Discover the best of Melbourne, Australia! From discovering its exciting urban center to relaxing in the Royal Botanic Gardens, this city is overflowing with fun activities and sights. Let us guide you through an adventure full of unique experiences that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your travels.
Discover all there is to do here for a getaway like no other. Explore what hidden gems await in gorgeous Melbourne today!
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Melbourne, Australia
Discover Melbourne’s City Centre
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Flinders Street Station visitors will be immersed in a vibrant atmosphere of city attractions such as Federation Square and The Block Arcade.
For those seeking some outdoor recreation, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is easily accessible via the free tram service, perfect for enjoying romantic getaways or meandering walks along the Yarra River with its stunning street art displays scattered throughout. Not forgetting cafes and restaurants around Queen Victoria Market where foodies can savor delectable Chinese cuisine, including dumplings!
Sports lovers are also well catered for at National Sports Museum, which offers an insight into Melbourne’s exciting history and Australian Rules Football matches at Melbourne Cricket Ground too! Meanwhile, art enthusiasts should head straight on over to see what’s inside National Gallery or take your pick from various galleries found within The Arts Centre.
Plus, don’t forget about the Australian Centre for Moving Image either! If you’re looking back in time, pay the Old Customs House (and its famous Immigration Museum), then go visit historic buildings – old Melbourne buildings hold many secrets from days gone by.
As night falls across the city centre, so comes alive, filled with people wanting entertainment, both young and old, who flock toward theatre venues & live music spaces followed up by laneway parties, all great fun and adding vibrancy.
You could relax down any one of the hidden bars offering unique experiences no two same typical good times had that only ‘Melbournites’ understood-a window opposite the world.. it is truly something special!
Unwind at the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, located on Birdwood Ave, Melbourne, spreads across 38 hectares with abundant plants from 8500 species. Take a guided tour through the gardens or one of their self-guided audio tours to learn about the beautiful flora and fauna found onsite. There are also activities such as gardening workshops for visitors who want to get hands-on experiences while enjoying some fresh air!
There are many attractions around that area, too – SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium offers aquatic wonders, Fitzroy Garden has historic sites ready to be explored, Healesville Sanctuary provides animal encounters, and Phillip Island promises oceanic delights!
Last but not least, you can visit the nearby museum Melbourne Museum – ideal if you’re looking for cultural enrichment during your stay at these lovely botanical grounds. So come along and discover why this tranquil spot in downtown Melbourne makes it so special.
Visit the Melbourne Museum
The largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere, Melbourne Museum provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore and learn about its diverse history, culture, and natural environment.
From Bunjilaka Aboriginal Culture Center for traditional works of art to IMAX theatre experience – there is something here suitable for everyone! Visitors can also visit Scienceworks, which offers interactive activities related to electricity. As well as Hellenic Museum showcasing all things Greek with cultural events like cooking classes & lectures.
Don’t forget the Immigration Museum at Old Customs. The house is where fascinating exhibitions can be found regarding Australia’s immigration past and 19th-century life showcased by Custom Gallery. All this comes at an admission fee of $15 AUD per person (except concession fees). With such amazing sights around you – spend time exploring today’s world that will give you a magical journey of yesterday’s stories!
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Stroll Along St. Kilda Beach
Come experience the vibrant beach culture of St Kilda at its namesake destination, St Kilda Beach. Here you can stroll along a bustling boardwalk, visit the iconic Luna Park with its clown face entrance and relax in Catani Gardens for an enjoyable picnic. You’ll find numerous restaurants, bars, and Acland Street as well as Fitzroy to explore while enjoying some water activities like kite surfing or windsurfing on the sandy beaches too!
When looking for something special, consider visiting The Esplanade Market, where local artisans showcase unique handmade items, perfect souvenirs from your trip here. While hungry, try Donovan’s, Stokehouse, or Cicciolina, all excellent places around town serving delicious food! Every February, we celebrate our neighborhood during The Annual Festival, filled with music acts playing free sets, making it an unforgettable atmosphere near sand shores definitely worth checking out when attending.
Another recommended option is heading to the captivating bike path south of Melbourne, alongside a gorgeous coastline that gives great photo ops. That’s what they call – The Boardwalk! Finally, make sure not to miss those Edwardian-era buildings that cover such sights as Pier, which looks stunningly beautiful, especially in the early evening, framed by the Sea Bath complex nearby.
