Melbourne – the mecca of unique cultural attractions, art exhibitions & live trendy things, is one of Australia’s most popular cities. This bustling city inherits some of the best-hidden gems & activities that will make your itinerary look jam-packed. Melbourne city is the most favorite amongst backpackers & young travelers – with a plethora of things to do when you book your travel. Be it an adventure, sporty, or a relaxed family-fun time; the city won’t disappoint you in terms of attractions & its global sense of laid-back vibes. Thus, this travel guide will help you get an idea of some of the best things to do in Melbourne + some essential traveling tips.
When you touch down Melbourne city, you can already sense the energetic atmosphere around. The blend of bustling laneways, street art-works, world-class restaurants, and dazzling nightlife – makes Melbourne of the most-visited places around the world. Even if you’re in Australia for a trip to Melbourne, you can easily spend a week down here in the city & won’t regret it. And that is what travelers love about Melbourne – the fact that you can spend as many days you want, without making changes to your itinerary spontaneously. The opportunities are endless with a seamless exhilarating experience.
With many such activities & experiences to discover, you might as well end up getting confused & miss out on a few places that are worth visiting. So to help you plan thoroughly, this ‘Best Things to do in Melbourne City’ guide will give you a comprehensive idea of what to expect. The article includes all your planning tips, famous attractions, iconic places, quirky hidden gems & also off-beaten activities.
HOW TO REACH MELBOURNE?
Melbourne is located in the south-eastern region of mainland Australia, within the state of Victoria. Considered to be the ‘capital city of the state‘, Melbourne is widely accessible by other main cities of Australia. With high-developed infrastructure & main routes, reaching Melbourne is a hassle-free journey.
By Air – The Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport is well connected to major cities across Australia. Whether you’re traveling international or domestic, Tullamarine is the main airport to touch down Melbourne. (For to & fro travel from the airport, book the Skybus services that approx. costs 15 AUD for one-way and 28 AUD for return)
By Bus – Mainly for inter-state travel & regional purposes, you can opt for buses to travel down to the city. Nearly every city & town within Victoria is connected to the bus route, making travel more accessible. Train – Train services to Melbourne are accessible by several other major cities such as Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth. Flinders Street Station is the main station in Melbourne, where intercity lines are connected.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MELBOURNE CITY
One of the most essential things to consider while planning a trip to Melbourne is – the climate. The weather in Melbourne is not harsh, meaning that you can visit anytime if you choose. But ideally, the best duration to travel to Melbourne city is between March & May and September & November. Proper summer in Melbourne is typical during December & February. This is when Melbourne is at its busiest run-up with tourists flocking in from across the world.
Traveling in Melbourne during the mentioned periods will feature a hot & sunny climate, with few moderate temperatures on some days. If the hotels are booked in prior, then you’ll also get some good deals on packages. Most of the featured hotels in Melbourne do run promotional offers to book up long stays.
The city lightens up during the peak period, with streets bustling with travelers coming in around the world. You can catch up few outdoor events, musical shows, and festivals showcasing the true colors of Melbourne. Usually, from November to February, the climate can be hot as hell. Peak summer weather can hit the city hard, but that doesn’t stop the Australians to enjoy their pretty summer. Winters in Melbourne are considered to be an off-season period, with a low amount of tourists. Airfares & hotel packages are relatively cheaper compared to the summer ones, but it’s still not the most attractive time of the year to visit Melbourne.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE
Here’s a list of all the best things you could do in Melbourne city –
National Gallery of Victoria –
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia’s oldest public museum, treasuring over 70,000 works of rich & diverse collections. Founded in 1861, NGV is Australia’s most important cultural tourist site representing works contributed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities. This marvelous collection gives you a brief understanding if interested in knowing Australia’s history & significant movements. The NGV also houses the Gallery’s collection of International art showcasing ancient civilization in a multitude of concepts. It is also one of my favorite places in Melbourne, only because it offers a visual sort of art experience. Great for families, kids & college groups; NGV offers a diverse range of tour options within the museum to choose from. You can expect talk shows, fun activities for kids, films, and late-night performances.
