What to Do and Visit in Melbourne

Urban and exciting, Melbourne is home to charming residential areas and beautiful parks and mountains where you can experience the best of Australian nature.

The city is well-known for its extensive network of alleyways, the variety of its cultural offerings, the high quality of its dining options accessible to people with varying financial means, and its incredible street art. In addition, it is renowned as the world's coffee capital and is consistently ranked as the city that is the most liveable in the world.

Let's check out some of Melbourne's most popular attractions and activities.

Melbourne Zoo

The Melbourne Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world and a fascinating place to visit. Additionally, it is the oldest zoo in all of Australia. It is very simple to lose track of several hours there simply by meandering from one section to another of the precincts. When you get there, pick up an outline of the zoo so you can plan your route before you go. There are scheduled feeding times in addition to other things to do.

At the Melbourne Zoo, visitors can get an up-close look at 320 different species while also having a memorable experience that will keep them entertained for several hours. The Butterfly House is a must-see attraction because it is a tropical inclosure teeming with butterflies that surround you and even potentially land on you. There's been a shift towards providing free weekend activities for children.

City Circle Tram / Free City Trams

The City Circle Tram is a fantastic and free service that offers a one-of-a-kind way to see the city as well as get around in it. It is a popular destination in the Central Business District. To begin, these trams are cultural in and of themselves and have a certain allure to them. They make their way around the Central Business District and take in some breathtaking vistas of Melbourne. You can travel a couple of stops, board, and or board once again at a later time if you like.

Several of Melbourne's most popular tourist destinations, such as the Immigration Museum, the Federation Square, Parliament House, Melbourne Aquarium, the Old Melbourne Jail, and Marvel Stadium, are all accessible via the City Circle Tram.

Rod Laver Arena

Undoubtedly, one of the most impressive complexes in all of Australia! Not only well-known for concerts and other significant events, but also for sporting competitions such as the Australian Open. Make plans to attend a function or take a tour at this location! Take a look around the inside of the arena, and the players change room, the tournament control room, the Media Theatrette, the Davis Cup room, and the super box.

During the month of January, the Australian Open Tennis Tournament brings the Rod Laver Arena to its full potential. Tickets to the event are in high demand because it is one of the most anticipated on the calendar of international sporting events.

Phillip Island

Phillip Island is widely regarded as an all-time favourite. The island is famous for its one-of-a-kind Penguin Parade Visitor Centre and hosts annual racing with the Moto GP. There is a lot more to see and do on the island. There are a number of wonderful places for vacationers to go, such as Nobby's, which is located along some breathtaking coastline. In addition to that, you can watch the world-famous Penguin Parade. There are some wonderful tucked-away beaches waiting to be found. You can indulge in some of the best dinings and shopping in the world in Cowes.

MCG

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is widely recognised as one of the best sporting venues in the world. Attend a match of the Australian Football League, a local competition known for its intense competition and massive crowds. Or perhaps there will be a cricket demonstration! Visit this wonderful museum if you get the chance. Because of its proximity to the central business district, the MCG is frequently referred to as the "people's stadium." It is highly recommended that you take the MCG Tour.

Eureka Skydeck 88 

It's hard not to be impressed by this location. On a clear day, the view from the 88th floor, which encompasses 360 degrees, is absolutely breathtaking. See how well you know your way around the city and its many famous landmarks!

The views from Eureka Skydeck 88 are unparalleled, whether you visit during the day or the evening. During the daytime hours, you will have a clear view that extends all the way to the Dandenong Ranges.

There is also an attraction called "The Edge," which is an experience in which guests are suspended in a glass enclosure 300 metres above the ground while being 3 metres away from the building.

There is also the option of going out onto "The Terrace," where you will be exposed to the weather.

On the floor of the Skydeck, there are thirty viewfinders that allow guests to point out specific landmarks. See how you go! There are heights that are suitable for children, complete with viewfinders to provide assistance.

