It’s mentioned that Melbourne is the best metropolis in Australia, and after visiting we agree! Melbourne has recurrently been named essentially the most habitable metropolis on the earth and it’s on the high of many individuals’s bucket lists of places to visit in Australia. We had the prospect to participate in among the finest issues to do in Melbourne whereas on a street journey via Victoria, and we are able to attest, that if we had the prospect to reside in Australia, we’d decide Melbourne as our dwelling too!
Finest Issues to do in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is the capital metropolis of the state of Victoria and is an outstanding jumping-off level to discover Southern Australia and the Great Ocean Road. However it’s additionally a metropolis the place you might spend days enjoyable and having fun with the funky metropolis vibe. If you’re planning a visit to Australia don’t restrict your self to Sydney alone. So, why go to Melbourne? Let’s check out the entire superb issues to do!
1. Dawn Scorching Air Balloon Flight Over the Metropolis
Melbourne is without doubt one of the few locations on earth you’ll be able to go hot-air ballooning over a metropolis. It’s the most important city heart for warm air ballooning and the journey is spectacular.
The morning begins earlier than dawn when your information picks you up at your lodge earlier than heading out to a subject for take off. It’s all palms on deck so be sure to decorate comfortably and bear in mind, although it’s heat outdoors, it may possibly nonetheless be brisk and chilly within the sky. So put on layers.
The 45-minute flight takes you proper over the town and offers a birds-eye view into the soccer, cricket stadium, and tennis courts. The flight is adopted by a champagne breakfast. To guide your scorching air balloon flight over Melbourne, go to Global Ballooning for bookings
Winds change consistently in Melbourne so flights might be canceled on the final minute, so just be sure you have a few days on both facet of your reserving. That approach you may get on the following day as soon as the climate improves. That’s what occurred to us, however we managed to stand up within the air and had the journey of a lifetime earlier than most individuals had even woken up.
2. Queen Victoria Market Tour
I’ve by no means been one for market excursions however the Queen Victoria Market Tour was a blast! We had a lot enjoyable assembly the distributors at this historic market that has been working since 1878.
Taking the Queen Victoria Market Tour gave us perception into the historical past of the market (do you know it was constructed on a cemetery?) and allowed us to work together with the house owners of outlets whereas sampling their superb meals like native cheese and honey, oysters, wine, beer, and chocolate. You gained’t depart the market hungry that’s for positive.
The whole lot is top of the range right here. The Market is focused at cooks and eating places, so that you solely get the most effective. Go to the Victoria Market website for extra particulars.
2. Graffiti Lanes Road Artwork
The Hidden Secrets and techniques Lanes and Arcades Tour will provide you with a style of the Graffiti lanes of Melbourne. Melbourne is understood for its road artwork and the 2 in style lanes for road artwork are Hosier Lane and Union Lane.
These lanes are devoted to graffiti so artists aren’t tagging across the metropolis. There’s numerous political and social commentary within the graffiti and you’ll most probably see an artist at work for those who hold round lengthy sufficient.
3. Hidden Secrets and techniques Lanes and Arcades Tour
This is the original lanes tour in Melbourne with greater than a dozen 12 months’s expertise. Right here you’ll uncover quirky cafés like Melbourne’s smallest espresso store, unbiased designers, and specialty retailers.
Melbourne is full of slim lanes and coated arcades. One can get misplaced exploring all of them and also you gained’t really recognize their that means and historical past until you’re taking the Hidden Secrets and techniques Lanes and Arcades Excursions.
Just like the Queen Victoria Market Tour, you’ll have the prospect to speak with store house owners and discover the world in a extra in depth approach than you’ll wandering via the streets alone. It’s a wonderful method to get oriented to the town/
4. Eureka Sky Deck
A metropolis tour wouldn’t be full with out going as much as a excessive lookout. Like most worldwide cities, Melbourne has its personal excessive lookout on the Eureka Sky Deck at Eureka Tower. It’s an excellent view of Melbourne and the river, but it surely does have a novel characteristic that now we have but to see in different metropolis viewpoints.
