5 Compelling Reasons to Fly Direct to Melbourne from the US West Coast
Chances are, you've heard the hype: Why has Melbourne dominated the Global Liveability Index for over a decade? How did its restaurants, cafes, and bars become must-visits for food lovers worldwide? Once the capital of the British colony of Victoria in 1851, this Victorian outpost has evolved into a global hub of cool.
Now is the perfect time to experience it firsthand. Starting October 29, United Airlines expanded nonstop service from the West Coast. In addition to flights from Los Angeles, new nonstop routes from San Francisco mark the airline's largest international expansion from SFO. These flights operate exclusively on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, featuring the largest self-shading windows in aviation, smooth-ride technology, and 20% greater eco-efficiency than a 767. Enjoy complimentary meals, snacks, beer, and wine—even in Economy—setting the stage for Melbourne's renowned drinking culture.
Dreamliners are among the fastest passenger jets, ideal for crossing the Pacific as North America's winter approaches. Upon arrival, Melbourne's Southern Hemisphere spring bursts with energy in its iconic laneways, events, and landscapes. Discover four more reasons to visit.
Iconic Laneways and Arcades: A World of Discovery
Melbourne's pedestrian laneways thrive year-round but explode with life in spring and summer (now through early next year in Northern Hemisphere terms). Long, sunny days invite endless strolling, dining, shopping, and people-watching. For adventurers, getting lost reveals hidden gems; otherwise, join Hidden Secrets Tours, Melbourne's original walking tour, for history, culture, and tips on the perfect flat white.
Start on Flinders Lane, boasting top restaurants like Chin Chin, Ezard, and Cecconi’s; galleries such as Anna Schwartz and Flinders Lane Gallery; Craft Victoria; and the trendy Adelphi hotel with its legendary rooftop pool.
Architecture fans adore The Block Arcade (1892), a French Renaissance marvel housing luxury brands like Georg Jensen, French Jewelbox, and Haigh’s Chocolates.
Street art seekers must visit Hosier Lane for vibrant murals and nearby AC/DC Lane, named after the rock legends with their lightning bolt signage.
Melbourne's suburbs (or "boroughs") are laneway hotspots too. The Telegraph ranked Fitzroy among the world's hippest neighborhoods—above Paris's Canal Saint-Martin and London's Shoreditch—for its art, cafes, shops, and bars like Naked in the Sky. For waterfront views, try Captain Baxter in St. Kilda. Footscray, named to Time Out's World's Coolest Neighborhoods, hosts the Laneway Festival (past lineups included Ocean Alley).
World-Class Food Scene: Unrivaled Excellence
Melbourne dominated the Gourmet Traveller awards, with Attica named Australia's Restaurant of the Year for chef Ben Shewry's innovative indigenous Australian cuisine. Book early—reservations are highly competitive. Di Stasio Città earned New Restaurant of the Year for its Italian fare and art-filled theater-district vibe. Leanne Altmann of Cutler & Co, Marion, and Supernormal won Sommelier of the Year.
Long a foodie paradise, Melbourne offers everything from casual bites to fine dining, including Neapolitan-level pizza at DOC in Carlton and cutting-edge coffee. Intimate wine bars like Bar Margaux and Eau de Vie capture local nightlife. Nearby Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula wine regions beckon for guided tours.
Endless Festivals and Events
Melburnians celebrate with style, from the hat-adorned Melbourne Cup (first Tuesday in November) to Melbourne Music Week (more live venues than Austin). The Australian Open in January fills Melbourne Park with tennis, music, and pop-ups. March's Melbourne Food & Wine Festival features 250+ events.
Nature Awaits Just Beyond the City
The Penguin Parade on Phillip Island—home to Australia's largest Little Penguin colony—is unmissable. The award-winning Phillip Island Penguin Visitor Centre offers sustainable facilities and prime sunset viewing.
Drive The Great Ocean Road for surf, parks, wildlife, wildflowers (through November), and the dramatic 12 Apostles limestone stacks. Celebrating its centenary, this iconic route is a bucket-list essential.
