Vibrant Chinatown is a characterful district of central Melbourne, Australia. This iconic area is defined by its heritage and cultural venues. Nestled towards the eastern end of Little Bourke Street, it is home to all varieties of Asian cuisine. Dive into dim sum, sample sushi or indulge in Indian food within this melting pot of culinary pleasures. Alternatively, explore the museums, food stalls, herbalists and karaoke bars for a fun, exciting experience.
Once through the Chinese arches gracing the entrance, visitors step into a district of Asian delights. Streets are flanked by Chinese signs, as the sounds of animated chatter and fragrant food aromas fill the air. Walk to the Chinese Museum with its interactive “Finding Gold” experience. Within the museum, explore Dragon Gallery and discover the history of people from the Asia-Pacific region. Visitors can dine like locals in some of Melbourne’s favourite restaurants. All day buffets and dumpling houses tempt tourists to sample traditional, mouth-watering dishes. Those fortunate enough to explore Chinatown during market day, or at Chinese New Year will gain the full cultural experience. Dragons, music and lively parades line the avenues, as street hawkers come out to feed the hungry thousands.
Visitors already staying in Melbourne centre will find Chinatown easy to find and navigate on foot. Melbourne Central Train Station is just five minutes’ walk away. Trams operate to Chinatown stopping at Central Station, Bourke Street and Swanston Street. The nearest bus stop is on Lonsdale Street a couple of minutes from the gateway entrance. Melbourne is a city with exceptional bicycle paths, although the streets of Chinatown may be busy during peak periods. Taxi and Uber are also available.
Chinatown Melbourne is one of the longest running settlements outside Asia. The district was established in the mid-1800s during the gold rush when Chinese adventurers travelled to Australia hoping to find their fortune. Today, the area still thrives with an array of shopping, herbalist stores, festivals and eateries that are legendary throughout Australia and Asia.