Things to Do in Melbourne

When planning your trip to Melbourne, you may be wondering, "What should I do?" Free museum days, theatre performances, and festival days are all on the docket for you.

The Winter Village

You may remember this outdoor pop-up from before a certain you-know-what drove Melburnians inside for the cold winter of 2019-20. The Winter Village, complete with fake snow, will return to town on May 13 and be open until August 29.

Again, Federation Square's Skyline Terrace has been converted into a free, family-friendly winter wonderland replete with ice skating, food trucks, pop-up bars, and a lovely igloo village.

For as little as $49 per person, you may reserve a private igloo and enjoy a meal and drinks in the comfort of the season's themes.

You'll definitely want to come back more than once this season, since there are a tonne of exciting events and activities planned, such as discounted skating days, breakfast and skate packages, and family fun days.

Seven days a week, visitors may stroll around the Winter Village at no cost. More information, including pricing (starting at $10 for toddlers, $18 for children, and $26 for adults), can be found on the website.

Disney: The Magic of Animation

Following extensive renovations, ACMI is once again prepared to hold major winter art shows. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is not holding back either, promising a massive 90-year display of Disney animation along with a look behind the scenes at Walt Disney Animation Companies, one of the world's most productive animation studios.

From Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie to the recent film Raya and the Last Dragon, the show spans nine decades and comprises over 500 original artworks.

The Disney Animation Research Library has hand-picked every artwork in the exhibition (which, crazily, has around 65 million works of art from the Disney headquarters). Cartoons featuring Mickey Mouse and his mouse companion, Minnie Mouse, have come a long way from their first days.

In addition to highlighting the many talented directors and writers who have collaborated with Disney throughout the years, this exhibition also celebrates Disney's groundbreaking artistic and technological innovations.

On May 13, ACMI will host Disney: The Magic of Animation. Tickets for children are $17, seniors and students are $22.50, and adults pay $26.

Because the Night

A lot of people are excited to see Because the Night, a new play at Malthouse Theatre in which the audience is encouraged to roam the stage freely as the actors perform all around them.

For once, the overused phrase "immersive" doesn't seem like a gimmick; neither does the open set, which features a great deal of intricate detail, detract from the quality of the production.

Because the Night is definitely a theatrical production, but it takes a fresh, innovative approach to the art form that will excite new viewers.

Audiences in Australia can tell right away that Because the Night is unlike anything they've seen before. The spectators are divided into three groups, who all join the show at various points.

In order to distinguish the audience from the performers, ushers outfit each guest with a black robe and a black rabbit mask a la Donnie Darko. This not only helps visitors transition from Melbourne to Elsinore, but also puts them in the correct frame of mind for the performance.

You'll know what we're talking about if you've seen Punch Drunk's Sleep No More in New York or the 2019 season of A Midnight Visit in Melbourne.

Six actors, including Keegan Joyce as Hamlet, Nicole About as Claudius, Syd Brisbane as Polonius, Ras-Samuel Welda'abzgi as Laertes, Jen Vuletic as Gertrude, and Artemis Ioannides as Ophelia, reenact the narrative, unaware of the audience.

Imaginaria

Imaginaria, a stunning "future play experience," illuminates the District Docklands.

In layman's words, Melbourne is a huge, dazzling, otherworldly playground for people of all ages to enjoy. Melburnians can have a terrific interactive experience at Imaginaria, which has a "cosmic abyss," a beautiful light labyrinth, and a gigantic inflatable bubble. Customized audio, visuals, and olfactory effects are all engaged as visitors go through the dreamscape.

Two additional structures were were up by the crew in April. One is an AI-powered (like Siri or Alexa) talking projection that can interact with you in conversation.

The other is an innovative set of sound cylinders that can be interacted with.

A group of architects, musicians, fashion designers, light projectionists, audio-visual artists, sculptors, stuntmen, and circus performers brought Australian artist Nick Ennis's vision to reality.

Wander Around the Royal Botanic Gardens

Get away from the hustle and bustle of the Central Business District (CBD) without leaving the city at all by visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens. Located on the outskirts of the city, it is home to around 8,500 plant species.

There are verdant meadows and glistening lakes, ideal for a brief walk to refresh the mind and spirit or a leisurely weekend picnic. The gardens are rich in history, and the Aboriginal Heritage Walk will lead you on a trip through that past as you learn about the plants and animals that formerly called them home and how they were cared for by the Kulin people.

There is a breathtaking vista around every bend in the 38 hectares of manicured gardens, which include a colourful and diverse array of native and exotic plants. More than 50,000 different kinds of plants and flowers may be found here.

The Botanical Gardens are more than just pretty gardens, neat lawns, and exotic flower beds; they are also a hub of activity, with plenty of things to do for visitors of all ages, whether they are looking for a place to entertain young family members, a peaceful place to unwind, or a cultural experience amidst expansive scenery.

