Explore exciting Melbourne
Book flights to Melbourne and uncover the charms of this cosmopolitan destination – an exciting Australian city bursting with creativity.
This characterful place is famous for its live music, vibrant street art, culinary diversity and trademark ‘laneways’ – which house an array of hidden gems.
Consistently voted one of the world’s best cities to live in, Melbourne is widely seen as Australia’s cultural capital. Explore its stunning districts and discover what Melbourne is all about.
The city offers world-class restaurants, swoon-worthy brunch spots and some of the best coffee in the world, making it a haven for foodies.
Whether you want to stay in the heart of the city and soak up the creative culture, branch out to hip suburbs like Fitzroy, or head further afield to the Great Ocean Road or Phillip Island, a trip to Melbourne is not to be missed.
Book your Melbourne flight tickets with Etihad Airways and experience the best of this incredible destination.
Reasons to visit Melbourne
Discover Melbourne’s famous laneways
Take in the grandeur of Melbourne’s iconic Flinders Street train station, then make a beeline for the city’s ‘laneways’. Once serving as routes for horses and carts back in the 19th century, they’re now one of the city’s biggest draws.
Head to Degraves Street – between Flinders Lane and Flinders Street – where you’ll find stylish cafes and stores. Also check out nearby ACDC Lane, named in tribute to the Australian rock band and just as impossible to ignore.
Meanwhile, Melbourne’s bustling open-air Queen Victoria Market is a great place to shop for everything from meat and fish to work from local designers.
Take a street art tour
When you fly to Melbourne, you’ll be visiting one of the world’s prime locations for street art. In fact, the practice became so popular that the city council designated certain areas of the city as places where artists can display their work.
There’s no way you can miss some of the incredible pieces as you stroll around, but if you’re interested in learning about them in more depth, local artists host daily tours.
Visit St Kilda
There’s so much to see and do in the beachside suburb of St Kilda, including a visit to Luna Park – a family-friendly amusement park with plenty of attractions for thrill-seekers to enjoy.
Hop on the Great Scenic Railway roller coaster, which has operated since 1912, and you’ll be treated to views of the stunning Australian coastline along with the rush.
Head to the beach to admire colourful Victorian beach houses, and the pier. If you’re there just after sunset, you might catch a glimpse of the colony of penguins too.
Flying to Melbourne: FAQs
Where should I stay in Melbourne?
There are a number of districts to consider staying in once you’ve booked your Melbourne flights. To be in the heart of the action, opt for the centre – known locally as ‘the CBD’. St Kilda is best if you want to be close to the beaches, while hip Fitzroy is ideal for quirky independent stores and a vibrant food scene.
How many days should I spend in Melbourne?
You can easily spend a week simply enjoying Melbourne and exploring further afield – taking in the spectacular sights of the Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula and Phillip Island. Many visitors also use a flight to Melbourne as the springboard for a wider Australian adventure – travelling around the country for several weeks.
What should I see in Melbourne?
Once you’ve booked your Melbourne plane tickets, a tour of Flinders Street Station should definitely be on your list. The iconic features adorning the entrance inspired the popular local saying ‘meet me under the clocks’.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss Federation Square, a popular plaza for arts, culture and public events. Then there’s the city’s packed sporting calendar – if you can, take in the atmosphere at a cricket or ‘footy’ game at the colossal MCG.
What food is Melbourne known for?
A cosmopolitan city, Melbourne boasts culinary influences from around the world. You’ll find everything from gourmet burgers to perfect pizza.
There’s also a strong Asian influence, demonstrated by both an array of Japanese restaurants and Melbourne’s thriving Chinatown district. Brunch is big in Melbourne too, part of a booming cafe culture that has seen its coffee voted the best in the world.