Fun, Unique, And Weird Things To Do In Melbourne

You have reached the most liveable city on Earth! If you are looking for exceptional restaurants and other out-of-the-ordinary experiences in Melbourne, you have come to the right place.

Freakshakes

The mission of both this blog and my life is to bring you the best desserts in the world, so naturally, the best freakshakes in Melbourne have to be at the top of this list. If you keep reading, you'll learn all about the fantastic art, music, and history that make this city unique.

Although the freak shake didn't originate in Melbourne, it made its way here from the nation's capital as quickly as possible. I've drank countless shakes with increasingly creative toppings as I've dined my way through the city's eateries. When you order your buns at Sugar Buns, you can get them topped with an eyeball for the ultimate in excess.

Brunch

Breakfast, especially brunch, is my favourite meal of the day. Absolutely, you can get away with ordering dessert and calling it a meal, and you can even wash it down with alcoholic beverages. Since we're having brunch, that's totally fine.

Yarra Valley

Sad about this week? Instead of moaning, why not have a glass of wine and talk about it? The Yarra Valley is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's only an hour outside of the city, but it feels like a different planet. Obviously, if you're going to spend the weekend in Yarra Valley, you need to indulge in some of the region's finest cheese, chocolate, and wine.

Don't get behind the wheel after drinking. A glamping pod or belle tent is the perfect place to spend a romantic weekend (or a fun-filled weekend with your gal pals). You could also go on a guided tour and let an expert take care of all the details for you.

Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens are open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., and all visitors receive free admission. The 38 hectares of garden beds house more than 50,000 different plant species from around the world. Take a stroll through this urban oasis and enjoy the tranquil lakes and open grassy areas.

Free Garden Discovery Tours are provided daily at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm for those interested in learning more about the gardens. If you're interested in learning more about Aboriginal culture, I recommend signing up for a ticketed Heritage Walk. During the walk, an Indigenous guide will lead a smoking ceremony and teach you about the plants' traditional uses.

Get your bearings with a free tram tour

The world's best place to visit is the city with the highest quality of life. In the free tram zone, riders of the vintage #35 trams can listen to informative commentary about the city's sights and attractions. The free tram takes about 55 minutes to go around the City Circle, and you can hop off at any of the stops to continue your journey on foot.

City Circle Tram, Melbourne's free system, runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day of the week. Weekends through midweek, 10-9 Thursday-Saturday.

Pay your respects at the Shrine of Remembrance

This memorial was built in 1934 and is dedicated to the ANZACs in recognition of their service and sacrifice (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps). If you happen to be in Melbourne on ANZAC Day, I highly recommend making your way to the dawn service.

China Town

For some of the best food and desserts you'll ever have, head to Chinatown. From polar bears dipped in hot chocolate to corn ice cream drizzled over corn on the cob, the Dessert Kitchen is the place to go if you're looking for cute desserts.

Attending the parades and lion dances in China Town is a must if you happen to be in Melbourne during the Lunar New Year.

Catch a film at an outdoor cinema

A great way to find some truly unique experiences in Melbourne is to look up! Rooftops, Melbourne's Botanic Gardens, and the "G" are just a few of the unique movie-viewing venues available in this city.

Get the perfect Instagram shot at the Brighton Beach Boxes

Over a century ago, the Brighton Bathing Boxes were built to provide a private space for women to get ready for a day at the beach. These bathhouses are still in use today. These colourful structures, which are privately owned and lack running water and electricity, are now a popular tourist attraction. One of the boxes was purchased in 2018 for $337,000 AUD, despite the fact that they are usually passed down through families.

If the weather is nice, a lot of people, including Instagrammers, families, and selfie queens, will congregate in front of the boxes to take pictures. If you're ever in Melbourne, you should make time to stop by.

Fall in love with the little penguins of St. Kilda

If you wanted to see some cute little penguins, you could take a day trip to Phillip Island. Alternatively, you could always visit Saint Kilda. The little penguins of Saint Kilda return each night to their rock habitat after spending the day swimming and fishing.

Puffing Billy

The Puffing Billy steam train was introduced in 1990 to provide low-cost access to inaccessible areas. 1953 landslide blocked track. In response, a plan to permanently close the line and a farewell day were made. Train enthusiasts rallied to save the Puffing Billy after 30,000 people came to say goodbye. It still winds through Sherbrooke Forest in the Dandenong Mountains.

Explore Melbourne’s alleyways and arcades

Melbourne is well-known all over the world for its coffee, street art, and charming arcades and alleyways. Join either this tour, which includes lunch, or this tour, which includes a chocolate tasting and a souvenir bag, for one of the most one-of-a-kind experiences in Melbourne, which combines shopping, sightseeing, and history all into one!

