things to visit melbourne cbd

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Melbourne Suburbs – City & CBD

Melbourne’s central business district ( the City & CBD ) is the major business hub of Melbourne . Some of the most notable skyscrapers, shopping malls, museums and popular public buildings are located here.

In addition, a number of the venues in the city host major sporting events , festivals, concerts and internationally renowned musicals.

Fun Things & What to Do in the City, Melbourne CBD Attractions

The famous Melbourne festival draws visitors from all parts of the country every year. In addition, the International Flower and Garden Show is also hosted in the city. Other festivals held in the city include the Australian Open , AFL Grand Final , the Melbourne International Comedy Festival , the Food and Wine Festival and many various other popular events.

This cosmopolitan city is also home to excellent theatres, a world-class casino and a number of internationally renowned museums. The central business district boasts the majority of the major attractions of the city. Here, you’ll find 19th-century gothic buildings, historic gardens, urban office spaces and high-rise apartments.

When it comes to activities and things to see & do for tourists in Southbank , the Eureka Tower Skydeck reigns supreme. Tourists come here to visit the observatory deck – 88 floors up! The Skydeck experience is unique and visitors should experience “The Edge”, which is the only observation deck in the world that can thrill you with a glass cube that protrudes 3 metres out from the building with you in it.

Visitors are welcome to tour the historic properties and venues; including cathedrals, gothic style churches and museums. The city area also boasts a countless number of malls, department stores, fashion boutiques, rows of sophisticated cafes and many, many shops.

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The Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is a unique aquarium that is home to thousands of aquatic animals and marine creatures from all over the world. Whilst holidaying in Melbourne, stop by this famous attraction and check...

Featuring the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck, the Melbourne Skydeck (previously known as Eureka Skydeck 88) experience dazzles, entertains and informs through its spectacular and ever-changing...

At the Old Melbourne Gaol, you’ll get an opportunity to explore a real 19th-century prison – the oldest prison of the city. This historic site was once a part of Melbourne’s law and order system and is...

Visit the National Gallery of Victoria whilst in Melbourne. This famous museum offers two magnificent galleries featuring hundreds of breathtaking artworks and paintings from notable artists across the globe. Both of...

Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market (QVM, or Vic Market as the locals call it) has been an essential part of Melbourne for over 100 years and was established back in 1878. Shoppers will be delighted to know that this market is...

• Federation Square

Federation Square is Melbourne’s most happening place for fine dining, events and exciting bars. At this renowned venue, you’ll find some of the city’s most diverse galleries, restaurants and cafes...

Crown Casino

If gambling and nightlife excite you, then come to the Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex in Melbourne. This huge gaming and entertainment arena is Melbourne’s primary gaming destination. The large casino and...

For those looking to see a range of attractions during your time in Melbourne, you should purchase a Melbourne Attraction Pass. The Melbourne Attraction Pass is the best way to get a discount on admission to all the...

Art enthusiasts often find Melbourne’s cultural and art scene very fascinating. This is probably because the city’s vibrant cultural scene offers a range of top-class galleries, cutting-edge performance art...

• State Library of Victoria

The State Library of Victoria is a famous and iconic landmark in Melbourne. This unique library was built back in the 19th century and even after so many years, this beautiful landmark is considered one of the most...

Supreme Court of Victoria

The Supreme Court of Victoria is the most senior court in the state of Victoria and, as such, handles the most serious civil and criminal cases. The Supreme Court of Victoria was established in the 1850s with the iconic...

Melbourne Town Hall

The famous Melbourne Town Hall is a popular venue that has been serving patrons for over 135 years now. Many Melbournians claim that the City Town Hall is the prime host to the city’s most celebrated events...

Melbourne Central

Melbourne’s shopping scene offers an eclectic range of options; including high-end shopping malls, flea markets, local shopping centres and factory outlets. Melbourne Central is among the city’s most popular...

Try something adventurous and unique by attending an Escape Room experience in Melbourne. These activities are great fun for a group of family or friends where you put your skills to the test to try and escape a room by...

Flinders Street Station

Flinders Street Station is one of Melbourne’s most famous cultural icons. As the transport hub of Melbourne, Flinders Street Station is a popular meeting place and a convenient launching place for visitors coming...

• Royal Botanic Gardens

Melbourne’s metro area is also home to a number of lush and leafy public parks and botanical gardens. While some of these are used as everyday walking and cycling spots, some are exclusively meant for a weekend...

Arts Centre

Melbourne’s rich cultural scene includes a vast mix of museums, art galleries, exhibition halls and theatres. As you explore this exciting city, you’ll be able to discover Melbourne’s vibrant and...

Hosier Lane

Hosier Lane is one of the city’s most remarkable streets, thanks to its art that has placed Melbourne on the global map. Taking a walk down the iconic bluestone laneway gives you a glimpse into the city’s...

Immigration Museum

Victoria’s rich culture and heritage are comprised of a diverse mix of native and modern ethnicities – with Victoria culture home to plenty of modern immigrated communities. The cultural Melbourne precinct...

Southbank’s affluent and exciting setting offers ample shopping, dining and entertainment choices for visitors; boasting some of the best restaurants in the city. A foodie’s favourite and the ultimate dining...

Birrarung Marr

Birrarung Marr is another newly established park close to the Melbourne CBD – nestled on the northern banks of the Yarra River that adjoins Federation Square. Birrarung Marr was opened to the public back in 2002...

QV Melbourne

Queen Victoria Village or “QV” is a shopping village in Melbourne. This beautiful shopping arena is nestled just a few blocks away from the Central Business district in Melbourne. The Queen Victoria Village...

Chinatown, Melbourne

Melbourne’s vibe undoubtedly has a very multicultural flavour and many ethnic restaurant districts to choose from. No doubt Chinatown is the most distinctive and popular in Melbourne. It is believed that Chinese...

City Circle Tram

The City Circle Tram was first introduced for the convenience of tourists in Melbourne. This free transport is incredibly useful to the many families who visit Melbourne every year; running daily along the city CBD...

Kings Domain

The Kings Domain Gardens are a little slice of luxury, located in the heart of Melbourne. Located near Flinders Street Station and Federation Square, Kings Domain is a great place to have a picnic or take a quiet stroll...

Yarra River

The scenic Yarra River runs through some of the prime suburbs in Melbourne; beginning from its source in the Yarra Ranges and then flowing 242 kilometres west through the Yarra Valley, before it opens out into plains as...

Flagstaff Gardens

Flagstaff Gardens is another popular park in Melbourne. As one of the oldest parks in the CBD, these beautifully maintained gardens have been a part of Melbourne since its establishment in 1862. As Flagstaff Gardens is...

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral is another historic cathedral and heritage site in Melbourne. This unique site is among the famous cathedrals catering for the Anglicans in the city.

St Francis Church

St Francis Church is a Catholic church located on the corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth Streets, right in the city centre. As Victoria’s oldest Catholic church, St Francis is a welcoming congregation which is open...

Block Arcade

The Block Arcade is one of Australia’s premier shopping destinations with its glass canopy and carved stone befitting its contemporary outlook. The arcade serves as a connection point between Elizabeth Street...

Witches in Britches

Witches in Britches is a fun theatre restaurant where you can come and enjoy with your friends and is conveniently located near the CBD. A ticket to Witches in Britches will get you an amazing 3-course meal and a two...

Hardrock is an indoor rock climbing venue in the city that offers an ultimate climbing experience to everyone.

Ian Potter Gallery

At the Ian Potter Gallery, you will get the chance to explore over 25,000 art works from many of Australia's talented artists.

Koorie Heritage Trust

Visitors in Melbourne shouldn’t miss a chance to visit the cultural icon of Koorie Heritage Trust. The venue is home to a huge array of artifacts, memorabilia, artworks and photographs dedicated to the Koorie...

Rialto Towers

The Rialto Towers was once the tallest building in Melbourne and also one of the tallest towers in the southern hemisphere (that was before the construction of the Eureka Tower). The beautiful building features two...

Spencer Outlet Centre

The Spencer Outlet Centre is a shopping centre which is attached to Spencer Street station and is one of the best shopping venues in the Melbourne CBD. With a range of retail stores, a food court and a shopping centre...

Old Treasury Building

Even though there are no shortage of historic buildings in Melbourne, the Old Treasury Building is truly a masterpiece. In fact, many Melbournians often regard it as one of the finest public buildings in the nation...

Royal Arcade

Royal Arcade was built in 1869 and has remained an iconic structure in Melbourne’s skyline. The arcade also provides the seamless connection between Bourke St. Mall, Elizabeth Street and Little Collins Street...

Treasury Gardens

Melbourne’s CBD is also home to a serene and small garden known as Treasury Gardens. This lush garden sits right on the corner of Fitzroy Gardens that adjoins Spring Street. Many community events and private...

Melbourne has long held the reputation of having the world’s most vibrant street art, and nowhere is his exemplified more than on Union Lane. Undoubtedly home to some of Melbourne’s best street art, the lane...

Frequently Asked Questions About Melbourne CBD Attractions

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The Best Things to Do in Melbourne's Central Business District

Far from a stale concrete jungle devoid of life, Melbourne’s central business district is home to the city’s best street art, bars and restaurants, all waiting to be discovered in the maze of laneways that criss-cross the city centre. Here, a local tour guide shares their favourite spots in central Melbourne with Culture Trip.

When American John O’Sullivan was a tour guide in Europe, he kept hearing Australians parrot this one myth. It wasn’t until he moved to Melbourne in 2016 that he realised it was a lie.

“I would hear the same thing again and again: ‘It’s so nice to be in a place that has culture and history, we don’t have that in Australia’,” O’Sullivan tells Culture Trip. “Then when I came to Melbourne , I found that it couldn’t be further from the truth, because Melbourne’s absolutely filled with more culture and more interesting history than you could possibly imagine.”

Nowhere is Melbourne’s character more vibrant than its Central Business District , an area bordered by Flinders, Spencer, Victoria and Spring Streets in the heart of the city. The Victorian capital doesn’t enjoy as much sunshine as the rest of Australia – Sydney-siders give Melbourne the unkind nickname Bleak City – but the odd shower fails to dampen O’Sullivan’s passion for his adopted home.

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“In my experience, bad weather breeds good culture – that’s so true in Melbourne,” says the Minneapolis native, who also lived across the UK and Ireland for eight years. “One of my favourite quotes about Melbourne is by the comedian Barry Humphries, better known as Dame Edna Everage, and he considers himself ‘Not Australian, but Melburnian’, because there’s something different about what Melbourne has. It’s unique to any other part of Australia.”

When O’Sullivan moved to Melbourne with his Australian wife in 2016, he was surprised to learn free walking tours hadn’t saturated the city like they had Europe. So he set up his own company, Walks 101 , which quickly became the biggest and top-rated walking tour in Melbourne. His top piece of advice for visitors? Get lost.

“The biggest thing that people need to know is that Melbourne is a city of laneways ,” O’Sullivan says. “If you’re on a main street, you’re doing Melbourne wrong. You need to explore the small little laneways where you find some of the best street art in the world, amazing hidden bars, world-class restaurants and all sorts of unexpected things.”

Things to do

The CBD contains most of Melbourne’s postcard attractions – Flinders Street Station, Federation Square and St Paul’s Cathedral on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets, as well as the glamorous Victorian-era Royal and Block Arcades for shopaholics, plus the Old Treasury Building and the Old Melbourne Gaol for history buffs.

O’Sullivan’s favourite is the State Library of Victoria, specifically, the six-storey reading room with natural light that floods through the octagonal atrium. “Ask for directions to get there; you need to go up a staircase, then you’re greeted with one of the best places to get lost in a book you could possibly imagine.”

The city centre’s most photographed attraction, though, is the dazzling street art that wallpapers Melbourne’s iconic alleyways. Hosier Lane is the most famous (and crowded) – Ed Sheeran even used the graffiti-caked walls as his backdrop for a pop-up gig in 2018 – but Duckboard Place and AC/DC Lane around the corner are a little more off the beaten track. Head to the visitor centre in Swanston Street’s Town Hall to grab a map for a self-guided tour of Melbourne’s hottest street art locations.

“One of the unique things about laneways is that they are ever-changing… the best laneways change with which artworks are in them,” says O’Sullivan, who particularly loves the framed frescoes and 3D murals on Presgrave Place. “It’s almost like you’re in an art gallery, but you’re outside.”

Melbourne’s CBD isn’t huge, it takes about half an hour to walk from one corner to the other – without getting sucked into any laneways along the way – but the public transport is excellent. Melbourne’s tram system dates all the way back to 1885, and the No.35 City Circle service – a loop of the CBD’s top attractions in a vintage W-class carriage – is a nod to that heritage. That service is free, and so is every tram within the bounds of the city centre.

“You can take literally any tram and go to a wealth of free museums,” says O’Sullivan, who recommends the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), the Ian Potter Centre, the ANZ Banking Museum and the Koori Heritage Trust. “All those museums don’t cost a dime, and they’re wonderful ways to learn about the city, especially in a place where the weather can be a bit more unpredictable.”

Melbourne’s CBD sat at the epicentre of third-wave coffee as it washed over Australia, pioneered by places like Brother Baba Budan – the tiny venue that’s been blazing a trail on Little Bourke Street since 2003. Budan’s sister café, Traveller, which also serves beans from eminent Carlton roastery Seven Seeds, as well as Patricia on Little William Street and Dukes on Flinders Lane, are other speciality coffee hotspots worthy of a visit.

John O’Sullivan has two favourite cafés. One is Chapter House in the shadow of St Paul’s Cathedral, where husband-and-wife ownership team Jo and Peter are often the friendly faces behind the coffee machine. The other is Jungle Juice, a Centre Place institution before it was cool.

“Any time any international media broadcasts from Melbourne, they go to Centre Place, which is that classic grungy laneway,” O’Sullivan explains. “But before it was filled with cafés, there was only one: Jungle Juice, by a proprietor called Marcus McNamara, who is a local legend around here. Both these places are the perfect embodiment of the friendly neighbourhood quality that Melbourne has.”

Melbourne is a coffee Mecca , so O’Sullivan’s only other piece of advice – or rather, his strict instruction – is simple. “You’re not allowed to go to Starbucks. If you want to see a bunch of tourists, go to Starbucks – locals don’t go there.”

Melbourne’s thriving coffee culture means there’s no shortage of places for brunch – The Hardware Société on Katherine Place is one standout. And there’s a long list of lunch spots around the CBD, too, including New York-style diner Bowery To Williamsburg, the cathedral-like Higher Ground, and no-frills burger bar Butchers Diner.

“It’s rare for restaurants to last more than a couple of years because of the intensely competitive nature of it, which means that it’s almost a travel guide-proof city – it changes so often,” O’Sullivan says. “Just wander the laneways and don’t be afraid to go into an unmarked door, because there are lots of unmarked doors that actually hide great restaurants and bars behind them.”

For dinner, revered Cantonese institution Flower Drum, cutting-edge Italian restaurant Di Stasio Citta, Asian favourite Chin Chin and wine bar Embla are among Australia’s most respected eateries. But at the cheaper end of the scale, the dozens of dumpling joints like ShanDong MaMa in Chinatown and the farm-fresh Queen Victoria Market dish up delicious meals on a budget.

“Most people go to the Queen Victoria Market, you should particularly go on a Wednesday night for the night markets there,” says O’Sullivan, who also suggests catching the No.1 tram from Swanston Street to South Melbourne Market to rub shoulders with the locals. “You can eat fresh oysters right at both markets, I always tell people to compare the two.”

Laneways are also the site of the CBD’s best nightlife. Bar Americano is a postage-stamp-sized, standing-room-only venue hidden on Presgrave Place; Eau de Vie is a time machine back to the Prohibition Era on Malthouse Lane, and Union Electric links Heffernan Lane with one of Melbourne’s most atmospheric rooftop bars.

Like restaurants, Melbourne’s after-dark scene changes so rapidly that O’Sullivan also guides an ever-evolving tour of the city’s hidden bars, stopping for a drink at a moving roster of four different watering holes. One permanent fixture, though, is Beneath Driver Lane, an underground blues bar that pours what O’Sullivan anoints the best cocktails he’s ever tasted, as well as fresh oysters served with a pipette of Laphroaig whisky.

“They have cocktails that are on fire, they use liquid nitrogen to make some of the cocktails, but they don’t just rely on that like a lot of showy cocktail bars do,” he says. “They have great banter, they have great staff that will have a chat with you, they have live blues music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, and they have great food.”

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One Day in Melbourne: Things to Do, Itinerary & Map

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: November 10, 2023

Planning a one day trip to Melbourne and looking for tips on how to see the best of Melbourne in one day? Wondering what are the best things to do in Melbourne or how to best plan your time? This article with insider tips and recommendations should help you make the most of your short time in the city. Read on!

Melbourne is one of Australia’s most lively and vibrant cities and there is plenty to see and do! Known as a foodie destination, but also for its colorful street art and stunning architecture, Melbourne also has some excellent museums, as well as sporting and cultural events…

With so many awesome things to do in Melbourne for the whole family , you could easily spend a week or more in the city and doing day trips nearby . However, if you’re just passing through and want to see the best of Melbourne in a day, then this guide should help you do just that.

In this article, we cover the best things to do on your first trip to Melbourne , focusing on the main highlights. In addition, you can find a map, tips for getting around the city, and recommendations for the best places to stay . We also included a suggested one day Melbourne itinerary. Find out!

The author of this guide is Melissa who is the writer behind Thrifty Family Travels and Queensland Camping She lives in Queensland, Australia, and has visited Melbourne many, many times. So this one day Melbourne itinerary is filled with insider tips that should help you make the most of your short trip to this bustling city.

Getting Around Melbourne

First things first. The easiest way to get around the Melbourne city center (aka Melbourne CBD) is on foot and by tram. The next thing you need to know is that Melbourne has an awesome City Circle Tram system that is FREE of charge.

This free tram route operates in a circle and you can travel in both directions. With trams running every 12 minutes, this is a very convenient way to get around the city center.

If you happen to stray a little bit too far from the City Circle Tram route, you can use rideshares like Uber or DiDi. That way you don’t waste too much time.

Hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus is also a good option for those who want to see as much as possible in a day. The bus is not really necessary if you are only planning to stay in the city center. But if you want to see more of Melbourne and visit places that are a bit further away, then it can be a good way to do it in just a day.

The actual CBD of Melbourne is not overly big, so you can see quite a lot in a day. To help you work out where everything is, I’ve put together this map so you can easily make your way around the city.

You can easily walk between many of the attractions and take a tram for the places that are somewhat further away.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Now that you know how best to get around the city and where everything is, let’s take a look in detail at what you can see and do in Melbourne in a day.

Things to Do in Melbourne in 1 Day

Flinders street railway station.

Flinders Street Train Station is one of the main train stations in Melbourne. The building that houses the station is over 100 years old and pretty impressive. It’s an iconic landmark and one of the places to see in Melbourne.

The art-nouveau style building backs onto the Yarra River and has a prominent dome, arched entrance, tower, and numerous clocks. If locals tell you “let’s meet under the clocks” , you’ll find them here. The building is exquisite both inside and out and well worth a few minutes of your time.

Here’s an interesting fact. Not only is the building impressive, but the railway station is also home to Australia’s longest train platform. With 708 meters (0,44 miles), it is also the 4th longest platform in the world!

The pedestrian crossing outside the station is one of the busiest in all of Melbourne. It’s an experience in itself. Crossing the road here is something that you really should do when visiting the city; just be careful!

Federation Square

As you walk across the road from Flinders Street Train Station, you’ll arrive at Federation Square . It’s a bustling heart of the city with restaurants, bars, and a few shops. It’s also a very popular venue for various events. There always appears to be something going here!

The square holds around 2000 events each year such as New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Melbourne Festival, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. It is also the site for various public rallies. You can check their official website to see what’s happening there on the day of your visit.

If there is nothing happening on the day you visit, you could spend an hour or so at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) which is located here. The exhibition is free and is an interesting showcase of how TV, film, and other forms of entertainment has evolved over time in Australia. Often, they also have other exhibitions as well.

TIP: While you’re here make sure you pop on over to the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral for a great view of the area.

Street Art & Melbourne Laneways

Melbourne is a hip city. Its famous narrow laneways are lined with trendy cafes and colorful street art is one of the city’s most popular attractions.

If you like looking for street art, head to Hosier Lane . That’s where the most famous artwork is located. As you find your way there, peer down the various narrow laneways and side streets. If you see a group of people standing around, chances are big that there is some great street art here.

As you are well aware, street art changes all the time, so if you want to see some of the best places, consider joining a guided tour with a local. Here you can find a nice selection of Melbourne street art tours and tours that focus on more local experiences.

Coffee & Shopping Arcades

Supposedly Melbourne has the highest density of cafes and restaurants per capita in the world!

As you stroll around in this area, you’ll come across many excellent little cafes hidden away. It might be a good time to stop for a morning coffee or brunch. If you can’t find anything that you like, then head to Degraves Street . Here, you’ll find lots of cafes with outdoor seating.

If you’re into your shopping you’ll also find a range of super cute boutiques in the area too. Or head to one of Melbourne’s shopping arcades. Even if you are not planning to do any shopping, some of these historic arcades are well worth seeing. Check out the Royal Arcade and the Walk Arcade (both on Bourke Street), and also the Block Arcade on Collins Street.

Melbourne Skydeck (previously Eureka Skydeck)

Next, head back out towards the Yarra River and take the footbridge to the other side. The area on the other side of the bridge is called Southbank. It’s home to a range of restaurants, the Crown Casino and the Melbourne Skydeck.

The Melbourne Skydeck is the tallest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a great place to get 360-degree views across the city. The Skydeck is located on the 88th floor, but you wouldn’t know it because the elevator ride takes just a few seconds.

If you have no fear of heights, you may want to try the “Edge Experience”. This is the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform, a glass cube that sticks 3 meters out from the side of the building offering amazing views. It’s a truly exhilarating experience.

TIP: With just a day in Melbourne and limited time, it’s best to get the entry tickets in advance . On busy days, it can save you quite some time.

Good to know: You don’t need more than 15-20 minutes at the Melbourne Skydeck, plus some time to get to the top, etc. In any case, this is something that you can easily add to your one-day itinerary in Melbourne.

Cruise on the Yarra River

If you’re up for it and time permits, why not take a Yarra River Cruise . It’s a great way to get a different perspective of the city and see many different areas, especially for those who only have limited time. During the cruise, you can sit back and relax as you take in the various city landmarks. It’s also a good way to rest your legs from all the walking.

Some of the highlights of the river cruise include seeing the West Gate Bridge, a 19th-century sailing ship, the Polly Woodside, Docklands Crown Entertainment Complex, Princes Bridge, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Government House, Olympic Park, Herring Island, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and many more.

There are a variety of river cruises available from either the Southbank side of the river or by Federation Square. So, depending on which side you take your cruise from, you can either do this before or after visiting the Skydeck.

Queen Victoria Market

No doubt by now you’ve well and truly worked up an appetite. So head on over to the Queen Victora Market for lunch. This is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere and features some of Melbourne’s most delicious food!

This place is huge! Any food you can think of, you will find it here. From delicious cheeses from around the world, smoked and cured meats, locally produced wines, freshly cooked donuts, and loads more… So make sure you come with a healthy appetite.

As well as unbelievable food and fresh produce, Queen Victoria Market also houses some great stores selling clothes, antiques, and Aboriginal arts and souvenirs.

Good to know: Queen Victoria Market is open daily except for Mondays and Wednesdays. It closes at 3 PM on weekdays and at 4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. It’s located a bit further away from the previously mentioned attractions, so you may want to take a free tram to get here faster.

Visit one of the Melbourne Museums

In the afternoon, check out one of the city’s various museums in Melbourne. Depending on your interests, there are loads of options to choose from. With just one day in the city, I suggest you pick just one of the places mentioned below.

A few blocks from Queen Victoria Market is the Melbourne Museum , the largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a natural history museum where you can see various local historical and cultural artifacts. Here you can learn about the origin of life in Victoria dating back to 600 million years ago, see prehistoric creatures, or learn about Indigenous Culture.

One of my personal favorites is Old Melbourne Gaol . It’s a former jail that has been turned into a museum. For 87 years, this gaol was the home for both minor offenders as well as notorious criminals. It was here that the infamous Australian bushranger Ned Kelly was executed saying the words “such is life”. Wandering through this old prison is a fascinating experience!

This is a good museum to visit as you only need 1-1.5 hours for it. See their website for more information.

Another good option is the Immigration Museum . It’s a fantastic place to learn about the past of the Australian people. This museum is located in the Old Customs House and displays a range of interesting immigrant stories.

Alternatively, you may want to check out the State Library Victoria . The La Trobe Reading Room is spectacular and worth a visit in itself! This impressive reading room has a round shape and is located under a majestic dome. It has become popular with those looking for the best Instagrammable spots in Melbourne.

Other interesting museums to explore include Sceinceworks, the National Sports Museum, the Medical History Museum, and many others. But with just one day in Melbourne, I think you’ll find plenty of better things to do.

Fitzroy Gardens

Historic Fitzroy Gardens is one of the most beautiful parks in Melbourne. It has a model Tudor village, an ornamental shrub, several fountains, lots of flowers, and tree-lined walking paths. There is also a cafe and a playground for kids.

This is not an absolute must in the city, but really nice to see, especially if you are visiting Melbourne with kids. Don’t miss the Cooks’ Cottage and the Conservatory. Kids will love the Dolphin Fountain and the Fairies Tree.

Interesting to know: Captain Cook’s Cottage is the original house of Captain Cook who mapped the east coast of Australia in 1770. The house that originally stood in England, was shipped to Australia in 1934 and re-erected in Fitzroy Gardens.

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Melbourne is a great city for sports fans, especially if you happen to be in town on a Friday or Saturday night. One of the best places to be is the Melbourne Cricket Ground , also known as MCG.

If you enjoy cricket, you may even be able to see a game ( check the MCG events calendar ).

But you can also visit Australia’s favorite stadium even if there is no game. They have an interesting museum and offer behind-the-scenes stadium tours .

Catch a Show

If you’re not the sporty type, then how about seeing a theatre production in the evening? Melbourne has some great performances throughout the year at both the Regent Theatre or Princess Theatre .

Some of the shows are so popular that people often fly down to see them from other east coast cities. On the website of the city of Melbourne , you can find a calendar with all the theater performances and shows.

Dinner in Chinatown

There are numerous wonderful places for dinner in Melbourne such as Southbank along the Yarra River or in Lygon Street. But one of the best places for dinner is Melbourne’s Chinatown .

The most popular dish to eat in Chinatown is dumplings! But of course, you’ll find all sorts of Asia cuisines including Thai food, ramen, yum cha, and more.

There is a range of great places to eat. Just follow your nose or better yet, if you find a place with a long line then you know it’s going to be good. Some popular places include Shanghai Village, ShanDong Mama, Longrain, Mr Ramen San, or Secret Kitchen. I indicated all of these in the map above.

Melbourne’s Chinatown is located in the area between Little Bourke Street, from Swanston Street to Spring Street. Be sure to wander down all the little arcades throughout the area as this is where you’ll often find some of the best places.

One Day Melbourne Itinerary

So there you have it, the best things to do on a one day trip in Melbourne. Below, you can find an overview of a perfect Melbourne itinerary for 1 day, following our suggestions above.

Here’s what your day in Melbourne could look like:

• Start your morning at Flinders Street Train Station .
• Head across to Federation Square and see what’s on, if there is nothing on of interest to you, consider checking out the ACMI.
• Check out Melbourne’s famous street art and grab yourself a coffee from one of the cafes in the narrow laneways.
• Cross the Yarra River and check out the city views from the Melbourne Skydeck .
• If time permits take a cruise down the Yarra River .
• Head to Queen Victoria Market for some lunch.
• After lunch, check out one of Melbourne’s great museums and/or check out Fitzroy Gardens .
• In the evening, watch a game, go to the theatre , or take a pub-crawl tour if that’s more your thing.
• Have dinner in Chinatown .

If you find this itinerary too busy and rather have a more relaxing day instead of trying to see everything, skip one or two places that don’t interest you much. Also, if there is something that you absolutely want to see, you may want to do it first to ensure that you don’t run out of time.

TIP: If you want to see all the highlights of Melbourne in a short time or if you rather go discover some hidden gems in the city, you can also consider a walking tour with a local guide. There are various tours available and they usually don’t take more than a few hours. So you can easily incorporate a tour like that in your one-day itinerary.

If You Have More Time

If you have two or three days in Melbourne, consider taking a day trip to see some of the stunning nature nearby. As nice as Melbourne is, it would be a shame not to explore more of its surroundings.

The most popular day trips from Melbourne are the famous Great Ocean Road (must do!), the Grampians National Park (our personal favorite in the area), and Phillip Island , where, among others, you can expect to see koalas and penguins.

Where to Stay in Melbourne

No matter what your budget is, there are plenty of good accommodation options in Melbourne. If you have just one day in Melbourne, I suggest staying very centrally. That way, you can make the most of your time.

Here are some of my personal recommendations for places to stay in Melbourne city center, depending on your budget:

• $$$$$ Grand Hyatt . This centrally located 5* hotel is one of the top picks in Melbourne. Located within easy walking distance from most of the above-mentioned attractions, the hotel features rooms in different sizes, including big family rooms for up to 6 people.
• $$$$ DoubleTree by Hilton . This is a great centrally located 4* hotel , just minutes from Flinders Street Station and all the cool little Melbourne laneways.
• $$$ The Victoria Hotel . This is the most popular lower-mid budget hotel just a short walk from Federation Square. It’s very centrally located and has thousands of great customer reviews.
• $$ Space Hotel . This is a very popular budget hotel with great facilities (including a movie theatre, rooftop bar, and a gym). It has various room types (most with shared bathrooms), but there are also double and family rooms with private bathrooms.

READ ALSO: Great Ocean Road – Best Places to See

More travel tips for Australia:

• Planning a trip to Australia
• Australia itinerary
• 1 Day in Sydney
• Things to Do in Hobart, Tasmania
• Kennet River Koala Walk
• Kangaroo Island
• Alice Springs to Uluru – Red Center Itinerary
• Darwin Itinerary

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

IMAGE CREDITS: Featured image – fotfritz/Depositphotos.com// Federation Square – f11photo/Depositphotos.com// Hosier Lane – Javen/Depositphotos.com// Melbourne street art – ThriftyFamilyTravels.com// Aboriginal art at Queen Victoria Market -zhukovsky/Depositphotos.com// Old Melbourne Gaol – lucidwaters/Depositphotos.com// La Trobe Reading Room – richie0730/Depositphotos.com// Regent Theater – TKKurikawa/Depositphotos.com// Melbourne Chinatown- dbajurin/Depositphotos.com

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100 things to do in Melbourne at least once in your life

Your go-to guide to all the Melbourne attractions, experiences, events and local landmarks that should be on your bucket list

Photograph: Unsplash/Dmitry Osipenko

Whether you're a first-time visitor to Melbourne or have lived here all your life, there are some absolute must-do Melbourne bucket list items that just can't be missed. And yes, we may be slightly biased in saying that Melbourne might be the greatest city on Earth – but we have the stats to back us up, with Melbourne consistently ranked among the world's most livable cities . 

