Things to do in Melbourne
Discover the best of Melbourne
Melbourne is the gastronomic centre of Australia, but there’s so much more to it! Sure, there are excellent cafes and great breakfasts, but don’t miss the hidden bars and best restaurants within their walls as you travel the city. But if you want something more adventurous in Melbourne, why not go skydiving in the Yarra Valley or visit the incredible ArtVo gallery?
Go further afield to ride the historic Puffing Billy steam train or discover the famous Great Ocean Road and tick off one of Australia’s must-see destinations. Visit the famous city’s bar Skydeck and have a cocktail or two there. Melbourne is one of those magical places that exudes atmosphere; choosing a few places from everything to do in Melbourne will be hard!
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Top Things to Do in Melbourne
Eureka Skydeck
Like many other buildings in cities worldwide, Melbourne’s Eureka Skydeck 88 is a great starting point for a first visit to Melbourne. You can quickly find your way around while enjoying the breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings from the 88th floor of Eureka Tower.
As the tallest observation deck in the southern hemisphere, the tower’s top offers a 360-degree panorama of Melbourne and its landmarks, such as the MCG and the picturesque Blue Mountains stretching into the distance.
When visiting such an observation centre, the degree of impressiveness of the spectacle depends almost entirely on the weather conditions. Therefore, planning your rise to the tower according to the weather forecast is advisable, as a rainy or very cloudy day can significantly reduce the viewing distance.
Visitors to the tower often recommend arriving on time to see the transition between sunset and dusk, as the lighting affects the landscape of the sky, city, and mountains. This combination should not be missed! Although the entrance fee may seem relatively high, no alternative offers spectacular views like those from the Skydeck in Eureka.
Laneways & Arcades
Melbourne has plenty of creativity that sets it apart from other Australian cities.
It’s often called the “cool city“, and the alleyways and arcades are just one way to showcase its “je ne sais quoi“. Getting lost in Melbourne isn’t so bad if you can admire the fascinating street art. It can even lead to findings like your new favourite cafe, secret rooftop bar, quirky clothes or souvenir shop.
Download a map of alleyways and passageways or join a walking tour and discover some of Melbourne’s hidden city centre secrets, great architecture and artwork.
One of the most famous street art alleys is Hosier Lane, just off Flinders Street near Federation Square, with its ever-changing murals and endless walls of creative art and graffiti that often change suddenly throughout the night.
Other famous street art alleys include Centre Place, AC/DC Lane and Croft Alley.
For quirky cafes and bars, head to Degraves Street for al fresco dining, small boutiques and shops that will make you feel like you’re walking through the streets of a European city.
Melbourne Cricket Ground Tours
It’s hard to find an Australian who doesn’t have at least one fond sporting memory of an event that took place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (or MCG, as it is more commonly known) in their life.
The stadium has hosted such special sporting occasions as the 1956 Olympic Games, the first ever cricket Test match, the 2006 Commonwealth Games, the 1992 World Cup and countless VFL and AFL grand finals, making the MCG the historic and endless home of Australian sport (as well as the stage for numerous musical and celebrity performances).
Melbourne has one of the most famous sporting cultures of any Australian city, and the MCG is a true reflection of this as it is a vast platform with a friendly, intimate feel.
Numerous tours take visitors behind the scenes, allowing them to sit in the coaches’ box, visit the changing rooms and press centres, and experience the MCG at its best. The stadium is also home to the National Sports Museum, which showcases some of Australia’s most prized sporting memorabilia.
Not only is the MCG Stadium for sports fans, but its significance to Australian culture also impacts non-sports fans. The stadium also has several food and beverage outlets.
SEA LIFE Melbourne
SEA LIFE is Melbourne’s aquarium located in the city centre in the south, featuring marine and Antarctic animals. The aquarium has 12 separate themed spaces with more than 10,000 marine creatures and continues to expand with the opening of a new exhibition in December 2018.
Visitors can see many marine species, including giant sharks, massive sawfish, stingrays, jellyfish, penguins, seahorses and an aquarium resident crocodile. Discover Stingray Bay, mangrove and rock pools, coral caves, shipwreck exploration, mermaid garden, ocean discovery, crocodile lair, rainforest adventure, seahorse pier, penguin playground, and more.
Stand or wander through the aquarium’s tunnels in amazement as you watch the diverse animals that most people have only seen in TV documentaries.
