Eating Out

Melbourne is one of Australia's most cosmopolitan cities, and its dining scene reflects this diversity. With restaurants serving cuisines from every corner of the world, the variety on offer is remarkable. Australian cuisine has its roots in British heritage, but the influence of Southeast Asian and other global traditions is evident, resulting in modern interpretations of Thai, Japanese, Korean, Indian and fusion dishes.

The city centre has many of the country's top restaurants, while Chinatown, centred on Little Bourke Street, is known for authentic Chinese and pan-Asian cuisine. The Fitzroy and Collingwood districts, particularly around Brunswick Street, feature eclectic cafés, bars and international eateries. South Yarra's Chapel Street is among the trendiest dining areas, popular for contemporary and stylish restaurants. Whether visitors are seeking a casual brunch, an elegant tasting menu or global street-style food, Melbourne provides an exceptional and ever-evolving culinary experience.

Shopping

Shopping in Melbourne is fun and varied. The city has both large malls and department stores alongside quirky side-street boutiques and specialised shops. Across precincts, shopping centres and markets there are purchases available to suit many tastes, budgets and needs. Many stores open in the mid-morning (around 10am) and some large centres extend trading until 9pm on Thursday and Friday evenings.

The main retail strip runs along Bourke Street with Bourke Street Mall at its heart, while the east end of Bourke Street has fashion boutiques and bookshops. Queen Victoria Market remains one of the best spots for bargains and a wide variety of goods. Arcades and laneways throughout the city provide everything from antique books to eclectic fashion and household goods. Chinatown around Little Bourke Street is home to Asian grocery stores, Chinese medicine outlets, jewellery and music stores. South-side and inner-suburban strips such as Chapel Street also feature many trendy restaurants and shops.

For international visitors there is a Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) under which GST may be reclaimed on goods costing AUD 300 or more (including GST) purchased from a single business, subject to conditions.

Nightlife

Melbourne offers a vibrant and varied nightlife scene that includes cocktail lounges, pubs, underground dance clubs and international theatre productions. Rather than a single 'party district', the city features several entertainment precincts across the CBD and inner suburbs.

In the CBD, King Street has long been a focus for nightclubs and late-night venues, and the city centre more widely now supports many bars and clubs that run well into the night.

Suburbs such as Fitzroy and Collingwood are known for their eclectic mix of live-music venues, bars and creative spaces, while St Kilda remains popular for seaside pubs, night spots and socialising after dark. The LGBTQ community typically gathers around Commercial Road in South Yarra and other venues across Melbourne.

As always, opening hours vary, and visitors should check local listings for late-night transport and venue details.