←Australia travel guide
Victoria, Australia
Melbourne
Arts, coffee, sport, and celebrated laneways
Art & MuseumsCultureFood & DrinkNightlife
Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, widely regarded as Australia's cultural and culinary heart. Known for its laneway cafes and street art, distinctive coffee culture, major sporting events and a grid of Victorian-era architecture, it offers a vibrant arts scene and serves as a base for trips along the Great Ocean Road.
Check Australia visa requirements →
Best time to visit
March to May and September to November
Region
Victoria
Main airport
Melbourne Tullamarine (MEL)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Melbourne
Nature
The Twelve Apostles
Dramatic limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria — a breathtaking coastal drive.
UNESCO World HeritageCulture
Budj Bim Cultural Landscape
An ancient Aboriginal aquaculture system in southwestern Victoria, created by the Gunditjmara people around the lava flows of the Budj Bim volcano. Their stone channels and weirs for farming eels are among the oldest such constructions known, evidence of a sophisticated settled society.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Melbourne
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Australia
Most visitors require either an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601), an eVisitor visa (subclass 651), or a Tourist visa (subclass 600) before travelling to Australia. Citizens of many countries can apply for an ETA or eVisitor online within minutes. Check your specific passport nationality using the Yoogo visa checker.
The ETA and eVisitor visas allow stays of up to 3 months per visit, while a Tourist visa can grant up to 12 months. Most travellers on standard visitor authorisations are admitted for 3 months.
You need a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity, a valid Australian visa or ETA, a completed Incoming Passenger Card (provided on the flight), and evidence of sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket.
Australia is one of the safest countries in the world for tourists. Crime rates are low by international standards. The main hazards are natural — extreme heat, UV radiation, jellyfish, and some venomous wildlife. Standard travel precautions apply.
The Australian Dollar (AUD, symbol A$) is the official currency. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including contactless tap payments.
English is the official and dominant language of Australia. A small number of indigenous languages are also spoken. Australian English has its own distinctive accent and slang.
Australia is a large continent with varied climates. Generally, September to November (spring) and March to May (autumn) offer comfortable temperatures across most regions. Avoid the tropical north during the wet season (November–April). Sydney and Melbourne are best in summer (December–February).
Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef, watch the sunrise at Uluru, walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal path, explore the Daintree Rainforest, take the scenic Great Ocean Road drive, visit Sydney Opera House, spot kangaroos and koalas in the wild, and explore Melbourne's world-famous laneways.
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) handles the most international traffic. Melbourne Airport (MEL), Brisbane Airport (BNE), and Perth Airport (PER) are also major international gateways.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Australia has high medical costs for non-residents, and many adventure activities require specific cover. The Australian government cannot pay your medical bills overseas, and Medicare is not available to most tourists.