The Edge is without doubt one of the world’s solely transferring glass buildings that strikes out and dangles over the sting of the Sky Deck on the 88th flooring. Not like Toronto’s glass floor which is free with entry, it’s important to pay $15 additional to enter the SkyDeck.
When you’ve got a worry of heights, you’ll undoubtedly get the fun you’re on the lookout for. We had a younger woman within the Sky Deck with us and he or she liked each minute of it. It’s a neat concept to be locked in an elevator-type room, moved out from the primary constructing, after which have the flooring appear to fall away at your ft.
The Eureka Sky Deck is open day by day from 12 pm to 10 pm, final entry 9:30 pm. For extra data go to the Eureka Sky Deck website
5. Federation Sq.
Federation Sq. is simply in regards to the coolest metropolis sq. we’ve occurred upon. Certain there are flashy squares on the earth, however Federation Sq. has loads occurring. Large screens are arrange for individuals to observe out of doors occasions. Pop-up theatre performances happen in again alleyways and artists hang around on the road exhibiting off their abilities.
There are artwork galleries, eating places, cafés, and rooftop bars. Federation Sq. is the place to be. Throughout the Australian Open, they’ve massive screens arrange in Federation Sq. so you’ll be able to watch the occasion.
6. Sundown Over the Yarra River
Take a Stroll alongside one of many many bridges or guide a sundown boat tour to observe the solar go down in Melbourne. Town lights as much as perfection because the solar goes down and also you don’t wish to miss it while you’re there.
There are lots of eating places and bars alongside the river the place you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the sundown. We loved the view from the rooftop patio at Transit Rooftop Bar on the Transit Resort positioned simply above Taxi Kitchen.
7. St. Kilda Seaside
Talking of the Seaside, you should make your approach right down to St. Kilda Seaside for some Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, strolling alongside the boardwalk, and penguin watching.
The Pier of St. Kilda Seaside is a historic Edwardian constructing that has been renovated and is price strolling out alongside the lengthy pier to view. A colony of penguins lives out right here as nicely so you could get fortunate and spot one.
It was scorching whereas we had been there so the penguins had been both staying cool below rocks (we noticed many a again and backside) or out within the water someplace looking for meals. There was little question about it although, the odor was 100% that of a penguin colony.
8. Take the Free Metropolis Circle Tram
Melbourne has a novel characteristic the place vacationers and locals alike can take the free Metropolis Circle Tram wherever inside the metropolis circle of Melbourne. It’s simple to hop on and hop off and it’ll take you to the vast majority of locations you wish to go to within the metropolis heart.
There are historic trams and newer trams, however each are free. If you wish to strive the entire loop for some metropolis sightseeing, the tram takes 45 minutes to finish the loop. Verify the Metropolis Circle Tram website for details.
12. Melbourne Museum
The Melbourne museum is a superb place to study extra about Australian historical past and the Aboriginal individuals. There are many displays on social, scientific, and environmental facets of Australian historical past. The dinosaur and bug assortment is a must-see right here and a favourite amongst kids.
Ensure to take a guided tour of the Royal Exhibition Constructing subsequent door to see the Dome Promenade. It was the primary constructing in Australia to be awarded UNESCO World Heritage standing and the Dome Promenade provides excursions to present guests the chance to miss the gardens and look at the Melbourne skyline. It had been closed
13. Royal Botanic Gardens
Take a break from the frenzy of Melbourne and enjoyment of nature on the royal botanic gardens. This lovely park that’s dwelling to 8500 species of crops and bushes, a spread of birds, and different wildlife. The gardens span 96 acres alongside the Yara River
Whereas entry is free, having an knowledgeable information is the easiest way to discover the expansive gardens. You possibly can
14. Flinders Road Station
The clock at Flinders road railway station is one in all Melbourne’s oldest and most iconic landmarks. The outdated Victorian-era constructing that’s flinders road station is simply as spectacular. Not only for its outdated age (dates way back to 1854) but additionally for its spectacular structure.
Study extra in regards to the practice station’s historical past or hop onto a practice and discover the Melbourne metropolis.