Melbourne's food, drink, coffee, art, theatre and sport culture are among the best in the world, and we reckon you should try to experience every single one of them at least once before you die. So here is our ultimate bucket list: 100 amazing things to do in Melbourne right now, plus attractions, great restaurants, bars, fun festivals and everything in between. Enjoy, and thank us later.

For a deeper look into two of our greatest pastimes – eating and drinking – browse our guides to Melbourne's best restaurants and best bars .

Need somewhere to stay check out melbourne's best airbnb s, or melbourne's best hotels..

An email you’ll actually love

The 100 best things to do in Melbourne

1.  Get back to nature in the Royal Botanic Gardens

• Things to do

What is it? T his expansive garden is home to a cool 8,500 plant species, zen lakes and lush lawns.

Why go? Melbourne is lucky enough to have its Royal Botanic Gardens smack bang in the middle of the city. Being so accessible, the gardens are ideal for a picnic or even just somewhere different to eat your workday lunch. The expansive grounds means you’re rarely forced to awkwardly face off with someone for a good spot of turf.

Don't miss: Hopping on a boat for Punting on the Lake  or having a picnic in the gardens. Around Ornamental Lake seems like the obvious scenic choice for your go-to picnic location, but that’s exactly why you should think again. Explore the gardens thoroughly and we reckon you’ll find your favourite new al fresco nook in no time. If you forget your lunch, make a beeline for Jardin Tan for Vietnamese cuisine.

2.  See a blockbuster exhibition at the NGV

What is it? The National Gallery of Victoria, the grand modernist building that sits pretty on St Kilda Road, is also Australia's oldest and most popular art museum.

Why go?  The NGV brings major international art exhibitions to Melbourne, showcasing classic works of art alongside hot contemporary talents. In the past, we've seen Van Gogh, Hokusai, MC Escher, Dior, Dali, Warhol, works from New York City's MoMA gallery, and the massive free NGV Triennial .

Don't miss:  Given the near-constant rotation of fabulous special exhibitions at the NGV, you’d be forgiven for neglecting the equally impressive (free!) permanent collection. Next time you visit, make sure you spend a good few minutes with Dosso Dossi’s portrait of Lucrezia Borgia, Duchess of Ferrara (1519-1530). It’s one of the only known portraits of the illegitimate daughter of Pope Alexander VI, which makes it, as NGV curator Laurie Benson explains, “a unique record of one of the most famous women in history”.

3.  See the Melbourne sunrise from a hot air balloon

What is it?   Hot air balloons aren’t just for the countryside –   they fly over Melbourne's pretty city too .

Why go?   If you can handle dragging yourself out of bed well before dawn then the flight really is worth it. Unsurprisingly, there are not a lot of people around at sunrise, and drifting over the city in the dawn light feels surreal. Where you start, travel and land in your balloon is always a mystery as the flights are determined by each day’s conditions – meaning you might see some of your favourite Melbourne locations from above or discover some new gems.

Don't miss:  A flight  over the Yarra Valley  is equally as impressive.

4.  Take a drive down the Great Ocean Road

What is it? Justifiably one of Victoria’s most popular tourist destinations, the Great Ocean Road snakes all along the southwest coast of the state, starting in Torquay (1.5 hours from the CBD) and finishing up just before Warrnambool.

Why go? This winding stretch of road provides ample opportunity to reconnect with the ocean, the bush and the sounds and sights of nature whether driving, walking, horseriding, surfing, sailing or cycling.

Don't miss: It's about a four-hour drive without stops, but heed our warning: you'll definitely want to stop. There's just too much happening along the coast not to. Take a day trip, stay the weekend or just pack up and move there – there's plenty going on down the Great Ocean Road.

5.  Peruse the sheds at Queen Victoria Market

What is it?  Queen Victoria Market is an open-air market that's packed with veteran stallholders who are passionate about fresh produce (and are happy to tell you about it). 

Why go?  It's popular with locals as their go-to for fresh fruit, veggies, meat and an outstanding variety of dairy and smallgoods, but it has also become something of a 'must visit' for tourists . And why not? With a huge number of stalls selling clothes, accessories and other bric-a-brac, the market has evolved into more than just the place to get your weekly shop. Pro-tip: be mindful of the market's opening hours before visiting as it's closed Monday and Wednesday.

Don't miss: Hot jam doughnuts from the American Doughnut Kitchen van.  These doughies should be in a museum: they’ve got just the right amount of oily crunch, the dough is stuffed with a sticky and sweet red dollop of rasp-plum jam, and they’re covered quite liberally with sugar.

6.  Explore Melbourne's laneway icon, Degraves Street

What is it? In a city that's world-famous for its laneways and arcades , Degraves Street is arguably one of the best. 

Why go?   It's a Parisian-looking lane that connects Flinders Lane and Flinders Street and boasts a bunch of cafés with on-street dining. We'd suggest settling in for a glass of red before picking up a nifty gift (or something for yourself) from the artisan stationery store  Il Papiro . 

Don't miss: A scoop of incredibly tasty housemade gelato from Pidapipo .

7.  Spend the day (and maybe the night) at Melbourne Zoo

What is it? A massive display of the animal kingdom right outside Melbourne's CBD.

Why go? You can watch the world flutter by at the butterfly room, visit the colourful residents of the aviary and trek through the Trail of the Elephants to visit the close-knit family of big-eared beauties.  Melbourne Zoo has all the animal action. There’s always something going on here, from keeper talks and zoo high teas. Be sure to say hi to the lion pride before you leave (follow the roars). 

Don't miss:  For the wildest night of your life book in for a Roar ‘n’ Snore – a zoo sleepover where you camp in the historic elephant exhibition.

8.  Have a Gimlet at Gimlet

• Cocktail bars
• price 2 of 4

What is it?  This glitzy 1920s restaurant by Andrew McConnell in the glamorously retooled Art Deco beauty Cavendish House is serving up sophisticated and delicious versions of its namesake .

Why go?  If you love Gimlets, you likely won't have had one this good before. Made with Tanquerey gin, a three-citrus cordial, a splash of Moscato and Geraldton wax, it's the perfect drink to have in hand while taking in the glittering surrounds and pretending you're in The Great Gatsby.

Don't miss:  Grabbing a seat at the bar to head bartender Cameron Parish and his team working their magic. And if you're not sure what to get next, chat to Parish – he'll figure out your perfect next sip. 

9.  Learn stories of Melbourne's First Peoples at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre

What is it? A venue within Melbourne Museum , Bunjilaka was developed to empower Aboriginal people to interpret their own cultural heritage for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

Why go? Here you can celebrate the vibrant cultures of Indigenous Australia with exhibitions about traditional performances, storytelling rituals and artworks. It's a museum must-see.

Don'tmiss:  The Deep Listening space, where you can listen to Victorian Aboriginal people telling the stories of their culture from the time of creation to today.

10.  Try the best croissant in the world at Lune Croissanterie

• Restaurants
• Patisseries
• price 1 of 4

What is it?   Lune Croissanterie 's croissants earned the venue the top spot on Time Out Melbourne's best patisseries list, and they were dubbed "the world's best" by a writer for the  New York Times . Not a bad gig for brother-sister team Kate and Cameron Reid.

Why go?  As with many celebrated Melbourne eateries (ahem, Chin Chin ), such high accolades often mean crowds. The lines snake out of the door nearly every day, in fact. But does Lune really cut the mustard? In short, yes. Created in a climate-controlled lab, Lune croissants are almost mathematically perfect: crisp and golden with visible layers of delicate pastry. This isn’t really so unusual when you consider the fact that Kate Reid used to be a racing car engineer.

Don't miss: The plain croissants are the OG, but we're also particularly fond of the almond croissant. Lucky for us, Lune also opened an outpost in Melbourne's CBD . 

11.  Go for a wee at the Sofitel (seriously!)

• Luxury hotels
• price 3 of 4

What is it? Luxury hotel Sofitel boasts one of the best views of the city... in its swanky sky-high bathrooms. 

Why go? We're not even exaggerating here. Sofitel's loo is not so much a toilet as a powder room: golden drapes frame the floor-to-ceiling windows, from which you can see all the way out to the Dandenongs , as well as the Royal Botanic Gardens , the Shrine of Remembrance , the 'G and even out to the sea.

Don't miss:  While you're up there, consider having a cocktail at the luxe Atrium Bar on 35 .

12.  Take a day trip to the Yarra Valley

What is it?  Victoria's premier wine region, the Yarra Valley , is all  rolling green hills, swaying vineyards and old farmhouses. Plus, it's less than an hour's drive from the CBD.

Why go? The cellar doors of the region's famous wineries are open every weekend, and the winery restaurants are becoming some of the most sought-after dining destinations out of Melbourne. Our picks of the region are TarraWarra Estate , Maddens Rise and Rochford Wines , but don't forget to fill up on some cheese from Yarra Valley Dairy while you're there.

Don't miss:  The free tastings at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery . Seriously, do not miss this. 

13.  See a classic film at the Astor Theatre

What is it?  The Astor is an Art Deco cinema that's been in operation as a cinema since 1936. It's actually the last single-screen cinema of its kind in continuous operation in Melbourne.

Why go? Beautiful gold curtains frame the screen, and the entire experience feels like you've flashed back to old Hollywood. The theatre boasts a program of new and classic films in 35mm, 70mm and digital formats, and it's a cultural hub for movie fans, with double features, remastered classics, new and independent movies, film festivals and special events.

Don't miss:  Revel in the glory of this beautiful old relic with cheap tickets  on special days throughout the week – but check with the venue directly.

14.  See a fuck-off big opera at the State Theatre

What is it? When a grand opera hits town, it’s more than likely going to the majestic, underground State Theatre – the stage is so big it’s the equivalent of eight suburban houses.

Why go? Look, we get it. Opera isn’t for everyone – but we insist you give it a shot. There are often stunning costumes, elaborate set designs and so much drama.

Don’t miss: Trying to count all those tiny brass cups that have been nailed to the theatre’s ceiling. We’re heard there are about 75,000, but good luck fact-checking that.

15.  Ride a tram

What is it? OK, it seems obvious, but most visitors have never even seen a tram, let alone ridden on one. Melbourne’s tram network is a wondrous beast – the best part of all is that a huge chunk of it is free to ride if you stick to the city.

Why go? The tram network branches out from the city centre. It’s often easier to use trams than any other form of transport for those hopping between CBD attractions or visiting the inner suburbs.

Don’t miss: Travelling north-south on the Route 96 tram. It’s one of our favourite tram routes, stretching from St Kilda to East Brunswick and going along Bourke Street in the city. At stop 16 (Kay/Nicholson St) you can try the world’s best croissants at Lune , or you can spot fairy penguins at St Kilda Beach at stop 145 (Acland St).

16.  Get a ground pass at the Australian Open

What is it? Every year, thousands head to Melbourne Park to watch the superstars of tennis battle it out in the fierce summer heat for the southern hemisphere’s only Grand Slam tournament.

Why go? Even if you don’t make it to the arena, Birrarung Marr is abuzz with live entertainment and food stalls for the Australian Open Festival , where live screenings of matches are played on big screens. 

Don’t miss: If you’re a tennis fan, opt for a Ground Pass. This ticket won’t get you into the big arenas, but you’ll instead get access to all the smaller surrounding courts where up-and-coming tennis stars will play. Plus, the tickets start at only $59.

17.  Eat a parma

What is it?   The pub staple features a crisp chicken schnitty coated in a layer of napoli sauce, slices of smoky ham, topped with a horde of melted cheese and grilled to perfection. Its vegetarian counterpart often substitutes the chicken with meaty eggplant or mock meat, and it's usually served with a side of chips or a salad for the “health-conscious”, or both. 

Why go?  The fried bird was actually voted Melbourne's favourite dish  by Time Out’s readers in a survey conducted in 2020.  Before we get into it though, it’s important to note the correct spelling and pronunciation: it’s parma with an ‘a’, not parmi with an ‘i’ - here’s looking at you Geelong, and the rest of the country. You know you’re all wrong.

Don't miss:   Not only is Melbourne now so parma-obsessed that it features on the menus of most pubs, but it’s also home to dedicated parma festivals and awards.  Here are more of our favourite venues dishing up Melbourne’s best parmas.

18.  Try a Magic, a coffee that's almost exclusive to Melbourne

• Collingwood

What is it?  A Magic is the combination of steamed milk and a double ristretto, and it's basically just a flat white with two shots but with a more equal milk to coffee ratio. Be warned that you may get some raised eyebrows or confused looks if you order it anywhere outside of Melbourne. 

Why go? Melbourne is a coffee city , we know this. You're basically guaranteed to never be more than a hundred metres from a good brew. But if you really want a special experience that you won't find elsewhere – and the bragging rights that come with it – getting a Magic is the way to do it. 

Don't miss:  Trying a Magic from some of the best cafés in Melbourne . You can get them pretty much anywhere, but you might as well try one from the likes of Industry Beans , Captains of Industry  or St Ali . 

19.  Have a dip in the Adelphi Hotel rooftop pool

• Boutique hotels

What is it?   Adelphi Hotel 's rooftop pool, which has swiftly become one of the most photographed pools in Melbourne.

Why go? Well, a glass-bottomed section of the pool actually cantilevers out over Flinders Lane, meaning you can spy all the tiny ant people scurrying along while you're submerged in water. After an upgrade in late 2017, the rooftop pool deck is looking as fresh as ever . You don't have to be a guest of the hotel, though you do have to pay. Grab a spritz and your beach towel, and you'll be golden. 

Don't miss:  An overnight stay in the hotel itself.  Located within a hulking 1938 building on the busy CBD hotspot that is Flinders Lane, the Adelphi Hotel is a nice landing spot for those who value edgy design, location and first-rate service.

20.  See an AFL game at the MCG

• Sport and fitness
• East Melbourne

What is it?  Victoria's favourite sport. Australian Rules Football was born here, and to this day the Melbourne Cricket Ground (known more colloquially as the 'G) is the best place to see it all go down. 

Why go?  It's a bloody good time, no matter what team you're barracking for. Rug up, get a pie, a hot jam doughnut and a beer, yell like a bastard, heckle the umpires and have a right old laugh at the little tackers having a crack during half-time.

Don't miss: Seeing a game of AFLW , as well.  The women’s league of the AFL hit the big time a few years back, and what better way is there to support the athletes than heading along to a game? The AFLW season starts in August and ends in November.

21.  Drink locally made whisky at Starward Distillery

• Port Melbourne

What is it? A whisky distillery located in Port Melbourne that’s churning out smooth, easy-drinking flavours that any dram drinker would enjoy.

Why go? The distillery itself is an airy and open warehouse space within easy walking distance of the city. The bar at the front is open to the public (try a whisky and tonic – you can thank us later) and a great space to catch up with friends. It is whisky-focused, as you'd expect, with Starward as well as other Australian spirits available and a few craft beers.

Don’t miss: You can book tours of the distillery to learn how whisky is made, from barley to bottle. You can taste it at its various stages along the way too, as well as seeing up close the state-of-the-art equipment and hundreds of barrels ageing the precious liquid.

22.  LOL until your face hurts at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

• Comedy festival
• Melbourne Until 21 Apr 2024

What is it? The Melbourne International Comedy Festival – held in March/April every year – is a world-class comedy festival that takes over every corner of Melbourne's CBD, and it's impossible to miss. 

Why go?  The whole city is talking about the shows you have to see; the colourful banners line CBD streets; and of course, hordes of audience members gravitate to the Melbourne Town Hall, tickets in hand. As the third-largest international comedy festival in the world, MICF boasts more than 400 shows to choose from.

Don't miss:  It's impossible to see everything, so we suggest rocking up at the Town Hall in the evening and checking out what's on for the night. You could ask the festival's friendly staff for recommendations, take a chance on an up-and-comer who's flyering out front, or you could keep a close eye on social media to see what everyone is raving about.

23.  Dance until dawn at the Toff in Town

What is it? The Toff in Town is one of the swankiest bars in town. Climb the stairs at vertical laneway Curtin House and you'll find a private booth bar to the left and an excellent band space to the right. 

Why go?   This  cosy  little red-curtained room has hosted a wealth of talent, both from home and from far away.  It's a fun haunt and one that reeks of character in an already vibrant Melbourne scene. Get right up and sweaty at the foot of the stage or sit back and sample the menu of delicious eats and the extensive range of drinks on offer.

Don't miss: Heading upstairs to the super popular Rooftop Bar for a drink among the city's rooftops. 

24.  Stroll around the historic Abbotsford Convent

What is it? The Abbotsford Convent began  as a convent in the late 1800s and was also a commercial laundry, orphanage and aged care facility. These days, it’s a hub for artists, makers, community radio broadcasters and teachers – as well as a beautiful place to explore.

Why go? You can feel the weight of the past as soon as you step into the grounds and look up to the gothic spires of the convent. It's also an excellent place to roam, explore or just relax on the green hills and amongst the gardens. 

Don't miss:  Checking out the work of local artists in the galleries or playing with the gorgeous animals at the Collingwood Children's Farm . 

25.  Snap some street art at Centre Place

What is it?  This Diagon Alley-looking laneway boasts great food, shopping and some of  Melbourne's best street art . 

Why go?   Laneways  throughout the CBD regularly get a repaint, so it's worth checking in on some of our   favourite   street art spots (including AC/DC Lane, Croft Alley and the super popular   Hosier Lane ) numerous times throughout the year. 

Don't miss:  Getting the best shot. If you want to take photos without people walking through your shot, we suggest waking up early.

26.  See the world-famous penguins at Phillip Island

• Wimbledon Heights

What is it?   About a two-hour drive from Melbourne is wildlife wonderland Phillip Island. Some 3.5 million people visit the island every year. 

Why go?   There are plenty of activities for families, couples and solo visitors, including a chocolate factory, wildlife parks full of native animals and of course, the nightly penguin parade. Motorheads flock to the island in their thousands for the Motorcycle Grand Prix in the spring.

Don’t miss:  The fairy penguin parade, when hundreds of the little guys come in from a hard day's fishing and waddle up the beach to their homes in the rocks.

27.  Explore every corner of the Fitzroy Gardens

What is it? A huge inner-city garden located amidst Melbourne’s busy cityscape

Why go? You can take a stroll around the park and take in the natural landscape and historic sites, which are located throughout the gardens. There’s a model Tudor Village, Captain Cook’s 1755 family home uprooted from Yorkshire and reassembled here in the 1930s, a collection of similarly strange fountains, memorials and follies accumulated over the park’s 150 years.

Don’t miss: A trip into the Conservatory. This Spanish Mission-style conservatory was opened way back in March 1930. It currently exhibits five floral displays annually, meaning it’s in full bloom all year round with a mix of hydrangeas, fuchsias, begonias, cyclamens and calceolarias all making an appearance at some point. 

28.  Find a spot to see the Aurora Australis

• Weird & Wonderful

What is it? Australia’s own version of the Northern Lights – the Southern Lights, or the Aurora Australis.

Why go? Um, have you seen the photos !? The best time of year to see this dramatic light display is during winter and the equinox in September, and you need to go somewhere where 1) there’s an uninterrupted horizon view, and 2) a place that’s away from city lights. So try Point Lonsdale, Cape Schanck, Flinders, the south side of Phillip Island, Tidal River at Wilsons Promontory, Aireys Inlet or Anglesea.

Don’t miss: It! The Aurora Australis, like its northern sister, is very difficult to predict. Patience is key here. Bring your camera (human eyes often can’t see the faint colour changes that happen during an aurora show, but DSLRs can) and wait.

29.  Peruse the shelves at the State Library

• Attractions

What is it?   A magnificent old cultural landmark that houses an incredible amount of books, as well as several exhibitions and galleries with a lot of history. The library was established in 1856 and is a grand presence on Swanston Street with interior spaces to match.

Why go?  You don't have to be a student or bookworm to enjoy the State Library. The beautiful building is a wonder just to explore and there's even a two-storey children's space where they can learn and play.

Don't miss:  If you want to take  that Hogwarts-like photograph of the library head to the La Trobe Reading Room. The six-storey-high domed space is a beautiful sight to behold – head up to the second or third floor to take the best shot.

30.  See the bizarre pink lake that pops up in Melbourne

What is it? Westgate Park, located on the edge of the city in Port Melbourne, turns a delicious shade of pink every summer.

Why go? It’s pink! And before you ask, yes, it’s completely natural. It’s been turning pink every year since the summer of 2012/13, when a collection of hot temperatures, algae combinations, lack of rainfall and excessive sunlight came together like a perfect pink witch’s brew.

Don’t miss:  The pink colour. It happens in late summer and the colour can intensify as the water evaporates in the summer heat. Luckily, the pink colour has no impact on birdlife on the lake, who you’ll regularly see frolicking around the shoreline.

31.  Captain a boat down the Yarra with GoBoat

What is it? A boat hire service out of Docklands that lets you take a five-metre-long boat out on the Yarra River.

Why go? You don’t need a boating licence to operate one, so it’s fun for all.

Don’t miss: Go Boat is BYO. Boats come equipped with a built-in picnic table in the middle, meaning you can have lunch (and drinks) on the river.

32.  Day trip to the fairytale-like Alfred Nicholas Gardens

What is it? As close as you'll come to a true secret garden, the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens is located deep within the Dandenong Ranges .

Why go? Take a walk through the park and see the awesome canopy of mountain ash trees or take a picnic by the picturesque lake and quaint boathouse.

Don’t miss: The park is home to a heap of Australian native flora, which changes all year round. In spring, the park is full of colour with flowering azaleas and cherry trees, while in autumn the park turns golden with the changing colours of the maples and beeches.

33.  Eat a dim sim from the South Melbourne Market

• South Melbourne

What is it? A tennis ball-sized parcel of meat, cabbage and just the right amount of spice and served two ways: fried or steamed.

Why go? The South Melbourne Market dim sims are probably the best dim sims in the state. These massive morsels are a huge level up from the average tuck shop dimmie and they’ve become an icon of the southside indoor market, as the stall has been serving them for six decades.

Don’t miss:  These dimmies were destined to swim in soy and chilli sauce, so make sure to ask for some with your order and douse them to your heart’s content. No one’s judging you here.

34.  Go for a drinking tour of the Bellarine Peninsula

What is it? The Bellarine, Melbourne’s “other” peninsula, has quietly transformed into a wine lover’s paradise .

Why go? The Bellarine has been producing wines since the 1980s, and frankly, we think it’s about time the rest of the world knew about it.

Don’t miss: A stop at the cellar doors of Scotchmans Hill , Curlewis Winery or Basils Farm . There’s also the Whiskery for the spirits fans or Queenscliff Brewhouse for the beer fans.

35.  See Victoria’s two Californian redwoods plantations

What is it? As the name suggests, Californian redwoods are indigenous to coastal California and the southwestern corner of Oregon in the US. Redwoods were planted down the coast in the Great Ocean National Park in the 1930s as well as a collection in the Warburton Valley.

Why go? These trees are distinguished by their extreme height (they can reach up to 115 metres tall) and their somewhat horizontal branches. They’re some of the oldest living organisms on Earth!

Don’t miss: Walking through these plantations makes you feel tiny. The grid-like plantation in Warburton includes over 1,400 trees, all up to 55-metres tall.

36.  Soak up the views from Naked for Satan's rooftop

What is it?  While Naked for Satan 's downstairs is a dark and moody affair, just one elevator ride to its rooftop will bring you to cracking views of the CBD. 

Why go? For a city with such temperamental weather, we sure do love a rooftop bar. Our city is basically covered by them, but if you want to avoid the crowds of the city while still enjoying an incredible views, head up to Fitzroy for this sprawling view while enjoying a delicious tapas menu that's a cut above typical bar bites. 

Don't miss:  The vast array of infused vodkas made in-house. Play it safe with flavours like blueberry, ginger or peach, or embrace a bit of spice with the Hot Ho (chilli and cinnamon) or Naked Bitch (chilli and cherry) infusions.

37.  See the lion dance in Chinatown during Chinese New Year

What is it? Every January or February Melbourne kicks off its Chinese New Year celebrations, which often include traditional live music, food, firecrackers, street performers, martial artists and the traditional lion dance down Little Bourke Street aka Chinatown.

Why go? Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year is for many a time to get together with friends and family to wish for good luck and a prosperous year ahead. As Melbourne's Asian communities celebrate, everyone is invited to join in the festivities all around the city.

Don’t miss: Tying it in with a visit to Melbourne’s best yum cha eateries . You won’t regret it.

38.  Have a fancy high tea at the Windsor

What is it? Afternoon tea at the Windsor is a strictly traditional afternoon tea complete with ribbon sandwiches, warm scones and an ever-changing array of pastries.

Why go? It’s one of the best high teas in Melbourne . And because who doesn't love getting dressed up and eating delicious treats?

Don’t miss: Trying the Grey De Luxe tea, enjoyed by members of high society since the 1880s after it was made famous by Earl Grey himself.

39.  See a show at Arts House

• North Melbourne

What is it? One of Melbourne's best small theatres, Arts House is where you can go when you don't have the dollars to catch a mainstage show. 

Why go? Going to a smaller theatre will no doubt reward you with cutting-edge, locally made theatre for at least half the cost.  Committed to contemporary performance in all its guises, Arts House presents an innovative year-round program of national and international works, including theatre, dance, live art, digital and visual art. 

Don't miss:  Arts House also presents annual festivals –Festival of Live Art (FOLA) and Dance Massive – and provides the creative community with multiple artistic development programs.

40.  Eat a late-night burger at Butchers Diner

What is it? Butchers Diner is a late-night restaurant with a heavy focus on meat. Surprisingly, it’s not just for carnivores and it serves one of the best burgers in Melbourne .

Why go? Where else can you get a premium burger made with a mix of fill and half-blood Robbin’s Island wagyu at midnight? Plus, at $12.50, it’s a steal.

Don’t miss: Trying a skewer of offal, if you’re game!

41.  Shop along Brunswick Street

What is it? Melbourne’s alternative side is in full force in Fitzroy, this inner-city haven for all things cool and kooky.

Why go? Fitzroy’s main drag, Brunswick Street, is packed with vintage clothing stores, Melbourne fashion labels and secondhand stores including Hunter Gatherer , Mud , Alpha 60 and the Lost and Found Market .

Don’t miss: If you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday morning, hop over to Rose Street for the weekly Rose Street Artists’ Market . It gathers together some of Melbourne’s most exciting artists and designers to display their wares and talk all things handmade.

42.  Take a kayak down the Yarra

• Walks and tours

What is it? A kayak ride right through the centre of the city thanks to Kayak Melbourne

Why go? It’s one of the coolest ways to see Melbourne’s skyline – and nothing beats seeing the sun set over all those buildings.

Don’t miss: The Moonlight Kayak Tour. It runs for two and a half hours, is suitable for all ages, and there’s no experience necessary.

43.  Taste Michelin-starred food for less than $15

• Singaporean

What is it?  Singaporean street food outlet  Hawker Chan  landed in Lonsdale Street at the end of 2017 and has been popular ever since.

Why go? Street food and Michelin stars might not seem the likeliest of bedfellows, but Hawker Chan sure makes it work. It’s not uncommon to see people queueing up outside the venue before it opens, eagerly awaiting their serve of soya chicken, rice and beans. Sounds simple, but sometimes simple dishes are the hardest to perfect. 

Don't miss:  The Michelin star rating comes from how Hawker Chan prepares its chicken: after making the soya marinade from scratch, chefs soak the whole chicken in it overnight. And it only costs $11.30.

44.  Go tobogganing at Lake Mountain

What is it? Lake Mountain is an alpine village only two hours from Melbourne that’s perfect for a day trip.

Why go? This alpine region is great for skiers and snow bunnies in winter, and in the warmer months, the resort is an ideal day-trip destination for bushwalking, mountain biking, cycling, trail running, leisurely picnics and nature walks.

Don’t miss: Trying out tobogganing. Lake Mountain has dedicated toboggan slopes that are great for beginners.

45.  Watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Melbourne

What is it? New Year’s Eve. Fireworks. Melbourne. It’s pretty self-explanatory. 

Why go? Sure, we don’t have the harbour like in Sydney. But Melbourne still puts on quite the show every NYE. There’s usually a fireworks display at 9.30pm for children as well as the big display at midnight.

Don’t miss: Securing a spot at one of these great free places across the city that offer top-notch views of the fireworks.

46.  Get a bird's eye view from the balcony of Hamer Hall

What is it? Hamer Hall  is known for its theatre performances and concerts, but its balcony offers one of Melbourne’s best views .

Why go? It's one of the only times when you don't need to ride an elevator for a beautiful city vista.  Venture up the stairs on the outside of Hamer Hall (accessed from the bank of grass next to  Arts Centre Melbourne ) and s tep outside its warm, red walls to absorb the riverside.

Don't miss: A show while you're there! It's one of the city's best concert halls.

47.  Discover the best of St Kilda

What is it?   Most famous for the smiling face of the  Luna Park  gates, immortalised in programs like  The Secret Life of Us , St Kilda is a one-of-a-kind bohemian suburb in Melbourne's south.

Why go?  It's one of Melbourne's most eclectic suburbs. Head to Luna Park (Australia’s oldest amusement park) and hit the original rides still in operation, including the Scenic Railway, which opened in 1912, and the merry-go-round, built in 1913. Next, take in the sunset while you stroll down Jacka Boulevard to St Kilda’s breakwater for a peek at a healthy-sized colony of little penguins. The black-and-white cuties are there all year round, but the best viewing is in summer after sunset.

Don't miss:  If the ocean seems intimidating, go for a dip at the St Kilda Sea Baths . You'll still get beautiful views of the bay, but with the added benefit of an aromatherapy steam room and café.

48.  Live life luxuriously at Block Arcade

What is it? If you visit just one arcade in Melbourne, make sure it’s the Block Arcade .

Why go? It was built in the 1890s, and it certainly lets you know it. We reckon the fanciest-looking entrance is via Collins Street, though the grandeur certainly smacks you in the face if you sneak in from Block Place. With the high, domed glass ceilings, extravagant cornices and an ornate tiled floor the Block is like a set from Harry Potter . Even the arcade's retailers fit the wizarding world brief with fancy chocolate shops, old-fashioned tea rooms, jewellers, watchmakers and more.

Don't miss:  Buying something at Haigh's. If you do, staff will also offer you a free sample choccy.

