The city of Melbourne is a trendy and vibrant metropolis, boasting an exciting city centre, inner-city districts that are full of distinct character, and lush green parks and mountain ranges where you can enjoy the most of what Australian nature has to offer at its finest.
The city is well-known for having a large number of alleyways, for having a diverse cultural landscape, for providing fantastic food options that are accessible to people of all financial means, and for having beautiful street art.
It is also well-known for being the coffee centre of the world, and it is consistently recognised as the city that is the most liveable in the whole wide globe!
Let's have a look at some of the most popular attractions and activities in Melbourne:
Have a gravity-defying drink up at Rooftop Bar
The Rooftop Bar is a bar that is located on top of a building.
In a city where the weather can be so unpredictable, we definitely do enjoy us some rooftop bar action. They are almost everywhere in our city, but the Rooftop Bar is by far the most well-known.
As soon as you have made it to the top of the seemingly never-ending flight of stairs leading up to Curtin House (during which you will have passed Cookie and the Toff in Town), take a moment to catch your breath, quench your thirst, and take in the view from above as you take in the essence of Melbourne. Relax on the synthetic grass or cuddle together in front of the warming fireplace as you take in the breathtaking panorama.
While you're there, you really must spend some time becoming acquainted with the vertical alley that is Curtin House. This six-story building is home to some of the most intriguing businesses in all of Melbourne, including hairdressers, cafés, booksellers, and high fashion boutiques and designers.
Enjoy your brews and burgers while taking in an unrivalled panorama.
A great number of Melburnians have deliberated about whether it would be more advantageous to wait for the glacially slow elevator in the Curtin House or to climb the seven flights of stairs leading up to Rooftop Bar. In most cases, the latter option is selected, and you end up walking past Cookie, the Toff in Town, and any other unique design store that may have sprung up since your last trip there.
After you have completed the hike, you should treat yourself with a glass of mulled wine, a carafe of sangria with a reddish colour, or a pint of beer, depending on the temperature outside.
Even in the dead of winter, when you're crowded over heaters, Rooftop manages to exude the laid-back atmosphere of a backyard BBQ thanks to its wide areas of AstroTurf, garden chairs, and strong plastic glasses. During the warmer months, you should be aware that it is possible that you will be asked to leave once the movie has begun.
The ascent up the stairs may have been difficult at first, but it won't seem quite as daunting once you've had a few drinks and a burger.
See the lion dance in Chinatown during Chinese New Year
Celebrations of the Chinese New Year are held in Melbourne every year beginning in February. These celebrations frequently include traditional lion dances, food, fireworks, street performers, and firecrackers. Little Bourke Street, also known as Chinatown, serves as the venue for many of these events.
Both the Chinese New Year and the Lunar New Year are times when many people gather together with their friends and family to exchange greetings of good fortune and hopes for a prosperous new year. Everyone is welcome to participate in the celebrations that are taking place around the city of Melbourne in honour of Melbourne's Asian community.
Not to be missed: Combining your stay in Melbourne with a trip to some of the city's top yum cha restaurants. You won't regret it.
Chinatown's Top-Secret Restaurant
At the intersection of Little Bourke Street and Exhibition Street is a restaurant known as Secret Kitchen. This restaurant is distinguished by the curving fish tank that sits in front of its building.
Don't be concerned; the establishment is not lacking in the yum cha category in any way. Secret Kitchen is a two-story Cantonese restaurant that is a part of the China Bar family of establishments. If you are in the mood for a hearty meal, this is the place to go because it is owned by China Bar. It is imperative that you make a reservation in advance in order to enjoy yum cha on the weekends; otherwise, you risk being refused service given that this establishment is the top choice for Chinese Melburnians.
Yum Cha with Gold Leaves
Because it is a member of the Gold Leaf group, the Docklands location is a paradise for dim sum enthusiasts who seek speedy service and want their dishes served at the ideal temperature. You'll find all of your regular meals here, such as har gow, sui mai, chicken feet, and tendon, but pay extra attention when the barrel of fresh, silky tofu rolls through. This is where you'll get some of the greatest tofu fa in Melbourne, which is fresh, warm tofu topped with a ginger soup.
Golden Dragon Palace
If you want to see Golden Dragon Palace, you will have to take a bus to Templestowe first; however, the bus stop is conveniently located directly in front of the hotel. GDP is one of the more beautiful Cantonese restaurants in the area, as seen by the presence of carved dragons, a piano, and man-sized urns all around the tables that are immaculately draped in linen.
