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Picture of Melbourne VIC, Australia

Travel Guide for
Melbourne

Australia

Temperate, variable weather

Introduction

Melbourne, Australia’s cultural and business capital, sits on the banks of the Yarra River, blending Victorian elegance with sleek modernity. Founded in 1835, it’s a city known for its gold rush past, thriving arts scene, and thriving financial hub in the CBD.

Visiting in late September means crisp, mild spring weather—perfect for business meetings in stylish city venues, rooftop bars, and world-class dining. Treat yourself to luxury hotels, private art tours, and exclusive networking opportunities at sophisticated events and members-only clubs.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleBusiness

Dates19-26 September 2025

BudgetHigh budget

AccommodationHotel

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturefestivals and eventsgastronomysightseeing and toursoutdoor adventuresnightlife and entertainment

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Picture of Melbourne VIC, Australia

Key Facts

Location

Victoria, Australia

Currency

Australian Dollar (AUD)

Religion

Christianity (dominant)

Population

5,078,000

Language

English, Mandarin, Italian

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type I plugs

Time zone

UTCAEST (UTC+10)

Country code

+61

Internet access

Extensive, high-speed broadband

Climate

Temperate, variable weather

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Map

Logistics

Melbourne is most easily reached by air, with Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) welcoming direct international and domestic flights. For a high-budget business trip, consider booking business or first-class cabins with premium airlines. Chauffeur services and VIP airport lounges enhance comfort and convenience upon arrival.

High-speed interstate trains, such as V/Line and NSW TrainLink, connect Melbourne to major Australian cities, with spacious first-class options available. Luxury coach services are also a comfortable alternative, while private helicopter transfers can be arranged for executive travel between Australian cities. Weather in late September is mild and rarely disrupts travel, but pack for cool temperatures and occasional rain.

Weather

Melbourne has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (December–February) are warm to hot, often in the mid-20s °C, while winters (June–August) are cool and sometimes rainy, averaging around 14°C. Spring and autumn are mild but renowned for rapid weather changes, sometimes experiencing “four seasons in one day.”

From September 19 to September 26, you can expect spring conditions: cool mornings, mild afternoons (usually 14–20°C), and occasional showers or gusty winds. It’s a great time for sightseeing, arts festivals, and enjoying Melbourne's vibrant café culture. Extreme weather is unlikely, but it’s wise to pack layers and an umbrella just in case.

Food & Drink

Melbourne’s dining scene is renowned for its diversity and high quality, with influences from Europe and Asia. Business travellers will appreciate fine dining at Attica, contemporary Australian cuisine at Vue de monde, and the fresh local produce at Cumulus Inc. For excellent coffee and pastries, try Patricia or Market Lane Coffee.

Trendy bars like Eau de Vie and rooftop cocktails at Siglo offer sophisticated settings. Don’t miss local specialties like flat white coffee, fresh seafood, and meat pies. Tipping is appreciated (about 10%), but not mandatory. Dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free, are widely accommodated.

The city’s laneways are perfect for impromptu meetings over world-class espresso or unique international bites, and seasonal menus highlight premium Victorian produce. Reservations are recommended at top restaurants.

A picture of Pavlova

Pavlova

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert with a crisp crust and soft, light inside, topped with whipped cream and...

Vegemite on toast with a flat white cofee

Vegemite on Toast

Vegemite on Toast is a classic Australian breakfast or snack, featuring toasted bread spread with a thin layer...

A picture of Meat Pie

Meat Pie

Meat Pie is a beloved savory pastry filled with minced meat, gravy, and often accompanied by onions, cooked...

A picture of Barramundi

Barramundi

Barramundi, also known as Asian sea bass, is a delicious and versatile fish often grilled, barbecued, or pan-seared...

A picture of Lamington

Lamington

Lamington is a traditional Australian dessert made from squares of sponge cake coated in a layer of chocolate...

Accommodation

For a high-end business trip, Melbourne’s CBD is ideal. Top hotels like the Crown Towers, Grand Hyatt, and The Langham offer luxury, stellar amenities, and easy access to business districts. Southbank is also excellent, with riverside views and quick connections to major company offices.

Booking.com and Expedia list premium accommodations, but for VIP treatment, book directly with the hotel or use American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts. September often coincides with major events like the AFL Grand Final, so book early to secure your preferred room and avoid elevated rates.

Itinerary

Settle into Melbourne’s dynamic cityscape, focusing on initial business connections while sampling local culture for a balanced introduction to Melbourne life.

Private Business Networking Brunch at Higher Ground

Kick off your Melbourne experience with a networking brunch at Higher Ground, a renowned converted warehouse café. Enjoy gourmet fare in a stylish setting and meet local professionals to start building business connections.

Guided Laneways Art and Coffee Walking Tour

Stroll through Melbourne’s vibrant laneways, guided by an expert to uncover the city’s famous street art while sampling specialty coffee. This tour blends urban culture and local introductions perfectly for your first day.

