Melbourne
Equal parts dynamic, cosmopolitan, sports-mad and arty, Melbourne simultaneously exudes style and keeps its best spots hidden, inviting discovery by food and culture lovers.
Prasit photo / Getty Images
Latest Stories
- Tim Richards | May 7, 20267 of the best beaches in Melbourne
- Lonely Planet Editors | Dec 5, 2025Melbourne's chic and affordable food scene
- Tim Richards | Dec 2, 2025The best things to do in Melbourne with kids
- Tasmin Waby | Dec 2, 202519 of the best free things to do in Melbourne
Book
Trip 
13 days / 12 nights
13 Days in Western Australia: Victoria's Wellness, Wine and Wildlife
Trusted Partner
Dreaming of Melbourne? Protect your trip
Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.
We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Take your Australia trip with Lonely Planet Journeys
Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.
bookable trip
13 Days in Western Australia: Victoria's Wellness, Wine and Wildlife
13 days / 12 nights
highlights
- 1 Savoring the diverse flavors of Melbourne on a tantalizing street food crawl
- 2 Driving along the Great Ocean Road's dramatic, craggy coast
- 3 Unwinding in the thermal baths and hot springs of the Mornington Peninsula
from $3,400
per person
Explore more trips
-
Australia
Travel Guides
Melbourne travel tips from Lonely Planet experts
Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.
Best Things to Do
Melbourne is the Australian city with a European air. Make the most of your visit with our pick of the best things to do when you get here.
Read full article
Best Time to Visit
Melbourne's full social calendar means there's no bad time to visit. Be it sun-drenched fun with the masses or crowd-free culture, we've got the lowdown.
Read full article
Things to Know
With top tips on everything from gratuity and transit to health and safety, here's a local's guide to Melbourne, a vital center of Australian culture
Read full article
Transportation
Melbourne is a sprawling city, but its center is surprisingly easy to navigate and the transport is very affordable. Here's everything you need to know.
Read full article
Free Things to Do
There are countless ways to spend your time in Melbourne – from time in nature to live music and the arts – and, often, these activities are totally free.
Read full article
Best Neighborhoods
Melbourne has a wonderful collection of neighborhoods, each with a distinct character. Here's how to choose the perfect base for your visit.
Read full article
Day Trips
From forest trails to steam railways, these inspiring spots around Melbourne make for great day trips, and none of them require a car to reach.
Read full article
Money and Costs
Ah, Melbourne...this city will enrich your soul but empty your bank account. Here's how to visit on a budget and still have the time of your life.
Read full article
Traveling with Kids
Melbourne has a wealth of attractions for kids of every age. Here's everything you need to know before visiting with your family in tow.
Read full article
5 Shops
Shop for vintage clothes, books and souvenirs. These fabulous independent retailers embody the creative verve of Australia’s cultural capital.
Read full article
Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.
in partnership with getyourguide
Book popular activities in Melbourne
Lonely Planet may earn a commission from affiliate links on our site. All recommendations and reviews reflect our own independent opinions.