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OVERVIEW

Melbourne has been voted as the world's most liveable city on many occasions, and with good reason. It's culture, events and lifestyle are unsurpassed in Australia and amongst the best in the world.

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Melbourne is Australia's capital of (take a deep breath) culture and the arts, food and coffee, fashion, sports, events, bars and drinking, live music, theatre, and shopping. If any of those things interests you, Melbourne should definitely be on your list of places to visit.

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There are not so many major attractions in Melbourne - the attraction of the city is more about the lifestyle, soaking up the culture and making new discoveries - so a couple of days will tick off all the big things to do in the city centre, but you can spend a lifetime here if you want to experience it all. Take a look at the ranked list below to discover and plan what you can do on your trip to Melbourne.

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All Things To Do In Melbourne

Ranked by popularity

Flinders Street Station

This train station is the beating heart of Melbourne and it's most iconic landmark. Most visitors can't go by without getting a snap of this historic buildings frontage from across the junction.
Located next to Fed square and the Yarra river, it is ideally situated and the city revolves around this hub that serves all metro rail routes and adjoins most tram routes.
To meet 'under the clocks' (shown centre of this image) is as old as the station building itself, constructed in 1909, after the original station opened in 1854 and at one time being the world's busiest train station.

Flinders Street Station

Southern end of Swanston Street

30min

Free

See Federation Square

The public centre of Melbourne is 'Fed Square', located directly opposite Flinders Street Station and next to the river, it is a meandering square surrounded on three sides by a modern structure and home to many events, including on the big screen. The buildings house restaurants at their base, but include cultural institutions further inside, including - The Ian Potter Centre:NGV(art gallery), Australian Centre for the Moving Image(ACMI) and the Koori Heritage Trust, which is an aborigainal trust that hosts exhibitions and a shop. See below for NGV and ACMI info.

Federation Square Melbourne

Southern end of Swanston Street

1hr

Free

Explore The Laneways

The double block width of Melbourne's CBD grid means that laneways were designed in to connect north to south. Long ignored, these laneways are now a hive of activity and a favoured spot to look for food, drinks and boutique shopping. Whilst they exist all over the city, and it's worth getting 'lost' on an urban exploration, you can begin at Degraves street (opposite flinders station) to Centre Place, then cross Collins street to discover the Block arcade and Royal arcade (see below) , that act as covered laneways. Hardware lane has lots of outdoor eateries. AC/DC is also very popular.

Melbourne laneways

All across the CBD

Half day

Free

Discover Street Art

Along many of the laneways, especially the ones without many businesses, you can find an abundant amount of street art. It can sometimes be overdone with graffiti tags, but you will always find some incredible artwork. The range is wide - some so small you barely notice, others take up entire buildings.
Hosier Lane(opposite Fed Sq) is the place to start. Union Lane, AC/DC Lane, Croft Alley and Presgrave Place are all good options to search. The street art is almost everywhere though across the CBD is some form, so take a long walk and get lost looking for fantastic works. You may even see an artist in action.

street art melbourne

Across the CBD and beyond

Half day

Free

Melbourne Skydeck

Just over the river from Flinders Street Station, in Southbank, is Melbourne's former tallest building (since surpassed by 108, that sits just behind), the Eureka Tower, that is perfectly located to offer a commanding view over the entire city. You can look down to the CBD (see image) or out across Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenongs and beyond. The viewing deck is 360 degrees around, has an outdoor section, and you can pay extra ($14) for 'The Edge Experience', where the floor beneath you turns transparent for you to look straight down. There is a separately accessed restaurant up there too, plus a couple of VR attractions.

Melbourne skydeck

Southbank, 5min walk from Fed square

1hr

28

Southbank Promenade

The rivers edge in Southbank affords fantastic views of Melbourne's skyline. You can just take a stroll, with good vantage points across Southbank, or further east along the park, or take a seat for a meal or drink at one of the many establishments.
Further west you will find the casino(see below), which is also a nice stretch to walk, find ice cream, and enjoy the hourly fire show(at night). Beyond that still is the exhibition centre, South Wharf and the DFO shopping centre.