Sunset Observation at Eureka Skydeck

Experience panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline at the Eureka Skydeck. As daylight fades, see the city come alive and get your bearings for the days ahead. Insider tip: Try the Edge experience for a thrilling glass-floored perspective!

Full-Day Private Australian Wildlife Tour of Phillip Island

Full-Day Private Australian Wildlife Tour of Phillip Island

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

A full day Little Penguins Tour a fantasy escape from big city to create an unforgettable memory like no other thing. Hundreds of little penguins getting out of the water together, waddling toward their burrows while, calling each other and from time to time tumbling over is a real dream. Phillip Island Tour is a 9 hour tour, departing from your place with variable departure time depends on the season. Other great attractions of the tour are: Moonlit Sanctuary, to handfeed Kangaroos and got close to Koalas,Woolamai beach,Nobbies the dramatic coastline of Southern Ocean with Wallabies hopping around next to the ocean views. If you like to have more options, we can do this tour for you up to 11 hours and add these stops based on season and availability with extra cost: - Churchill Island (one hour) - Phillip Island Chocolaterie with Chocolate tour (45 minutes) - Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit and Karting (45 minutes) - Helicopter (15-20 mins) - Phillip Island Seal Cruise (2 hours)

4.9 (16 reviews)

From $390 USD

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Attractions

4.9 (264 reviews)
Laneways of Melbourne

Laneways of Melbourne

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Immerse yourself in Melbourne culture on a walking tour of the city's charming laneways with a local guide providing fascinating insights. Learn about the city's history, stroll past iconic edifices, view street art and discover quirky hidden shops and cool cafes, stopping en route for a coffee. Tour is limited to 10 people to provide a small-group experience.

From $78 USD

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4.9 (376 reviews)
Melbourne Street Art Tour

Melbourne Street Art Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Melbourne Street Art Tours showcase the best of Melbourne's laneways and street art. As the tours are run entirely by street artists, they offer an authentic view into this underground art scene. Learn all about the stories behind the artists and the works, finishing up at the famous Blender Studios where you are treated to a cheese platter and drinks and have the opportunity to meet the studio artists.

From $58 USD

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4.8 (73 reviews)
Multicultural Markets Food Tour – Melbourne’s Global Tastes

Multicultural Markets Food Tour – Melbourne’s Global Tastes

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Melbourne is cultural melting pot with some, and on this tour, you’ll learn why the city has such a unique vibe. You’ll explore the history of its multicultural heritage by visiting some of the cities oldest markets, many of which are where the local residents still shop. Hear stories on how immigration has been a driving force in Melbourne, and taste a variety of local and international food’s that pair well with these stories. Learn how Melbourne evolved into a foodie destination as you chat with vendors at a range of ethnic eateries. You also get a kick of caffeine by indulging in some famous Melbourne Coffee. The experience is a great way to immersive in local society and discover the stories from its past.

From $52 USD

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5.0 (48 reviews)
Melbourne Coffee Lovers Walking Tour

Melbourne Coffee Lovers Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Melbourne is obsessed with coffee and has the most cafes and restaurants per person than any other city in the world! This 2-3 hour walking tour takes you to places that really care about the origin, roast and brewing of the bean. By the end of the tour you'll be ordering coffee like an expert from even the most complicated Melbourne coffee menu. You’ll sample four of Melbourne’s best cups of coffee, while your guide talks you through the crop-to-cup story of the coffee bean’s journey from farmers to roasters to baristas. This is the perfect opportunity for home enthusiasts to chat about coffee making and Melbourne’s coffee culture, all while exploring Melbourne's laneways. Please note that non-coffee drinkers are well catered for, so if you don't drink coffee you'll still have fun!

From $67 USD

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4.9 (18 reviews)
Melbourne Art Deco Architecture Tour

Melbourne Art Deco Architecture Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover Melbourne’s fascinating Art Deco architecture on this small-group, 2-hour walking tour. Learn about the history and culture of Melbourne while admiring fine examples of the city’s most famous Art Deco buildings, including the Manchester Unity Building and Majorca Building. Learn fascinating details about the tiles, patterns, and designs that were popular in the 1930s, and discover how the 1934 Centenary of Melbourne, as well as Mayan, Spanish, and Egyptian art, influenced the city’s architecture.

From $58 USD

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4.9 (7 reviews)
Private Melbourne: Fitzroy, Collingwood, Culture, Coffee, History

Private Melbourne: Fitzroy, Collingwood, Culture, Coffee, History

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This tour explores two of (Naarm) Melbourne’s most characteristic and colourful inner-city neighbourhoods. You’ll weave through historic streets filled with colourful murals and backstreet graffiti before enjoying a delicious Melbourne coffee at an amazing, local social enterprise cafe. Learn about the up’s and down’s of these twin neighbourhoods and some of their most fascinating characters from an infamous criminal turned children's author, passionate football fans, the “Willy Wonka” of Australia, First Nations elders and recent migrants who have helped shape modern Australia. After exploring the evolving arts and live music culture of the area we’ll end with some refreshment and give you plenty of recommendations for places to eat, drink and shop when the tour concludes.

