Explore Melbourne: A Vibrant City of Culture, Cuisine, and Adventure
Welcome to Melbourne, a city where culture, creativity, and world-class experiences converge. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, Melbourne offers an array of attractions and activities that make it the perfect destination for conference delegates. With a dynamic blend of food, arts, shopping, and outdoor adventure, there’s something to suit every taste. Discover what makes Melbourne and its surrounding regions so captivating!
Australia’s Sporting Capital
Victoria is a sports-mad state that punches above its weight in the big-event stakes. It's quite possibly the best place in the world to be a sporting spectator or a footy fan. We're talking all things AFL, cricket, rugby, hockey, soccer, and netball, as well as cycle and road racing. And did we mention the motor sport, horse racing, and basketball?
Famous Culinary Scene
Melbourne is a foodie’s paradise! Explore the diverse flavors of Chinatown, or take a gourmet tour of Queen Victoria Market, where you’ll find everything from fresh local produce to handmade delicacies. Be sure to experience Melbourne’s café culture in the laneways and hidden alleyways, where you’ll find some of the best coffee in the world.
Walk Through Nature
Take a break from the city and unwind in the serene Royal Botanic Gardens, an oasis of green in the heart of Melbourne. With its stunning vistas, tranquil lakes and diverse plant collections, the Gardens are a place of continual discovery and delight. The gardens offer a peaceful place to stroll or enjoy a picnic.
Melbourne’s Theatre Scene is a Must-Experience
Melbourne is known for its passion for the arts, and its theatre scene is no exception. Whether you're a theatre aficionado or just looking for a fun night out, Melbourne’s diverse range of performances offers something for everyone. From blockbuster musicals and cutting-edge plays to stand-up comedy and live concerts, the theatres around Rydges Melbourne are sure to have a show that will capture your imagination.
Her Majesty’s Theatre - With over 130 years of history, this beautifully preserved theatre regularly hosts hit musicals, concerts, and operas.
The Princess Theatre - Just a 5-minute walk from Rydges Melbourne, the Princess Theatre is a premier destination for international and local productions alike.
Comedy Theatre - While it’s known for hosting stand-up comedy acts, the Comedy Theatre located less than 10-min walk from Rydges also features plays, musicals, and other live performances.
Discover Family Fun in Melbourne: A City Full of Adventures for All Ages
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq is your one-stop entertainment destination at Melbourne Docklands’ The District. Try your luck against our games and you just might land your hands on the coveted collectables that sit at the top of our jackpot. Dodgem cars, Virtual Reality, ten-pin bowling and prizes prizes prizes are all in a day’s play at Archie’s.
ArtPlay: A Creative Playground for Kids
ArtPlay is a place where children - from babies to 12 year olds - can explore their creativity and share unique artistic experiences with professional artists. ArtPlay have more than 300 workshops, events and performances every year. There are short workshops for young children and extended creative experiences for older children.
Get Hands-On at Scienceworks
Today, Scienceworks is bursting with things to challenge curious minds of all ages. In just one visit, you can stroll among the gigantic machines that kept the city running, enjoy electrifying theatre in the Lightning Room, let your little ones roam safely in enclosed spaces, wander through immersive exhibitions and drop into deep space in the Planetarium.
Day Trips & Adventures Beyond Melbourne
Travel across Victoria and experience the region's stunning landscapes, historic towns and renowned food and wine. The state's compact size means you can travel from high in the mountains to the rugged southern coast and back to the city in just a short space of time. So hit the road on a touring route, make your own way around, or follow an itinerary and see the wonders of Victoria for yourself.
Visit the Yarra Valley
Pack your appetite
Just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s city centre, the verdant Yarra Valley is chock full of local producers waiting to meet you at the gate or cellar door. Get lost between rows of manicured vines, soar overhead in a great big balloon, and then toast it all with sparkling, riesling or pinot noir from some of the country’s best wineries.
Phillip Island
Penguin Parade
Near enough to reach on a short drive from Melbourne but far enough to feel like you’ve had a real escape, Phillip Island is Victoria’s holiday sweet spot. Explore the coast, visit the Grand Prix circuit and see penguines in an easy trip from Melbourne. The island also offers wildlife parks, rugged coastlines, and sandy beaches.
Explore the Great Ocean Road
Hit the road
Fresh salt air, hinterland rainforest, top dining and – need we say – knock-your-socks-and-sandals-off coastal vistas beckon along the Great Ocean Road. Pack the car and let the journey begin. We've gathered together a list of experiences we really heart big-time to help you plan the best trip you can, whether it's your first visit or your favourite place to return to.