Melbourne: Holidays

A backpacking holiday in Melbourne offers scope for a fantastic adventure and is also an inexpensive way of experiencing the city’s wealth of man-made and natural beauty. Melbourne has a good selection of cheap and efficient hostels for those on backpacking holidays on a budget and a has one of the highest numbers of hostels out of any city in the world and so there are many of options for accommodation, in a wide choice of location and standards.

The central district houses the largest selection of affordable places to stay but others in places like Fitzroy and Windsor are also recommended. The average price to expect for a reasonable dorm bed is around $20, although this will rise during the peak summer period. For cheap beach locales choose to South Melbourne while those seeking hostels in the heart of the popular nightspots and close to creature comforts should head for Richmond or the city centre. Excellent transport links make the city a useful starting point for backpackers in Melbourne to visit Victoria’s wealth of National Parks, pristine beaches and other wildlife hotspots that litter the territory.
 

Those seeking a camping holiday in Melbourne will be spoilt for choice when it comes to what they will find in store for them. Blue Gum Caravan and Cabin Park is well located in a spacious peaceful tree lined park in Sydney Road, Campbellfield, on the corner of Cooper Street. Situated only 20 minutes away from Melbourne's marvellous city centre, 15 minutes from Tullamarine Airport and only minutes from the Western Ring Road, minutes to Coles supermarket and K-Mart (open 24 hours and entertainment centres, cinemas and medical facilities and much more. You won't have to go far to find food, shopping, medical centres, entertainment and transport when you stay at Blue Gum Cabin and Caravan Park. Along the banks of the Barwon River, the Riverglen Caravan Park offers reasonably priced cabin accommodation in a beautiful parkland setting only minutes from Geelong.

The children will be occupied for hours with our playground and games room, not only will the children be kept busy but the adults have also been known to join in on the fun. A great way to relax with family and friends is around one of our many BBQ areas while enjoying our beautiful surroundings. Riverglen Holiday Park offers a great range of accommodation only 4km from Geelong and only 15 minutes away from the start to the beautiful Great Ocean Road.

For those looking to go further afield but still remain in the vicinity of Melbourne should head for Ashley Gardens in Braybrook, an excellent location for a camping holiday, boasting some excellent facilities and some wonderful surrounding areas of natural beauty. Overall, the range and excellence of the camping options in Melbourne make for a fantastic destination for an outdoor break.
 

Melbourne is indisputably the artistic and cultural capital of Australia. It may be even fair to say the cultural capital of the Southern Hemisphere - perfect for a culture and arts holiday with something extra. Every day of every year is filled with arts festivals, gallery showings, live theatre seasons and musical extravaganzas, in fact, the City hosts more than 300 events each year. Whether it’s a rock concert, an art exhibition, opera or a symphony performance you desire, you will find it in Melbourne.

Melbourne is often called the cultural capital of Australia, with its many art galleries, film festivals, orchestras, choral and opera productions, vibrant live music scene, and a strong food, wine and coffee culture. Particular events to note include the Melbourne International Film Festival in August, the International Art Festival in October, and the Melbourne Comedy Festival in April, as well as individual concerts and exhibitions throughout the year. In addition to the Melbourne Museum, there are special museums dedicated to subjects such as science, immigration, Chinese history, Jewish history, sport, racing, film and moving image, railways, police, fire brigades and banking. Melbourne nightlife is world famous and justifiably so. It's 24 hours, loud, colourful and anything goes.

Door policies are strict but once inside high quality entertainment is guaranteed. DJ's, live music, artists, beautiful people and so much more can be found. There truly is something for everyone and every taste. Gay, lesbian and transgendered party goers are welcome everywhere as Melbournians are on the whole very tolerant and welcoming people. The city centre has a number of pubs, the most famous being the Young and Jackson. Melbourne is also famous for it's many trendy bars in the CBD. Most of these, however, are down narrow alleys and streets, and are therefore hard to find unless you know where you are going.

