My Travel & Photography Guide to Melbourne, Australia
Welcome to Melbourne, Australia – a vibrant city with a diverse multicultural heritage, stunning architecture, and breathtaking landscapes. We absolutely loved Melbourne! We spent 4 days in Melbourne, just enough time to see the highlights but barely enough time to get to know the city.
There is a good reason that Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the world’s most livable cities, according to The Economist. It’s less a collection of landmarks to tick off on your to-do list and more the kind of place where it’s just a joy to hang out. The city's liveliness and energy are infectious, making it a must-visit destination.
Then there is the food. When people from all around the globe make this their home, they bring along with them their food, their culture, and their language. Melbourne is one of the most diverse cities in the world in terms of food. You name it, and you can find it here…dim sum, Italian, Chinese, Lebanese, Thai, Indian, Mongolian, the list is endless and delicious!
South Bank at Sunset
Where to StaY
When finding the perfect place to stay, I recommend staying in the Central Business District (CBD) since it is so easy to get around the city from this area. Here are some top recommendations:
Luxury Hotels:
The Langham Melbourne - Elegance and sophistication with stunning views of the Yarra River. Overlooking the Yarra River, The Langham offers views encompassing the city skyline, Flinders Street Station, St Paul's Cathedral, and the MCG.
Park Hyatt—Ever so slightly set back from the bustle of the CDB grid and surrounded by manicured parks and the Fitzroy Gardens, Park Hyatt Melbourne feels like a luxurious oasis while remaining a stone's throw from the action. This is the hotel we chose for our stay.
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins - Experience French luxury and local cuisine in one of the best locations in the city.
Mid-Level Hotels:
Ovolo Laneways - A chic and vibrant hotel located in the bustling laneways of Melbourne.
The Victoria Hotel - A blend of historic charm and modern comfort, perfect for a convenient stay.
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne - Classic elegance meets contemporary style in this heritage-listed hotel.
How Long Should You Stay?
I would plan to stay for at least 4-5 days. This allows ample time to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, enjoy its restaurants and coffee shops, and take one —or two-day trips to Philips Island or the Great Ocean Road.
Best Time of Year to Visit
The best time to visit Melbourne is during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) when the weather is mild and the city is alive with festivals and events. Melbourne's mild climate means you can comfortably sightsee year-round.
Getting Around the City
Melbourne is a relatively flat city, so many of its sites and attractions can be reached easily on foot—many are within walking distance of one another. We mainly walked from site to site.
However, Melbourne has an excellent public transportation system, including trams, trains, and buses, making it easy to navigate the city. Uber and Bolt are also readily available for quick and convenient rides. The easiest way to get around the city is by tram and bus networks, which will take you everywhere you want to go.
Where to Eat: A Culinary Adventure
Melbourne’s food scene is simply fantastic. We had so many wonderful meals here. Here are some must-try spots:
At Chin Chin
Chin Chin - For a taste of modern Thai cuisine in a lively atmosphere. This lively laneway restaurant specializes in fresh Southeast Asian fare. Kingfish sashimi pulled pork roll-ups, and corn fritters are reliable highlights on the a la carte menu.
Attica - A fine dining experience featuring innovative Australian dishes. This fine dining restaurant is frequently on the 'Best Restaurants of the World' lists.
The European - Classic European dishes with a touch of sophistication.
Grill’d - Delicious, healthy burgers that won’t break the bank.
Brunetti - An iconic café offering delectable pastries and Italian coffee.
Flower Drum - A crown jewel in Melbourne's dining scene for over 45 years, Flower Drum offers Cantonese cuisine at its finest, with first-class service to match.
Coffee Shops:
Melbourne is nicknamed the "coffee capital of the world" for good reason. They are serious about their coffee here. There is a coffee shop on every corner, and I would return to Melbourne just for a flat white. It is that good.
The Fitzroy neighborhood has tons of fantastic coffee shops.
Proud Mary - A haven for coffee enthusiasts..
Axil Coffee Roasters—Three-time national title-winning barista Dave Makin is part of the team behind Axil, which has two other cafes in addition to this flagship cafe.
Brother Baba Budan - A quirky coffee shop with exceptional espresso. Specialty coffee shop serving pastries in a compact space with chairs hanging from the ceiling.
Patricia Coffee Brewers - It is definitely worth taking the time to seek out this little gem of a coffee house. It might be slightly off the beaten track, but the coffee is superb.
