Carlton
An inner-city suburb, Carlton is known as Melbourne’s ‘Little Italy.’ Lygon Street is the hub of Italian tradition, lined with a plethora of cafés, European cake shops, gelaterias, trattorias, and fine Italian restaurants. The area is also home to well-preserved examples of Victorian architecture and the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens.
Dandenong
Just a little more than 30 km southeast of the city centre, Dandenong is considered an outer Melbourne suburb. Tucked in the foothills of the mountain range of the same name, Dandenong boasts a multicultural heritage, and is a successful centre of manufacturing and commerce. Highly recommended is a scenic drive into the Ranges, with a mandatory stop for Devonshire tea.
East Melbourne
This city-centre neighbourhood covers one of Melbourne’s oldest areas, and overflows with historical and cultural significance, finely preserved terrace houses, and Victorian-era architecture. Local landmarks include Parliament House, Treasury Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Fairies Tree and miniature Tudor-style village in Fitzroy Gardens are essentials on the must-visit list for the young and young at heart.
Fitzroy
The oldest suburb of Melbourne, bohemian Fitzroy is considered part of the city centre. Retro shops, galleries, bookshops, cafés, restaurants, and a healthy nightlife flourish along Brunswick Street. Try Smith Street for great vegetarian and budget-friendly Greek, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Moroccan fare, and Johnston Street for Spanish tapas and flamenco. Fitzroy is also the centre of the Melbourne’s annual Fringe Festival (September/October).
Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Approximately 22 km from the city centre, Melbourne’s main airport comprises one international terminal and two domestic terminals, in addition to an expansive car park, shopping gallery, cafés, public showers, Internet kiosks, and currency exchange facilities. Car hire companies, a petrol station, taxis, and Skybus shuttle services are on hand.
Melbourne City Centre
Australia’s second-largest city, Melbourne’s city centre incorporates the central business district, extending from Queen Victoria Market in the north, west to the Telstra (sports) Dome, and south to Federation Square. The district is home to many corporate headquarters, financial institutions, theatres, Chinatown, and an established population of students and young professionals. Rialto Towers, the tallest office building in the Southern Hemisphere, offers 360-degree city views from its observation deck.
South Melbourne
South of the Yarra River, South Melbourne incorporates several beaches including Port Melbourne and the vibrant entertainment district of Southbank – home to Crown Casino and a riverside promenade of restaurants, bars, and cafés. The National Gallery and Arts Centre overlook the Royal Botanic Gardens to the southeast. Southwest is Albert Park, boasting delis, cafés, and a number of leisure activities including golf, sailing, cycling, jogging, swimming and, in March, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix.
South Yarra - Prahran
Five km from the city centre, South Yarra and adjoining Prahan exemplify style and sophistication. Lining Chapel Street, elegant boutiques, chic homeware and speciality shops, trendy cafés, fashionable bars, and upscale restaurants abound. Other notables include The Jam Factory shopping, cinema, and entertainment complex; and the historic Prahran food market.
St Kilda
Bayside St Kilda encompasses safe, sandy beaches, and offers a relaxed café and restaurant scene. The enticing food precinct of Acland Street is no place to watch the calories, with every European pastry imaginable on display. Popular sites include The Esplanade Hotel for music, the weekend craft market on Upper Esplanade, and the iconic Luna Park fun fair.
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