You may be asking, "In a garden this size, what exactly are the highlights?" The first stop should be at Guilfoyle's Volcano, a historical water reservoir that was formerly used to hold all of the garden's water supply.

After being abandoned for 60 years, this region was restored to its former glory with the help of low-water plants and breathtaking vistas of Melbourne.

Imbibe Some Culture at the National Gallery of Victoria

The NGV consists of two locations, the NGV International in London and the NGV Australia in Melbourne. You could easily spend a day at both location since they are both so stunning and full with excellent works of art.

The International has a number of notable works in its permanent collection, including those by Rembrandt, Bonnard, and Tiepolo, as well as the popular water wall.

The Ian Potter Centre, located on Fed Square, honours Australians of all backgrounds, from the colonial period to the present day, including both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

National Gallery of Victoria, or NGV for short, is an art museum in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It opened in 1861 and has since become Australia's most popular art museum.

Both the NGV International on St. Kilda Road in the Melbourne Arts Precinct of Southbank and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in neighbouring Federation Square hold the NGV's extensive art collection.

Although Sir Roy Grounds' original NGV International building debuted in 1968, it underwent extensive renovations by Mario Bellini and reopened in 2003. It is on the Victorian Heritage Register and serves as a home to the gallery's collection of foreign artwork.

Lab Architecture Studio's Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia opened in 2002 to showcase the gallery's Australian art collection.

Go Retro on Brunswick Street

From its southern terminus on Victoria Parade, Brunswick Street travels north through the Melbourne suburbs of Fitzroy and Fitzroy North, crossing Alexandra Parade along the way.

It ends at St. Georges Road in Fitzroy North, not far from the Edinburgh Gardens, where its former northward course is continued by the much smaller residential street named Brunswick Street North.

For a good chunk of its course, tram line 11 follows the length of Brunswick Street.

Fitzroy, in the heart of Melbourne, is where you'll find all the city's hipsters and weirdos. A stroll across Brunswick Street, Fitzroy's main drag, will reveal everything from hip bike shops to top-notch hair salons, used bookstores to local fashion labels like Gorman, Bl, Kloke, and Alpha 60.

However, Brunswick has become famous for its many vintage clothing businesses. You may get the new leather purse, vintage pants, or ripped '80s denim jacket you've been looking for at vintage clothing stores like Hunter Gatherer, Vintage Sole, and Yesteryear Vintage Clothing, to name a few.

Get Up Early for the Queen Victoria Markets

The outdoor Queen Victoria Market is a source of pride for Melbourne, since it is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks and a testament to the city's status as a global tourist destination.

There are a tonne of seasoned vendors who are eager to tell you everything about their fresh products and answer any questions you may have. Locals frequent the market because of its convenient location and the wide selection of fresh vegetables, meat, dairy products, and other minor things.

Weekends see cafés outdoors battling it out with crowds of brunchgoers. The market is open Monday through Saturday at 6 a.m., but its closing time varies by day, so call ahead to make sure it's still open. A hot jam doughnut is a must before you go, by the way.

Hit the Seaside at St Kilda

Fitzroy Street and Acland Street are the two major thoroughfares that make up St. Kilda, with the famed St. Kilda Esplanade serving as a lovely connector between the two. Acland is a paradise for cake lovers, in contrast to Fitzroy Street's abundance of stores, gyms, and upscale eateries.

Since 1934, the abundance of bakeries and confectioneries along this street has made life in Melbourne that more sweeter.

Try the basic cheesecake at Europa Cake Shop, the vanilla slice at Le Bon Continental Cake Shop, and the chocolate Kugelhaumpf at Monarch, all of which are still on the menu and are examples of Eastern European classics.

Take a Break at the State Library

The State Library of Victoria is a historical and cultural monument in the city of Victoria, Australia, housing an enormous collection of books as well as other historical exhibits and galleries. The library was opened in 1856 and has since been renovated to match its impressive Swanston Street front.

Domed and soaring six stories, the La Trobe Reading Room is a sight to see. The Cowen Gallery displays stunning artworks portraying Victoria's past for guests to enjoy.

Exhibitions and artworks may also be seen in the north and south rotundas, as well as the Keith Murdoch gallery. The library provides its patrons with all they need to have a successful workday, including high-speed internet access, printing capabilities, and comfortable seats (our pick is La above Trobe Reading Room).

Books, paintings, maps, manuscripts, and other works of art are only some of the many other artefacts that may be found in the State Library's extensive collection. Readers may also access digital content.

All of this comes at no cost to you. On nice days, the grounds in front of the library become a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.

Both Mr Tulk and the Guild cafes are conveniently positioned nearby to provide guests with tasty refreshments, while the Readings bookstore inside the library provides a wealth of shopping opportunities.

Wander Around the Royal Exhibition Building

Originally constructed in 1879 for Melbourne's inaugural International Exhibition, it hosted the inauguration of the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia on May 9, 1901, and is now recognised as Australia's first World Heritage Listed structure.