The inner northern suburbs, such as Collingwood and Fitzroy cater for the young, laid-back, and bohemian crowd. Here you will find lots of live music, cheaper prices, and a relaxed atmosphere. Chapel Street/ Toorak Road in South Yarra and Prahran has the most glamorous bars and clubs. Here, expect high prices, strict dress codes, and beautiful people who want to be seen partying with the best. St. Kilda has a little bit of everything. With it's proximity to the beach, it is often regarded as the Melbourne suburb that feels most like Sydney. If heritage and architecture are more your style, a walk around Melbourne will reveal the city’s colourful and diverse history through its buildings. From the majesty of the buildings spawned by the gold rush era through to the ambitious, cutting-edge structures of the 21st Century, Melbourne’s glorious architecture can effortlessly be viewed on foot in a few hours.

Melbourne has always been characterised by innovation and enterprise. The fusion of past tradition and diverse cultural influences has created an invigorated and forward thinking city, a dynamic centre for culture, communities and commerce. So, regardless of your taste or holiday budget, Melbourne represents one of the finest areas in the southern hemisphere for a culture and arts holiday.
 

There should be no reservations for disabled people considering a holiday in Melbourne. Most, if not all, of the visitor attractions, hotels and transport on offer is wheelchair friendly with additional facilities for the hard of hearing and visually impaired.

Similarly, with a few exceptions in some of the older areas, most buildings are equipped with automatic entrances, wide aisle, ramps and disabled toilets. Every effort is made to ensure that holidays for disabled people in Melbourne are safe and enjoyable. Wheelchair hire as well as sightseeing and shopping tours for disabled holidaymakers are numerous and easy to arrange. Melbourne is a safe, welcoming and helpful holiday destination for disabled people.
 

Melbourne is a wonderful family holiday destination. From its miles of golden beaches to walks in Melbourne’s many beautiful parks, there are also a multitude of attractions and activities to appeal to all ages. There are plenty of places to get out and about in and around Melbourne. The banks of the Yarra River offer barbecue and picnic facilities, fishing platforms and jetties. In addition, there are miles of trails and paths for cyclists, walkers and joggers. Swimming and sailing are right on the city's doorstep, too.

Take a dip in the Middle Brighton Baths. Walk or in-line skate the seaside walkway stretching from the city to Brighton Beach. Albert Park, just 1 mi/3 km from the Central Business District and home to the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, is another terrific place to walk, run, sail, play a round of golf or feed families of black swans. The premier spot is St. Kilda Beach—everyone goes there.

A colourful beach promenade makes for great people-watching, and the Esplanade Sunday Market, held every Sunday morning, is a good place to pick up quality art and second-hand goods. There's also a huge Moroccan-style boutique and restaurant complex, which houses the St. Kilda Baths: Melbourne's only heated, indoor saltwater swimming pool. There are many types of holiday accommodation available for a stress-free family holiday in Melbourne and some of the better accommodation on the north shore has facilities like swimming pools and rooms with TV and internet. Food is plentiful and very varied in Melbourne with many restaurants, cafes and ice cream bars scattered around the city. A family break to Melbourne makes for a great holiday, and one that your family will not forget.
 

Melbourne is a perfect destination for a fun-packed Gay and Lesbian getaway in the sun. A welcoming, cosmopolitan city, all of Melbourne is geared up for tourism and Gay and Lesbian holidaymakers should have no worries about their trip. Life's a party, or at least it should be, and Melbourne's gay and lesbian community certainly know how to enjoy it. Melbourne's hippest nightlife is dispersed throughout its labyrinth of laneways. Spaces that originally housed fabric companies, warehouses and retail outlets, now pulsate with hip tunes and smart cocktails.

Some of the key avenues to keep in mind are Flinders Lane and Little Collins Street, each with an array of hidden bars to discover. North of the Central Business District, laidback and bohemian alternatives are what it's about, from pubs with live music to dance bars and leather clubs.

