Melbourne is one of the greatest cities in the world.
I should know; I call this wonderful place home.
How did I end up here?
Well, after over a decade of continuous travel, during which I visited 100-odd countries and many more cities, I found myself faced with the difficult prospect of choosing just one place to settle.
So the fact that I had the entire world to choose from and decided that Melbourne was the best place in which to live? That should tell you all you need to know about how incredible this city is.
But don’t just take it from me: Melbourne has been ranking as one of world’s most liveable cities for well over a decade — even snapping up the top spot every now and then. There’s no doubt about it: this is a city that has tons to offer residents and visitors alike.
Many tourists in Australia tend to overlook Melbourne when it comes to planning their itineraries, opting instead to spend their time snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef or admiring the iconic landmarks of Sydney.
I view that as a huge mistake.
Melbourne has tons to offer its visitors. You’ve got beautiful beaches, expansive parks, glistening skyscrapers, bustling markets, hipster bars, excellent coffee, world-class street art, and the best brunches in the world.
But the best thing about it all? You’ll never feel as though you’re sharing the attractions with 362,403 tourists at the same time. You’ll feel like you’re living here, too. And there’s no greater feeling than that.
Being a travel writer, I hit the tourist ground running as soon as I moved to Melbourne. I’d taken a dozen-odd trips to the city before deciding to live here, but there were still so many attractions I’d yet to explore. And now that I’ve been here for many, many years? I feel confident in declaring that I know allll the the best things to do in Melbourne.
As always, I’ve personally tried and experienced every single item on this list myself and update the article whenever I discover something new. You can expect plenty of updates throughout 2024, too, as I’ve set myself the ambitious goal to try something new in this city every single week!
So grab yourself an oat flat white and get ready to start planning your trip. Here are the best things to do in Melbourne:
Buy Far Too Much Food at the Queen Vic Market
Now, if there’s one place in Melbourne that I always take visiting friends and family, it’s the Queen Victoria Market. This is one of my favourite markets in the world and it’s enormous.
If you’re staying in accommodation that has access to a kitchen, you’ll want to make this your first port of call when you arrive in the city. The food section of the market is jam-packed with seasonal produce; most of it with an Australian focus. After all, why go to a supermarket when you can pick up better quality food from the Queen Vic Market?
But even if you don’t plan on cooking while you’re in town, this is still a worthy place to explore. (I recommend going on a weekday before lunchtime to avoid the crowds).
I love the fruit and vegetable section, where you can find all sorts of weird and wonderful varieties of produce. I always pick up something unusual to try out whenever I’m here, whether it’s hot-pink kiwifruit or bright-white strawberries. Everything here is fresh, locally-sourced, and higher quality than the supermarkets.
The meat and fish sections are a delight to walk around. In particular, I recommend heading to Thompson Meat and picking up a bunch of different sausages to try at home. The kangaroo sausages are always a crowd-pleaser, but there’s dozens of other flavours to choose from, from English mustard to Thai basil chilli; beef burgundy to honey soy.
Away from the fresh produce, there’s a huge deli section plus a busy food court. The American Doughnut Kitchen is the most popular spot in the market, but my personal favourite is the Bratwurst Shop & Co. Their bratwursts are phenomenal so it’s rare for me to ever pay a trip to the market and not pick one up.
The Queen Vic Market hosts a number of events throughout the year, with none bigger than its popular night market. It runs year-round on Wednesday nights and is so much fun — definitely a good option if you don’t have access to a kitchen while you’re in town. It will, however, be extremely crowded, so go early for less stressful experience.
Sample a Flat White While You’re in the Best City for Coffee
Ask any coffee snob which city is home to best coffee in the world and if they’ve been to Melbourne, they’ll most likely confess it ranks top.
There’s a famous story in Melbourne. Way back in 2000, Starbucks expanded its operations into Australia but within less than a decade, had accumulated over $100 million in losses. Most of its stores sat empty. The company closed down a whopping 70% of its Australian cafes in response and has never really been able to gain a stronghold; this is one of the few countries in the world that is simply uninterested in what it has to offer.
Why go to Starbucks when you’ve got thousands of independent cafes offering far superior options?
I used to hate coffee. I was a committed tea-drinker for 30 years of my life, shuddering whenever I tasted the (to me) bitter, rough notes of a flat white.