Explore the biggest artefact in Museum Victoria's collection and learn about the lives, experiences, and passions of millions of individuals who have contributed to this national treasure.

Daily tours are offered at 2 o'clock, weather permitting. When the venue is hosting a special event or exhibition, tours could be unavailable. The Melbourne Museum tour begins in the museum's lobby.

When it comes to show pavilions, the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens is one of the oldest still standing (and was the first building in Australia to be named on the UNESCO Heritage List).

The REB is not only rich with history but also stunning in appearance. Everyday at 2:00, or whenever you see fit, you may take a tour of the building or take pictures of its exterior (try getting a pic from in front of the fountain or from in between the many tree-lined pathways nearby).

Check Out All Six Floors of Curtin House

If you only have time for one tourist attraction while in Melbourne, make it the Curtin House on Swanston Street. Some of Melbourne's most innovative businesses may be found in this six-story alley.

Melbourne is known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and bars, including the specialised bookstore Metropolis, the hair salon Human Salon, the bars/restaurants Cookie and Mesa Verde, the fashion experts at Dot Comme, the upscale bar and band room at the Toff in Town, and the crowning glory Rooftop Bar at the very top. Guests need not leave the hotel to get a complete experience of Melbourne.

In the centre of the Central Business District on Swanston St. lies Curtin House, a 6-story building that houses restaurants, stores, pubs, and offices.

Many people may tell you it's a secret, but the fact that there are attractions and activities here at any time of year disproves their claims. Among the many great pubs, shops, and a summertime rooftop movie theatre.

Names like "Wing Chun Bing Fa Kung Fu," "Cookie," "Toff in Town," "Someday," "Bul," and "Metropolis" are just a few examples.

From a distance, you can see the six-story Art Nouveau structure that was constructed in 1922 and renamed after Labor Prime Minister John Curtin. Originally, it was known as the Tattersalls Building.

Hunt Out Melbourne’s Hidden Bars

Melbourne has some of the best secret bars in the world. And yeah, we're going to expose some of our clandestine drinking secrets; sorry, Melburnians.

There's a bar with a chemistry theme hidden down a narrow alleyway (Croft Institute), another hidden behind a refrigerator door (Jungle Boy), another hidden above a Chinese restaurant on the roof (Goldilocks), and still another hidden in a closet (with just enough room for 10 people) (Goldilocks) (Bar Americano).

Although seeking out these establishments may seem more like a treasure hunt than a night out, the reward of a unique drink is well worth the effort.

The unmarked entry of Eau de Vie, which has a prohibition-era atmosphere, has confused many first-timers. Some of Melbourne's best mixologists call this exquisite establishment home, and it's easy to see why. Reserve a night to enjoy a five-course meal paired with cocktails in their cosy library.

Named after Thor's powerful hammer, Mjlner Melbourne is a Viking-themed tavern where you may finally enjoy your mead from a horn. Several whiskies and cocktails with a Nordic twist are also available.

Cocktails like the "Blazing glögg" and "Eric the Red" are like drinking the blood of the gods. The meaty dishes are served in an underground setting decorated with elegant Norse artefacts. Skol!

Let Your Hair Down in Chinatown

Chinatown in Melbourne, Australia, is the longest continuously inhabited Chinese community in the Western Hemisphere, having been founded in the 1850s during the Victorian gold rush. This makes it the longest continuously operating Chinatown in the whole southern hemisphere.

It might be difficult to decide between the numerous excellent eateries, karaoke bars, and duty-free shops that line this lively neighbourhood. We suggest Shanghai Village for dumplings, Supper Inn for mains, and Secret Kitchen for sweets, all of which can be found on or around Little Bourke Street and its side streets.

Australia's oldest Chinatown is located along Little Bourke Street, so enter via the golden-roofed gates and follow the hanging lanterns.

Between Spring and Elizabeth streets, this famous area is filled with neon signs advertising speakeasies and tucked-away eateries serving dumplings, yum cha, karaoke, and Asian-inspired clothing.

You may watch Chinatown come to life during celebrations like Chinese New Year, the Moon Lantern Festival, and the Asian Food Festival, but you can visit any time of year and enjoy tasty food and interesting sights.

Ride Along the Yarra Trail

Feeling the need for an exciting new experience? Jump on your bike and go gallivanting about town.

A ride along the Yarra Trail is something you should consider doing if you're looking for a relatively simple journey. It's a pleasant 22-kilometer ride from Eltham to Fairfield along the Yarra's flow, and the track is well-maintained. The terrain is mostly level and there are several lush green passages to explore along the route.

The walk is paved as it gets closer to the city, and along the way you can't miss the Heide Museum of Modern Art and the colonial-era Fairfield Boathouse, where you can have some scones.

Throw Yourself in the Cells at the Old Melbourne Gaol

Remembering the dark days of the death penalty, this ancient structure stands as a reminder of those times.

