Repeatedly voted to be the world's most liveable city, Melbourne operates as Australia's sporting and cultural capital. From the "Paris End" on Collins Street to a splash of New York-esque art deco high-rises in the business district, Melbourne manages to be warm and inviting while also decidedly cosmopolitan. Brush up on your AFL football (footy), cricket, and horse racing if you have any hopes of carrying on a conversation at the pub. Consider a Melbourne vacation rental with a view over downtown, or head out for a spot on the water, with views across Port Phillip Bay.
To get a true feel for Melbourne's size, head to the Eureka Skydeck and admire the expansive views from the 88th floor. Once you're back at ground level, visit the stunning reading room at the State Library of Victoria, or the Melbourne Museum for a look at through the city's natural and cultural histories. Take the animal lovers in your crew to Healesville Sanctuary for the day to get up close and personal with the koalas, dingoes, wallabies, and kangaroos, or take a day trip to Phillip Island, where you can watch the daily penguin parade at dusk.
With over 230 laneways (back alleys), the best way to explore Melbourne is on foot, discovering local shops, restaurants, and street art. Visit Queen Victoria Market, the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, or catch a show at the historic Astor Theatre. Take a walking tour, or align your trip with 1 of the city's many festivals and cultural events, celebrating Australian jazz, comedy, and film. Opt for a Melbourne vacation rental in any of the city's diverse array of neighborhoods, from the ritzier South Yarra to the hipster Fitzroy, and you'll feel like a true local in no time.
March through May means fall in Melbourne, complete with changing leaves and crisp, cool weather. This makes September through November Oz's spring months—and these are the best times to visit Melbourne, thanks to moderate temps and smaller crowds. Visiting in the shoulder seasons also means lower prices, while Australia's summer months of December through February tend to be sunny, hot, and crowded. This means that Melbourne's winter falls in June through August, when the city quiets down but the rainy, cold weather picks up.
The city of Melbourne wraps around Port Phillip Bay, with the low-lying Dandenong Range serving as the backdrop to the east. Some of the city's neighborhoods even feature their own sandy beaches, with a few surf spots available, too. Penty of wildlife is easily found just outside the city, with the penguins at Phillip Island among the most famous. A drive along the Great Ocean Road will introduce you to kangaroos and koalas along the way, if a true escape from your Melbourne vacation rental tickles your fancy.
Fly into Melbourne Airport (MEL), the closest airport, located 11.7 mi (18.9 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Melbourne, VIC (MEB-Essendon), which is 7 mi (11.2 km) away.
If you're traveling by train, Flinders Street Station, Southern Cross Station and Showgrounds Station are the main stations in the city. You can get around Melbourne by jumping on the metro at Flagstaff Station, Melbourne Central Station or Parliament Station.
The heart wants what the heart wants, and right now it's craving a vacation. It's time to pack your suitcase and retreat to one of these top vacation rentals in or near Melbourne:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Melbourne vacation rental for you.
For a unique vacation experience, book a tiny house rental in Melbourne. Do be warned though — after you've experienced the tiny house lifestyle, the temptation to move into one of thes cute-as-a-button digs will be hard to resist!
There's something very enticing about hiding away in a log cabin where it's only you, the family and the glorious nature around you. Leave behind the busyness of the big city and bunk down in one of these wooden havens in Melbourne:
Your Monday to Friday will be easier to get through if you've got something exciting organized for the weekend. Give yourself something fun to look forward to by arranging a stay at one of these top weekend getaways in or near Melbourne:
Immerse yourself in the culture and atmosphere of Melbourne from the privacy and comfort of your own studio apartment. Whether you're eager to escape on your own or have fun with a few buddies, we'll help you find the perfect studio apartment for rent in and around Melbourne:
When it's time to walk out of your studio apartment and discover the highlights, there's loads to keep you on the go around Melbourne. Into art and culture? Pencil in a visit to Forum Theatre and Gallery 40.
Whether you're seeking a compact apartment for two or a vacation home with room for the whole family, short-term rentals are easy to find in and around Melbourne. These properties make the perfect base for a quick trip:
Nothing says "I love you" like planning a romantic weekend together. If you're longing to spend a couple of relaxing nights away with your honey, we've got some romantic getaways in and around Melbourne that will whisk you off your feet:
If you're in search of somewhere to reconnect with loved ones this vacation, why not a place with a little glitz and glamour? These mansions for rent in or around Melbourne will easily accommodate the entire gang while doing it in style:
Vacation with others and double the fun. Whether you're planning an action-packed getaway with buddies or a family reunion, you'll have your pick of large group vacation rentals in and around Melbourne:
A pool is often an all-important amenity when deciding where to stay on vacation, especially if you're taking the kids. Check out these houses with a pool in or near Melbourne and spend your days splashing around:
Melbourne has an oceanic climate, with average summertime temperatures fluctuating between 55 ºF and 75 ºF. But you don't have to wait until summertime to visit. Check out the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the perfect Melbourne vacation rental and organize your getaway for whatever season you like.