Tourism is a significant industry in Melbourne, the capital city of the Australian state of Victoria. The city recorded a total of 2.7 million international overnight visitors. Domestic tourism to the city was also quite high as it was visited by 9.3 million domestic overnight visitors in the same year.
Melbourne’s popularity as a city tourist destination comes from the fact that it is hosts numerous cultural attractions including art galleries, museums, festivals, fashion and sporting events, and more. It is among the world’s most liveable cities and is considered among the world's friendliest cities.
# The CBD The CBD or the Melbourne City Centre comprises the two oldest areas of Melbourne, Queen Victoria Market, and the Hoddle Grid. Nearly every visitor to Melbourne visits The CBD for experiencing the true city life and for shopping. Five of Australia’s six tallest buildings are located in this part of Melbourne. It is also known as one of the street art meccas of the world. UNESCO has designated it as a City of Literature. Shopping at The CBD is also a popular tourist activity.
# Federation SquareA venue for culture, arts, and public events in the city of Melbourne, Federation Square attracts many visitors all year round. Several major cultural institutions like the Koorie Heritage Trust, Ian Potter Centre, etc., are located in this area. Cafes and bars dot the paved square. Visitors to the square can also access the underground Melbourne Visitor Centre. The Federation Square received 2,800,000 visitors that accounted for 10% of all visitors to Melbourne.
# Southbank Promenade
Melbourne’s premier culture destination, the Southbank Promenade has a lot to offer to its visitors. The Southern Hemisphere’s largest casino complex, the Crown Melbourne, is located here. The 975 ft tall Eureka Tower, Australia’s second-highest building here has the Eureka Skydeck observation tower on the 88th floor. The building also has other attractions like The Edge and Vertigo. The latter provides visitors an illusion of falling off the building. Other attractions in the Southbank Promenade include the Southgate, Ponyfish Island, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, and more.
# The Queen Victoria MarketRegarded as the favorite marketplace of Melbourne, Queen Victoria Market is visited by many tourists to the city. The market was started in the 19th century and is historically, socially, and architecturally significant. Guided tours to the market allow tourists to explore the vast array of fresh produce, learn about the market’s history, and also experience the hustle and bustle of the place. In 2017, Queen Victoria Market was visited by 2,400,000 tourists.
# Crown Entertainment Complex With 200,000 visitors in 2017, the Crown Entertainment Complex ranks as the fifth most visited destination in Melbourne. Although it is located in the Southbank Promenade, it needs special mention on the list. It covers an area of 510,000 square m and hosts four hotels, the Crown Metropol, the Crown Towers casino, and the Crown Promenade. Tourists to the complex can enjoy recreational activities, try their luck at the casino, shop to their heart’s content, and enjoy meals at the high-end restaurants located there.
# Docklands And Docklands StadiumThe Docklands is an inner western suburb of Melbourne that features shopping, restaurants, offices, and some modern landmarks of the city. The Docklands Stadium, a multipurpose sports, and entertainment stadium, is located here. The Melbourne Star, a giant Ferris wheel, is also another attraction in the Docklands locality. In 2017, 1,700,000 tourists visited the Docklands And Docklands Stadium making it Melbourne’s sixth most visited destination.