A lot of people come to view Ned Kelly's death mask and armour, which are both somewhat macabre. But there's a lot more to explore in this interesting and spooky ancient building.

Visit the prison, participate in a mock arrest, and take a position in the Old Magistrate's Court dock.

The jail has been there since 1845, making it one of Melbourne's oldest structures. The Old Melbourne Gaol is a historic prison in Australia, and its eerie tales of the 133 inmates who were executed there are told on the hour-long excursions that depart daily.

Expand Your Mind at Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum is a spectacular, expansive place brimming with thematic exhibits, interactive spaces, Imax theatres, postmodern art, and many surprises, and it is a delight for both first-timers and regulars.

Newcomers may be overwhelmed by the sheer size of the museum's permanent galleries (there's even one dedicated to kids).

However, the finest treasures, such as Phar Lap's preserved corpse and a fascinating investigation of the history of mental health care in Australia, may be taken in over the course of several trips by people who aren't set on cramming it all into one sitting.

Go on a Road Trip on the Great Ocean Road

From Geelong, go south-west to reach the Great Ocean Road, marked by a fading wood arch. Sandwiched between deep coastal eucalypt woods and the ocean, the route is one of the most magnificent drives in Australia.

The journey begins technically just outside of Torquay, however the most breathtaking ocean views are seen between Airey's Inlet and Apollo Bay, where the road hugs the edge of the coastal cliffs.

Visits to beautiful beaches are a frequent part of the journey, and seeing a koala is a usual occurrence. Avoid the crowds by taking your trip in the off season; you won't miss anything by doing it in the winter.

Go Penguin Spotting at Phillip Island

Phillip Island, a seaside paradise known for its penguins and seals, is just 2.5 hours away from Melbourne. There are several places to swim, surf, and observe seals along the island's rocky coast, and there are actually more seals than people who reside on the island.

The Little Penguins of Phillip Island, however, are a close second in the adorableness department to the seals. Each night at dusk, the small penguins of Summerland Beach waddle ashore and march like little feathered soldiers to their sand bunkers.

The biggest Little Penguin population in the world may be found on Phillip Island.

Every night of the year, from our observation platforms and boardwalks, you can see the enchantment of these incredible seabirds as they waddle back to their burrows from the water.

Wine and Dine in the Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is home to more than eighty wineries, each of which showcases the region's unique terroir, the dedication of its winemakers, the excellence with which they execute time-honored techniques, and the rebellious spirit with which they seek to break new ground.

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Australia's best-kept secret, the Yarra Valley Shiraz, are just some of the award-winning wine varietals produced in the Yarra Valley.

Even better, the Yarra Valley is home to a wide range of varietal wines, with several newer labels gaining recognition and fans.

It is astonishing how soon the suburbs of Melbourne give way to the verdant hills of the Yarra Valley. It’s one of Victoria’s best culinary and wine destinations and little over an hour from the Melbourne CBD.

The region is saturated with vineyards providing tours, cellar doors and gourmet dining experiences: these are the 11 greatest wineries in the Yarra Valley.

Those in search of family-friendly activities need not worry. A trip to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery is sure to satisfy the sweet tooths of kids of all ages and keep them occupied.

Meet the Animals at Melbourne Zoo

There are picnic spaces and flower beds around the zoo. Gorillas, mandrills, pigmy hippos, and parrots populate the African rainforest; tigers and otters thrive in the Asian rainforest; and the Australian bush is home to koalas, kangaroos, emus, echidnas, and the critically endangered hairy nose wombat.

The Butterfly House, the Great Flight Aviary, and the Trail of the Elephants are all quite well attended. In early 2018, the carnivores path at the Melbourne Zoo finally opened after months of renovation.

The zoo's education programme is very well-liked and draws many school groups each year; it aims to inspire the next generation to work towards animal conservation.

Baby elephant Mali was born in the Melbourne Zoo on January 15th, 2010. This is Australia's second birth of an elephant calf; the first was in Sydney in July 2009. Female calf Mali is the first in Australia, and the first calf in the world, to be conceived with the use of artificial insemination.

Australia Zoos collector's edition stamps were produced by Australia Post in September 2012 to honour Melbourne Zoo's 150th year of operation. Hundreds of animals, both large and little, are cared for and entertained by the staff at Australia's oldest zoo.

Visit the Wild Sea exhibit to see seals and penguins swimming through clear water, then go to the expansive Orang-utan Sanctuary to see a family of highly clever orangutans romping through the trees. Also, don't miss out on the authentic South East Asian town and garden, Trail of the Elephants, where you can get up close and personal with the docile giants.

Get Tasting on an Aussie Brewery Tour

Locally crafted beers and ciders are all the rage these days, but how well do you understand how your favourite beverage is produced? Visit the breweries of the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Melbourne's inner city with a business that has earned high praise for its tours and will help you get the answers you need.

