Melbourne and surroundings, Australia

Melbourne strings the Yarra River laneways and arcades with the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Australian Open at Rod Laver, the Great Ocean Road's Twelve Apostles, and the Mornington Peninsula's wineries and hot springs.

Highlights

When to Visit

Sep-Nov

Spring shoulder with Melbourne Cup the first Tuesday of November, AFL Grand Final last Saturday of September, and the Great Ocean Road accessible without summer crowds.

Dec-Feb

Australian summer with Australian Open in late January at Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne hits 30°C, and Mornington Peninsula wineries at full operation.

Mar-May

Autumn shoulder with Melbourne Comedy Festival three weeks late March-April, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in mid-March, and trees turning across the Yarra Valley.

Jun-Aug

Cool damp Melbourne winter at 12°C, Falls Creek and Mount Hotham ski runs, and the city's coffee culture and laneways come into their own under hooded weather.