Over the river from the CBD

Half day

Free

Ride a Tram

Melbourne is synonymous with the tram. Unlike most cities, they never took them away and Melbourne now has the biggest tram network in the world, at over 250km of track.
Most of the trams you can use are modern and air conditioned but plying the circle route are the historic trams that include audio commentary and are useful for accessing many attractions. This and other trams in the CBD(and docklands) are free, but otherwise use a myki card if travelling further.
In Hawthorne there is a tram museum. See our Essential Information section for further details.

Melbourne trams

Across the CBD and beyond

-

Free

Coffee and Food

Melbournians claim to have the world's best coffee, which many agree with. The food is not too shabby either and people who live in this city indulge in both on a regular basis and with great scrutiny. This creates a lot of competition and only the best will do which means you can find great options wherever you go.
There is a huge array of food types from all over the world so try as much as you can. If you go a little outside the CBD, be sure to do what everybody does and go out for brunch. Pastry lovers may want to try Lune or Agathe.

Melbourne food

Everywhere

2hr

5+

Royal Botanic Gardens

Melbourne's botanic garden is probably the most beautiful of all Australia's state capitals gardens. Just a 10min walk south from Fed square to the entrance and you will step into another world, a 38 hectare world filled with lakes, waterfalls, a rainforest and flora from around the world. Upon the main lake, you can take a guided boat/punt ride or relax in the cafe. At the entrance near the shrine you can find a lovely shop and more food options. Explorer bus available for those with tired legs and many walks(Aboriginal heritage, free guided, etc) and events happen in the garden.

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

South of the CBD, near the shrine

3hr

Free

Experience an Event

One of the biggest draws to Melbourne is it's array of world class events. Sporting events take the top spot, with the Australian Open (tennis), Formula 1 race, Moto GP a Phillip Island, AFL grand final, Boxing Day test cricket and the Melbourne Cup (horse racing). Cultural events include the International comedy festival, MIFF (international film festival) and the many art exhibits held by the NGV. There are usually other exhibits and shows around plus great civic events such as Moomba, White Night and the Night Markets. See all the main events listed in our 'Essential Info' section.

Various

Half/full

Varies

Block and Royal Arcade

These two historic shopping arcades are grand in design, intended to attract gold rich shoppers when constructed in 1892 and 1870. Today you will find a collection of delightful boutique shops including Koko Black (for chocolate), Haigh's (more chocolate), Dr Seuss gallery, The Tea Rooms (with a popular window display) and many more. They both act as laneways, so you can easily include them on a self-exploration walking tour, and they are also near all the mainstream shopping areas of Collins St and Bourke Street Mall.

Royal arcade Melbourne

CBD

1hr

Free

Great Ocean Road

This is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular drives in the world. You will find yourself meandering between ocean and cliffs, stopping at amazing lookouts, strolling along beaches and dropping into small coastal towns. Beginning in Torquay, it goes for 243km and can be done self driving or as a tour in 1 long day, or spread over 2 or more. Highlights include the Shipwreck coast, Cape Otway (lighthouse and wild Koalas), rainforest walks, the Gibson steps and famous rock formations like the Grotto, Loch Ard Gorge, London arch and the 12 apostles (pictured). Also try the Otway Fly for treetop walks and ziplining.

Great ocean road melbourne

South West of Melbourne

1day+

Free

National Gallery Victoria

The NGV International is Australia's oldest and most popular art museum. It features the national gallery of Victoria's collection of Australian and international art, mainly paintings, but also sculptures and is free to visit.
The biggest attraction is the temporary exhibits that come through on a regular basis and require a ticket(fee applies). Exhibits in recent years include Van Gogh, the Terracotta Warriors, French Impressionism, Hockney, Escher and Kors. Lookout for the next Triennial event in 2023, which is extremely popular. They have a great shop, food options, guided tours, kids activities, films, 'NGV Friday nights' and more.

