Book a trip from London to Melbourne with Cathay Pacific , fares from GBP879

There are several transportation options available for getting to downtown Melbourne from the airport. The most convenient option is to take a taxi, with designated taxi ranks located close to all airport terminals. This usually takes around 30 minutes to reach downtown Melbourne. On the other hand, if you prefer taking public transportation, the Skybus is a public bus service that runs regularly from the airport to various locations in the city and can take you approximately 45 minutes to get to the city centre.

For those starting their holiday with an interest in modern and thought-provoking art, The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art  (ACCA) is the place to be. Located in the vibrant Southbank Arts Precinct, ACCA is housed in a distinctive rust-red building designed by Wood Marsh Architects, which is considered a piece of art itself. The centre operates in the Kunsthalle tradition, commissioning cutting-edge exhibitions from both Australian and international artists rather than maintaining a permanent collection. Visitors can expect to explore innovative artworks ranging from immersive installations to audio-visual presentations and sculptures, often showcasing emerging artists. ACCA typically hosts one or two major exhibitions at a time, with entry always free, making contemporary art accessible to all. The gallery's location is very convenient, just a 10-minute walk from Flinders Street Station and well-served by tram routes, with nearby cafés and other cultural venues to complement a visit.

Dating back to 1900, Puffing Billy is one of Australia’s best-preserved steam railways, offering a nostalgic journey through lush temperate rainforest, rolling hills, and charming countryside just 60 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. Riding in the open-sided carriages, travellers can enjoy fresh mountain air and gently dangle their legs over the carriage’s edge—an iconic and thrilling feature unique to this railway. The train chugs along narrow-gauge tracks, passing towering Mountain Ash trees, fern gullies, and peaceful streams. Key stops include Lakeside Station, where the Lakeside Visitor Centre offers a modern café, local gift shop, and gallery of steam artefacts. The journey also reaches Emerald Lake Park, inviting visitors to relax, picnic, or paddle on the lake, and the quaint town of Gembrook with cosy cafés and shops.

For those looking to finish their holiday with a mix of awe-inspiring scenery, outdoor adventure, and local culture, consider travelling down the Great Ocean Road. Key attractions include the famous Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean, best viewed at sunrise or sunset for a magical experience. Nearby is Loch Ard Gorge, known for its stunning cliffs and a small sandy beach perfect for exploration. Nature lovers can enjoy the Otway National Park with its rainforest walks, waterfalls such as Erskine Falls, and wildlife spotting, including koalas seen along the road between Lorne and Apollo Bay. Adventure seekers can try surfing at Bells Beach or take the Otway Fly Treetops Walk for a unique perspective from high above the forest canopy.

Make your trip from London to Melbourne one to remember by booking luxury accommodation with Cathay Holidays. With us, you’ll discover a wondrous world of rewards, including special accommodation, room upgrades, and lounge access. Known for its elegant design and exceptional service, The Langham offers beautifully designed rooms and suites with modern comforts like flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. Wellness is a highlight at The Langham, with the tranquil Chuan Spa offering aromatherapy, body scrubs, facials, and massages inspired by Chinese medicine. The indoor 15-meter pool, fully equipped fitness studio, sauna, steam room, Pilates, and yoga classes provide excellent options for relaxation and fitness. Dining is equally refined, with the Melba Restaurant serving fresh local produce, seafood, Asian wok-fried dishes, and Indian tandoori specialities, while the ARIA Bar & Lounge offers the hotel's famous Afternoon Tea featuring Wedgwood tea. Located close to key cultural and entertainment venues, guests can easily explore the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Crown Casino, Chapel Street shopping district, and the Emporium Melbourne retail centre. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, Mercure Welcome Melbourne combines affordability with a central location. The hotel features contemporary rooms equipped with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, and tea/coffee making facilities. Guests can enjoy a hot buffet breakfast at the on-site Louden Kitchen & Grill, or opt for casual café-style fare at Soul Café, perfect for a relaxed start to the day.  Its prime location places guests within walking distance of major attractions such as the Emporium Shopping Centre, Chinatown, Federation Square, and the National Gallery of Victoria. Sports and entertainment venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Rod Laver Arena, and Crown Casino are also nearby. With tram stops right outside the hotel, guests can easily explore further afield. By booking a holiday package or hotel through Cathay Holidays, you will be able to earn additional miles for your stay.

Melbourne entices food enthusiasts with its wide selection of restaurants, where culinary traditions from across the world converge to create an exquisite gastronomic experience. Yūgen Dining offers a luxurious and innovative Asian dining experience, blending traditional Japanese techniques with bold Asian fusion flavours in a stylish subterranean setting. The menu is creatively crafted, showcasing premium ingredients and modern presentations. Popular dishes to try include the Tasmanian Salmon served with green apple, salmon roe, puffed rice, and sudachi vinaigrette, and the Red Snapper with jamon, kombu, lime, and shiso soy for a light, flavour-packed start. The restaurant's signature Prawn Toast, made with Chinese doughnut and chilli amazu, exemplifies its modern reinterpretation of classic flavours. For meat lovers, the Shio Koji Marinated MBS 9+ Wagyu Striploin with tarragon ponzu and shichimi lime or the Barbecued Lamb Chop with cumin and charred chilli are standout options. For those opting for a waterfront dining alternative, Stokehouse Pasta & Bar is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired restaurant ideal for those seeking a stylish and flavourful dining experience. The menu blends fresh seafood, quality meats, and house-made pasta in a relaxed beachside setting, perfect for savouring elegant yet approachable dishes. Popular items include the crab and chilli spaghetti, praised as a beachside classic available in entrée, main, or family size for sharing. Seafood lovers will enjoy the king prawn cocktail and Shark Bay scallops with ginger oil dressing. For hearty mains, options like the slow-cooked smoked lamb with quince and radicchio and the 500g aged sirloin on the bone demonstrate the kitchen’s commitment to rich, satisfying flavours. Pasta selections like baked gnocchi with sugo, béchamel, and parmesan and tagliatelle with veal ossobuco and sage gremolata highlight the Italian influence.

There’s plenty to remember when flying to a new destination. Here is some information that you should know before your flight to Melbourne.

• Currency: Australian Dollar ($, AUD). Find out the current conversion rate.
• Plug: 230V Type I
• Time zone: GMT+11. Daylight savings push this forward one hour from October to April.
• Language: English