Luxury hotels in Melbourne

Melbourne guide

Melbourne: laneways, coffee and the Great Ocean Road

Street art in Hosier Lane, the city's food and sport, and the Twelve Apostles along the coast.

Melbourne's laneways, full of cafés, bars and street art such as Hosier Lane, are the city's most cited sight, and its coffee culture is famous. The National Gallery of Victoria, the Queen Victoria Market and a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground show the city's passions.

The Great Ocean Road, one of the world's great coastal drives, leads to the Twelve Apostles limestone stacks, best seen at sunset or by helicopter. Phillip Island's penguin parade and the wineries of the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula are close by.

The Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles

The Great Ocean Road, built by returned soldiers after the First World War, winds for about 240 kilometres along the coast west of Melbourne and is the most cited excursion from the city. Koalas are often seen in the trees at Kennett River, and the Otway rainforest has waterfalls.

The Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean, are spectacular at sunset or from a helicopter, and Loch Ard Gorge is nearby. Staying overnight on the coast avoids a very long day.

The Yarra Valley and Phillip Island's penguins

The Yarra Valley, about an hour east of Melbourne, is known for cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and sparkling wine, and a day among its wineries, starting with a hot-air balloon flight at dawn, is one of the most cited experiences from the city. The Healesville Sanctuary shows native wildlife.

Phillip Island, about two hours south-east, is famous for its Penguin Parade: at dusk, little penguins waddle ashore to their burrows, watched from stands and boardwalks. Premium viewing areas offer smaller groups and closer views.