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Australian people cycling for exercise near Yarra River with view of the Melbourne City Financial District with skyscrapers in morning at Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

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Why visit 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.

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All-Encompassing Australia: The Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and Sydney in 12 Days

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  1. 1 Glimpsing koalas, wombats, and emus on the cusp of the Blue Mountains
  2. 2 Snorkeling among coral reefs and clown fish in the Great Barrier Reef
  3. 3 Witnessing the sunrise and sunset glow of Uluru National Park’s magnificent Kata Tjuta
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    South Australia Snapshots: 10 Days in the Outback, Barossa, and Eyre Peninsula

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Top places to visit in Melbourne

Discover the best attractions in Melbourne from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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5 Shops

Shop for vintage clothes, books and souvenirs. These fabulous independent retailers embody the creative verve of Australia’s cultural capital.

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