The entry Fee to NGV is free, however, the entry fee may apply to special exhibitions on certain dates. Opening Hours – 10 am to 5 pm
Queen Victoria Market –
Exploring Queen Victoria Market is one of the best things to do in Melbourne. The local stalls will spoil you down to its core, with the kind of ecstatic atmosphere it offers. A heavenly sight for all shopaholic travelers – Queen Victoria Market has been on a continuous run-up for over 140 years. The market is home to 600+ small businesses, each offering a diverse range of products & souvenirs for you to choose from. Right from hand-made goods to local produce, coffee culture & tasty food scenes – Queen Victoria Market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne. For me, this place has always been a one-stop market for all my needs. I simply love the fact that the market offers much more than you could ever expect. Not only in terms of exploring or purchasing stuff but the vibrant and multicultural vibes the market offers.
To help you out with some of the fantastic places within the market – do checkout the Dairy Produce Hall. From Andrew’s Bread shop to Big Vic Deli, you could admire the finest of bread, bagels, and cold deli meats. The fresh dairy produces are the ultimate goal of these shops – preparing everything quite in abundance. If you are an accessory-lover, then you should explore String Bean Alley – showcasing & selling all hand-made goods, beautiful artwork & other fashion-related items. Lastly, if you come across Elizabeth Street, then treat yourself with an Indian savory dish to fill up your belly. For more energetic scenes, why not explore Queen Victoria Market at night? The global street food, music & entertainment, bars & pubs all offer up a great place to meet & greet new people.
Melbourne Cricket Ground –
One of the biggest stadiums in the world – the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is popularly known to host some of the biggest sporting events. Along with the sports events & matches, MCG has become a famous tourist attraction amongst travelers. And yes, you can take up a guided MCG tour when the stadium has an empty schedule. If you want a fine experience at the MCG, you should watch a test cricket match played. With a capacity of 100,000 people roaring & cheering up together, the atmosphere is truly unique. The stadium is also known to host Australian football in winter. If you are not up to watch a game played, then you can take a stadium tour to view the sporting history of Australia. You’ll get the opportunity to visit the player’s changing room, library, and the stadium’s inner sanctum.
Flinders Street Railway Station –
With a distinctive yellow façade, an arch-shaped dome, and a towering clock – Flinders Street Railway station has been one of the most iconic buildings in Melbourne. Formerly known as ‘Melbourne Terminus’, it is Australia’s oldest train station. Since 1854, Flinders Street Railway Station has also gone up to become a recognized landmark in the city. And in today’s time, it is considered to be the busiest passenger station in the world.
With over more than 150,000 commuters passing every day via Flinders. So you could only imagine what makes this place so remarkable. Fitzroy Gardens – Fitzroy Gardens is one of the prominent places in Melbourne, that stands apart with a diverse landscape & classic Victorian-styled design. With the hustle & bustle of the heart-beating Melbourne, Fitzroy Gardens offers much more relaxed & calm energy with its extensive lawn areas & pathways. Some notable sight-seeing places here include – visiting the historic Captain Cook’s Cottage, Tudor village, and the Spanish-styled conservatory. As you walk along, you’ll come across tiny sculptures, myriad fountains & garden miniatures. It’s a great place to stroll around & have some good family time.
BEST ACTIVITIES TO EXPERIENCE IN MELBOURNE CITY
Along with the best things to do in Melbourne, it’s important that you’re well-versed with Melbourne’s top experiences.
Explore Melbourne’s laneways –
Melbourne’s hive of bustling laneways is a great way to explore every corner of the city. With street artworks covering walls, to famed cafes & restaurants and live bar scenes – you are ought to come to some of the city’s hidden treasures. If you have to admire great artwork, then traverse through Union Lane to discover what artists have to say. The colorful creations done by these talented artisans showcase how bright the city of Melbourne is. In case you stumble upon an artist doing his/her work, stop by & know the story behind it. If you are on the quest to find up a velvety jazzy club or flashy bars, then head down to Presgrave Palace on Section 8 for amazing night scenes.
Shop the markets –
Market obsessive lovers are in for a treat in Melbourne. A great way to explore the city is to run down to beautiful market places & to see what’s in store. From fresh local produces, to irresistible treats & gifts, your bargain opportunities will be endless. Queen Victoria Market is the mega-spot of all, but some other notable places include – Hampton Farmer’s Market, the Social Studio, Prahran Market, and Mulgrave Farmer’s Market. Some of the markets are known for their special items such as handmade art crafts, stationery, second-had books, and vintage treasury. Just stroll around, greet friendly locals, buy some organic wines, and sip freshly brewed coffee while exploring the authenticity of all these markets.
Enjoy the cafes –
Melbourne’s iconic café culture has been the heartbeat of the city. No matter where you go, you are bound to find either classic quaint cafes or little funky modern ones. The only way to explore these is to stroll around the laneways of the city & to find your spot. These cafes offer you a great way to spend some self-time in the city, either by reading your favorite book or catching up with locals to socialize.
Try out local cuisines –
Melbourne is a great city to relish some of the fantastic world-class cuisines & drinks. The city houses numerous cafes & restaurants that are top-notch. Whatever your food style is – gourmet or street– you cannot stop drooling over some of the dishes served in the city. Some of my favorites include – Taglioni al Nero, Ricotta Hotcakes, Baller Bucket, and Salt & Pepper calamari. I’ll also suggest you try out Chicken Parma, Anzac biscuits, and Fish Mackerel Dumplings. If you are near Chinatown, then do not miss – dim sums, pork chops & fresh lamb cuts. These are the most popular in Melbourne & you ought to try every one of them. If you prefer something fancy, do check out this guided Melbourne food tour cruise that will add up your experience.
Discover the city’s Aboriginal culture –
A great way to explore Melbourne – is to dwell in the city’s rich history. For over more than 40,000 years – Melbourne has had a rich indigenous culture showcasing tourists its significance. To make it more immersive, the city’s museum – Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre will take you on its ancestral journey. You can learn, understand & experience the legacy of Australia’s First Peoples. Apart from the museum, you can also indulge yourself in a heritage walk at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. The walk will provide inner-city experiences & insights into the Kulin nation.
Visit Brighton Bathing Boxes –
A 20-minute drive from the main city center will get you down to the Brighton Beach of Melbourne. It is the most recognized beach of Melbourne, but more importantly, it is the bright & colorful huts that make Brighton a worth-visit location. This unique collection of 82 distinctive bathing boxes are lined up uniformly, right at the foreshore of the beach – making it one of the photogenic locations of Melbourne. Fun Fact – If you were to purchase any of these, then it will cost you a whopping $200,000. These little huts are considered to be a prized possession, for those who own them.
Experience live music scenes
Live music scenes in Melbourne are becoming internationally recognized in today’s time. Over the past few years, the music in Australia has become diverse, with Melbourne getting more credit. With a vibrant mix of genres and talent, Melbourne is now home to numerous live concerts & music shows. The only way to experience is to visit some of the notable locations in Melbourne.
The Cherry Bar, located at 68 Little Collins St will rock’n’roll you with live band performances every week. It is also known to host events like – Cherryfest and Cherry Rock. For a more contemporary style setting, visit Howler located on 7-11 Dawson St, Brunswick. With locals & tourists dancing all night to Australian hip-hop, indie-rock, and pop, be sure to make new friends out there.
Relax at Federation Square
Federation Square or Fed Square is a symbolic venue in Melbourne. Awarded as the 6th Best Public Square in the world, it’s spread across over an area of 8 acres. With a huge open-air amphitheater, Fed Square is capable of holding large gatherings & events. Often, when you visit you will always see something on here. Outdoor concerts & live entertainment shows are a thing here, and you’ll never miss the opportunity to witness them. Just below the square on the river, are several restaurants & cafes offering outdoor seating. You can grab lunch & a beer to spend some relaxing time.
Read: Planning a vacation in Sydney? Check our popular ‘Travel Guide To Sydney Australia‘.
SHORT EXCURSIONS FROM MELBOURNE
Not only does Melbourne have attractions within the city, but also the distance of a mile away. A great way to explore some of Melbourne’s natural tourist spots – is to take up short trips/ excursions.
Drive through Great Ocean Road in Australia –
To indulge in one of the world’s most scenic coastal journeys is to drive through the Great Ocean Road in Australia. Do not miss this adventure, as you will thoroughly regret it later. The zig-zag roads of the Great Ocean Road kiss the seaside cliffs as it sweeps through the empty beaches of Victoria and the lush green beauty of the countryside. The journey takes you through striking vistas of Australia’s iconic settings. It is not just the driving experience that hits you, but also the number of visual sights you see along the coastal route. Arguably, the most notable of all – is the Twelve Apostles. These towering limestone pillars sit nicely along the dramatic, rugged coastline of the Great Ocean Road. You can stop by & admire the natural beauty, or maybe take up a helicopter ride to get aerial views of this amazing location. The Great Ocean Road is about a four-hour drive without stops. But you’ll want to have as many stops as possible along your way, due to the natural photogenic nature of the journey.
Read: Need ideas for a perfect Australian road trip? Read our ‘Ultimate Guide to Great Ocean Road In Australia‘.
Relish Yarra Valley’s Wine –
Located about 60km from Melbourne’s CBD – Yarra Valley is the oldest wine region of Victoria. With its rolling vineyards & recognizable classic wine selection, Yarra has garnered a global reputation in the world to produce some of the finest chardonnay and pinot noirs. With ever-growing popularity, Yarra Valley has gone up to become a weekend break for families across Australia. And it sincerely lives up to the kind of vacation that everybody wants. It does have those relaxing laid-back vibes offering countless experiences in the region. You can opt to visit the French-styled cellar door at Dominique PortetWinery to taste an amazing selection of sparkling wine or maybe go behind the scenes on a private guided tour at De Bortoli. Yarra Valley is also famous for local breweries & cider producers. Visit the Innocent Bystander in Healesville, and try out a great selection of breweries.
Explore Dandenong National Park –
If Melbourne was all about the modern-day setup, then you are probably wrong! Just a 40-minute drive from Melbourne CBD will take you to the serene forested slopes of Dandenong Ranges. The pristine area of Dandenong Ranges National Park offers a fresh atmosphere for travelers, to enjoy the charismatic nature of the region. With lush greenery & dense forest area, Dandenong is home to tranquil forest walks, quaint hilltop towns & amazing wildlife. Some notable areas in the region include – visiting 1000 Steps, Olinda Falls and Kokoda Trail. My suggestion would be to take guided walking tours to enjoy stunning views across Melbourne.
Discover Philip Island –
There are plenty of reasons to visit Philip Island as a short excursion – one of them includes catching up on penguins & koalas real close. A 90-minute drive from Melbourne will take you to Philip Island in a jiffy. The island offers travelers endless opportunities to indulge in a lifetime experience. From discovering the white pristine beaches, blowholes, caves, and unusual rock formations to indulging in the destination dining & local brews – Philip Island is worth an excursion from Melbourne.
Traverse to Mornington Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula is a culmination of Europe’s coastal life & the traditional Aussie charm. Just a one-hour drive south of Melbourne – Mornington Peninsula will fill up your day’s charm with bayside villages & impressive restaurants. It’s a summer playground for Melbourians to take up a short day trip from the main city, and to dwell in the tranquility of the region. You can sip some local wine & craft beer, and fine dining with stunning vineyard views, or just head to the Peninsula Hot Springs to pamper your body. One fine suggestion would be to explore the coastal walk through Mornington Peninsula National Park. The experience is simply breathtaking.