Both children and adults can gain a valuable understanding of Melbourne from this experience.

Explore the historic Abbotsford Convent on foot.

In addition to its original purpose as a monastery in the late 1800s, the Abbotsford Convent has served as a commercial laundry, an orphanage, and a senior care centre since then. It's a wonderful site to visit now, and it's a magnet for creative types like artists, crafters, community radio hosts, and educators.

When you first set foot on the grounds and gaze up at the gothic arches of the convent, you will immediately be struck by a sense of history. There are plenty of beautiful hills and gardens to stroll around and discover or simply unwind in.

Enjoy a vegan banquet at Lentil as Anything, a restaurant operated by volunteers by paying whatever you think the dish is worth, and check out the artwork of local artists at the galleries.

Docklands

The Melbourne Star, several urban art sculptures, unique bridges, as well as numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops all contribute to the city's allure. This area, which features factory outlets and The District, is a fantastic spot to go eating and shopping. Berth, Byblos, Kobe Jones, Pok Pok, and The Hoff are just a few of the area's many well-liked eateries. Visit the retractable-roof Marvel Stadium!

Discounts and unique stores can both be found at Harbour Town Shopping Centre, which has become well-known in the local area. You can leave the kids there to play while you go shopping.

It's no secret that Costco, another well-known retailer, boasts a vast shopping mall. Also, if you're looking for a discount, one recommendation is the DFO South Wharf. South Wharf is close by, and it has several fantastic eateries including BangPop, The Boatbuilders Yard, and Munich Brauhaus.

Melbourne Park

A trip to Melbourne Park is a necessity if you have any interest in sports at all. It was constructed in 1988 specifically to house the Australian Open, a Grand Slam tennis competition. Hisense Arena, Rod Laver Arena, and Margaret Court Arena are all a part of it.

Concerts are staged there when it is not being used for the Australian Open in January. Most of the year is pleasant for strolling around and taking in the sights. During the Australian Open, Melbourne Park comes to life and is the finest time to visit. For sports fans, this is a major selling point for a trip to Oz.

Penguin Parade

You can't visit Melbourne and not see the Penguin Parade; it's that popular and unusual! It isn't as well-known as it ought to be or gets lost in the shuffle compared to Philip Island's highly publicised march.

However, St Kilda has a penguin colony, and the best thing is you can watch them 24/7 in a year!

The small penguins of St. Kilda leave their breakwater home each night at sundown to spend the day at the beach. As far as free things to do in Melbourne go, this is up there with the finest of them. This is one of the best things to do on the weekend in Melbourne. Trust me, you won't be sorry you did it!

Location scouting for the Aurora Australis

The Southern Lights, often known as the Aurora Australis, are a natural phenomenon unique to Australia. Winter, as well as the winter solstice in September, are ideal times to observe this spectacular light show, and you should go to a location with both 1) a clear horizon and 2) minimal light pollution. So consider Tidal River at Wilsons Promontory, Cape Schanck, Aireys Inlet or Anglesea, the south side of Phillip Island, Point Lonsdale, Flinders .

Much like its northern counterpart, the Aurora Australis is difficult to forecast. Patience is crucial here. In order to capture the subtle colour shifts that occur during an aurora display (which the naked eye can't detect), DSLR cameras should be brought along.

During the summer, the pink hue of Westgate Park in Port Melbourne, on the outskirts of the city, is irresistible. That's why it's pink! And, before you even ask, the answer is that it is perfectly normal. Between the summers of 2012 and 2013, when high temperatures, algae mixtures, a lack of rainfall, and an abundance of sunlight all came together to create the perfect pink witch's brew, it has been turning pink annually.

This phenomena often happens in late summer, and as a result of the hot weather's water evaporation, the colour may deepen. The pink hue of the lake has little effect on the local avian population, so you can still witness birds playing in the water on a regular basis.

