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Melbourne is the biggest city in Australia and one of the world’s most beloved tourist destinations. It’s home to some of Australia’s most important sights, and it has a rich, creative culture and thriving nightlife. The region surrounding Melbourne is also incredibly beautiful and packed with wildlife.
No matter what type of activities you enjoy doing on vacation, you’re bound to find lots of fun when you visit Melbourne. Here are 34 exciting things to do in this fascinating city.
1. Take a Cruise on the Yarra River
The beautiful Yarra River cuts right through Melbourne City and winds its way towards the east through stunning countryside. One of the best ways to enjoy it is to take a cruise from the Southbank promenade in Melbourne CBD (Central Business District).
2. Ride the City Circle Tram to See the Sights for Free
City Circle is a heritage tramline that covers the most important attractions in Melbourne CBD and Docklands. It’s free to travel on the City Circle line so you can hop on and off at a pace that suits you.
3. Catch a Show at Arts Centre Melbourne
Arts Centre Melbourne commands a busy spot along the Yarra River and it’s Victoria’s leading venue for arts and culture. You can catch comedy, live music, opera, dance, and theater here, and learn about Australian contemporary music in the Australian Music Vault.
4. Pay Your Respects at the Shrine of Remembrance
Since 1934, the Shrine of Remembrance has honored the Australian veterans of the Great War. The building also features the Galleries of Remembrance where more than 800 artworks and historical artifacts document the experiences of Australians at war from the 1850s to today.
5. Explore Melbourne’s Street Art On Foot
Melbourne has an incredible street art scene. Hosier Lane, Mornane Place, Presgrave Place, Meyers Place, AC/DC Lane, Duckboard Place, and Collingwood are just a few of the best laneways and areas to check out. Take a street art tour with a local artist to discover the most impressive pieces and get an understanding of the talented creatives involved in the scene.
6. Spend a Day in Yarra Ranges National Park
Take a two-hour drive out of Melbourne to escape into the awesome rugged scenery of the Yarra Ranges National Park. There’s no end of hiking and biking trails to enjoy and lots of opportunities to learn about Aboriginal peoples’ connection with the land.
7. Get Panoramic Views of Melbourne on Eureka Skydeck
Eureka Tower is a 975-foot skyscraper in Melbourne CBD, and its Skydeck offers jaw-dropping views over the city. Be sure to check out the Voyager Theatre, in which immersive virtual and augmented reality lets you discover Melbourne and Victoria in a wholly new way.
8. Enjoy Retail Therapy at Bourke Street Mall
The best place in Melbourne for retail therapy is Bourke Street Mall. Two department stores, David Jones and Myer, comprise the store, and within these are several flagship stores of popular brands including Zara, Cue, The Body Shop, and Swarovski.
9. Spot Australian Wildlife in Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo is home to more than 320 international species, including many Australian favorites such as koalas, kangaroos, and little penguins. You’ll also see orangutans, elephants, tigers, fur seals, and more.
10. Soak In the Atmosphere at Federation Square
Federation Square is one of Melbourne’s most iconic sights, boasting impressive modern architecture and a bustling atmosphere. Across the road is Flinders Street Station, a beautiful Victorian building that is also the busiest railway station in Australia.
11. Meet Penguins and Party in St. Kilda
St. Kilda is a thriving region of Melbourne known for its fantastic nightlife and popular bars and clubs. It also happens to be home to a colony of little penguins that you can watch come ashore at sunset each day. A popular attraction in St. Kilda is Luna Park, a century-old theme park with a fun carnival atmosphere.
12. See the Renowned Bathing Boxes on Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach has 82 distinctive wooden bathing boxes that were built in the Victoria era and remain largely unchanged today. This is the perfect place to lounge on the beach and capture some fun photos.
13. Discover Aussie History at the Melbourne Museum
If you want to learn about Australia’s history, indigenous culture, and environment, the Melbourne Museum is the place to do it. It has both permanent and temporary exhibits to enjoy with a children’s section that is fascinating for little ones. One of the museum’s highlights is the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Culture Center which is packed with indigenous art.
14. Tour Wineries in Yarra Valley
Mornington Peninsula in Yarra Valley is renowned for its wineries and it’s the place to go to sample delicious pinot noir, chardonnay, shiraz, and cabernet sauvignon. Tours are the perfect way to learn about the wine-making process and taste a variety of wines.
15. Take a Day Trip to Phillip Island
Phillip Island has lots of attractions to keep you busy. Discover native wildlife at Maru Koala Animal Park, or support the protection of koalas at the Koala Conservation Center. Go sightseeing by boat with a coastal cruise, and learn about the Vietnam War at the Vietnam Veterans Museum. Finally, finish the day by watching little penguins return to shore in what’s known as the “Penguin Parade.”
16. Peek Inside Captain Cook’s Cottage
Captain Cook brought his quaint cottage to Melbourne all the way from Yorkshire, England, and erected it in Fitzroy Gardens. You can learn about Cook’s life and the history of the cottage when you take a self-guided tour.