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Admire Art at the National Gallery of Victoria
At the National Gallery of Victoria, art lovers will find an unforgettable experience. As one of Australia’s most well-known galleries and oldest museums, it attracts millions of visitors annually.
With a comprehensive collection from both local and international artists in diverse mediums like ancient Egyptian artifacts to photography, fashion design as well Asian art pieces – there’s always something new to discover with every visit! Plus, don’t miss out on additional events such as classes for those wanting more information or lectures that delve into cultural stories, which can be experienced via rain rooms.
And music fans should keep their Friday nights free because at NGV Fridays, you get unlimited access alongside live tunes plus select food vendors scattered throughout for extra treats during this event exclusively designed just for gallery goers!
Lastly, visiting is even better because admission here doesn’t cost anything. However, some temporary exhibits may have additional charges, so plan accordingly when picking your day visits around the Melbourne City center area, especially after hearing about all these amazing offerings available at The National Gallery Of Victoria!
Explore Werribee Open Range Zoo
Just a quick drive away from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne, you can find the Werribee Open Range Zoo, an incredible alternative to the regular zoo. Featuring African-themed animals, people have the opportunity here to observe wildlife in its natural habitats, such as hippos, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras! The range of activities at this safari park includes behind-the-scenes tours. Keeper talks & presentations, and thrilling theatre show where one gets closer than ever before.
Visitors can also access unique walking trails like the Pula Reserve Walking Trail, where they can experience various wild creatures. At the same time, Australian Journey Walk lets them explore iconic native species up close, including kangaroos and koalas.
It hosts events such as Rhythm Of Africa that provide a fun atmosphere for tourists. With so much on offer, it is no surprise that the Werribee open range is a perfect family destination for basic outdoor enthusiasts without compromising traditional ‘zoological’ experiences.
Join Free Walking Tours
Explore Melbourne’s hidden treasures and culture with free guided walking tours! Led by knowledgeable local guides, the I’m Free Walking Tours depart from outside the State Library of Victoria daily and take visitors through the city to see some of its finest attractions. These include meandering laneways, a scenic Yarra River view, dazzling street art displays in vibrant Chinatown and stunning Carlton Gardens.
Not only that, but adventurers can also opt for one of their spookier offerings – such as visiting haunted places on a ghost tour or learning about Melbourne’s dark past through true crime stories. There truly is something to appeal to everyone about participating in these remarkable walks around town! So put your best foot forward today – let yourself be taken away exploring all this incredible destination has waiting for you to uncover!
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Cruise the Yarra River
See Melbourne from a different angle by taking in the beautiful sights on an exciting Yarra River cruise. Whether you prefer to dine out, partake in sightseeing or explore famous wineries of the nearby region, there is something for everyone aboard one of these journeys. A dinner cruise offers travelers four courses as well as beverages while enjoying amazing views across the city skyline, and landmarks such as Crown Casino and Eureka Tower are easily recognizable during this experience.
Those seeking more leisurely activities can participate in guided tours that boast alluring scenery near Flinders Street Station and Princes Bridge, while kayaking trips provide visitors with opportunities to Discover local areas along its banks at their own pace within personalized Go-Boats.
Looking for adventure? Get up close to nature’s beauty beyond Melbourne towards nature. The Valley area where Autopia Tours takes customers through around five renowned vineyards like Dominique Portet & Chandon Winery offers guests an educational insight into wine tasting experiences mixed with making some new friends! If you’re after memorable moments, whether it be relaxing river cruising, admiring architecture, or thrilling adventures exploring national parks, consider treating yourself to a trip down (or even upstream) THE YARRA RIVER!
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Visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image, located in Federation Square, is an exciting destination for film and television fans. To interactive activities like playable video games and displays of Hollywood memorabilia, ACMI has a permanent exhibition on key figures in Australia’s screen history as well as rotating collections focused on special topics or particular films/creators. There are various movie screenings such as “Australian Perspectives”, “Cinematheque”, “Kids’ Flicks” and “Seniors Cinema”.
You can attend exclusive events with renowned directors from around the world, which adds even more interest to your experience at this centre. For those interested in diving into their passion, ACMI offers workshops, talks and courses tailored towards all age groups, including filmmaking classes, making it easier than ever to learn something new about moving images every time you stop by!
