Melbourne is known as one of the best cities to live in the world. It’s a lively place located at the top of Port Phillip Bay, and people love to visit it. It’s the second-biggest city in Australia and feels a lot like Europe. You’ll see tall old buildings from the Gold Rush times and lots of nice streets with trees and little paths to explore.
One cool thing about Melbourne is its mix of different cultures. If you love art, there are great museums and art galleries here. And if you’re into food, you’ll be amazed at the variety. Top Aussie chefs cook up dishes from all over the world—Greek, Italian, Indian, Spanish, Vietnamese, you name it!
But what really gets people excited here is sports. The Melbourne Cup horse race in November is huge, and Aussie Rules football is like a religion. If you’re a sports fan, you’ve got to catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Tennis lovers wait for the Australian Open in February, and Formula One fans can’t wait for the Australian Grand Prix.
There’s always something to do in Melbourne. You can check out cool art galleries, grab a coffee at a cozy café, shop at interesting stores, or take a boat ride along the Yarra River. And don’t forget to hop on one of the old-fashioned trams to explore more of Melbourne’s charm.
Melbourne has a busy schedule of arts events too. You’ve got the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in March and April, and the Melbourne International Film Festival in August. And if you’re craving some nature, there are lots of fun day trips you can take from the city.
Before you start exploring, make sure to check out our list of the best attractions and things to do in Melbourne. It’ll help you plan the perfect visit!
1. Check Out Federation Square
Federation Square was built in 2002 to celebrate 100 years of federation, but it caused a lot of talk among the people of Melbourne. Some liked it, and some didn’t. But no matter what, “Fed Square” has become a big part of the city. It’s a place where lots of people meet up and start their sightseeing adventures.
You can’t miss Fed Square. It’s right across from Flinders Street Station, which is a big spot for buses and trains. The building itself looks super modern, with both open and closed spaces that really stand out against the older Victorian buildings around it.
There’s always something happening at Fed Square. They have over 1,500 events every year, from concerts to festivals. You can watch performances outside or check out smaller shows indoors.
And if you’re hungry, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants here. One popular spot is Chocolate Buddha, where you can grab some tasty Japanese food while enjoying a great view of the city.
If you’re into museums and galleries, you’ll love Fed Square. There’s the Ian Potter Centre, which shows off Australian art. Then there’s the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), where you can learn all about movies and TV. And don’t miss the Koorie Heritage Trust, where you can see cool art and artifacts from the Koorie Aboriginal people. The best part? You can visit all these places for free!
Oh, and one more thing—Fed Square has some of the best free Wi-Fi in Australia. So if you need to check your phone or send an email, you’re all set!
Address: Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 0396551900
2. Discover Creativity at the National Gallery of Victoria
Discover Melbourne’s Special Art Place: The National Gallery of Victoria
In Melbourne, there’s a really cool place called the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). It’s the oldest art gallery that everyone can visit in Australia, and lots of people go there. Inside, there are more than 70,000 artworks from all over the world, like Europe, Asia, and America.
The main building on St. Kilda Road opened in 1968 and has art from different countries. One special part is called The Great Hall, where you can lay back and look at a beautiful colored glass ceiling. It’s amazing! Another place, the Ian Potter Gallery at Federation Square, has lots of Australian art, from old times to now. One famous painting there is called The Pioneer, made by Frederick McCubbin.
At the NGV, there’s always something new happening. They have about 40 different shows every year, plus fun things for kids, tours, and live performances. And guess what? It doesn’t cost anything to see the main art collections. Everyone can go and enjoy art for free!
Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 0386202222
3. Checkout Melbourne’s Amazing Views from Eureka Tower’s Skydeck
Looking for an amazing city view? Make your way to the 91-story Eureka Tower in Southbank. This impressive skyscraper is named after The Eureka Stockade, a historic event from 1854 in Victoria’s goldfields. The tower’s crown and windows, plated in gold, add a dazzling touch, especially when the sunlight hits them.
On the 88th floor, you’ll find the Melbourne Skydeck, offering the highest public view in the Southern Hemisphere. For an extra thrill, step onto The Edge, a glass cube (paid entry) extending three meters from the building, perfect for visitors who aren’t afraid of heights. And don’t miss the Voyager Theatre, where you can experience a virtual reality journey to 16 famous Melbourne attractions in an immersive, multisensory experience.
I would suggest you come at sunset for stunning views of the city, both during the day and at night. Watch as the lights begin to twinkle when the sun sets below the horizon, creating a magical atmosphere.
Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 0396938888
4. Melbourne’s Arcades and Laneways
Exploring the small streets and alleys is a really fun thing to do in Melbourne. You should go near Flinders, Collins, and Bourke Streets to see Melbourne’s fancy, interesting, and sometimes strange side.