17. Get a Guided Tour of Como House
Como House blends classic Italianate and Australian Regency architecture. It’s very well preserved, packed with antique furniture, and offers a unique glimpse into the opulent high-society life of Australia’s elite in the 19th century.
18. Learn About Melburnian History at the Immigration Museum
Located in the Old Customs House, the Immigration Museum outlines the history of European immigrants who, from 1788, dramatically changed Australia and displaced the Aboriginal people. It’s a thought-provoking attraction that features real stories of the people that made Melbourne their new home.
19. See the Spectacular Scenery of the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is a 150-mile stretch of southern coastline with stunning ocean views and access to wildlife. Highlights include the limestone stacks out at sea known as the 12 Apostles, and the Gibson Steps which were cut into the cliffs by the indigenous Kirrae Whurrong tribe centuries ago.
20. Take a Tour of Pentridge Prison
Learn about some of Australia’s most notorious criminals when you visit Pentridge Prison. Tours last 90 minutes and give interesting insights into some unsettling truths about Australia’s penal history.
21. Relax and Unwind at Peninsula Hot Springs
Relax and unwind while taking in gorgeous natural landscapes that surround the Peninsula Hot Springs. These natural geothermal springs include 50 thermal pools said to promote healing and wellness.
22. Watch Live Music at Melbourne’s Best Venues
Melbourne has a thriving music scene and boasts more live music stages per resident than any other city in the world. Head into Melbourne City Centre to catch rock, pop, folk, jazz, funk, electronic, and more.
23. Satisfy Curious Minds at Scienceworks
The hands-on exhibits and workshops at Scienceworks help children and adults alike get a fun and practical understanding of important scientific principles. Highlights include a lightning room, a planetarium, and an interactive miniature city.
24. Grab a Coffee in the World’s Best Cafe Scene
Melburnians love their coffee, and the cafe scene here is an integral part of socializing for local residents. Try a Melbourne magic coffee, which is the local version of the Sydney-born flat white.
25. Take a Peaceful Walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens
More than 8,500 plant species thrive across 86 acres in the Royal Botanic Gardens. You can arrange a guided walking tour or show yourself around with the help of an audio tour.
26. Sample Artisanal Food at Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market is the southern hemisphere’s biggest open-air market, occupying two city blocks. You’ll find fresh produce, artisanal food and drink, and a variety of creatives selling handmade arts and crafts. If you’re a passionate foodie, don’t miss the Summer Night Market on Wednesdays from 5 pm for live music and a huge variety of food stalls.
27. Visit the 19th-Century State Library of Victoria
If you love books, you’ll adore the grand reading rooms of the State Library. Since 1856 this impressive building has served as a hub of knowledge and a peaceful escape from the noise of the city.
28. Celebrate Australian Sport at Melbourne Cricket Ground
MCG is the biggest sports stadium in Australia, capable of holding a crowd of 130,000 people. It’s also home to the Australian Sports Museum, where you can learn more about Melbourne’s cricket and Olympic history.
29. Step Back in Time at Old Melbourne Gaol
Between 1842 and 1929, Old Melbourne Gaol housed and executed some of Australia’s most renowned criminals, including Ned Kelly. It also interred many homeless and mentally ill people. A visit to the gaol is a sobering glimpse into the harsh treatment these vulnerable members of society receive.
30. Have a Luxe Night Out at the Crown Casino Complex
Crown is the biggest casino complex in the southern hemisphere, and it operates 24/7. As well as gambling, you can enjoy luxury shopping, dining, and nightlife.
31. See Aboriginal Art at Melbourne’s Best Art Galleries
There are more than 100 art museums and galleries in Melbourne. The crowning glory is the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) which has more than 75,000 artworks. Other popular galleries include:
- Birrarung Gallery
- Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre
- Koorie Heritage Trust
- Ian Potter Centre
32. Grab a Bite to Eat in Little Italy
Lygon Street runs north-south from Russel and Victoria Streets, cutting through Carlton and East Brunswick. You’ll find world-class Italian restaurants, produce stores, and shopping boutiques here. The area is known as Little Italy and is the place to go for outstanding Italian cuisine and coffee.
33. Shop in Style at the Historical Block Arcade
Block Arcade is an elegant heritage shopping center that first opened in 1892. It has beautiful architecture and a variety of luxury boutiques. Plus, it houses the quirky Dr. Seuss gallery.
34. Go Hiking and Bushwalking in the Dandenong Ranges
Dandenong is an impressive mountain range on Melbourne’s outskirts, and it’s the perfect region to walk, hike, cycle, and spot wildlife. There are many charming towns to visit, some of which have elegant tea rooms for an indulgent high tea experience. Be sure to take a steam train ride on the Puffing Billy Railway, which originally opened in the Victorian era.
Plan Your Melbourne Adventure
There’s such a huge variety of must-see sights in Melbourne that it’s hard to fit all of them into a single trip. Use these 34 ideas to help you decide which Melbourne attractions to prioritize on your next visit.
