Melbourne's central business district is located on the northern bank of the Yarra River, opposite the popular Southbank precinct on the Yarra's southern bank, and surrounded by the suburbs of West Melbourne, North Melbourne, Carlton, East Melbourne and the Docklands precinct. One of Port Phillip Bay's most popular seaside resorts, St Kilda beach, is located just a few kilometres south of the city.

Melbourne's city centre features well-planned tree-lined streets arranged in a grid pattern with several public transport tram routes running along those streets. The retail precinct includes the Melbourne Central Shopping Centre complete with its own underground railway station, the Bourke Street pedestrian Mall, and the part-time Swanston Street Mall. Chinatown, located along the eastern end of Little Bourke Street, features traditional Chinese shopping and dining experiences, established during the gold rush of the 1850s. Some of the most popular meeting spots in the city are at the steps of the historic Flinders Street Station, the City Square and Federation Square. Now one of Melbourne's most popular landmarks, Federation Square, situated across the road from Flinder's Street Station and opening out onto the Yarra River and adjacent parkland, features the city's official visitor information centre, cafes, restaurants, and a hotel.

Melbourne is a mix of old and new. Exclusive shopping arcades and the bustling Queen Victoria Market, along with historical landmarks from centuries ago, blend in with modern office towers. The Rialto Towers is the Southern Hemisphere's tallest office structure with an observation deck on level 55 offering unparalleled views of Melbourne, surrounding suburbs, and the bayside beaches.

Melbourne boasts extensive parklands, with many centred around the Yarra River to the south-east of the central business district. Birrarung Marr, Melbourne's newest park, is located next to Federation Square, while the Kings Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens, between St Kilda Road and the Yarra River, feature the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, several lakes, a large collection of historical monuments and memorials, and pathways all of which traverse manicured gardens and lawns. The Shrine of Remembrance, in Kings Domain, is the scene of an annual Anzac Day dawn service, and includes a visitor centre as well as a viewing balcony inside the shrine which offers spectacular views. Across the Yarra River is Melbourne Park and Olympic Park, featuring international standard sporting and entertainment arenas.

	Federation Square Opened in 2002, this public square fronts the Yarra River and is located on the corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street, featuring several museums, the Melbourne Visitor Centre, restaurants, bars and function centres
	Melbourne Observation Deck Enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the city, suburbs and bay from level 55 of the Rialto Towers
	Melbourne Aquarium A total entertainment facility for visitors of all ages, showcasing the creatures of the Southern Ocean
	Melbourne Park & Olympic Park Australia's premier sports and entertainment precinct including the Rod Laver Arena, Vodafone Arena, a function centre, sporting ovals and stadiums
	Immigration Museum Discover the many dimensions of the migration experience from the 1800s through to the present day
	Australian Centre for the Moving Image Located at Federation Square, find out everything about cinema, television, computer games and screen-based art of the future within galleries, cinemas and studios
	Australian Racing Museum One of Australia's finest collection of thoroughbred horse racing memorabilia with a changing program of innovative exhibitions and displays
	Shrine of Remembrance Victoria's largest war memorial, honouring those who served in World War I and conflicts since, complete with visitor centre and lookout
	Old Melbourne Gaol Comprising of the Old Melbourne Gaol, former City Watch House and the Old Magistrate's Court, this extensive complex has been preserved allowing visitors to step back in time and uncover the history of crime and justice in the state
	Chinese Museum With an exciting range of changing exhibitions, heritage tours and public seminars, it preserves and display the history of Australians of Chinese descent

	Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre Discover the vibrant living history and culture of the indigenous people of south-east Australia through the centre's intercative visual and sound exhibition
	State Library of Victoria Victoria's major reference and research library with permanent exhibitions

	Melbourne Central The city centre's major retail hub with over 300 stores and an 11-screen cinema, built around the historic Shot Tower
	Queen Victoria Market Established in 1878, this open-air market has a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere, with almost half the space dedicated to the sale of fresh produce

	Royal Botanic Gardens Established in 1846 along the southern bank of the Yarra River, it is widely known for its sweeping lawns, lakes and an immense range of plants from across Australia and the world, with a garden shop, cafe and guided tours
	Alexandra Gardens On the southern side of the Yarra River, directly across from Federation Square, these historic gardens were first laid out in 1904 and feature ornamental gardens, lawns, the Riverslide Skate Park and historic rowing boathouses
	Birrarung Marr Located on the northern bank of the Yarra River next to Federation Square, this 7 hectare park features hundreds of trees and plants, terraced lawns and the William Barak Bridge which provides pedestrian access to the MCG and impressive views of the city
	Queen Victoria Gardens A triangular 5 hectare park fronting St Kilda Road with a series of ornamental ponds, the famous Floral Clock, rose gardens and several monuments and sculptures

	Australian Open Tennis Championships Held in January over two weeks, international tennis stars produce grand slam action as they battle for the coveted Australian Open title, in colourful and vibrant atmosphere with live music and entertainment
	Moomba Waterfest Held across the Labour Day weekend since 1955, it features carnival rides, a street procession and water-based events on the Yarra River including races and fireworks

	Visit Melbourne The official visitor's guide to Melbourne
	That's Melbourne Guide to Melbourne covering events, shopping, dining and entertainment
	Yarra River Precinct Information on Melbourne's Yarra River including history, maps, cruises, attractions, dining and events
	Walking Melbourne A web site dedicated to architecture, past and present, of Melbourne

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