Flights from Beijing (BJS) to Melbourne (MEL)

About Melbourne

Discover Melbourne

Why visit Melbourne?
Melbourne is a creative, waterside city known for its café culture, street art, and leafy neighbourhoods wrapped around Port Phillip Bay. You will find a relaxed yet cosmopolitan atmosphere, with culture, sport, and green spaces woven into everyday life.

What to expect
In the compact city centre, heritage arcades sit beside sleek towers, while hidden laneways reveal boutiques and vibrant murals. Across the river, Southbank and the arts precinct offer galleries, theatres, and riverside promenades, and suburbs like Fitzroy and St Kilda each add their own character.

Plan your trip
Melbourne is an ideal base for exploring wider Victoria, from the Great Ocean Road to Yarra Valley vineyards and scenic coastal towns. With efficient public transport, walkable districts, and plenty of green spaces, it is easy to plan both city breaks and longer journeys into the surrounding region.

Top sights in Melbourne

Federation Square

Visit this central meeting point for its bold architecture, cultural venues, and regular events beside the Yarra River.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Stroll through expansive lakeside gardens showcasing diverse plant collections and serene walking paths close to the city centre.

Queen Victoria Market

Explore historic open-air sheds filled with fresh produce, local snacks, souvenirs, and lively weekend events.

Melbourne laneways and street art

Wander narrow lanes like Hosier Lane to see colourful murals, small boutiques, and intimate cafés tucked between city blocks.

St Kilda foreshore

Enjoy a walk along the palm-lined promenade, sandy beach, and historic pier with wide views over Port Phillip Bay.

National Gallery of Victoria

Discover Australian and international artworks in one of the country’s leading galleries, spread across two distinctive city sites.

Eureka Skydeck

Take in panoramic views of the city and bay from a high observation deck in the Southbank precinct.

Great Ocean Road day trips

Head out of the city for dramatic coastal scenery, seaside towns, and iconic rock formations along this famous drive.

Experience Melbourne’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Melbourne is easy to navigate using its extensive tram, train, and bus network, with many central sights linked by free tram zones. For a different view, walk along the riverfront paths or bayside promenades, and use rideshare or taxis for late-evening journeys back to your hotel.

Local life & culture
Life in Melbourne often centres on local cafés, galleries, and sports, with weekends spent at markets, waterfront parks, or live performances. Neighbourhoods like Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Prahran are known for creative spaces and independent businesses that give the city a relaxed but energetic character.

Where to unwind
You can slow down in the Royal Botanic Gardens, along the Yarra River trails, or at the beaches of St Kilda and Brighton. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant, with softer light, cooler temperatures, and a calm atmosphere ideal for walking or simply sitting and taking in the views.

A taste of Melbourne

Street food & local specialties
Melbourne’s food scene reflects many cultures, with noodles, dumplings, grilled dishes, and baked treats found in central lanes and markets. Areas like Chinatown, Footscray, and Richmond are known for casual eateries where you can sample a variety of flavours in a single day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across the city, you will find relaxed restaurants in shopping centres, waterfront promenades, and lively neighbourhood strips. Menus often focus on sharing plates, making it easy to try several small dishes, from fresh seafood and salads to grilled meats and plant-based options.

Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, choose venues overlooking the city skyline, riverfront, or bay, many with open kitchens and seasonal menus. Dining in high-rise restaurants or along Southbank’s promenade adds a memorable backdrop to your meal, especially at sunset or after dark when the city lights up.

Retail therapy in Melbourne

Malls & lifestyle hubs
In central Melbourne, large complexes such as Melbourne Central, Emporium Melbourne, and QV Melbourne bring together international brands, local designers, and entertainment. These hubs double as social spaces with cafés, cinemas, and easy access to public transport.

Markets & local crafts
For more characterful shopping, browse the historic Queen Victoria Market, colourful Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, and Chapel Street in South Yarra and Prahran. Here you will find independent labels, vintage shops, and design stores offering unique pieces and gifts.

Evening retail scene
After dark, key shopping streets and some malls stay lively, with illuminated windows and late-night openings on selected days. Night markets and pop-up events appear in warmer months, and frequent tram and train services make evening shopping districts simple to reach.

Best time to visit Melbourne

Summer (December to February, peak season)
Summer days in Melbourne are generally warm, with average temperatures around 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F). It is a popular time for outdoor events, beach visits, and evening dining by the water, with long daylight hours ideal for exploring.

Autumn and spring (March to May, and September to November, shoulder season)
Autumn and spring bring mild, changeable weather, with temperatures typically 11°C to 20°C (52°F to 68°F). Tree-lined streets turn golden in autumn, while spring sees gardens in bloom, making these seasons comfortable for walking tours and day trips.

Winter (June to August, low season)
Winters are cool but generally manageable, with average temperatures of 6°C to 14°C (43°F to 57°F). This is a pleasant time to enjoy indoor galleries, performances, and cosy cafés, and city attractions often feel calmer while surrounding regions offer misty, atmospheric landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions