Melbourne is a vibrant, modern city where you can experience the best of both urban living and the great outdoors in Australia's many parks and mountain ranges.
The city is well-known for its wonderful street art, cultural variety, affordable and high-end food options, and its many laneways. Another claim to fame is that it is the most liveable city in the world and the world's coffee capital.
Let's check out some of Melbourne's top attractions:
Adelphi Hotel
What is it?
The rooftop swimming pool at the Adelphi Hotel has quickly become a tourist hotspot.
Why go?
An entire part of the pool with a glass bottom extends out over Flinders Lane, allowing swimmers to observe the busy street below without ever leaving the water. The rooftop pool deck has never looked better after its makeover at the end of 2017.
You need not be a hotel guest, but you will be expected to pay. You just need a bottle of spray and a beach towel, and you'll be set.
Don't miss:
Sleeping in the motel for the night. The Adelphi Hotel, housed in a massive 1938 structure on the busy CBD hotspot that is Flinders Lane, is a wonderful resting site for individuals who appreciate cutting-edge design, location, and first-rate service.
The Adelphi Hotel, housed in a massive 1938 structure on the busy CBD hotspot that is Flinders Lane, is a great place to stay for individuals who place a premium on cutting-edge design, location, and excellent service.
From its distinctive zigzag floor to the ubiquitous lollipop jars in each room, the Adelphi is a beautifully designed boutique hotel. The hotel, which was given a facelift in 2013 by Hachem, may not be as posh as the Westin across the street, but its proximity to some of the city's best eateries more than makes up for any lack of sophistication.
The Adelphi only has 34 rooms, therefore the decor can be more whimsical. The king-sized bed is the room's comfortable focal point, surrounded by kooky lamps, fluffy carpets, and not-very-functional-but-still-cute armchairs.
Each of the rooms in this hotel has been designed with comfort in mind, and each one features a 40-inch flat screen TV (with unlimited movies), a spacious bathroom with rainfall showerheads, and a minibar stocked with free snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Peckish? You've hit the jackpot, my friend. Supernormal, a Japanese diner, and Coda, a French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant, are both within walking distance of the Adelphi, as is Chin Chin, the city's busiest restaurant (if you don't mind the lines). Om Nom Dessert Restaurant, located on the lower level of the Adelphi, is a treat for anyone with a sweet craving.
Obviously, we need to bring up the roofing. With its cantilevered glass bottom that extends out over Flinders Lane, the rooftop pool at The Adelphi is one of the most photographed pools in Melbourne. You can go for an early morning swim (it's open from 6 am most days), or you can wait until Friday night to enjoy a swim and a drink after a long week.
The Time Out staff reminds you that you are, in fact, on a busy CBD street, and that noise travels surprisingly well up the laneways made of cobblestone. If you want to get some shut-eye, you should probably bring some earplugs.
Read more at https://www.timeout.com/
Stroll the botanic gardens
The Botanic Gardens provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, and they're conveniently located just a short stroll from the heart of town. In addition to being frequented by local walkers and joggers, the stunning scenery also makes them perfect for a quiet moment of reflection and contemplation.
Having over 8,500 different plant species, the botanic gardens are a sight to behold. Bring a sketchbook with you and try your hand at drawing the stunning scenery.
Werribee Open Range Zoo
You may have an authentic African experience in just 30 minutes from Melbourne.
Hop on a guided safari to see rhinos, giraffes, and zebras in their natural habitat, the wide range savannah. Explore the park's walking pathways to meet a pride of lions, see gorillas in one of the largest exhibitions in the world, watch monkeys play, and come across a family of hippos in their natural habitat.
Try scheduling an encounter if you're seeking for even more excitement. You can choose from several activities, such as feeding giraffes, petting servals, viewing incredible Savannah creatures from an open vehicle, and much more.
The new Sunset Safari is a three-hour programme that features dinner, a safari, and entertainment, while the Slumber Safari is an overnight glamping experience for those seeking something out of the ordinary to do during their stay.
