Welcome to Melbourne, one of the great food and culture cities of the world, where gourmets, culture vultures and sport fanatics will all find their own personal playgrounds to explore. Founded in 1835 by John Batman (he very nearly called the city ‘Batmania’, but decided to court the approval of the powerful Lord Melbourne instead) on the winding banks of the Yarra River. A vibrant city full of laneways and distinct neighbourhoods, each with their own discoveries to make, Melbourne is a city that rewards those who are willing to spend a little more time.

Feasting Adventures

Whether it’s the cheap-but-tasty dumplings and Asian cuisines to be found in Little Bourke Street, or the city’s fine dining stalwarts shoulder to shoulder with fresh new feeds clustered on and around Flinders Lane, Melbourne is a town that celebrates cuisine in all forms. With internationally renowned chefs from all over the world working wonders with top quality Australian produce; you are sure to have a deliciously unforgettable experience no matter where you choose your plate. Melbourne is a city with a lot of amazing “food precincts” – from the Italian restaurants along Lygon Street to the African banquets in Footscray, you have the opportunity to travel with world without ever leaving this vibrant city. Vegetarians and vegans would do well to head to Brunswick, where there’s an amazing array of meatless options to enjoy. You would struggle to find a cuisine not represented somewhere in Melbourne’s boroughs.

Get your Buzz on

If you are a coffee lover you are sure to fall in love with Melbourne – the general standard of the caffeinated beverages here is world-class. Ask a local to recommend their favourite barista – everyone has their own top-ten list and you are sure to make some amazing discoveries along the way. Get ready to have your experience of coffee completely change, because there is no city in the world that loves its caffeine as much as Melbourne. From morning pick-me-ups to lazy brunches, you’ll find delightful cafes for every budget and taste.

Soak up some Art

Melbourne has a plethora of galleries, including the enormous National Gallery of Victoria, that not only has an extensive standing collection that’s regularly refreshed, but also hosts year-round international art events in cooperation with other galleries around the world. If you prefer to focus on Australian art, the Ian Potter Centre showcases this and is well worth a visit. If modern art is your favourite, then the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art at Southbank is sure to be a pleasant way to while away an afternoon. If you prefer a more indie approach where you have the opportunity to pick up a truly unique souvenir and support a local artist as well, then you’ll be delighted to discover Melbourne’s hundreds of independent galleries all through the city and inner suburbs.

Sporting Fanatics Paradise

If sport is your chief passion, then Melbourne is a city that’s sure to impress – whatever your preference, there are a plethora of local teams and high-level events you can enjoy. Melbourne was crowned “The Ultimate Sport City of The World – of the Decade” in 2016, and since then has only gone from strength to strength in the variety and quality of events on offer. Whether its “backstage” tours of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or watching the excitement of the Melbourne Racing Carnival, along with the local obsession with Australian Rules Football, there is never a week that goes by without someone to cheer on.

Melbourne has many delights to explore, make sure you allocate it the time it deserves on your trip – your Melbourne car hire from Hertz will ensure you’re not wasting time making the most of it all.