Melbourne Hotels

Attractions

Start your trip at Melbourne Observation Deck for that bird’s eye view of the city and to orientate yourself to this fascinating city. Then once you take the streets, immerse yourself in Melbourne’s art scene. Visit the regular exhibitions at The National Gallery of St. Kilda or the Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square. Don’t forget the Victoria Art Centre in Southbank, the Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens and the private galleries that abound the city. The theatres serve a variety of topnotch entertainment for every age, from classical concerts to fun children’s musicals. And yet more recreational options can be found at the massive Crown Entertainment Complex sitting on the Yarra River’s south bank. A short stroll away is the Melbourne Aquarium, another popular stop.

To understand Mebourne’s other passion apart from arts, head for Telstra’s Dome, the centre of the Australian Football League (AFL) and rugby. Get to see the massive retractable roof when you catch a game. The Melbourne Cricket Ground has world fame for its cricket whilst tennis champions lord over Rod Laver Arena. For horses, take a ride over to Flemington and those keen on sailing, head for the coast.

Events

Melbourne hosts major events which figure highly in the world calendar. The Australian Open, held every January, brings tennis stars in the peak of summer for a fortnight of top tennis action. Formula One Grand Prix kicks off in Albert Park in March, being the first on the international racing circuit. On the other hand, Philip Island racetrack is home to the 500cc Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in October. Catch the world famous Boxing Day match test as cricket fans troop to the MCG to support the home team. Lastly, make way for “Australia’s most famous Tuesday” when the annual Melbourne Cup hits town in November, the biggest horse race in the Southern Hemisphere!

The city’s arts scene reaches its peak when Melbourne Arts Festival happens in October dishing out exhibitions and performances in all genres. And for some wonderful quality time for the family while in Melbourne, enjoy the sight of giant sand sculptures, watch waterski or wakeboarding events, dragon boat races and marvel at fireworks display to celebrate water fun in the Moomba Waterfest in March, highlight of which is the Parade and the carnival.

Climate

• Winter (June-August) 1-12°C; cold and damp
• Spring (September-November) 10-20°C; cool with more rains in October
• Summer (December-February) 21-34°C; warm and dry, prone to hot spells
• Fall (March-May) 11-19°C; mild