Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne is one of the world’s most liveable cities, and draws visitors from all over the globe with its elegant European feel, convenient and reliable public transportation, rich culinary heritage, and wealth of exciting attractions.

With year round festivals and events, there is always something happening in Melbourne. Whether you fancy watching sports, enjoying entertainment, or simply want to relax in beautiful gardens, Melbourne makes for the perfect holiday no matter what your personality is.

Though how do you know if Melbourne is the destination for you? Even though it’s a pretty safe bet in terms of an incredible vacation, what kind of travelers does the city suit?

5 Types of Travelers Who Visit Melbourne … Is This You?

Sports Spectators

Sport is a crucial part of the social fabric in Melbourne, and if you’re a fan of the spectator atmosphere, you certainly won’t be bored.

Melbourne’s sporting calendar is packed with electrifying events, with big ticket events like international cricket, the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix , and Australian Tennis Open. But one sport which takes one  particularly religious aspect here is the Australian Football League (AFL).

Aussie rules football is the largest spectator sport in the country. Seaon runs roughly from March – September each year, and you can catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). And, if you find yourself in Melbourne on the last Saturday in September, and the city takes on a completely different atmosphere.

Hundreds of thousands of football fanatics crowd the streets on a pilgrimage through the city to the AFL Grand Final. The streets are flooded with colors, scarfs and flags, and the age old buildings literally shake, the energy surrounding the stadium flooding out to the city at large.

Photo credits from top: Yu-Jheng Fang / Jimmy Harris

Nature Enthusiasts

Melbourne may be Australia’s second largest city, but just outside the city (and even within) you’ll find incredible natural attractions where you can witness a wide range of nature and wildlife.

Just outside Melbourne’s CBD you’ll find some of Australia’s finest sanctuaries for authentic wildlife encounters, home to both Australian and international species. And within the city, there are an incredible range of attractions, including the zoo, the aquarium, and many nature parks prolific with native wildlife.

Phillip Island Nature Parks is a popular day trip from Melbourne, where you can experience the thrill of seeing penguins return to shore at sunset via the Penguin Parade Experience, and see koalas in their natural habitat with a visit to the Koala Conservation Centre.

Students

Home to 8 universities that teach close to 300,000 students, Melbourne comfortably Australia’s biggest university city, and one of the biggest study abroad destinations globally.

The city has a very hip, youthful vibe, and lively university culture that offers both a spirited, urban nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities for employment. And the prestige of Melbourne’s universities, including the University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT University and La Trobe University, actually tops Sydney.

Rated as Australia’s most livable city, the quality of life for students in Melbourne is a point of pride, and numerous groups and clubs exist to keep students active and socialising. You will find many student discounts offered throughout the city, so be sure to have an international student card with you.

The Culture Obsessed

Melbourne is Australia’s style setter; an arty city, both scenic and cosmopolitan, with diverse, dynamic inhabitants that proudly claim their title as Australia’s cultural capital.

It’s progressive, multicultural, gritty-chic, food-obsessed, and has a non stop events calendar which is always packed with arts festivals, live music, exhibitions, blockbuster theater shows, sport and activities for kids.

Visit Old Melbourne Gaol and walk the halls of which held Australia’s most notable criminals including the much loved and despised Ned Kelly. It is here where Ned Kelly would eventually be hanged along with well over 100 others from the gaols operation from 1842 to 1929.

Or take to the city’s alleyways for one of Australia’s greatest street art scenes (the most notable being Hosier Lane). Street art covers almost every nook and cranny of Melbourne, and the city is home to some incredible worldwide talent. It is truly a creative, colourful city, with street murals, and spray painted laneways from Fitzroy, through to the CBD.

The Foodie

Travelers hit up Melbourne for it’s sports and culture scene, though most leave with an insatiable craving for more of the city’s fine food, wine, and coffee.

The food scene in Melbourne is exciting, cultural, vibrant, and has a fantastic diversity of restaurants. You will find multi cultural foods and fresh Australian produce served across a huge range of gourmet restaurants, traditional historic pubs, boutique cafes, cool rooftop bars, and exceptional coffee shops.

Apart from the sensational food, there’s also the booming wine industry. Less than an hour drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a popular destination among locals for a weekend break. The region is known for its flagship chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wines, though it is also known for its local breweries and artisan cider producers.

OUR FAVORITE MELBOURNE / AUS TRAVEL GUIDES: CLICK PHOTO ↓

Lonely Planet Pocket Melbourne

Lonely Planet Melbourne & Victoria

Fodor’s Australia

SPREAD THE WORD! PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓

Melbourne is a pretty safe bet in terms of a vacation, though how do you know if it is the destination for you? What kind of travelers does the city suit?

Melbourne is a pretty safe bet in terms of a vacation, though how do you know if it is the destination for you? What kind of travelers does the city suit?

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.