NGV Melbourne

Southbank, 5min south of Fed Sq

Half day

Free+

Hidden / Rooftop Bars

One of the most unique aspects of Melbourne's lifestyle is looking for something unique, and the bars hidden down alleyways or perched on rooftops are the best expression of this. You can find the hidden ones everywhere - down dirty laneways with entrances next to garbage bins and no sign on the door, through back doors in pizza shops and with all manner of themes. Some you would never know existed unless you 'know' where to look. The rooftop bars offer incredible views and a packed out atmosphere. See our list in the tip section below.

melbourne rooftop bar

Across the CBD and inner city suburbs

Night

Varies

Queen Vic Market

Queen Vic Market is Melbourne's best known and largest market. Tourists come here for the souvenirs, boutique shops, to wander the aisles and get some great food in the dairy produce hall such as borek, chocolates, cheese and pastries. You will find fruit and veggies, clothes, pets stores, and a meat and fish hall. The often have events including the popular night market that operates on Wednesday nights in summer.
Normal operating days are Tuesday, and Thursday to Sunday. Guided tours available.

North of the CBD, Elizabeth St

1-2hr

Free

Melbourne Museum and IMAX

This award winning museum is the largest museum in the Southern hemisphere. It's main exhibits are focused on natural history(dinosaurs), Melbourne's history, aboriginal culture, science and life, the mind and body, and the forest gallery which comprises of a living forest right in the centre of the museum. The adjoining IMAX cinema has a range of documentary and mainstream cinema films showing. A temporary exhibit space brings a range of international touring exhibits that are separately ticketed.

Melbourne museum

North east of the CBD, Carlton gardens

Half day

15

South Melbourne Market

This is a higher end market, much smaller than Queen Vic, but packing a bigger punch with it's offerings. It has the usual fruit and veg stores, but it's main draw for tourists are the food hall and the unique speciality shops. Long queues form for Agate, a French patisserie. There is a chocolate shop with a viewing window to watch them make the products and lunch can be had at the food court or in one of the many restaurants. The seafood, particularly the oysters, are very popular to buy and eat right there. You can combine your visit with a exploration of South Melbourne along Coventry and Clarendon Streets.

South Melbourne Market

South Melbourne, via a short tram ride

2hr

Free

State Library

This grand building is worth visiting to explore the architecture, especially the octagonal Latrobe reading room, and to see the art and historical collections. The main draw is the armour used by famed outlaw Ned Kelly during his last stand at Glenrowan.
They also have temporary exhibits and events, two cafes and a bookshop.

State Library melbourne

Northern end of Swanston street

2hr

Free

See a Theatre Show

Melbourne is the best place in Australia to catch a show. There are several theatres in the CBD that show broadway style shows - recent ones include Harry Potter, Frozen and Moulin Rouge. South of the yarra, in the arts precinct, you can find the Hammer Hall, Arts Centre and, in the gardens, the Sydney Myer Music Bowl. There are a myriad of other venues catering to differing shows - Melbourne theatre company, The Malthouse, the comedy theatre, etc, plus many temporary venues that pop up along the river. Take a look at the link to see what's playing.

Theatre melbourne

CBD and Southbank Arts Precinct

3hr

Varies

Shrine of Remembrance

This war memorial has several things to offer. It's location, directly south of St Kilda road, gives a great view back to the city. This is especially so if you walk up the stairs inside the shrine to the outdoor viewing balcony. The main interior(the sanctuary) is an astonishing space of remembrance. Below the shrine is an excellent war museum. The forecourt features the eternal flame and each Sunday the 'last post service' is held at 4.45pm. Remembrance services are held regularly and Anzac day is particularly popular.