From $59 USD

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4.8 (15 reviews)
Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour

Melbourne Private Multicultural Markets Food Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

The markets of Melbourne are buzzing, colourful reflections of the city’s soul. Half of Aussies are first- or second-generation immigrants, and this diverse cultural tapestry is on full display in its markets. Go behind the scenes, taste the food, meet the vendors and discover the local culture of this amazing city.

From $86 USD

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4.3 (3 reviews)
Melbourne Street Art Tour with a Local: Private & Personalized

Melbourne Street Art Tour with a Local: Private & Personalized

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover Melbourne’s creative side as you explore the city’s laneways and immerse yourself in its constantly evolving street art culture. From paste ups to tags, murals to stencils, you’ll find every kind of street art possible hidden down unassuming alleyways, tiny lanes and arcades so jam packed with bars and eateries you’ll wonder how there’s enough space! With a like-minded local, immerse yourself in the art and culture of The Lanes, stop to enjoy a coffee or a beer in one of trendiest, hole-in-the-wall bars in the city and maybe even stumble across an artist at work! Discover the most famous arcades which are known to be hubs of artistic expression, as well as ducking down some back streets where the work of up and coming street art is hidden, for local eyes only!

From $102 USD

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4.8 (512 reviews)
Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walking Tour

Melbourne Foodie Discovery Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Melbourne is a mecca for food with an eating culture bordering on the obsessive. But many of these best places are hidden from first sight in laneways and behind doors. This 3 hour small group walking tour lets you experience the best examples of what Melbourne offers. This tour offers the best aspects of Melbourne with the insight of your local guide that you cannot get from a guide book. Drink coffee, eat dumplings, sneak in a sweet treat and finish it off with a drink in a laneway bar the locals love – all included in your ticket price. See all the treasures of Melbourne and often it is said “wow – you wouldn’t even know this was here!” Do this on your first day in Melbourne and you’ll discover a whole lot more places to return to later in your stay!

From $87 USD

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4.9 (182 reviews)
Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner

Melbourne Sunset Kayaking Experience with Dinner

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience stunning views of Melbourne's skyline on this 3 hour kayak paddle along the Yarra River at sunset, led by an experienced, friendly guide. Explore Victoria Harbour and enjoy unique on the water dining, then paddle right into the heart of Melbourne along Southbank and Crown Casino. As the city lights come on, soak up the atmosphere of downtown Melbourne before finishing the tour next to Princes Bridge in the centre of the city.

From $81 USD

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3.8 (40 reviews)
The Ultimate Melbourne Attractions Pass

The Ultimate Melbourne Attractions Pass

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore Melbourne’s best sights and attractions while saving up to 40% on general admission entry with the Ultimate Melbourne Pass. Soak up breathtaking views from the Melbourne Skydeck, see amazing wild life at Melbourne Zoo, or enjoy a relaxing Yarra River cruise. Whether it’s a city tour, guided walk, museum visit or once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Ultimate Melbourne Pass saves you time by not having to queue for tickets at every attraction. Plus, your pass comes with a handy app so your time in Melbourne is as fun and stress-free as possible. Voted the world’s most liveable city on a number of occasions, Melbourne is regarded by many as the cultural, culinary and sporting capital of Australia. Whatever your tastes and interests, the Ultimate Melbourne Pass is your ticket to explore Melbourne and its surrounds as conveniently and cost effectively as possible.

From $76 USD

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5.0 (35 reviews)
Melbourne Dumpling Walking Tour

Melbourne Dumpling Walking Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the best dumplings in Melbourne’s Chinatown on a walking tour with an expert guide. Sample a variety of delicious dumplings at four different restaurants while hearing about Melbourne's history and culture. Find hidden gems and learn the story of their chefs and cuisine from your guide, who shares a love of Melbourne's culinary delights with your small group.

From $67 USD

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4.9 (25 reviews)
Architecture Tour of Melbourne

Architecture Tour of Melbourne

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Since European settlement 180 years ago the city of Melbourne has benefited from the remarkable skill of many talented architects. Join MELTours on the Architecture Tour of Melbourne and discover some amazing architectural styles from the 1850s to the present day. You will see buildings that are incredibly symbolic to ones that have sustainability at the core of their design.

From $58 USD

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4.8 (16 reviews)
Harley Davidson Trike Tour of Melbourne

Harley Davidson Trike Tour of Melbourne

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy the feeling of being on the back of a Australia's only Harley Davidson Trike, the only one in Melbourne that caters for 2 Passengers, offering Joyrides and Tours. Experience 6 Ionic parts of Melbourne within your hour booking on a Harley Davidson Motorcycle/ Trike, allowing voice and music to your ears. Those breathtaking views of Melbourne can be tailored around either 1hr to a full day by request.

From $122 USD

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