This southeastern city in Victoria is Australia’s second-most populous city and one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. From Oceania’s tallest skyline to various museums and cultural movements and exciting sporting events, Melbourne brims with life year-round.

GETTING THERE & AROUND
Melbourne Airport serves both international and domestic flights, including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, linking several California cities to Australia. The airport lies 14 miles from the city center, accessible via the Tullamarine Freeway, SkyBus service and buses. A rail connection between the airport and city is slated for 2033. Within the city center, driving is the best way to get around, with a complex road network. There’s also an integrated public transport network of train, tram, taxi and bus systems.

LODGING
The Cullen Melbourne – Art Series
Experience an art-centric stay in these modern studio suites featuring original artwork and designer furniture, as well as an on site bistro, dumpling bar, gym and business center. The hotel also sits near a tram station for easy access to Melbourne’s top sites.

QT Melbourne
Modern and urban accommodations, many with city views, await in this centrally located, 5-star hotel. The chic hotel also offers a Japanese knife shop, restaurant with an open kitchen, cozy café, two bars and more.

W Melbourne
Contemporary guestrooms and suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows, some with sitting areas or separate living rooms and balconies. The high-rise hotel treats guests to amenities such as three restaurants, two bars, an indoor pool and gym.

DINING
Left Bank Melbourne Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Indulge in modern Australian fare in this chic restaurant and bar, complete with a mirrored ceiling and charcoal lounges. It’s energetic, eclectic and unique.

Maha Restaurant
See Melbourne’s rich and diverse cultures in practice at this Middle Eastern fine-dining restaurant. Chef Shane Delia serves dishes such as Lebanese garlic dumplings, hummus and lamb shoulder.

Palermo
Yes, even in Australia you’ll find some fantastic Argentinian cuisine and steaks. This steakhouse serves up charcoal-grilled steaks and meats as well as an extensive wine list and a variety of decadent sides.

ATTRACTIONS
Melbourne Cricket Ground
Visit the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and soak in the energy of cricket at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Built in 1853, these grounds also hosted the 1956 Summer Olympics and two Cricket World Cup finals. The stadium is also home to Australian Sports Museum.

Queen Victoria Market
Spread across 17 acres, this market dates back to 1878 and is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. The market features more than 600 vendors selling everything from specialty delicacies to clothing and handmade arts.

St. Kilda Beach
Considered Melbourne’s most iconic beach, this beach stretches from St. Kilda Marina to St. Kilda Harbour and is home to St. Kilda Pier, St. Kilda Sea Baths and even its own little penguin colony. It’s a popular beach for sunbathing, swimming and watersports.

Irene Rawlings, contributor, describes Melbourne as Australia’s cultural capital, packed with standout museums and galleries. Don’t miss the contemporary works at Ian Potter Centre. Sip a flat white or Bundaberg Ginger Beer at Queen Victoria Market, grab a meat pie at Silk Spoon or mousse cake at Le Yeahllow, then check into the riverside The Langham, Melbourne. Wine country — four distinct regions — lies just an hour beyond the city.