safe public transport system. It is the easiest and fastest way to get around the city. If you prefer, you can also use an Uber to get around. If you would like to take a free tour of the city, hop on board a City Circle Tram. There are several bus tours available which take you city sightseeing in Melbourne. Or explore the city with a local guide by bike!
Discover a historical train station in the heart of the city
Flinders Street Station is located on the corner of Flinders and Swanston streets and is famous because it was the very first steam rail station in all of Australia. Built in 1910, Flinders Street Station is the oldest train station in Australia. Today, it is one of the Southern Hemisphere's busiest suburban railway stations.
Surrounding areas
There are so many possibilities for a day trip or multi-day trip outside of Melbourne. Either with a small group or on a self-guided tour, the options are endless. Whether you would like to marvel at the famous penguin parade at Phillip Island or conquer one of the world's most beautiful scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road. Along the way, be sure to stop and admire koalas at Healesville Sanctuary. If you are a food and wine lover, visit the fruitful vines of the Yarra Valley or stop by Mornington Peninsula, a local's favourite.
More information
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Why book with us?
- A well-designed holiday, just for you
- Small-scale accommodations run by friendly local hosts
- Carefully recommended activities based on your interests
- A travel tempo and driving distances that match your needs
- Ingrained sustainability in all facets of your holiday
- 30 years of experience in travel to Australia
Let's design your holiday together
We'll take the time to get to know you to match your fully bespoke holiday with your pace, your interests, and anything you desire. Combined with first-hand, local knowledge, you'll receive a mapped out itinerary from us - but the process isn't done until you are 100% satisfied. We take care of every detail, so you can focus on relaxing, rejuvenating and reconnecting with yourself and the world around you. Get in touch to get started now.
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 9am until 6pm. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.