WHERE TO STAY IN MELBOURNE
The vibrant city of Melbourne is home to tons of accommodation for you to choose from. One ideal way to get the best out of Melbourne city – is to book a hotel right in the city center. Doing so will give you amazing access to all of the city’s major attractions, inner-city beaches, public transport, and extensive parks. Here are some options that you check while planning a trip to Melbourne
Luxury Hotels in Melbourne – InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Crown Towers Melbourne, Grand Hyatt, and QT Melbourne.
Mid-Range Hotels in Melbourne – The Chen Melbourne, DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne, Brady Hotels Central Melbourne, Ink Hotel Melbourne Southbank, Punthill Apartment Hotels, Pan Pacific Melbourne, and Crown Metropol Melbourne.
Budget Hotels in Melbourne – Hotel Grand ChancellorMelbourne, Milano Serviced Apartments, The Great Southern Hotel, Melbourne Metro YHA, Billy Buttons B&B, Hotel Claremont Guesthouse, and Cosmopolitan Hotel.Hostels in Melbourne – United Backpackers, Summer House Melbourne, Melbourne City Backpackers, Space Hotel, The Village Melbourne, Flinders Backpackers, and Nomads St Kilda Hostel.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN MELBOURNE CITY
Melbourne’s trendy cafes & restaurants have raised high standards to attract tourists from all around the world. The city is known to host some of the classic authentic cuisine, combined with modern & traditional flavors. From Melbourne’s hidden gems and suburban roasteries to devouring the finest of cafes that line Chapel Street, here are a few best restaurants in Melbourne to try out –
Industry Beans – One of Melbourne’s favorite cafes – Industry Beans is known to include some classic Aussie brunch like Porcini Nest, Chilli Barramundi Folded Eggs, and Special IB Chicken Burger. Do include this place in your list to try out some amazing delicacies.
Breakfast Thieves – As the name suggests, Breakfast Thieves hosts some innovative-styled Aussie breakfast. Most of the dishes listed on the menu got me hooked. Their specialty ‘Breakfast Chain’ is quite popular.
Top Paddock – The place gets jam-packed real fast – so be sure to grab a place as early as possible. The softshell mud crab is definitely one of the best options to try out here. Also, give a try for ricotta hotcakes and coconut chia pudding.
Fourth Chapter – All dishes served up here are Instagram-worthy, along with the café’s simple & elegant design. Do try their special potato nachos, waffles, and soy glazed barramundi. Some restaurants that I personally love include visiting – Flower Drum, Kazuki’s, Sunda, Hardware Club, and Oakridge.
BUDGET TRAVEL GUIDE TO MELBOURNE
Traveling to Melbourne can get expensive in your pocket if you don’t plan your budget well. The best way to alter your budget is to set your itinerary right. If you know which places to go & which places to skip, you can squeeze more from your itinerary. In addition to those planning, it’s good to know some tips that can really help you cut down on expenses. Here are some pro advice to a budget traveling in Melbourne
Liven App – Download the app known as ‘Liven’, from which you can get promo code discounts & extra rewards of up to 50%. These coupons can be used for fine cafes & restaurants and can help you save enough money on food & drinks.
Shop smarter – If you are in need of groceries or traveling supplies, then head to Daiso and Hot Potatoes. All items are much cheaper than normal superstores and can save some pretty good money.
Book tour packages – Instead of booking individual tours, it’s preferable to book combo packages that can save decent money. Doing so will give you a great price deal with some optional activities. In that way, you can try to club several attractions & pay as one package.
Free City Circle Tram – The best way to explore the city is to use the free hop on hop off trams. It has a great connection to several major attractions & can be a great public transport for your travel. Book Hostels – Hostels are way cheaper than normal budgeted hotels. You could save a lot of money here if planning a longer trip to Melbourne. Also, you can meet up with friendly travelers all around the world.
Hopefully, this travel guide to Melbourne was helpful for you! We covered some of Melbourne’s major attractions, activities, and other local things to do. We will constantly update this blog – to try and add more Melbourne experiences & excursions.
Stay tuned!
