Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Melbourne (MEL)

About Melbourne

Discover Melbourne

Why visit Melbourne?
Melbourne is a creative, coastal city known for its café culture, leafy streets, and dynamic arts scene. You will find characterful laneways, waterfront promenades, and diverse neighbourhoods that make it easy to combine culture, sport, and nature in one trip.

What to expect
The city centre is compact and walkable, framed by the Yarra River and dotted with historic arcades, modern galleries, and performance venues. Each district, from Fitzroy to St Kilda, has its own energy, with street art, music, and local design shaping the everyday rhythm.

Plan your trip
Melbourne works well as both a short city break and the starting point for longer journeys. It is a convenient base for exploring the Great Ocean Road, coastal towns, and nearby wine regions, with an efficient transport network helping you move easily between city and countryside.

Top sights in Melbourne

Federation Square

Visit this striking cultural precinct by the Yarra River, home to galleries, events, and open-air spaces for people-watching.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Stroll through expansive themed gardens and lakeside lawns just beyond the city centre for a calm escape in nature.

Melbourne laneways

Explore narrow streets lined with street art, cafés, and boutiques hidden between the main city blocks.

Queen Victoria Market

Wander one of the citys best-known markets, with fresh produce, local snacks, and stalls selling everyday essentials and souvenirs.

St Kilda foreshore

Walk the pier and beachfront promenade for sea views, sunset skies, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere close to the city.

National Gallery of Victoria

Discover Australian and international art in one of the countrys leading galleries, set in distinctive modern buildings.

Eureka Skydeck

Take in sweeping views of the skyline and beyond from a high observation deck above the Southbank precinct.

Experience Melbournes everyday rhythm

Getting around
Melbourne has an extensive tram and train network that makes it easy to reach key districts and attractions. The city centre is best explored on foot, with trams helping you cover longer distances, while rideshare and taxis work well for late-evening trips.

Local life & culture
You will notice a strong café culture, with locals meeting over coffee in laneways and corner spots throughout the day. Creative venues, galleries, and performance spaces are woven into the city, and neighbourhoods feel lived-in, with a relaxed yet energetic pace.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as the Royal Botanic Gardens and the parks around the CBD offer quiet corners for a walk or picnic. Head to the riverside paths at Southbank or the bayside at St Kilda in the late afternoon, when the light softens and the city slows into evening.

A taste of Melbourne

Street food & local specialties
Melbournes food scene draws on influences from across the world, with casual eateries and food courts serving noodles, grills, and baked goods. Central districts and markets like Queen Victoria Market are good places to sample quick bites between sightseeing stops.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find plenty of relaxed dining in areas such as the CBD, Southbank, and Docklands, where eateries cluster around plazas and waterfronts. Menus often encourage sharing smaller plates, so you can try a variety of flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For something memorable, look for venues along the river with city views or restaurants in heritage buildings around the centre. Elevated dining rooms and rooftop terraces offer a special setting for marking an occasion or simply enjoying the skyline after a day of exploring.

Retail therapy in Melbourne

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in and around the CBD bring together international brands, local designers, and dining in one place. They double as social spots, with cinemas, cafés, and open spaces where you can take a break between browsing.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the malls, you can explore neighbourhood streets and smaller centres for independent labels and design shops. Areas such as Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Prahran are known for boutiques, vinyl stores, and creative studios showcasing local makers.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, central streets and key shopping strips stay lively, with illuminated window displays and late trading on selected days. Night-time promenades along Southbank or the CBD arcades are easy to reach using trams and trains that run frequently.

Best time to visit Melbourne

Summer (December to February, peak season)
Summer days in Melbourne are generally warm, with average temperatures around 20–26°C (68–79°F). Long daylight hours are ideal for outdoor dining, coastal walks, and evening events, and the city hosts many festivals during this lively period, making it a popular time to visit.

Autumn and spring (March to May, and September to November, shoulder season)
In these seasons, you can expect mild temperatures of about 14–22°C (57–72°F), with a comfortable mix of sunny and cooler days. Tree-lined streets show seasonal colour, and it is a pleasant time for walking, exploring neighbourhoods, and enjoying outdoor terraces without intense heat.

Winter (June to August, low season)
Melbourne winters are cool, with averages around 8–15°C (46–59°F) and occasional brisk winds. It is a good time to enjoy galleries, theatres, and cosy cafés, and to use the city as a base for day trips to nearby wine regions and scenic drives with quieter crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions