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Picture of Melbourne VIC, Australia

Travel Guide for
Melbourne

Australia

Temperate, variable weather

Introduction

Melbourne, Australia’s cultural and business capital, sits on the banks of the Yarra River, blending Victorian elegance with sleek modernity. Founded in 1835, it’s a city known for its gold rush past, thriving arts scene, and thriving financial hub in the CBD.

Visiting in late September means crisp, mild spring weather—perfect for business meetings in stylish city venues, rooftop bars, and world-class dining. Treat yourself to luxury hotels, private art tours, and exclusive networking opportunities at sophisticated events and members-only clubs.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleBusiness

Dates19-26 September 2025

BudgetHigh budget

AccommodationHotel

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturefestivals and eventsgastronomysightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresnightlife and entertainment

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Picture of Melbourne VIC, Australia

Key Facts

Location

Victoria, Australia

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Religion

Christianity (dominant)

Population

5,078,000

Language

English, Mandarin, Italian

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type I plugs

Time zone

UTCAEST (UTC+10)

Country code

+61

Internet access

Extensive, high-speed broadband

Climate

Temperate, variable weather

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Map

Logistics

Melbourne is most easily reached by air, with Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) welcoming direct international and domestic flights. For a high-budget business trip, consider booking business or first-class cabins with premium airlines. Chauffeur services and VIP airport lounges enhance comfort and convenience upon arrival.

High-speed interstate trains, such as V/Line and NSW TrainLink, connect Melbourne to major Australian cities, with spacious first-class options available. Luxury coach services are also a comfortable alternative, while private helicopter transfers can be arranged for executive travel between Australian cities. Weather in late September is mild and rarely disrupts travel, but pack for cool temperatures and occasional rain.

Weather

Melbourne has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (December–February) are warm to hot, often in the mid-20s °C, while winters (June–August) are cool and sometimes rainy, averaging around 14°C. Spring and autumn are mild but renowned for rapid weather changes, sometimes experiencing “four seasons in one day.”

From September 19 to September 26, you can expect spring conditions: cool mornings, mild afternoons (usually 14–20°C), and occasional showers or gusty winds. It’s a great time for sightseeing, arts festivals, and enjoying Melbourne's vibrant café culture. Extreme weather is unlikely, but it’s wise to pack layers and an umbrella just in case.

Food & Drink

Melbourne’s dining scene is renowned for its diversity and high quality, with influences from Europe and Asia. Business travellers will appreciate fine dining at Attica, contemporary Australian cuisine at Vue de monde, and the fresh local produce at Cumulus Inc. For excellent coffee and pastries, try Patricia or Market Lane Coffee.

Trendy bars like Eau de Vie and rooftop cocktails at Siglo offer sophisticated settings. Don’t miss local specialties like flat white coffee, fresh seafood, and meat pies. Tipping is appreciated (about 10%), but not mandatory. Dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free, are widely accommodated.

The city’s laneways are perfect for impromptu meetings over world-class espresso or unique international bites, and seasonal menus highlight premium Victorian produce. Reservations are recommended at top restaurants.

A picture of Pavlova

Pavlova

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, topped with whipped cream and...

Vegemite on toast with a flat white cofee

Vegemite on Toast

Vegemite on Toast is a classic Australian breakfast or snack, featuring toasted bread spread with a thin layer...

A picture of Meat Pie

Meat Pie

Meat Pie is a beloved savory pastry filled with minced meat, gravy, and often accompanied by onions, cooked...

A picture of Barramundi

Barramundi

Barramundi, also known as Asian sea bass, is a delicious and versatile fish often grilled, barbecued, or pan-seared...

A picture of Lamington

Lamington

Lamington is a traditional Australian dessert made from squares of sponge cake coated in a layer of chocolate...

Accommodation

For a high-end business trip, Melbourne’s CBD is ideal. Top hotels like the Crown Towers, Grand Hyatt, and The Langham offer luxury, stellar amenities, and easy access to business districts. Southbank is also excellent, with riverside views and quick connections to major company offices.

Booking.com and Expedia list premium accommodations, but for VIP treatment, book directly with the hotel or use American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts. September often coincides with major events like the AFL Grand Final, so book early to secure your preferred room and avoid elevated rates.

Itinerary

Settle into Melbourne’s dynamic cityscape, focusing on initial business connections while sampling local culture for a balanced introduction to Melbourne life.