49.  Walk and learn on a Drinking History Tour

What is it?   If you find walking tours too sober and pub crawls declassé, join guide Ben Oliver on a   Drinking History Tour .

Why go?  You'll hit classic Melbourne landmarks like  Federation Square ,   the Forum ,   the MCG ,   AC/DC Lane ,   the Old Treasury Building ,   Chinatown   and more, but also stop at three bars en route. You'll learn fascinating stories about Melbourne's seedy past, including tales of murder, brothels and a centuries-old unsolved mystery. A wine-focused version is in the works too, if that's more your tipple. 

Don't miss:  There are plenty of  great tours happening around Melbourne , so don't just limit yourself to one!

50.  Go for a run around the Tan

What is it? It’s 3.8 kilometres of primo jogging real estate.

Why go? The Tan is encircled by the beautiful surrounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens . Once a horse track, it’s now a running route that sees hundreds of locals descend on its picturesque path every weekend.

Don’t miss: An attempt at smashing the current record. If you can do a lap in under ten minutes and eight seconds, you’ll probably get your own statue.

51.  Visit uber-fancy speakeasy Eau De Vie

What is it?  A Melbourne drinking institution complete with jazzy soundtrack, private booths and staff clad in waistcoats. Just don't expect a sign.

Why go? Eau de Vie was once one of those hidden bars that would take you a good chunk of time to find. Now, it’s one of the worst kept secrets in Melbourne. The American prohibition-era premise hasn’t changed, even though the trend has been left behind. EDV continues to be one of the busiest cocktail bars in town due to its ability to transport you out of the modern day and into the charms of yesteryear.

Don’t miss:  Firewater fans should venture to the adjoining Whisky Room. The 450-strong list is vast and covers many styles, serving as an educational tour as well as a collection of the greats. There is even the opportunity to purchase your own bottle, should you be particularly taken with a whisky, for future consumption whenever you’re on site.

52.  Get a scoop (or two) of gelato at Pidapipo

What is it? A cute Carlton shopfront serving some of  the best gelati in Melbourne .

Why go?   Pidapipo 's Lisa Valmorbida graduated from a gelato university in Italy. Naturally, her  signature flavours include fior di latte, ricotta and fig, rosemary and chestnut and a rare rhubarb and vincotto swirl; but to these, she adds a rotating selection of adventurous seasonal flavours. Some of her ingredients – including cheese from St Kilda's La Formaggeria – may not fit with your idea of gelato, but somehow, she always makes it work. Whichever scoop you choose, you can't really go wrong.

Don't miss:  A  scoop of the Baci or banana milk gelato on brioche (the Italian way), and don’t skip on the Nutella on tap.

53.  Eat ramen at midnight

What is it? Shujinko is a late-night ramen bar located on Russell Street in the city.

Why go? Shujinko’s presence smack bang in the CBD and a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s most popular late-night venues is a godsend. Nighttime city dwellers will no longer have to resort to a greasy kebab or a mysteriously long-lasting burger from the golden arches.

Don’t miss: The ultra-spicy karakuchi ramen is just the thing to clear those sinuses, while the black ramen is an umami bomb that can cut through your booze-numbed tastebuds.

54.  Take a day trip to the Mornington Peninsula

What is it? A gorgeous coastal region of Victoria located an easy 90-minute drive south of the CBD.

Why go? With beaches, wineries, parks, gardens and spas, Mornington Peninsula boasts an embarrassment of getaway riches.

Don’t miss: A stop at the Peninsula Hot Springs or a stay at the Jackalope Hotel , if you can swing it. There’s also the Arthurs Seat chairlift , the Bushrangers Bay Trail at Cape Schanck , the Enchanted Adventure Garden , Pt Leo Estate winery and its stellar restaurant Laura , dolphin and seal spotting in the bay … see what I meant about an embarrassment of riches?

55.  Have a night-time book hang at Readings

What is it? It’s not often that you see crowds hanging out at a bookshop at 10pm on a Friday and Saturday night, but that’s Readings for you – proof that there’s still a place for great independent bookshops.

Why go?  The original Carlton outpost took out the top prize at the 2016 London Book Fair’s International Excellence Awards, and for good reason: aside from its unparalleled range, helpful staff and great atmosphere, the shop has a strong history of community outreach and support for local authors with their literary prizes.

Don't miss:  Checking out this book shop's illustrious Lygon Street neighbours, including the arthouse Cinema Nova , fromagerie Milk the Cow and famous Italian pasticceria  Brunetti . 

56.  Go skiing at Mt Hotham

• Hotham Heights

What is it? Mt Hotham is one of Australia’s highest ski resorts and offers 13 lifts and over 80 runs for budding snow bunnies.

Why go? Hotham has 320 hectares of ski terrain, its own airport, 18 restaurants and bars, and even a luxe day spa. Whatever your needs, it’s sorted here.

Don’t miss: A soak in the mountaintop onsen. The Onsen Retreat and Spa has its own 38-degree Japanese onsen, plus an indoor pool, spa, sauna and treatment rooms. It’s exactly what you need after hurtling yourself down an icy mountain all day.

57.  See a gig at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl

What is it? Located in the Kings Domain Gardens, just a short walk from Flinders Street, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is one of Melbourne’s best outdoor music venues.

Why go? It’s been around since 1959, holds around 30,000 people, is registered on the Victorian Heritage Register and hosts some of Melbourne’s best live music performances, including the annual Carols by Candlelight.

Don’t miss: Every summer, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra put on a series of free classical concerts for the public. They’re first in best dressed, so pack a picnic rug and enjoy a balmy summer night under the stars.

58.  Get fishy at the Melbourne Aquarium

What is it?  Melbourne's aquarium lets you wind your way throughout the world’s aquatic ecosystems, from tropical reefs through to arctic waters. 

Why go?  For one, you can gasp at the aquarium’s huge saltie, coo at the gentoo and king penguins, and be mesmerised by luminous jellyfish and sea dragons. You can even book out parts of the aquarium for parties or weddings.

Don't miss:  Spending some serious time in the shark tunnel. If there aren’t hoards of schoolchildren around, lie on your back and watch the majestic prehistoric giants drifting overhead.

59.  Picnic in the sculpture garden at Heide Museum of Modern Art

What is it?  Heide Museum of Modern Art  is a torchbearer for Australian modernism but also champions contemporary Australian art – in the spirit of its founders John and Sunday Reed, patrons and collectors who fostered the local modernist movement in the 1930s and 1940s. 

Why go? Once you’ve completed your encounter with contemporary Australian artists inside the gallery, head out to Heide 's green sculpture park, tip your hat to the corrugated iron cows and find a spot near the riverbank. In this blissful pastoral setting, you can almost sense the presence of members of the famous ‘Heide circle’, among them Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker and Joy Hester.

Don't miss:  We'd suggest hopping on your bike and riding towards Heide if you're feeling energetic. It's a rather pleasant ride right next to the Yarra .

60.  Shell out for a meal at Attica

• Modern Australian
• price 4 of 4

What is it? If you'd like to eat at one of the country's finest dining establishments, Attica is the place.

Why go? It won't be cheap, we'll warn you. But if you're willing to shell out $320 per person, you're in for a once-in-a-lifetime degustation. The Attica team will let you taste quintessential Australian ingredients like yabbies, quandong, saltbush, finger lime or even the common, Antipodean pest the possum, all in a classy, fine dining setting. In the past, there have been hot jam doughnuts (a very Melbourne snack) and bush tucker tea made from gumbi gumbi (also known as native apricot) which is used by Indigenous people for its medicinal qualities.

Don't miss: Telling everyone you know about getting a table at Attica. Seriously, you'll be talking about this experience for years to come. 

61.  See a show at Melbourne Fringe

What is it?  Melbourne Fringe is our city's most democratic arts festival, often encompassing hundreds of shows, performances and just plain wild arts events. Why go?  The sheer scale of Melbourne Fringe almost necessitates that there will be a show you'll like. Fringe is also known for throwing some of the best parties around and the organisation is a champion of all arts and artists – all are welcome at Fringe.

Don’t miss:  With a new permanent venue at Trades Hall, Fringe has events all year round, even if you can't make the annual festival.

62.  Wind your way through the Nicholas Building

What is it?   This Art Deco icon is a creative hive that was built in the ’20s.

Why go? Exploring its ten storeys is an unparalleled shopping adventure: you’ll find boutique retailers, jewellers, art studios and bespoke tailors. Top picks include RetroStar (a small department store for vintage clothes and accessories), Brendan Dwyer (bespoke cobbler), L’uccello (specialist haberdasher) and Mattt (studio and retailer for beautifully designed and crafted handmade satchels). This was actually the last building in Melbourne to have lift operators.

Don't miss:  Recreating your own version of local musician Courtney Barnett's 2015 video for  'Elevator Operator' .

63.  Line up on Flinders Lane for dinner

What is it? Some of the city’s best dining is clumped together into this one delicious stretch of road. Luckily, Flinders Lane is located in the city. Unfortunately, this means there’s almost always a queue at some of the best restaurants.

Why go? There’s ceviche and sours, Andrew McConnell’s culinary wizardry, Pan-Asian fusion with a side of hip hop, understated Japanese, tacos and tequila or modern Mediterranean. We hope you’re hungry.

Don’t miss: Kisumé is the sort of place where slivers of jewel-coloured ocean flesh are laid out with all the ceremony of tea in Kyoto, some complete with judiciously placed ornaments of edible gold leaf.

64.  See the impressive Organ Pipes National Park

• Parks and gardens

What is it?   2.5 million-year-old basalt columns that look strikingly like organ pipes, located only 20kms north of Melbourne.

Why go? These are pretty crazy looking rock formations!  This type of structure is known in the geological community as trap rock. The valley walls of Jacksons Creek are actually Pleistocene volcanic rocks that fractured during cooling into these vertical columns. Today, people gather in the park to view this bizarre rock wall and spend time in the traditional country of the Wurundjeri People. 

Don't miss:  Head to the Tessellated Pavement and look at fossils that are over 4 million years old. There are native plants to spot including a field of Kangaroo Grass to the north plus picnic spots and walking tracks. 

65.  See a gig at the Tote

What is it? All hail Melbourne's iconic music pub the Tote , a venue that's been keeping Melbourne's rock'n'roll dream alive since 1980.

Why go? Did you know the Tote is the only pub in Melbourne to ever spark a full-scale protest, led by Australia's royalty of rock, when draconian licensing laws threatened to shut the place down back in 2010? Luckily the rockers and the pub prevailed, with live music reigning here every single week.

Don't miss:  While rock still prevails on most nights, the Tote has diversified and now hosts DJs, pop acts, folk bands and queer nights.

66.  Grab a Melbourne beer at Stomping Ground

What is it?  Melbourne has a long and proud history of brewing top-notch beer. Thanks to the craft beer boom, micro-breweries have popped up all over the city. If you’ve got time for only one then make sure it’s  Stomping Ground .

Why go?  These beer barons are the same people behind  the Local Taphouse  and GABS Beer, Cider and Food Fest. The massive beer hall welcomes all sorts, from beer buffs to families with tots. 

Don't miss:  The giant, 30-tap bar in the centre. Not that you could.

67.  Go for a drive down Beach Road

What is it? A windy coastal road that shows off the best of Melbourne's bayside suburbs. 

Why go?  Running along the south-eastern side of Port Phillip Bay, Beach Road stretches from Brighton all the way to the southern point of Mordialloc. On a sunny day, it's a positively glorious drive, especially if you're keen on a  dip in the ocean and curious to see how the other half live. 

Don't miss: Taking a dip at Half Moon Beach. The name isn’t for nothing – Half Moon Beach curves around just like a crescent moon. It also has the added benefit of being at the bottom of scrub-covered cliffs.

68.  Catch a show at the Forum

What is it? Built in the 1920s, the Forum is a tribute to Moorish architecture was saved from dereliction and Christian Revivalists by rock’n’roll. Nowadays, it's host to something the biggest names in rock (everyone from Nick Cave to Courtney Barnett have played there over the years), comedy and theatre.

Why go? Stepping out onto the Forum floor is an exercise in wonder – the ceiling is cerulean blue and dotted with tiny lights to mimic the night sky, while the walls form the façade of a gothic courtyard. Rock has never looked so good.

Don't miss:  Looking down – the 2017 refurbishment has unveiled the Forum’s original mosaic floor from 1929.

69.  Have yum cha at David’s

What is it? Fluffy pork buns. Silky, thin tofu skin. The sweetest pork dumplings. There’s nothing like a mid-morning dumpling feast to get you started for the day ahead.

Why go? David’s does all-you-can-eat yum cha on weekends, and you’ll want to make sure that you can indeed eat as much of the generous yum cha as you can.

Don’t miss: Much of David’s dishes are inspired by Shanghainese cuisine. The Peking duck pancakes are a dream and the scallop dumplings are wonderfully silky.

70.  Try (and fail) to taste every food truck at Welcome to Thornbury

What is it? An  old car factory was converted into a huge permanent beer garden and food truck park called  Welcome to Thornbury .

Why go? Fun fact: if you ask any Melburnian what their favourite car is, the answer will be “ a food truck ”. Like food cooked on a barbecue, there is something inexplicably tastier about food that’s been made in a truck. For the biggest range of meals on wheels visit Welcome to Thornbury. There’s room for up to seven food trucks on site, and roughly 80 different trucks rotate through the venue every month, including Mr Burger , Fancy Hank’s , Super Taco and Levain Doughnuts. Try your darndest to eat from every truck, but remember there’s no shame in failing.

Don't miss: This venue is dog-friendly, so either bring your dog or go to have a squiz at everyone else's adorable doggos. 

71.  Go for a swim at Brighton Beach

What is it? While our friends from Sydney might scoff at Melbourne's attempt at beaches , little do they know one of the city's best beaches is actually one of the best places to kick back, have a swim and watch a pretty epic sunset over Port Phillip Bay.

Why go?   Brighton Beach  is famous for its iconic colourful bathing boxes, which line the foreshore along the beach.  If the lure of purchasing one of these boxes for yourself is too good, fair warning: a 2016 sale of a box went for a cool $326,000.

Don't miss:  I f the wind picks up, it's also a great place to try some kiteboarding. 

72.  See the Birdman Rally at Moomba Festival

What is it? Moomba is Australia’s largest community festival and involves events like roller discos, skateboarding and BMX competitions, fireworks, puppet gardens, as well as the super-popular Birdman Rally.

Why go? Moomba makes the most of Melbourne’s still warm March weather with watersports, live music and more over the Labour Day long weekend.

Don’t miss: Watching the action of the Birdman Rally. Each year, competitors create their own flying apparatus and hurtle themselves into the Yarra River – all in the name of charity.

73.  See a blockbuster musical at the Regent Theatre

What is it? The Regent Theatre opened in 1929 and is one of Melbourne’s most lavish theatres, embodying the glorious fantasy and escapism of Hollywood.

Why go? It’s where the big named musicals usually play – in the past there’s been Wicked, The Lion King, The Wizard of Oz and We Will Rock You.

Don’t miss: Taking a photo under the glitzy lights out the front of the theatre.

74.  Go for a bar crawl on Chapel Street

What is it? Once the epicentre of mini skirts, fake tans, hair extensions and binge drinking, Chapel Street is now home to a wealth of exciting restaurants and bars .

Why go? There’s a host of great bars to work through, whether you’re starting on the Windsor end or the South Yarra end.

Don’t miss: Leonard’s House of Love is like a cool house party at a ski resort circa 1983; Boston Sub’s Jungle Boy is the hidden bar all other hidden bars aspire to; and Lucky Coq are still slinging five-dollar pizzas so it’s pretty unmissable.

75.  Ride along the Merri Creek trail

• Games and hobbies

What is it? A gorgeous walking and bike trail that runs alongside the Merri Creek in  Melbourne’s north.

Why go? It offers some quiet reprieve from the city, and you can easily walk, run or cycle along the trail. From the serene Abbotsford Convent , the flat 7.5-kilometre trail to CERES Community Environment Park  takes 30 minutes on a bike.

Don't miss:  S topping by the Merri Creek Labyrinth – the mini-Stonehenge installation was created by the community and features a Wishing Tree, on which visitors are invited to tie a secret wish.

76.  Grab brunch at Florian

What is it?  With its uber German name, Florian is the hottest brunch seat in town at the moment. 

Why go?  Opened by two best friends, Florian is located in a gorgeous European-style building off Rathdowne Street and has quickly become a favourite among locals. You won't find overly mainstream dishes like smashed avo on the menu here; instead, you'll enjoy a menu centred around hyper-local seasonal produce. Bonus: you can also enjoy fresh pastries from Austro and pick up a bouquet of fresh market flowers on your way out. 

Don't miss:  The namesake dish of eggs Florian, which is a play on eggs Florentine. It features cavolo nero braised in spices and given a squeeze of lemon before being topped by a soft egg, béarnaise sauce and aged Comté. 

77.  Have a drink at the famous Espy

What is it? One of Melbourne’s most iconic pubs located right beside St Kilda Beach .

Why go? In late 2018, the Espy opened after an extensive (and expensive) revamp. Now, this beloved 140-year-old pub spans over six floors and boasts 12 different bars, two restaurants and three stages.

Don’t miss: Seeing a big in the Gershwin Room. Rock’n’roll is infused in these walls like prayers in the vaulted ceiling of a cathedral. It’s a wonderful thing to see it open again, largely unchanged from years gone by.

78.  Get amongst the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix

What is it? All eyes fall on Melbourne for the Formula 1 season-opening event , which takes over the city every March and April.

Why go? International superstars, heavyweight cars and present champions speed to victory on the picturesque Albert Park track – what’s not to love?

Don’t miss: There’s plenty of off-track action as well as the vroom vroom of the cars. Think food, drinks, brand activations and plenty of opportunities to rub shoulders with F1 heroes.

79.  Be out and proud at Midsumma Festival

• Fairs and festivals

What is it?  Melbourne's pre-eminent queer arts and culture festival paints the town rainbow every January and February. 

Why go? From visual art to cabaret to theatre to brilliant parties, music and a giant love-in parade through the streets of St Kilda, Midsumma is basically a multi-week queer party. There's something for everyone as the festival takes over venues all over the city.

Don't miss:  The Pride March is the culmination of Midsumma each year, and it's a hell of a party. Watch the parade down St Kilda's Fitzroy Street, then dance your arse off at one of the many bars in the suburb or at the giant afterparty in St Kilda's Catani Gardens.

80.  Get jeans tailored to you at Dejour Jeans

What is it? A tiny shopfront in Coburg that functions like a factory outlet, offering on-site (and often same-day) alterations and repairs on its own range of jeans at no extra cost.

Why go? Forget trying to find the perfect fit of jeans off the rack. You can get your own custom-fitted pair for the tight-arse price of around $55. Floor-to-ceiling shelves are stocked with jeans in every colour and shape you can imagine with a pretty inclusive selection of women’s sizes (5 to 24) and men’s sizes (28 to 46). And if you’re wondering, yes, staff are always busy. Prepare to wait.

Don’t miss: If you’re not a jeans wearer, never fear. Dejour also tailors denim jackets, shorts and skirts.

81.  Have breakfast at Collingwood Children's Farm

What is it? A working farm located only five kilometres from the city in the hallowed grounds of the Abbotsford Convent .

Why go? It gives city kids a chance to give farming life a go. You can milk the cows, feed the chooks, ride a pony or play with the baby lambs. It’s adorable.

Don’t miss: A meal at the Farm Café – they serve up hearty meals with a paddock-to-plate policy: everything is made from scratch and ingredients are sourced locally.

82.  Explore the past at Old Melbourne Gaol

What is it? This historical building stands as a monument to the cruelty of capital punishment. Many prisoners were put to death at the jail, including, most notoriously, Ned Kelly himself. 

Why go?  The Crime & Justice Experience is the jail's permanent exhibit. You can explore the jail, go inside historical cells, experience a modern-day arrest procedure at the City Watch House, and stand in the dock of the Old Magistrate's Court.

Don't miss:  Among the jail's most popular tours are the ghost tours, which are said to be visited by some of the 133 souls who met their maker on the site. Maybe you'll even see Ned.

83.  Try your hand at paddleboarding at Black Rock

What is it? If you’re a bit of a water baby, might we suggest the gorgeous Half Moon Bay down in Black Rock?

Why go? Half Moon Bay is a secluded, blue-and-yellow postcard of a beach that’s protected from wild weather. The calm waters also make it a great spot to practise paddleboarding, if you’ve got a strong core.

Don’t miss: Not too far from the shore lies HMVS Cerberus, an 1870s battleship that was scuttled in the bay in 1926 to create a breakwater for the Black Rock Yacht Club.

84.  Go for a round of pub trivia at the B.East

What is it? Knowledge is power (and free jugs of beer) at Brunswick East's B.East for Funky Bunch trivia.

Why go?  Pub trivia company Funky Bunch hosts a cracker of a pub trivia night at this Brunswick East live music pub.

Don't miss:  The beer is cheap, the food specials are many, and you can win a case of beer for first prize, a bottle of wine for second and a jug of beer for second-last (so no throwing the game just to win a wooden spoon). 

85.  Try Australia's best burger at Easey's

What is it?  A burger joint in Collingwood that serves ridiculously OTT burgers, fries, dogs and snacks. Oh, and there's a genuine Hitachi train stuck on the roof.

Why go?  No matter which burger you choose, you're in for a good time. As an added bonus, many of the choices are available as entirely plant-based – just as decadent, but minus the meat. There are also craft beers, wines and cocktails to complete the picture. 

Don't miss: Competitive eater Cal Stubbs declared Easey's Motz Madness creation to be the best burger in all of Australia. What's in it? Thick siu mai-like dim sim with a crisp outer layer and a battered, deep-fried disc of potato cake. Yep. 

86.  Check out cheap live comedy at Spleen Bar

What is it? This unpretentious bar at the top end of Bourke has been doing its thing for close to 15 years. "Its thing" being cheap drinks and snacks in cosy, lounge-like atmosphere with stand-up comedy Monday nights.

Why go?  You can see  some of the best comedians in Melbourne and beyond for just a few dollars.  It's a prime opportunity for well-known names to try new material. The quality is remarkably consistent, and the atmosphere is often electric.

Don't miss: Regular comedy nights  happen all across Melbourne, including  young artists getting their break at  Catfish Comedy  every Tuesday, and shit can get wonderfully weird at Melbourne's longest-running weekly improv show  the Big HOO-HAA!  on Friday nights.

87.  Play late-night pool at Heartbreaker

What is it? The home of late-night rock’n’roll raucousness on the edge of Chinatown, Heartbreaker gives dive bars a good name.

Why go? This is the venue you go to let your hair down. Think flowing shots, beer chasers, New York-style pizza slices, late-night games of pool and a jukebox, because of course there’s a jukebox.

Don’t miss: Getting acquainted with the well-stocked beer list: there are American pints (16 ounces) of Stomping Ground lager, Garage Project Party, Bullshit IPA and heaps more on tap.

88.  Act like a kid at the Royal Melbourne Show

What is it? Originally created as an agriculture show, the Royal Melbourne Show has evolved into a free-for-all of sideshow games, rides, show bags and food. Luckily, it hasn’t lost its heart, with plenty of great workshops, animal zones and bake sales to get your community spirit up.

Why go? You can play with baby goals, ride on a magic carpet and load up with show bags. The Show has something for everyone.

Don’t miss: The woodchop! It’s so fun (and scary) to watch. Secondly, you should fill up on food. There’s the traditional dagwood dog or cloud of fairy floss, but there’s also a bunch of gourmet options awaiting in the food pavilions. Watch which stalls the crowds are drawn to – it's a great way to find some tasty (and often local) nosh.

89.  Visit the beer playground that is Moon Dog World

What is it?   A micro-brewery that originated in Abbotsford then grew out to Preston in late 2019. These folks serve up great craft bevvies, fun tunes and plenty of good times in this massive warehouse.

Why go?   These guys are doing some mad experimentation on the beer front, so you never really know what to expect when you rock up.

Don’t miss:   If it’s craft beer you like, we’d also suggest a stopover at   Two Birds Brewery   on the other side of town.

90.  Take a peek at the Myer Christmas windows

What is it? Every Christmas, CBD department store Myer creates extravagant window displays based on festive stories, children’s storybooks and more.

Why go? Everyone who grew up in Melbourne remembers being taken to see these windows around Christmas time. There’s always a fun story and narration and usually a catchy tune that you’ll have in your head for the rest of the day.

Don’t miss: This isn’t really a “don’t miss” per se, but if you can swing it, visit the windows on a weekday. Weekend visitors swarm Bourke Street Mall, and it’s often tough to get a good view of the windows when you’re being herded like sheep from window to window.

91.  Get a double dose of culture at the Heide Makers’ Market

What is it? A huge arts and crafts market held e very second Saturday of the month. 

Why go? We love our art galleries, we love our markets, but most of all we love it when art galleries host markets. Like when the Heide Museum of Modern Art teams up with Rose Street Artist Markets and has a beautiful stall-and-bunting baby. At the  Heide Makers’ Market , you can pick up the wares of those more creative than you. Find art, handicrafts and food at the markets, and once you’ve had your fill and/or run out of money, take a squiz at Heide’s new and permanent collections.

Don't miss: Going for a stroll  around the lush sculpture gardens (there are six acres of gardens all up).

92.  Go for a bike ride along the Yarra Trail

What is it? This 20-kilometre (or so) trail through suburban greenland is a great way to green up your life on a weekend.

Why go? It’s fun! There are about a gazillion ways to approach the Yarra Trail (which winds from the mouth of the Yarra River near the Westgate Bridge to Templestowe). Try setting out from Richmond underneath the Swan Street Bridge and ending up at the artificial weir and rock rapids at Dights Falls. Then simply retrace your steps.

Don’t miss: Allow ample time for stops, not because you’ll need them (this is a pretty easy cycle) but because the Yarra Trail covers interesting turf, including New York artist Ugo Rondinone's gigantic and cheerful rainbow sculpture, 'Our Magic Hour', the Collingwood Children's Farm and the Abbotsford Convent .

93.  Grab a $5 pizza from Kewpie

What is it? A staple to the Brunswick Street bar scene, Bimbo  was an icon of late-night drinking and debauchery. 

Why go?  After a terrible fire, renovation and a change of ownership, the restaurant has changed its name to Kewpie – but the anything-goes vibe remains.

Don’t miss: The $5 pizzas. It’s a full pizza for five dollars. You seriously can’t beat this deal.

94.  See the sunset from the Shrine of Remembrance

What is it? The Shrine was built between 1927 and 1934 as a place for Victorians to grieve, honour and preserve the memories of those who lost their lives in World War I. Now it serves as a memorial to all Australians who served in war.

Why go? Standing atop the steps of the war memorial gives you a commanding view back to the city, with the gloriously green Royal Botanic Gardens to your right.

Don’t miss: A visit inside the memorial. Admission is free, though donations are welcome.

95.  Eat a fancy meal in the old Melbourne Stock Exchange

What is it?   Rein and La Rue – a modern French restaurant and bar that's located in the historic Melbourne Stock Exchange building on Collins Street.

Why go?   To bask in the beauty of the  high vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows and limestone walls. And to eat from a curated menu that pays homage to French classics with a distinctly Australian touch, of course. It's also a place where it’s just as easy to pop in for snacks and Champagne at the bar as it is to reserve a cosy booth for an exquisite three-course meal. 

Don’t miss:   the Jersey milk soft serve. Made from the in-house soft serve machine (amazing, right?), it's served with fresh hazelnuts and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Heaven.

96.  Go on a Pumping Station tour at Scienceworks

What is it? A tour of the Victorian pumping station, which handled the sewerage of 19th-century Melbourne

Why go? We understand a tour of a sewer works might not seem exciting, but just stay with us. You’ll get to really understand what it took to build the extensive pipe tunnels to move all of Melbourne’s waste (and what it meant to ‘lose a man a mile’ during their construction). You’ll see the 19th-century boiler, into which men shovelled coal at a backbreaking pace in blistering heat. The museum includes quite a bit about the history of Melbourne, and why its sewerage needs were so important for a world-class city. What we’re trying to say is: it’s definitely not shit.

Don’t miss: The century-old Austral Otis Engine No. 8. It’s as big as a room and very cool to see in action.

97.  Have a bowl at the Keys

What is it?  A new mega-venue in Preston with a gaming arcade, beer garden, bar, bistro and 12 bowling alleys.

Why go?  Inspired by t he retro aesthetics of the bowling alleys of America, the Keys is here to make bowling cool again – and we've gotta say, it's working. This refurbished warehouse can fit 600 people, and it's pumping on a Friday and Saturday night with DJs spinning tunes 'til late.

Don't miss:  Having a bowl!  The bowling alley has been crafted from old trimmings of now-closed vintage alleys from across the country, with lanes available to be booked prior to or on a walk-in basis.

98.  Explore Melbourne's newest native garden

What is it?   In 2013, a team of gardeners became the first Aussies to take out the prestigious Best in Show Award at the Chelsea Garden Show with a display patriotically titled, ‘Australian Garden’.  Now, ten years later, that initial landscape concept has bloomed into Chelsea Australian Garden, a real-life, permanent garden that is 20 times bigger than the original.

Why go?   It's home to  more than 15,000 plants – including more than 400 native Australian species and endangered varieties like the Wollemi Pine.

Don't miss:  the  enormous waratah sculpture (which stands at nine metres tall), the waterfall or the billabong. Oh, and keep an eye out for wildlife, including the many frogs, birds and insects that call the site home.

99.  Take the ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento

What is it?  While t he distance between Victoria's two peninsulas , from the township of Queenscliff to the township of Sorrento, is only 10 kilometres, it can only be traversed by ferry . 

Why go? T his ferry ride is one of the most picturesque (and convenient) ways to travel between Melbourne’s southern coasts.  If you're lucky, you might be able to see dolphins hanging out in the bay.

Don't miss: The boat. But don’t worry if you do. F erries depart Queenscliff harbour and Sorrento pier every hour on the hour, seven days a week.

100.  Tap into your sexual energy at High Tide

• Accessories

What is it?   High Tide  rallies against the archetype of sex shops emblazoned with flashing neon signs or blackened windows, aiming to make purchasing sex toys a shame-free, approachable and inclusive retail experience.

Why go?   More art gallery than sex shop, t he shop’s wares are not only designed to provide pleasure in the bedroom, but be pleasing to the eye, too. 

Don't miss:  t he store sells adult products for all genders and sexualities, including toys, equipment, lubricants and oils, from a curated collection of more than thirty sexual wellness brands like  Figr ,  Dame ,  La Loba  and  Tenga . 

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Things To Do In Melbourne Right Now

By Stephanie Chadwick 14th Mar 2024

• X Post (Twitter)

Looking for the best things to do in Melbourne? Consider this your Melbourne bucket list that covers everything the city has to offer, from time-honoured tourist stops to local haunts and hidden treasures.  There are endless things to do, see, eat and drink but sometimes it's difficult to know where to start. Like all good city guides, we’ve divided our things to do in Melbourne into a compass-like fashion to help you navigate your way around Melbourne’s best activities.

