Melbourne Central

You'll find retail, dining, and entertainment options at Melbourne Central, including a LEGO store, Hoyts movie theater, the Pancake Parlour, a bowling alley, Coles, and Cotton On. But it’s more than just a shopping destination; Melbourne Central has unique and historic architecture, ample parking, and abundant transport options. It's a convenient hub from which to explore the many offerings of downtown Melbourne.

• Melbourne Central Car Park (via Lonsdale and La Trobe streets) never closes and offers rates that range from a flat rate of A$13 after 5pm to A$16 per hour. Some retailers validate promotions.

• To save while you spend, validate your parking ticket at Guest Services to get one hour of parking for A$8 between 7am and 5pm, for every A$10 you spend the mall.

• Head to Level 2 for a break at the Parents Retreat, which has a play area, changing tables, breastfeeding cubicles, and a microwave.

Thanks to its central location, you can get to Melbourne Central by car, tram, train, and bus. Metro Train is the most convenient, which takes you to the Melbourne Central train station beneath the center. The city circle tram route is also easily accessible. The center has 822 parking stalls for parking your car, accessed via Lonsdale and La Trobe streets.

While individual retailer hours may vary, Melbourne Central hours are from 10am to 7pm Sunday–Wednesday and until 9pm on Thursday and Friday. Many cafés open before the official 104am opening. Many retailers on Level 3, including the theater and bowling alley, are open late for business. For the calmest, quietest hours—and best chance at parking—hit stores in the morning hours.

Hanging 40 feet (12 meters) high in Shot Tower Square is a giant golden Seiko pocket watch. Every hour on the hour a secret compartment opens up to reveal two golden marionettes and wild Australian birds. The birds sing a sweet rendition of Waltzing Matilda, a beloved Australian folk song by Banjo Paterson, widely accepted as the unofficial national anthem of Australia. Look behind the watch on the second floor to see the koalas that help to keep the time.