The gay and lesbian scene is largely found in Collingwood and Abbotsford, and other inner city suburbs which many in the GLBT community choose to call home. To the south, it's all about designer fashion and seaside frolics. There are just as many nightlife options to choose from, but you may have to dress up a little more. Commercial Road in Prahran is Melbourne's main gay strip, with gay bars in abundance, while St Kilda boasts nightlife with an ocean view. There are many gay-friendly districts offering some great accommodation as well as some fantastic restaurants and shopping areas - and Carlton, Richmond, Prahran and South Yarra all offering a unforgettable gay and/or lesbian holiday experience.
 

Melbourne has some wonderful nightlife and no end of activities for the daytime so is an excellent choice for a party holiday or singles destination. Sightseeing through Melbourne’s plethora of harbours and beaches is great for singles and there is a vast array of entertainment on offer ranging from wine bars, pubs, live music venues and nightclubs for holidaymakers who like to party. Some of the best night spots in Melbourne are by the beaches and harbours but most of the clubs and bars are dotted throughout the city centre. Singles and partiers alike can enjoy Melbourne’s sun-drenched coastline and awe-inspiring sights; activities such as sailing, surfing and rock-climbing more ideas if you are looking for some adventure.

Melbourne is a great couple’s getaway, and is particularly appealing to the couple who enjoys fine food, wine and shopping! Melbourne is known as Australia’s gourmet capital. A romantic getaway in Melbourne can include restaurants, comedy clubs, stage shows, night clubs and wine bars, live music - anything you want to find can be found in Melbourne! An exciting city where everything happens, Melbourne is home to major international sporting events as well as all the good things in life including food, shopping and wonderful entertainment. With enough to cram days and nights full of amazing activities, couples will love Melbourne for its diversity.

Enjoy the trams, the beautiful gardens and some of the world’s most glorious stretches of coastline in Melbourne’s surrounding regions. Not far from Melbourne is picturesque hinterland of Victoria, and the couples break would include a few nights in Melbourne and then a visit to one of the other wonderful regions, which include destinations known for their wine, and others that are known for their sun-drenched beaches. Jump in and experience a couples holiday in Melbourne, it’s a holiday sure to translate into a cherished memory.
 

Tee off and be amazed by the range, depth and quality of courses found in Melbourne, as well as the south-east suburban 'sandbelt' and Victoria's beautiful countryside. Head to the mountains, the flats, the rivers or the forests and choose from hundreds of courses to challenge and delight you.

Golf and Melbourne go together like a birdie putt finds the hole. With a local population devoted to golf, the Victorian capital is home to Royal Melbourne, more than a dozen of Australia's top 100 courses, the famed 'sandbelt' region in the south-eastern suburbs and some of the nation's best public links. The leading courses offer year-round, high-quality play and are located mainly in the sand belt. The jewel is Royal Melbourne, Australia's number one course and the city's golfing showpiece. The Alister Mackenzie design incorporates two classic 18-hole layouts featuring deep rough, strategically placed bunkers and fast, true greens.

All sandbelt clubs are private clubs, but if a golfer is a member of an international golf club that has reciprocal membership, then it is possible to play on some of these courses. Golf tour operators can also access some of the private sandbelt courses, provided players meet clubs' strict requirements. There are many other public and private courses located close to the city that are well maintained, such as Mornington Penninsula, Bellarine Peninsula and along the Murray River. They range from resort-style layouts through to challenging suburban courses. Many have public access and cater for all handicaps and levels of experience. So don't leave home without your golf clubs when you come to Melbourne, as you will be spoilt for choice.
 

If you enjoy walking and love the great outdoors, Melbourne presents an amazing variety of opportunities to make a success of any hiking holiday. In fact, hiking in Melbourne is a great way to experience the cities wealth of natural beauty, agricultural diversity, architectural heritage and history. Three of the finest places to walk or jog in the city are around Albert Park Lake, along the Bay Trail (from Port Melbourne to St. Kilda) and along the Yarra Trail (from Southbank toward the headwaters of the Yarra).

For hiking, try the Valley of the Arts. Northeast of Melbourne, the valley follows the Yarra River. Take the Heidelberg School Historical Trail, which features trailside paintings by some of the artists that were part of a famous Australian art movement. You might also try the nature trails through the Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park and the 100 Acres Reserve. You can get to the Valley of the Arts from the Yarra Trail or from the northeast suburb of Eltham. Overall, Melbourne is a great location for a hiking holiday, regardless of your ability.
 