Your knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guides will introduce you to local brewers, explain the distinction between lagers and stouts, and take you behind the scenes of the whole brewing process.

Since late 2020, public and private tours have both been operating well. Refunds are offered to anyone who are unable to travel or attend after making a reservation. You may now reserve a spot on a public tour with only a $10 down payment, or if you're flexible, you can be on a waitlist and be alerted when new sessions become available.

The expiration date of all gift cards will be extended by at least 18 months, and new tour offerings will be introduced within that time frame. Aussie Brewery Tours is dedicated to bringing its clients to the finest brewers, distilleries, cideries, wineries, cuisine producers, artisans, and activity providers in Australia and beyond.

Take in the Sights and Shops of Lygon Street

Carlton's well-known strip has long served as Melbourne's Little Italy, and there are many reasons to like it. The annoying restaurant promoters have long since disappeared, and in their place are trendy watering holes like Heartattack and Vine and Milk the Cow, pizza joints like DOC and Tiamo, and the French delicatessen La Parisienne Pâtés, where you can stock up on delicious charcuterie and cheese for later. Cinema Nova, the mammoth Readings Bookstore, and the independent La Mama Theatre all draw crowds of culture vultures.

Lygon Street, in Carlton, is a few blocks long and runs between Queensberry Street and Elgin Street. It was the first settlement in Australia to get an espresso machine, and its residents are the descendants of Italians who arrived in the 1950s.

Moreover, it is widely acknowledged as the cradle of the "Aussie" pizza. Lygon Street Festa, one of Australia's major annual outdoor street festivals, is held there, and the neighbourhood has a strong European flavour.

You'll also find the La Mama Theatre and the Courthouse Theatre here, as well as the heritage-listed neon sign at Borsari's Intersection, named for the Italian cyclist Nino Borsari and located on the corner of Grattan Street. Australia's first pizza place, Toto's Pizza House, has called the southern end of Lygon Street home since it opened in 1961.

Rock Out at a Live Gig

With 553 live music venues in 2018 (that's one for every 9,500 Melburnians), Melbourne is the finest city in the world for live music. Cherry Bar has reopened in the space formerly occupied by Boney, and there are many more local hangouts to explore in the area.

One of the greatest places to dance is at the Toff in Town, while other excellent venues for live music include The Tote, The Gaso, and the Corner Hotel. Even the number of hip jazz clubs is rather robust here.

Explore the Historic Abbotsford Convent

After entering the grounds and gazing at the abbey's gothic spires, you will immediately be struck by a sense of history. In the late 1800s, the building served as a convent, as well as a commercial laundry, an orphanage, and an elderly care centre.

It's a wonderful site to visit now, and it's a centre for creative people, entrepreneurs, and educators. Visit the art galleries, take a stroll through the beautiful gardens, and end the day with a vegetarian feast at Lentil as Anything, a restaurant managed entirely by volunteers where you pay what you think the dish is worth.

Catch an Event at Federation Square

The geometric form of Melbourne's primary community centre is, may we say, polarising. Design considerations aside, there is usually something interesting happening there.

You may find practically everything to your liking at a weekend artisan market, an exhibition at NGV Australia, or a panel discussion. Don't let the massive construction site at the intersection of Flinders Street and St. Kilda Road deter you from attending events, as they will continue as scheduled despite the Metro Tunnel works.

Soak Away Your Troubles at Peninsula Hot Springs

Need some time to relax? Take a trip to the Mornington Peninsula and relax at the Peninsula Hot Springs. You have earned some R&R, so take advantage of the subterranean pool, massage, and daybed.

Head Underground in Campbell Arcade

Have you heard that there is a secret subway system underneath Melbourne? Okay, so it's not quite thriving like London's. Even so, many Melburnians have strolled inside the Flinders Station's Campbell Arcade, wondering what sort of surreal underworld they had entered.

A hybrid roadway and commercial district, this subterranean cavern was opened in 1956 and is now home to a plethora of businesses, including a unisex hair salon, a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop, jewellery and women's clothing boutiques, and a record store. The black granite columns, salmon pink tile walls, and Art Deco signage haven't changed much since the '50s, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of another era.

Go to MCG and Watch the footy

Melbourne is as Melbourne does when you're cheering for your team at the 'G while sipping a cold beer and eating a hot meat pie. Live sporting events, not just Australian football, are regularly held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (AFL). The stadium hosts a number of summertime cricket matches and the fascinating National Sports Museum is open all year.

Conclusion

The National Museum of African American History and Culture is offering a massive 90-year display of Disney animation. For as little as $49 per person, you can reserve a private igloo at The Winter Village. ACMI will host Disney: The Magic of Animation on May 13 and 15. Imaginaria, a stunning "future play experience," illuminates the District Docklands. Tickets for children are $17, seniors and students are $22.50, and adults pay $26.