So this is your chance to discover something new in your suburb or dare to venture into an unfamiliar area.  Here are best things to do in Melbourne right now:

The Best Things To Do In Melbourne’s CBD

A quick 'fun things to do in Melbourne' search and you'll likely find the iconic Federation Square.  Fed Square sits at the heart of Melbourne City and acts as a hub for the arts with a stacked program of events and installations that are free to the public. On any given day you'll find the likes of live televised sports games, staged musical performances and various arts-related exhibitions which are often free.

Head to the  Koorie Heritage Trust  at Federation Square, proudly Aboriginal-owned and operated since 1985 is an immersive three-level first peoples art and cultural centre. Entry is free, inside you'll discover a raft of different exhibitions as well as the permanent collection which features an extensive range of artworks, artefacts and mixed media recordings. 

Take to the waters with  GoBoat  and sail your way down the Yarra River. It’s never been easier to rent a vessel and load up with a self-packed picnic and a few of your nearest and dearest.

There are plenty of things to do in Melbourne, but something that's unmissable for vacationers and staycationers alike is a meander through Melbourne’s graffiti-covered laneways.  Melbourne laneways  are infamous for being plastered with work by local artists. Start with Hosier Lane before venturing off to Presgrave Place, AC/DC Lane, Meyers Place, Blender Lane and Duckboard Place.

Head to Melbourne's China Town for BYO dumplings.  Group dinners in China Town over dumplings is a Melbourne right of passage and should be at the top of your 'things to do Melbourne' list. There are so many to choose from along Little Bourke Street for those hoping to walk in, or, find a spot from our best dumplings in Melbourne guide here. 

Hit the dance floor and boogie the evening away to vinyl records  inside the multi-storied HER Bar  at  Music Room , which exclusively plays from their curated record collection. The venue hosts a range of live music with local and international artists so it's worth checking out their program before your visit.

If you're fascinated by anything transport, the free  City Circle Tram  might just be the activity for you. The Route 35 tram ride is completely free so you can leave the Myki at home and admire the heritage tram and the city scenes out the window. The tram runs a hop-on hop-off service that lasts roughly thirty minutes around Melbourne’s business district and passes many tourist attractions.

It's thought of as one of the best things to do in Melbourne by many a tourist. Take a long elevator ride up the Eureka Tower before arriving at the  Skydeck ,  it's a must-do for its views of the city from three-hundred metres high. Complete your visit with a drink at Bar 88 or dinner at Eureka 89 restaurant.

No visit in Melbourne would be complete without a trip to  Holey Moley . This spot has turned the slow sport of golf into a fast-paced social outing for amateurs. Tee off your mini golf game with a cocktail in hand and explore the nostalgic-themed holes. 

Another one of the best things to do in Melbourne after dark is grabbing late-night feed at Supper Inn.  It’s never a bad idea to tackle some Chinese food but there’s something extra cool about eating it at 2am. Supper Inn has earned a reputation for serving up Cantonese-style dishes well into the early hours of the morning.

If you have a fascination with all things underwater, an excursion to Sea Life Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Melbourne for you. You can visit for a self-guided tour with a general admission ticket or you can add on extra experiences like a trip on a glass bottom boat.

Tackle some  Yum Cha . The lunchtime tradition has evolved over the years, especially in the cultural melting pot of Melbourne, staples like Siu Mai dumplings and Peking duck will be served alongside some more contemporary dishes, like Buddha BBQ buns, and chicken ribs with spicy mayo, find the  best Yum Cha in Melbourne here . 

The Best Things To Do In Melbourne’s East Side

Become a cinephile at Lido Cinemas in Hawthorn. This stunning cinema always screens new releases as well as cult classics, there are also themed nights and even a rooftop cinema that screens movies after-dark during the warmer months of the year. 

Wondering what's on in Melbourne on the weekends? Wake up early for trip to the Camberwell Markets.  There are many second-hand markets around Melbourne but the Sunday Camberwell Markets reign supreme. You’ll want to go at the crack of dawn if you're hoping to find something decent—otherwise, head down in the afternoon for the best deals.

Toss a couple of hatchets with these  Axe Throwing spots , a surprisingly addictive pastime, the sport has become one of the best things to do in Melbourne. Each spot features its own dedicated lanes with on-site axe throwing training and some even have bars attached. 

The Best Things To Do In Melbourne’s Inner West

Ferry over to St Kilda pier from Williamstown if you're looking for things to do on the water.  The St Kilda Ferry departs from Williamstown’s Gem Pier. It’s without a doubt 'the scenic route' but also a quintessential Melbourne activity everyone should experience at least once. 

If you're looking for Melbourne things to do that showcases the culinary craft of the city, grab one of  Gem Pier Seafood's  iconic lobster rolls. This place is a fifth-generation family business run by fishmongers who are passionate about sustainable seafood. Swing by to pick up your dinner ingredients or something from their ready-to-eat menu including a lobster roll and sashimi plate.

Book a safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo . The zoo dedicated to fighting extinction lets you adventure behind the enclosures with its morning safari and overnight camp.

Take a cooking class at Heart of Hall.  When you combine a cooking school with a cafe you get Heart of Hall —this hot spot is the heart of Newport’s Hall Street and is located directly opposite Newport station so it’s an easy commute for anyone looking for things to do in the early afternoon. 

Enjoy sunset drinks at Sebastian’s.  Sebastian Beach Grill perches on Williamstown Beach and is serving up a mind-blowing dinner of pintxos, small plates, large plates and sides. For a memorable feed, try and secure a table on the beach view deck which is shaded by classic blue and white striped umbrellas. 

The Best Things To Do In Melbourne’s South-East

Experience childhood nostalgia at Luna Park with vistas of St Kilda pier in the distance.  It may be a storied theme park but Luna Park isn't too outdated to have a good time. Lean into the lunacy with the carousel, twin dragon, scenic railway, road runner and spider rides.

Peruse the Prahran Market if you're looking for things to do in Melbourne's south.  If it’s organic produce, sustainable seafood and free-range meat you’re looking for, Prahran Market is the destination for you. Your experience won’t be limited to just groceries, either, there are plenty of specialty coffee makers and florists manning the stalls. 

Book in date night at Classic Rooftop Cinema for any couples looking for things to do in Melbourne this weekend. The city  loves a rooftop and so does Elsternwick’s Classic Cinema . Here, you can take in the view and a film from comfortable director's chair seating on staggered levels with the bar close by.

Indulge in fine cheeses at Milk The Cow.  Head over to St Kilda to this fromagerie to indulge in two of life's greatest pleasures, wine and cheese. Put this one right at the top of your 'things to do Melbourne' list if you're a foodie.

Midnight pasta at Chapelli’s is one of the best things to do in Melbourne well into the night.  If you’re looking for a late-night feed after stumbling out of one of Chapel Street’s many bars or clubs, Chapelli's has got just what you need. Here you can pick your pasta type and sauce to create your ultimate meal any time of the day.

The Best Things To Do In Melbourne’s North Side

Eat a burger in a train at Easey’s.  Easey’s  is dishing up greasy tots and fries to accompany their single, double or triple-stacked burgers. The meal is only heightened by the rooftop and in-train carriage dining.

A true natural oasis in the inner-city  Abbotsford Convent  is a mandatory inclusion for the things to do in Melbourne list. The sloping green hill has plenty of space to picnic there are also rotating  art exhibitions ,  Cam's Kiosk  if you get hungry and also the  Collingwood children's farm  to visit.   

Stop by A1 Bakery in Brunswick.  Sydney Road is home to many iconic food purveyors but A1 Bakery has had a strong presence since its establishment back in 1992. Be sure to pick up homemade baklava, pita, pie or kibbie.

One of Melbourne's most nostalgic things to do is visit Coburg's drive-in theatre.  Whether you’re on a romantic date or with a carload of mates, Coburg’s drive-in cinema will take you right back. With regular screenings of new feature films and old fan favourites, you'll likely find a film for you. 

Spend an evening at the soundbar Waxflower.  Whether it's a late-night espresso or glass of vino you’re seeking, Waxflower is ready to serve it up with a side of music. This bar is for fellow audiophiles who want to listen to vinyl records or discover new DJ’s.

Experience Virtual Reality at Zero Latency.  You’ll be armed with a VR headset, power backpack and controller to enter into an immersive virtual reality world. You can book a VR adventure for up to eight friends to experience together over at Zero Latency .

Bookworms looking for things to do should first pay a visit Readings on Lygon Street.  Pick up a new paperback or hardback to add to your growing to-be-read stack,  Readings on Lygon Street is one of the city’s best bookstores with its vast collection and knowledgeable staff.

Make a day of it and hit up more of Melbourne's best spots for breakfast, lunch and dinner:

Melbourne's best restaurants Melbourne's best cafes Melbourne's best bars Melbourne's best breakfast Melbourne's best Japanese Image credit: James Bernstein (Pexels) 

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The 14 best experiences in Melbourne

Oct 26, 2023 • 8 min read

Plan to spend some of your time soaking up Melbourne cafe culture © Noelia Ramon - TellingLife / Getty Images

You'll need more than a couple of days to truly get to know Melbourne . With steel-and-glass high-rise buildings and historic architecture, complemented by a richly multicultural population, this is a city with many layers and histories to uncover. 

Begin your explorations at Federation Square  – the nexus of many of the city's main sights – to orientate yourself before ticking off these quintessential Melbourne experiences. From high culture to local life, we have your Melbourne visit covered. 

1. Decide the "best coffee" in Melbourne is at...

It may have been Italian immigrants who first brought a passion for quality coffee to these shores, but now the tide has turned, and Aussies (and Kiwis) are leaders in the dark arts of the espresso machine. Declaring it may risk an international incident, but Melbourne is the coffee capital of the Antipodes and – perhaps – the world.

You can get a first-rate cup anywhere in Melbourne these days, but stalwarts of the city's coffee scene can be found everywhere from Seven Seeds in North Melbourne to Proud Mary in Collingwood, Market Lane Coffee in Prahran Market, Wide Open Road in Brunswick, St Ali in South Melbourne, Monk Bhodi Dharma in St Kilda, Patricia in the city… when we said almost anywhere in Melbourne, we meant it. 

2. Photograph Melbourne's murals and street art

Nothing screams Melbourne quite as loudly as a graffiti-covered lane or a city building bedecked in a huge public mural. The most famous (and most photographed) laneway of them all is Hosier Lane , with little Rutledge Lane jutting off it like a separate wing of the same gallery.

There are plenty of other such street art stretches to discover around the city center and beyond. Juxtaposed with the rough beauty of these lanes, dainty Victorian arcades tempt shoppers into their rarified confines.   

3. Explore the National Gallery of Victoria's two campuses 

The state gallery's extraordinary collection is too big to fit into its magnificent modernist home in Southbank and has had to be split between two locations. NGV Australia occupies the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square, bringing significant local art right into the city's civic heart.

The Aboriginal collection is a must-see. In the main Southbank building, NGV International displays treasures from a who's who of art history, past and present, stretching back into antiquity and to all parts of the globe. Aside from special exhibitions, both galleries are free.

4. Learn about Aboriginal bush medicine at the Royal Botanic Gardens

Stretching for 38 glorious hectares on the south bank of the Yarra River, the Royal Botanic Gardens are one of the best examples of Victorian-era garden landscaping in the world. Alongside wonderful displays of Australian native flora are mature exotic trees and themed gardens devoted to roses, succulents, herbs and ferns.

If time allows, book the Aboriginal Heritage tour to learn about Indigenous plants and also gain some insight into how Melbourne became a city so blessed with parks and gardens. During the day, picnickers sprawl on the extensive lawns while kids flock to the children's garden.

Planning tip:  On summer nights people get comfy in the gardens to watch moonlight cinema or theatre under the stars. 

5. Relax for an afternoon at Abbotsford Convent and Gardens

No nuns remain – singing, flying or otherwise – at this 19th-century convent , but there are plenty of arty types to be found lurking amid the historic buildings, which have been converted into studios, galleries, cafes, a bakery, a bar, and a vegetarian restaurant where patrons pay by donation.

Melburnians come for the regular markets and to stroll the riverside grounds. The neighboring Collingwood Children's Farm brings city-slicker kids face to face with all manner of farm animals from guinea pigs and goats to cows. If you're traveling with children, this is an excellent way to spend an afternoon unwinding in a relaxed green space. 

6. Promenade St Kilda’s vibrant foreshore

The beach is nothing to write home about, but the seaside suburb of St Kilda has a roguish charm, symbolized perhaps by the slightly menacing but strangely mesmerizing creepy clown face forming the entrance to Luna Park . You'll dodge rollerbladers and cyclists as you stroll along St Kilda Foreshore  but the vibes are impeccable on sunny days with busy outdoor cafes and beer gardens along the seafront. 

Grab a coffee and a photo at the end of St Kilda Pier , which offers a wonderful panoramic view of the Melbourne skyline. Better still, you might even catch a glimpse of one of St Kilda's most charming residents: the little penguins that nest between the rocks of the breakwater.

7. Go green at CERES Community Environment Park

Brunswick locals shop here for organic produce and browse the market, but CERES (pronounced "series") is also a public park and community environmental center. If you’re interested in sustainability there’s a bookstore, organic cafe, and permaculture nursery onsite. Educational tours cover green themes such as renewable energy, sustainable building design, urban farms and ecotourism.

For travelers with children, there are chickens to see, a small playground, and occasional kid-focused workshops. CERES is located next to Merri Creek, where the green space continues. Stroll north or south through bushland which has been replanted over the last few decades with Australian natives, but look out for cyclists.

8. Book in for Melbourne’s best dining experiences

Melbourne is known for its exceptional hospitality scene, shaped by immigrants from all over the world and enthusiastically embraced by a discerning populace. While there are memorable cheap eats to be had in suburbs far and wide, the city is also home to a handful of top-end restaurants that scoop awards on the global dining scene.

Top of the bunch is Attica in Ripponlea, a regular in the World's 50 Best Restaurants rankings. 

9. Go explore Melbourne’s western regions

Melbourne’s working docklands with their stacks of containers and giant bleeping cranes divide the city’s central business district from the eclectic western suburbs. A 12-minute train to Footscray, Seddon or Yarraville, or a 30-minute off-road cycle, will get you over to this secret pocket of urban life.

This once solidly working-class area has slowly gentrified over the last decade, but still has a strong migrant population bringing all the globe to the table from Italian to Vietnamese to Ethiopian restaurants.

Scienceworks (an interactive science museum) and pretty Williamstown Beach are both great detours for families, while travelers without kids will love the bohemian bars, independent shops and outdoor cafes across "the west". Settle in and soak up a distinctly off-the-tourist-map vibe here. 

10. Catch a cult classic at the Art Deco Astor cinema

One of Melbourne's best-loved landmarks screens double features as well as a mix of new releases, art-house and classics (David Lynch, Jane Campion, Orson Welles), and cult films ( Tron , Goodfellas, Rocky Horror to name a few examples). The whole Astor cinema experience, from the plush furnishing and art deco fixtures to the grand foyer staircase, transports you to a bygone era of enigmatic screen stars and cinema nights as a special event. 

11. Discover Melbourne’s history at the Melbourne Museum

Victoria's cultural, social and natural history are given their due at this highly interesting museum , occupying a striking modern building at the heart of Carlton Gardens. There's an excellent Indigenous section, a forest in the atrium, and the highly venerated remains of Australia's favorite racehorse, New Zealand-born Phar Lap.

The museum shares the gardens with the exquisite Royal Exhibition Building , built in 1880 for an international show and repurposed in 1901 as the venue for the sitting of Australia's first-ever parliament. 

12. Learn about the Anzacs at the Shrine of Remembrance 

Taking the form of an ancient Greek temple, this secular shrine is a prominent and fitting civic memorial to those who lost their lives during WWI. It's the focus for Anzac Day commemorations on April 25, while on Remembrance Day a shaft of light shining through an opening in the ceiling illuminates the word "love" at precisely the same time as the signing of the armistice (11am on the 11th of the 11th). The views from the top of the monument are outstanding, and there's a museum beneath.

13. Watch a game at "The G" – that's the Melbourne Cricket Ground

It's not the prettiest or the most architecturally interesting stadium, but the Melbourne Cricket Ground (the MCG, or just "The G") is sacred ground for many Melburnians, carrying within its bulky frame the treasured hope of Grand Final glory for their beloved local footy team.

If you can't make it to a cricket or an Australian Football League (AFL) game, entertaining guided tours are available, visiting many nooks you wouldn't otherwise have access to. Cap it off with a visit to the excellent Australian Sports Museum , which lies within.

14. Sample gourmet treats at Queen Victoria Market 

This historic market sells gourmet produce by the box-load. With over 600 traders, "Vic Market" (as it’s referred to locally) is the largest open-air market in Australia attracting thousands of shoppers a day. Browse fresh produce among the booming cries of fishmongers and fruit-and-veg vendors. The ornate deli hall features everything from soft cheeses and fresh dips, to organic wines, Polish sausage and kangaroo biltong. Pack a picnic and head to nearby Flagstaff Gardens for lunch.

On Wednesday evenings from mid-November to the end of February the Summer Night Market takes over after hours. It’s a lively social event featuring hawker-style food stalls, bars, and music and dance performances. There's also a Winter Night Market on Wednesday evenings in August.

This article was first published June 2021 and updated October 2023

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The 21 Best Things to Do in Melbourne

Melbourne is one of the funkiest cities in Australia . From its cool architecture to its robust art scene with hip cafés and music, Melbourne is often considered the cultural capital of Australia. Its narrow lanes, covered in world-class street art, hide beautiful cafés and beer gardens.

The city and I mix well together and it’s my favorite spot in the country. With plenty of culture, activities, art exhibitions, and live music, you could easily spend over a week here and not get bored.

Melbourne has a European feel to it and is popular with backpackers and young travelers looking to enjoy its laid-back vibe.

With so much to see and do, I wanted to share my list of the best things to do in Melbourne to help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this fun city!  

1. Take a Street Art Tour

If you’re on a tighter budget, take a free walking tour around the city instead. I’m Free Walking Tours offers a couple of different free walking tours that will give you a fun and educational introduction to the city and its history. You’ll learn a lot about the city and get access to an expert local guide who can answer any questions you have. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!  

2. Catch a Moonlight Movie in the Park

During the summer, there are nightly movies (most of them major Hollywood features) in the Royal Botanic Gardens. You can bring your own food and drinks (including alcohol) and have a cozy picnic while watching some great movies. Think of it like going to the drive-in but without the car. Just make sure to check the weather in advance and to bring a blanket to sit on as well as a sweater (it can get a little chilly sometimes). They will cancel if it rains a lot but not if it’s light rain so be sure to bring a rain jacket (or reschedule) if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

Central Lawn Royal Botanic Gardens. For dates and times, visit moonlight.com.au. Tickets start at 25 AUD.  

3. Wander Queen Victoria Market

This outdoor market is the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere. Made up of both indoor and outdoor areas and occupying two entire city blocks, it’s a mix of food sellers and knick-knack vendors — think flea market meets food market. During the week, the food hall is the main draw, but the weekend offerings are bigger as sellers fill up the outdoor vending space.

When you’re in the food hall, be sure to get some free wine samples from Swords Wines; the staff is friendly and the wine is cheap (I bought two bottles for some afternoon drinking in the park!). And don’t miss the jam donuts either. They’ve been a staple there for over 50 years!

And during warmer months, don’t miss the Summer Night Market. This popular night market runs every Wednesday from 5pm-10pm (November 23-March 15). Free to enter, there is live music as well and tons of different food stalls, from dumplings to gyros, burritos, ice cream, BBQ, and more.

Queen St, +61-3-9320-5822, qvm.com.au. Check the website for seasonal hours and events.  

4. Visit the State Library of Victoria

328 Swanston St, +61 3-8664-7000, slv.vic.gov.au. Open 10am-6pm.  

5. Take the City Circle Tram

The City Circle Tram is a free hop-on/hop-off service between Melbourne’s sightseeing attractions. The route includes Federation Square, the Old Treasury Building, Parliament House, and the Princess Theater. There’s a running recorded commentary as you pass or stop at a place of historical, cultural, or architectural significance. It’s a free, fun way to see the main sights and get a feel for the city without having to spend any money!

The tram operates from daily 9:30am-6pm (9pm Thursday-Saturday).  

6. Relax in Federation Square

Right along the route of the free City Circle train and across the street from Flinders Street Station lies Federation Square. Opened in 1968, this open square spans around 8 acres and serves up stellar people-watching. I like to take lunch here and just watch the city go by. Below the square on the river are also a number of restaurants and outdoor bars. In the summer, there are often all kinds of different events here as well.  

7. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria

Located in Federation Square, the National Gallery of Australia is the largest, oldest, and most-visited art museum in the country (over 3 million people visit each year). It’s home to over 75,000 works including modern and contemporary art, sculptures, paintings, and works from aboriginal and indigenous artists. You can see pretty much everything in a couple hours. It’s one of the best free activities in the city.

180 St Kilda Rd, +61 3-8620-2222, ngv.vic.gov.au. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission is free (temporary exhibits may have an additional charge).

8. Wander the Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens covers 86 acres and is home to over 8,500 different plant species including flowers, shrubs, and trees from across the country and around the world. Hanging out here and wandering around is one of my favorite activities in Melbourne. It’s walking distance from the city center and is a nice place to spend some time strolling around, relaxing, and reading. Free guided walks or self-guided audio tours are also available from the main visitors center.

Birdwood Ave, +61 3-9252-2300, rbg.vic.gov.au. Open daily from 7:30am-5pm. Admission is free.  

9. Admire Flinders Street Station

10. Enjoy the Café Scene

While I’m not a coffee drinker (tea all the way!), even I could see that the café and coffee culture in this city is part of its soul. Everyone here loves to have coffee and a snack while doing work or chatting in some arty café. Try a Melbourne ‘Magic’ which is their version of a flat white; it has espresso coffee, but less added milk than a cafe latte and way less foam than a cappuccino. The Flat White was supposedly (this is disputed by Kiwis) invented in Sydney and this is Melbourne’s version.

You can also take a café tour with Café Culture Walk to learn more about why Melbournians love their cafés so much and then spend an afternoon with a good book at your new favorite spot.  

11. See the Como House and Gardens

Over 160 years old, this regal estate blends a mix of classic Italianate architecture and Australian regency. It’s considered the best of the historic houses in the city and offers a rare glimpse at the luxurious and opulent life of high society in 19th-century Australia. Guided tours are available for 15 AUD if you want to learn more about this beautiful mansion and its history.

Williams Rd &, Lechlade Ave, +61 3-9656-9889, nationaltrust.org.au/places/como-house-and-garden. Gardens are open Monday-Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sundays from 10am-4pm. Admission to the gardens is free.  

12. Visit the Immigration Museum

Founded in 1998, The Immigration Museum is located in the Old Customs House and features exhibitions about Australia’s immigration history. Europeans started flocking to the country in 1788, bringing with them their own cultures that eventually swept the island and displaced the aboriginal peoples who called the island home for over 50,000 years. I really enjoyed learning about the people who left their homes to move across the known world, undertaking the risky voyage and uprooting their entire lives.

400 Flinders St, +61 3-8341-7777, museumsvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum. Open daily from 10am-5pm. Admission is 15 AUD.  

13. Hit the Beach

14. Party in St. Kilda

If you’re looking to enjoy Melbourne’s famous nightlife, head to St. Kilda. The area is home to tons of inexpensive restaurants, bars, and clubs. If you want to find Melbourne’s wild side, this is where it will be. ( Nomads Melbourne is one of my favorite places to go party if you want to hang out with other travelers — and a few locals! Their downstairs bar is popular and has cheap drinks.)  

15. Enjoy the Fitzroy Gardens

Created in 1848, Fitzroy Gardens is a massive Victorian-era garden that covers over 65 acres. It’s one of Melbourne’s most historic and beautiful gardens and is meant to resemble the English gardens the early settlers left behind.

The area was originally a swamp but was painstakingly cultivated into the beautiful and sprawling garden that exists today. There are walking paths, greenhouses, cottages, and lots of flower gardens and greenspace. It definitely feels like an English garden!

Wellington Parade, +61 3-9658-9658, fitzroygardens.com. Open 24/7. Admission is free.  

16. Get Cultural at the Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum showcases Australian social history, indigenous cultures, science, and the environment. The highlight of the museum, for me, was the extensive Bunjilaka Aboriginal Culture Center, which highlights aboriginal culture, art, and history. They also have a children’s section that’s great for anyone traveling with kids. There are also regular visiting and temporary exhibitions as well, so be sure to check their website to see what’s going on during your visit.

11 Nicholson St, +61 3-8341-7777, museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum. Open daily from 10am-5pm. Admission is 15 AUD.  

17. Go On a Wine Tour

Wine tours are super popular in this region. The Mornington Peninsula in the outer suburbs of Melbourne is a world-famous wine-producing region. Located 45 minutes from the city, it’s home to over 40 wineries. There are a lot of day trips available to the Yarra Valley too (which is where most tours take you). If you don’t have your own car or don’t feel like spending the night in the area, day trips from Melbourne cost 150-225 AUD per person for a full-day tour (8-10 hours).  

18. Take a Day Trip to Phillip Island

Full-day trips to Phillip Island start around 149 AUD and include kangaroo, koala, and penguin parades on the beach.  

19. Day Trip Along the Great Ocean Road

20. Take a Spooky Tour Through Pentridge Prison

For those that enjoy ghost stories, visit Pentridge Prison. It was home to some of Australia’s most notorious criminals, including Ronald Ryan (the last person to be legally executed in Australia), Chopper Reed (an infamous gang member), and Ned Kelly (an escaped convict famous for wearing armor in a shootout with police). Tours are super interesting, lasting 1.5 hours and costing 48 AUD.  

21. Take a Day trip to the Peninsula Hot Springs

About 1.5 hours outside of Melbourne, the famous Peninsula Hot Springs in Victoria is a great way to spend a relaxing spa day soaking in award-winning natural geothermal waters overlooking natural landscapes. There are 50 thermal pools that are said to have healing qualities. If you’re feeling brave, try their ‘fire and ice experience’ where you sauna first then go ‘chill’ out in Australia’s first ice cave. Entrance fees are 75 AUD. Robes, towels, flip-flops, etc. are extra to rent if you don’t have any.

Half-day tours from Melbourne including round-trip transportation and admission is $150 AUD.

With tons of museums, amazing parks and beaches, and lots of day trip opportunities, Melbourne is a city that just keeps on giving. You won’t be short on things to do here — just the opposite! It’s my favorite spot in Australia (and for good reason). Spend some time here and I promise you’ll fall in love with the food, cafes, beaches, and parks. It’s a city that doesn’t disappoint!

Book Your Trip to Melbourne: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay are:

• Nomads St. Kilda
• The Nunnery

For more hostel suggestions, here’s a complete list of the best hostels in Melbourne.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Melbourne? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to Melbourne for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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13 Best Things to Do in Melbourne

By Krista Simmons

Arguably Australia's cultural capital, there's certainly no shortage of unique things to do in Melbourne. With its diverse residents, world-class art and architecture, and vibrant music, food, and comedy scenes, it's not just the heart of the state of Victoria, but the country as a whole. Here's our list of can't-miss activities for when you're on the ground, our editor's picks of what to do when you're in Melbourne.

Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia Arrow

Australia's oldest pre-eminent public art museum is arguably the hub of culture in Melbourne. With two separate wings—the Ian Potter Center at the iconic Federation Square and the International gallery across the river—there’s certainly no shortage of creativity to take in. While the International wing does get some amazing exhibitions (including the recent installment from MOMA), what’s truly unique to AUS is the Indigenous and non-Indigenous art from the colonial period to the present day at the Potter Center, which includes over 20 galleries.

The Blender Studios Street Art Tour Arrow

Organized and led by actual artists from the ultra edgy Blender Studios collective, this is one of the most organic walking tours we have ever done. The homespun, authentic feel of walking some of the city's most iconic laneways for street art with someone who has an intimate knowledge of—and participation in—the scene is an unrivaled experience. Ending the tour at Blender Studios for an informal gallery tour with wine and nibbles, and interacting with some of the artists in their workspace, was a unique and organic way to round out the day.

Queen Victoria Market Arrow

The Queen Vic Market was officially opened in 1878, and since that time has operated as a cemetery, a livestock market, and a wholesale fruit and vegetable market. Today it’s one of the city’s most vibrant community centers, with entire halls dedicated to organic produce, meats, cheeses, and artisan wares. And in the wintertime, it turns into a night market with plenty of soul warming offerings to keep you cozy.

The Block Arcade Arrow

Designed to mimic by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, this stunning architectural gem opened in 1893 in the center of the city—once the premiere place in Melbourne to see and be seen—boasts mosaic-tiled floors, stained glass windows, sweeping skylights, wrought iron fixtures and carved stone finishes. Bonus: There’s still some great shopping to boot. It's only fitting that the historic Block Arcade also would be home to the original location of AUS's original chocolatier, Haigh's, which is a must-stop for any sweet tooth. There's also an entire store dedicated to naturally died alpaca wool scarves and clothing, also originating from Australia.

Stacey Lastoe

Kimberly Wilson

Matt Kirouac

Abbotsford Convent Arrow

Australia's largest multi-arts community hub, this historic, well groomed convent is a converted mixed-use space that includes artist studios, exhibitions, events, workshops, good food, spaces for hire, gardens, and more. The convent was originally built in 1893 for an order of Roman Catholic nuns as a self-sufficient orphanage for more than 1,000 children—and it included a massive farm and school. Spend the day wandering the property with a craft beer from their brewery in hand, and enjoy the revitalized and homespun feel of the new community spaces.

Rooftop at QT Arrow

The first thing that hits you as you walk into the indoor-outdoor space on the 11th floor of the stylish yet unpretentious QT Hotel are the sweeping views of Melbourne's ever-growing skyline. While many think of the city's hidden laneways and cafes as its signature, rooftop bars are becoming just as much of a "thing," with QT having one of the largest in the city. It makes a perfect spot to kick off a cocktail crawl around the CBD.

Melbourne Cricket Ground Arrow

MCG, or “The G" as it's known, is an institution both in Australia and worldwide. It's the largest cricket pitch in the Southern Hemisphere, and was the site of the 1956 Olympic Games. In addition to hosting Cricket World Cups, the stadium is also where Aussie rules football games, or footie, are played. Plus rugby, soccer, and more. The G is also home to the National Sports Museum, so be sure to check that out. Aussies are known to be some of the most passionate and vibrant fans, so you almost want to sit in the nosebleeds to get the full experience.