Well, I eventually forced myself to try a Melburnian version — seeing as everybody couldn’t stop talking about them — and it was love at first sip. I love coffee now and drink it on a daily basis. (Well, I love the coffee in Melbourne, at least. I recently took a three-month trip and disliked every coffee I tried while I was away!)
So yes, if you’re a coffee fanatic, there’s no greater city in the world for getting caffeinated. Drinking lattes here has landed me with ridiculously high standards for this beverage, so drink with caution: you may find the coffees you drink back home will no longer do it for you.
No matter which neighbourhood you choose to base yourself in while you’re in Melbourne, there’ll be no end of excellent coffee shops to visit. After all, if you’re serving bad coffee, the locals won’t visit, and you won’t stick around for long.
Two of my favourite suburbs for coffee-drinking include Collingwood and Brunswick; be sure to head to either area if you want to try some of the best options in the city. I also have a whole range of coffee shop round-ups over on Everything Victoria (my Victoria travel site), so if you love your caffeine, go grab some recommendations for your time in town. Some of my favourites include:
- Woodside Green, Carlton
- Code Black, Brunswick
- Calere Coffee, Fitzroy
- Proud Mary, Collingwood
- Patricia Coffee Brewers, the CBD
Check Out Flinders Street Station and Federation Square
Meet me under the clocks.
Meet me on the steps.
Utter either of these two phrases to a Melburnian and they won’t have any confusion over where you’re talking about. Flinders Street Station is where locals gather; a popular meeting place for friends, it’s not only the busiest train station in the southern hemisphere, but also Australia’s oldest train station.
Most likely, it’s the most photographed building in the city.
There’s no question, then, that any trip to Melbourne couldn’t be complete without you taking your own shot of the city’s most iconic landmark. Take the time to admire its facade: the turquoise copper dome, the yellow brick walls, and the original clocks from 1854.
When the clocks were first installed, in fact, in the early 1900s, they had to be manually altered by somebody holding a very long pole. Every 30 seconds, the worker would change the time, meaning they were having to alter the clocks almost 3000 times in a 24 hour period!
Pair your visit to Flinders Street Station with a stroll around Federation Square. You can think of this spot as the main public square of Melbourne. Set on the banks of the Yarra River, this lively area is perfect for people-watching and taking a break from sightseeing.
There’s always something happening here on the weekends, whether it’s a sports game up on the big screen, a performance on the stage, an art installation to admire, or even a festival! With plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants, museums, and galleries, there’s enough going on for you to spend a full day exploring Fed Square’s delights. (But only on the weekends! It’s kind of a ghost town on weekdays.)
Catch a Game at (or Take a Tour of) the ‘G
Whether you’re a fan of Aussie Rules Football or once heard someone refer to it as “a blend of rugby and mugging somebody”, you can’t understand Melbourne without heading to the MCG and catching a game. Melburnians, in particular, are sports mad and that passion starts with their favourite footy team.
A whopping 10 of the top 18 AFL teams are from Victoria, which might give you some indication of just how popular the sport is over here.
If you’re planning a trip to Melbourne between March and September, look to buy a ticket for an AFL game at the city’s most hallowed stadium — you can view the events calendar on the MCG website. I’m personally not a fan of AFL, but even I consider this one of the most fun things you can do in the city. Because the MCG is enormous. The stadium can hold up to 100,000 people, making the ‘G the 11th biggest stadium in the world. If you manage to grab a ticket for a popular game, the atmosphere is out of this world.
But it’s not just AFL that calls the MCG its home. During the summer months, it’s all about the cricket — the Boxing Day Test is a huge event! — and occasionally, even concerts are held here. (Yes, Taylor Swift performed at the MCG earlier this year).
If you happen to time your visit during an unusually quiet period, I highly recommend signing up for the guided tour of the stadium, which is run by the MCG. It costs A$35 per person and you can book through Viator.
When my cricket-obsessed dad came out to visit me in November last year, when the AFL season was over but the cricket hadn’t yet begun, my whole family jumped on one of these tours instead and came away so impressed by the experience! My mum even names it the highlight from her time in Melbourne, despite not being a sports fan.
Our tour guide was absolutely fantastic, sharing insider secrets about the stadium, showing us all around the grounds, and revealing little-known facts about the matches that have taken place here. Our guide attended his first game at the ‘G in 1957[!] so he had personally experienced so much of the stadium’s history.
All that to say, even if you’re not a sports fan, this is absolutely something you should look to experience while you’re in Melbourne.
Learn About the City’s Past at the Old Melbourne Gaol
For a young city, Melbourne is home to a surprisingly interesting past. And it’s at the Old Melbourne Gaol where you’ll get to learn all about the region’s very own Wild West.
Because while America had its pioneers and gunslingers, Australia was home to bushrangers; none of whom were more famous than Ned Kelly.
In Australia, Ned Kelly and his gang are often praised as a symbol of resistance against social inequality and police corruption. Across the state of Victoria, they took part in bank robberies and shootouts, and their legacy today is subsequently rather complex. Some view Ned as a criminal and murderer while others celebrate him as a folk hero who was fighting against a biased establishment. Regardless, it’s impossible to travel around Melbourne and not encounter mentions of him on your journey.
The best place to learn more about his impact and life is at the Melbourne Gaol. The building opened back in 1842 and operated for over 80 years; during this time, 133 of the country’s most infamous outlaws were executed on its grounds — including Ned Kelly himself.
While this is a fairly pricey activity at A$35, I personally thought it was worth the entrance fee. The vast majority of the jail cells had information boards inside detailing the people who were imprisoned here, their crimes, and their experiences within their tiny cells. We spent two hours reading all the information on offer; there was much to learn!
Most unsettling for me was seeing the death masks of the prisoners. Back then, before photography, it was common to make a plaster mould of the prisoners’ faces after their execution, and several of these are on display in the gaol.
If you’re into getting spooked on your travels, check if there’s any availability for the candlelit night tours and ghost tours that the gaol runs on select days (usually Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays). You’ll hear about all the spooky happenings that have been uncovered over the years while getting a real sense for how poor the conditions must have been for prisoners.
Take Photos Inside the State Library of Victoria
The State Library is located just across the road from the Melbourne Gaol, so I recommend visiting both of them on the same outing.
This is one of my favourite buildings in the city, and I love taking visitors here to snap photos of the pleasing symmetry from the Dome’s viewing platform. Imagine being a student in Melbourne and getting to work in a library that looks like this.
One of the biggest mistakes that visitors make, however, is to head up to the viewing platform, take their photo, and leave. This enormous building is so much more than a library! On some visits, I’ve managed to spend as many as three hours roaming around all that it has to offer.
The best way to explore the space is to head to the top, then work your way down. When you enter the library, look for signs for the Dome Galleries and keep following them. Once you reach the reading room, jump in one of the lifts and take them to the top floor. That’s where you’ll find the famous viewpoint you can see in my photo above.
Just a word of warning: avoid visiting the State Library at lunchtime on the weekends. Protests are held outside the building every Saturday and Sunday with hundreds — sometimes thousands — of people turning up for each one. It’s loud, crowded, and tough to navigate past.
Roam Around the Royal Botanic Gardens
I chose to celebrate my 10 year anniversary with Dave at the Royal Botanic Gardens; that’s how much I love it here!
Located across the river from the MCG, and within walking distance of the CBD, this urban oasis is a surprisingly peaceful part of the city. Here, you can have a picnic on the grass, go punting on the lake, or wander through a forest full of towering ferns.
I tend to follow the same walking route through the gardens: entering from Gate A and walking around the perimeter of the Ornamental Lake in a counter-clockwise direction. Once I’m back at the start, I then follow the signs to Guilfoyle’s Volcano to the right.
This part of the garden is my favourite. The “volcano” is actually a reservoir; its water is pumped in by the Ornamental Lake and then gravity helps distribute it through the earth to the rest of the plants in the park! The viewpoint from the top is particularly impressive, looking out at the Melbourne skyline in the distance while the Arid Garden stretches out in front of you below.
After you’ve got your fill of cacti and succulents, move onward to the sizeable Australian Forest and New Zealand collection of plants. The beautiful palms collection always has me feeling like I’m hanging out on the equator, while nearby Fern Gully is one of the most atmospheric parts of the garden. If you happen to be in Melbourne when the Rose Garden is in full bloom (November or March), it makes for some excellent photos.
Plan to spend at least an hour at the Botanic Gardens, or better yet, buy some picnic foods from the Queen Vic market and spend an afternoon relaxing under the shade of a gum tree or two.