Cycling in Melbourne is a joy, and well worth investigating if you like experiencing your holidays on two wheels. There are more than 200 km of bike paths linking major suburbs and generally following the most scenic routes. One great loop is around Port Philip Bay (with a dedicated bicycle ferry across the Yarra River) to the fashionable waterfront suburb of Williamstown. Once there, you can catch Melbourne River Cruises' hourly ferry service back to the city centre (you can also take your bike on that ferry).

Another memorable trek is along the Yarra Trail heading to Studley Park in nearby Kew. The trail winds along the river through parks, reserves and wetlands. The Yarra Trail is not consistently signposted, so you may want to pick up a trail map at the visitors centre. Albert Park and St. Kilda have bicycle-rental facilities that are open daily. Melbourne is a safe and largely hassle-free destination when it comes to a cycling holiday and is ideal for everyone from love-struck newlyweds and singles to the whole family.
 

Shopping in Melbourne is great as the city is home to many different shops, from department stores to small side street boutiques. From various shopping precincts, malls and markets, there are purchases available to suit all tastes, budgets and needs. Most stores are open all week from 10am; many stay open till 9pm on Fridays.

The main shopping strip is on Bourke Street with Bourke Street Mall at its heart, while the east end of the street has mainly fashion boutiques and bookshops. There are bargains galore to be found at Queen Victoria Market, while Melbourne Central is the place to find leading Australian and international labels. There are laneways and arcades throughout the city offering everything from magic spells and antique books to eclectic fashions and household goods. Chinatown, encompassing Little Bourke Street and the neighbouring lanes, has Asian grocery stores, Chinese medicine, music and jewellery. The Sunday's Market at the Art Centre is good for unique jewellery, ceramics and glassware. A goods and services tax refund is available to tourists.

Melbourne is a great place to shop in the sun.
 

Holidaymakers looking to get behind the wheel and explore their surrounding for themselves would do well to consider a touring or driving holiday in Melbourne. From near the city limits one of the most popular self-drive routes for tourists to follow is the circular Great Southern Touring Route, which includes spectacular scenery and takes in some of Victoria's most beautiful, scenic and cultural attractions.

The first part of the route hugs the coastline going south along the Great Ocean Road, renowned for its coastal scenery, passing lush Otways rainforests and on to the magnificent limestone rock sculptures known as the Twelve Apostles in the Port Campbell National Park. Other attractions along the Great Ocean Road include the historic villages of Port Campbell, Queenscliff, Portland and Port Fairy, as well as resort towns and coastal cities such as Torquay, Apollo Bay, Geelong and Warrnambool.

A wonderful holiday destination for anyone looking to embark on a touring or driving break, Melbourne is a must for most.
 

Despite humble beginnings, Australia’s Victoria wine region now produces some of the finest wines in the world. Located at the southernmost part of the main continent, the area closely surrounding Melbourne plays off a favourable coastal and subtropical climate to host three principle wine growing regions, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley and the Macedon Ranges Shire. Mornington Peninsula features secluded beaches and golf opportunities, as side activities to the wine tasting of course.

Yarra Valley, with the Yarra River running through it, is a slightly colder but very green and picturesque region which produces exceptional chardonnays. Yarra Valley also boasts Australia's most prolific wineries, the De Bortoli and Domaine Chandon. Australia's most prolific and favoured wineries, while the Macedon Ranges Shire boasts vast uninhabited rolling fields of green and a family-oriented culture of wine-making.

The shire currently holds the highest quality of life standards in Australia. Victoria’s strength may lie in her relative anonymity as this currently regarded as the place to find one-of-a-kind wines at a reasonable price. The thriving heart of Victoria is Melbourne, Australia's second biggest city and a good base from which to head into the five main wine regions. Overall, Melbourne’s remarkable blend of fine vineyards in its surrounding regions makes it an excellent destination for any wine tasting holiday.