Go for a drive down the Great Ocean Road

A trip along Victoria's Great Ocean Road is among the state's most breathtaking. Travel on your own or join a tour to make sure you get to see the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

Eat dinner on a tram

Melbourne's iconic trams are instantly recognisable worldwide. When I think back to how appealing it was to use the tram to get around when I first moved here, I try to block out images of strangers' smelly armpits gripping the tram handles in the heat of summer.

Nothing says "Melbourne" quite like a meal and a tram ride together. Enjoy a three-, four-, or five-course meal with Australian wines and beverages from the fully stocked bar while your driver shows you around the city. I hope these tram drivers are more directionally adept than the ones responsible for my morning commute! The restaurant depends on it!

The National Tourism Award-winning experience sells out quickly every time it's offered. If you want to make sure you don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience in Melbourne, make your reservation as far in advance as possible.

Hang out with koalas and kangaroos at Healesville Sanctuary

Seeing any of Australia's renowned wildlife while staying in the heart of the city is an almost impossible proposition. The Healesville Sanctuary is conveniently located less than an hour away and can be reached by public transportation.

Spend time with kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and dingoes. If you're really lucky, you might even spot a platypus.

Go hipster spotting in Brunswick

Melbourne's hipsters flock to Brunswick for the area's abundance of vintage shops, live music venues, and Victorian buildings. What they're doing now is likely to be on the cutting edge of cool in a few months, so you should check them out.

Ghost tour

Visit a haunted prison or go on a ghost tour to hear terrifying stories about some of your favourite places. Was it the erratic Melbourne weather, or was there a ghostly presence, if you suddenly felt a chill run up your spine?

SEA LIFE Aquarium

The ocean adventure at SEA LIFE Melbourne is sure to be a memorable and thrilling experience. From the crocodile- and shark-infested waters of Australia to the snowy landscapes of Antarctica, where the King and Gentoo penguins frolic, this book takes its readers on an adventure across the globe.

South Melbourne Market

The South Melbourne Market appears to be a veritable paradise for food lovers, with its many stands selling ice cream, fresh produce, and exotic cheeses. For $15 a month, you can take part in To Market To Market, a tour of the market that features tastings and provides you with a reusable market bag to take home any of the goods you purchase. Once a month, on the third Saturday, there will be a tour. If you want to meet the people behind the curtain, you should make your reservations as soon as possible.

But if you look closer, you'll see that the market caters to more than just gourmands. You can get your nails done, peruse some secondhand bookstores, and observe the latest trends in local fashion. You could easily spend the better part of a day here at the market. While doing so, you'll have plenty of chances to try new foods and drinks along the way.

On Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the South Melbourne Market is open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Fridays, the hours are extended to 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Start of summer party every Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 at the night market starting January 5 through February 23.

Queen Vic Market

Even though I bought the turkey and the recipe for my Friendsgiving dinner at Queen Vic Market, there is so much more to be found there than just food.

Whether you're looking for clothing, jewellery, or a memento, this shop has what you need to take a little bit of Melbourne home with you. The Queen Vic Market is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 am to 2 pm, on Fridays from 6 am to 3 pm, and on Sundays from 9 am to 4 pm.
Enjoy a variety of tasty samples at Melbourne's most popular market when you join the Queen Victoria Market and Carlton Foodie Walking Tour.

Watch an AFL game at the MCG

Australia as a whole loves rugby, but Melbourne is a footy town. Come cheer on the Western Bulldogs, one of my favourite teams, who made it to the AFL Finals in 2016 thanks to a stunning comeback. There's no way you'll be able to watch any of the local games, is there? The Melbourne Cricket Ground can be explored on one of several available tours (MCG).

Visit Melbourne’s pink lake

Western Australia takes full credit for the existence of Pepto-Bismol blue lakes. The salt lake in Melbourne's Westgate Park goes from blue to bright pink under the right conditions (warm temperatures, low rainfall, and sunlight). Westgate Park in Melbourne, Australia, has a lake that changes colour from blue to bright pink under the right conditions; I've seen a pink lake on Rottnest Island, which was pretty cool.

Shop at Chadstone

The largest shopping centre in Australia has shops for people with all sorts of tastes. You have more willpower than I do if you can walk out of here without picking up anything. When compared to other shopping centres, Chadstone stands out because of its unique and exciting food offerings. However, Chadstone is not typical of shopping centres.

While sitting in a delicate chair with a bow in the back, you can enjoy one of the best deals on high tea in all of Melbourne at Le Mille Creperie. To witness the preparation of real Thai ice cream, head to Scroll'd. The cookies and cream flavour is my favourite. My favourite donuts in Melbourne are found at Dashing Donuts, and they are made with real artisan Italian dough.

Luna Park

Opened in 1912, Luna Park has kept the charm of yesteryear while also catering to the needs of thrill-seekers today. The Carousel, built in 1913 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, is featured on the Victorian and National Heritage Registers; to access it, simply enter through Mr. Moon's enormous mouth.