Pay Your Respects at the Shrine of Remembrance
The first time I stumbled upon the Shrine of Remembrance, I was taken aback. It felt like such a European example of architecture, rather than something you typically find in Australian cities.
This is Melbourne’s major war memorial, and the first to be built in Australia. It’s dedicated to all Australian soldiers — no matter which war they took part in — and is most well-known for the sizeable crowds that gather here for Dawn Service on ANZAC Day.
You could easily spend a full hour exploring this Melbourne landmark. Most visitors wander around the grounds of the Shrine before moving on, but the interior of the building is actually rather impressive. The shrine may look small, but it holds quite a few exhibitions and displays.
Start off in the beautiful gardens, taking a few moments at the Eternal Flame to pay your respects. Antipodean readers won’t want to miss the Lone Pine; grown from one of the pinecone seeds that a soldier brought back from Gallipoli.
Inside, you’ll find the Gallery of Remembrance; the walls of which are lined with thousands of war medals, plus artefacts and stories from Australia’s experiences at war. There’s even one of the lifeboats that was used during the landing at Anzac Cove on display.
Even if war history isn’t your kind of thing, and even if you’ve never even heard of Gallipoli, it’s worth entering the shrine to catch a glimpse of the views from the outdoor balcony. From up there, you can look down the length of Swanston Street all the way into the city.
You’ll Find the Best Views of the City at the Melbourne Skydeck
The Melbourne Skydeck is the perfect way to round off a trip to Melbourne. Once you get up to the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower, you’ll be able to spot all of the tourist attractions you’ve spent the past few days checking out.
I often bring friends here when they come to visit, but even as a local, I always enjoy the experience of towering over the city. This is the highest observation deck in the entire southern hemisphere — standing at 285 metres above the ground — and once you’re up there, it really does feel like it.
Unsurprisingly, you’re going to be blown away by the incredible 360° views you’ll have from the top. You’ll be able to look out towards the beachy suburbs in the south, the hipster neighbourhoods of the north, the rolling green hills of the east, and the mouth of the Yarra in west.
One of my favourite parts of the observation deck are all the free viewfinders that are scattered around its circumference. They’re fixed in place and pointing towards all of the city’s major landmarks, like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Flinders Street Station, and the Shrine of Remembrance — making it so easy to spot the city’s highlights from above.
One of my least favourite aspects of every observation deck I’ve ever been to is the difficulty in taking a photo without reflections from the glass walls. At the Skydeck, they actually have an outdoor terrace, where you can take photos through the gaps in the metal fencing without obstruction. While you’re on the terrace, make sure you stick around for a few minutes to watch the Edge, as it happens right beside you.
This is one of the main attractions of the Skydeck. Basically, you stand in a small glass cube and try very hard to remain calm as it slowly travels horizontally outside of the skyscraper and into the air, until you’re fully outside, looking straight down at the ground below you. You can see what I mean in my photo below. And yes, it’s a long way down.
Should you sign up to experience the Edge for yourself? I’ll be honest: it’s a little pricey (an additional $18 for five minutes in the box) and you can’t bring a phone in to take your own photos either. You do get a free digital photo included but, well, it’s not the best quality. The Edge experience itself was pretty cool, in that it’s not something that you can do in many places in the world, and it was a bit spooky to be able to look straight down to the ground below. At the same time, the views weren’t any different to what you can see elsewhere in the Skydeck.
It’s a bit of a gimmick.
Below, I’ve shared the photo that Dave and I got from our Edge experience. I mean, you can sort of see that we’re in a glass box, but it’s at a weird angle, doesn’t show much of the surrounding city, and is also tinted green.
Lots of people recommend visiting the Skydeck at sunset, but I’m not a huge fan of doing so. I find the glare of the sun makes it tough to make out some of the city viewpoints, and then I end up hanging around for an hour or two, just waiting for the city lights to turn on.
Instead, I recommend visiting in the middle of the afternoon, on a blue-sky day on a weekday. There’ll be hardly anybody there at that time of day (there was about 10 people total at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday) so you should have it all to yourself.
Aim to book the experience a couple of days before you plan to go, so you know when the weather will be at its best, as tickets are cheaper if you book online in advance (A$34 if you just turn up, or A$30 if you buy ahead of time).
