For seven consecutive years, Melbourne was crowned “The World’s most Liveable City”. When you visit Victoria’s charming capital, it’s easy to see why. The city is alive with art, music, food, wine, coffee and culture at every turn. Its vibrant laneways are filled with cool cafes and the arcades echo with the sound of craft shops and commerce.
Throughout the year, Melbourne’s CBD plays host to a calendar of enviable cultural events, with everything from a world-class comedy festival, to world-renowned sporting events. It’s a city packed with secrets that reveals itself to you slowly. Get to know Melbourne – and you’ll be rewarded handsomely.
Visit Melbourne's Laneways, Boulevards and Arcades in your hire car
Melbourne’s CBD is unique and the result of urban planning placing laneways and larger streets side by side. It’s part of what gives the city its character. The city is often regarded as having a “European” feeling. A stroll through the CBD’s famous arcades reveals just that.
With stunning domes and mosaiced floors, it’s easy to spend a while wandering and admiring these unique cultural artefacts. Melbourne’s CBD is all about the laneways, browsing the shops, and looking for hidden restaurants, bars and street art.
Hire a car and explore Melbourne's outer suburbs
The best way to experience Melbourne is to live like a local. It’s a city with a distinctive character that is the sum of its individual neighbourhoods, each with their own vibe.
Various ethnic communities have gravitated towards particular neighbourhoods and brought their cuisine with them. For traditional Italian, head to Carlton, for Middle Eastern, check out Brunswick and Coburg, or for exciting African cuisine, find yourself in Footscray. Every neighbourhood offers something different and exciting.
A Sporting Chance
If sports are your thing, then Melbourne is the perfect city, with world-renowned events throughout the year, including the Melbourne Cup, the Melbourne Grand Prix, and the Australian Open. There’s also the small matter of Australian Rules Football, or “footy”, as the locals like to call it. Taking in a game at the world-famous MCG is a must-do on any visit.
Cool Hunting in your hire car
Melbourne was 'hipster' before hipster was a thing. Checking out new cafes, bars and restaurants is somewhat of a pastime. Word spreads quickly about interesting new places. Before you know it, there’ll be queues outside. Find a local, or check out some city guides or blogs to see what’s hot.