15. Melbourne Cricket Floor
Affectionately known as the ‘G’, a tour of Melbourne cricket floor is a must-do for cricket lovers. It’s arguably the most important and oldest stadium in Australia in addition to the Southern hemisphere.
The Melbourne cricket floor has been host to many memorable video games and concert events through the years. The stadium is host to quite a lot of sports activities matches equivalent to; Australian guidelines soccer and rugby and never simply cricket.
With a paid tour, you get a glance into all that goes on behind scenes, entry to the pitch, the media room, altering rooms, and the terrace. Additionally inside the MCG is the Nationwide Sports activities Museum.
A sports activities and Olympic museum stuffed with shows and memorabilia from all of Australia’s sporting legends.
16. Nationwide Gallery of Victoria
Anticipate nothing however the most effective from Australia’s oldest gallery.
Positioned in the course of the town heart, there are literally two galleries. The NGV: Worldwide which focuses on artwork items from world wide and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia which focuses on artwork items from Australia and is positioned on the opposite facet of the Yarra river.
The aboriginal artwork items at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia are a must-see.
Marvel on the completely different traditional and up to date items. The Nationwide Gallery of Victoria is actually an artwork lovers’ paradise with items from well-known artists equivalent to; Picasso and Monet.
17. Immigration Museum
Positioned within the outdated customs home, the immigration museum helps to inform the tales of immigrants to Australia from pre-colonial instances all the way in which to the current. This museum, one in all a sort on the earth, is nicely price a go to.
The tales are generally facet, completely happy, and generally enjoyable, these tales supply an excellent perception into immigrants and the way they’ve formed Australia’s historical past and tradition.
Among the shows are interactive, you’ll be able to even check out the Australian citizenship take a look at. A number of audio guides, and movies to maintain you knowledgeable.
18. Royal Exhibition Constructing
Positioned in Carlton gardens, the royal exhibition constructing is without doubt one of the oldest and few remaining exhibition buildings on the earth.
Inbuilt 1880, the royal exhibition constructing was constructed solely as an exhibition pavilion for commerce reveals and gala’s. Immediately, it hosts far more than simply business exhibitions.
The constructing is a high quality instance of Victorian structure and has acquired a UNESCO itemizing. Carlton gardens on which the buildings sit is simply as spectacular and value a go to when in Melbourne.
19. Australian Centre for Up to date Artwork
The Centre is certainly a hidden gem. Artwork lovers will take pleasure in its massive assortment of distinctive artwork items that vary from work to sculptures, ceramics, and far more.
As with up to date artwork, the aim is to shock and problem on a regular basis perceptions. Should-see listed below are the thought-provoking aboriginal artwork items that inform of the struggling of the primary nations individuals.
20. Fitzroy Gardens
Positioned on the fringe of Melbourne CBD is Fitzroy gardens. A powerful inexperienced area so near the town but simply as peaceable and tranquil.
The Fitzroy gardens are an excellent place to calm down as you admire the greenery. Have a picnic on the garden or take a stroll via the attractive pathways as you admire the Elm bushes.
A must-see right here is the floral shows, the mannequin village, the hand-carved fairy tree, and Captain Cook dinner’s Cottage. Captain Cook dinner’s Cottage was delivered to Melbourne in 1934 from Yorkshire England. It was transported to Melbourne to honor Captain Cook dinner who “found” Australia in 1770.
21. Phillip Island
Go to Phillip island for a novel expertise with wildlife, sandy seashores, motorsports, and water actions. Whereas the island is likely to be small, there’s something for everybody. Watch lovable penguins or stand up shut with koalas on the conservancy. Or higher but, take pleasure in a soothing day on the seashore as you admire the shoreline.
22. Chinatown
Positioned alongside little Bourke road between Swanson and spring road, what began as a small Chinese language group heart has grown right into a cultural attraction in Melbourne.
Enjoyable truth, Chinatown Melbourne is without doubt one of the oldest on the earth and dates way back to the 1850s. A number of locations to eat and store. There’s a nice choice of eating places to match all kinds of budgets and tastes.
