Top Melbourne Hotels

The fresh new Southbank is a delightful food wharf located along the Yarra River and is considered the centre of the Arts precinct. The breathtakingly beautiful Melbourne Botanic Gardens is within strolling distance and the Aboriginal Heritage Walks give a very special insight.

The nearby Victorian Arts Centre with its distinctive spire incorporates the National Gallery and State Theatre and plays host to some fabulous international exhibitions and entertainment. Yarra River cruises can also be boarded here.

For romance and decadence a gondola ride along the river can't be beaten. Gondolas are spotted at the Southgate arts and leisure precinct, which is located on the banks of the Yarra River offering many innovative restaurants and shops.

Family fun has not been overlooked at the Melbourne Aquarium and an impressive underwater experience awaits. It's interactive, interesting and educational, with simulator rides and the tiger sharks swimming overhead in Perspex tunnels to get the adrenaline pumping.

Those interested in local history will enjoy Melbourne's Golden Mile Heritage Trail, a 2-hour walk opening up Melbourne's finest heritage sites.

Jump aboard the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, a converted 1927 tram, and the only travelling tramcar restaurant in the world. Cruise the scenic streets, drink superb Australian wine, savour the brilliant cuisine and delight in a little of Victoria's history. Fully restored, this is surely dining in luxury with a twist. Not cheap mind you, nor should it be - the quality is exceptional.

Creatively laid out and home to exotic creatures of the world is Melbourne Zoo. One of the world's truly great zoos provides an exceptional setting for endangered creatures.

Shrine of Remembrance is a neo-classical memorial dedicated to the 114,000 local people who gave their lives in the WWI. Friendly and much appreciated volunteer guides are available for tours. A big thank you will suffice nicely.

Popular Rialto Towers Observation Deck gives a 360-degree perspective of Melbourne. The Southern Hemisphere's tallest building also has a theatre presenting a colourful and exciting presentation of this great city running every half-hour and is recommended for first time visitors in particular.

A gift to the State of Victoria, Cooks Cottage was built in England in 1775. Today, rebuilt and sitting proudly in the Fitzroy Gardens, it commemorates the voyages of Captain James Cook.

Note: National Trust, Victoria publishes a booklet of historic properties that have been protected and maintained - great for those seeking the charm of bygone eras. This can be picked up from information booths statewide.

A famous beach resort for the well-to-do back in the early 1900s, St Kilda attracts many. Its visible Art Deco architecture, groovy shops, coffee, and cakes to die for really makes for a great stress-free day. One of the best days to visit is Sunday as the market displays all kinds of handmade goodies.

For a different view of the city, The Balloon Sunrise Melbourne Flight is recommended, as is the champagne breakfast that follows.

Unique to Australia and followed by millions with religious fervor is the game of AFL. Melbourne is the official home of this passionately followed game. The Melbourne Cricket Ground or MCG gives fans the opportunity to go behind the scenes and check out the genteel side of cricket.

Tours and information on Victoria are available from the Travellers Information Desk in the International Terminal.

Town Hall on the corner of Little Collins and Swanston Streets has a Visitors Centre and stacks of information. This very helpful bunch also offers a Greeter Service for free personal orientations of the city. Book 3 days in advance.

Other info booths are in Flinders Station, Queen Victoria Market and Bourke St Mall.

The culinary diversity of Melbourne simply must be explored. Restaurant and nightlife guides full of detailed information are free from information booths.

Southbank riverfront restaurants serve excellent contemporary cuisine with great skyline views. Take a walk about before settling on anything - the choice is good.

Chinatown with its abundance of fantastic restaurants is definitely a place to visit and dine. With some splendid eateries it's a Melbourne favourite and also has a Chinese Museum emphasising the history of Chinese immigrants to Australia and all they have contributed. Save Sunday for Yum Cha.

Bay St in Port Melbourne has a collection of old fashioned pubs and Station Pier is the docking point for cruise and Naval ships that arrive between November and March. Catch a band and pub meal here for a cheap night out.