Attica Arrow

Ben Shewry has become the poster child for modern Australian cuisine, with this nondescript Ripponlea restaurant consistently gracing the World's 50 Best List, as well as top shows like “Chef’s Table.” Though Shewry is actually a New Zealand expat, the menu is distinctly Aussie, using ingredients like emu eggs, foraged herbs, and even Vegemite, all spun into artfully presented cuisine. His meticulous approach to cooking and sourcing has propelled his restaurant as one of the most sought-after reservations in the Southern Hemisphere, so prepare to book early if you want to snag a seat.

Preston Market Arrow

If there's one thing Melbourne nails, it's markets. It's difficult to pick a favorite among them all, and really it depends on what area you're based in, but Preston Street is a highlight because of its eclectic cultural offerings. Melbourne is home to huge hubs of Greek and Italian immigrants, and you'll find delis and bakeries reflecting that here, as well as traders selling unique artisan wares.

The Rose St. Artists' Market Arrow

Every Saturday and Sunday, a gaggle of local jewelers, crafters, artists, and designers convene in the Fitzroy neighborhood to peddle their wares. The indie vibe reaches peak hipster at the market’s rooftop bar and diner that caters to both creatives and shoppers alike, making for the perfect ending to a day wandering the area. The handmade jewelry game is really on point here, with colorful and whimsical clay jewelry from folks like Polly Collective and B Hunny Designs. And considering the AUD/USD conversion rates, you're getting a great deal on statement pieces that'll be the center of attention with basics.

ST ALi Arrow

It’s hard to imagine the third-wave coffee scene in Australia—and throughout the rest of the world—without St. Ali. Since its opening in 2005, the South Melbourne coffee shop has served as the home base for a series of offshoot businesses dedicated to mindfully sourced coffee, in a city that's now well regarded as ground zero for the global craft coffee movement. So you’d be remiss not to hop in to one of their cafes and grab a “magic,” a small cup that’s filled with steamed milk poured over a double ristretto, now Melbourne’s signature drink. Like any great cafe, though coffee is only half the story: There's great food coming out of the kitchens, too. The menu changes depending on the season, featuring dishes like creme brûlée pancakes, or the totally addictive “dirty” poached eggs made with roasted bull horn peppers, smoked paprika mousse, crispy potato noodles, and a padrón pepper sauce.

Federation Square Arrow

Whether you're heading out on a walking tour, cruising along the Yarra River, or scoping out a day at the NGV, you're likely going to spend a good chunk of time at Federation Square. Arguably the hub of Melbourne's CBD, the square is a center of cultural activity. You'll find countless museums, live performances, and of course the main Metro hub right nearby.

St. Kilda Beach Arrow

If you visit Melbourne and don't step foot on the St. Kilda sand, were you even there? This landmark is famous for its colorful bathing boxes that make it Insta-famous, but it's also a great spot for walking, rollerblading, wind surfing, and all matter of water sports. There's never a shortage of activity, so if you're looking for something secluded, this isn't the place. But it sure is great for people watching.

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100 Things to Do in Melbourne That are Actually Cool

Posted on Last updated: January 18, 2024

You read that right: 100 things to do in Melbourne. Go ahead, count them; there are truly enough things to do in Melbourne to last a hundred lifetimes. If you don’t know me already, Melbourne is one of my favorite cities in the whole world. It’s truly something special – it’s a hub for amazing food, coffee, fashion, live music, museums, festivals, events, galleries, and more. The only thing you CANNOT enjoy in this city is predictable weather! 😛

After living in Melbourne for over 2 years, working as a tour guide in the city, exploring every inch of Victoria, and writing dozens of articles about my experiences, I finally bring you my comprehensive list of 100 things to do in Melbourne. I’ve organized them by category and always linked to specific guides for certain places so you can have ENDLESS information.

Make sure to check out my 50 Places to Visit in Melbourne article for a similar travel guide that is broken down by location rather than the category of things to do. The guide above has an introduction to Melbourne with important info to know before you go, so open that one up in a new tab if it’s your first time to Melbs and you’re ready to dive right on in.

Must-Do Top 10 Things to Do in Melbourne

Here are my top 10-ish things to do in Melbourne. These are the most popular Melbourne activities and the things that most tourists will want to get done while here.

Before you arrive, make sure you have the correct Australian visa and pack for all kinds of weather – sunshine and storms included!

Explore the Colorful Street Art Laneways in the CBD

Melbourne is nearly synonymous with colorful laneways these days because of the sheer amount of them in the Central Business District (CBD). Some of the most popular are AC/DC Lane, Hosier Lane, and Presgrave Place for street art. If you want to sit down for a meal, check out Degraves St, Hardware Lane, and Block Pl.

Visit Federation Square and Museums

Federation Square can be considered the ‘main’ square and open space of Melbourne. Constructed with experimental designs and interesting architecture, ‘Fed Square’ is home to three different museums, many restaurants and bars, and a huge concert/live event area with big screens. It’s basically Melbourne’s small times square!

Locate Some Amazing Hidden Laneway Bars

Finding hidden laneway bars is one of the top 5, not top 100 things to do in Melbourne. If you love a bit of a mystery/adventure and love a very high-quality cocktail or interesting experience, spend some time visiting ‘hidden’ bars in the city and Fitzroy. Luckily I have created an entire guide to the best hidden bars in Melbourne here.

Eat a Real Melbourne Brunch

Melbourne is known for its food – and especially for its amazing and creative breakfast and brunch dishes. It’s easy to find a high-quality cafe in any part of the city, but the CBD and Southbank have them nearly on every corner. Check out my guide to the best breakfast and brunch in Melbourne CBD to choose your favorite.

Visit St Kilda Beach and Soak Up Some Sun

St Kilda is Melbourne’s ‘local’ beach and is a cultural center in itself. The beach isn’t the most picturesque in the world, but it’s an integral part of Melbourne and worth visiting. Spend some time on the sand, walking along the beach boardwalk, visiting the famous clown-faced Luna Park, picnicking in Catani Gardens, or exploring bars and restaurants along Acland and Fitzroy Streets.

Queen Victoria Market

Any trip to Melbourne is incomplete without shopping at Queen Victoria Market. It is an open-air market that was established nearly 120 years ago. Spend your day strolling through the market and exploring a variety of stalls, such as for food, clothing, veggies, fruits and many more small goods. It is popular for locals to get their weekly shopping done.

This place is going to be your big time investment as the market is so huge that you cannot cover the whole of it in a single day.

Explore the Hipster Area of Fitzroy

Melbourne is also famously hipster, and you really can;t get more hipster than on Melbourne’s ‘north side,’ specifically an area called Fitzroy. Fitzroy is known for grungy bars, amazing food, rooftops, street art, and markets, and is worth a visit to get a different Melbourne vibe than the city center. Check out my guide of things to do in Fitzroy , or if you are into cool bars, a map and guide to the best bars in Fitzroy .

Take a Train to Flinders Street Train Station

Flinders Street Train Station is perhaps the most iconic building in Melbourne, with its red and yellow brick and green dome top. This main strain station has a fascinating history (and even a scandalous legend that its plan was swapped with the famous Mumbai Victoria Station), and is one of the top things to see in the Melbourne CBD.

Eat Some Dumplings in Chinatown

Melbourne has one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, as it welcomed many Chinese immigrants during the gold rush of 1851. Chinatown stretches for a few blocks of the CBD on Little Bourke Street, and is home to many hidden bars, a Chinese Museum, and most notably TONS of Chinese food! There are dumpling houses around every corner, and they will be cheap and authentic.

Take in Epic Views for Sunset at the Eureka Skydeck

Whether you are into touristy things to do in Melbourne or not, everyone loves a good view… right?! The Eureka Skydeck is on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower on Southbank, making it the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere. From up there you will get 360 degree views over ALL of Melbourne, the Yarra River, the Olympic precinct, the CBD, ST Kilda, the Botanic Gardens, and more.

I recommend this as one of the first things you do in Melbourne so you get a feel for how the city is laid out before you explore it. Get discounted Tickets Ahead of time Online!

Free Things to do in Melbourne

Everyone loves free, right?! Melbourne may be expensive but these things to do are not.

Check Out the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Museum

The National Gallery, or the NGV, is probably the most popular museum in Melbourne, with the big white spire in the sky next to it. This museum has tons of different exhibitions of national and international artists, some fascinating traveling exhibitions, and always something exciting to see.

Visit the Shrine of Remembrance Museum + Viewpoint

The Shrine of Remembrance is a free War Museum located in the green botanic gardens on Southbank. It traces each war that Australia has been a part of and features an incredible central tomb and upper-level balcony. The balconies here are actually my second favorite view in Melbourne, as you can see the whole skyline from them. And, they are completely free!

Wander/Picnic the Melbourne Botanical Gardens

Melbourne also has some of the largest Botanical Gardens in the hemisphere, and you can truly get lost in them. You can explore landscapes from that of a desert to jungle, find secluded shade for a picnic, or even catch an outdoor movie.

Visit the State Library of Victoria

Visiting the State Library of Victoria may sound boring, but I assure you it is worth a trip. The State Library has lots of museum exhibits with art and historical artifacts from Melbourne’s fascinating history, and an absolutely incredible reading room. And by reading room, I mean a 5-story skylit dome with millions of books on bookshelves lining it. There are dozens of old wooden tables where you can access free wifi and get some work done in a beautiful setting.

Take a Stroll along the Yarra in Southbank

Southbank is essentially an extension of the CBD on the south side of the Yarra River. Southbank features a beautiful promenade walking area that lines the river for over 2 kilometers. Although this promenade passes by tons of restaurants, bars, and street performers, it’s obviously completely free to stroll along unless you decide to stop somewhere!

Check out some more things to do in Southbank in my Guide to Southbank!

Check for Penguins on the St Kilda Pier

If you don’t have time to make a trip to Phillip Island, you can see Victoria’s famous fairy penguins right near Melbourne on the St Kilda Pier. Arrive at the pier just before sunset, and wait for the tiny penguins to emerge from the water for their nightly sleep just after the sun goes down. It’s a bit of a gamble – some nights you will see dozens, and some only 2. Make sure to bundle up too – it’s cold!

Look for Street Art in the CBD

The Melbourne CBD is famous for street art, and quite a quick turnover for it, too. Wander around the smaller streets (laneways) in the CBD and see what you can find.

Walk/Run around “The Tan” Track

The most popular running trail in Melbourne rings around the Botanical Gardens for about 4km, and it is known as’ The Tan.” Walking along this trail you will see different Melbourne sights and also get a workout in while you’re at it!

Explore the Historic Arcades in the CBD

The CBD has some very historic arcades – or enclosed shopping laneways – that have been around since before 1900. Take a trip down memory lane while walking through the Block Arcade or the Royal Arcade.

Outdoorsy/Adventurous Things to Do in Melbourne

Looking to get outside in the fresh air, or out of the city entirely? These adventurous things to do in Melbourne will take you to new places.

Visit the Flying Foxes Colony in Kew

This is one of the lesser-known 100 things to do in Melbourne; many locals don’t even know about it! If you make your way to Kew (by tram) and locate on Google Maps the “Flying Fox Viewing Platform,” you will be rewarded by an incredible sight – THOUSANDS of huge ‘flying fox’ bats!

These bats sleep all day, and wake up around sunset for their nightly trip around the city to feed (on plants, don’t worry). Come at sunset for quite a show!

Take a Trail walk by the Yarra River in Abbotsford

Abbotsford has some stunning stretches of the Yarra River running through it, with trains on either side perfect for a walk. One side of the river (near the Abbotsford Convent) has paved tracks great for biking, while the other side of the river has more of a single-file trail that feels far removed from the city. Check out more things to do in Abbotsford here – I lived there and loved it!

Visit the Brighton Bathing Boxes

Brighton Beach (just south of St Kilda) is well-known for having a few dozen colorful bathing boxes lining its beach. These boxes are perfect for photos, visually pleasing, and perfectly complimentary to a day on the beach. The Mornington Peninsula Beaches are also known for having these bathing boxes if you have time for a trip down south.

Rent a Bike on the St Kilda Beach Boardwalk

If you want a bit of an outdoor adventure, rent a bike and ride it down the beach boardwalk that runs the length of the entire coastline going south from Melbourne. You can start it in Port Melbourne and quite literally end it at the tif of the Mornington Peninsula. But if you are just in it for an afternoon adventure, try riding down to Brighton Beach!

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise

In for a real adventure and an awesome sunrise? Jump on a Melbourne Hot Air Balloon Ride ! These balloons leave from a gorgeous green field in Yarra Bent each morning, and rise up above the city just in time for the morning sun to illuminate it in gold. This is absolutely one of the coolest adventures in Melbourne.

Try the 1000 Steps Hike in the Dandenong Ranges

Ready for a day trip and a hike into the mountains? Head just under an hour out to the Dandenong Mountain Ranges and check out a Melburnian’s favorite hike – the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk or 2000 Steps Hike. This hike will take you into a jungle-like landscape out in nature, and lead you to a fantastic view.

Do a Road Trip of the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the best places to visit near Melbourne, and probably the most popular. Many people like to do a day tour of the Great Ocean Road if they don’t have too much time. I recommend this Great Ocean Road Day Tour with GoWest tours if you have to do a day tour.

However, if you have more time, I strongly suggest renting a car and doing the trip yourself! check out my ideal itinerary for a 2-3 day Great Ocean Road Self-Drive Trip here , and also my guide to the best accommodation on the Great Ocean Road for all budgets.

Take a Scenic Helicopter Ride Over the City or to the Yarra Valley

If you want a true adventure and one of the things to do in Melbourne that is more uncommon – try doing a Melbourne helicopter ride! There are a few companies that do helicopter tours flying over the city, some that fly to the Great Ocean Road, and some that do Yarra Valley wine tours by helicopter… cool, right? Check out my guide to the Melbourne helicopter tour options here .

Go Rock Climbing at an Indoor Gym

Melbourne actually has quite a few indoor rock climbing gyms, which is a fantastic idea for a bit of an adventure and something different. Check out Hardrock Climbing in Carlton or North Walls in Brunswick.

Go Skydiving Over the CBD

Did you know that Melbourne is one of the only places in the world you can skydive so close to an actual city? Skydive St Kilda has a drop zone right by the beach with an amazing view of the city, making it one of the most epic skydive views EVER. You can also skydive the Great Ocean Road or Yarra Valley, too. Check out my Melbourne skydiving article to look into your options with trustworthy Skydive Australia.

Road Trip to Phillip Island to See Tiny Penguins

One of the most popular day trips from Melbourne is visiting Phillip Island to see the ‘penguin parade.’ This is where a colony of thousands of tiny fairy penguins live, and many of them come out of the water each day at sunset to reach their burrows for some sleep. It’s quite a spectacle and I recommend it highly as one of the best wildlife displays around!

This Phillip Island Day Tour takes you to see the penguin parade and also to a wildlife sanctuary where you can see kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and more too.

Book a Weekend Getaway

Melbourne is amazing, but Victoria as a whole is absolutely incredible. There are many amazing weekend getaways from Melbourne to oceans, mountains, valleys, and more.

Visit the Mornington Peninsula for Wine, Beer, and Beaches

The Mornington Peninsula is one of my favorite places to visit near Melbourne that somehow isn’t overrun with international tourists – yet. The Peninsula has some amazing beaches, from calm bay beaches with bathing boxes to turbulent surf beaches. Check out the best beaches here.

There are hundreds of Mornington Peninsula Wineries , as well as wine tours that will take you between them. If you are more into breweries, check out the best breweries I visited here . If you want to stay the weekend, check out the best Mornington Peninsula Accommodation here .

Food And Drink-Related Things to Do in Melbourne

Melbourne is known for its multicultural food. You can find amazing restaurants of every kind, and for every budget, too!

Try a “Feed Me” Set Menu at a Restaurant

Something Melbourne restaurants have started doing more and more is having a set-menu option for meals where you just say “Feed Me” and receive a huge selection of the chef’s specials and favorites for a set price. It’s not cheap, but it’s an awesome culinary adventure that’s way worth a try.

Some of the best places to try this are famous Chin Chin (asian fusion), Uncle (Vietnamese), and Mr Miyagi (Japanese), and Yeah Boy.

Try a Real Melbourne Coffee at a Laneway Cafe

Didn’t you know that Melbourne is known for having the best coffee in the world? Coffee was brought over in the 1800’s by Italian immigrants, and it has grown into the booming coffee culture the Melbourne knows today. There are nearly 1000 (yes, one thousand) cafes in the CBD today, and thousands more outside of it.

Some of the best small cafes to try are Chapter House, Patricia, and Duke Coffee Roasters.

Try Artisanal Cocktails from Professional Melbourne Bartenders

Bartenders at Melbourne’s high-end bars are not just working to get through college – they are what is called here ‘career bartenders.’ Bartending is their craft, and they love nothing more than to share that with you. Whether you choose from a crafted menu or tell the bartender the kind of flavor you want, you will surely enjoy your experience.

Some of the most incredible cocktail bars to try are: Beneath Driver Lane, Loch + Key, Little Lon Distilling Co, and Fall from Grace. For more amazing hidden and rooftop bars, check out my Melbourne Bars guide here .

Wander Chinatown Until You Find a Tiny Dumpling House

As I mentioned above, Melbourne has a FANTASTIC Chinatown. If you love delicious dumplings in a tiny hole-in-the-wall joint that is usually BYO, this is your haven. Chinatown is a perfect choice for a dinner and BYO drinks before going out. Visit my Melbourne CBD Guide for dumpling house recommendations – or just wander it yourself!

Taste a Delicious Melbourne Breakfast/Brunch at a Trendy Cafe

You didn’t visit Melbourne unless you has a trendy brunch in a rustic/industrial setting. Melbourne takes a simple smashed avocado to the next level with creative and beautiful dishes you nearly don’t even want to eat! Visit my Melbourne CBD Breakfast and Brunch Guide for the best places to go.

Do a Wine Tour to the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is Melbourne’s closest and most visited wine region. Many visitors to Melbourne book a day tour to the Yarra Valley that will show off 4-5 wineries and a dairy and chocolaterie in one day. This is my recommended day tour with Autopia Tours . or if you would like to spend more time amongst the vines, check out some Yarra Valley Wineries with Accommodation .

Do a Chocolate Tour in the CBD

Yes, you heard that right… a chocolate tour! There are actually quite a few chocolateries and confectionaries around Melbourne and in the CBD, and this chocolate tour will take you amongst a few of them (while including samples, of course).

Try “Dans Le Noir” Dining in the Dark

If you haven’t heard of dining in the dark yet, it’s a phenomenon that has swept the world. This experience entails having an entire meal in COMPLETE darkness, and seeing how differently your senses react and if they perceive food the same way without sight. Dans Le Noir also employs a whole visually impaired staff, providing job opportunities that wouldn’t usually exist.

Sightseeing Things to Do in Melbourne

Yarra river cruise – see the city from the water.

Taking a cruise on the Yarra River is a great way to see the city from the water. These tours are low-priced and include commentary as to what you are seeing as you sail along the river. Book one in advance here.

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

The Melbourne Hop On Hop Off Bus is loved by some and hated by some. It’s difficult for big buses to navigate the tiny laneways, so it’s limited where they can go. But there’s no denying that it’s a convenient way to get around.

Ride the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

The Melbourne Star is like Melbourne’s smaller version of the London Eye. It’s definitely a fun experience to be had at least once. It’s a bit farther removed from the city, but the view is still great. Book in advance here .

Things to do in Melbourne at Night

Melbourne comes alive after dark! Here are things to do.

Get Amongst the Amazing Melbourne Nightlife

Melbourne has world-renowned nightlife. Whether you are looking for a dark techno club or a live band, from the CBD to grungy Chapel Street, it has it all!

Visit the Famous Esplanade “the Espy” Bar in St Kilda

“The Espy” is a famous huge white hotel/bar on the St Kilda Esplanade. It hosts hundreds of people on weekend nights between its multiple bars, dance floors, and floors of restaurants. It’s always a good time!

Visit Revolver Upstairs, the Infamous “Revs”

Revs is truly a Melbourne icon. This ‘lounge’ is a grungy club that hosts world-famous dj’s and has a true cult following among Melburnians and beyond. It only closes for an hour from Thursday/Friday to Monday afternoon – how long will you last?

Go on a Spooky Melbourne Ghost Tour

That’s right, the CBD has some haunted places and very old historical sites with spooky stories! There are ghost tours in Fitzroy also, but this ghost tour can also include a delicious dinner alongside the tour.

Visit a Rooftop Bar in the City

Melbourne is known for amazing rooftop bars. Some of my favorites are ‘peaches,’ aptly named ‘rooftop bar,’ and ‘goldilocks.’

Queen Victoria Night Market

On Wednesday nights, the Queen Victoria Market comes alive with food stalls of every possible kind. Join the crowds and try as many different kinds of food as your stomach will allow!

Find Some Elusive Hidden Laneway Bars

If you haven’t already, spend a Melbourne evening trying to locate more and more hidden bars . There are more to find than possible to visit in many months!

NGV Friday Nights

The National Gallery Museum (NGV) has a series where you can visit after-hours on a Friday night, see live music, taste special food, and visit their current exhibition without the crowds.

Try a Yarra River Dinner Cruise

If you want something a bit fancy, try taking your partner to a lovely dinner on the water on a Yarra River dinner cruise . These 4 course meals have beverages included and will present a unique view of the night city lights.

Catch Some Sports at an Aussie Pub

There are truly Aussie pubs around nearly every corner in the suburbs, and these are known for playing sports, classic dishes like chicken parma’s, draught beer, outdoor courtyards, and sometimes even pool. Fitzroy and Richmond are great places to fund Aussie pubs!

Check out an Outdoor Movie in the Summer

Melbourne has a few different sites for outdoor movies in the park during the summer. Look into Moonlight Cinema, Barefoot Cinema, and Rooftop Cinema to name a few.

Gamble at Famous Crown Casino

The Crown Casino is the largest casino is Australia and one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Whether you are into gambling or not, it is always worth walking through the grandiose casino to see the massive games floors, food halls, bars, and clubs.

Catch a Live Theatre Show at One of Melbourne’s Many Theatres

Did you know Melbourne is one of the theatre capitals of the world, too? There are tons of theatres in and around the city which host plays that have been through Broadway and London. Visit the Princess Theatre, the State Theater, the Athaenium Theatre, or the Regent Theater to name a few.

Check Out a Magic Show

Yes, Melbourne even has magic shows! This Magic Show runs most nights, is affordable, and is one of the most fun things to do in Melbourne at night.

Try the Night Noodle Markets in November

In November, the grassy knolls of Birrarung Marr come alive with dozens and dozens of Asian food stands, bars, performers, chairs, and music. The night noodle markets are not to be missed in November in Melbourne.

Check out the Melbourne Planetarium

The Melbourne Planetarium is extremely underrated and is truly an awesome place to visit in Melbourne at night. They have even started doing special events and shows at night inside the planetarium.

Music-Related Things to do in Melbourne

Check out a bush doof.

Melbourne/Victoria is home of the Aussie ‘bush doof,’ or a small colorful festival out in the middle of nowhere. Some of these small doofs have grown in popularity and size but still maintain their ethos. Here are some of the best doofs in Victoria and in Australia .

Check out a Candlelight Concert

Fever puts on incredible candlelight concerts throughout the year in Melbourne. These concerts are very special as they are truly lit up only by candles! They hold candlelight concerts at a few different romantic venues throughout the city like Meat Market and even the Sea Life Aquarium.

The concerts are mostly orchestras playing music from certain composers like Hans Zimmer or musicals such as The Nutcracker, or tributes to bands and famous artists like Radiohead, Adele, or Amy Winehouse. Check out upcoming candlelight concerts here.

Ultra Australia

One event that you cannot afford to miss attending in Melbourne if you are a music lover is the Ultra Australia. This is one of the most happening music festivals in Australia where you will get to listen to some of the world’s best musicians, including DJ Snake and Afrojack. The event takes place every year in Melbourne as well as Sydney during February or March. Whether you are a Melbourne resident or a tourist, this event is unmissable.

Catch a Live Show on the Northside

Melbourne’s north side is notoriously hipster and known for live music. Pop up to Fitzroy or Brunswick to check out some pubs and dive bars with live music on most nights.

Attend a Concert in a Stadium

When huge artists come to Melbourne, they usually play in huge stadiums such as the Rod Laver Arena or the Marvel Stadium. It’s a pretty cool experience to catch one of these!

Explore Events During Melbourne Music Week in November

Melbourne Music Week is a big to-do in the city at the beginning of summer. Visit one of hundreds of events throughout the city during this week, celebrating and and ALL kinds of music in one of the music capitals of the world.

Dance Until Sunrise at a Melbourne Nightclub

Some of Melbourne’s clubs don’t close before sunrise – and rather, stay open much later! If you want to party until the wee hours, check out Revolver Upstairs, Storyville, or Circus.

Have the Best Monday Ever at Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club is Melbourne’s famed Monday day party. The capacity it strictly limited at 100, so you MUST arrive before 9am to be one of the first 100 in line to get up to the rooftop. Endulge in house and techno beats, crazy outfits, cocktails, and fruit slices until it gets dark again.

Find a Laneway Day Party

Laneway parties are also prominent in a city famous for laneways! Check out the Hatch Laneway Fiesta, Duke Street Block Party, and more.

Attend a Sunday Piknik Electronik

Sunday in the summer means daytime fun in the sun with house and techno music at Picnik Electronik. These are held Sunday afternoons in the grass with renowned dj’s at the Sidney Myer music bowl in the Botanical Gardens.

Amazing Events to Attend in Melbourne

Check out the formula 1 races.

The Australian Grand Prix is held in Albert Park, just south of the city, each March. Many travel to Melbourne to spectate at this famous race with a beautiful backdrop.

Chinese New Year Celebration

Every February, Melbourne celebrates the beginning of the Chinese New Year. The celebration includes traditional food, live music, street performances, martial arts, firecrackers and traditional lion dance in the picture-perfect location in the middle of Chinatown in the CBD. This is a great time of the year to get together with family and friends, and exchange blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

If you are seeking a good laugh and a hilarious show to rejuvenate yourself, indulge into the world of comedy by attending the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. This show features a range of stage performances, acts and stand-ups that will keep you laughing all night long. Held at Town Hall, the festival showcases Australian as well as international comedians presenting a wide range of humor.

Melbourne Pride in St Kilda

Each February, St Kilda comes alive with a pride celebration like no other. Live music in Catani Gardens is followed by parties all over Fitzroy Street in St Kilda.

Melbourne Fashion Week

Melbourne fashion week is usually held in August-September at the beginning of Spring. This string of events includes 150 different fashion events all over the city for a week and lots of different displays.

Sports-Related Things to Do in Melbourne

Did you know Melbourne is also a center for sport?

Watch an AFL/WAFL “Aussie Rules” Footy Game

If you haven’t seen an AFL game yet, you must do so in Melbourne! This sport is completely unique to Australia and is adored the most in Melbourne (which is home to over 80% of the nation’s teams).

Celebrate the Aussie Grand Final Day in September

If there’s any Footy game to watch – it’s the grand final! Each September the nation stops to see which team will win the grand final, which is always held in Melbourne at the MCG Stadium. If you can’t score tickets, head to any pub – everyone will be watching!

Take a Tour of the MCG – Melbourne Cricket Ground Stadium

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the largest sporting stadium in the southern hemisphere – located right in Melbourne (within 10 minutes walking from the CBD). Whether you catch a game or not, it’s worth checking out the stadium and taking a tour.

Take a ‘Melbourne Sports Lovers” Tour

If you love sports, you MUST take the unique ‘Melbourne Sports Lovers tour” which includes a tour of the MCG, the Melbourne Sports Museum, different stadiums in the Olympic precinct, and even the Flemington Racecourse.

Watch “The Race the Stops the Nation” Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup is known as the race that stops the nation – and is held right in Melbourne. Visiting this famous horse race is one of the top 100 things to do in Melbourne as it’s a true Melbourne experience – dress up, drink champagne, and bet on the races.

Or, Attend any of the Spring Racing Carnival Races

If you can’t afford the Melbourne Cup, there are a few other races that comprise the ‘spring racing carnival’ that are cheaper and just as fun. Check out Stakes Day, Oakes Day, Caulfield Cup, and more.

Watch a Cricket Game at the MCG in Summer

The MCG hosts international cricket matches during summer. If you haven’t caught a cricket game, Melbourne is the perfect place to do it!

The Australian Open

If you are a sports lover, especially Tennis, watch some Tennis superstars battling in the Australian Open. This popular competition is held in the summer every year (Jan-Feb) where thousands of people gather to attend one of the largest tennis opens in the world.

While Australia is setting the stage for internationally popular events like the Australian Open, it is no wonder sports lovers from across the globe come to witness the fierce contest and world-class players.

Unmissable Melbourne Museums

The old melbourne gaol.

The Old Melbourne Gaol is a creepy museum that depicts all the different types of criminals held there until 1992. This real historic building has been preserved and can now be found on the RMIT campus.

The Ian Potter Centre

This is a ‘national’ art museum displaying only Aussie art in Federation Square.

The ACMI – Australian Centre of the Moving Image

The ACMI covers everything ‘moving image,” from video games, films, cgi, and video through the ages. It’s also in Federation square.

Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre

The Koorie Heritage Trust is an aboriginal museum right in the middle of Federation Square. This is one of the best places to learn about Victoria’s aboriginal history (unless you can visit the Grampians)!

Melbourne Immigration Museum

Melbourne is a city founded on Gold Rush immigration, and the immigration museum traces this and elaborates on Melbourne’s multicultural history.

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium

Melbourne’s SEA LIFE Aquarium is a tourist favorite, housing lots of different kinds of sea life.

More Melbourne Markets + Shopping to Check Out

Melbourne has heaps of markets – it would be hard to name them all! Here are some of my favorites.

South Melbourne Market

The South Melbourne Market is open three days a week and is a haven for everything food, clothing, trinkets, plants… you name it. This is a great place to visit to stock up on artisanal foods or just to stop for a fresh lunch – think fresh meat and seafood.

St Kinda Esplanade Sunday Market

If you visit St Kilda Beach on a Sunday, don’t forget to wander up the road to the Esplanade to check out dozens of market stalls with artisan crafts and really interesting trinkets, handmade goods, and art.

Fitzroy Mills Market + Rose Street Market Saturdays

Fitzroy has some amazing markets on Saturdays that are known for second-hand clothing and handmade art and crafts. Blend a visit to these markets in with some amazing meals and street art adventures for a great Fitzroy day.

Chapel Street Shops, Prahran/South Yarra

Chapel Street is the cultural center of Melbourne’s south side. The long street runs from South Yarra to Prahran, and has more different kinds of shops than you can imagine. From big malls to boutiques to massive thrift shops, you can have it all.

