Melbourne Neighbourhoods, Locations and Districts

(Melbourne, Victoria - VIC, Australia)



Melbourne Districts and LocationsMelbourne is divided up into various neighbourhoods, locations, districts and interesting areas, full of many top tourist attractions in the city centre, major landmarks, historic buildings, restaurants and viewpoints. The main neighbourhoods and districts in Melbourne include the following areas.

City Centre

Melbourne City Centre is an orderly grid work of wide, crossing streets, edged by the scenic Yarra River. There are a number of major developments in Melbourne City Centre, including shopping malls, the arts precincts around the National Gallery and many historic monuments.


One of the most imposing features in Melbourne city centre is the recently constructed Federation Square, which is the size of an entire city block. This vast complex incorporates stunning architecture, an enormous atrium, galleries, cinemas, restaurants, cafés, wine bars, function centres, meeting rooms, and Melbourne's Federation Square regularly hosts many of the most important festivals in the Melbourne and Victoria area.

South Melbourne and Richmond

South Melbourne and Richmond are two riverside districts close to central Melbourne. Home to the impressive Southgate shopping and leisure development, and Melbourne's oasis, the Royal Botanic Gardens, South Melbourne and Richmond also features some truly excellent restaurants and the world-famous Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), hosting many major cricket matches and Australian Rules Football championships.

Melbourne Districts and Locations

St. Kilda

Located around 6 km / 4 miles to the south of Melbourne city centre, Melbourne's St. Kilda district is a cosmopolitan suburb, next to the Port Phillip Bay. Major attractions in the St. Kilda district include St. Kilda Beach, Elwood beach, St. Kilda Marina, St. Kilda pier and the St. Kilda Botanical Gardens. The St. Kilda district of Melbourne also features lively street life, Luna Park - Melbourne's historic amusement park, and the Esplanade, which runs parallel to the beachfront, attracting markets and street entertainers.

Carlton

Melbourne's Carlton district, to the north of the Central Business District (CBD), features some of the finest and most impressive residential streets in Melbourne. Full of enchanting Victorian houses with many period features, the Carlton district of Melbourne is best known for is central strip, Lygon Street, Melbourne's 'Little Italy'. Lygon Street has a large Italian population and is full of traditional Italian restaurants and cafés, making the Carlton district one of the most popular places for dining out in Melbourne.

Fitzroy and Collingwood

The Fitzroy and Collingwood district of Melbourne can be found 2 km / 1.5 miles to the south of Melbourne city centre and Fitzroy is often referred to as Melbourne's 'Bohemian Quarter'. With many interesting and unique shops, restaurants, cafés and bars, Fitzroy is home to some of Melbourne's best nightclubs and is known for its lively nightlife.

Melbourne Districts and Locations

Southbank

The Southbank district is situated on the southern bank of the Yarra River and here you will find the popular Victorian Arts Centre, with its tall structure that resembles the Paris Eiffel Tower. Other attractions in Melbourne's Southbank district include the enormous Crown Entertainment Complex - with a vast selection of shops, restaurants, cafés and one of the largest casinos in the world, open throughout the day and night. Nearby, Melbourne's Southbank district is also home to the Melbourne Aquarium and the Melbourne Convention Centre.

Prahran, South Yarra and Toorak

Prahran, South Yarra and Toorak are located on the right-hand side of the Yarra River, close to Melbourne city centre. South Yarra has become one of the trendiest areas in Melbourne and to the west, Toorak is a particularly wealthy area, with many of Melbourne's most palatial homes and mansions. Chapel Street, in Melbourne's Prahran and South Yarra area is filled with stylish fashion boutiques, wine bars and enticing nightclubs. Nearby, Commercial Road is one of the many gay locations in Melbourne and is lined with clubs, bars and attractions. At the weekend, Melbourne's Greville Street hosts a particularly popular market, with many market stalls selling vintage clothings and collectables.

Williamstown

The Williamstown district of Melbourne was officially founded in 1837, when it was Melbourne's seaport. Featuring the natural harbour area of Hobsons Bay, Williamstown thrived until the Port of Melbourne was developed in the 1880s, suddenly making Williamstown the secondary port of Melbourne city. The beauty and history of Melbourne's Williamstown district has now been rediscovered and it is becoming a popular tourist destination in its own right, with many impressive historic attractions, scenic views and ferry rides across the bay.