Visiting Melbourne

🌆 Visiting Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital – a vibrant and dynamic city packed with art, food, music, sport, nature, and coffee that’s second to none. Make the most of your trip to the 8th International Conference Food Structure, Digestion and Health by exploring the incredible variety that Melbourne and its surrounds have to offer.

🏙️ In and Around Melbourne

  • Explore Melbourne’s iconic laneways filled with graffiti and street art
  • Discover the city’s renowned coffee and brunch culture
  • Visit local markets (Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market)
  • Lygon Street (Carlton) – Melbourne’s “Little Italy”
  • Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens
  • Experience Melbourne’s passion for AFL football at the MCG
  • Relax at St Kilda beach or enjoy sunset drinks on the pier
  • Immerse yourself in the city’s art galleries, museums, and bars

🌊 Day Trips & Nature

🐧 Phillip Island & Wilsons Promontory

  • Watch the Penguin Parade at sunset
  • Cuddle koalas and feed kangaroos at Moonlit Sanctuary
  • Hike the pristine wilderness of Wilsons Prom and enjoy stunning beaches

🌿 Great Ocean Road

  • World-famous road trip past Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay
  • View the majestic 12 Apostles
  • Explore the Otway Rainforest on a treetop walk or waterfall trail

🍷 Wine, Cheese & Chocolate

🍇 Yarra Valley

  • Visit boutique wineries, cheese farms, and chocolateries
  • Hike through nearby ranges or take a hot air balloon ride

🌅 Mornington Peninsula

  • Relax at the Peninsula Hot Springs
  • Enjoy coastal walks, wineries, and craft breweries

🏞️ Mountains & Forests

🍂 Mount Macedon

  • Autumn trees, quaint cafes, and mushroom foraging
  • Spectacular hikes through cool-climate forests

🌲 Dandenong Ranges

  • Home to rainforest trails, waterfalls, charming villages, and cafes
  • Popular for gardens, hiking, and puffing billy railway

🖼️ Arts & Culture

  • National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) – Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum.
  • ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) – Great for film and digital culture.
  • Street Art Tours – Explore world-renowned laneways like Hosier Lane.

🎭 Events & Sport

If you’re around a few extra days, check what’s on:

  • Live sport – AFL, cricket, tennis, and more at the MCG or Marvel Stadium.
  • Theatre & Comedy – Melbourne’s live arts scene is world-class.
  • Festivals – Melbourne International Film Festival, Food & Wine Festival, and others may align with your visit.
  • Yarra River Walk – Scenic walks and bike paths right through the city.

🛍️ Shopping & Fashion

  • Bourke Street Mall & Emporium – Central shopping destinations.
  • Brunswick Street (Fitzroy) – Eclectic boutiques and vintage stores.
  • Chadstone Shopping Centre – The largest shopping mall in the Southern Hemisphere.

🚇 Getting Around

Melbourne’s public transport system (trams, trains, and buses) is accessible and reliable. The Free Tram Zone operates in the city centre – perfect for exploring.

Download the PTV app or use Google Maps for real-time trip planning.