Visit the enchanted Alfred Nicholas Gardens for the day

Deep within the Dandenong Ranges is where you'll find the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, which are about as close as you can get to a real secret garden. Take a stroll thru the park and marvel at the beautiful shade of mountain ash trees, or have a picnic by the picture-perfect lake and cosy boathouse. Both of these activities are available in the park.

There is a great deal of seasonal variation in the park's abundance of Australian native vegetation. When spring arrives, the park is a riot of colour thanks to the blossoming azaleas and cherry trees. In the fall, however, the park takes on a golden hue thanks to the maples and beeches that have shed their leaves.

Residential factories

Melbourne, in contrast to the majority of the world, builds with history in mind. The historic department store in Collingwood, known as Foy & Gibson, is representative. It was previously the domain of the wealthy elite of the city, but today it is owned by anyone who has a six-figure financial reserve and can afford an integrated studio flat. There is a stark contrast between the magnificence of the structures and the filth that surrounds them in the inner city.

Visit Victoria's two farms of California redwoods

The coastal regions of California and the southwestern part of Oregon in the United States are the natural habitats of Californian redwoods, as their name suggests. During the 1930s, a collection of redwoods was established in the Warburton Valley, and more were planted there in Great Ocean National Park, which is located further south along the coast.

The great height of these trees as can be up to 115 metres tall and their relatively horizontal branching pattern make them easily identifiable. They are among the oldest living species that have been found on Earth. Walking through these vast crops will make you feel small. The grid-like farm in Warburton is home to more than 1,400 gigantic trees.

Old Melbourne Gaol

If you're interested in history, paying a visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol, which is one of the most unusual things you can do in Melbourne, is definitely something you should consider doing. The name alludes to the fact that it was formerly a prison and has since been transformed into a museum. It elucidates a significant amount of information regarding the early history of Victoria and Melbourne.

An interesting fact about the jail is that it was place where the notorious outlaw Ned Kelly was executed for murder in the year 1880. In recent years, Kelly has developed into something of a cult figure, and this is probably the finest site to acquire information regarding his background! It is without a doubt one of the most interesting places to visit in Melbourne!

Have a gravity-defying drink up at Rooftop Bar

In a city where the weather can be so unpredictable, we sure do love us some rooftop bar action. They pretty much cover our entire city, but Rooftop Bar is by far the most well-known of the bunch. As soon as you have made it to the top of the seemingly never-ending flight of stairs leading up to Curtin House (all through which you will have passed Cookie and the Toff in Town), take a moment to quench your thirst, take in the view from above, and catch your breath as you take in the essence of Melbourne. Relax on the synthetic grass or huddle together in front of the warming fireplace while you take in the breathtaking panorama.

During your time there, you should try to become acquainted with a vertical lane that is Curtin House. The restaurants, booksellers, hairdressers, and high fashion mavens can all be found within this six-story building in Melbourne, which also houses some of the city's most intriguing tenants.

Witness the Chinatown lion dance during Chinese New Year.

Every year in February, the city of Melbourne begins its celebrations of the Chinese New Year. These celebrations frequently include food, martial artists, firecrackers, street performers, and traditional lion dances. Chinatown, also known as Little Bourke Street, 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 throughout the city of Melbourne in honour of Melbourne's Asian communities.

Bringing it all together with a trip to some of Melbourne's most popular yum cha restaurants. You won't regret it.

Taste Michelin-starred food for less than $10

At the tail end of 2017, Singaporean street food vendor Hawker Chan set up shop on Lonsdale Street, and ever since then, it has been extremely popular. The combination of Michelin stars and street food may not appear to be the most natural one, but Hawker Chan has proven that it can be done successfully.

People excitedly expecting their portion of soy chicken, rice, and beans are sometimes seen standing in line outside of the location before it even opens for business. This is not an unusual occurrence. Sounds easy, but sometimes the most straightforward recipes are the most difficult to get just right.