The Great Scenic Railway is the oldest roller coaster in the world and is also still running today. It rolled all the way through World War I, making it one of my favourite offbeat experiences in Melbourne.

Visit the State Library

The first library in Australia was founded in 1835 in Melbourne's central business district. Warm up your mind with a game of giant chess before hitting the books. Join a guided tour, attend a special talk, or explore the area on your own. Make your way up the stairs to the jubilee-built Domed Reading Room. The dome is 114 feet in diameter and 114 feet in height, making it a formidable structure from any angle.

Throw some i-darts

If you have terrible darts aim, I-Darts might be the perfect game for you to play. The electronic dartboard keeps score automatically as players throw plastic darts at it. Keep in mind that hitting the board next to you will not increase your score and may irritate the other players. However, this is only relevant if you failed to notice your own board.

The i-darts pub is a great place to play darts or beer pong. In addition, it has a good sense of humour. I've learned a lot about beer pong thanks to my time spent in a sorority. I-darts darts's aren't like the ones we played in frat houses' garages, but they're probably a lot safer and more hygienic. When a ping-pong ball is successfully placed in one of the cups, an electronic board will flash lights to indicate a point. When this happens, the team that finished in last place receives a shot of beer from the game's attendant.

Dialogue in the Dark

Have you ever considered what life would be like if you were blind? Thanks to Dialogue in the Dark, developed in collaboration with Guide Dogs of Australia, you'll have a whole new appreciation for the difficulties faced by people with visual impairments. You will be immersed in a sensory journey that will teach you about the challenges of navigating Melbourne after dark.

Using a white cane and the guidance of an experienced guide who is blind or has low vision, you will practise navigating a mock city. This event looks to be one of the most unique possibilities available in Melbourne. Don't expect to see anything, but do expect to learn a lot!

Picnic at Hanging Rock

If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary to do in Melbourne, or if you just like macabre things, a picnic at Hanging Rock is for you. A fictitious group of female high school students did not fare well. During a Valentine's Day field trip in the 1967 novel by Joan Lindsay, several teenage girls vanish. There have been a few reappearances under mysterious circumstances, but others have yet to be found. There's now a creepy visitor centre there, detailing the area's history and adding to the atmosphere of mystery.

Explore Melbourne’s best street art

Do you hope to become well-known on Instagram? You can take your next profile picture in the vibrant laneways of Melbourne, which are also the perfect backdrop for your exploration of the city's best street art.

Local artists and well-known names like Bansky have left their mark on the city's streets. Visit again and again for something fresh and exciting each time!

Party with the bands at Cherry Bar

ACDC Laneway is home to some of the most impressive street art in all of Melbourne. The Australian rock band inspired the naming of the alley. This is notable, though, for a second reason. After their performances at arenas, many of the headlining acts will head to Cherry Bar for an after-show drink. Bill Walsh, formerly of the band Cosmic Psychos, established the legendary rock club Cherry Bar.

It's always possible to bump into a famous face at Cherry Bar. Axl Rose and The Black Keys may have performed at this 200-person capacity dive bar, and Jack Black may have spent the night there.

Go out on Chapel Street

Chapel Street has a well-deserved reputation for its late-night partying and fantastic cuisine. My favourite meal is a Mr. Miyagi's sushi taco with a Hello Kitty Sour, which is my favourite drink. You should get there early to avoid waiting in line.

Check out an exhibit at ACMI

Arts are just one of the many things celebrated at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image; the venue also features film, television, video games, and other forms of digital culture. The majority of the exhibits are free and open to the public daily from 10 am to 5 pm; however, the more recent Wonderland exhibit does require tickets.

Go take a bike!

The Melbourne Bike Share service offers fifty bike racks so that people who don't want to take public transportation can use their bikes to get around the city. Budget as little as $3 per day or $8 per week to rent a bike (which covers unlimited 30-minute trips). Wear a protective headgear at all times!

Rub elbows with the tennis pros at the Australian Open

Professional tennis players from all over the world square off each January at the Australian Open. Coopers Saturday attracts a diverse crowd, but is especially popular among those who like to party hard and dabble in tennis.

Night Noodle Market

Take advantage of the pleasant November weather by visiting the Birrarung Marr night noodle markets. In preparation for this hawker market, chefs from across the country work together to develop exciting new Asian-themed cuisines. We've seen matcha ice cream, floating noodles, and unicorn buns sold at markets before.

Visit the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Melbourne locals may be known for their penchant for all-black attire, but they are also quick with a joke and enjoy a good belly laugh. From the final days of March into the entire month of April, Melbourne hosts a gathering of comedians from all over the world who have come to perform. To save money on tickets, arrive early and don't be afraid to check out some lesser-known acts.

Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Melbourne

Australia's second-largest metropolis, commonly referred to as the world's second-largest metropolitan area, consistently ranks among the world's most liveable cities. Thanks to the Gold Rush of the 1850s, the city was able to construct its maze of hidden alleyways, tree-lined promenades, and grand Victorian buildings, giving it a distinctly European vibe.

And the culinary arts will be well-represented as well. Famous Australian chefs display their talents, and diners can enjoy everything from Spanish and Vietnamese cuisine to Greek, Italian, and Indian.

Still, the most notable impact that sports have had on Melbourne's fame is undoubtedly in the area of tourism. Every Australian stops what they're doing on the first Tuesday of November for the world-famous Melbourne Cup horse race, and Australian Rules football is treated with a reverence that borders on the religious.

Experience the magic of Melbourne by taking in a match at the MCG, browsing the city's many museums, cafes, and boutiques, cruising the Yarra, strolling the stunning botanic gardens, or riding the nostalgic heritage trams. Beyond all of these thrilling activities, there are also worthwhile day trip adventures within a day's drive of the city.

Federation Square

Melbourne residents were divided when the controversial Federation Square was unveiled in 2002 to mark Australia's centennial of federation. Others despised it while some held strong sentiments of love for it. Either way, it's a great place for visitors to the city to start their explorations.

The building's ultra-modern design stands in stark contrast to the Victorian architecture that dominates the neighbourhood, which is directly across the street from Flinders Street Station, a major hub of public transportation. Over 2,000 events take place annually at the various indoor and outdoor venues, ensuring that there is always something fun to do.

The square also houses the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV Australia) and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. When it comes to displaying Australian art, both of these venues are second to none (ACMI). Fed Square is one of the largest free Wi-Fi sites in all of Australia and is commonly referred to by that name.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Among the best of their kind anywhere in the world, the Royal Botanic Gardens are a must-see. They can be found about two kilometres from the Central Business District, in the middle of a parkland area that parallels the Yarra River to the south. The gardens, which span the metropolitan areas of Melbourne and Cranbourne, were first established in 1846.

More than 8,500 plant species, including numerous endangered ones, are housed in the Melbourne Gardens, which cover an area of 38 hectares. People from all walks of life are welcome to enjoy the gardens.

Both the Aboriginal Heritage Walk and the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden aim to inspire the next generation of gardeners and explore the rich history of Australia's first peoples.

Going to the gardens is one of the best and most enjoyable free things to do in Melbourne. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy live theatre and a moonlight movie screening in the gardens. People often come here to enjoy the weather and have a picnic by the lake or a traditional high tea at The Terrace cafe.

Melbourne Cricket Ground and the National Sports Museum

It's not surprising that Melbourne's top tourist attraction is a sports stadium, given the city's status as Australia's unofficial sporting capital. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a multi-purpose stadium in Melbourne, Australia that has been in use since 1853 and can hold up to 100,000 spectators.

The "G" has a special place in Melbourne folklore as the primary site of the 1956 and 2006 Olympic and Commonwealth Games, as well as the birthplace of Test Cricket and the spiritual home of Australian Rules Football.

Daily tours last for three hours and fifty-five minutes and take visitors on a journey through time to revisit great moments in the history of sports at the National Sports Museum, the Australian Gallery of Sport, and the Olympic Museum. You can also catch a football or cricket game depending on the season.

The Australian Open tennis tournament takes place annually in January in Melbourne Park, which is directly across the street from the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). For those interested in tennis, the venue also offers tennis courts for rent and hosts a number of concerts each year.

Southbank and Arts Centre Melbourne

Just a short stroll from Flinders Street Station, this area is teeming with cultural attractions. The Yarra River provides the backdrop for this location. The Southbank promenade is lined with dining establishments, cafes with outdoor seating, and nightlife hotspots. There is a great arts and crafts market every Sunday, and there are also many festivals held in the area throughout the year.

The Arts Centre, which is distinguished by its distinctive spire, houses several theatres and venues, including the State Theatre, Playhouse, Fairfax Theatre, and Hamer Hall, the principal concert hall for the world-renowned Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

National Gallery of Victoria

With over 70,000 works of art in its collection, the National Gallery of Victoria is Australia's oldest public art gallery and is spread across two buildings in Melbourne. The St. Kilda Road facility, which opened in 1968 and underwent extensive renovations in 2003, houses the institution's international collection.

In the Great Hall, the most well-known area, visitors are encouraged to stretch out on the carpet and gaze up at the colourful stained glass ceiling. Ian Potter Gallery in Federation Square is displaying a massive collection of Australian artefacts. The gallery displays a wide range of Australian art, from ancient Aboriginal art to modern mixed-media works by the Heidelberg School. Highlighting the exhibition is Frederick McCubbin's "The Pioneer," a large triptych.