Private Business Networking Brunch at Higher Ground

Kick off your Melbourne experience with a networking brunch at Higher Ground, a renowned converted warehouse café. Enjoy gourmet fare in a stylish setting and meet local professionals to start building business connections.

Guided Laneways Art and Coffee Walking Tour

Stroll through Melbourne’s vibrant laneways, guided by an expert to uncover the city’s famous street art while sampling specialty coffee. This tour blends urban culture and local introductions perfectly for your first day.

Sunset Observation at Eureka Skydeck

Experience panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline at the Eureka Skydeck. As daylight fades, see the city come alive and get your bearings for the days ahead. Insider tip: Try the Edge experience for a thrilling glass-floored perspective!

Laneways of Melbourne

Laneways of Melbourne

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Immerse yourself in Melbourne culture on a walking tour of the city's charming laneways with a local guide providing fascinating insights. Learn about the city's history, stroll past iconic edifices, view street art and discover quirky hidden shops and cool cafes, stopping en route for a coffee. Tour is limited to 10 people to provide a small-group experience.

4.9 (257 reviews)

From $76 USD

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Attractions

5.0 (352 reviews)
Melbourne Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

Melbourne Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Ballooning over Melbourne, a once in a lifetime experience. Amazing views of Melbourne at Sunrise. Depending on the wind direction on the day, many of our flights take us right over the city centre or very close to it. Spectacular sights of the CBD in the early morning makes this an experience you will never forget. Come and fly with us over the largest city in the World where regular balloon flights take place and experience this unique and peaceful adventure in the oldest form of aviation. Join loved ones, give the gift of a balloon flight or just treat yourself and tick this off your bucket list...

From $325 USD

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4.9 (179 reviews)
Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner

Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience stunning views of Melbourne's skyline on this 3 hour kayak paddle along the Yarra River at sunset, led by an experienced, friendly guide. Explore Victoria Harbour and enjoy unique on the water dining, then paddle right into the heart of Melbourne along Southbank and Crown Casino. As the city lights come on, soak up the atmosphere of downtown Melbourne before finishing the tour next to Princes Bridge in the centre of the city.

From $80 USD

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4.8 (286 reviews)
Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour

Queen Victoria Market Ultimate Foodie Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

A delicious and fascinating guided walking tour of the iconic Queen Victoria Market. Taste the freshest produce, discover unique ingredients, learn tips and tricks for shopping and cooking, discover the Market's history and meet some of our beloved traders. A two-hour guided walking tour includes generous tastings and a Market tote bag. Tastings are dependent on what is fresh on the day but usually include fresh seafood, grilled peppered kangaroo, a selection of local cheese, fresh dips, seasonal gelati and more. This small-group tour is limited to 10 food-lovers per guide. Please note that, as this is a foodie tour, we are unable to cater to individual dietary requirements. In line with the Market's sustainability policy, we do not provide bottled water. Rather, we encourage guests to bring their own bottle and refill at our water refill stations located around the Market.

From $72 USD

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4.8 (46 reviews)
Night Bites — A Progressive Dinner of Melbourne's best food

Night Bites — A Progressive Dinner of Melbourne's best food

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Immerse yourself in the nightlife and incredible food of Australia's culinary and nightlife capital. This experience will have you aside to find the hottest new venue serving up the latest fusion flavour explosion or stopping at Melbourne's food institutions and learning what is 'Australian' cuisine. Your experienced guide will throw you head first into venues that you may have walked past without giving a second thought to give you a chance to try foods you've never had before! Your guide help you translate the mandarin menu from a dumpling house, and provide you and end with the very best sweet treats this city has to offer. Each tour will take you to at least three stops that combine to be a full meal when done. - What you eat and where you will go will depend on your guide finding up some of Melbourne's most sought after and crafting the perfect Night Bites experience for you!

From $132 USD

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4.9 (41 reviews)
Melbourne Foodie Culture

Melbourne Foodie Culture

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

Embark on a sensory adventure through Melbourne's culinary and cultural wonders with our Foodie Culture Tour, a must-experience among Melbourne walking tours and food tours. Beyond the tantalizing flavors, our expert guides lead you through enchanting laneways, arcades, and historic buildings, providing a unique perspective on the city's history and culinary delights. Traverse Melbourne's iconic laneways to discover hidden gems, adding an extra layer of enchantment to your journey. Uncover the secrets of charming arcades, home to eclectic boutiques and cafes, all part of this immersive exploration that stands out among Melbourne walking tours. Amidst historic buildings, absorb the essence of Melbourne's past, each structure with a story etched into its architecture. This 4-hour walking odyssey seamlessly weaves together the rich narratives of diverse communities with the architectural and cultural treasures nestled in the city—making it an ideal choice among Melbourne food tours.