Prahran Market

While exploring Chapel Street, don’t forget to stop by the Prahran Market for fresh produce, delicious meals, and different specials depending on the weekend.

Shop at The Emporium Mall in the CBD

The mall in Melbourne CBD is perhaps the largest mall of all. This “Emporium” Mall actually stretched for 4-5 blocks, bridging over and under the streets and ranging from designer shops to cheap food stalls. Enter through the Myer on Bourke Street, head upstairs, and see how far you can get.

Things to Do in Melbourne Central Business District

I wrote an ENTIRE article about things to do in Melbourne CBD because it truly deserves its own article. With 1000 cafes, countless hidden bars, tons of museums, universities, squares, rooftops, and things to discover, it needed its own article! View the article right here.

Romantic Things to do in Melbourne for Couples

I also wrote an entire post about things to do in Melbourne for Couples. Click here for a list of 30+ awesome Melbourne date ideas. yep, that’s right, there are 30 things to do in Melbourne for couples, tipping my list WELL over 100 things to do in Melbourne!

Well, that’s truly 100 Things to do in Melbourne! Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

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Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 25 Best Things To Do In Melbourne (Australia)

25 Best Things To Do In Melbourne (Australia)

Melbourne is a hip, dynamic metropolis, with an exciting city centre, inner-city neighborhoods that are full of unique character, and lush green parks and mountain ranges where you can enjoy Australian nature at its finest.

The city is known for its many laneways, its cultural diversity, excellent dining options for all budgets, and amazing street art. It’s also known for being the coffee capital of the world, and for being regularly voted as the world’s most livable city!

Lets explore the best things to do in Melbourne :

1. Drink the world’s best coffee

It’s official: you’ll find the world’s best coffee in Melbourne, as voted by over a thousand users on website booking.com .

Melbourne beat out many of the world’s most renowned coffee cities, such as Rome and Vienna, for the title; you’ll certainly know why once you see how committed Melbourne baristas are to their craft.

It’s actually hard to find a bad cup of coffee in Melbourne: the city touts itself as a world leader in coffee and café culture, and the inhabitants are proud to be coffee snobs! Cafes in London even advertise that they have Melbourne baristas, as Australian and New Zealander baristas essentially brought high-quality coffee to the city.

Melbourne even plays host to a coffee expo, and the 2014 world barista champion Pete Licata (from the USA) has described coffee culture in Melbourne as “incredible”. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve come to the right place.

You’ll find great coffee just wandering through the laneways of the city, and there are actually tailored tours available to coffee aficionados: check out Hidden Secret Tours or Melbourne Coffee Tours for details.

According to Yelp, the best cup of coffee in Melbourne can be found at Patricia on Little Bourke Street: it’s a tiny hole-in-the-wall place with no seating and a line-up to get in, but likely the best coffee you will ever taste! The staff are also friendly, and the place deserves the hype.

Book online: Melbourne Cafe and Coffee Culture Walk

2. Check out the amazing street art

Melbourne is very well-known for its street art, being considered one of the street art capitals of the world.

The city council has designated certain areas as approved for street artists, and the street art here is of exceptionally high quality and changes regularly; it’s a great way for budding street artists to get experience in the artistic side of graffiti, and having structured locations for this amazing creative outlet helps to reduce the levels of graffiti elsewhere, as well as adding a great urban vibe that tourists and locals both enjoy. You’ll find a map of street art in Melbourne here .

There’s even a Melbourne street art tour , run by street artists, for people who’d like a deeper understanding of what they’re seeing, how it’s made and who is involved in this fascinating underground art scene. There’s also one available on getyourguide.com .

3. Wander through laneways

An aimless wander through the many laneways of Melbourne is a wonderful way to see what this city has to offer.

City maps are available at the Federation Square Visitor Information Centre, and many hotels; some of the most interesting laneways include Centre Place, AC/DC Lane (named after the famous Aussie rock band!), Hardware Lane and Degraves Lane.

You’ll find plenty to see, do, buy and eat, and gain a new appreciation of Melbourne’s urban culture.

Available tour : Melbourne Laneways Tour

4. Visit Flinders Street Station and Federation Square

The main entrance to Flinders Street Station is a picturesque cultural symbol of Melbourne you’ll find on many postcards or tourist brochures: this gorgeous building was opened in 1910, and it is listed on the Victorian heritage register.

Inside you’ll find Australia’s busiest railway station, a small shopping area with tasty food options, and easy walking access to Southbank.

Across the road, Federation Square is another Melbourne icon, with a unique and fascinating architectural design, making the Square quite unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Once you’re at the Square, make sure that you visit the Australian Centre of the Moving Image, which has hosted fascinating displays on subjects such as Claymation, and the Ian Potter Centre art gallery.

5. Rock out

Melbourne is famous for its live music scene, particularly rock music.

There’s plenty of bands playing at any given time, and the city attracts international talent, including of the up-and-coming variety.

It’s also the home of the legendary Australian singer-songwriter-poet-author Nick Cave.

Some popular spots to catch a band include the Corner Hotel, the Evelyn Hotel, the Spotted Mallard, the Post Office Hotel, the Ding-Dong Lounge, the Esplanade Hotel and the Palais Theatre.

6. Learn how things work at Scienceworks

Scienceworks houses an exciting array of hands-on science exhibits, workshops and events.

It also includes a planetarium, a lightning room, and a mini-metropolis called Nitty Gritty Super City, that demonstrates in small-scale how a city works.

The planetarium hosts informative shows, and the Lightning Room offers 30-minute live shows that include a gigantic Tesla Coil that can generate over two million volts of electricity to produce 3 metre lightning bolts.

Children and adults alike will have a great time here!

7. Stroll the botanic gardens

The Botanic Gardens are walking distance from the city centre, and offer an oasis of calm, peace and greenery just outside of the urban bustle.

They’re a popular spot for local walkers and joggers, and the breathtaking landscapes make them ideal for a peaceful meditation session.

With more than 8,500 plant species, the botanic gardens are colorful, gorgeous and fascinating.

You could even bring a sketch book and try your hand at drawing some of the beautiful flowers or backdrops!

8. Have a gourmet Greek dinner

Melbourne has the largest Greek population of any city outside of Athens, and the close-knit, vibrant Greek community always has plenty of cultural events going on.

There’s also the wonderful Greek Precinct, where you’ll find Greek cuisine of a standard that you’d expect in Greece itself! This area also has many Greek cultural shops, and the Hellenic Museum is nearby.

If you’re in Melbourne in March or September, you may also wish to check out the Antipodes Festival or the Greek Film Festival respectively.

9. Get sporty at the MCG

The Melbourne Cricket Ground bills itself as “Australia’s favourite stadium”, with good reason.

Melbourne is a sports-mad city, and the MCG is the centre of the action.

Home to the Melbourne Cricket Club, the stadium also plays host to the wildly popular AFL, as well as international soccer, rugby and various other events.

Originally built in 1853, the stadium has been renewed many times, and is the largest stadium in Australia, as well as being the 10th largest in the world: the record for the largest crowd at the MCG is around 130,000 people.

The MCG is also home to the Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum.

Check out the MCG website for the latest on what’s on at the stadium, and catch a game of cricket or AFL to experience Melbourne’s passion for sport.

Or book a tour online: Melbourne Sports Walking Tour & MCG Tour

10. Shop till you drop

Melbourne is renowned for its world-class shopping; in particular, Chapel Street is popular with both local and international celebrities for its excellent range of high-quality clothing or visit the former Melbourne Government Post office, wich now functions as a shopping mall.

Bridge Road in Richmond is a great spot for outlet shopping, great food at budget prices, and excellent homewares.

Fitzroy is well-known for its eclectic, vintage finds, and further afield, Highpoint and Chadstone are excellent, large shopping malls with a wide range of Australian and international brands.

11. Learn about Victoria’s convict past at Old Melbourne Gaol

Old Melbourne Gaol is a museum in the city centre, which operated as a prison from its opening in 1842 to 1929. It was the site of the execution of many of Australia’s most infamous criminals, including Ned Kelly; 133 people were executed here while the prison was in operation.

The museum offers a glimpse into life in the 1800s; some mentally ill and homeless people were also interred in the prison, and the harsh conditions they were subject to seem quite shocking by modern standards.

The museum includes an impressive range of artifacts, including the death masks of many executed criminals.

The museum is considered by some to be haunted, and ghost tours are offered by the museum that tell stories recorded by visitors and staff alike.

Related tour : Melbourne Complete City Walking Tour

12. Visit the Immigration Museum

The Immigration Museum is a celebration of the melting pot of modern-day Australia, and the many cultures that have come together to make this country what it is today.

Located in the beautiful Old Customs House, the museum tells the stories of the diverse populations of Melbourne and Victoria at large, and tells of the immigration experience, the definitions of identity, and the long and arduous journey that many immigrants would have experienced on their way to Australia.

It also includes the Customs Gallery, a record of the past incarnation of the Old Customs House as the focal point for immigration, trade and shopping during the 19th Century.

13. Have a night out at the Crown Casino Comple

The Crown Casino Complex is a massive casino and resort complex adjacent to the Yarra River; it is the largest casino complex in the southern hemisphere, and one of the largest internationally.

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week, except for 3 public holidays per year, it’s great fun if you enjoy gambling, but has so much more to offer: it’s a luxury shopping destination, as well as having wonderful restaurants and pumping nightlife.

The Atrium area is gorgeous, with lovely fountains and sound/light shows, and there are pyrotechnic towers just outside the complex itself that are fascinating to watch; shooting fireballs into the night sky, they are referred to as the “Gas Brigades”, and are the largest of their type in the world.

14. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Queen Victoria Markets

The Queen Victoria Markets have been an important food hub of Melbourne since they were opened in 1878. Home to some of Melbourne’s tastiest produce stalls and delicatessens, you’ll find excellent cheeses, olives and smoked meats here.

The building itself is a gorgeous example of Victorian architecture, and you’ll also find many artisanal crafts made by local creatives, as well as souvenirs for your friends back home.

Various events are held at the markets during the year, so check the website to see what’s on.

Suggested tour : Melbourne Multicultural Markets Culinary Culture Tour

15. Admire Aboriginal art

There are several Aboriginal art galleries within Melbourne’s city centres and surrounds, as well as an extensive collection of Aboriginal art within the City Gallery (inside Town Hall), the Flinders Lane Gallery, the Ian Potter Museum of Art and NGV International.

Aboriginal art is lauded internationally for its beauty and symbolism, and Melbourne is an excellent spot to learn about the importance of art in indigenous culture, and the beauty of the artworks.

Available tour : Melbourne Cultural Highlights City Walk

16. Enjoy a taste of Italy on Lygon Street

The Lygon Street Italian Precinct, also known as Little Italy, is a gorgeous leafy street running through several Melbournian suburbs, with a rich café culture that introduced Melbourne to the love of high-quality coffee for which the city is now famous.

You’ll find world-class Italian dining here, as well as Italian produce and culture stores, the beautiful Lygon Buildings (built in 1888), and shopping boutiques.

17. Visit the Block Arcade

The Block Arcade is a retail precinct housed in a gorgeous heritage shopping arcade, opened in 1892. Rich in history and boasting stunning architecture, the Block Arcade is a step into the nostalgia of the past, as well as housing some lovely luxury boutiques, and the quirkly Art of Dr. Seuss gallery, the Hopetoun tearooms and Haigh’s chocolates.

18. Have a picnic at the Carlton Gardens, and visit the Royal Exhibition Building

The Carlton Gardens complex are a 26-hectare site containing the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum and Imax cinema.

The site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and is an easy walk from the city centre.

It’s well worth a visit for the immaculate gardens, lovely fountains and beautiful architecture.

The gardens are a lovely spot for a stroll, and to get to know a diverse range of Australian and international flora (and occasionally fauna!) You can also often catch events here, including gardening festivals.

Included in : Melbourne 3-Hour Small Group Tour

19. Go penguin-spotting at St Kilda

St Kilda is full of attractions for tourists and locals alike, from the delicious cakes of Acland Street to the community gardens and the thriving nightlife.

There’s also a gorgeous beach, with famous Victorian beachhouses, and a pier; surprising to many, this busy suburb of Melbourne has some unexpected residents, a colony of the St little penguins! This colony established itself in the 1970s on the St Kilda breakwater, and arrive just after sunset every night of the year, being particularly numerous in summer.

Penguin guides are on duty during the daylight savings period, to answer any questions about the penguins that you may have.

They do request that visitors treat the penguins, their nesting sites, eggs and chicks with respect: they love their family as much as you do!

Top-rated Day Trip available: Phillip Island: Penguins and Wildlife Full-Day Tour

• 20.  Go bushwalking in the Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges is a gorgeous mountain range on the outskirts of Melbourne, and it’s a perfect spot for walkers, cyclists, hikers, nature-lovers and bird-watchers.

The breathtaking scenery in the ranges make it a popular tourist destination, both for active travellers and for romantic getaways; it’s also a popular spot for wedding photos.

You’ll find many charming little towns within the ranges, fantastic farm-gate produce, and the famous Puffing Billy steam train.

Recommended tour : Dandenong Ranges Tour by Puffing Billy Train

21. Catch a festival

Melbourne is renowned for its festivals; it’s worth checking out the visitor centre in Federation Square, or looking online, to find out what’s going on during your visit.

Some particularly popular festivals include White Night (an illumination festival in the inner city), the Lonsdale Street Greek Festival, Cultural Diversity Week, the Lunar New Year celebrations, the Midsumma Festival, the Moomba Festival and the Christmas Festival.

22. Go on a safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo

The Werribee Open Range Open Zoo is a bit of a trek from the city centre, but it’s well worth it: this African-themed safari-style zoo allows you to get very close to a wide variety of exotic animals.

It also hosts various events, including the Rhythm of Africa.

It’s a great spot to keep younger travelers entertained, but also a lot of fun for wildlife-loving adults.

Book online :  Werribee Open Range Zoo Admission Ticket

23. Go gallery-hopping

There’s over 100 galleries in Melbourne, ranging from small studio galleries to the huge NGV, and with almost any art style you can imagine, including Melbourne’s iconic Heidelberg style.

If you’re an art lover, then you may wish to spend several days getting to know Melbourne’s vibrant art scene.

You’ll find some of the better-known galleries listed here . One currently very popular is the Immersive Art Gallery .

24. Go on a wooden roller-coaster built in 1912

Luna Park opened in St Kilda in 1912, and the Scenic Railway started operating in the same year.

This rollercoaster holds the honor of being the world’s oldest continually operating rollercoaster, and while it looks quite rickety by today’s standards, it’s a fascinating taste of what theme parks of the past must have been like.

Luna Park charges a small $5 entry fee for those wanting to visit the park without going on any of the rights (to help cover the preservation of the park). Even if you’re not a fan of theme park rides, you can still get some great photos on the grounds, and the rich history of the site makes it worth visiting in its own right. If you change your mind and want to go on any of the rides the entree fee will be deducted from the ticket price.

25. Take a river cruise

The Yarra River that separates Melbourne city centre from Melbourne is home to many stunning views, and taking a cruise down the river is a great way to experience this important part of Melbourne.

Many cruise operators operate on the river, so you can pick and choose which suits your needs and budget the best.

It’s also possible to kayak down the river with a kayak tour operator; keep in mind that the water quality of the Yarra is very low, so if you capsize you will need to shower and get changed as soon as possible.

25 Best Things To Do In Melbourne (Australia):

• Drink the world’s best coffee
• Check out the amazing street art
• Wander through laneways
• Visit Flinders Street Station and Federation Square
• Learn how things work at Scienceworks
• Stroll the botanic gardens
• Have a gourmet Greek dinner
• Get sporty at the MCG
• Shop till you drop
• Learn about Victoria's convict past at Old Melbourne Gaol
• Visit the Immigration Museum
• Have a night out at the Crown Casino Comple
• Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Queen Victoria Markets
• Admire Aboriginal art
• Enjoy a taste of Italy on Lygon Street
• Visit the Block Arcade
• Have a picnic at the Carlton Gardens, and visit the Royal Exhibition Building
• Go penguin-spotting at St Kilda
• Catch a festival
• Go on a safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo
• Go gallery-hopping
• Go on a wooden roller-coaster built in 1912
• Take a river cruise

23 Spectacular Melbourne tourist attractions you can’t miss

In a city like Melbourne, you can get stuck eating all the food for your whole visit. Many people visiting Melbourne come for the tiny laneways filled with some of the best food in the world, the cafe culture that many other countries wish they had and the beauty that has won us the most liveable city in the world numerous times…but what are some of the best Melbourne tourist attractions you can’t miss?

For locals, we have our Melbourne favourites, and some Melbourne tourist attractions get lost in the memory bank by accident. There are new Melbourne attractions popping up continuously and changing on a regular basis and at times it is hard to keep up and choose which ones to go to.

Places of interest in Melbourne for visitors and residents alike are everywhere in one of the world’s most liveable cities. Let us introduce you to some cool places to visit in Melbourne.

The best Melbourne tourist attractions

Melbourne city is easy to get around and you will find so many amazing things to do in Melbourne. There are Melbourne tourist attractions for all ages, all abilities and for every budget.

Spending time in Melbourne is brilliant. If you are visiting Melbourne for a weekend away you can always find some new Melbourne tourist attractions that you have not been to before. Melbourne is a wonderful city full of culture, fabulous food and sites for everyone.

These Melbourne tourist attractions should go on your next Melbourne getaway itinerary.

Melbourne Skydeck (Eureka Skydeck)

Located on Southbank this viewing platform will give you breathtaking views over the city of Melbourne . The building is just over 297 meters high and the viewing platform has floor-to-ceiling windows giving you an uninterrupted, spectacular view.

If you love heights and want an extra experience at the Eureka Skydeck you can go on The Edge. A top Melbourne tourist attraction that has a unique angle for the thrill-seeker. This glass cube hangs out over the Melbourne streets from the 88th floor.

You will find a small kiosk with snack foods and drinks, with a few seating options, so you can get the full experience while watching the views over Melbourne. If you’re on a romantic evening out in Melbourne, there is a fine dining restaurant with great views you can eat at as well.

Eureka 89 restaurant

If you are looking for an unforgettable Melbourne experience then a meal in the Eureka Skydeck restaurant would make your trip to Melbourne unforgettable.

Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing deck!

Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006

Opening hours: Daily 12 pm – 10 pm

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium

Explore Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium in the heart of Melbourne, Australia. Witness awe-inspiring marine life in the massive Oceanarium, interact with penguins in the Antarctic Adventure zone, and admire delicate seahorses in Seahorse Pier.

Discover jellyfish, and vibrant coral reefs, and even try Shark Dive Xtreme for a thrilling experience. Nearby, you can stay at the conveniently located apartments and hotels in Melbourne’s CBD , making it easy to access this aquatic wonderland.

Dive into a world of underwater marvels at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Book your Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium tickets today.

Address: King St, Melbourne, VIC 3000

Opening Hours: 10.00-5.00 Monday to Friday and 9.30-5.00 on weekends.

Australian Sporting Museum – Melbourne sightseeing

The Australian Sporting Museum is located at the MCG and is a top of the Melbourne tourist attraction for anyone who loves sport. With interactive displays and a chance to actually play some games, there is a plethora of information about the history of some of the most popular sports in Australia and Victoria.

Address: MCG, Brunton Ave, Melbourne VIC 3000

Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 5 pm

The MCG – Tourist Attractions Melbourne

The ‘G’ as many Australians would lovingly call it is the home of sport and one of the top Melbourne tourist attractions. For visitors to Melbourne, this is where you can see some of the sports played in our country, which is an experience in itself!

The MCG is the home to AFL (season running from March to September) and cricket (season running from November to February) and with seating available for 100,000 people it is one of the biggest arenas in the world. Not only can you watch a sporting spectacle you can also tor the stadium and learn about the history and home of all sports in Melbourne.

Did you know the Melbourne Cricket Ground held the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956 and Pope John Paul II held a mass here on his visit in 1986?

Address: Brunton Ave, Richmond VIC 3002

Opening hours: This will depend on your activity

Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is a War Memorial to honour all who served in the Australian Military . It is the National War Memorial of Victoria and is the largest in the State. This makes the Shrine of Remembrance a top Melbourne tourist attraction for anyone who loves history.

You will find the museum at the Royal Botanic Gardens featuring many displays from Returned Soldiers and their families who have donated items, letters and stories to be handed down to the next generations.

Address: Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3001

St Kilda Beach – Melbourne tourist spots

A little over 30 minutes out of the Melbourne CBD you can escape to the St Kilda beach on a hot Melbourne day. Here you will find a calm beach where you can have a paddle or a sunbake while getting beautiful views of the Melbourne skyline. You can get access to the beach via car or easily by public transport.

The St Kilda beach is also a wonderful place to sit and eat at one of the brilliant cafes that line the shore.

St Kilda Beach Little Penguin colony

Another bonus is that St Kilda Beach has a colony of Little Penguins that live there. If you are lucky you can see them come in from the water before dusk along the promenade at the St Kilda Breakwater .

Discover more of Victoria: 11 fun-filled day trips from Melbourne you have to do!

Melbourne Sights – Luna Park

If you have had your fill at the St Kilda beach, then make your way to the iconic Luna Park . This old-time funfair will have you entertained for hours with a hair-raising ride to one of the oldest continually running wooden roller coasters in the world.

There is parking around Luna Park but it is limited and it can be expensive. It is timed and the inspectors are all over it if you are late. The fines are astronomical if you don’t pay.

Address: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182

Opening hours: Daily 11 am – 10 pm

Southbank – Melbourne places to visit

Wander beside the famous Yarra River with some of the very best restaurants in Melbourne at your fingertips. This is also a lot on during the evening which makes it a perfect romantic stroll. It is busy at times with street performers and art installations. the perfect location for Going on a date in Melbourne .

Planning a day at Luna Park? Here is everything you need to know to plan an epic visit to Luna Park

National Gallery of Victoria

Locally known as the NGV the National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest art gallery in Australia. Here you will find art from all over the world and at times travelling exhibitions as well.

Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006

The City Circle Tram

The iconic Melbourne trams are one of the main features of the city and one that anyone visiting Melbourne must experience. Route 35 is a free route through the streets of Melbourne in an old-style W6 class tram and will see you pass many of the best Melbourne tourist attractions.

Using this tram is a great way to see the city, but it can get busy during holidays. You can plan your trip to Melbourne and all of the Melbourne tourist attractions that are on your must-see list easily with city circle tram route 35.

Cruise the iconic Yarra River

There is no better way to see a city than from the water and a cruise on the Yarra River in Melbourne is no different. Seeing all the best Melbourne tourist attractions from the water takes away the large crowds that can gather in the city and gives you a different view of Melbourne.

There are so many options to cruising the Yarra River when you visit Melbourne, from short cruises to dinner and show options.

Take a scenic 1 hour cruise on the Yarra

With dinner and drinks

Regional Victoria wants YOU! 21 of the best places to visit in Victoria

Queen Victoria Market – Melbourne City attractions

Want a Melbourne tourist attraction with a bit of everything? Then Queen Victoria Market is for you! This amazing mixture of everything Melbourne is famous for is held in one place. Here you will find a food hall with foods from all over the world and a huge fresh food market.

In the back of the market is a large shopping area with Melnpourne tourist souvenirs for you to take home or buy a Melbourne souvenir for friends.

During the year Queen Victoria Market also olds twilight markets and food truck events, making it one of the most popular Melbourne tourist attractions for the locals too!

China Town Melbourne

Many people visiting Melbourne love to spend some time in Chinatown Melbourne. Not only will you find fantastic food here, but there are plenty of bars with live music and clubs for you to dance the night away.

If you are looking for a great night out with a great meal, China Town is one of the best Melbourne tourist attractions.

Budget travel in Melbourne? Yes!  Here are the best free things to do in Melbourne

Old Melbourne Gaol

One of the oldest Melbourne tourist attractions and probably one with the most colourful past, the Melbourne Gaol can, at times, leave you with goosebumps.

The old bluestone building was home to some of Melbourne’s worst criminals from 1845 until its closure in 1924 and is now a museum where all can learn about the history of the Melbourne criminal system.

Cells are open, and you can also tour the adjourning watch house. The old Melbourne Gaol is also where Ned Kelly was hung.

Address: 377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 10 am – 5 pm

Melbourne Museum and The Exhibition Building

Not only is Melbourne blessed with Australia’s oldest Art Gallery, the NGV, but it also has the largest history and cultural museum. Here you will find a plethora of displays, from Australian artefacts to ancient fossils.

At times the Melbourne Museum is also home to touring exhibitions usually held for a few months at a time to give visitors enough time to experience it.

The Melbourne Museum is located in the Carlton Gardens and is next door to the Royal Exhibition Building which is a UNESCO-graded building.

Address: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton VIC 3053

Opening hours: Daily 9 am – 5 pm

ArtVo – Melbourne tourist places

Artvo at the Docklands puts you in the picture. This immersive ‘trick-art’ gallery allows you to get amazing pictures. You become part of the art with 3D images putting you on a surfboard in big waves, hanging off the side of a Melbourne tram or riding a gondola in Venice.

You will walk through various zones, including the fantasy zone, where people explore the ocean, polar ice caps, space and the forest. If you are visiting Melbourne with kids, this is one of the top Melbourne tourist attractions for families.

Address: 07 Level/1 26 Star Cres, Docklands VIC 3008

Opening hours: Daily 10 am – 6 pm

Sightseeing in Melbourne – Fitzroy Gardens

At the Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne, you will find the Fairy Tree. The tree was one of the original trees planted over 300 years ago and has fairies carved into it today. Captain Cooks’s cottage was taken stone by stone in England and rebuilt in Melbourne Park. Cook founded Australia on one of his many exploration journeys.

You can wander the gardens and even bring a blanket for a wonderful picnic in the Fitzroy Gardens. This is one of the best Melbourne tourist attractions for relaxing free of charge in the city.

Need summer holiday plans? We have you covered with the best places for a summer holiday in Victoria

Federation Square – a famous place in Melbourne

Once deemed an eyesore by many Victorians, Federation Square has now grown on us and is part of the Melbourne tourist attractions you can’t miss. There are numerous bars and eateries where you can watch the Melbourne world go by. If you are looking for a budget option in Melbourne you can grab a sandwich or take away and sit on the steps.

You will also find on occasions that free events are happening in the square.

Flinders Street Station – sightseeing Melbourne

I’ll meet you under the clock! It’s an old saying and one that many Melbournians will know well. It meant I would meet you out the front of Flinders Steet Station, and as the saying says, there are clocks out the front. Flinders Street station was opened in 1854 and is Australia’s oldest train station.

Tour Parliament House

Another great free Melbourne tourist attraction is a tour of the Melbourne Parliament House. Here you can tour the Parliament on weekdays on a 45-minute guided tour. For entry, you will need proof of identity for all who have booked a ticket.

Everyone LOVES a road trip: Use our easy drive North East Victorian road trip itinerary for an epic journey!

Melbourne Immigration Museum

The Melbourne Immigration Museum is a wonderful collection of information and first-hand recollections from people who took the leap and immigrated to Victoria. It goes through the hardships and joys that people find once they reach Victoria.

Here you will also discover the people who helped get Melbourne the reputation of one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

Address: 400 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Opening hours: Daily from 10 am – 5 pm

Melbourne Zoo

Although visiting a zoo these days is not high on people’s lists of top places to visit, Melbourne Zoo is leading the way in animal conservation, especially for the unique Australian wildlife. Here, you can see all the Aussie animals you have read about in large enclosures with state-of-the-art equipment to keep them safe and healthy.

If you are looking for a full day out then a top Melbourne tourist attraction is the Melbourne Zoo. Many people would rank this as the best Melbourne tourist attraction for tourists visiting Melbourne but locals love it as well.

Overnight camping at Melbourne Zoo in tents!

Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052

Arcades and famous laneways – Melbourne sightseeing

They are all over Instagram, and you can see them on the pamphlets that are released by the Victorian tourism associations, looking magnificent rain, hail or shine. The Melbourne Laneways and alleys are not only picture-worthy they are filled to the brim with amazing cafes, original art shops and quirky, vintage clothes sellers. You can find yourself lost in what treasures they hold for hours.

Melbourne Street art – what not to miss in Melbourne

One of the very best free Melbourne tourist attractions is the Melbourne street art installations. These amazing works of art are located all over the city in small lanes and painted by local artists as well as visiting artists from all over the world.

You will find so many around the city with more being added every day. If you are looking for some free Melbourne tourist attractions to visit then the Melbourne street art lanes are for you.

Some Melbourne street art lanes are:

• Hosier Lane

Secret galleries, hidden shops, and lane way cafés.

There are so many amazing Melbourne tourist attractions, so put some of these amazing places on your next Melbourne trip itinerary. Attractions in Melbourne are everywhere, and you will never be short of Melbourne things to do.

Don’t forget, there are numerous places to go in Melbourne, ranging from the iconic Federation Square to the vibrant laneways filled with street art and trendy cafes. Melbourne offers a wide range of attractions for families, including the Melbourne Zoo, Luna Park, and the Royal Botanic Gardens

We hope this article from us here at Explore Victoria has inspired you to embark on your adventure in Victoria, Australia, from popular  caravan parks  and  pristine beaches  to drives along the  Great Ocean Road . Enjoy weekends away on the Mornington Peninsula and discover the cosmopolitan charm of  Melbourne, Victoria ,  with a range of experiences for every traveller who wants to visit Victoria.

Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of the Grampians, the cultural richness of Ballarat , or the autumn colours of  Bright  and  Northern Victoria , there’s no shortage of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Victoria.

Even if you love  exploring Gippsland  or driving the  Great Alpine Road , Victoria has something special for you, and there is so much more for you to discover. If you are looking for more incredible and best places to  visit in Melbourne  or more travel in Victoria destinations,  Explore Victoria  has some more articles below for you to check out. Expand your horizons and get out and about in Victoria, Australia, for an unforgettable experience. 

If you have an idea, attraction, or top spot in Victoria, please comment or email us at  [email protected] .

More best places to visit in Victoria inspiration

Fun things to do with kids in Victoria

All the best things to do in Bright – weekend itinerary

11 of the very best Victorian beaches

Bec Wyld is the creative force behind the words, blending Explore Victora with a touch of wanderlust. With an innate ability to tell a story that resonates, Bec invites readers on a journey through her home of Victoria Australia. Beyond the keyboard, Bec works in Aged Care helping people to live a better life. With a pen in one hand and on the road in front Bec is on a quest to inspire those looking to explore Victoria through words, images and lifestyle

45 of the Best Things to do in Melbourne with Kids

Heading to Melbourne with the family and wondering what the best things to do in Melbourne with kids? Well, you have come to the right place because I absolutely love spending time in Melbourne and with so many great family things to do in Melbourne, I put them all in this handy guide.

