Book tickets for the larger shows at Ticketek (13 28 49 or toll free (1800) 06 28 49) or try Halftix for half-price samy day tickets.
The top cultural landmark in Melbourne has to be the Victorian Arts Center, which hosts the Australian Ballet, Australian Opera and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Sure, it may not be known like the Sydney Opera House, but it's no less impressive. You'll also find the Melbourne Concert Hall, the Arts Complex and the National Gallery of Victoria here. Within the center are five different venues for various types of shows - State Theater for drama, opera and dance performances; Melbourne Concert hall; Playhouse for dramatic hits; George Fairfax Studio for mostly plays and the Black Box for musicals and productions geared toward the under-35 crowd.
The Princess Theater is considered one of Melbourne's top theater venues. Originally built in 1886, it was refurbished in the 1980s for "The Phantom of the Opera" and is said to be haunted by the ghost of actor Frederici.
National Theater plays host to offbeat entertainment such as modern dance, world music and opera, while Regent Theater offers big-name touring shows - if you're looking for the latest show with your favorite celeb, this is probably where you'll find it.
Don't forget La Mama theatre in Carlton, birthplace of many new Australian plays and showcase for some of the country's finest actors