AIME 2025
Explore Melbourne like a local at AIME 2025
Melbourne has a knack for exceeding expectations . From its renowned coffee culture and lush green spaces to vibrant markets , diverse dining options and a fervent love for sport .
With AIME bringing the global business events , incentives and meetings industry to Melbourne , there ’ s never been a better time to explore its many offerings .
Start the day at one of Melbourne ’ s vibrant markets , overflowing with gourmet delights and cultural charm . Queen Victoria Market , a city institution since 1878 , is a must . Wander through the Dairy Produce Hall for free deli samples , or join the snaking queue for iconic hot jam doughnuts at the American Doughnut Kitchen .
Go shopping and experience the high-end allure of Collins Street ’ s ‘ Paris End ’ to the quirky vintage pop-ups lining Fitzroy ’ s Smith Street . Either way , you ’ ll be leaving with some local style .
Melbourne ’ s title as Australia ’ s garden city is well-earned , with grassy escapes dotted throughout its urban landscape . The Royal Botanic Gardens , just a stone ’ s throw from the CBD , is an oasis of calm with sprawling lawns and serene lakes .
Not a jogger ? No worries . Experience Melbourne ’ s beloved Yarra River while sipping a cocktail at floating bars such as Yarra Botanica or Arbory Afloat , or cruise into the sunset with a Go Boat picnic ( no boating licence required ).
For art lovers , the National Gallery of Victoria ( NGV ) houses an impressive collection of art spanning centuries and styles , and general entry is free .
But Melbourne doesn ’ t just reserve art for galleries . Its creativity spills onto the streets , where its laneways are open-air canvases alive with murals . Hosier Lane is the most famous , with ever-changing street art that makes each visit feel like a fresh experience .
Locals will know that coffee isn ’ t just a drink , it ’ s a religion . That ’ s why Melbourne ’ s cafés are as diverse as the
Queen Victoria Market
Melbourne ’ s iconic laneways
neighbourhoods they call home . From hole-in-the-wall espresso bars to sprawling , plant-filled cafés , the city takes its brews seriously . Standing-room-only Patricia Coffee Brewers is an ode to Melbourne ’ s charm and trend , while Code Black ’ s industrial Brunswick home sends the aroma of freshly roasted beans down Sydney Road .
When it ’ s time to eat , Melbourne ’ s dining scene delivers a place for every craving . Carlton ’ s Lygon Street is an Italian flavour icon with handmade pasta , woodfired pizza and gelato . In Richmond , Victoria Street delivers Vietnamese staples like pho and banh mi . Chapel Street in Windsor is buzzing with bold modern Asian eateries , and Chinatown in the CBD has everything from quick dumpling stops to elegant dinners .
Similarly , Melbourne ’ s bar scene is all about options , from cosy corners to rooftop revelry . Eau de Vie is a speakeasy straight out of a film noir , with cocktails that double as performance art . For drinks with a view , the aptly named ‘ Rooftop Bar ’ in Curtain House is a walk-in only favourite for locals and city workers .
Getting around Melbourne is easy if you know the ropes . The free tram zone covers the CBD , making it simple to hop between laneways , bars and galleries . Heading further afield ? Grab a Myki card ( available at train stations and 7 / 11 stores ) to access the trains , trams and buses that connect the city .
Melbourne is a city of contrasts . Vibrant yet laid-back , historic yet cutting-edge , with four seasons in a single day . Unapologetically itself , it ’ s a city that leaves a lasting impression and the perfect backdrop for both business and adventure . S
Check out the Melbourne Events Calendar at whatson . melbourne . vic . gov . au
40 Executive PA | Autumn Issue 2025