On the weekends, reservations are required for tables, and seatings are completed in only fifty minutes. The siu mai is served with an XO sauce, and the sweet suckling pig has a skin that is crisp and flesh that melts in your mouth. GDP is the place to go if you're looking to try something new, since the restaurant's yum cha menu features more than simply har gow and cheung fun among its more than one hundred distinct dishes.
A Jadeite Crystal
This lively Cantonese restaurant on the first floor is full for both lunch and evening services due to the popularity of its dishes that emphasise seafood.
Daily yum cha is served, and in addition to more traditional dishes, wu gok (fried taro dumplings) may be filled with a creamy chicken filling rather than the usual pork gravy, and golden lava buns (steamed buns filled with a sweet-savory runny salted egg yolk custard) may arrive steamed in buns with an orange tint. Both of these dishes are served in addition to more traditional fare.
If you don't make a reservation on the weekends, you may end up being herded like cattle amid the parked strollers at the top of the steps as you wait for your turn.
David's
The Shanghainese yum cha at David Zhou's traditional Chinese restaurant features heaping platefuls of pork buns, dumplings, spring rolls, pork and prawn siu mai, and vegetarian fried rice. You can wash all of that deliciousness down with something from their large wine menu or a frosty Tsingtao. The sweet delicacies come in the shape of banana fritters or white chocolate dumplings.
Yum cha is offered each and every day that the location is operational; nevertheless, you should be there as early as possible in order to secure the most in-demand dishes.
Inn of the Shark's Fin
Since the 1980s, residents and visitors of Melbourne's city centre have been able to enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine at the "original" Shark Fin restaurant. On weekdays, reservations are not necessary to partake in the restaurant's daily yum cha service; however, on weekends, customers wait in lines that stretch out into Little Bourke Street to be escorted to the tables they have reserved.
The har gow are deliciously sweet and bitey, but the true winner is the ngau yuk cheung fun (steamed beef rice noodles), which are so silky that you can't resist slurping the sweet soy-soaked sheets. The ngau yuk cheung fun are served in the restaurant's signature red bowls.
Tim Ho Wan
There aren't many things in life that are worth waiting for, but the BBQ pork buns at Tim Ho Wan are definitely one of them. Instead of being steamed, these sweet and savoury buns with a crust made of lard and sugar are baked, and the featherweight dough that is filled with a jammy barbeque pig centre makes good sense with the coating of sweetness.
Traditional dumplings have the form of arrestingly transparent casings that conceal an abundance of shrimp flesh and garlicky spinach. These casings also include some shrimp meat that is discreetly concealed. Thankfully, there are no longer any lineups at THW, but they have maintained their ordering procedure based on one-sheet minimums. We are sorry, but this dim sum eatery does not offer a trolley service, so we cannot accommodate your impromptu dining needs.
Buxton Contemporary
In 2018, the Victorian College of the Arts, which is part of the University of Melbourne, welcomed the opening of the Buxton Contemporary gallery. The museum, which was designed by the well-known architectural firm Fender Katsalidis, can be found in the middle of the Melbourne arts precinct. There, it serves as a creative forum through which the University engages local, national, and international audiences with the finest examples of contemporary art from Australia and other countries.
The art collector Michael Buxton made a significant donation to the University, which resulted in the creation of the Buxton Contemporary gallery. Michael Buxton established the Michael Buxton Collection in 1995 with the intention of amassing a collection of modern Australian art that would be worthy of display in a museum.
Michael and Janet Buxton made what is widely considered to be one of the most significant acts of cultural philanthropy in the annals of Australian history in 2014 when they gave the Collection to the University of Melbourne as well as funds to build a new museum in which to house it and partially endow it. The Michael Buxton Collection serves as the basis for and a source of inspiration for a variety of activities at Buxton Contemporary, including exhibits, performances, research, classes, and publications.
The Buxton Contemporary does not charge any admission fees.
Accessibility:
- People who have access needs are actively welcomed here.
- Suitable for visitors who have difficulties with learning, communicating, comprehending, or behaving appropriately
- Suitable for visitors who suffer from a visual impairment. Attained through making accommodations for guests who have either a partial visual impairment or a complete loss of vision in both eyes
- Suitable for visitors who have adequate mobility to ascend two or three stairs, but the space might benefit from fixtures and fittings that help balance.
