Best Time To Visit: Melbourne is a year-round destination, though the prime cruising season is October to April.

Key Cruising Areas: As well as its own unique charms, Melbourne is well-placed for a cruise of the southern Australian ports including Adelaide and Sydney, and the island of Tasmania. For a longer sail, the east coast offers many interesting options including the Great Barrier Reef at the north.

Don’t Miss: The Eureka Skydeck is a thrilling, unique way to view the city. Sitting in a glass box projecting from the 88th floor of the skyscraper will test the strongest of nerves! However, the 360° view of the city from the highest vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere is an absolute must.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: The dining scene of Melbourne is world-renowned. Whether you fancy brunch at a rustic café, a stylish dinner with a view from the top of a skyscraper, or a trendy lunch in a rooftop bar, you will find it in Melbourne. The only difficulty will be deciding which of the hundreds of restaurants to try! A good place to start is the beautiful setting of Vue de Monde at the top of the Rialto. Stunning city views, delectable food and perfectly matched wine promise a wonderful fine dining experience.

Best Local Dish: A city with great taste grown from a port city can’t fail to have excellent local seafood dishes. For an experience that encompasses Australian food, heritage, art, and landscape, visit the incredible gourmet retreat of Burnham Beeches. Try the fresh salads and barramundi burger at Piggery Café, accompanied by a Yarra Valley wine.

Local Culture: Melbourne is touted as the cultural capital of Australia, and you could spend days exploring the museums, galleries, and exhibitions here. See Phar Lap’s body at the Melbourne Museum, view Rembrandts and Bonnard's at the National Gallery of Victoria, or learn some of Australia’s sporting history at the National Sports Museum.

Best Beach: A quick sail takes you down to Port Phillip Bay, where Sorrento Beach sits in a blue sea. The sheltered waters are home to Burman and Bottlenose Dolphins, and Australian fur seals and picturesque jetties jut out into the shallow bay. A nice café and nearby walking trails make this a lovely place to spend the afternoon.

IYC recommends: Experience the true Melbourne ambience summed up in one building. Curtin House is a six-story vertical lane, filled with bars and eateries with creative menus and the atmosphere of an Olde Worlde book shop. Take the tiny lift to sample unique Mexican cuisine at Mesa Verde, view a movie in the outdoor cinema, or enjoy a cocktail in the very “Melbourne” rooftop bar with wonderful views of the city at night.