From $116 USD

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4.9 (49 reviews)
Melbourne Sights & Sounds Private Tour

Melbourne Sights & Sounds Private Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Melbourne, often described as one of world’s most liveable cities, is also one of the world’s most multi-cultural. We have everything on our doorstep from top restaurants and bars, to world class sporting events, shows, exhibitions, fashion and culture, and striking architecture from our gold rush era of 1850s to today. Exploring Melbourne CBD and surrounds is an experience within itself, including our thriving laneways, boutique cafes/bars, historical buildings & haunts, and parks & gardens A Melbourne Sights & Sounds Experiences often includes Melbourne’s iconic Bathing Boxes, the Queen Victoria Market, the Shrine of Remembrance, the Melbourne Conservatory and Captain Cook’s cottage. In addition, you can customise your journey throughout to create, explore and experience the Melbourne City Sights your way. While on tour, your guide will share the history, adventures, tales & stories of Melbourne, adding those unique touches that truly elevate your tour experience.

From $315 USD

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4.9 (49 reviews)
Melbourne Premium Balloon Flight

Melbourne Premium Balloon Flight

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

From the vantage point of a wicker basket, you see the city laid out in miniature, the view is not static, and we’re moving with the wind so the panorama you enjoy is constantly changing. Our unrivalled experience enables us to provide you with a personalised service, with emphasis on safety and attention to detail.

From $330 USD

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4.8 (29 reviews)
Taste of Melbourne Food Tour

Taste of Melbourne Food Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy a 3-hour walking tour to explore a slice of the Melbourne culinary scene. During this food journey, follow a guide to a selection of eateries and other food venues to discover the flavours of central Melbourne. Tastings include items such as gelato and coffee, plus lunch. Tour is limited to eight people to provide a small-group experience.

From $109 USD

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4.9 (27 reviews)
Melbourne Laneways Discovery Running Tour

Melbourne Laneways Discovery Running Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Uncover Melbourne’s hidden stories, street art, and rich history on our Laneways Discovery Running Tour. This guided 8km (5-mile) run begins at 8:00 am from Federation Square, offering a vibrant way to experience the city before it wakes up. The pace is relaxed and suitable for all levels, with plenty of stops for photos, stories, and secret spots. We kick off at Hosier Lane, Melbourne’s iconic street art alley, before heading to ACDC Lane — full of music, murals, and energy. From there, we run riverside through Birrarung Marr, then past the historic Mitre Tavern, State Library Victoria, and the haunting Old Melbourne Gaol. Along the way, hear tales of convicts, rebels, and legends like Ned Kelly. We breeze through Little Lon and colourful Chinatown, before finishing with a coffee at Centre Place, surrounded by laneway cafés and local character. Whether you're new to town or a lifelong Melburnian, this is a run through the stories that built the city.

From $64 USD

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4.9 (541 reviews)
Melbourne's Living Laneway Scene: Local Bars and Their Stories

Melbourne's Living Laneway Scene: Local Bars and Their Stories

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Step into Melbourne's enduring bar culture through genuine connections with the spaces and people who've shaped it. This isn't about chasing the latest hotspot—it's about experiencing four time-tested venues where skilled bartenders treat their craft as an art form and our guides are welcomed as familiar faces. Each establishment represents Melbourne's evolution from gold rush settlement to cultural capital, with each venue telling its own story of transformation and reinvention. Whether you're a Melbourne resident who's stuck to familiar territory or a returning visitor seeking substance over spectacle, this tour reveals the stories behind the spaces that define the city's renowned hospitality scene. Your four venues are thoughtfully chosen daily from our trusted network—from heritage conversion spaces in former warehouses to intimate laneway venues that epitomize Melbourne's small-bar culture.

From $59 USD

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4.9 (376 reviews)
Melbourne Street Art Tour

Melbourne Street Art Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Melbourne Street Art Tours showcase the best of Melbourne's laneways and street art. As the tours are run entirely by street artists, they offer an authentic view into this underground art scene. Learn all about the stories behind the artists and the works, finishing up at the famous Blender Studios where you are treated to a cheese platter and drinks and have the opportunity to meet the studio artists.

