Melbourne

Boating down the Yarra river near South Bank, Melbourne

Melbourne the capital of Victoria. This city of three and a half million is a scenic bayside community on the Yarra River and is deservedly famous as a cosmopolitan, suburban and cultivated haven for the avant-garde. This stylish city is widely seen as the cultural capital of Australia, and it is frequently host to art exhibitions, theatrical events, musicals and major film festivals.

European style architecture enriches Melbourne

The city features many attractions to lure the visitor, including a wealth of architecture that give it a much more European feel than any other Australian city. Leafy parks, open air cafés, a city serving tram service, a gentle climate and an increasingly world class selections of restaurants and eateries combine to make this one of the world's most civilised and enjoyable cities.

There is something for everyone in this great city, and for those who take the time to explore the regions around it, there is even more to see and do. Rolling countryside and world famous winelands, rugged mountain peaks, diverse and amazing wildlife, and a scenic and often dramatic coastline combine to create a rich and unforgettable experience. For a comprehensive list of Melbourne attractions that are suitable for children click here.

Twilight in Melbourne

Everyone should visit Melbourne once in their lifetime, but for most once simply won't be enough.

Beyond Melbourne

Leaving Melbourne to explore the state of Victoria is an equally rewarding experience. The beautiful rolling countryside of the rural areas with their well preserved examples of British colonial architecture are a constant source of pride to the state's citizens.

The state has good road connections for driving holidays and offers breathtaking mountain vistas, secluded and peaceful beaches and dramatically rugged rocky coastlines. Victoria is the smallest of the mainland states, and is only 3% of Australia's landmass, but don't be deceived by this -it is the size of Great Britain, and home to just over a quarter of all Australians.

Weather

Melbourne

Average temperature

Average rainfall

Spring
Sept - Nov

9 - 19°C

61mm

Summer
Dec - Feb

13 - 25°C

51mm

Autumn
March - May

11 - 20°C

56mm

Winter
June - Aug

6 - 14°C

51mm

Melbourne, capital of Victoria, has varied seasons and is famous for the fact you can experience all of them in one day. The weather is mild and pleasant year round however, and despite the fact that light showers can occur almost daily, Victoria gets less rain than other cities such as Sydney and even Brisbane.

The best time to visit

Between November and April when days are brighter and sunnier.