Visiting Melbourne’s SEA LIFE Aquarium is fun and educational, with daily lectures, feeding presentations and information on the behaviour, habits and diet of the animals you watch. Whether looking for a half-day activity to escape the scorching sun or a rainy day’s entertainment, SEA LIFE Melbourne is the place to be.
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo, one of Australia’s most famous animal attractions, is within easy reach of most accommodations, including Melbourne city centre accommodations.
As a world-class facility, Melbourne Zoo covers a large area, so its animals have plenty of space to feel comfortable and move freely. The zoo is divided into several regions that reflect the location of animals worldwide.
A visit to the zoo is an opportunity to reconnect with the many wonders of nature while being just 4 km from the centre of Melbourne.
Set in a cosy and picturesque botanical garden, the zoo offers a relaxing atmosphere with different landscapes, from the formality of the Victorian era on the main avenue to the lush jungles of the Asian and African rainforests.
Melbourne Zoo is home to many animals, and you’ll probably have to dedicate a whole day to the zoo to see them all. Some of the most famous animals include the elephant enclosure, meerkats, and Australian favourites such as kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and more.
As the zoo is top-rated, it can be very crowded, especially on weekends and during school holidays (when children are free), so coming early or choosing regular weekdays is advisable.
Queen Victoria Markets
Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Markets are the largest in the southern hemisphere. For 140 years, they have provided fresh fruits, vegetables, and goods to people in the city’s heart.
The markets were officially opened in March 1878. They were previously a cemetery and cattle market before becoming a central marketplace.
Walking through the heritage-listed markets is a feast for the senses and the eyes as you see and smell all the delicious culinary items available.
Fishermen sell fresh seafood, cheesemongers, delicatessens, fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, cakes and pastries, ice cream, and specialty products. Permanent cafes also offer breakfast and lunch for those hungry while strolling through the markets.
Visitors will find a great place to buy a gift or souvenir: clothing, arts and crafts, ugg boots, leather goods, toys and children’s clothing, jewellery, accessories, health and beauty products.
If you want to find and meet the producers of some of the most popular markets, a 90-minute food tour is a great place to start! This tour will take you through the market, where you will have ten tastings, a complimentary glass of wine, and Melbourne’s famous jam doughnut.
Tours run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 9:00 am and 11:00 am in small groups of up to 15 people, allowing for a more intimate and personal experience.
If you prefer to visit independently, the markets are open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The fresh produce section opens at 6 am, and the specialty shops at 8 am.
Melbourne Cruising Restaurant
Whether you are looking for a romantic evening or a place for a group party, Melbourne Cruising Restaurant is one of a kind.
More than just a restaurant, the Spirit of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant offers you a front-row seat to Melbourne’s night lights while enjoying a delicious 4-course dinner.
Stroll along the Yarra River, take in the sights, and spend the evening with all the premium red, white, and sparkling wines, beers, and spirits included in the price. Come on an empty stomach because you won’t want to miss the four-course menu! Starters include smoked lamb with balsamic glaze on mashed potatoes, shredded chicken in a salad with sesame noodles, and a cocktail of shrimp and scallops in a creamy seafood sauce.
You can choose grilled chicken breast, crispy Moroccan salmon fillet, pan-fried beef fillet or Portuguese lamb shank for the main course. After the main meal, enjoy the sweet and savoury dessert and cheese platter flavours!
Melbourne Cruising’s restaurant is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 19:30 to 22:30.
Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine, Victoria’s largest war memorial and arguably Melbourne’s most famous landmark, pays eternal tribute to the fallen soldiers and other armed forces members who sacrificed their lives in World War I and World War II to secure our freedom.
With more than 120 ceremonies and memorial services throughout the year, the Shrine is one of the busiest places to remember our heroes. It is also in a prime location, offering magnificent views of the city of Melbourne and the bay, which are a must-see when travelling to the city for historical and scenic reasons.
The Shrine is surrounded by a solemn atmosphere (as it should be), and its architecture mimics that of antique Greece – an analogy for the people with whom the ANZACs identified during their combat deployment.
A visit to a Shrine of Remembrance can be a profoundly moving experience that young children may not find particularly interesting or able to understand fully. It is, therefore, advisable to ensure that they are as well-behaved as possible throughout the visit.
