Melbourne Travel Guide
Top Things to Do in Melbourne
Melbourne Weather
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Melbourne Major Events
January
14th to 27th January 2019 Australian Tennis Open
As the first Grand Slam event of the year this is the chance for tennis’s best players to make their mark on the year. As always there will be a contingent of Australian hopefuls spurred on by the home town advantage, but it has been almost 40 years since an Australian has won here.
More information: Australian Open
February
17th February 2019 Ironman 70.3 Geelong
This Ironman’s event is under an hours drive from Melbourne. It is a challenging course featuring a ride along Geelong’s waterfront and the testing ‘Crit hill’, and a run that takes competitors back along Geelong’s Waterfront. It is a course designed to challenge competitors whilst letting spectators get up close to the action.
More information IRONMAN 70.3 Geelong
22nd to 24th February 2019 Superbike World Championship
Superbike racing is much closer aligned with road bikes so it remains popular with everyday bike riders. This year schools are encouraged to visit the event on ‘Schools Free Friday’, see the website for more information on this initiative.
More information World Superbike
March
1st to 10th March 2019 Melbourne Fashion Festival
There is more to this festival than designs, there is the history of fashion, the fusion of food and fashion and a fashion writing series. The runway side of the festival is not to be missed from the famous designers to the soon to be famous there is a style and event for everyone.
More information Melbourne Fashion Festival
14th to 17th March 2019 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
Australian Daniel Ricciardo’s surprise move to Renault has shaken up the driver line ups could he set Albert Park alight and become the first Australian to win their home Grand Prix since it became part of the Formula One World Championship. the event is in the heart of the city and turns Melbourne in to a four day motorsport party.
More information: Melbourne Grand Prix
27th March to 21st April 2019 Melbourne Comedy Festival
With special events across the city, local and international comedians, hundreds of shows and four weeks of laughs this is Australia’s premier comedy festival. With small ticket prices this is an extremely affordable festival and one of the top three comedy festivals in the world. Check out the line-up, chose your event or select from one of the curated lists designed to make your choice easy.
More information: Comedy Festival
April
12th to 14th April 2019 WD-40 Phillip Island 500
Situated about 2 hours drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island is one of the country’s most popular and scenic permanent race tracks. The current layout has been in use since 1988 and the variable island weather always makes for a challenging race weekend.
More information: Phillip Island V8’s
17thto 27th April 2019 Rip Curl Pro
The Rip Curl Pro is the longest running surf contest and getting to ‘Ring the Bell’ is one of surfing’s highest achievements. Accommodation in Torquay, about an hour from Melbourne, is much sort after so make sure you plan early.
More information: Rip Curl Pro
May
18th to 19th May 2019 Great Ocean Road Runfest
The main race is on the Sunday starting at the Lorne Hotel and finishing 44 klm later at the Apollo Bay Hotel this tough course is not made any easier by the amazing back drop along the Great Ocean Road. There are two climbs, Mt Defiance and Cape Patton to really test the runners.
More information: GOR Marathon
September
28th September 2019 AFL Grand Final
This is Melbourne’s most important sporting event, a home grown brand of football which started in Victoria and has grown into Australia’s most watch sporting event, with teams from all across Australia making this a truly national competition.
More information: AFL
October
6th to 28th October 2018
The Australian MotoGP is schedule towards the end of what promises to be a hard fought season. Become a ‘Riders United’ member and enjoy many benefits over the MotoGP weekend, including a Pit Lane and Main Straight walk.
More information: MotoGP
November
6th November 2018
Where else in the world is there a public holiday for a horse race? This is Australia’s premier horse race and a world class event with trainers the world over wanting to add this cup to their collection. It is one of the best staying handicap horse races in the world, with almost as much action off the track with the fashion and culture adding to the spectacle of the day.
More information: Flemington
December
26th to 30th December, 2018
The Boxing Day test at the MCG is an Australian tradition. Even for non-cricket fans and those outside Melbourne, watching the first ball bowled in this test is a Christmas ritual.
More information: Cricket
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Melbourne Airport
Melbourne Top Things to Do
Melbourne Top Things To Do
Melbourne Accommodation
Austin Rise
Austin Rise B’n’B is just 15 minutes from the Melbourne CBD and close to the Yarra Flats reserves. After your day exploring Melbourne relax with a stroll along the Yarra River wildlife spotting.
Baringa Villa
Baringa Villa Bed and Breakfast has two luxurious bedrooms and can sleep up to six people. Indulge yourself with a spa in this private sanctuary or use as your ideal base for exploring the Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs.
Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats
Ocean Blue Coastal Retreats are classic beachside accommodation and luxury holiday homes located on the Southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, just over an hours drive from Melbourne.