If you like fancy shopping, you should check out the Block Arcade on Collins Street. It’s really beautiful inside with a special floor and old-fashioned decorations. People used to walk around here in fancy clothes a long time ago. Now, you can find all sorts of things here, like yummy chocolates, old jewelry, fancy clothes, and nice cafes. Don’t miss the Hopetoun Tearooms for tea — it’s been here since 1892!
There are also cozy cafes hidden in the small streets. Take some time to sit down, order a coffee, and watch people walking by. It’s a popular thing to do in Melbourne.
The Royal Arcade is another fancy place to visit, and you shouldn’t miss Flinders and Degraves Lanes either. They’re all really cool to explore!
Address: 200 Collins St, Melbourne, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
5. Explore culture at Southbank and South Wharf
Southbank is a cool place for some fun with culture. It’s by the Yarra River, not far from Flinders Street Station. You can walk around here and find shops, cafes, and cool stuff to do. It’s nice to take a walk by the river, no matter what time of year it is.
At night, South Wharf is the place to be for some of the best nightlife in Melbourne. Old buildings turned into fun places to hang out light up the area. It looks really cool with all the city lights shining on the river.
Southbank has lots of cafes, restaurants, and live shows outside. And they have cool festivals here all year round that make the place feel alive.
If you like shopping, there’s a cool market here every Sunday where you can find arts and crafts. And there are fancy stores to shop at or bargain deals at DFO South Wharf.
For some entertainment, you can go to the Malthouse Theatre for all kinds of shows like theater, dance, and comedy. Or you can check out the Melbourne Theatre Company at Southbank Theatre. There’s also Arts Centre Melbourne, where big shows happen.
While you’re here, look out for cool art around, like steel sculptures on Sandridge Bridge and a big bee on Eureka Tower.
If you’re with kids, head to South Wharf to see Polly Woodside, an old ship from a long time ago that you can go on and explore.
6. Watch a Show at Arts Centre Melbourne
Arts Centre Melbourne is the big place in the city for arts and culture. You can’t miss it because it has a tall tower. It’s by the Yarra River, close to South Bank. It’s a great spot to see shows like plays, dances, music, and funny stuff like comedy.
Inside, there are lots of cool theaters and spaces. There’s the State Theatre, where The Australian Ballet and Opera Australia perform. Then there’s the Playhouse, which has 884 seats, and the smaller Fairfax Studio. And don’t forget about Hamer Hall, where you can see the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra play. If you’re up for an outdoor concert, head over to the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Kings Domain Gardens—it’s just a short walk away.
Feeling hungry before the show? Café Vic has yummy food, from fancy dinners to quick snacks.
While you’re here, check out the Australian Music Vault. It’s a free exhibit all about Australian music history.
Address: 100 St Kilda Rd, Southbank, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 1300182183
7. Discover the Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building
Take a quick tram ride from the CBD to get to the Melbourne Museum. It’s surrounded by pretty gardens and parks. This cool museum has lots of stuff about different societies, cultures, science, and nature.
Some cool things to see are the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, where you can learn about Indigenous culture. There’s also a part about Phar Lap, a famous racehorse, and a Children’s Gallery with fun stuff for kids to do. You can walk through a forest and even see big dinosaur models!
Next to the Melbourne Museum is the fancy Royal Exhibition Building. It was built a long time ago in 1880 and was used for big events like exhibitions and even the first Australian Parliament meeting. You can take tours there and sometimes they have special shows and things going on.
Address: 9 Nicholson St, Carlton. Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 131102
8. Say Hi to the Animals at Melbourne Zoo
Come say hi to the animals at Melbourne Zoo! It’s a big zoo, spread across 22 hectares, so there’s lots to see. Even though the zoo has been around since 1862, the animals now have really cool homes that are modern and comfy. It’s only about five minutes away from downtown Melbourne.
You’ll find animals from all over the world here. One cool spot is the Trail of the Elephants, where you can learn all about Asian elephants in a neat village setting. Another fun place is the Orang-utan Sanctuary, where the orangutans live high up in the trees. And don’t forget to take a walk down the bush track to meet some Aussie animals like kangaroos, koalas, and emus.
There are lots of fun things to do at Melbourne Zoo, like special sleepovers, music concerts at twilight, and tours where you can see behind the scenes of some animal homes.
Zoos Victoria runs two other zoos too: Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo. They all do important work to help protect endangered animals, like breeding them and helping them recover.
Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 1300966784
9. Hop on the City Circle Tram Tour
Want to see Melbourne in a fun way? Get on the City Circle Tram! Melbourne is known for its trams, and this one takes you around the city center and Docklands area for free.
The tram has a guide who tells you about all the cool stuff you’re passing by. You can get on and off the tram whenever you want. It goes past lots of old buildings like Parliament House and the Princess Theatre, as well as cool spots like Federation Square. The trams come every 12 minutes, and the whole loop takes about 50 minutes.