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is a hub of activity for visitors of all ages. The National Gallery of Victoria, or NGV for short, is an art museum in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

From its southern terminus on Victoria Parade, Brunswick Street travels north through the Melbourne suburbs of Fitzroy and Fitzroy North. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia opened in 2002 to showcase the gallery's Australian art collection. The State Library of Victoria houses an enormous collection of books as well as other historical exhibits and galleries.

The Cowen Gallery displays stunning artworks portraying Victoria's past for guests to enjoy. Melbourne is known for its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. The Royal Exhibition Building was the first building in Australia to be named on the UNESCO Heritage List. Curtin House is a 6-story building that houses restaurants, stores, pubs, and offices. Melbourne has some of the best secret bars in the world.

There's a bar with a chemistry theme hidden down an alleyway (Croft Institute) Another hidden behind a refrigerator door (Jungle Boy) is another hidden above a Chinese restaurant on the roof (Goldilocks).

Chinatown is one of Melbourne's best places to eat and drink. The Yarra Trail is a 22-kilometer bike ride along the city's riverside footpaths. The Old Melbourne Gaol is a spooky reminder of the dark days of the death penalty. The Yarra Valley is home to more than eighty wineries, each of which showcases the region's unique terroir.

Phillip Island is a seaside paradise known for its penguins and seals. The biggest Little Penguin population in the world may be found on Phillip Island. Melbourne Zoo is home to hundreds of animals, both large and little.

Visit the Wild Sea exhibit to see seals and penguins swimming through clear water. Orang-utan Sanctuary has a family of highly clever orangutans romping through the trees.

Also, don't miss out on the authentic South East Asian town and garden, Trail of the Elephants. Melbourne's Little Italy has been revitalised by Aussiebrewerytours. You can now reserve a public tour with only a $10 down payment, or be on a waitlist for new sessions.

Lygon Street was the first settlement in Australia to get an espresso machine, and its residents are the descendants of Italians who arrived in the 1950s. One of the greatest places to dance is at the Toff in Town, and Federation Square is a great place to catch an event.

Don't let the construction work at Flinders Street stop you from attending events. Take a trip to the Mornington Peninsula and relax at Peninsula Hot Springs. You'll feel like you've gone back in time with Campbell Arcade's salmon-pink tiled walls. The MCG is a great place to see live sports year-round, not just Australian football.