The daily flag-lowering ceremony at 17:00 is one of the most enjoyable moments visitors should try to attend. It is an event in itself.
A Classic Horse & Carriage Ride
Taking a horse-drawn carriage around Melbourne is one of the most original ways to see all the city’s sights.
It’s not just for royalty; you can feel like a lord or lady riding through the city in a carriage. A carriage ride only seems appropriate when you see Melbourne’s old buildings, churches, gardens and aged government buildings. See the River Yarra, the Royal Estates, the Temple of Remembrance, the Treasury Building, the Houses of Parliament, the Princess Royal Theatre, Chinatown and Collins Street.
Melbourne carriages depart from Federation Square, opposite Flinders Street Station, from 13:00 to 22:00.
Tours run from Thursday to Monday from 13:00 to 22:00, with the last 30 minutes at 21:30. You can choose from a 30- or 60-minute ride in a horse-drawn carriage that can accommodate up to 6 passengers.
Book a daytime carriage ride to see all the sights of Melbourne, or join a nighttime carriage ride for a more romantic journey with someone special.
Things to do around Melbourne
Phillip Island
Watching the little Phillip Island penguins walk across the beach to their homes in the sand dunes is an unforgettable sight in Melbourne! Join Phillip Island Tours to witness this incredible wildlife event and many others.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most spectacular and natural coastal routes. Join our Great Ocean Road tour for a more complete adventure along this stunning stretch of coastline. Visit world-famous surf beaches, hear amazing stories of the Shipwreck Coast, splash around in Loch Ard Gorge, and, of course, visit the world-famous 12 Apostles. Along with the Great Ocean Road’s most famous sights, this exciting new adventure will allow you to see koalas in the wild.
Nearby, the Strand Arcade Gallery is home to many Australian designers and the old-fashioned basement branch of JB Hi-Fi, which sells electronics, DVDs and vinyl records.
Peninsula Hot Springs
Spend the day at Melbourne’s most relaxing destination, Peninsula Hot Springs. You’ll depart Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs Day Trip to enjoy four hours of relaxation and soak in the mineral-rich waters of the many hot springs. After you’ve fully rejuvenated, we’ll explore other Mornington Peninsula attractions, including colourful baths and stunning views from Arthurs Seat.
Great Otway National Park
Discover Great Otway National Park on one of our fully guided tours. Take the Otway Discovery Tour to see a platypus in the wild, explore the Great Ocean Walk, or experience world-class mountain biking.
Grampians National Park
This Grampian Tours will take you on various trails and to the spectacular waterfalls that have made Grampians National Park famous. Learn about local history and culture at the Brambuk Cultural Centre and observe wildlife such as kangaroos and rare birds. Visit Mackenzie Falls, explore Boroka Lookout or Lake Bellfield, and take spectacular photos at the various lookouts that offer panoramic views of the park.
Yarra Valley
You’ll find various wine cellars in the Yarra Valley, from architectural designs to rustic tin barns tucked away amongst the vineyards. All reflect the diversity of styles and approaches in this beautiful cool-climate region just a stone’s throw from Melbourne. We recommend joining Yarra Valley Winery Tours, the most popular tour in this valley.
Snow holidays
Get an adrenaline rush on the downhill slopes and explore the mountains – the whole family can enjoy snow sports in a safe and healthy environment. Alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, snowshoeing and snow tubing, and many fun activities – there’s no better way to keep the kids entertained and engaged this winter.
Family holidays in the snow are more accessible than ever to plan. Choose from various Snow Trip packages at resorts for the whole family. From self-catering apartments to full-board hotels and lodges, find the perfect accommodation for the family.
Snowsports schools have programmes for all ages and all skill levels. Significant resorts have crèches for young families and specialised day or half-day programmes for children at ski schools.
Mornington Peninsula
Since the 1980s, the Mornington Peninsula has become one of Australia’s premier wine regions. This cool-climate region is home to over 200 wineries.
T’Gallant Winery is an iconic winery for the Mornington Peninsula. The winery has helped build the region’s reputation, and the Crittenden Wine Centre is the best place to start exploring the wide range of wines. Here, you’ll be served at a table, so you can relax and unwind while you’re served a personalised wine menu.
If you would like to book a guided tasting, book Mornington Peninsula Winery Tours, which take place in the barrel room.