Go Shopping in the Historic Arcades
Melbourne has several famed laneways, which we elaborate on below, but an extension of this is the city’s arcades. Allowing you to cut through buildings, the arcade lanes are shopping havens themselves and none are as prominent as the Block Arcade.
Like a scene from Harry Potter or Olde England, the Block Arcade features 19th century-style architecture and beautiful post beams. The grandeur is immediately obvious as you wander in. A simple stroll through will be enough for some, but there are many high-end stores in the arcade. Be sure to stop by Haigh’s for some fancy chocolate!
The Melbourne Museum
A great way to learn about Melbourne’s long history and the surrounding nature is to visit the Melbourne Museum. Here you can explore, in depth, the Aboriginal communities that lived along the Yarra River for thousands of years. The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Culture Center elaborates on their heritage, customs and art. Sit in the Deep Listening space to hear stories from the time of Creation to today.
The Melbourne Museum also has permanent and rotating exhibitions that show life in the city, from the Gold Rush Era through the 20th century, while the kids will be entertained in the children’s section.
Visit the National Gallery of Victoria
The oldest art museum in Australia, the NGV, is the highlight of Melbourne’s diverse arts scene. On the Yarra River’s Southbank, the National Gallery of Victoria houses over 70,000 works and is high on the list of best things to do in Melbourne.
Since opening in 1861, the gallery has presented several world-class exhibitions from touring artists. From Ai Wei Wei to a partnership with New York’s MoMA. Permanent exhibits focus on local Australian art from the colonial and convict eras to Aboriginal art from around the country.
Visitors will also have the chance to take part in classes and lectures or attend concerts and independent films.
Stroll Through the Laneways
Melbourne embracing street art and pop-up graffiti helped channel the city’s bursting creativity in a positive way. Over the years, the city’s iconic laneways have been filled with art. Much of which continually changes, seemingly covering the news and events better than the presenters themselves.
You can access many of the best graffiti alleys on foot from Flinders Street Station. These include Hosier Lane, Duckboard Place and AC/DC Lane. Although you can wander down these streets and take all the selfies you can, why not enjoy an artist’s perspective? Take a tour through the Melbourne’s street art scene before ending at an artist studio for a drink or two.
BYOB and Dumplings in Chinatown
Eating out in Melbourne is always a fun adventure. International cuisine is well covered, whether it be Thai, Ethiopian, Italian or a fusion of everything. Many restaurants allow guests to bring their own booze, which not only adds to the fun but cuts down on the bill. But what if I told you that you can drink and eat on the cheap without sacrificing flavor?
Melbourne’s bustling Chinatown is a maze of activity on any night of the week. Dumpling houses pack with residents, with chefs slinging dirt cheap but delicious dumplings in insane numbers. Wine is inexpensive here, so grab a bottle and take your pick of the dozens of restaurants. Our choice? Shanghai Village. The double-story restaurant is essentially a mess hall. With service so quick, don’t worry about the line out the door.
Ride Puffing Billy
Melbourne’s much-loved Puffing Billy is an old time steam train from the year 1900. The steam train roams through the beautiful Dandenong Ranges just out of the city center. The train’s early years were spent serving the local community, delivering anything from livestock to timber.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers, you can step back in time and experience a ride on a classic train while admiring the stunning scenery. The open carriages allow you the feel the wind pass by while you stick your head out the side. Enjoy food on board or grab a picnic and sit under the trees. Later, explore the museum to learn more about the famous Puffing Billy.
Dine on Lygon
Melbourne’s version of Little Italy is a gorgeous, shady street full of cafes and restaurants. The original buildings came to be in the late 19th century, but the influx of Italian migrants transformed the suburb of Carlton and Lygon Street into what we see today. Not only introducing locals to delicious eats, they played a huge role in Melbourne’s love of espresso coffee.
Today you can walk down the street in the afternoon and enjoy the community atmosphere, just a brief trip from downtown. In the evening, take your pick of world class restaurants, although the best ones will require a reservation.
Drive the Great Ocean Road
As one of the top tourist destinations, not just for Melbournians, but for all of Australia, the Great Ocean Road is an epic experience. You could consider the road a tourist trap, but the good thing about road trips is that it’s easy to avoid the crowds. Beginning at the coastal town of Torquay, grab yourself a fantastic brunch then start to drive.