Content Summary

• There's no need to be a tourist to enjoy Melbourne's must-do attractions.
• Melbourne's best may be seen all around the city, from St. Kilda's shores to the bookshelves of the State Library.
• Seeing the sites in our city is also a terrific way to make the most of a staycation if you're stuck at home this summer.
• You may find yourself asking, "What should I do?" while pondering your next vacation to Melbourne.
• There will be free days at the museum, free performances at the theatre, and free festival days.
• If you were in Melbourne during the winter of 2019-2020, you might recall this outdoor pop-up that was here before a certain you-know-what forced Melburnians indoors.
• On May 13 (that's a Monday), the Winter Village will reopen for another run through August 29 (that's a Monday, too).
• Once again, the Skyline Terrace at Federation Square has been transformed into a free, family-friendly winter paradise, complete with ice skating, food trucks, pop-up bars, and a stunning igloo village.
• The Winter Village is open to the public seven days a week, at no charge, for strolls.
• After years of rehabilitation, ACMI is ready to host major winter art events for the first time since 2010.
• The National Museum of African American History and Culture is also not holding back, offering an expansive 90-year display of Disney animation and an inside look at Walt Disney Animation Companies, one of the world's most prolific animation studios.
• This exhibition not only pays tribute to the numerous skilled filmmakers and writers who have worked with Disney over the years, but also to the company's many firsts in the fields of art and technology.
• Opening on May 13th at ACMI is Disney: The Magic of Animation.
• Many folks can't wait to The audience of the new production Because the Night at Malthouse Theatre is encouraged to freely move about the stage as the actors perform all around them.
• While Because the Night is unquestionably a theatrical production, its modern, unconventional perspective on the theatre genre is sure to attract new fans.
• Australian audiences will immediately recognise that Because the Night is a whole new kind of horror film.
• Ushers dress each patron in a black robe and a black rabbit mask a la Donnie Darko so that they can be easily distinguished from the performers onstage.
• If you've seen Punch Drunk's Sleep No More in New York or the 2019 season of A Midnight Visit in Melbourne, you'll understand what I'm talking about.
• Imaginaria
• As night falls on the District Docklands, Imaginaria, a breathtaking "future play experience," comes to life.
• For those unfamiliar with the city, Melbourne can be described as a gigantic, brilliant, surreal playground.
• The idea of Australian artist Nick Ennis was realised by a team of architects, musicians, fashion designers, light projectionists, audio/visual artists, sculptors, stuntmen, and circus performers.
• As said by Ennis: "We sought to design a game that would take you out of the virtual haze and into the here and now," the creators remarked.
• The last day to see Imaginaria at the District Docklands (located under the Melbourne Star) is currently May 23..
• By visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, you may escape the city's bustling CBD without actually leaving it.
• About 8,500 plant species call this urban oasis on the outskirts of town home.
• It's possible to find around 50,000 unique species of flora and fauna here.
• The Botanical Gardens are a hive of activity, with lots to do for guests of all ages, whether they are searching for a location to entertain young family members, a quiet place to unwind, or a cultural experience amidst wide landscape.
• Visit Guilfoyle's Volcano, a historical water reservoir that once held the entire garden's water supply, first.
• Attend a cultural event at the National Gallery of Victoria.
• There are two branches of the NGV: the NGV International in London and the NGV Australia in Melbourne.
• From the colonial era to the current day, the Ian Potter Centre on Fed Square celebrates the contributions of all Australians, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike.
• The NGV, short for the National Gallery of Victoria, is an art museum in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
• Having first opened its doors in 1861, it has subsequently become the most visited art museum in all of Australia.
• The NGV's significant art collection is housed in two locations: the NGV International on St. Kilda Road in the Melbourne Arts Precinct of Southbank, and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in nearby Federation Square.
• This building, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, now houses the gallery's collection of international art.
• The NGV Australia's Australian art collection is housed at the Ian Potter Centre, designed by Lab Architecture Studio, and which opened in 2002.
• Central Fitzroy is where all the weirdos and hipsters of Melbourne live.
• However, Brunswick is well-known for its plethora of vintage clothes stores.
• Because of its central position and extensive assortment of fresh produce, meat, dairy goods, and other necessities, the market is a popular destination for the neighborhood's residents.
• The famous St. Kilda Esplanade connects the neighborhood's two main streets, Fitzroy Street and Acland Street, and is widely regarded as one of Melbourne's most beautiful spots.
• In contrast to Fitzroy Street's wealth of shops, gyms, and high-end restaurants, Acland is a cake lover's utopia.
• Since 1934, the residents of Melbourne have benefited from the plethora of bakeries and confectioneries that line this route.
• Stop by the State Library for a while.
• Located in Victoria, Australia, the State Library of Victoria is a cultural landmark known for its extensive book collection and other historical displays.
• The La Trobe Reading Room is an architectural wonder, with its dome and six-story height.
• Explore the Queen's Gallery and the Royal Exhibition Hall.
• Built in 1879 for the first-ever International Exhibition in Melbourne, it later served as the site of the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia's inauguration on May 9, 1901, and is currently the first Australian building to be added to the World Heritage List.
• Learn about the millions of people who have contributed to this national treasure by exploring the largest artefact in Museum Victoria's collection.
• The Royal Exhibition Building at Carlton Gardens is among the world's oldest surviving exhibition halls (and was the first building in Australia to be named on the UNESCO Heritage List).
• This six-story laneway may be home to some of Melbourne's most forward-thinking companies.
• Many different types of stores, restaurants, and bars can be found in Melbourne. Some of the most well-known examples include the specialised bookstore Metropolis, the hair salon Human Salon, the bar/restaurants Cookie and Mesa Verde, the fashion experts at Dot Comme, the upscale bar and band room at the Toff in Town, and the crowning glory Rooftop Bar.
• You may have a full experience of Melbourne without ever leaving the hotel.
• Curtin House is a 6-story building in the heart of the Central Business District on Swanston St. that contains a variety of businesses.
• This six-story Art Nouveau building, originally built in 1922 and renamed after Labor Prime Minister John Curtin, can be seen from afar.