From $56 USD

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3.7 (7 reviews)
4 Hours Sightseeing Small Group Tour in Melbourne City

4 Hours Sightseeing Small Group Tour in Melbourne City

MANUAL
Free Cancellation

You have decided to visit Melbourne, Australia. Why don't you get the best out of Melbourne and explore the highlights of the city while relaxing in our comfortable minivan and listening to its story. Our Melbourne city sightseeing tour will take you around Melbourne to see all aspects and highlights of this vibrant metropolitan city. Melbourne is known as the sports capital of Australia, Arts capital of Australia, Fashion Capital of Australia and named as the most livable city in the world! And we ll tell you why!!

From $60 USD

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3.8 (40 reviews)
The Ultimate Melbourne Attractions Pass

The Ultimate Melbourne Attractions Pass

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore Melbourne’s best sights and attractions while saving up to 40% on general admission entry with the Ultimate Melbourne Pass. Soak up breathtaking views from the Melbourne Skydeck, see amazing wild life at Melbourne Zoo, or enjoy a relaxing Yarra River cruise. Whether it’s a city tour, guided walk, museum visit or once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Ultimate Melbourne Pass saves you time by not having to queue for tickets at every attraction. Plus, your pass comes with a handy app so your time in Melbourne is as fun and stress-free as possible. Voted the world’s most liveable city on a number of occasions, Melbourne is regarded by many as the cultural, culinary and sporting capital of Australia. Whatever your tastes and interests, the Ultimate Melbourne Pass is your ticket to explore Melbourne and its surrounds as conveniently and cost effectively as possible.

From $74 USD

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4.8 (368 reviews)
Original Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour

Original Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour

MANUAL

Discover the secrets and hidden treasures of Melbourne’s lanes and arcades on this small-group walking tour. Immerse yourself in the heritage and culture of this cosmopolitan city, see local creatives and innovative retailers. Our team of contemporary guides will bring life to the city as they share information about the characters who shaped the city, and those who shape it today. You'll fall in love with Melbourne and realise how many secrets there are that you would have missed.

From $92 USD

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5.0 (47 reviews)
Melbourne Coffee Lovers Walking Tour

Melbourne Coffee Lovers Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Melbourne is obsessed with coffee and has the most cafes and restaurants per person than any other city in the world! This 2-3 hour walking tour takes you to places that really care about the origin, roast and brewing of the bean. By the end of the tour you'll be ordering coffee like an expert from even the most complicated Melbourne coffee menu. You’ll sample four of Melbourne’s best cups of coffee, while your guide talks you through the crop-to-cup story of the coffee bean’s journey from farmers to roasters to baristas. This is the perfect opportunity for home enthusiasts to chat about coffee making and Melbourne’s coffee culture, all while exploring Melbourne's laneways. Please note that non-coffee drinkers are well catered for, so if you don't drink coffee you'll still have fun!

From $66 USD

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3.5 (2 reviews)
Melbourne Drive by Night - Private Tour

Melbourne Drive by Night - Private Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

A low cost, great introduction to Melbourne. Sit back, relax and enjoy Melbourne in a private tour, as we cruise around for 2 hours at night with stops for photos and exploring. This drive-by tour will take you to a number of key Melbourne locations. The tour is not simply about seeing great views and lit up skylines, but also to visit the parts of Melbourne which offer up the best experience at night. As with all tours provided by 69 Tours, this is a private tour, which offers some room for flexibility, is never rushed, conducted in a relaxed, easy going fashion, by an experienced local guide. Experience Melbourne through the eyes of a local. Since this is a private tour, the route taken will ultimately depend on your requests and your starting pick-up location. However, there are a number of locations which are worth special consideration. The tour concludes with you being dropped off at a previously negotiated location.

From $81 USD

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4.7 (39 reviews)
Melbourne Craft Beer Tour: Hidden Breweries with a Local Guide

Melbourne Craft Beer Tour: Hidden Breweries with a Local Guide

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Calling all beer fanatics! Looking for the perfect beer tour in Naarm (Melbourne)? You’ve found it. This thirst-quenching adventure dives into the city’s craft beer scene, visiting three of our favourite local venues in a small group of max 12 guests. You’ll sip fresh brews, learn about Melbourne’s beer history, and explore one of the city’s coolest neighbourhoods. The tour kicks off in the City Centre before hopping on a tram — don’t forget your Myki card with at least $5 credit! Expect tasty snacks, great company, and plenty of local flavour. After the tour, your guide can help you find your way back or keep the night going with local tips.

From $59 USD

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