Rejuvenate Stays
Offering a single point of contact for High Quality properties throughout Melbourne Rejuvenate Stays offers a simple way to search for, and book your Melbourne accommodation. Feel special with Rejuvenate Stays
Baringa Villa
Baringa Villa Bed and Breakfast has two luxurious bedrooms and can sleep up to six people. Indulge yourself with a spa in this private sanctuary or use as your ideal base for exploring the Yarra Valley and the Dandenongs.
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Melbourne Tour Reviews and Blogs
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s great drives. It is 244 kilometres in length. If time is not on your side, then a day trip from Melbourne is an option. It is 227.5 kilometres from Melbourne, to the 12 Apostles. It is only on one of these trips you learn the truth about these spectacular land formations created over time by erosion from The Southern Ocean.
There were only ever 9 never 12 Apostles, and sadly in 2005, one of the Apostles collapsed leaving 8. A similar fate struck the famous London Bridge formation in 1990 and it is now the London Arch! The 12 Apostles were originally called The Piglets due to being near Muttonbird Island which was originally called the Sow! How about that for a good story.
For more information on the great Ocean road see our Ultimate Great Ocean Road Guide.
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Great Ocean Road
Phillip Island
The most popular tour to Phillip Island is to watch the penguins return to their nests at sunset. The island is about 140 kilometers south east of Melbourne and connected to the mainland by a bridge.
As well as the penguins the island also features the largest colony of Fur seals at appropriately named Seal Rocks. The island can also be a great vantage point to whale watch in the migratory season.
There is also a wildlife park where you can hand feed the free range kangaroos and wallabies.
In a complete contrast to the natural wonders of the island there is also the Phillip island Grand Prix circuit which hosts car races and the only Australian round of the motoGP.
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Phillip Island
Yarra Valley
A Yarra Valley Wine tour is a very popular Melbourne day tour. The original vines were planted in 1838 but wine production stopped in the early 1920’s. Wine was not produced again till the late 1960’s and the Yarra Valley now has over 80 established wineries.
The most popular wine produced is Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, suiting the cool climate of the area. As well as wines the Yarra Valley supplies many of Melbourne’s top restaurants with local produce and this can also be purchased and sampled direct from the grower or at the numerous cafes and restaurants in the Yarra Valley
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Yarra Valley
Dandenong Ranges and Puffing Billy
Just 35 kilometers from Melbourne are the lush temperate rain forests of the Dandenong ranges. Take a step away from the bustle of Melbourne and step back in time on the historic Puffing Billy Steam train as it winds it way through the towering Mountain Ash groves.
A favourite add-on to your Puffing Billy tour is to include a visit to Healesville Sanctuary for your chance to see some iconic Australian wildlife in a natural bush setting.
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Dandenong Ranges and Puffing Billy
The Grampians
About three hours west of Melbourne and five hours from Adelaide is the Grampians National Park. The park can be visited in a day tour from Melbourne or as part of a multi-day tour that usually includes a drive along the Great Ocean Road.
Bushwalking in the park is popular all year round with the waterfalls really coming alive in winter, with McKenzie falls one of the most well known waterfalls.
The town of Halls gap is known as the ‘Gateway to the Grampians’ and hosts one of Australia’s longest running food and wine festivals promoting the produce of the region.
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Grampians National Park
Mornington Peninsula
Hot Springs, Chocolate, Strawberries and Wine, name your indulgence and you are likely to find it on the Mornington Peninsula. Whether it is spending a day at the spa or an amazing food and wine tour you will not be disappointing.
If you are a little more adventurous then what about zip-lining and tree top climbing, or spend some time with the kids and get lost in the maze.
Situated an hour from Melbourne the Mornington Peninsula is a popular holiday destination and the perfect day escape.
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Mornington Peninsula
Melbourne Trams
Melbourne’s tram network has been operating since the 1880’s and is an iconic part of their public transport network. As well as being a Melbourne ‘must do’ experience they are also a great way to get around the city. What is even better is that there is a free tram zone right in the heart of the city.
At night you can also ride and dine in a restored Colonial tramcar.
Please note that as of October 2018 the ‘Colonial Tramcar Restaurant’ is not operational
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Mornington Peninsula
Shopping in Melbourne
From its alleys and arcades to massive factory outlets Melbourne is a shoppers dream destination. Whether you are searching for that obscure button (hint head to the Nicholas Building), the latest trends or something in between Melbourne has you covered, they only problem is narrowing down your choices.
To save you time and money it is best to join an organised shopping tour with an experience guide who can help you find just what you are looking for.
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Melbourne Shopping Tours
Cruise the Yarra River
Winding its way through Melbourne the Yarra river begins in the Yarra ranges and flows through the Yarra Valley onto Melbourne. Seeing the city from the river gives a unique perspective and you can feel somewhat insulated from the daily grind of city life.
There are scenic cruises during the day, then at night why not cruise and dine on the river while watching as the light of the city unfold before you.
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Yarra River Cruises