Shrine of Remembrance melbourne

South of the CBD - tram or 20min walk

2hr

Free

Chinatown

Melbourne has one of the best 'Chinatown's in the world thanks to the early arrival of Chinese immigrants during the gold rush era of the 1850's. East of Swanston street on Little Bourke, you will find a long stretch of restaurants and shops and the Chinese museum (see below). Stop here for delicious dumplings, yum cha and to find a few hidden bars. Events are put on for Chinese new year and the mid autumn festival.

Chinatown melbourne

In the CBD, little Bourke St

2hr

Free

Little Italy/Greece/Vietnam

Melbourne's long history of immigration has provided many excellent 'little' versions of places around the world.
Melbourne is said to have the highest number of Greek speakers outside of Greece and, just north of Chinatown on Lonsdale Street, is the Greek precinct, where you can find delicious Greek food.
A short walk north of the CBD, on Lygon Street in Carlton, is little Italy, where Italian food reigns and special events are held. East of the CBD (by tram or train), Victoria Street in north Richmond is a little Vietnam.

Little Greece Melbourne

CBD, north and east of the CBD

Half day

Free

St Kilda

Melbourne's 'playground by the sea' is the one of most popular and closest beachside areas to the CBD. It's highlights include Luna Park amusement park (see below), the Palais Theatre, beach activities, wild penguins viewable at night, walks along the foreshore, water sports, skydiving, the popular Acland Street shopping street, the drinking culture and Sunday market. This is a popular area for backpackers and there are many events held, particularly music events, which is headlined by the massive and free St Kilda music festival.

South of the city, 25min tram ride

Half day

Free

Puffing Billy

This fantastic narrow gauge railway is delightful for all ages. The train will take you over trestle bridges and through the forest on it's way across the Dandenong ranges.
Most people do a journey to Emerald Lake, or do the whole line to Gembrook and back. There is a museum located at Menzies Creek.
Most of the carriages are open air, so dress for the weather.
Add-on's include various types of meals and special events are held such as a murder mystery dinner or the Thomas weekend.

Puffing Billy train melbourne

Dandenongs, 1hr15min metro ride

Full day

61+

Phillip Island

The penguin parade is the main draw here - a nightly experience of seeing hoards of wild penguins return to their nests after a day of fishing. Spectators and penguins are separated as you sit in a specially built viewing area with the beach illuminated in front.
Also on the island are a few nice settlements, a Koala conservation centre, the GP track, wildlife cruises, a chocolate factory, 'A Maze'n' things' children's attraction and The Nobbies headland with seal viewing and Antarctic journey centre.

Phillip Island Victoria

1.5hr drive south east

Full day+

Varies

Fitzroy and Collingwood

The most "Melbourne" inner city suburbs are the trendy hipster, foodie and drinking suburbs of Fitzroy and the adjoining Collingwood. The two parallel streets of Brunswick Street (Fitzroy) and Smith Street (Collingwood) offer long stretches of some of the cities best restaurants, bars, coffee and shops.
Vegan food options are particularly good here, as are the live music options. The Rose street market is a weekend artists market.

North east of CBD, 10min tram ride

Half day

Free

Yarra River Cruise / Drink

One of the best places to hang out in Melbourne is by the river. The whole Southbank promenade is lined with bars and restaurants with great views. Some on the norther side, such as Arbory bar, fit the bill too. But why not get on the water itself?
There are many cruise operators, most departing from close to Princes bridge and Flinders St Station. They usually take a simple tour up and down the river whilst giving commentary for an hour or two. Dinner cruises also available.
Go boat offer the chance to drive your own small boat.

Next to the CBD

1-2hr

Varies

ACMI

This newly refurbished museum, fully named as the 'Australian Centre for the Moving Image', tells the whole tale of the history of film, from it's beginnings as shadow puppetry, through the first feature length film (made in Melbourne) and into the modern age. There are lots of interactive elements, such as computer games, making your own flip book and mashing up famous movie lines to create a new scene.
Exhibitions are regularly held (fee payable) - recent ones include Disney, Scorsese and Wallace and Gromit.