The soy-based marinade for the chicken at Hawker Chan is made from scratch, and after the cooks have soaked the whole bird in it for the night, they were awarded a Michelin star for their preparation of the chicken.

Flinders Street Station

Melbourne's Flinders Street Station is a landmark in the city. It has a red and yellow facade, a green dome on top, a clock tower, and a row of train time clocks out in front of it; it is one of the most well-known attractions in Melbourne. A fun fact is that the times on the train timepieces used to have to be adjusted manually using a long steel rod 900 times in one day.

Since the 1850s, there has been a railway station at this location, but the current structure wasn't finished being constructed until 1909. 

Bourke St Mall And Melbourne Central

There are many shopping centres in Melbourne, but Melbourne Central and Bourke Street Mallare among the greatest. In spite of its name, the Bourke Thoroughfare Mall is actually little more than a street lined with numerous different shops. On the other hand, that does not in any way take away from it! If going shopping is one of your hobbies, you will love this place!

It is more accurate to refer to Melbourne Central as a mall due to the fact that it is spread across various levels and contains numerous shops. It's got a bunch of eateries, some shops, and a gym, so you should check it out!

Immigration Museum

If you are interested in learning more about how Melbourne became the cultural melting pot that it is today, the best place to learn this information is at the Immigration Museum. The museum, which recounts the immigration history into Australia, is housed in the Old Customs House and may be found there. Throughout the course of the year, the museum plays host to a number of different seminars and travelling exhibitions.

People of many different nationalities and backgrounds call Melbourne home. It is fascinating to discover the history of how and why so many different cultures came to exist in the city and in Australia. Even with today's luxurious flying options, travelling to Australia is still a challenging endeavour. It's intriguing and enlightening to learn about the earliest settlers of the American continent.

Yarra River + Yarr River Cruise

The Yarra is the river that runs through the heart of the city of Melbourne. Along the waterfront in the city are a large number of excellent restaurants and bars, many of which include breathtaking vistas. Taking a cruise along the Yarra River, which is known for being one of the most cost-effective ways to see the river and the city from a new angle, is possibly the greatest way to view the Yarra. You can take a two-hour boat on the river that will take you upstream to the sports complexes and down to the docks.

Melbourne Town Hall

If you're visiting Melbourne, you should definitely stop by the Town Hall to get a look at it, but you don't have to spend too much time there. It's another building from the Victorian-style Gold Rush era that's worth taking a photo of if you happen to walk by.

State Library Victoria

The Central Business District is home to YET ANOTHER massive structure designed in the Victorian style. But this one is exceptional – so remarkable that I highly recommend it as an essential MUST SEE when visiting Melbourne's tourist sites.

The State Library of Victoria is an impressive structure that houses a museum, an intellectual hub, and a variety of reading and research materials. Learn everything about the exciting history of Melbourne by paying a visit to the museum exhibitions, and then take in the breathtaking beauty of the La Trobe reading room, which features four stories of bookshelves and artefacts. Additionally, there is no charge to enter!

Conclusion

It is widely acknowledged that Melbourne is the most liveable city in the world and that it is also the coffee capital of the world. Unique in its ability to provide both sightseeing and transportation, the City Circle Tram is a must-try for any visitor. City trams in Melbourne are provided free of charge, and they can take you to many of the city's most well-known attractions.

One of the most popular sporting events in the world takes place in Melbourne at the annual Australian Open Tennis Tournament. The Penguin Parade Visitor Centre and Moto GP racing are two of Phillip Island's most well-known attractions.

The views from the 88th floor of the Eureka Skydeck 88 are breathtaking. The renovated Abbotsford Convent is now a popular tourist destination. Both Docklands and The District have wonderful dining and shopping options.

Go sightseeing at the Marvel Stadium with its retractable roof or window shopping at Harbour Town Shopping Centre. During the Australian Open tennis tournament, Melbourne Park becomes the centre of attention.