• Discover the best secret bars in Melbourne.
• Melbourne is home to some of the world's finest speakeasies.
• Many first-time visitors have been confused by the unmarked entrance to Eau de Vie, which has a prohibition-era vibe.
• Mjlner Melbourne is a Viking-themed pub where you may finally drink your mead out of a horn, as befits its namesake, Thor's mighty hammer.
• Chinatown is the place to unwind.
• Chinatown in Melbourne, Australia, was established in the 1850s during the Victorian gold rush and is the oldest continuously inhabited Chinese settlement in the Western Hemisphere.
• This makes it the southern hemisphere's longest continually operating Chinatown.
• If you're in the mood for a short, easy ride, the Yarra Trail is the way to go.
• The Old Melbourne Gaol is the place to be.
• This historic building commemorates the gloomy era of the execution penalty.
• Witness a simulated arrest and sit in the Old Magistrate's Court dock during a visit to the prison.
• The jail is one of the oldest buildings in Melbourne, having been constructed in 1845.
• There are daily tours of the Old Melbourne Gaol, a historic prison in Australia, where visitors can hear chilling accounts of the 133 prisoners who were executed there.
• Visit Melbourne Museum to broaden your horizons.
• The Melbourne Museum is a must-see for any museum goer, as it is both a stunning and expansive facility packed to the gills with thematic exhibits, interactive spaces, Imax theatres, postmodern art, and many surprises.
• The Great Ocean Road, denoted by a weathered wooden bridge, may be reached from Geelong by heading in a southwesterly direction.
• Visit Phillip Island and look for penguins.
• A trip to Phillip Island, a seaside paradise famous for its penguins and seals, can be made in under three hours from Melbourne.
• However, the Little Penguins of Phillip Island are a close second to the seals in cuteness.
• Phillip Island may be home to the largest colony of Little Penguins anywhere in the world.
• Take a trip to the Yarra Valley for some wine tasting and fine dining.
• More than eighty wineries call the Yarra Valley home, and they all demonstrate the region's distinctive terroir, the skill with which the winemakers execute traditional methods, and the insatiable desire to innovate.
• Yarra Valley is home to several different types of award-winning wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Australia's best-kept secret, the Yarra Valley Shiraz.
• Everyone in the family may find something to eat and do at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.
• Take a trip to the Melbourne Zoo and see some amazing creatures.
• Throughout the zoo, you'll find areas to picnic and flower gardens.
• Visitors flock in large numbers to the Butterfly House, the Great Flight Aviary, and the Trail of the Elephants.
• The zoo's education programme is highly well received and attracts many school groups every year; it strives to encourage the next generation to contribute towards animal protection.
• In 1989, a man of 35 years old perished after entering a lion's inclosure and being devoured by the animal.
• Newborn elephant Mali made her debut at the Melbourne Zoo on January 15th, 2010.
• The first Australian elephant calf was born in Sydney in July of 2009.
• Mali, a female calf, is the first calf in Australia and the first calf in the world created using artificial insemination.
• In September 2012, Australia Post released a collector's edition set of stamps celebrating the 150th anniversary of Melbourne Zoo.
• Australia's oldest zoo is home to hundreds of creatures, both big and small, that are cared for and entertained by the zoo's personnel.
• See seals and penguins swimming in the beautiful waters of the Wild Sea exhibit, and then head to the vast Orang-utan Sanctuary to watch a family of extremely intelligent orangutans playing in the treetops.
• Trail of the Elephants is a genuine South East Asian hamlet and park where you can interact with these gentle giants up close and personal.
• Go on a brewery tour and sample some local brews in Australia.
• The popularity of locally brewed beers and ciders begs the question: how well do you really know how your favourite drink is made?
• Public and private excursions have been thriving since the late 2020s.
• If you make a reservation but are unable to travel or attend, your payment will be refunded in full.
• A $10 deposit will hold your seat on any public tour, or you may join the waitlist and be notified as soon as new sessions become available.
• In addition to introducing new tour options, we will extend the expiration date of all gift cards by at least 18 months.
• Aussie Brewery Tours is an organisation that travels all around Australia and the world in search of the best breweries, distilleries, cideries, wineries, restaurants, artists, and service providers for its customers.
• Go window shopping on Lygon Street
• The famous strip in Carlton has been Melbourne's Little Italy for decades, and there are many great things about living there.
• Lygon Street in Carlton extends for a short distance between Queensberry and Elgin Streets.
• The descendants of Italians who landed in Australia in the 1950s live in the first township to have an espresso machine.
• In addition, it is well recognised as the birthplace of the "Aussie" pizza.
• The neighbourhood has a distinct European flavour and hosts Lygon Street Festa, one of Australia's largest annual outdoor street festivals.
• Toto's Pizza House, Australia's first pizzeria, has been in business since 1961 and is located at the southern end of Lygon Street.
• Let your hair down at a concert
• In 2018, Melbourne was the best city in the world to see a live concert, with 553 venues (or one for every 9,500 residents).
• Among the best places to dance in town is the Toff in Town, while the best locations to hear live music include the Tote, the Gaso, and the Corner Hotel.
• Learn more about Abbotsford's past at the convent.
• Stepping onto the grounds and taking in the abbey's Gothic spires quickly immerses visitors in the building's rich history.
• In addition to being a great place to visit, it is also a hub for artists, entrepreneurs, and teachers.
• After a day spent perusing the art galleries and strolling the gorgeous gardens, wind down with a vegetarian feast at Lentil as Anything, a restaurant run entirely by volunteers where you pay what you think the dish is worth.
• Visit Federation Square and take in a show.
• The principal community centre in Melbourne has a geometric shape that is, shall we say, divisive.
• A weekend craft market, an exhibit at NGV Australia, or a panel discussion may have something for everyone.
• Metro Tunnel construction at the corner of Flinders Street and St. Kilda Road should not discourage you from attending events.
• Visit Peninsula Hot Springs and relax.
• Visit the Peninsula Hot Springs on Mornington Peninsula.
• Obtain the Campbell Arcade subway station and go below.
• Many Melburnians have nonetheless wandered through the Campbell Arcade at Flinders Street Station, surprised by the strangeness of their surroundings.
• Seeing a game at the MCG while eating a hot meat pie and drinking a cold beer is about as Melbourne as it gets.
• Live sporting events, not just Australian football, are regularly held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (AFL).