Note: You can catch the tram at any stop on the route, any day of the week except Christmas and Good Friday.
10. Take a Boat/Cruise Ride on the Yarra River
Melbourne is a big city with lots of fun things to do. One of the coolest ways to see the city is by taking a ride on the Yarra River.
When you’re on the boat, you can see all kinds of neat stuff along the riverbanks. There are tall buildings, pretty parks, and even some bridges you can go under. It’s a different way to see the city, and you might spot some birds or boats passing by.
Some boats have guides who tell you about the things you’re seeing. They might tell you about the history of the city or point out famous landmarks. It’s like having your own tour guide on the water!
Going on a Yarra River cruise is a fun activity for families or friends. You can relax and enjoy the ride while taking in the sights. And if it’s a hot day, you might even feel a nice breeze from the water.
If you don’t have much time, you can take a one-hour River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise. It’s a relaxing ride where you can see cool stuff like the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and National Tennis Centre.
So, if you’re visiting Melbourne and want to see the city in a new way, hop on a boat and cruise down the Yarra River. It’s a fun adventure you won’t forget!
Directions: Google Maps
11. Enjoy the view at Docklands
Docklands is a cool new place by the water in Melbourne. It has lots of tall buildings that are good for the environment and lots of fun stuff to do. You can find cafes, restaurants, and parks here. It’s a great place to go, especially at night.
There’s something for everyone at Docklands. You can take fun pictures at ArtVo, walk around and see cool art, or check out the street art at Blender Studios.
Docklands also has Marvel Stadium and the O’Brien Icehouse, where you can do ice sports.
If you like shopping, there’s a market by the water every Sunday where you can find cool art and old stuff. And there’s a big outdoor mall where you can shop for lots of things. And don’t forget about the food! You can try food from all over the world, like Turkish, Vietnamese, and Australian food.
Directions: Google Maps
12. Go on a tour of Parliament House
Parliament House is a cool place in Melbourne that not many people know about. It’s where the first Australian government met a long time ago. The outside of the building looks really fancy, especially with its big columns on Spring Street.
The inside of Parliament House is super old and fancy too. It was built during the Gold Rush, and it’s filled with fancy things like gold, chandeliers, and a cool floor made of tiny pieces of colorful tile.
You can visit Parliament House and watch the people who work there talk about important stuff. If you go on a day when they’re not talking, you can join a free tour to learn more about the building.
Here’s a secret tip: If you want to have a fancy experience, you can have High Tea or lunch at Strangers Corridor, a fancy restaurant inside Parliament House.
Address: Spring St, East Melbourne, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 0396518911
13. Go shopping at Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market is a cool spot where lots of people, both locals and visitors, go to buy fresh food. It’s been open since a long time ago, in 1878! You can find all kinds of yummy stuff here, like fruits and veggies straight from the farm. But that’s not all! There are also stalls selling clothes, art, toys, and even special souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else.
If you love food, you can join a guided tour where you get to taste lots of delicious treats from the market.
And sometimes, the market hosts fun events like night markets in the winter, concerts with music, and other cool things throughout the year.
Address: Queen St, Melbourne, Victoria
Directions: Google Map
Phone: 0393205822
14. Explore Melbourne’s history at the Immigration Museum
If you want to know about the cool people in Melbourne, check out the Immigration Museum. It tells true stories about people who moved here from different places all around the world. Everyone who came to Melbourne had to stop at this place called customs, and their stories help us understand why Melbourne is so diverse now.
The museum is in a really fancy old building called the Old Customs House, and it’s full of cool things you can touch and play with. Sometimes they have special shows too.
Going to the museum can teach you about how Europeans came to Melbourne a long time ago and how it affected the Aboriginal people who were already here. And if it’s raining outside and you’re looking for something fun to do, the museum is a great place to go.
Address: 400 Flinders St, Melbourne, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 131102
15. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance to Show Respect
In the Kings Domain gardens sits the Shrine of Remembrance, a big memorial built after the First World War to remember Victorians who fought in the war. It’s a special place that reminds us of the brave men and women who served in the Australian military. People come here for ceremonies on ANZAC Day in April and Remembrance Day in November.
Inside the shrine, you can see old pictures, things from the war, and artwork. You can take a tour with a guide or by yourself any day of the week. At night, the lights on the building look really pretty. And if you go up to the balcony, you can see a nice view of the park and the city.
If you’re in Melbourne on a Sunday, you can come to a special service here at 4:45pm. They play bugle calls and lay wreaths at the Eternal Flame.
Address: Birdwood Ave, Melbourne, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 0396618100
16. Visit Captain Cook’s Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens
Come see Captain Cook’s Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens! This cute cottage was brought all the way from England, where Captain James Cook lived. It’s a neat peek into his life and all the cool adventures he had exploring Australia and other places.