Under-16s get in free on weekends, during Victorian Government school holidays, and on public holidays.
Please note:
Members and non-members alike are required to purchase tickets in advance online.
All guests (including babies and toddlers under the age of four) and Zoo Members must purchase tickets in advance online. Daily attendance is capped at 1500 guests.
All tickets for Zoo Members are free, but they must be reserved in advance online.
Accessibility:
- Contact the operator for information on our accessible facilities.
Facilities:
- Café
- BBQ facilities
- Car park
- Conference/convention facilities
- Coach parking
Activities:
- Camping
Have a gourmet Greek dinner
The Greek community in Melbourne is the most numerous outside of Athens, and it is both tightly knit and culturally active.
The Greek Precinct is another great option, serving authentic Greek food on par with that found in Greece itself. Many stores selling Greek goods may be found here, and the Hellenic Museum is also not far away.
The Antipodes Festival takes place in Melbourne in March, and the Greek Film Festival is held every September.
Get sporty at the MCG
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is rightfully proud of its reputation as "Australia's favourite venue." When it comes to sports, Melbourne is a city that lives and breathes at the MCG.
The Melbourne Cricket Club calls this stadium home, although it also regularly hosts events including the massively popular Australian Football League, as well as international soccer, rugby, and other sports.
It was first constructed in 1853 and has since had numerous renovations, making it not only Australia's largest but also the tenth largest stadium in the world; the record attendance at the MCG is over 130,000.
The Australian Gallery of Sport and the Olympic Museum are also located at the MCG.
Read more at https://www.thecrazytourist.com/
Adventure Clues - Street Art Scavenger Hunt
Don't miss out on Melbourne's spectacular street art if you're in the city for the culture. There are some gems that are a bit more hidden but well worth the hunt. There is a specific cryptic street art tour available through Adventure Clues that will take you to all of the most well-known pieces quickly.
Self-guided via smartphone and laid out like a scavenger hunt, Adventure Clues tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace while yet providing you with all the information you could want about your chosen location. There is a path that takes you to trendy bars and interesting places in Fitzroy and Collingwood, so even the most discerning of visitors will find something to their liking. If you're searching for something new and exciting to do that won't break the bank, check out Adventure Clues.
Luna Park Melbourne
Visit the carnival that has been wowing crowds for an incredible 108 years by entering through the mouth of Mr. Moon.
See the city and Port Phillip Bay from above on the Great Scenic Railway, or marvel in the enchanting glow of the 6,000 lights that adorn the historic Luna Park Carousel.
With an Unlimited Ride Ticket, you can try your hand at the dodgems, brave the House of Horrors, or just go wild on the many rides and attractions.
Luna Park is all about having a good time and taking in the festival atmosphere with friends and family. Is it possible to accomplish everything in one day?
Weekends, all public holidays (excluding Christmas Day), and Victorian school breaks (25 December).
Accessibility:
- Suited for visitors who must remain sitting in a wheelchair at all times
- Can accommodate guests who are mobile enough to climb two or three steps, but needs modifications to improve balance for those people.
- promotes an open environment for people with disabilities
Facilities:
- Kiosk
- Café
- Car park
- Games/recreation room
- Conference/convention facilities
See an AFL game at the MCG
What is it?
This is Victoria's favourite sport. Australian Rules Football was created in Melbourne, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (or "the G") is still the best place to watch a game.
Why go?
No matter which side you support, you're in for a gruesome good time. Wrap up warm, get a pie, a hot jam doughnut, and a cold one, and then yell like a jackass while you heckle the umpires and laugh your head off at the tiny tackers giving it a go during the break.
Don't miss:
Taking in an AFL Women's game. The AFL Women's League has been on a meteoric rise in recent years, and there's no better way to show your support for the players than by attending a game. The AFL Women's regular season runs from February through late March.
The Melbourne Cricket Club was forced to move from its original home on an oval in 1853 as Australia's first steam railway was scheduled to pass through the area.
