Melbourne

The Boxing Day Test, the AFL Grand Final, the Melbourne Cup, The Australian Open – sport is life in this city of nearly 4.5 million people, but locals know that Melbourne is so much more.

Take the 8.5 hour drive south from Sydney and you’ll find a sophisticated city rich in culture, the arts, designer fashion and world class dining. With fabulous parks and gardens, edgy shopping precincts and a cafe on almost every corner, the only thing Melbourne requires of you is time.

Where to eat

No visit to Melbourne would be complete without pasta at Pellegrini’s, high tea at The Windsor or beer with Chloe at Young & Jacksons. But that’s not all there is. Past the glossy cakes at Hopetoun Tea Rooms in Block Arcade you’ll find wine, coffee and gelato at Barbarella.  

For distinguished Melbourne dining, try Supernormal, Cutler & Co. and the “best” restaurant in Australia, Attica, in Ripponlea.

Spend the wee hours in hidden laneway bars like The Croft Institute and Eau De Vie. But don’t forget the pubs: The Tote in Collingwood for sticky carpets and dirty rock or The Lincoln in Carlton for gastropub flair.

Read More: Sydney to Melbourne coastal route 

Where to play

Many big Melbourne attractions have a quirky locals’ alternative. Take an MCG tour or eat a pie at a VFL game in Victoria Park; picnic in the majestic Royal Botanic Gardens or visit the Fairies Tree at Fitzroy Gardens, ride the Scenic Railway at Luna Park or throw a towel on the beach at Half Moon Bay.

See the latest exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria or peruse boutique curiosities at The Johnston Collection, take in a city view at Eureka Skydeck or see a film up high in the Rooftop Cinema; learn about the creepier aspects of our colonial past at Old Melbourne Gaol or ponder the exhibits at the Jewish Museum of Australia,

Other favourite local pastimes include walking or running The Tan in South Yarra, watching the penguins at St Kilda Pier, taking a drive to Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Ranges, catching a band at The Corner Hotel in Richmond or Cherry Bar in AC/DC Lane in the city, and eating Hobsons Bay fish and chips in Williamstown.

Where to shop

This buzzing metropolis has its share of iconic 'everything' markets that include artisans and fresh produce at Queen Victoria Market, or the South Melbourne Market. If you're looking for luxury, there's big name brands such as Gucci and Ralph Lauren, not to mention destination shopping malls like Chadstone and Eastland. But locals know the most interesting retail adventures require inside knowledge and a little bit of legwork.

Find stylish Melbourne souvenirs at Melbournalia, or stroll around the Flinders Lane area for women’s fashion (Alpha 60, LIFE with BIRD, Kuwaii) and men’s (Incu, The Practical Man). Head to Fitzroy’s Gertrude Street and its surrounds for a mix of edgy fashion and unusual finds, including Saint Cloud (bikes), Cottage Industry (craft), Rose Chong (costumes) and Northside (great soul, jazz and funk vinyl records).

Melbourne is also known for vertical shopping outlets, from beads and art galleries at the Nicholas Building to men’s jewellery and records at Mitchell House and restaurants and hairdressing at Curtin House. For more mainstream shopping, try Melbourne Central (look out for the old shot tower and the Australiana clock on Level 2) and Emporium (stylish layout, great restaurants). Still hungry for more? Why not take a private walking shopping tour with Hidden Secrets, guided by locals who are really in the know.

Where to stay

As you’d expect, Melbourne has a huge range of accommodation types, from budget and boutique to art house and luxury.

The Novotel on Collins is the ultimate for convenience, surrounded by some of the best shopping and cafes Melbourne has to offer. Staying south of the Yarra? The Langham South Bank offers supreme opulence on the leafy side of the city.

NRMA Members can also save 15% on daily car hire rates at SIXT, Melbourne.