The kid’s activities Melbourne offers are endless, and not just in the CBD but the surrounding areas too. The best things to do with kids in Melbourne include discovering the colourful murals down Melbourne’s laneways, maybe interacting at a museum, cruising down the Yarra River and the kids will even be entertained riding the free trams around the city.

This Guide to Visiting Melbourne shows you 45 of the best things to do in Melbourne for kids, including everything you need to know about ticket prices, where to save money booking online and opening times.

As well as all the family activities Melbourne has to offer; this guide will provide tips on getting to the Melbourne CBD from the airport, getting around the CBD and where to stay in Melbourne on a budget.

There are so many great things to do in Melbourne’s surrounding areas that in this post, I am just going to focus on the things to do in Melbourne CBD with kids (plus a few awesome attractions just outside the CBD). I also have some great tips for St Kilda with kids and all the Phillip Island attractions for families.

This post may contain compensated links. Please refer to my disclaimer here for more information.

Talk to other families about their tips on visiting Melbourne and join our Thrifty Family Travel Facebook Group or be inspired on our Thrifty Family Travel Instagram Feed .

Page Contents

• 1 Best things to do with kids in Melbourne map
• 2.1 Museum of Play and Art (MoPA)
• 2.3 The District Docklands
• 2.4 Ice Skating at Docklands 
• 2.5 Werribee Open Range Zoo
• 2.7 Glow Golf 
• 2.8 Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
• 2.9 Collingwood Children’s Farm
• 2.10 Chinatown Melbourne
• 2.11 Explore the Laneways
• 2.12 Street Art
• 2.13 Federation Square
• 2.14 National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
• 2.15 The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
• 2.16 City Circle Tourist Tram
• 2.17 Melbourne Tram Museum
• 2.18 Yarra River Cruise
• 2.19 SEA LIFE Melbourne
• 2.20 iFLY Indoor Skydiving
• 2.21 Legoland Discovery Centre
• 2.22 Polly Woodside
• 2.23 State Library Victoria
• 2.24 Melbourne Skydeck
• 2.25 Melbourne Zoo
• 2.26 Old Melbourne Gaol
• 2.27 Luna Park
• 2.28 IceBar
• 2.29 Melbourne Museum
• 2.30 IMAX Melbourne
• 2.31 Australian Sports Museum
• 2.32 Immigration Museum
• 2.33 Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
• 2.34 Phillip Island Penguin Parade
• 2.35 Scienceworks
• 2.36 Queen Victoria Markets
• 2.37 St Kilda Penguins
• 3.1 Great Ocean Road Day Trip
• 3.2 Sovereign Hill
• 3.3 Kryal Castle
• 3.4 Healesville Sanctuary and Puffing Billy Tour
• 3.5 Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
• 3.6 Gumbuya World
• 4 Klook Melbourne Pass
• 5 Melbourne City Attraction Pass
• 6.1 Space Hotel 
• 6.3 Winston Apartments Docklands
• 6.4 Mercure Melbourne Southbank
• 7.1 Melbourne Airport to Melbourne City
• 7.2 Getting around the CBD
• 8 Melbourne – Our Verdict

Best things to do with kids in Melbourne map

Below in this kids activities Melbourne CBD guide, I’ve provided a comprehensive list of the top things to do in Melbourne Australia. I have tried to provide as much information as possible to make your planning easier, including locations, opening hours and ticket prices.

Please note that all prices mentioned were correct at the time of writing and may fluctuate depending upon changes to currency conversion and rate increases.

To check the rate in your local currency, click here.

To help you plan what to do in Melbourne with kids, I’ve also provided this handy map below, which shows you where all the different attractions are. Zoom in and out for a better view.

Best things to do in Melbourne with kids

Here are our suggestions on the fun things to do in Melbourne with kids, in no particular order.

Museum of Play and Art (MoPA)

The team behind the most acclaimed Children’s Museums in Australia have done it again, opening their latest Museum in the bayside suburb of Sandringham, just 20 minutes from Melbourne CBD.

MoPA Melbourne is one of the best Melbourne family activities and one of the largest children’s museums in the southern hemisphere. All of the 30+ exhibits and the constantly rotating activities are built on the theories of play-based learning and creative exploration.

Perhaps most importantly, though, everything at MoPA is wrapped up in a world of fun for the whole family! From painting a real car to climbing inside a gallery full of real art to ‘become the art’, from crafting to drumming and even regular dance parties, MoPA is an absolute must-see. 

If looking for things to do in Melbourne with toddlers, then visit MoPA as it is best suited to families with children up to 8 years of age, the Museum is certainly one of the Melbourne things to do kids will just love. 

All MoPA locations are open 7-days a week, but with a very comfortable capacity limit set on their Museums, MoPA tends to sell out of tickets on most days – so online bookings are absolutely essential.

Location : 247 Bay Road, Sandringham and 51 McKillop Street, Geelong

Opening hours : Monday – Friday 9.30 am to 4.00 pm | Weekends 9 am to 5 pm

Price : MoPA Free Play from $12 | Under 1s are free | Bookings essential, no walk ins.

The District Docklands

Looking for a one-stop shop for multiple fun things for kids to do in Melbourne? Then head down to the District Docklands as there are numerous Melbourne family attractions here (keep reading below for more details about these family attractions Melbourne offers). The District Docklands is an outdoor shopping centre that is also a great dining and entertainment precinct.  

Here you will find plenty of great Melbourne attractions for kids, including ArtVo, Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, Chipmunks, O’Brien Icehouse, Saboteurs, Chaos Lab, Glow Golf and plenty more. There are over 80 specialty retail stores, cafes and various attractions within the District Docklands, so you could easily spend the entire day here. This is an ideal place to check out if you are wondering what to do with kids in Melbourne.

With many shops and attractions indoors, it’s also a great place to come if you’re wondering what to do in Melbourne with family when the weather is poor.

Location : 440 Docklands Drive, Docklands

Opening Hours: Open daily 10 am to 6 pm.  

Price: Free to enter and browse the numerous shops and eateries. Check out their website by clicking here.

Ice Skating at Docklands  

Looking for active things to do for kids in Melbourne? Then head down to the O’Brien Icehouse for some ice skating at Docklands. This is quite literally one of the cool things to do in Melbourne.

I have never been ice skating beforehand, and Myla had only done so once, so I was a bit nervous about how our visit here was going to go. I was surprised how easy it was to walk with the skates on, and while I by no means was any good, I managed to skate (very slowly) a few times around the rink. With the aid of a seal (cool skating aid shaped like a seal that she could sit on), Myla skated around and around the rink many times.  

Ice skating is an excellent opportunity for some family bonding time, and I love any activity that gets the kids physical. It was difficult to drag Myla away! While I recommend bringing warm clothes, once you get going, you warm up, so make sure you wear layers that you can take off.

Over Melbourne school holidays, this is undoubtedly one of the fun places to go in Melbourne as the arena has a variety of fun family activities, including games, face paintings, circus performers, skating performances and a craft zone.

Location : 105 Pearl River Road, Docklands.  

Opening Hours: In general, public skating is daily from 9 am. However, please check out their calendar as events will sometimes block out some calendar days and you don’t want to turn up and not be able to skate.

Price: $35.00 per adult | $19.00 per child (under 8) | $98 per family (2A+2C) – includes skate hire. Discounted rates on Tuesdays.

• Werribee Open Range Zoo

Whilst not technically in Melbourne CBD, you’ll find Werribee Zoo around a 40-45 minute drive from town. We have included the Melbourne Zoo in this guide (a little further down), however Werribee gets a special mention as it’s not your ordinary zoo, it’s an African themed open range zoo.

You’ll enjoy a guided safari across the unique open range savannah to spot rhinos, giraffes and zebras. The walking trails will have you strolling past prides of lions, hippos in their wetland home and one of the world’s largest gorilla exhibits.

To see these large animals out in the vast open is an adventure the whole family will enjoy. 

Location: K Rd, Werribee South

Opening Hours : Daily 9 am to 5 pm

Price : $46 per adult | $23 per child (4-15) weekdays  Under 4s are free all the time and Under 16s are free on weekends and Vic School Holidays – Click here to book tickets online .

If you have kids of varying ages and are looking for Melbourne things to do with kids, then you will love ArtVo! 

ArtVo is an art gallery with interactive 3D art where you are encouraged to touch and interact with the artworks. The art is painted on both the floor and walls with various other sculptural elements so you can get among the numerous scenes, photographing yourself and becoming part of the artwork.

In each piece of art, there is a photo point marked on the ground; stand here and follow the directions on the best way to take the photograph.

There are various gallery zones, including Australiana, Jungle Safari, Aquatic Adventure, and Dimensional Dreams, to name a few. Definitely one of the fun places to go in Melbourne for kids.

Location : 26 Star Crescent, Level 1, The District , Docklands

Opening Hours: Weekdays 10 am to 4 pm | Weekends 10 am to 6 pm 

Price: $30 per adult | $20 per child (5-15) | $88 per family (2A+2C) | Under 4s are free – Click here to book tickets online .

Glow Golf  

Glow Golf is another one of the fun things to do in Melbourne for families. Play 18 holes of golf in the smallest mini golf course in Australia – in the dark! Well, it’s not complete darkness; play your way through iconic Australian landmarks under ultraviolet lighting. It has been specially tailored for children, families, teenagers and all keen golfers alike.

Glow Golf is undoubtedly one of the fun things to do with kids in Melbourne that the entire family will love.   

Location: The District Docklands – Level 1, Shop 35

Opening Hours : Monday – Thursday 12 pm to 6 pm | Friday 12 pm to 11 pm | Saturday 11 am to 11 pm | Sunday 11 am to 6 pm 

Price : $12 per game Monday to Thursday and $15 per game Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and kids under 5 are free. 

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq

Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq has a range of fun things to do with family in Melbourne, all in one place. Here you will find loads of arcade games, dodgem cars, VR, ten pin bowling and more!  

All the classic arcade games are here, so parents are also entertained, but of course, all the latest games are here too. With each game you play, you will get credits, which can be traded in for cool prizes at the end.

The whole family will enjoy competing against each other in a game of ten pin bowling and bumping and dodging each other in the bumper cars. Then for something a little different, take the Thrillrider, where you sit back and relax in a cinema style setting, although you’ll need to hang on in this virtual reality thrill ride.

On site, there is also a bar and café selling a range of burgers and sandwiches.

Archie Brothers is also another option if you’re looking for fun kids things Melbourne has to offer on a rainy day.

Location : The District Docklands – 440 Docklands Drive, Docklands

Opening Hours : Mon – Thu 12 pm to 10 pm | Friday & Saturday 10 am to 12 am | Sunday 10 am to 10 pm 

Price : Games and rides vary in price. Dodgems are $6 per ride, bowling starts at $10 per game and the Thrillrider is $8 per ride. Click here to purchase a one or two hour unlimited game pass.

Collingwood Children’s Farm

Collingwood Children’s Farm is a place where children (and adults) can immerse themselves in a community farm – yet still be within the heart of the city. Perfect for those who want a taste of the farm-life, yet don’t want to go all out country.

There are daily activities that are regularly rotated; you will find out what these are for the day when you arrive. The activities will be such things as cow brushing, guinea pig cuddles, meet the farmer and farm crafts. However, the Farm encourages independent exploration at your own pace. Whether that is cuddling the goats, chatting with the farmers or simply spending time in nature.

So if you’re after an authentic farm experience – which is not a zoo or a petting zoo, the Collingwood Children’s Farm is the place to go, and may just make some farmers out of the family.

Location: 18 St Heliers St, Abbotsford

Opening Hours : Daily 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

Price : $17 per adult | $8 per child | Under 2s are free 

Chinatown Melbourne

Melbourne’s Chinatown is a vibrant precinct dominated by a range of restaurants from fine dining to noodle houses and of course karaoke bars. There are traditional retailers sitting alongside Chinese herbalists creating an eclectic cosmopolitan vibe.

Throughout the year, there are many traditional festivals and activities including Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival. This is a great time to visit as there are street parades and stage performances bringing the laneways to life.

If you would like to find out more about Australia’s Chinese community, the Chinese Museum is located in the heart of Chinatown and showcases the contribution Chinese Australians have made to Australian society over the past 200 years. (There is a small entry fee for the museum.)

Location: Little Bourke Street’s northern end (between Swanston to Spring Streets and Bourke to Lonsdale Streets including all the laneways)

Opening Hours : Anytime – stores have differing opening hours, check them out here

Price : Free to explore and window-shop

Explore the Laneways

One of the best family activities in Melbourne is exploring the murals down the little laneways. These laneways are home to boutiques, restaurants, and hole in the wall type cafes and bars, not to mention fantastic artwork and oversized murals.

I just love finding a cozy café in one of these laneways and treating Myla to something sweet while I have a cuppa and watch the Melbourne life pass me by. Definitely one of the best free places to take kids Melbourne has to offer. Click here for information about the best Melbourne cafes.

Location : Click here to explore and plan your Laneway Adventures.  

Opening Hours: 24 hours per day.

Price : Completely free to wander through all the eye-popping laneways Melbourne has on display.

Melbourne’s impressive street art is internationally renowned and one of my favourite kid-friendly things to do in Melbourne City. The kids will love the bright colours and huge murals that feature in the hidden laneways, plus it is another great free kids activity Melbourne offers. During our recent stay in Melbourne, we went to see a few different streets. My favourites were:

• AC/DC Lane and Duckboard Place (large man and tree)
• Hosier and Rutledge Lanes (Melbourne sign)
• Presgrave Place (photo frames)

Others we checked out, which I didn’t think were much more than graffiti, and I wouldn’t bother going to were:

• Russell Place
• Queen and Franklin Streets
• Blender Lane

Others that were recommended to me and I didn’t get a chance to see were:

• Centre Place
• Flinders Court
• Croft Alley
• Stevenson and Tattersalls Lanes
• Drewery and Sniders Lanes
• Caledonian Lane
• Corner 361 Little Bourke Street and Rankins Lane
• Finaly Lane

Location: Click here for the map.

Price : There is no cost to walk freely through the busy Melbourne streets.

Federation Square

Looking for some of the free things to do in Melbourne with family? Then head down to Federation Square, just opposite Flinders Street Station, the ultimate meeting place in Melbourne’s CBD and one of the many eclectic places to visit in Melbourne.

Throughout the year, Federation Square hosts around 2000 special events; many are free.

During our recent visit, there was some kind of pop up games convention going on with kids on stage competing in ‘Just Dance’ games and various other tables around the square had people playing a variety of board games, including the old favourite ‘Connect Four’. Anyone could join in, and it was all completely free. 

You will find the Melbourne Visitors Centre, the NGV Australian Collection, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Koorie Heritage Trust, and various cafes and bars in the square. I recommend you visit Federation Square during lunch hour, as this is when you will really see the square come alive. 

Location: Corner of Swanston and Flinders Street Melbourne –  grab a free Tram from anywhere in the free tram zone and jump off at Stop 13.

Opening Hours: Federation Square is open 24 hours per day, 365 days a year; however the large array of shops, bars and cafes keep their own hours. Click here for more details on individual store opening hours.

Price : Free to enter and enjoy the everyday happenings of each day.

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

NGV Kids has been set up to provide creative experiences for young people and their families – from toddlers to teens! This year-round program is dedicated to children’s participatory exhibitions, free events and sensory experiences. 

If you’re seeking some children’s activities Melbourne offers, then this could be the one! It’s one of the great indoor activities Melbourne offers families.

Some of the activities include creating collages and then turning them into digital animations, writing poems and creating portraits, making three-dimensional sculptures… and so much more!

To see what exhibits and events are on at NGV Kids when you’re travelling to Melbourne, you can check out their schedule here .

Location: Federation Square, Melbourne

Opening Hours : Daily 10 am to 5 pm

Price : Free

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)

Want more free children’s activities Melbourne CBD has? Then within Federation Square, check out the ACMI.  This is a free museum showcasing Australia’s film, TV, video games, digital culture, and art.  

This is another one of the free and fun things to do in Melbourne CBD with the kids. I found it quite interesting to show Myla how I use to watch TV when I was a kid. I had to explain to Myla that ‘back in my day’, you had to get up off the couch to change the TV channel and yes, TV’s really were that small!  It was cool seeing all the old school video games we use to play and how far technology has come in a relatively short time frame.

Throughout the year, the ACMI hosts various exhibitions. While we were there, we went to the Wallace and Gromit and Friends: The Magic of Aardman exhibition. This was a great exhibition learning about how the fantastic Aardman Studios make Claymation. We got to meet Shaun the Sheep and see the various movie and TV sets. We even had a go at making our own Claymation film.

The centre is located within Federation Square, the epicentre for what’s on Melbourne, and is an exciting way to spend an hour or so. It’s one of the free fun activities for kids Melbourne has to offer.

Location : Federation Square, on the free City Circle Tramline.

Opening Hours : 10 am to 5 pm daily

Price: FREE – although you need to still book online here .

City Circle Tourist Tram

A fun way to get around Melbourne is via the trams (more on this below). However, the City Circle Tourist Tram is an attraction in itself and it’s another one of the great free kids’ activities Melbourne offers. Yep free! 

Jump on board the free City Circle Tram (number 35) and along the way, listen to the audio commentary about the various sights around Melbourne. You can get off when you see something that interests you, once you are done, get back on and continue the route.

You can easily spot the City Circle Tourist Tram as it is serviced by the heritage W class trams which are decorated in maroon and green with yellow and gold trimmings – just gorgeous! Although there is no need to get on the City Circle Tram unless you want to hear the commentary, as all the trams within the CBD are free too.  Yes, that’s right, completely free!!! 

So jump on any tram and take a ride around the city for some family fun Melbourne time! For the bigger kids, get them a map and let them help you identify the various things to see in Melbourne and figure out the best route to take. Myla just loved doing this!

Who would have thought one of the fun things to do with kids Melbourne offers would be public transport?!

Location : Click here for the timetable and map for the City Circle Tram Route 35.

Opening Hours : Sunday – Wednesday 10 am to 6 pm | Thursday – Saturday 10 am to 9 pm | The tram runs every 30 minutes (in both directions)

Price : FREE

Melbourne Tram Museum

If catching Melbourne’s Trams gets you excited, imagine what you’ll think of the Tram Museum! There are 20 fully restored trams located within the unique heritage location – Hawthorn Depot.

Melbourne’s trams were and still are the iconic symbols of the city. The Museum celebrates the history of the trams from the 1880s and their influence on the development of Melbourne. You can explore the trams at your own pace or join a guided tour where volunteers provide insights on the history of the trams.

With the cost of the tour being a gold coin donation, the Tram Museum is one of the cheaper activities for families visiting Melbourne. And one of the must see attractions for all the history buffs!

Location: 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn

Opening Hours : Second and Fourth Saturday of each month and select Wednesdays, check the calendar here

Price : Gold coin donation

Yarra River Cruise

One of the most popular things to do in Melbourne with family is to take a river cruise down the Yarra River.

The two main cruise operators are the Yarra River Cruises and Melbourne River Cruises. Both offer a range of cruises including sightseeing tours, twilight cruises and dinner cruises.

For family outings, Melbourne river cruises are a great option with the sightseeing cruises are probably best as they will take you up and down the river where you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the Melbourne CBD and can listen to the commentary regarding the city sights.

Tours run every day with multiple departure times throughout the day and are among the great Melbourne activities for families. On a side note, as there are not many family things to do in Melbourne at night, a cruise is a great option!

Location : Varies

Opening Hours : Varies

Price : Varies – Click here to book a sightseeing cruise on the Yarra River. 

SEA LIFE Melbourne

Another one of the great Melbourne kid’s attractions is Sea Life. Sea Life Melbourne is located on the Yarra River banks and showcases more than 10,000 marine creatures over four different levels. Animals on display include penguins, sharks, fish, rays and one of the biggest saltwater crocodiles in captivity.

Sea Life is one of the great fun family things for kids to do Melbourne offers!

Location : The corner of Flinders Street and King Street on the Yarra River. The FREE City Circle Tram stops on Flinders Street, directly out front.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10 am to 5 pm | Saturday & Sunday 9.30 am to 5 pm

Price : $47 per adult | $32 per child (3-15) | Under 3s are free – Click here to book discounted tickets online

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

For the adrenaline loving families aged between 3 and 103 why not soar like a bird in a 14ft (4.2 m) diameter wind tunnel! You will literally be blown skyward, kind of like skydiving – but you don’t have to jump from a plane and fall thousands of feet to the ground – instead you will be flying on a cushion of controlled air.

The great thing is no experience is necessary as you will receive an orientation, all equipment (suits and helmets) and then be coached by a highly trained flight instructor. And this experience really is available for the kids as well (as long as they are over 3 years, fit the suits and are healthy) – and let’s be honest they’re the ones that will probably enjoy this activity the most!

What I loved about iFly is their ‘All Abilities’ package. If you have kids with physical or cognitive disabilities, there is an option to enable them to experience the thrill of Indoor Skydiving.

Location: 2 Burns Street, Essendon Fields

Opening Hours : Mon-Thu 9 am to 9.30 pm | Fri 9 am to 11 pm | Sat 8 am to 11 pm | Sun 8 am to 10.30 pm

Price : From $79.95 per person

Legoland Discovery Centre

For kids who love Lego, the Legoland Discovery Centre would have to be one of the best kids attractions Melbourne offers.

Here you can explore 13 play areas, including Miniland Melbourne, where kids can spot Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks, Duplo Farm Adventure, an area, especially for kids aged 2 – 5, Heartlake City, where you’ll find the Lego Friends and more. There are also rides such as Kingdom Quest and Merlin’s Apprentice, a 4D Cinema that plays a range of different movies (watch one or watch them all!) and workshops.

A day at Legoland Discovery Centre is one of the fun things to do for kids Melbourne has. It is a true hands on experience where the kids will love doing all things Lego. There is also a café on site.

Location : Level 2 / 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone

Opening Hours : Monday to Wednesday 10 am to 5 pm | Thursday to Sunday 9.30 am – 6 pm 

Price : $36 per person – click here to get cheaper tickets online . 

Polly Woodside

You’ll have to time your family trip to Melbourne if you’re wanting to climb aboard Polly Woodside, as she’s only open twice a month. If you can make your schedule work, the kids will love roaming the decks of this historic 19th century tall ship – one of Australia’s last surviving ships.

You’ll hear all about the maritime adventures Polly was part of including her coal carrying days between England and South America, the 1.5 million miles travelled and circumnavigating the world 17 times over. Alongside the tales, there are a range of activities including an interactive gallery, children’s Crew Calls and Pirate Days.

Location: 21 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf

Opening Hours : First Sunday of the month 10 am to 4 pm with tours on at 10.30 am, 11.30 am, 1.30 pm, 2.30 pm. Pirate Day Third Sunday of the month with yours on at 10 am & 1.30 pm

Price :  Polly Woodside $16 per adult | $9.50 per child with additional being $5 per child (3-15) | $43 per family (2A+2C) | Pirates Day $25 per adult | $15 per child 

State Library Victoria

If you’re after kid friendly things to do in Melbourne, you wouldn’t normally think of a library… however, at the State Library of Victoria, you can see the armour of Australia’s infamous bushranger Ned Kelly and artifacts from the expedition of explorers’ Burke and Wills. There are also free tours where you can hear stories about the state of Victoria and its people. 

There are guided tours or various free programs and exhibitions all year round. Jump online to see what’s going on during your visit to Melbourne and what Melbourne kids activities they have on. Free walking tours of Melbourne start here too.

Location : 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne.  

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

Price : FREE!

• Melbourne Skydeck

Another one of the cool activities for kids Melbourne has is the Melbourne Skydeck.

Get a bird’s eye view of the city from the southern hemisphere’s highest viewing platform. Travel up to floor 88 in less than 40 seconds and enjoy fantastic views of Melbourne. You can see all of Melbourne’s landmarks with viewfinders and binoculars available to help pinpoint attractions.

If you’re game, you can try the Edge Experience, where you are suspended 300 metres over the city in a glass box.  

Location : 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank. 

Opening Hours : Sunday to Thursday 12 pm to 9 pm | Friday & Saturday 12 pm to 10 pm

Price : Skydeck: $30 per adult | $19.50 per child (4-16) | Under 4s are free – Combined Skydeck & Edge Experience: $46 per adult | $33 per child – Click here to book tickets online .

• Melbourne Zoo

If you want to see some animals during your visit to Melbourne with kids, then go to the Melbourne Zoo, where kids get free entry on weekends!

Only 10 minutes from the city centre you can see over 320 exotic species from around the world at Melbourne’s Zoo. Animals include tigers, orangutans, penguins, seals, and elephants as well as Australian animals such as Koalas and Kangaroos.

So if you’re looking for activities with kids Melbourne has on offer, that you know they’ll love, head to the zoo!

Location: Elliott Avenue, Parkville.  

Opening Hours: Daily from 9 am and 5 pm.

Price : $46 per adult | $23* per child ( 4-15) *On weekends, public holidays and school holidays children are free | Under 4s are always free – Click here to book tickets online

Old Melbourne Gaol

For older children, one of the interesting activities in Melbourne for families is a visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol. 

Built in the 1800s, the Old Melbourne Gaol is one of Melbourne’s oldest buildings and a fascinating historical attraction. During its operation as a gaol between 1842 and 1929, it held and executed some of Australia’s most notorious prisoners, including the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly.

The museum displays various information and memorabilia of the prisoners and staff.

The best way to experience the gaol is by downloading the audio guide app. There is also a new fun thing to try – the Cluedo Experience. This is designed for kids 12+ and has the whole family working together to solve a murder mystery. This is one of the fun things to do with family Melbourne has.

Just be mindful that the museum is a little dark and maybe one of the things to do in Melbourne for families with older children. Although the Melbourne Gaol was right across from our accommodation, I chose not to take Myla there when she was little, but I have been before myself and found it really interesting.

Location: 377 Russell Street, Melbourne.  

Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 10 am to 5 pm | Closed Monday & Tuesdays.

Price: $33 per adult | $20 per child (5-15) | $77 per family (2A+2C) | Under 5s are free – Click here to book discounted tickets online The Cluedo Experience is an additional $5 per ticket.

No doubt, one of the fun family things to do in Melbourne is to visit Luna Park. Luna Park is one of the world’s oldest existing amusement parks, with it being in operation for over 100 years. Of course, one of the more famous Melbourne attractions for the family is the enormous giant smiling face entry for the required family selfie.

The park has 18 different rides, with various rides aimed at different age groups. There are slow rides for the little munchkins right up to the crazy rides for the adrenaline junkies and all kinds of rides in between. 

As well as the rides, there are various games and places to eat. The rides do have height restrictions with some of the rides requiring children to be accompanied by an adult. The adult also requires a ticket.

Myla absolutely loved Luna Park, so I can highly recommend it as one of the fun things to do in Melbourne kids will love.  

Location: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda.  Luna Park is between Jacka Boulevard, Shakespeare Grove and the Esplanade. If you are coming from outside of St Kilda, you can easily catch a tram from Melbourne CBD, or there is plenty of metred parking around the park. 

Opening Hours: Friday 6 pm to 10 pm | Saturday 11 am to 10 pm | Sunday 11 am to 7 pm During Victorian School Holidays Luna Park is open 7 days a week.

Price (park entry and unlimited rides) : $49.50 per adult | $40.50 per child (4-12) | $18 Infants (0-3) – Click here to book discounted tickets online.

How about some fun family activities in Melbourne, where everything is made from ice? At the IceBar, everything is made from ice, including the walls, tables, chairs and bar. No need to bring your warm clothes, IceBar provides you with everything you need including a snow cape and gloves to keep you toasty.

The IceBar is not only great for adults, it’s also great fun for kids Melbourne has on offer.

Location: The Atrium in Federation Square

Opening hours : Thursdays – Mondays 1 pm to 9 pm | Children are only allowed in the venue from 11 am to 7 pm.  

Price : $45 per adult | $22 per child (0-17) | Includes entry, snow gear, a cocktail for the adults and a mocktail for the kids. – Click here to book tickets online.

Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum is a great attraction if you are looking for educational things to do with kids Melbourne has.

At the Melbourne Museum, they can learn about Victoria’s natural environment, cultures and history through various displays and interactive technology. The little ones (0-5) will love the Pauline Children’s Gallery, where they can become archeologists digging for fossils or become stripey or spotty in the ‘camouflage disco’ – loads of kids entertainment Melbourne Museum has on offer.

Other highlights include the stories from Victoria’s first peoples at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, get to know the city in the Melbourne Story and the rainforest in the Forest Gallery.

The museum also has an IMAX theatre that shows 3D documentaries (see below) and the Museum hosts various exhibitions and workshops throughout the year, so be sure to check out what’s on during your visit to Melbourne. Click here for more information.

Location: 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton

Opening Hours : Daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Price : $15 per adult | Children under 16 years are free – Click here to book tickets online .

IMAX Melbourne

Another one of the Melbourne attractions kids will love is the IMAX, which is located inside the Melbourne Museum. This is the world’s second-biggest IMAX, featuring IMAX laser, the world’s most advanced cinema technology where you can see various documentaries or the latest movies. The IMAX cinema is within the Melbourne Museum Complex.

Location: The IMAX cinema is located within the Melbourne Museum – 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton.  

Opening Hours : Check their website out here for individual session times for opening hours.

Price : $24 – $28 per adult | $15 – $17 per child | Under 3s are free | $78 – $90 for a family (2A+2C)

Australian Sports Museum

Wondering what to do in Melbourne for kids who are sports mad? Then take them to the Australian Sports Museum located inside Gate 3 of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, also known as the MCG.

The sporty family will love the National Sports Museum with its interactive displays and Australia’s most extensive collection of sporting memorabilia. On display, you will find items associated with Australian football, cricket, Olympics and horse racing. Cricket fans can even face a spinning delivery from a 3D hologram of Warnie and of course, pay their respects at the Shane Warne sculpture located outside Gate 2.

While you’re here, you should definitely take the opportunity to have a guided tour of perhaps the most famous cricket ground in Australia – the MCG!

For sports mad families – the Australian Sports Museum is definitely one of the best things for kids to do Melbourne has.

Location: Gate 3, Melbourne Cricket Ground – Brunton Ave, Melbourne.  

Opening Hours : The Museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and MCG Tours operate from 10 am to 3 pm. However, due to sporting games and events these opening hours vary greatly and tours are cancelled when the MCG is in use. To avoid disappointment, check the events calendar here .

Price : Museum =  $33 per adult | $15 per child (5-15) | $79 per family (2A+2C).

Guided tours of the Melbourne Cricket Grounds = $33 per adult | $15 per child (5-15) | $79 per family (2A+2C).

If you plan on doing both, purchase a combined ticket = $43 per adult | $20 per child (5-15) | $100 per family (2A+2C).

Children under 5 are free for all tickets listed above.