ACMI melbourne

Fed Square

3hr

Free

Luna Park

Overlooking the centre of St Kilda is the massive smiling face that is the entrance to Melbourne's Luna Park. This small amusement park is dominated by the roller coaster - The Great Scenic Railway - that encircles the entire park and is the star attraction. It is the oldest continually operating roller coaster in the world (2nd oldest overall) and is a back shaking ride, but interesting to experience as the brakes are uniquely operated by an brakeman who stands on the middle of the moving carriages. The other rides are the ghost train and a bunch of standard spinning flat rides.

Luna park melbourne

St Kilda

Half day

51

Wilson's Prom

A stunning national park that also the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. The beaches here are some of the most spectacular in Victoria and there are great day walks, plus some overnight trails that allow you to reach the southern tip and a remote lighthouse. Some easier walks go to low level hill tops for great views whilst the more difficult Mt Oberon is the highest point. Kangaroos and other wildlife can be spotted. Camping is available - book ahead.

Wilsons prom victoria

3hr drive south east

Full day+

Free

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If you want to check up on Jetstar, it is best to book through their site directly at jetstar.com as this gives you the best price and full availability. Just remember that checked luggage costs extra.

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For flights with Qantas, try looking at auntbetty.com which is operated by Flight Centre. It's an easy to use flight search website that gives you the true price (unlike others, that show dodgy prices) and back-up support from your local Flight Centre store.

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Need info on 'How to get to Melbourne?' or 'Where to stay?'

Go to the second page of our travel guide for the full run down.

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Or, go to the third page for all the 'Essential info' like getting around, food, shopping, and much more.

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  • Visiting The Daintree and Cape Tribulation
    The Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, Crocodile cruise, Daintree tours and Mossman gorge - all detailed above - can all be done in a single day trip from Port Douglas. You can do this by taking a tour but it can also be done by yourself. With little public transport options however, hiring a car would really be the only option. Links: - - Daintree Discovery Centre - Cape Trib Cruises - Aboriginal Dreamtime Walk - Kuku Yalanji crab hunting tours - River drift snorkelling ​ Note that the ferry to cross the Daintree river is $30 per car return and long queues can form due to the limited space on board.
  • Day tours / activities available in Port Douglas
    Links to Day Tours / Activities mentioned above: - - Cape Trib Cruises - Lady Douglas river cruises - Horse riding - Hot Air Balloon ride - Helicopter flight - Microlight flight - Fly to a deserted island - Swim with Minke Whales - Stand up paddle board or surfing - Bike 'n' hike - Rainforest mountain bike tour - Devil thumb hike - Fishing - Ride a dirt bike - Ride a motortrike - Ride a segway - Coconut tour - Bush tour with 'Man and a dog' - Brett's outback tasting adventure
  • Sunset cruises and Sailing
    Links to sunset cruises: - - Sailaway - Lady Douglas - Shaolin Sailing: - - Wavedancer - Escape
  • Safety Tip - Swimming in Port Douglas
    Four Mile beach is the only beach you can swim at in Port Douglas - the inlet on the opposite side of town (around the marina) has a high risk of crocodiles being present. Crocs can be found at Four Mile beach too, but it is rare and lifeguards are watching out for them. ​ Stinger (jellyfish) season comes with a stinger net that protects an area of the beach near to the town centre, so be sure to use this when advised (usually November to May). ​ Always follow the advice on the warning signs and only swim between the flags where the lifeguards are present. ​ More info here and here. ​ Other swimming options include your hotel swimming pool (most have them) or freshwater swimming holes that are too cold for crocs (see above).

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AUTHORED BY

Christopher Jubb, Founder of Travel Unpacked

More information available on our About page

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