A packed agenda of food, wine, sports and arts is your introduction to the best of Melbourne – from its creative, exciting city centre, to its buzzing neighbourhood hubs. It’s the gateway to Victoria’s world-class wineries, natural springs, peninsulas, spectacular coastline and alpine villages, making it the ideal destination for easy access to pre and post Workshop touring.
Visitors will find Melbourne an exciting city to explore. Modern architecture and design are juxtaposed with heritage buildings reflecting Australia’s cultural history. But beneath the city’s impressive façade lies the true heart and soul of the city; laneways which snake the city grid to reveal cafes and bars, fashion houses, boutiques, innovative cuisine, galleries, theatres and museums.
Melbourne has a lively passion for social eating and drinking, which is reflected in the thousands of restaurants serving up gastronomic experiences from around the world. Everywhere you will uncover a vast array of fashionable cafes, where you can enjoy Melbourne’s existential coffee and cafe culture to the fullest.
Queen Victoria Market
The ‘Vic Market’ has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for over a century. It’s a vibrant and bustling inner-city market, accessible within the free tram area of Central Melbourne. Here you can shop at over 600 small businesses for everything from Australian fruit and vegetables, local and imported gourmet foods, clothing and souvenirs.
Distance from the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre: 29 minutes on foot, 15-20 minutes by Free Tram
Hosier Lane
Walk down the famous bluestone laneway and admire the street art that has made the Melbourne urban art scene known across the globe. Take in the array of colours, characters and shapes created by local and international artists alike.
From the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre: 23 minutes on foot along Southbank, 15-20 minutes by Free Tram.
Eureka Skydeck 88
There are awe-inspiring views from the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere at Melbourne's Eureka Skydeck 88.
From the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre: 13 minutes on foot along Sounthbank
Old Melbourne Gaol
Shrouded in secrets, wander the same cells and halls as some of history’s most notorious criminals, from Ned Kelly to Squizzy Taylor, and discover the stories that never left.
From the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre: 39 minutes on foot, 25 minutes by Free Tram and walking
National Sports Museum, MCG
The 100,000 seat Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) recognises and celebrates its heritage and sporting history with a commitment seen at very few stadiums anywhere in the world by housing the National Sports Museum. Across many sports, the museum features memorabilia from some of the country's biggest heroes and highlights moments that have shaped the traditions of Australian sport.
From the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre: 35 minutes on foot, 20 minutes by Paid Tram
NGV International
NGV International houses a whole world of international art, displaying the National Gallery of Victoria's collections of European, Asian, Oceanic and American art. Entry to the permanent collection is free.
From the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre: 20 minutes on foot along Southbank
Royal Botanical Gardens
The Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens is a picturesque haven extending over 38 hectares and housing a collection of more than 8,500 species of plants from around the world, including diverse plant collections such as camellias, rainforest flora, cacti and succulents, roses, Californian species, herbs, perennials, cycads, plants from Southern China and, in the Rare and Threatened Species Collection, plants from south-eastern Australia.
From the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre: 30 minutes on foot along Southbank