Melbourne Holidays
Holidays in Melbourne take you to Australia’s most cosmopolitan city. Located at the nation’s southern tip, it’s a quirky town of colourful lanes, Victorian architecture and buzzing markets. This is the heart of Australia’s creative community, so expect vibrant street art, a raucous nightlife, and great restaurants.
Federation Square is a popular hangout spot for locals and visitors alike. It’s the focus of the city’s arts and cultural scene, with museums, galleries and airy cafes. Perhaps the city’s most iconic symbol is the vast Flinders Street Station, a golden-hued Victorian beauty that has been a meeting place for generations.
In the busy Laneways you can dig for treasure in vintage boutiques and stop for brunch in trendy eateries. For a real local’s experience visit Queen Victoria Market, where you can pick up everything from organic vegetables to handmade shoes.
Melbourne holidays: Australia’s beating heart
The National Gallery of Victoria has an exceptional collection of Western, Asian and indigenous Australian art. Stop in at the Melbourne Museum for brilliant architecture and incredible natural history displays. The Australian Centre of the Moving Image (ACMI) will be a highlight for fans of cinema or video games.
Melbourne family holidays have plenty to offer as well. For some beach time visit lovely St Kilda, which is just a few miles south of the Central Business District. You’ll find Luna Park, an early 20th century amusement park with a famous looming mouth entrance. Some of the rides have been there since the day it opened.
A stroll along the Yarra River is a great way to relax, enjoying the peace and quiet in the heart of this bustling city. Equally meditative is the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, where rare plants are framed against the downtown skyscrapers.
Destination Highlights
Great sample itineraries
Get inspired by our selection of popular itineraries for Melbourne holidays. Melbourne is well placed for travel throughout Australia. We offer some great Melbourne tour packages and getaways. We recommend you talk to one of our Destination Specialists to make the perfect tailor-made holiday just for you.
Discover Melbourne and Tasmania
Guide Price £3,549 pp
Combine the lively city of Melbourne with the natural wilderness of Tasmania for a trip you will never forget. Discover the buzzing streets of Melbourne , sampling tantalising dishes at many of it's trendy eateries and take a tram to...
Self drive holidays
Australia, New Zealand and Fiji
Guide Price £13,399 pp
Our tour of Australia , New Zealand and Fiji will take you to the top sights in these wonderful destinations. The 24-day itinerary is perfect for couples and adventurous travellers wanting to see the best of these countries before spending...
Beach holidays
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Melbourne Attractions
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![a bird walking on the beach]()
Phillip Island Nature Park
Melbourne is a nature lover’s dream come true, and there are ample opportunities to get up close and personal with local wildlife. A trip to Phillip Island Nature Park will see you penguin watching along the pale sandy shores. Feed kangaroos and wallabies from the palm of your hand, and observe koalas at tree level from the raised board walk. The park provides a natural home environment for more than 30 other species of animals.
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![Great Ocean Road, Victoria]( "Great Ocean Road, Victoria")
Drive the Great Ocean Road
No holiday to Melbourne is complete without a Great Ocean Road trip. With Hayes and Jarvis, you can enjoy a unique experience like none other. Head down Gibson steps at low tide (weather permitting) and you will find yourself in the perfect spot for unrivalled views of the twelve apostles. Stop off at the most southern point of the trail to admire the Cape Otway light station, for some spectacular sunset views.
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![Margaret River vineyard]()
Yarra Valley Visit
Less than an hours’ drive from the city, you will find yourself in wine country. Yarra Valley hosts over 460 vineyards and winemakers, and 270 restaurants, making this a fantastic trip for gourmet foodies as well as wine lovers. Deliciously crisp mornings are a treat for hikers and cyclists who can enjoy the sun rising over the valley through the fog from one of the many vantage points.
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Sharon
Destination Specialist
“Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world for coffee. We recommend Patricia on Little Bourke Street.”
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Lucy
Destination Specialist
“Melbourne has the largest Greek population of any city outside Athens. Visit the Greek Precinct for unique restaurants and shops.”
Events & Festivals
Festivals and events are wonderful to include during your Melbourne holiday, offering a glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions.
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Australian Open
Australian Open is an iconic tennis tournament that brings in some of the world’s best players to test their mettle at Melbourne Park.
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Grand Prix
The Australian Grand Prix has been held annually since 1968 around Albert Park in the south of the city. It remains an incredible spectacle.
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Australian Football League Grand Final
Australians love their sport and an Aussie Rules football match during the Australian Football League Grand Final is an essential rite of passage for any visitor. Go big with the League Grand Final in September.
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Good Beer Week
Good Beer Week is one of Australia’s biggest craft beer festivals. It takes place in May, and features brewers from across the country.
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White Night
White Night is a nighttime festival that is held in mid-August, with large installations and theatre performances taking over the Central Business District.
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The Lonsdale Street Greek Festival
Melbourne’s Greek population take to the streets in February to celebrate their rich culture with during The Lonsdale Street Greek Festival. Expect souvlaki, sirtaki and plenty of ouzo.