- Appropriate for usage by visitors who must remain seated at all times while utilising a wheelchair.
- People who have access needs are actively welcomed here.
- Suitable for visitors who have difficulties with learning, communicating, comprehending, or behaving appropriately
- Suitable for those who may have some form of visual impairment. Attained through making accommodations for guests who have either a partial visual impairment or a complete loss of vision in both eyes
Suitable for visitors who have adequate mobility to ascend two or three stairs, but the space might benefit from fixtures and fittings that help balance. - Appropriate for usage by visitors who must remain seated at all times while utilising a wheelchair.
Have a fancy high tea at the Windsor
A purely conventional afternoon tea is served at the Windsor, and it comes replete with ribbon sandwiches, fresh scones, and an ever-changing selection of pastries.It is widely considered to be one of Melbourne's finest high teas (and partly because of the dark and light chocolate fountains that roll out on weekends).
Do not pass up the opportunity to sample the Grey De Luxe tea, which has been popular among members of high society ever since it was made famous by Earl Grey himself in the 1880s.
The Hotel Windsor is unrivalled in its ability to provide timelessly elegant and tastefully luxurious accommodations.
This big lady is indeed something to behold, as she exudes the glitz and elegance of a bygone age and exudes the old-world allure in spades. Since it first opened its doors in 1883, the hotel has had a wide variety of distinguished visitors, including Lauren Bacall, Katharine Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, Gregory Peck, Anthony Hopkins, Malcolm Fraser, Gough Whitlam, Robert Menzies, and Metallica, to name a few.
Rather than the sterile and garish flashiness of other "luxury hotels," the decor here is subtle and polished, with beautiful furnishings, soaring ceilings, and charming leadlight accents. This is in contrast to the décor of some "luxury hotels." The staff is kind and helpful, and they are more than glad to assist with everything from recommending neighbouring bars to providing lost toothbrushes.
The rooms themselves are very sophisticated, including marble baths, plush bedding, and fluffy towels. The Victorian Suite is a vast and exquisite space that spans 122 square metres and features a separate parlour, dining room, and second bedroom. If you want to splurge, you may stay in this suite. The suite gives the impression of a 19th-century upper-class pied-a-terre because of the enormous windows that are located on both sides of the room.
Your stay will be exceptionally pleasant because to contemporary facilities like as two LCD televisions, great water pressure, and high-end bath products; nonetheless, these features won't detract from the authentic feel of the 19th century.
The Windsor Hotel is at an ideal location on Spring Street, making it convenient for those who wish to see the State Parliament, the Melbourne Museum, the Old Treasury Building, or any of the three theatres known as the Princess, Comedy, or Her Majesty's.
Koorie Heritage Trust
We provide a variety of genuine Victorian Aboriginal experiences, such as the Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) walk, one of the largest collections of Koorie art and artefacts on permanent display, an annual exhibition programme showcasing local Aboriginal artists, and the opportunity to purchase handcrafted locally made gifts. These are just a few of the many things that we have to offer.
They want to expose you to an authentic experience of Aboriginal art and culture from the First Peoples of south-east Australia by showcasing this dynamic living culture in new ways. Their goal is to provide you with an authentic experience of Aboriginal art and culture from the First Peoples of south-east Australia. Please stop by and see us today.
The Koorie Heritage Trust is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week, with the exception of any public holidays that are observed in the state of Victoria and nationally.
The Koorie Heritage Trust was established in 1985 and is both owned and administered by Aboriginal people.
The Koorie Heritage Trust does not charge any fees for visitors.
Accessibility:
- People who have access needs are welcomed with open arms.
- Appropriate for those who struggle with issues related to learning, communication, comprehension, and conduct
- Appropriate for those who may have some form of visual impairment. Attained by making accommodations for guests who have a loss of all usable eyesight or a partial impairment of their vision.
- Appropriate for visitors who have some degree of hearing loss, ranging from moderate to severe to profound deafness
- Suitable for visitors who have adequate mobility to climb two or three stairs, but would benefit from fixtures and fittings to improve balance. Suitable for guests who have sufficient mobility to climb two or three steps.
- People who have access needs are welcomed with open arms.
- Appropriate for visitors who may have difficulties with learning, communicating, comprehending, or behaving
- Appropriate for those who may have some form of visual impairment. Attained by making accommodations for guests who have a loss of all usable eyesight or a partial impairment of their vision.