Photography Gear: What to Bring
To make the most of your photography adventure in Melbourne, consider bringing the following gear:
Camera Body: Canon EOS R5, Sony A7R IV, or Nikon Z7 II.
Lenses:
Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for capturing stunning cityscapes.
Standard zoom lens (24-70mm) for versatile shooting.
Telephoto lens (70-200mm) for detailed shots and street photography.
Tripod: For long exposure shots and stable compositions.
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: You don’t want to miss out on capturing any moment.
Top 10 Photography Locations in Melbourne
We loved our time in Melbourne. Here are some of my favorite photography locations from our trip.
Saint Pauls Cathedral
This beautiful church was located right in front of our hotel. It is a stunning Anglican cathedral at the corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street.
The church and grounds are beautiful. It is right next to Fitzroy Park so the entire setting is stunning.
Make sure to visit the inside of the church, which is also very beautiful.
Hosier Lane -
I love photographing Graffiti. In Melbourne, you will find incredible graffiti right in the city center. Most of the graffiti is found on Hosier Lane, a pedestrian area that is really made up of several small streets, an area where graffiti is not only present but encouraged.
Hosier Lane is a very lively area buzzing with shopping arcades, streets, art, cafes, bar and boutiques, all with their own individual character and charm.
Some of our favorite restaurants (ChinChin, Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar, The Little Social) are in this area.
Flinders Street Station -
Flinders Street Station is an iconic landmark with stunning architecture. Opened in 1854, it is a major landmark and popular meeting place in central Melbourne.
The station features Victorian architecture and large clock faces. It was the busiest railway station in the world in the 1920s and is said to currently be the busiest suburban railway station in the Southern Hemisphere.
Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy Gardens is one of Melbourne’s most historic and beautiful gardens. It is located right next to the Park Hyatt Hotel.
Created in 1848, this 26-hectare (64-acre) Victorian-era garden is meant to look like the English gardens the early settlers left behind. It’s a lovely place to stroll around and relax with a book, with plenty of tree-lined paths and areas to sit and relax.
Federation Square -
A bustling cultural precinct perfect for people-watching and architecture shots, Federation Square, is right along the free City Circle train route and across the street from Flinders Street Station. Opened in 1968, this open square spans around 3 hectares (8 acres) and is great for people-watching. We really enjoyed bringing our lunch and sitting in the park watching the world go by.
Royal Botanic Gardens -
Lush greenery and serene landscapes. The Royal Botanic Gardens spans over 34 hectares (86 acres) and features thousands of flowers, shrubs, and trees from across the country and around the world (there are over 50,000 plants here). It’s within walking distance of the city center and is a nice place to spend some time strolling around, relaxing, and reading.
South Bank -
This was one of my favorite sunset photography locations along the Yarra River. South Bank, Melbourne, is a lively area that encapsulates the city's essence – a blend of culture, cuisine, entertainment, and natural beauty. South Bank has something for everyone.
The promenade offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, especially during sunset and at night when the buildings light up. It’s a perfect spot for leisurely strolls, jogging, or simply sitting by the river to soak in the atmosphere.
We were lucky to visit during Chinese New Year when they had many Chinese Lantern decorations along the Yarra River.
Melbourne Zoo -
The Zoo was such a fun experience. Seeing Koalas was just amazing.
Established in 1862, Melbourne Zoo is the oldest zoo in Australia and one of the most historic in the world. It spans over 55 acres and is home to more than 320 animal species from around the globe.
Queen Victoria Market -
The Queen Victoria Market is a major landmark in the city, the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. There are indoor and outdoor areas, and occupying two entire city blocks;
During the week, the food hall is the main draw, but the weekend offerings are bigger as sellers fill up the outdoor vending space.
The market is an excellent spot for Street Photography.
Day TRIPS - Discover Melbourne's Surroundings
Great Ocean Road: A Scenic Coastal Drive
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic road trips. Stretching over 240 kilometers, this coastal drive offers stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and the famous Twelve Apostles.
Phillip Island: Wildlife and Adventure
Phillip Island is famous for its wildlife, beautiful beaches, and motorsport events. It is located about two hours from the city.
The island is renowned for the nightly penguin parade (when thousands of penguins return from the sea to nest). Watching the penguins walk onto the shore was an experience I will never forget.
Special Festivals and Holidays
Key events include the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (March-April), the Melbourne International Film Festival (August), and the Melbourne Cup Carnival (November).
Wrapping UP
Melbourne is a city I highly recommend visiting. It is just so charming and fun. Plus, the food and coffee options were incredible.
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