City Guide: Melbourne

Formula 1 is back! We're kicking off the 2025 season with the Australian Grand Prix, the first time the season opener has been down under since 2019.

With an expected attendance of over 450,000 fans, the excitement will be at an all-time high. To make your race week even better, we’ve put together this essential guide to Melbourne – a city that has something for sports lovers, foodies, coffee connoisseurs, and culture enthusiasts alike.

Melbourne is frequently hailed as the sporting capital of the world. When F1 isn’t in town, Albert Park’s circuit is open for walking and driving, allowing fans to experience the track firsthand. You can even pay homage to former Australian F1 world champions Sir Jack Brabham and Alan Jones with their commemorative busts on-site.

For more sporting action, visit the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Southern Hemisphere’s largest cricket stadium and the spiritual home of Aussie Rules Football.

If you still haven’t had your fill of sports, come back in January for the Australian Open at Melbourne Park, or catch football, rugby, basketball, or UFC events at Marvel Stadium near Docklands.

Melbourne is a city of diverse neighbourhoods, each offering a unique experience for your Grand Prix weekend.

For those who love the great outdoors, Melbourne has plenty to offer.

Take a scenic walk or boat ride along the Yarra River to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a tranquil escape. At dusk, visit St. Kilda Pier to see the resident fairy penguins along the city’s coastline.

If you’re looking to sunbathe or surf, Brighton Beach offers golden sands, iconic rainbow beach huts, and stunning views of the Melbourne skyline.

For wildlife lovers, an early morning trip to Melbourne Zoo is a must, where you can meet koalas, kangaroos, and wombats up close.

For an immersive Grand Prix experience, head to The Atrium in Federation Square to visit the Fan Zone, presented by Kraken. Expect interactive displays, exclusive merchandise, our ever-popular live Q&A's and so much more!

Fed Square is Melbourne’s cultural hub, home to art galleries, exhibitions, bars, and of course, race coverage on the big screens.

Take a stroll through Melbourne’s famous laneways to discover street art, hidden bars and live music venues.

If you’re in the mood for retail therapy, Melbourne has plenty of options:

Melbourne’s food scene is one of the best in the world.

For coffee lovers, Melbourne’s coffee culture is second to none. Whether you’re after an espresso, a nitro cold brew, or a perfectly crafted pour-over, you’ll find top-tier coffee at every corner of the city.

Craft beer fans and wine lovers should head to Carlton for a glass of local Yarra Valley chardonnay, shiraz or pinot noir.

Melbourne is a walkable city with a well-organised grid layout. If you need to get around quickly, grab a reloadable myki card to access trains, trams, and buses.

If you're staying in the CBD or nearby, public transport is the best way to move around as you won’t need a car.