Explore Melbourne
On the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River) on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is undisputedly the cultural capital of Australia. A city where the world’s brightest minds gather to inspire, innovate and create real change in world-leading research and development, Melbourne is continually evolving.
Melbourne is a compact city best explored on foot where your sense of discovery is heightened by the unique spaces, experiences and hidden gems often stumbled upon along the way. Thanks to its grid layout, navigating is easy and made more inviting by its smart connectivity.
September marks the beginning of spring in Melbourne, and the city comes alive with colourful blooms, making it a perfect time to explore the city’s gardens and parks. The weather in September is also mild, with average temperatures ranging between 10°C to 18°C.
Hosting various events and festivals during this time, such as the beginning of Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival and finals season for our national sport, Australian Rules Football, where the city comes alive with supporters.
Visiting for the Congress also provides plenty of opportunities for entertainment and cultural experiences such as food festivals, art exhibitions, musicals, sporting events plus much more. Melbourne’s gastronomic scene is not to be missed, with the city bursting with a diverse range of restaurants and bars.
We look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne!
Must see & Do
Melbourne has a large range of attractions and activities to offer, from exploring the famous laneways with street art and murals, to hole in the wall bars and boutiques, and don’t forget the Queen Victoria Markets. Blending heritage, urban architecture, parks and gardens, Melbourne is a welcoming and exciting destination for all.
The lineup of events during Spring isn’t one to miss, make sure you visit the website What’s On Melbourne to find what’s perfect for you.
Brighton Beach
Dive into this bucket list experience at Port Phillip Bay. The famous Brighton Bathing Boxes lining up the shore is an ideal place to escape from the city, enjoy the calm waters and sunshine. A perfect picnic spot with local fish and chips and ice cream shops along the esplanade.
Melbourne Zoo
Journey through a world of wildlife in the heart of Melbourne. Over 320 species from around the world call Melbourne Zoo home.
Stroll through the lush rainforests, where tigers roam and monkeys swing from tree to tree. Come eye-to-eye with orang-utans in their special elevated home and walk the Trail of Elephants.
Spot unique Australian wildlife including koalas and kangaroos set against stunning native flora, and head into an underwater world showcasing playful Victorian little penguins and fur seals. For more information, please visit Melbourne Zoo Website.
Arts Centre Melbourne
For more than 30 years, Arts Centre Melbourne has been Melbourne’s leading venue for world-class theatre, dance, music and more. In the Theatres Building, directly under the venue’s iconic Spire, are three separate theatres – the State Theatre, which boasts one of the world’s largest stages and hosts performances by Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet, the Playhouse and the intimate Fairfax Studio.
On the banks of the Yarra River, Hamer Hall is a premier venue for musical performances, including the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is popular for open-air concerts.
Under the Spire, the Australian Music Vault free exhibition celebrates the Australian contemporary music story. Unlock the stories of Australian music with immersive digital experiences, rare archival footage and see iconic music objects up close.
A visit to Arts Centre Melbourne doesn’t stop at the stage; there’s dining options at bars and cafes on site and the Sunday Market every Sunday with local artisans showcasing their unique, handmade goods. For more information including what’s on, please visit Arts Centre Melbourne website.
ACMI
ACMI is the national museum of screen culture. You can navigate the world of film, TV, art and videogames daily, in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Open 364 days a year, ACMI is the most visited museum of its kind in the world.
Now open, after a two-year closure for redevelopment, ACMI provides an immersive, fun-filled day out for all ages. Located in Fed Square, ACMI offers exhibitions, cinemas, an incredible gift shop, and a new destination dining experience, Hero, with Karen Martini at the helm.
As the home of Melbourne’s best and most popular film festivals, great Australian and international cinema, an annual calendar of talks and workshops, as well as the very best in contemporary art and screen culture. For more information including what’s on, please visit ACMI website.
Melbourne Museum
A visit to Melbourne Museum is a rich insight into life in Victoria. It shows you Victoria’s intriguing permanent collections and bring you brilliant temporary exhibitions from near and far. You’ll see Victoria’s natural environment, cultures and history through different perspectives.
Inside, you’ll find the Forest Gallery, the living heart of the museum and home to tall trees and wondrous wildlife. The Science and Life Gallery at the west end, where you’ll find bugs, dinosaurs, fossils and more. Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a place imbued with the living traditions and knowledge of Koorie people and other cultures from around Australia. Te Pasifika Gallery, a bright soaring space filled with treasures from the Pacific Islands. The Children’s Gallery packed with things for little kids to see and do and the Touring Hall, where major exhibitions from around the world are displayed.
For more information and to view the list of events, please visit Melbourne Museum website.