If you are sports mad, why not attend a sporting match at the MCG. This is one of the best things Melbournians and visitors to Melbourne with kids and without do. Fancy cheering on the Australian cricket team or your favourite AFL team? Then do it at the MCG.

Click here to book Museum tickets only online.

Click here to book Museum tickets and MCG tour online.

Immigration Museum

Another one of the educational things to do for families in Melbourne is a visit to the Immigration Museum. The Immigration Museum is in the Old Customs House, which was the former administrative centre for Melbourne’s immigration and customs.

Over two floors, the museum documents the history of immigration in Australia, the various policies in place over time and the multiple reasons certain people have immigrated to Australia.

While I found the museum very interesting, it may not be overly interesting activities in Melbourne for kids that are young. However, they will probably like visiting the replica boat cabins showing how families travelled to Australia many years ago. There is a range of interactive exhibits that school age children may find appealing. 

The museum also has a range of special workshops and exhibits on display throughout the year, so be sure to check what’s on during your visit.

Location: 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne

Opening Hours : Daily from 10 am to 5 pm.

Price : $15 per adult | Children under 16 are free – Click here to book tickets online .

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Another one of the nice places to go with kids Melbourne offers is the Royal Botanic Gardens. Located in Melbourne CBD is the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria which spans over 94 acres and is home to over 8,500 species of native and exotic plants.

Various activities are available within the gardens, including a guided tour of the Wurundjeri people’s land where you taste Indigenous food straight from the garden on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk. You can experience a traditional punt on the Ornamental Lake or take a scenic drive on the Garden Explorer bus. The kids will also love the Children’s Gardens which have plant tunnels to crawl through, rocks to climb over and a bamboo forest for hiding in.

During the Summer months, a trip to the Moonlight Cinema is great for families, where you can watch a movie under the stars. There are numerous activities for young and old at the gardens.

Within the gardens are also two cafes, so it’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee or have some morning tea.

Location: Birdwood Avenue – approximately two kilometres from Melbourne’s city centre.

Opening Hours: Daily from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm.

Price : Entry to the gardens is free, although the various tours have an associated fee.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Okay, this activity is not actually one of the things to do with kids in Melbourne CBD, but it is possible to do a day trip from the city to see the Phillip Island Penguin Parade.

Phillip Island is terrific for families, and I highly recommend it as offering some of the best kids’ activities in Melbourne. I recommend you spend a few days in Phillip Island to see the Penguin Parade; you can read my tips here , but keep reading below if you want to make a day trip from Melbourne.

Each night at the Penguin Parade, tourists come to watch the gorgeous little penguins return home after a big day of catching fish at sea. Tourists take their seats along the beach and just after sunset, the little guys start returning home. It is a beautiful site watching these little guys waddle up the beach towards their burrows.

While you are waiting for the penguins, the local rangers provide information about the penguins, including educating the tourists on how to care for our environment, which the penguins’ wellbeing relies on. As well as watching the penguins return home, the centre contains various interactive displays about penguins, so either get there early or hang about later to check this out.

If you are not staying locally, you can join a Phillip Island tour from Melbourne to see the Phillip Island penguins. This does work out to be a long day, particularly if you are travelling with children and I highly recommend you spend at least one night at Phillip Island, but ideally 2 to 3 nights.

Location: 1019 Ventnor Road, Phillip Island – about a 2 and a half hour drive from the Melbourne CBD.

Opening Hours: The Penguin Parade opening hours change throughout the year but usually opens daily from 5 or 6 pm until 10 pm.

Price : Penguin Parade Viewing Ticket = $30 per adult | $15 per child (4-15) | Under 4s are free | Family $75 (2A+2C) – Click here to book discounted tickets online .

Penguin Parade Viewing Ticket and Tour from Melbourne = $165 per adult | $125 per child (4-12) – Click here to book tickets online .

Scienceworks

One of the fun things for kids to do Melbourne has is Scienceworks. The kids will love Scienceworks with its hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and tours. Another one of the tremendous educational things to do with children in Melbourne. 

Visit the lightning room and watch a demonstration about electricity, visit the planetarium and learn about constellations, stars and the sun or test your sporting skills out against various Australian sportspeople such as Cathy Freeman.

There are various areas to visit, and Scienceworks also hosts numerous temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Click here for more information.

Location: 2 Booker Street, Spotswood.  

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 am to 4.30 pm

Price : $15 per adult | Children under 16 years are free – Click here to book tickets online.

If you want to enter the Planetarium or Lightning Room, each costs an additional $9 per person.

Queen Victoria Markets

Melbourne is known as Australia’s foodie capital and one of the best places to get tasting some of this amazing food is at the Queen Victoria Markets. The Queen Victoria Markets are the largest open-air markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Here you will find various fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese, and various small goods.

Besides fresh produce, the market also has various handmade crafts from local artisans and designers and a range of other items such as clothing, jewellery, footwear, and leather goods for sale.

This is a great place in Melbourne families will love. The kids will love all the treats on offer, Myla loved watching the doughnuts being freshly made right before her eyes. She loved eating them even more! I’d recommend planning a visit to the markets around mealtime, so you have an excellent excuse to try out the various goods on offer.

For the ultimate foodies, join a Foodie Tour where during the course of 90 minutes, you will be taken on a guided tour of the various food halls, meet stallholders, try fresh produce and learn about the history of the market. Click here for more information about food tours.

Click here for tips on where to eat in Melbourne and if you want to know where kids can eat free in Melbourne – click here.

Location : The markets are surrounded by Queen and Franklin Streets, Melbourne.

Opening Hours: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 6 am to 3 pm | Saturday 6 am to 4 pm | Sunday 9 am to 4 pm | Wednesday (seasonal) 5 pm to 10 pm 

Price : Entry is free.

St Kilda Penguins

Our last tip for things to do in Melbourne with children is to see the little St Kilda Penguins return each night. Located at the very end of the St Kilda pier past the pavilion, you will find the St Kilda beach penguins returning home each night just after sunset. Parents and kids alike will love watching these adorable little animals as they come home from a busy day at sea.

Once we arrived, it did not take long to see the little guys coming home. We were fortunate in that there were many chicks around, and we were privileged enough to see one of the penguins feeding its feisty baby. These little dudes are full on, pretty much the same size as their parents and full on hassling them for food – just like human babies!

We saw the penguins in early September, which meant they came ashore around 6 pm. The weather was freezing and windy. For ideal weather conditions, it is best to see the penguins in April when the weather is warmer and daylight saving has finished meaning it is not too late for the kids.

While Andy and I loved watching the St Kilda pier penguins come home, Myla did get bored. There is a little bit of waiting around, and you do need to spot the penguins in the dark, which can be tricky unless you are lucky enough to have a penguin walk by you. I think given the poor weather on the night we went we were lucky as there were not too many people there (although there were still quite a lot). 

Location : St Kilda Pier, past the pavilion – Pier Road, St Kilda. A viewing platform is accessible at the head of the pier.

Opening Hours : Just before dusk is the best time to view the colony coming ashore. It can get busy at times, so it is recommended to visit during weeknights.

Day Trips from Melbourne

Of course, there are plenty more great activities and attractions in the surrounding area of the Melbourne CBD.  See below a few more tips for things to do with the kids while you are in Melbourne.

Great Ocean Road Day Trip

A few days are the perfect amount of time to explore the Great Ocean Road ; if you only have a day, then jump on this day tour: You will stop by several attractions including the 12 Apostles, Great Otway National Park, stunning views from Razzorback lookout, pristine beach of Loch Ard Gorge and more. 

Click here for more information and to check the tour price.

Location : The Great Ocean Road starts in Torquay and ends in Allansford.

Sovereign Hill

Go back to the 1850s during the Gold Rush era. At this authentically recreated town, you will see craftsmen’s work, various demonstrations such as musket firing, boiled lollies being made, and other goods being made the old fashion way.  You can even pan for real gold!  

Location : Bradshaw Street, Golden Point

Opening Hours : Tuesday – Sunday 10 am to 5 pm.

Price : $49 per adult | $29 per child (5-15) | $129 Family Pass (2A+4C) | Under 5s are free – Click here to purchase tickets online .

Kryal Castle

Around an hour and 20 minutes from Melbourne, but a world away from the current day you’ll find Kryal Castle. Kryal Castle is outside of Ballarat so you could combine a visit to Sovereign Hill and Kryal Castle, though I would budget a day at each. Here, you’ll experience over 1,000 years of medieval history through live shows, hands-on activities and the medieval village.

Kids will love the live entertainment including the Royal Joust with knights battling each other atop horses and the comedic and loveable Jesters. But it’s not all just entertainment; families get to participate in the activities including Knight School and Axe Throwing to learn the noble skills of knighthood.

There are loads more to discover at Kryal Castle, including a Maze, Torture Dungeon, Dragon’s Labyrinth and you can even get dressed up in medieval gear and get a family portrait.

With an ever rotating roster of performances and activities, you can download the Kryal Castle App before you visit so you have the most up to date info on hand.

Location : 121 Forbes Rd, Leigh Creek (Ballarat)

Opening Hours : Weekends and Vic School Holidays 10 am to 4 pm | Closed Monday – Friday

Price : $36 per adult | $24 per child (3-15) | $104 Family Pass (2A+2C) | Under 2s are free – Click here to purchase tickets online .

Healesville Sanctuary and Puffing Billy Tour

Take a historic steam train ride on Puffing Billy through the Yarra Valley and visit Healesville Sanctuary where you can see platypus, koalas, kangaroos and more. Tours depart on Sundays. Click here for more information and to check the tour price.

Alternatively, make your own way to Healesville Sanctuary to see all the animals.

Location : The Healesville Sanctuary is at Glen Eadie Ave, Healesville

Opening Hours : Opening hours for the Healesville Sanctuary are daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Price : Entry to the Healesville Sanctuary only is $46 per adult | $23* per child (4-15) – *On weekends and Victorian school holidays children under 16 are free, and children under 4 are free all the time – Click here to book tickets online .

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

For all the chocolate and ice cream lovers a visit to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie is a must do on your family holiday to Melbourne. Under an hour away from the CBD, the kids will turn this into a full day trip as they won’t want to leave!

There are demonstrations from the European Chocolatiers, a showroom with thousands of products, house-made ice creams and an on site café. If you want to learn the art of chocolate making there are classes, along with seasonal events.

Once the kids have had their fill of chocolate let them run out their energy in the expansive lawns, gardens, orchards and wetlands as the parents sit back and enjoy a coffee… or more chocolate.

Location : 35 Old Healesville Rd, Yarra Glen

Price : Free entry and free tastings

Gumbuya World

For a day of fun the whole family will enjoy, head over to Gumbuya World. This is the only place in Victoria where you get a water park, wildlife and theme park in one place. At Gumbuya World, you have Oasis Springs Water Park, the Wildlife Trail and the Oz Adventure and Outback Explorers theme park for one ticket price (at set times throughout the year).

Location : 2705 Princess Highway, Tynong North

Opening Hours : Depends on the time of year as to which parks are open and at which time – Check here before going.

Price : $34 per adult | $19 per child (3-15) – Click here to book tickets to Gumuya World Wildlife Park only.

Klook Melbourne Pass

Another option for those after a pass to see attractions is the Klook Melbourne Pass.  This pass allows you to choose either 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 attractions with your pass. 

There are loads of attractions to choose from such as Old Melbourne Gaol, Peninsula Hot Springs, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Melbourne Skydeck, Arthurs Seat Eagle, Melbourne Zoo, O’Brien Icehouse, ArtVo, Melbourne River Cruises, MCG Stadium, Legoland and Australian Sports Museum and more.

One advantage of the Klook Pass compared to others is you have 60 days to use the pass from when it’s first activated.  So there’s no need to see the attractions back to back.  The pass can also be cancelled and fully refunded at any time prior to first using the pass.

Passes start at $72 for adults and $45 for children for the 2 attraction pass, up to $193 for adults and $139 for children for the 7 attraction pass. 

Obviously, the savings will vary depending on what attractions you plan to see.  But a quick example is if you were to visit ArtVo ($30) and visit SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium ($47) you will have saved $5.  The more attractions you visit, the better the saving is.

Click here for more information about the passes and to buy online. 

Melbourne City Attraction Pass

Now depending on how what attractions you plan to visit it may well be beneficial. I’m not always a fan of these attraction passes because sure if you were to go with all of the attractions you’ll have saved money – in most cases, you won’t have time to visit them all and so, in the long run, you won’t save any cash.

However, I do think the Melbourne City card could save some families some cash – IF they were going to go to a few of these attractions anyway. The card offers free admission to attractions and includes discounts on activities, restaurants and bars around Melbourne.

The attractions the card covers free entry for are:

• Melbourne River Cruise
• Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus for 72 hours
• Walking Tour
• Bowling at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
• Hidden Laneway Bar Tour
• Melbourne Cricket Ground(MCG) tour
• Healesville Sanctuary
• Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens
• Cooks Cottage
• Creswick Woollen Mills
• Moonraker Dolphin Swims
• VR Escape Room
• Arthurs Seat Eagle – Return Flight
• Carlton Brewery & Beer Tasting Tour

Location: Numerous (see above)

Opening Hours: Various

Price: 2 DAY PASS: $179 per adult | $99 per child (4-15) – Book discounted tickets online here   3 DAY PASS: $239 per adult | $139 per child (4-15) – Book discounted tickets online here .

So I recommend you look at the above attractions and the ones you want to go to – make a note of the entry fee.  Add all the fees up and if they come out more than the card’s cost, the card is worth getting. Just be realistic with how many attractions you can see in the 2 or 3 days – there is no way you can visit all of these attractions – I’d probably allow no more than 2 or 3 a day.

For even more things to do in Melbourne with kids, click here or find other places to visit in Victoria click here .

Where to Stay in Melbourne 

No matter what your budget is, there is a great range of family accommodation in Melbourne. Below I’ve listed three great budget options. 

For even more options on where to stay in Melbourne with the kids, click here for our guide on the best family accommodation Melbourne has to offer . This guide covers 12 recommendations in great locations which will accommodate the entire family and won’t break the bank.

If you prefer a little more luxury than budget, click to see the top Boutique Hotels in Melbourne.    

Space Hotel  

When looking for where to stay in Melbourne, make sure you consider the Space Hotel. We stayed here during a trip to Melbourne and seriously this would have to be the best place to stay in Melbourne if you are on a budget.  The Space Hotel is both a hostel and a great Melbourne budget hotel with a variety of family rooms. The Space Hotel is only a few minutes to the nearest tram stop (which is in the free tram zone) and within minutes, you are in the heart of the city.

The family rooms are massive, which is excellent when you are travelling with a few kids. The room contains one queen bed and a set of bunk beds. Also in the room is a TV, desk and a large storage cupboard. The bathroom was nice and modern, although the shower was pretty tiny.

Although the Space Hotel is a budget hotel, it has plenty of impressive facilities, including a cinema, gym, lounge, shared kitchen for preparing meals, laundry and an excellent rooftop area. From the rooftop, you get a great view of the Melbourne skyline, plus there is a spa and BBQ facilities here.

There are even a few attractions within walking distance; for example, the Melbourne Gaol is right across the road, and the Queen Victoria Markets are a 5-minute walk away.

Click here for more information and to check current pricing.

Winston Apartments Docklands

For those families that want plenty of space while in town, you really can’t beat the Winston Apartments in Docklands – they are so cheap too! Also, in the free tram zone, from here you are within easy reach of all the Melbourne attractions. It’s the perfect place if you’re heading to Marvel Stadium, which is a 10 minute walk away, plus it’s just a 30 minute walk to the centre of town or a short tram ride.

Winston Apartments offer families huge two bedroom apartments – with a large bed in each room. They have a full kitchen, so perfect for preparing meals for the family and also come with a washing machine and dryer. Plus, you even get river views from your own private balcony!

The apartments also have an indoor swimming pool and spa, sauna, gym, parking (paid) and WiFi.

Mercure Melbourne Southbank

While located in the South Bank Precinct, the recently renovated Mercure Melbourne Southbank is probably the most central hotel out of all listed in this guide. It’s also the most expensive – but still great value at less than $170 per night.

This hotel is not located in the free tram zone; however it’s only 500 metres to the nearest zone stop. From here, it’s also an easy walk to various laneways, street art and other attractions such as Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, Immigration Museum and the Yarra River Cruises.

The Mercure Melbourne Southbank offers family size hotel rooms which come with two large beds in a single room. Each room has a small dining table, microwave, fridge and tea and coffee making facilities, so it is possible to prepare some basic meals.

The Mercure Melbourne Southbank has a restaurant on site that serves a buffet breakfast each morning, free WiFi and parking (paid) is available at the nearby Eureka Car Park.

Getting Around Melbourne with Kids

Below we’ve provided some tips on how best to get between the airport and the city and tips on how to get around the city and between various attractions.

Melbourne Airport to Melbourne City

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to get from Melbourne Airport to Melbourne City is via Skybus. Skybus operates between 4.30 am to midnight, 7 days a week with a bus leaving the airport every 15 minutes directly to the Southern Cross Station.

Location: Melbourne Tullamarine Airport = Terminal 1 (Qantas domestic) – Skybus pick up and drop off | Terminal 3 (Virgin domestic and international flights) Skybus pick up and drop off | Terminal 4 (Jetstar and Tigerair domestic) Skybus pick up only.

Price: One-way = $22 per adult | $4 per child (4-16) –  Click here to buy discounted tickets online .

If you’re planning on taking a taxi or rideshare to or from Southern Cross Station – you may find it just as easy to get these directly between your accommodation and the airport. By the time you add the cost of the ride to your Skybus ticket and given the convenience, this may be the better option.

Getting around the CBD

The best thing about visiting Melbourne with kids is the Free Tram Zone. Jump aboard one of the City Circle Trams as many times as you want every day and visit all that the CBD has to offer. Click here for the Free Tram City Circle Map . 

I just love how easy it is to get around Melbourne on the city trams. With their frequent services and multiple stops, there is no need for a timetable or a map; just turn up to the nearest tram stop, read the colour coded map to work out which tram number you need to get and your tram will be along in no time at all.

You may have to change trams to reach your destinations, but trams come so often that you will most likely jump off one tram and the next will be no more than 5-10 minutes away. Don’t even worry if like us, you occasionally jump on the wrong tram, as I said above, jump off at the next stop, and the correct tram will be close behind.

If you are planning on travelling outside of the free zone, you’ll need to get a myki Explorer card so you can top it up with cash to catch public transport around town. You can even purchase a physical card at places such as Public Transport Victoria hubs which are at most train stations or just download the app onto your smartphone and you use it just the same as you would an actual card.

Roadtripping it?  Check out this super detailed guide on the Perth to Melbourne drive.

Melbourne – Our Verdict

As you can see, Melbourne is not only for grown ups to wine and dine… there are loads of kid friendly activities suitable for all ages… with some being FREE, which will help in stretching the travel budget – so you can experience more of the vibrant Melbourne!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Hopefully you found this guide on the Best Things to do in Melbourne with Kids helpful. I also have some great tips on St Kilda with kids and all the Phillip Island attractions for families . And if you’re after a caffeine hit, don’t miss our Best Coffee in Melbourne article.

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Some of Melbourne's oldest suburbs are about to grow fast — but are they ready?

Broadmeadows in Melbourne's north-west has most things a person could need within a short distance — a shopping centre, a gym, schools, a library and a train station.

It's what Len, who requires a mobility scooter, loves about this area.

But he can't get a house here.

He's been living in a caravan in nearby Campbellfield for the past 18 months as he waits for a home to free up in a built-up area like Broadmeadows.

"They're saying to move out into the outer suburbs, but I need transport," he said.

"So the more people who live here, the more infrastructure will come."

The state government has labelled Broadmeadows as one of 10 areas across Melbourne where it wants to collectively build 60,000 new homes.

The government has called these areas "Activity Centres".

They are Epping, Niddrie, North Essendon, and High Street in Preston in Melbourne's north, and Frankston, Camberwell Junction, Ringwood, Chadstone and Moorabbin in the city's east.

Experts say these areas need more housing, because other council areas — like Wyndham in the west and Casey in the east — have been growing too much.

To address this, the government hopes to build 70 per cent of new homes in parts of Melbourne where there's already housing and infrastructure. The current rate is about 56 per cent.

The government wants to do this by taking planning controls away from local councils in a bid to streamline approvals .

And in the future, it plans to transform another 120 suburbs into "Activity Centres", as part of a broader aim to add 800,000 dwellings across Victoria over the next decade.

It's an ambitious plan which experts say will significantly change — and challenge — Australia's largest city.

Growth corridors have the most development

To see how Melbourne has grown in recent years, the ABC analysed the number of homes — both houses and apartments — each council has approved since 2016.

To do this, we divided Melbourne's councils into growth areas, where there's lots of land that could be suitable for development, and established areas, where there's existing houses and infrastructure.

The growth councils are Wyndham and Melton in the west, Whittlesea, Hume and Mitchell in the north, and Casey and Cardinia in the east — and the rest of Melbourne can be considered established.

The data shows the growth corridors and the CBD has had the highest number of house and apartment approvals, with Wyndham City Council leading the pack, followed by Casey, Melton, Melbourne and Hume.

The council area with the lowest is the predominantly green-wedge zone of Nillumbik, with only 1,310 approvals.

The Macedon Ranges, Frankston, Yarra Ranges and Brimbank rounded out the bottom five.

Council areas where the Activity Centres are located occupy the middle — for example, Moonee Valley has the 12th highest, Boroondara is 15th, and Maroondah is 28th.

When you group Melbourne into its 26 established councils and seven growth councils, we can compare development between the two.

About 56 per cent of Melbourne's home approvals from July 2016 to January 2024 happened in established council areas, but the yearly rate has declined from about 60 per cent to about 50 per cent.

This is well below the 70 per cent target the state government has set to grow in established suburbs.

Outer suburbs can't continue to grow

Infrastructure Victoria CEO Jonathan Spear said the current trend — where growth councils are taking on more than 40 per cent of housing approvals in Melbourne — could not continue.

He said it was because Victoria was growing quickly, and it was too expensive to keep expanding outwards.

According to the state government's official population projection, Victoria will grow from 6.9 million to more than 8.4 million by 2036.

That means more than 840,000 new homes would need to be built in Victoria in that period.

Dr Spear said growing the established areas of Melbourne with medium-density housing — which includes low-rise apartments and townhouses — would save billions of dollars in infrastructure costs and would give people more choice.

"The only housing choice we have been making is for Melbourne to continue to sprawl, and it's not fair for future people who are coming to live in Victoria," he said.

"Our work shows clear evidence that we're all better off if we have more compact cities and people have greater housing choice."

But Dr Spear admitted there were challenges associated with growing established suburbs.

"They include high land prices and construction costs, planning system risks, some community opposition, and uncertainty around the timing and outcome of development assessment decisions," he said.

While we don't know exactly how the 60,000 houses will be added to the 10 established areas across Melbourne, we do know some of the ways the state government will work with councils to mitigate these risks and incentivise growth.

It will include streamlining processes so approvals move through councils faster, hiring more planners, rezoning land to allow denser housing developments, and establishing local government targets for where the new homes will be built.

The government has also released maps showing the areas where the growth will be concentrated.

The Broadmeadows Activity Centre. (Source: Victorian Government)

The Camberwell Junction Activity Centre. (Source: Victorian Government)

The Chadstone Activity Centre. (Source: Victorian Government)

The Epping Activity Centre. (Source: Victorian Government)

The Frankston Activity Centre. (Source: Victorian Government)

The Moorabbin Activity Centre. (Source: Victorian Government)

The Niddrie and North Essendon Activity Centres. (Source: Victorian Government)

The Preston Activity Centre. (Source: Victorian Government)

The Ringwood Activity Centre. (Source: Victorian Government)

Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny said the government would consult with communities to ensure they were on board with the amount of growth.

"We want to hear from communities on how best we can accommodate more housing choice, while ensuring their suburbs maintain their livability," she said.

Councils have mixed thoughts on plan

But even in these early stages, some councils have been openly critical of the plan, including Boroondara City Council in the state's east.

The council includes Camberwell Junction, one of the state's 10 "Activity Centres".

Scott Walker, the council's director of urban living, said the council had its own growth plan, and did not want planning to be taken away from local government.

"The changes reduce community and local government input on local planning decisions for housing and, in some cases, take decision-making powers away from council with very little justification or evidence that there will be improvements to supply or outcomes."

Hume City Council Mayor Naim Kurt, which contains Broadmeadows, was less critical of the plan.

He said he was happy to grow the more established parts of his municipality, but the area also needed urgent upgrades to existing infrastructure, such as the Broadmeadows train station.

"We want to make sure that when that growth comes in, there's going to be the infrastructure for the community as well," he said.

Municipal Association of Victoria president David Clark said councils were generally in favour of growth, but rezoning parts of established Melbourne was the best way to drive it.

"We only control part of the system in terms of building a house," he said.

"Council doesn't drive the development — a developer does and they exist to make a profit.

"Mostly it's about where they can find the right land and build to the right density to actually make the money."

He said the organisation was working with the state government to look into how the housing plan would be implemented.

Melbourne will 'change immensely', say planning experts

Other planning experts agree established areas should take on more of Melbourne's housing growth. 

But Patrick Fensham, the president of the Victorian division of the Planning Institute of Australia, said Victoria had not figured out how to do this type of development.

"It's a big challenge," he said.

"We've spent the best part of 70 years facilitating the outward growth of our cities, particularly car-based suburbs, and now all of a sudden, we've got to turn it back in.

"I don't think we've quite realised the scale of that challenge and the new institutions, arrangements and skills we need to develop to be able to achieve that 70 per cent infill target."

David Nichols, an urban planning professor from the University of Melbourne, said the state government's target wasn't impossible, unless a shortage in resources prevented it from happening.

But he said there were better ways to address population and housing growth, such as establishing a metropolitan-specific planning body, and encouraging development in regional centres.

Regardless, Professor Nichols said Australia's largest city would start to look different.

"The established suburbs are almost certain to change immensely in the process, and it's in the eye of the beholder whether that's a good or a bad thing."

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Music, fan zones, food and wine: AFL but not as we know it at second Gather Round

This year’s fan-friendly off-field offerings in Adelaide highlight a growing incursion from sporting entities into the festival space

Adelaide’s hotels are nearing full and the airport is already under strain. DJs? Booked. Grass neatly mown from Glenelg to the Adelaide Hills. The pie floaters, ready to reheat.

The AFL returns to South Australia for the second iteration of Gather Round starting on Thursday, as it seeks to establish a major date on the Australian sporting calendar and tap into the growth in sporting-lifestyle crossovers.

The league’s first so-called festival of football was held last year, and a deal with the South Australian government reportedly worth $15m annually was extended until the end of 2026. The state has claimed last year’s round generated $83m in economic activity and all nine of this year’s matches have sold out.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said plans are already being made to expand attractions next year. “What you’ll see over the next couple of years is looking at different venues and looking to innovate and continue to grow what’s a really successful and great concept.”

This year organisers have added a concert, a food and wine festival, a state league representative game and a new ticketing system designed to maximise attendance at the Adelaide Oval double header on Saturday.

Following the Collingwood v Hawthorn match on Sunday at Adelaide Oval, rock band Jet and rapper Baker Boy will play at the adjacent Oval No 2. There are activation zones in Norwood and Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills as well as the main footy festival site in the CBD. And the Norwood Food and Wine Festival has been revived for this weekend and runs on Sunday.

The fan-friendly, off-field offerings highlight a growing incursion from sporting entities into the festival space. The Australian Open tennis tournament has expanded in recent years and now offers spectator experiences such as a court-side bar. Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said in January , “I can proudly say that we’re shifting the paradigm even for the fan experience”.

Melbourne’s Formula One Grand Prix has attracted crowds of hundreds of thousands to its range of commercial activations and hospitality around the Albert Park circuit. LIV Golf’s Adelaide event last year introduced a so-called party hole, which is set to expand this year. “I think what we’re seeing now is that our fans, they want something that’s bigger than the footy games as well,” Dillon said.

But not all have fully embraced the change. Similar to complaints around the Opening Round, which saw northern clubs host this season’s initial fixtures, some believe Gather Round gives an advantage to Port Adelaide and the Crows.

“The bottom line is it’s an extra travel for the non-Adelaide clubs, and one less travel for the two Adelaide teams, so they should be playing each other,” Brisbane Lions board member Leigh Matthews told 3AW this week. “But like many things, that seems to have been overlooked.”

The AFL is undertaking a competitive balance review this year, and Gather Round will be considered in discussions. But given its early success its future beyond 2026 is almost certain, in South Australia or elsewhere.

The concept to hold a competition’s entire round in one city is not new. The UK rugby league competition Super League introduced Magic Weekend in 2007. It reached Australia when the NRL introduced its own Magic Round in 2019. Super Rugby’s version began in 2022, and the A-Leagues have adopted their own Unite Round.

This year Mt Barker will host an extra match, with both West Coast v Sydney on Friday and Sunday’s expansion derby between the Suns and the Giants to be held at the Adelaide Hills venue. There is no longer a double header held at Adelaide Oval on the Sunday, and extra effort has been made to ensure Saturday evening’s matches are watched by the largest crowd possible.

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Fans who leave after the Fremantle v Carlton afternoon clash can hand their tickets back. Others can buy them for $10 to access to the Western Bulldogs v Geelong game starting 7.40pm local time, and the money goes to the Children’s and Women’s Hospital. The Presets will also perform during the break between matches.

The AFL is hoping fans fill the stands, but don’t spill onto the playing arena. Adelaide has a recent history of pitch invaders, including two teenagers at last year’s April Showdown, and another individual in a Crows v Cats game last month. The latter incident attracted a lifetime ban on Wednesday, with the sanction eligible to be reviewed after five years.

“We’re going to have nine sellout games over the weekend and 99.99% of our fans just come here and have a great time and we’ll see that around the city this week,” Dillon said. “We’ll just continue to increase the security and increase the police presence.”

Gather Round schedule

Thursday, 4 April Adelaide v Melbourne, Adelaide Oval, 7.10pm ACDT

Friday, 5 April Brisbane v North Melbourne, Norwood Oval, 4.40pm ACDT Port Adelaide v Essendon, Adelaide Oval, 7.40pm ACDT

Saturday, 6 April SANFL v VFL representative game, Glenelg Oval, 12.40pm ACDT Sydney v West Coast, Mount Barker, 1pm ACDT Carlton v Fremantle, Adelaide Oval 3.50pm ACDT Geelong v Western Bulldogs, Adelaide Oval, 7.40pm ACDT

Sunday, 7 April Gold Coast v Greater Western Sydney, Mount Barker, 12pm ACST Richmond v St Kilda, Norwood Oval, 2.50pm ACST Collingwood v Hawthorn, Adelaide Oval, 4.40pm ACST

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