23. South Melbourne Market
South Melbourne market is the oldest market in Australia and has been open for slightly over a century. Anticipate a various choice of items and merchandise.
Locals and guests alike cease by the marketplace for recent produce, deli, meat, baked items, flowers, and even pet provides. The market is a superb place to fulfill, eat and drink as you store.
24. Kings Area Gardens
Positioned close to flinders road station, King’s area gardens are a stretch of inexperienced areas by the Yarra river all the way in which right down to the botanical gardens. The gardens embody the Queen Victoria gardens, the federal government home, the shrine of remembrance, and the Myer music bowl.
The expansive gardens are stuffed with majestic oak bushes with lovely flower beds giving Melbourne its status of lovely gardens.
Statues of distinguished individuals additionally scatter the gardens alongside water fountains.
25. Port Phillip Bay
Generally known as ‘the bay’ by the locals, Port Phillip bay is definitely made up of 16 bays. It serves not solely as a leisure space but additionally as an entrance to one of many busiest ports in Australia.
A number of actions for out of doors lovers equivalent to; exploring shipwrecks, scuba diving, or fishing. You may as well study extra about sea life on the marine reserves, spend a soothing day on the seashore, St Kilda pier, or on the close by botanical gardens.
26. State Library Victoria
State Library Victoria has been open since 1854 making it Australia’s oldest library. The library is price a go to for its gorgeous structure – a real masterpiece of its time.
It additionally boosts an enormous assortment of blended media with over two million books, hundreds of images, audio tapes, movies, and extra. A must-see right here is the La Trobe studying room, one of the vital photographed areas in Australia.
27. Previous Melbourne Gaol
Previous Melbourne gaol is the oldest jail in Melbourne. It was as soon as a feared jail however has now been reworked right into a museum. There are 3-levels of cells with every cell containing data and shows on inmates who as soon as lived there and their dwelling situations.
Don’t miss out on the interactive tour on the Watch Home the place the guides tackle the function of wardens and take the guests via the method of what would occur in the event that they had been arrested.
28. Block Arcade
The block arcade is the most effective and hottest buying arcade in Melbourne. It’s a excellent place to go to for its lovely structure alone.
Enjoyable truth, the block arcade boasts of getting the most important mosaic flooring within the southern hemisphere. One thing for everybody right here with distinctive and enjoyable shops
29. St. Paul’s cathedral
Positioned reverse flinders road station, St. Paul’s Cathedral is an oasis of peace in the course of Melbourne. The neo-gothic cathedral is nicely price a go to for its grand structure with its lovely stained glass home windows and intricately tiled flooring. It’s a Melbourne landmark positioned at one of many busiest locations in Melbourne at Flinders Road Station so be sure to go inside to have a look.
30. Collins Road
Affectionately referred to as the guts of Melbourne, Collins Road is a superb place to go to for a enjoyable buying expertise. The premier road is understood for its high-end flagship shops equivalent to; Chanel, Dior, and Giorgio Armani. You may get there by taking the Metropolis Circle Tram or just strolling round downtown from Federation Sq.. Who doesn’t love peeking into the designer home windows?
31. Day Journey to the Nice Ocean Street
There isn’t a doubt that The Nice Ocean Street is Victoria State’s premier attraction. It’s only a three-hour drive from Melbourne and in case you are visiting the town, it’s a must-visit. There are excursions that occur day by day, or you’ll be able to hire a automobile to see the 12 Apostles.
The views are well worth the hype, however we suggest giving your self longer than a day to discover. We took half within the four-day Great Ocean Walk to the 12 Apostles and it was magnificent. We’ll be writing about it extra within the coming weeks.
- Visiting Victoria, Australia? Choose up your Lonely Planet Guide for extra concepts of What to do in Melbourne.
As you’ll be able to see, there isn’t a scarcity of issues to do in Melbourne. It’s a metropolis that may hold vacationers occupied for days.
Have you ever been to Melbourne?
Our journey to Australia is in partnership with Tourism Australia and Air New Zealand. Air New Zealand provides day by day flights from Canada to Australia. All opinions are our personal.
