If Sydney is the glamorous older sister who’s always at the beach, Melbourne is the cool, indie sibling who knows exactly where to find the best underground jazz bar and the perfect oat flat white. Consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world (and officially crowned by Time Out as the best city for 2026!), Melbourne is a mood. It’s gritty, it’s artistic, and it’s unbothered.
The Lore: From Kulin Nation to Coffee Capital
Before the skyscrapers and the tram bells, this land was the meeting place for the clans of the Kulin Nation. The Woiwurrung and Boonwurrung people have cared for this area for tens of thousands of years, and you can still feel that deep history today. In 1835, European settlers arrived, but the city really entered its “rich era” during the Gold Rush of the 1850s. Melbourne became one of the wealthiest cities in the world, leaving a legacy of stunning Victorian architecture that now sits right next to world-class street art. Today, it’s a multicultural melting pot where you’re just as likely to hear Greek, or Italian as you are English.
The Climate: Four Seasons in One Day (Literally)
Melbourne’s weather is famous for having “trust issues.” It’s basically the city version of an unpredictable playlist.
- Summer (Dec–Feb): Can go from a chill 20°C to a spicy 40°C in the blink of an eye.
- Autumn (March–May): The absolute GOAT season. The city turns golden, the air is crisp, and the fashion is peak.
- Winter (June–Aug): It gets moody. Think 10°C–14°C, grey skies, and “big coat” energy. It’s the perfect time to hide in a cozy pub.
- Spring (Sept–Nov): Very chaotic but pretty. One hour it’s raining, the next you’re having a picnic in the Botanic Gardens.
Tip: Always carry an umbrella and a light jacket. Even if the sun is out, Melbourne loves a plot twist.
Must-See Spots
- The Laneways: Forget Google Maps; just get lost. Hosier Lane is the holy grail for street art, while Centre Place is giving European-chic vibes with tiny cafes packed into every corner.
- Federation Square: It’s the “meet me here” spot. It looks like a futuristic jigsaw puzzle and is home to ACMI (the museum of screen culture), which is a total must.
- Queen Victoria Market: A massive open-air market where you can get everything from vintage clothes to those iconic hot jam donuts.
- State Library of Victoria: The La Trobe Reading Room is a symmetrical dream. It’s silent, it’s stunning, and it’s the ultimate spot for a “productive” aesthetic photo.
- The Tram Network: Melbourne has the largest tram system in the world. Jump on the free City Circle Tram for a vintage tour of the CBD, or take the 96 tram down to St Kilda to see the penguins at the pier.
- The Coffee Scene: Coffee isn’t just a drink here; it’s a personality trait. Head to Fitzroy or Collingwood (recently named some of the coolest neighborhoods globally) for a brunch that will ruin all other breakfasts for you.
- NGV (National Gallery of Victoria): The water wall at the entrance is iconic, and the exhibitions are always top-tier. Plus, the stained-glass ceiling in the Great Hall is a total vibe.
Accommodation in Melbourne
- The CBD: For those who want to be in the heart of the action. Stay near Flinders Street to have every tram line at your doorstep.
- Fitzroy/Collingwood: For the vintage lovers and night owls. Think warehouse lofts, rooftop bars, and being walking distance to the best thrift shops in the country.
- St Kilda: If you want that “seaside town” energy. It’s a bit kitschy, a bit punk, and has great sunset views.
- Southbank: For a “treat yourself” moment. This is where you’ll find high-end hotels like Crown Towers and the best riverside dining.
What we liked about Melbourne
The flight from Sydney to Melbourne takes barely more than an hour. Services take off throughout the day. Melbourne’s airport is North of the city and as public transport links seem poor (no train service!) like many others we rented a vehicle for the duration of our time there. We were based in an AirBnB in Box Hill, which is a little way out of the city centre. We spent a long weekend with family at the Box Hill house and then spent 3 further nights with friends in Doncaster East.
Melbourne is also a very large place. Like Sydney it has good public transport towards the city centre but people rely on car use in the suburbs. There were many highlights in the days we spent in Melbourne including:
- The tram ride from Box Hill into the city centre and the amazing Victoria Market
- St Kilda’s Beach, the penguins and the Beach Huts at Brighton
- Rainforest walks
- The amazing Puffin’ Billy Steam Train ride
- The glorious food in the Box Hill area
The Final word
Melbourne is for the dreamers, the foodies, and the people who aren’t afraid of a little rain. It’s a city that values culture over clout. Wear black (it’s the unofficial uniform), grab a reusable coffee cup, and prepare to fall in love with a city that actually has a soul.
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