Spanish culture abounds in the many tapas and flamenco bars on Johnston St, Fitzroy. Brunswick St is popular for affordable Indian, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine.

St Kilda is ideal for alfresco dining and its eateries are varied and many. The Lower Esplanade offers beachfront dining and Acland St provides vegetarian food to please. This area has a large and varied concentration of restaurants, bars and cafes.

Lonsdale St dishes up the city's favourite Greek dishes and Lygon St, Carlton is considered Melbourne's Little Italy with everything from great espressos to fresh pasta. The combination of expert cooking with fresh seafood and poultry from the markets results in a memorable Italian meal. With so many good restaurants it's wise to peruse a few before making a selection.

Bridge Rd, Richmond is the place to be for authentic Vietnamese food. South Yarra and Prahran proudly host some of Melbourne's swish eateries.

The city heart has scores of great pubs and nightclubs with many tucked away in alleyways or underground.

For razzmatazz with hundreds of bells and whistles conducting their own symphony, visit Crown Casino, a visual smorgasbord of constant motion, cabarets and special effects. It's alive with entertainment, fortunes being won and forsaken, and a general letting down of the proverbial hair. Cuisine ranges from exotic through to the basic human energy supply.

Melbourne's superb golf courses have hosted many events from the Presidents Cup to the Australian Open. Many courses will challenge the golfer and plenty have reciprocal international rights.

The Paris End of Collins St is aptly named due to the elegant boutiques. Many wonderful shops are within strolling distance of each other including the Bourke St Mall, which hosts a plethora of boutiques and department stores. The Block Arcade, a grand treat and The Walk Arcade are historical with a superb range of fashion. Dedicating a day exploring this area is a good idea. Little boutiques seem to materialise from alleyways and the selection of goodies on offer will not disappoint.

Escaping the CBD is worthwhile. South Yarra and Prahran incorporating Toorak Rd, Chapel St and Greville St are vibrant and fashionable, offering everything from excellent coffee to chic Channel Suits. Avid shoppers must visit this area simply overflowing with cosmopolitan sophistication and innovative style. Whilst here check out The Jam Factory to enjoy cinema entertainment and shopping.

In contrast Bridge Rd is the place to go for that ellusive bargain. Factory seconds and warehouse clearance items can sell for a steal. Acland St in St Kilda is fun for quirky gifts whilst Brunswick and Johnston Streets, Fitzroy cater to the moderately alternative with bargain retro and recycled fashion. Locally handmade adornments and homewares are also sold here.

Mouthwatering gourmet tours of Queen Victoria Markets such as the Foodies Dream tour appeals to those with a passion for the edible. In addition to fantastic fresh produce one will find gifts, home wares and stalls selling all kinds of trinkets. In summer there's a night market and entertainment.

Internet cafes are everywhere, especially in city heart and at tourist spots. Info booths give a full listing of the cyber scene.

For disabled visitors it's a good idea before heading out to pick up a City Mobility Map. It clearly lists ramps, easy access etc and has an attached map. Available from info centres and good hotels.

Taxis are readily available, reasonably priced, and most of the cabbies are friendly and very happy to help you out. Car rental companies are all over and a number of them operate from the airport.

A Metcard is convenient and easy to use and allows travel around Melbourne on the Met, which incorporates numerous train, tram and bus services. One ticket allows you change as often as you like and they are widely available. The tram is a particularly good and cheap way to get about the city centre.

There are also ferries linking Southgate in the city to Williamstown.

The long haul trains run from Spencer St Station. Centrally located Flinders St Station has trains heading for the suburbs.

Interstate buses link Melbourne to every major Australian destination and leave from either Spencer St. or Melbourne Transit Centre on Franklin St.

Melbourne International Airport is approximately 30 minutes from the City and is easy by car, taxi or bus. Skybus operates an airport to city service. Buses run every half-hour with pick up points throughout the city. Grab a ticket at the airport to save time.

Discover Melbourne over lunch or afternoon tea on a Yarra River Boat Cruise. Unlike a harbour, the Yarra is long, windy so this is an interesting way to see the nooks and crannies of this elegant city.

