Melbourne’s South Wharf and neighbouring Southbank precinct stretches southwards from the Yarra River, allowing pedestrians strolling along the waterfront to take in glamorous views of the city, enjoy quirky public art and stop off at world-class restaurants and top tourist attractions.

Guests to the Pan Pacific Melbourne, located in the centre of South Wharf, are within walking distance of Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, the Polly Woodside ship and great shopping at DFO South Wharf.

The National Gallery of Victoria is the largest and most visited art institution in Australia, founded in 1861.

The collection is split across two contemporary buildings; NGV International in the Southbank arts precinct, which houses its impressive international art collection, and the Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square, home to a stunning Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous art collection dating from the Colonial period to present. The collections of both venues amass some 90,000 pieces, rotated regularly for the public to enjoy.

Both gallery spaces are free to enter, with special exhibitions sometimes occurring a small fee, making the venues both a mecca for art aficionados and families keeping an eye on their budget. Be sure to visit their design stores for a range of unique products created in collaboration with leading artists and designers.

Serving well to Melbourne’s sports-mad population, the annual Australian Open sees thousands of tennis fans flocking to Melbourne Park’s Rod Laver, Hisense and Margaret Court arenas in the last fortnight of January.

Founded in 1905, the Australian Open is the first of the four major Grand Slam events, ahead of the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open. The Australian Open is a must for any tennis fan and guests of Pan Pacific Melbourne can easily access the venue via public transport. 

The grand Queen Victoria Market building dates back to the 19thcentury and the surrounding market space spans an entire seven city blocks, making it a magnet for people after fresh-food shopping, clothing, jewellery, arts and crafts, souvenirs and more.

The largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere, Queen Vic is a Melbourne institution and the old market hall is home to quality butchers, bakers and master chocolatiers. Bring along your shopping bags and do not forget your wallet for what is in store.

For the best way to get around, book a walking tour to learn about the mega market’s history and gain insider knowledge on the best buys and tasty treats. The markets are open every day but Monday and Wednesday, with live music entertaining Sunday’s crowds. 

The history of the Royal Botanic Gardens is one of engineering beauty. What was once swampland was transformed over a 60-year period into a sublime 38-hectare urban oasis, just southeast of Southbank and the Melbourne CBD.

Thoughtfully placed among quiet lakes and manicured lawns are some 8,500 plant species from Australia and beyond, making up 31 plant collections that include the much-loved Fern Gully, Australian Forest Walk, Tropical Glasshouse and Southern China Collection.

Weekday or weekend, it is always a tranquil getaway from the busy city centre and the Gardens are host to daily events that range from high tea or rowing around the waterways to Aboriginal heritage walks and art classes.

Melbourne is crowned the sporting capital of Australia, but the title does not just refer to its obsession with AFL. Horseracing is massively popular and there is no greater sports event in the Spring Racing Carnival calendar, held across October and November at racecourses in and around the Victorian capital, than the 3,200 metres Melbourne Cup.

Dating back to 1861, the Melbourne Cup brings punters and fashion-lovers in their best racing garb to Flemington racecourse for a day of great entertainment. Don your best fascinator, enjoy a glass of bubbles and countdown to a race watched by Australians the nation over.

There is something special about watching Melbourne come to life from well above, people busily rushing through the city below, skyscrapers and landmarks such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Royal Botanic Gardens and Royal Exhibition Building stretching upwards, now kissed by the morning sun as a new day is signalled. A sunrise trip in a hot air balloon over Melbourne is a magical experience and equally as wonderful in the evening.

Head out of town and into nearby countryside for a similarly spectacular Yarra Valley hot air balloon experience that lets you see the Yarra River snake through rolling hills, in-between picturesque towns, vast farms and vineyards.

Whether city or countryside, booking a hot air balloon flight package over Melbourne or the Yarra Valley with Picture This Ballooning or Global Ballooning, adds to an unforgettable Melbourne adventure. 

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is just a stone’s throw from Pan Pacific Melbourne and caters to a plethora of different events throughout the year.

One of Australia’s most-awarded meeting and events venues, MCEC has hosted international speakers, gala dinners and dramatic concerts. MCEC offers a number of incredible meeting spaces, in-house catering with locally-sourced produce and leading technology, making it a convenient location for your next event.

Discover the new MCEC expansion as it further cements Melbourne as a leading destination for events.