The amazing coastline is as beautiful as it is rugged, having caused the demise of several ships throughout history. The roaring ocean continues to erode the coastline, creating dramatic cliffs and winding turns. Feel the ocean breeze, stop for a surf or continue on until you reach the 12 Apostles.
See the Penguins on Phillip Island
Only a straightforward two hour drive exists between Melbourne and one of Victoria’s best attractions. At the end of Phillip Island, is a penguin parade which occurs nightly. This natural phenomena see sometimes thousands of penguins return home to their shelters on the shoreline.
You can enjoy the spectacular sight from the comfort of the seats built above the sand. From there, an expert narrator will guide you through the experience. The first penguin bobbing up from the ocean will give you chills as the adorable creature waddles home.
In addition to this site, I also run a Victoria travel site, where I share insider tips for all of the most popular attractions across the state. I’m particularly proud of my enormous guide on the Phillip Island Penguin Parade — if you’re heading that way, be sure to have a read before you get there.
Have fun at Luna Park
Melbourne’s classic theme park, which opened in 1912, is home to a variety of fun activities for young and old. If you’re wondering what to do in Melbourne with kids, then here’s your answer.
Through the iconic entrance, you’ll find the pirate ship, giant drop, arcade and carnival games along with bumper cars and kids’ rides. The all-you-can-ride pass is inexpensive and provides great bang-for-buck.
Luna Park is home to the world’s oldest continuously operating rollercoaster. The ride may not reach the exploits of modern coasters seen at Disney World, yet the classic wooden ride has some butterfly-inducing drops and brilliant views of the city.
Grab a drink on the Yarra
Melbourne’s Yarra River may be murky and very much not for swimming, but the dining on the Yarra is one of the best things to do in Melbourne. The city has a famed hospitality scene which has taken over this part of town, an area that was once rundown.
When dining out or enjoying a drink on the Yarra, you have two choices, the north or south side. Southbank is home to some of the best restaurants in the city. With spectacular views at night when the skyscrapers are lit up, this is the perfect spot for date night. Every hour on the hour, mini-towers along the bank spurt fire towards the heavens. The simple yet spectacular sight is the perfect way to end your evening.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a pint during the day, then head to the other side. Right next to Flinders Street is the renowned Arbory. Set right on the river, the bar and eatery is always happening.
Ride the City Circle Tram
There are many exceptional free things to do in Melbourne, but perhaps the best of them is the City Circle Tram. Also known as the W-class Tram, this free form of public transport travels in a square shape around the city. Hop on and off as many times as you like until you complete the full route.
The City Circle Tram hits up many attractions on this list, including Federation Square and the Melbourne Gaol. But the ride itself is an experience. Sit back in an old Melbourne tram and listen to the commentary that elaborates on the sites you pass, offering a fascinating insight into local history.
See the Beach Boxes at Brighton Beach
The popular Brighton Beach is one of the most exclusive suburbs in Melbourne. Beyond the beachfront mansions are another sort-after piece of real estate: beach boxes. You may be confused at this point, but the famous boxes (essentially tiny garages) line this beach and others.
What began as changing rooms for ladies over 100 years ago has grown into a must-have. Today they store beach gear, shade and BBQs, perfect for a day at the beach. Those that own one have made sure to break out the paint and be creative. The colorful beach boxes are one of the most Insta-worthy spots in the city.
Once you’ve snapped your photos, stroll along the Brighton Coastal Walk for more views or jump into Port Phillip Bay for a refreshing swim.
Visit the Immigration Museum
One of the top museums in Melbourne is the Immigration Museum. Modern day Australia is a diverse community, with people hailing from all around the world. Found within the historic Old Customs House, this museum tells the tales of many generations of immigrants who left behind their lives to begin anew Down Under.
The many fascinating stories of newcomers make for interesting reading. While the many displays will help visitors understand both the journey to Australia and the difficulties faced once they arrived, from the Gold Rush era into the 20th century.
A top exhibit within the Immigration Museum is the Customs Gallery. The gallery explores Old Customs House, which was both a focus point for immigration along with trade in the 1800s.
Explore the Yarra Valley
Barossa Valley may be Australia’s premium wine-making region, but less than an hour out of Melbourne is one that’s just as picturesque. The mesmerizing rolling green hills alit with vineyards and farmsteads is the perfect escape from the bustle of downtown.