Relax while wandering the streets of Queenscliffe, Frankston and Sorrento with their elegant weekenders and restaurants. These grand old towns possess crystal clear bays in striking natural settings. Quaint establishments beckon and a simple pub with a roaring fireplace in winter makes for a very relaxing evening. Many of the bays and peninsulas are ecologically rich with indigenous cultural backgrounds.

Bendigo is noted for the surrounding Goldfields and its classic Australian architecture and is best seen from the vintage Talking Tram. There is a genuine Paddlesteamer that cruises down the mighty Murray River to the town of Echuca, once Australia's busiest inland port.

Travel back in time at Sovereign Hill, Ballarat, an award-winning living museum packed with Australia's Goldrush Heritage and an evening light and sound show.

Puffing Billy Railway travels through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave, an hour east of Melbourne. Yarra Valley wineries are en route and Devonshire Teas, Luncheon and Dinners are all served in luxury. Tour operators arrange passage, vineyard tours and tastings.

Macedonian Ranges and Spa Country is an hour from Melbourne and the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate in the therapeutic and calming waters of the Dayleford and Hepburn Springs. Overlooking Daylesford is the impressive cultural sanctuary of the Convent Gallery featuring a Mediterranean-style restaurant, restored chapel and gallery space. Some superb art, antiques and food.

Phillips Island Nature Park is home to various Australian animals including its famous little Penguins and Koalas. Seal Rocks Sea Life Centre is a Penguin Reserve and home to Australia's largest fur seal colony. Visitors enjoy close viewing of the colony in its natural habitat and can dine in style prior to the evening parade. Phillip Island is very special exhibiting unique Australian wildlife 2 hours from Melbourne. Economic nature passes are available for exploring the region.

Falls Creek, Mt Bulla and Mt Hotham are the most popular and largest ski fields in Victoria. Falls Creek is 5 hours drive from Melbourne whilst Mt Bulla is 3 hours and Mt Hotham four 4 away. All are easily accessible by bus from Melbourne. A variety of packages are available including day trip packages with lift pass, lunch and transport.

The 12 Apostles and London Bridge are fine sights along the scenic route of the dramatic Great Ocean Road. This winding road captures the natural beauty of this rugged coastline with its natural rock formations. Overnight accommodation is recommended - it's a long, long drive.

One of the four grand slam tennis events, The Australian Open, is held on 17th January each year, bringing top tennis stars to Melbourne in the peak of summer.

Albert Park hosts the Formula One Grand Prix held annually around 9-12th March. This race is first on the international racing calendar and is a festival in itself. 45,000 people attend this loud, exciting event and Melbourne really puts on a dazzling show.

Alternatively there's the 500cc Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in October. Phillip Island racetrack is home to this exciting event.

Those in town for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in late March to early April will be very fortunate. The high calibre of local wines and produce is not to be missed - seriously good nosh.

From 30th March to 23rd April each year is the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the sister event of the Edinburgh and Montreal Comedy Festivals. It's located at various theatres, pubs and clubs with local and international talent all parading their own quirky humour.

Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival is a social festival to say the least. There are four main race days with the Melbourne Cup held on the first Tuesday of November. The famous race attracts a global audience and serious punters. This fashion, wine and food extravaganza is a most enjoyable day out with loads of entertainment, racing and fun. An absolute must see.

Each year a weeklong cultural banquet is held in theatres, galleries and on the streets. The Melbourne Festival attracts hundreds of the finest dancers, singers, musicians and artists from around the world for a celebration of talent from October 14th to 31st.

Antipodes Festival occurs yearly in March and is a month long celebration of all things Greek - delicious food and entertainment all found on Lonsdale St. Around the world in 80 Dishes is another culinary treat held on April 10-11th at the Docklands precinct.

The Melbourne Moomba Festival is the largest outdoor community festival in March held in Alexandra Gardens. The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is a superb visual display of colour every April in Carlton Park with over 300 displays for the keen gardener or nature lover.

Basking fans catch the World Series Cricket which runs November through to January including the famous Boxing Day match at the MCG.