The Melbourne Cricket Ground was the site of the first-ever cricket Test match in 1877, the Olympic Games in 1956, and the AFL Grand Final, the biggest show in Australian sport, which draws a crowd of over 100,000 yelling fans every year on the last Saturday in September (the attendance record remains 121,000 for the 1970 grand final between Carlton and Collingwood).
Despite its name, the 'G' is not merely a coliseum for sporting warriors. When Pope John Paul II came to Melbourne in 1986, he held mass and organised many huge concerts at the Melbourne Cricket Ground .
The stadium's northern side was recently renovated, increasing its capacity to accommodate 100,000 spectators; the facility is now home to the cricket teams of the Victorian Bushrangers and the Melbourne Stars. Typically, the MCG hosts home games for the four AFL teams that are based in Melbourne: Collingwood, Hawthorn and Richmond.
Visitors to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on days when matches are not being played can take a tour of the stadium, which includes access to the grandstand, coaches' boxes, the Long Room, the players' change rooms, and the hallowed turf. In most cases, reservations aren't necessary for solo diners or smaller groups.
Housed at the MCG is Australia's premier multi-sport museum, the National Sports Museum.
Read more at https://www.timeout.com/
Brunswick St.
Historic district of Melbourne! The residents of Brunswick Street are the area's crowning achievement. People from all walks of life congregate here. Enjoy the company of others before you even enter the stores.
Take your time strolling down Brunswick Street, which is lined with fun and unique places to eat, shop, and listen to music. Recently, a group of us spent an entire day just walking the few hundred metres between the stores and cafes that make this area so great.
Try out some of the local coffeehouses like Stagger Lee's, Industry Beans (located off Brunswick St.), and Madame Sousou. Not to mention the vegan joy that is Smith & Daughters, the Indian restaurant Mukka, and the world-famous pub Black Pearl.
The best spot to find antique apparel is on Brunswick St. Get your '80s on! Thrift stores can also benefit from it. The manufacturing stores are always crowded with people looking to score a deal on Allanah Hill.
Australian television shows including Offspring and Rush have shot scenes on Brunswick St.
Smith St., Collingwood
In recent years, Smith St. has been renovated into a hip commercial district brimming with stylish clothing boutiques, hip eateries, and hipster-friendly art galleries. Visit Lost and Found, an incredible thrift store with multiple floors of interesting goods.
You can't visit Melbourne without stopping by one of the city's best cafés, and Proud Mary, located in a converted warehouse, is a must.
Saint Crispin is a spectacular fine dining establishment that has been awarded a hat. You may also try the gourmet burgers at Huxtaburger (one of Melbourne's best), the pizza at Bontempo, and the vegetarian treats at Smith & Daughters and Vegie Bar.
Some factory outlets, such as those for Nike and Adidas, can be found further along Smith St. Abbotsford Convent, located nearby, is worth a visit for its stunning architecture and relaxing eateries.
Shop till you drop
Celebrities from all over the world flock to Chapel Street, a popular shopping district in Melbourne, to peruse the wide selection of high-quality clothing available there. Alternatively, you can shop until you drop at the former Melbourne Government Post Office, which has been converted into a mall.
The shops, restaurants, and homegoods stores along Bridge Road in Richmond are some of the best in the city.
Fitzroy is famous for its unique vintage items, and farther afield you may find a wide variety of Australian and foreign brands at Highpoint and Chadstone, two excellent, large shopping malls.
FAQs About Visiting Melbourne
There's plenty of things to do for the whole family in Melbourne from museums to wildlife parks. Discover clubs and bars, live music venues, comedy, jazz, cinema, cabaret and old style pubs. Melbourne is home to world-class arts and cultural heritage institutions, and community events.
Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia, known for its music, art centres and museums, and celebration and expression of art. It has been ranked, year after year, the most 'livable city' and it's not hard to see why.
Melbourne is famous for its culture, and the National Gallery of Victoria is the jewel in the crown. It's not only the oldest public art gallery in Australia, it's also the most visited. Here, you can admire more than 70,000 works of European, Asian, Oceanic, and American art in two city locations.