But far from just being easy on the eyes, Yarra Valley produces some amazing wines and ciders. The many estates open their door on a daily basis, welcoming guests and allowing them to try new and vintage creations.
Many of the top estates in the region have an expansive menu, allowing you to indulge not just a perfect pinot noir but to eat among the amazing scenery.
See the best of the Yarra Valley all the while sampling delicious wines and tasty treats on this 8-hour guided tour.
Take a Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride
Speaking of amazing scenery, why not enjoy a memorable sunrise from above? Anyone who has driven through Melbourne on a beautiful cloudless morning would have spotted the many hot-air balloons floating among the heavens. A lot of us have become so accustomed to it that we forget to try it, don’t make the same mistake.
As the sun comes up from the east, see the city light up against the early rays with the river and harbor sparkling. Away from the noise of traffic, have the best seat in the house. Better yet, enjoy a champagne breakfast when it’s all said and done.
Rather float above the Yarra Valley? Trade the city for wineries on this hot-air balloon experience.
Enjoy a Festival
As Sydney was developing tourist hot spots and showing off their amazing beaches, Melbourne was hard at work, becoming Australia’s cultural capital. The city is home to world class festivals and events that cover each month of the calendar. Whether or not you arrive in the summer or winter, there’s bound to be something on.
From the International Comedy Festival, to the Festival of Live Art and the Fringe Festival, we are just scratching the surface. Beyond major events, many local neighborhoods will have smaller festivals that help celebrate community heritage, arts and cuisine, not to mention many delicious food truck festivals.
For an extensive list of what’s on in Melbourne, take a look at What’s On in Melbourne.
Take in the Action at the Australian Open
Australian football isn’t the only sport that takes Melbourne by storm. The annual Australian Open is one of the biggest events on the city’s calendar, with almost a million fans flocking to the two-week event.
In the second half of January, the Australian Open comes with sunshine and hot weather. May opt for the shade in the major stadiums, with the center court matches also providing the best international players.
However, many would argue the best way to experience the Open, especially in the first week, is the purchase a Ground Pass. Although you’ll miss out on the big arenas, you can see many top-line tennis players on the open courts. Pick and choose your matches or kick back on the spacious lawns and enjoy a match on the big screen.
The Melbourne Zoo
Just out of downtown Melbourne, in the city’s beautiful northern neighborhoods, is the Melbourne Zoo. One of the best family activities in Melbourne is to explore the zoo, home to over 300 different species.
The Melbourne Zoo is modeled after London’s equivalent and has been a major attraction since opening in 1862. The many species here can be found in a variety of habitats that represent different parts of the world. Popular exhibits include the Aussie Outback, where you’ll find native kangaroos, emus and koalas.
Far from just a place to see elephants and giraffes, the Melbourne Zoo is focused on education. There are several programs for young and old that aim to cultivate an appreciation for conservation.
GoBoat down the Yarra River
All aboard! Take the helm of your very own boat and enjoy a day on the Yarra River. You can hire your own GoBoat, with no boat license. All you need to bring are your friends and family, some booze and treats.
The 16ft (5m) boat comes with a built-in picnic table and is easy to handle. After a quick tutorial, you’ll be off and racing, venturing through downtown Melbourne without a care in the world.
The Yarra River is a calm stretch of water, allowing for a relaxing experience. Just be sure not to fall into the murky waters. Yarra River is often called the upside-down river.
Hike the Dandenong Ranges
After a few too many slices of brie, venture off into the mountains for a day of hiking. Although out of the city, the Dandenong Ranges are still a part of the greater Melbourne area. Within the ranges, you’ll find a number of hiking trails to suit all abilities and motivation.
The beautiful scenery shows off the Australian bush just a short drive from the city center. Popular trails include the Living Bush Nature Walk (2 miles) and the short Burkes Lookout (0.3 miles) which sits at the peak of Mount Kyeema.
For a thigh-burning challenge, then test yourself on the famous 1000 steps. The aptly named trek should give you an idea of what’s to come. Often taking an hour to complete, your stamina and mental strength will be put to the test as you enjoy nothing but ascent. On the way down, take your time as your legs will be jelly and also to appreciate the lyrebird’s singing.
Other fun attractions in the Dandenong Ranges include the Puffing Billy and the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens.
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