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Melbourne is an excellent base for wildlife experiences. Healesville Sanctuary and Moonlit Sanctuary are convenient choices for seeing Australian animals up close, while Phillip Island is famous for its little penguins. For a more natural experience, try Serendip Sanctuary, the Dandenong Ranges or the Great Ocean Road, where wildlife can be encountered in natural habitats.
By Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
Food and drink
Melbourne is a great destination for dumpling soup and xiaolongbao, particularly around Chinatown and the CBD. Popular places to explore include HuTong Dumpling Bar, Shanghai Street, Yulongfu, China Red and ShanDong MaMa. Each offers different dumpling styles and fillings, making Melbourne's Chinatown a great place to explore if you're looking for hot, juicy soup-filled dumplings.
By Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
Getting around
There is no officially recognized “happiest suburb” in Melbourne, as happiness depends on individual preferences and different measures of wellbeing. South Yarra is often associated with high life satisfaction and offers a combination of parks, restaurants, shopping, public transport, the Yarra River and proximity to Melbourne CBD. Other suburbs such as East Melbourne, Glen Waverley, Murrumbeena and Box Hill also offer attractive lifestyle features.
By Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
City guides
Melbourne is known for its diverse architecture, combining Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, classical and contemporary styles. Some of the city's most notable architectural landmarks include Flinders Street Station, Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Town Hall, State Library Victoria, Federation Square, Manchester Unity Building, Shrine of Remembrance and Eureka Tower. Exploring the CBD, Collins Street, Carlton and Southbank is a great way to experience Melbourne's architectural character.
By Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
City guides
Melbourne is home to many famous attractions, but five excellent places for first-time visitors are Federation Square, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Skydeck, Queen Victoria Market, and Melbourne Museum. Together, they offer a mix of city culture, nature, shopping, history, science, and spectacular views. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or a longer holiday, these attractions are a great way to experience different sides of Melbourne.
By Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
City guides
Melbourne has a diverse range of art exhibitions throughout late 2026, covering contemporary art, Australian artists, jewellery, design, photography, digital culture and interactive experiences. Highlights include Margaret Preston: A Retrospective, Plant Life: The Nature of Design, Play On, Feng Mengbo: Long March Restart, Art of the Pacific, Pitcha Makin Fellas and Barbie: The Exhibition. Major venues such as the National Gallery of Victoria, ACMI and Melbourne Museum offer exhibitions for art.
By Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
City guides
Melbourne has a diverse theatre calendar in late 2026, with musicals, plays, ballet, opera, comedy and family-friendly performances. Upcoming highlights include SIX the Musical, Monty Python's Spamalot, Dracula: Ballet at its Darkest, The Shark Is Broken, My Fair Lady, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Elf The Musical and productions featured during the Melbourne Fringe Festival. With performances across venues such as the Princess Theatre, Comedy Theatre, Athenaeum Theatre .
By Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
Getting around
Melbourne's upcoming expo calendar offers something for almost every interest. Families can explore baby and food expos, gamers can attend PAX Aus, car enthusiasts can discover electric vehicles, while business professionals can attend events focused on energy, construction, sourcing and technology.
By Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
Getting around
Melbourne's festival calendar reflects the city's reputation for food, coffee, arts, comedy, fashion, music, sport and culture. From the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Melbourne Food & Wine Festival to Moomba, the Flower & Garden Show and Melbourne Cup Carnival, there are major events spread across almost every season.
By Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
Getting around
Getting from Melbourne Airport to the CBD is easy once you know your options. SkyBus connects the airport directly with Southern Cross Station, while taxis and rideshare services provide door-to-door transport. Public buses are another option, particularly for travellers heading to destinations outside the central city.
By Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
Getting around
Melbourne's trams are an easy and convenient way for tourists to explore the city and reach popular attractions. The Free Tram Zone makes many central-city journeys free, while trips outside the zone require a myki or applicable travel product. Visitors should check the tram route, direction and stop before boarding. With simple planning and an understanding of the Free Tram Zone, using Melbourne's tram network can be a convenient part of exploring the city.
By Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
City guides
Watching the first sunrise of the year is a beautiful way to begin January in Melbourne. From the peaceful Royal Botanic Gardens and scenic Albert Park Lake to the iconic St Kilda Pier, Brighton Beach, Williamstown Waterfront, and Point Ormond, there are plenty of locations for enjoying the morning sky and taking memorable photographs. Arrive early, check the sunrise time and weather, and choose a location that matches the kind of view you want—whether it's a city skyline, lake, beach, pier, or
By Melbourne Sphere editors · Editorial team
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Find your way around the city and its neighbourhoods.
