Melbourne, Australia, offers one of the most breathtaking coastal vacation destinations in the world. In addition to its gorgeous scenery and luxurious beaches, you'll also find excellent restaurants, entertainment, cultural hubs, and nightlife venues. When you book a Melbourne beach vacation rental, you'll have a comfortable place to call home during your stay.

Head to the Melbourne City Centre to get yourself acquainted with the local culture and amenities. You'll find many attractions here, from theaters and shopping venues to sports arenas and art galleries. The City Centre also houses several museums, including the Melbourne Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits that relate to natural and cultural history. To view beautiful local flora, visit the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens. Here, you can walk well-manicured paths that guide you around beds of beautiful flowers and other plants. Outdoor lovers can also enjoy afternoons at the Melbourne Zoo or the Dandenong Ranges. At night, you'll want to take a ride on the Old Melbourne Star, a Ferris wheel equipped with glass cabins.

Melbourne's weather can change quickly and unpredictably, so pack a raincoat and an umbrella just in case you get stuck in a spontaneous downpour. Even during summer, when temperatures tend to hover in the upper 70s, sudden cold fronts can drop the mercury and even produce hail. For the best experience, visit Melbourne in the early spring. Precipitation declines a bit during this season, so you won't have to worry about getting rained out of all your outdoor plans. Rainfall is also less common during the winter, but with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s, you might find yourself too cold to enjoy yourself outdoors.

To experience one of the quirkiest shopping venues in Melbourne, head to the Chapel Street Bazaar. It specializes in retro and vintage finds, from antique glassware to 1940s dolls. Each stall is run by a different owner, so you're always bound to find variety here. For souvenirs, stop by Melbournalia on Bourke Street and pick up an authentic Melbourne trinket for yourself or someone you love. Lovers of culture should tour the Arts Centre Melbourne Sunday Market, which features all types of art. You can meet the artists and pick up original pieces to take home.  Also, if you feel like cooking for yourself in your Melbourne beach vacation rental, hit the Carlton Farmers' Market, which boasts the freshest produce and other foods in the entire city. It's set up at Carlton Primary School.

Several amazing restaurants call Melbourne home. Start with the Taxi Kitchen. It's part comfort-food restaurant and part pub, serving a variety of beer on tap as well as an extensive menu of delicious cuisine. The friendly staff will help you feel at home right away. Next, try the Coda, which offers a more upscale environment. The Vietnamese fusion meals will leave you satisfied.