In Fitzroy Gardens, you can also find a really pretty conservatory with lots of colorful flowers. Kids will have fun exploring a tiny village that looks like it’s from a long time ago, and there’s even a Fairy Tree!
After you’re done exploring the gardens, you can go to Fitzroy, a fun neighborhood with lots of cool stuff. There’s yummy vegan food, old-fashioned shops where you can find neat stuff, and colorful paintings on the walls.
Address: Fitzroy Gardens, Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 0396589658
17. Explore State Library Victoria
Come check out State Library Victoria for free fun in Melbourne! When you see the building, you’ll be amazed by its old and fancy architecture. It was built a long time ago, in 1856, and it looks really cool with its big columns out front.
Inside, there’s lots of cool stuff to see. There’s a room called the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, which is bright and peaceful. You’ll see lots of columns and fancy lights hanging from the ceiling. During the day, students come here to read books, and at night, it turns into a special place for events.
If you like art and history, you’ll love looking at the galleries here. There are free exhibits with things like art from Melbourne and old stuff like Ned Kelly’s armor and old photos.
But the best part of the library is the La Trobe Reading Room. It’s a huge room with a big dome ceiling that looks like a giant upside-down bowl. There are four levels you can walk around on, and lots of light comes in from the roof. It’s one of the most popular places to take pictures in the library.
Kids will have fun here too! There’s a big castle they can play in, cozy corners to read books, and lots of books to look at in The Pauline Gandel Children’s Quarter.
You can explore the library on your own with a free tour on your phone, or you can join a tour led by friendly volunteers. And when you’re done looking around, you can grab some cake and coffee at one of the two cafes inside.
Address: 328 Swanston St, Melbourne, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 0386647000
18. Visit the National Sports Museum and Catch a Game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Melbourne loves sports, and one of the best places to visit is a big stadium. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is super famous and has been around since 1853. It can fit 100,000 people and is one of the oldest stadiums in Australia.
The MCG has a special history. It was the main stadium for the 1956 Olympics and the 2006 Commonwealth Games. It’s also where Test Cricket started, and it’s where Australian Rules Football games happen.
You can take a tour of the MCG and learn about all the cool stuff that happened there in the past. They also have a museum all about Australian sports, which is fun to see. In the summer, you can watch cricket games, and in the winter, you can watch football games.
Right across from the MCG is Melbourne Park. This is where the Australian Open tennis tournament happens every January. You can even rent a tennis court here, and sometimes they have concerts too.
National Sports Museum Address: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Yarra Park, Gate 3 Brunton Ave, East Melbourne, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 0396578879
MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) Address: Brunton Ave, Richmond, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 0396578888
19. Take a break at the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne are really special. They started back in 1846 and are split into two parts: one in Melbourne and the other in Cranbourne.
The Melbourne gardens are in a big green area just south of the Yarra River, not too far from the city. They’re super big, covering 38 hectares, and have over 10,000 different plants from all over the world.
There are lots of cool things to see in the gardens. There’s a special Children’s Garden to help kids learn about plants, and a peaceful Fern Gully Garden where you can relax. You can also join a walk to learn about the Aboriginal people who lived here a long time ago.
In the summer, the gardens have live theater shows and outdoor movies at night. It’s a great place to have a picnic or grab some tea at The Terrace café.
Throughout the year, there are special events like bird watching walks, nature walks, and a cool lights show at night.
Visiting the gardens is free most of the time, but some events might cost money. If you can’t walk around too much, you can take a short tour on the Explorer bus to see the best parts of the gardens.
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 0392522300
20. Shop at DFO South Wharf
Do you love shopping and having fun? Then you’ve got to check out DFO South Wharf in Melbourne! It’s a cool place where you can buy lots of stuff and have a great time.
DFO stands for Direct Factory Outlets. That means you can find all your favorite brands at really good prices. From clothes and shoes to electronics and homewares, there’s something for everyone here.
But shopping isn’t the only thing you can do at DFO South Wharf. There are also lots of fun things to keep you entertained! For example, you can catch a movie at the cinema or challenge your friends to a game of bowling. There’s even a virtual reality experience where you can feel like you’re in another world!
Feeling hungry after all that shopping and playing? Don’t worry, because there are plenty of places to eat at DFO South Wharf. You can grab a quick bite at one of the cafes or sit down for a delicious meal at a restaurant.
Address: 20 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf, Victoria
Directions: Google Maps
Phone: 0390991111
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I hope this information has helped you making your trip to Melbourne a joyful one. Good luck and have a great journey.
Thanks Sunny. Nice information. I have got Queen Victoria Market and Eureka Tower’s Skydeck on my bucket list.
Thanks for the feedback, Mark! I’m really glad I could help out.