Marvel at the Royal Exhibition Building
A tourist spot of historical and architectural importance, the Royal Exhibition Building is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Melbourne’s most distinguished landmarks. The architecture mirrors the style to several exhibition halls across Europe, making it an alluring destination for visitors wishing to learn more about its past. Guided tours are available when not used as a host for events or exhibitions.
The 19th-century structure offers unique insight into international trade fairs from days gone by while also playing home today too many art shows among other attractions providing breathtaking scenery whatever event takes place within its walls. This building is a top priority on any sightseer’s list who visits Melbourne City seeking culture and appreciation at one landmark.
Shop at South Melbourne Market
The South Melbourne Market is a lively atmosphere full of unique items to browse and buy. It’s home to second-hand books, the latest in local fashion finds, nail salons and massage parlors, adding convenience for shoppers seeking services too! Foodies rejoice with an abundance of artisanal fare that can be enjoyed alongside indulging in all that coffee culture has to offer.
It’s not only about shopping. This bustling bazaar also provides an important platform for promoting community spirit and connecting people within Melbourne’s diverse landscape.
Whether you’re looking around at stalls or enjoying some delicious eats, there is something special waiting here every time you visit – so why not make it your next day out? There is no better place than the market when it comes to getting fresh produce while exploring what makes up such a vibrant city like Melbourne itself.
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Experience Melbourne’s Street Art Scene
Discover Melbourne’s unique street art culture by checking out its spectacular laneways. Admire some of the world’s most amazing murals on Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, and Presgrave Place. Learn about these works from a passionate street artist who will also be your guide for this exclusive journey! Take in all that is colorful and vibrant at Duckboard Place, Blender Lane, or Tattersalls Lane – you will surely come away with an increased appreciation for Melbourne’s electric atmosphere regarding incredible artwork.
For those feeling inspired, why not try creating something yourself? Join a workshop held especially by local artists so they can teach you how to create masterpieces like them too! Or attend one of their festivals which showcase live painting demonstrations as well as provide opportunities to get up close and personal with some true industry innovators within Australia’s thriving art scene.
Take time during your visit to Melbourne and soak up every bit of awe-inspiring graffiti art around each corner – join guided tours now if there ever was such a thing, and remember what made this city famous: Street Art Culture!
A visit to Melbourne is an experience that will stay with you forever, from its lively beach culture and remarkable art galleries, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, to its urban center bursting with vibrant energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Melbourne best known for?
Melbourne is internationally admired for its vibrancy, ingenuity, and globally-recognized attractions. Boasting an array of options to choose from. This city appeals to all those looking for a great place to live or visit. You can explore extraordinary boutiques and cuisine, beautiful parks and beaches. There is something unique here that everyone should experience!
Is 2 days in Melbourne enough?
With its buzzing atmosphere, amazing food, and top attractions, two days in Melbourne will leave you feeling like you’ve experienced the very best of what this city has to offer. So buckle up for a jam-packed adventure as you explore all that this vibrant city has to offer!
Is 5 days enough in Melbourne?
For a truly memorable experience, five days in Melbourne is all you need to sample some of the best that this city has to offer! From iconic landmarks and attractions to hidden gems waiting for you to discover, it’s possible within such a short time frame.
You’ll be able to explore local culture by visiting galleries or museums while taking long walks along the Yarra River. Don’t forget about outdoor activities. There are plenty of cycling routes around town or kayaking possibilities, so your trip can never get dull! When night falls in Melbourne, its lively atmosphere won’t let anyone stay away from parties and pubs full of fun-seeking people.
How many days is enough for Melbourne?
If you want to fully experience Melbourne’s features, plan on staying for at least 5-7 days. That way, you’ll have enough time in the city and its nearby areas to explore its wonders. Staying longer is recommended if you want an even more complete adventure with lots of excitement awaiting your visit to this beautiful Australian metropolis!
What should I do for my birthday in Melbourne?
Let’s make this birthday the most special ever! We’ll have a day of exciting activities when we meet in Melbourne – sky diving, exploring SEA LIFE Aquarium and riding on hot air balloons for a gorgeous view over the city. To finish off, some relaxation awaits us at Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs followed by an enjoyable night singing karaoke to round up our unforgettable celebration!
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