Melbourne, Australia

Victoria may be Australia's smallest continental state, but Melbourne, its capital, is big on everything. With a population of 4.25 million people living in 59 separately named communities within 715 square miles, Melbourne is a sprawling city offering culture, art, fashion and friendly, sports-minded Australians. It is also an easy city to explore. At the heart of the city is the Golden Mile, the city's governmental and commercial center, home to hotels, shops, restaurants and theaters.

Originally part of New South Wales, Victoria became a colony in its own right in 1851. The discovery of gold propelled Melbourne's growth to prominence and prosperity.

Travel Tip: Melbourne is pronounced "mell-burn."

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Points of Interest

  • The 12 Apostles
  • Royal Botanic Garden
  • Ballarat: Sovereign Hill
  • Fitzroy Gardens
  • Healesville Sanctuary
  • Mount Dandenong Observatory lookout
  • Puffing Billy Train
  • Queen Victoria Market

More about Melbourne, Australia Points of Interest

  • The 12 Apostles

    Witness the rugged splendour of the famous 12 Apostles, magnificent rock stacks that rise up majestically from the Southern Ocean on Victoria's dramatic coastline.

  • Royal Botanic Garden

    The vast Royal Botanic Gardens are considered to be among the finest in the world. Located on the southern banks of the Yarra River just 5 minutes from the bustling city.

  • Ballarat: Sovereign Hill

    Step back in time and experience Australia's exciting gold rush days. Pan for gold and explore this award-winning, interactive outdoor museum that recreates the hustle and bustle of 1850s life.

  • Fitzroy Gardens

  • Healesville Sanctuary

    Experience a distinctly Australian wildlife experience. Get close to over 200 species of native wildlife, including platypus, koalas, emus, Tasmanian devils, lyrebirds and wombats in a bush setting.

  • Mount Dandenong Observatory lookout

  • Puffing Billy Train

    This century-old train is one of the most popular steam heritage railways in the world. It still runs on its original mountain track in the scenic Dandenong Ranges, just as it did in the early 1900s.

  • Queen Victoria Market

    Opened in 1878, this huge open-air market is a Melbourne institution. You'll find a wide array of goods amongst the "sheds," from fresh produce and meats, to clothes, housewares, and souvenirs.

13 EXCURSIONS

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Easy Melbourne: City Drive and Fitzroy Gardens

3.75 hours | Melbourne | M E L - 2 9 5
  • Royal Botanic Garden

Melbourne is hailed as Australia's "Garden City," famed for the parks and gardens surrounding it. Experience Melbourne's sights and sounds on a panoramic drive about town. Stroll through Fitzroy Gardens to Cook's Cottage and view the Shrine of Remembrance, honoring the men and women who served in World War I.

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Easy Activity

From

AUD$79.95

Average Guest Rating

Easy Melbourne: City Drive

4 hours | Melbourne | M E L - 2 2 5

This tour is specifically designed for guests who prefer little or no walking.
Take in the scenic highlights of Melbourne--the Bay suburbs, the beautiful Princess Theatre, the Arts & Cultural Center, Melbourne Cricket Grounds, and Melbourne Park on a narrated panoramic drive through the city.

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Moderate Activity

From

AUD$109.95

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Fitzroy Gardens & Yarra River Cruise

4 hours | Melbourne | M E L - 2 0 0
  • Royal Botanic Garden

Discover Melbourne on a narrated drive about the city and during a scenic cruise on the Yarra River. Visit Fitzroy Gardens, a 26-acre oasis in the heart of the city that features landscaped grounds and historic buildings. Your cruise along the Yarra passes the Royal Botanic Garden and Melbourne's famous Sporting Precinct.

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Easy Activity

From

AUD$119.95

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Ballarat Wildlife & Sovereign Hill Goldmine Township

8 hours | Melbourne | M E L - 1 2 5
  • Ballarat: Sovereign Hill

Travel back in history to Victoria's Gold Rush. First tour Ballarat Wildlife Park, home to koalas, crocodiles and kangaroos. Then relive the 1850s gold rush at Sovereign Hill. The old boomtown's streets are brought to life with costumed characters, horses and craftspeople from that dramatic time.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From

AUD$199.95

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Healesville Sanctuary, Yarra Valley & Wine

8 hours | Melbourne | M E L - 1 1 0
  • Healesville Sanctuary

The Yarra Valley is one of Australia's internationally acclaimed wine regions. Visit one of the valley's wineries for a tasting followed by lunch at Rochford Wines. Explore Healesville Sanctuary, home to over 200 species of native wildlife in a beautiful bush setting.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

AUD$259.95

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Best of Melbourne & Surrounds

8 hours | Melbourne | M E L - 1 0 0
  • Healesville Sanctuary

Experience the best of Melbourne. Cruise past the Royal Botanic Garden and the famous Melbourne and Olympic Park Sports Precinct on a Yarra River cruise. Explore Healesville Sanctuary, home to over 200 species of native wildlife in a bush setting. Visit one of the Yarra Valley's acclaimed wineries for a wine tasting followed by lunch.

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Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From

AUD$289.95

Average Guest Rating

Local Connections: Best of Melbourne with St Ali Roastery

hours | Melbourne | M E L - 9 8 5

Get an insider's look at Melbourne with local in the lead. Stop for coffee at St. Ali's Coffee Roaster. Marvel at the city's skyline over lunch at the Taxi Kitchen. Look down below from the Eureka Tower. Stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens. Finally, visit the Shrine of Remembrance.

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Moderate Activity

From

AUD$499.95

Average Guest Rating