- Appropriate for visitors who have some degree of hearing loss, ranging from moderate to severe to profound deafness
- Suitable for visitors who have adequate mobility to climb two or three stairs, but would benefit from fixtures and fittings to improve balance. Suitable for guests who have sufficient mobility to climb two or three steps.
See a show at Arts House
When you don't have the money to see a performance on the mainstage, you may save your money and go to Arts House, which is considered to be one of the greatest tiny theatres in all of Melbourne.
If you visit a more intimate theatre, you will almost certainly be rewarded with cutting-edge, locally produced theatre for at least fifty percent less money. Arts House is dedicated to contemporary performance in all of its guises, and as such, it produces an original programme of works all year long that includes works by both domestic and foreign artists in the fields of theatre, dance, live art, digital art, and visual art.
Don't miss out on the fact that Arts House also hosts yearly festivals like the Festival of Live Art (FOLA) and Dance Massive, in addition to offering the creative community a variety of artistic development programmes.
The North Melbourne Town Hall and the Meat Market both provide host to different performances as part of Arts House's schedule (5 Blackwood St, North Melbourne). Arts House is dedicated to contemporary performance in all of its guises, and as such, it produces an original programme of works all year long that includes works by both domestic and foreign artists in the fields of theatre, dance, live art, digital art, and visual art.
In addition, Arts House hosts yearly festivals such as Festival of Live Art (FOLA), Dance Massive, and Going Nowhere, and it offers various artistic development initiatives to the creative community.
Heide Museum of Modern Art
Beginning on the 30th of June, Heide will be open on a Tuesday through Sunday schedule, from 10 am to 5 pm. Before your visit, you will need to go online and purchase a timed admission ticket.
The Heide Museum of Modern Art, sometimes fondly referred to as "Heide," had its beginnings in 1934 as the Melbourne house of John and Sunday Reed. Since then, it has developed into one of the most distinctive locations in Australia for modern and contemporary Australian art.
Heide is about twenty minutes outside of the city centre, and it features fifteen acres of stunning gardens, three exhibition spaces, two historic kitchen gardens, a sculpture park, and the Heide Store. All of these amenities may be found at the Heide.
Coffee, breakfast, and a delectable lunch buffet are all offered at Café Heide, which can be found in the sculpture plaza just across from the main entrance to the museum. The cuisine has an emphasis on seasonal vegetables grown in the kitchen garden.
You may find out more about the museum's unique history as well as information on the many exhibitions and events by visiting the website.
Accessibility:
- People who have access needs are actively welcomed here.
- Suitable for visitors who suffer from a visual impairment. Attained through making accommodations for guests who have either a partial visual impairment or a complete loss of vision in both eyes
- Appropriate for visitors with a hearing impairment, ranging from a moderate loss of hearing to complete deafness
- Appropriate for usage by visitors who must remain seated at all times while utilising a wheelchair.
FAQs About Cool Things To Do in Melbourne
- iFLY Melbourne - Indoor Skydiving. iFLY is where the dream of flight becomes a reality. ...
- Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.
- Old Melbourne Gaol.
- Collingwood Children's Farm.
- Shrine of Remembrance.
- URBNSURF Melbourne.
- Eureka Skydeck 88.
- Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Catani Gardens.
- Flagstaff Gardens.
- Carlton Gardens.
- Docklands Park.
- Fitzroy Gardens.
- Kings Domain.
- Queen Victoria Gardens.
- Treasury Gardens.
- Relax At A Hot Springs Spa.
- Watch An AFL Game.
- Shop At The Winter Night Market.
- Watch Fireworks At The Docklands.
- Try Skiing & Snowboarding.
- Chill At Pubs With Fireplaces.
- View The Masterpieces At NGV.
- Enjoy Ice Skating'
- National Sports Museum. The National Sports Museum is found at the home of Victorian sport, the MCG.
- Ride a Tram.
- Melbourne Museum.
- Melbourne Aquarium.
- National Gallery of Victoria.
- Scienceworks Museum.
- State Library of Victoria.
- Nicholas Building.
No trip to Melbourne would be complete without a walk through the CBD. Check out the beautiful old arcades (Cathedral Arcade, Royal Arcade, and the Block Arcade are all worth exploring) and winding alleyways, which are filled with shops, cafes and street art.