Prince Andrew pays a special visit to Melbourne

Melbourne has had a brush with royalty, welcoming Prince Andrew for the first time in more than a decade.

The Duke of York touched down in Australia last night, and plans to spend the next few days in Melbourne before heading north.

His first official visit was to the Shrine of Remembrance today, where he toured the Hall of Medals, and laid a wreath inside The Sanctuary.

"He's chosen to do that because he has a deep connection with the service and sacrifice of Australia's personnel," Dean Lee, CEO of the Shrine, told 9NEWS.

The next stop on the tour was to see what our leading scientists are up to, with a visit to the Murdoch Children's Research Institute.

His Royal Highness spent time chatting with specialists in stem cell research, and seemed very engaged.

"He had many questions about the range of our research," Professor Kathryn North said.

"He was incredibly friendly, charming. It was a pleasure for us all."

Prince Andrew will stay in Melbourne until Thursday, when he jets north to Queensland.

He will also spend time in Sydney, before wrapping up the Australian tour towards the end of the month.