A penguin colony lives on St. Kilda, and for one whole year, you can observe them at your leisure. It is difficult to predict the Aurora Australis, so pick a location with low levels of artificial light. When summer arrives, Port Melbourne's Westgate Park becomes a sea of pink flowers. Increasing sunshine, warmer temperatures, and a combination of algae strains are to blame. The park, however, takes on a golden hue in the autumn as a result of the trees losing their leaves.

Learn about the California redwood by visiting one of Victoria's two farms. More than 1,400 colossal trees call Melbourne home. After its time as a prison, the Old Melbourne Gaol is now a museum. Curtin House is home to some of the city's most exciting businesses, including eateries and salons. Hawker Chan's soy chicken is so good that it earned the restaurant a Michelin star.

One of Melbourne's most well-known landmarks is Flinders Street Station. Despite being made from scratch, Hawker Chan's soy chicken marinade still comes in at under $10 for a whole chicken.

Two of Australia's finest shopping malls are located in Melbourne: Melbourne Central and Bourke Street Mall. Visit the Immigration Museum to learn about the origins of Australia's population. The Yarra River is one of the cheapest places to get a new perspective on Melbourne.

The State Library of Victoria is home to a number of resources, including a museum and a centre for research and learning. Visit the La Trobe library, which features four levels of bookshelves and historical artefacts.

Content Summary

• Melbourne ZooThe Melbourne Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world and a fascinating place to visit.
• During the month of January, the Australian Open Tennis Tournament brings the Rod Laver Arena to its full potential.
• MCGThe Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is widely recognised as one of the best sporting venues in the world.
• Visit the retractable-roof Marvel Stadium!Discounts and unique stores can both be found at Harbour Town Shopping Centre, which has become well-known in the local area.
• A trip to Melbourne Park is a necessity if you have any interest in sports at all.
• During the Australian Open, Melbourne Park comes to life and is the finest time to visit.
• Penguin ParadeYou can't visit Melbourne and not see the Penguin Parade; it's that popular and unusual!
• During the summer, the pink hue of Westgate Park in Port Melbourne, on the outskirts of the city, is irresistible.
• Deep within the Dandenong Ranges is where you'll find the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, which are about as close as you can get to a real secret garden.
• The coastal regions of California and the southwestern part of Oregon in the United States are the natural habitats of Californian redwoods, as their name suggests.
• If you're interested in history, paying a visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol, which is one of the most unusual things you can do in Melbourne, is definitely something you should consider doing.
• An interesting fact about the jail is that it was place where the notorious outlaw Ned Kelly was executed for murder in the year 1880.
• Every year in February, the city of Melbourne begins its celebrations of the Chinese New Year.
• Bringing it all together with a trip to some of Melbourne's most popular yum cha restaurants.
• Taste Michelin-starred food for less than $10At the tail end of 2017, Singaporean street food vendor Hawker Chan set up shop on Lonsdale Street, and ever since then, it has been extremely popular.
• Melbourne's Flinders Street Station is a landmark in the city.
• There are many shopping centres in Melbourne, but Melbourne Central and Bourke Street Mallare among the greatest.
• The museum, which recounts the immigration history into Australia, is housed in the Old Customs House and may be found there.
• It's intriguing and enlightening to learn about the earliest settlers of the American continent.
• The Yarra is the river that runs through the heart of the city of Melbourne.
• Taking a cruise along the Yarra River, which is known for being one of the most cost-effective ways to see the river and the city from a new angle, is possibly the greatest way to view the Yarra.
• If you're visiting Melbourne, you should definitely stop by the Town Hall to get a look at it, but you don't have to spend too much time there.
• State Library VictoriaThe Central Business District is home to YET ANOTHER massive structure designed in the Victorian style.
• The State Library of Victoria is an impressive structure that houses a museum, an intellectual hub, and a variety of reading and research materials.