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12 of the best things to do in Melbourne, Australia
Planning activities for your visit to Melbourne? Take a closer look at the top things to do and places to see in the city.
Melbourne is the capital of sports and coffee in Australia and one of the most culturally diverse cities in the entire world. It offers a mix of the hustle and bustle of a big city as well as the peace and quiet in beautiful gardens and parks.
This also means that figuring out what to do in the city isn’t always easy, especially if you’re tight on time. Don’t worry, though. We’ve got you covered. Follow along for some of the best things to do and places to see while in Melbourne, Australia.
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1. Catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Sports, especially cricket and football, play a big role in Melbourne’s culture. It hosts games in the Australian Football League, a rugby-like sport played on an oval pitch with 18 players on each team. As you’d expect, the Melbourne Cricket Ground also hosts most of Australia’s premier cricket competitions.
If you see a game scheduled during your visit, make sure you go and experience the city’s love for sport.
The stadium is well worth a visit, even if you can’t go to a game. The largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere is also home to the Australian Sports Museum as well as the iconic MCG tours that take you behind the scenes of everything that happens at the ‘G.
2. Wander through the Block Arcade
Enjoy shopping? There’s hardly a better place to do it than the Block Arcade located in the Central Business District in Melbourne. The arcade was built all the way back in 1893, and the late Victorian era styling hasn’t gone anywhere to this day.
The Block Arcade is packed with boutiques, gift shops, jewelry shops, art shops, restaurants, and cafes. Some have been there since the place opened well over one hundred years ago.
The opening hours are:
- 8 AM to 6 PM Monday through Thursday
- 8 AM to 8 PM Friday
- 8 AM to 5 PM Saturday
- 9 AM to 5 PM Sunday
Don’t leave your shopping too late and make sure to visit during the daytime to get the full Block Arcade experience.
3. Explore the Melbourne Zoo
The Melbourne Zoo is easily one of the most popular tourist attractions in town, entertaining adults and children alike with guided tours and interactive exhibits. With a total of more than 3,500 animals of 243 different species, the zoo has enough to keep you occupied for the whole day.
The zoo is located in North Melbourne, about 4 kilometers outside of the city center. It’s open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day, with tickets for adults priced at $53 AUD (~$35 USD).
4. Take in the views from the Melbourne Skydeck
For a breathtaking perspective of Melbourne’s skyline, head to the Eureka Skydeck. Located in the Eureka Tower, the Skydeck offers awe-inspiring views from a height of nearly 300 meters.
On top of seeing most of Melbourne from above, you can also dine and have a drink at Bar 88, a rooftop bar located on the 88th floor of the building. Other experiences include the Voyager Theatre, the Edge, and the Plank, though all of these cost extra.
Admission to adults costs between $30.60 and $39.60 AUD (~$20 to $26 USD) when booked online and can be up to 15% more expensive on the spot.
5. Pay your respects at the Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance, located just outside of Port Phillip Bay, stands as a solemn tribute to Australia’s servicemen and women. Set against the backdrop of the Royal Botanical Gardens, this war memorial is a place of reflection and remembrance.
Explore the galleries, attend a commemorative service, and appreciate the symbolic architecture. Entry to the shrine is free, but donations are welcome to support its upkeep.
6. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
The Royal Botanic Gardens in South Melbourne are one of the biggest draws in the city. On top of offering an escape from the busy streets and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s also home to some of the biggest outdoor live music events in the country.
The entrance to the gardens is free and the space is open from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM daily. You can also enjoy a free guided tour or enjoy a whole heap of other activities, some of which are paid.
7. Relax at the Peninsula Hot Springs
Looking for a way to relax surrounded by nature? Peninsula Hot Springs is located just a 90-minute drive away from Melbourne and offers a dip in natural geothermal waters, spa procedures, and accommodation for those wanting to stay longer.
The surrounding area is breathtaking, and it’s easy to get lost in the stunning landscape while lying in one of the numerous hot springs. It’s one of the best things to do for couples in Melbourne, as you can book a weekend getaway for two for as little as $225 AUD ($~149 USD). If you’re traveling to Australia solo, don’t worry, there’s plenty for you here as well.
8. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria, located between South and East Melbourne, was founded back in 1861 and is one of Australia’s most popular art galleries and museums.
The gallery is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day, and the entrance to the gallery itself is free. There’s plenty to explore and see without spending a dime, though some exhibitions might charge a fee to enter.
9. Do some shopping at the Queen Victoria Market
Markets tend to show the true face of the city and the locals that live there, and the Queen Victoria Market is a great example of that. Operating since way back in 1878, the market has been an important piece of the economy and social life in Melbourne for decades.
You’ll be able to find top-quality fresh produce here, which includes anything from dairy products and specialty cheeses to meats and veggies. There are also plenty of bakeries where you can sit down and have a cup of coffee and a fresh croissant while doing some people-watching.
10. Drive down the Great Ocean Road
If you like sightseeing and road trips, the Great Ocean Road offers an experience you’ll never forget. The road stretches 243 kilometers (151 miles) from Torquay to Allansford and takes a few hours for a one-way trip. That said, most people tend to spend at least a couple of days exploring all the sights and activities available along the way.
The road itself was built by veterans of the First World War between 1919 and 1932 and serves as a war memorial. It goes along Australia’s southeastern coast and passes stunning redwood forests, endless gorges, and cliff formations.
11. Take a Yarra River tour
The Yarra River runs through the Melbourne city center and offers views of the entire city skyline from below. You can find guided boat tours and short cruises, or simply rent a waterbike and get your exercise in while seeing the city architecture and parks along your way.
12. Sample coffee wherever you go
The coffee culture isn’t something you’d want to miss when you visit Melbourne. In fact, some have gone as far as to say that the city has the best coffee in the world. The city is home to the largest Italian and Greek immigrant populations in the world, with both cultures known for great yet very different coffees.
Lygon Street, also known as Little Italy, is the place to be for a shot of espresso. The best Greek coffee can be found on the eastern end of Lonsdale Street, also known as the Greek Precinct.
You’ll find hole-in-the-wall coffee shops scattered all over the city where you can pair your coffee with a fresh croissant or Melbourne’s iconic hot jam doughnuts. Even if you’re not usually a fan — give coffee in Melbourne a try, you might just be blown away by the rich tastes and aromas it has to offer.
General tips for tourists in Melbourne, Australia
Ready for your trip to Melbourne? Here are a few tips that can help you prepare for your visit and make your experience even more enjoyable.
Documents and visas: Make sure you have all the necessary permits and paperwork. If you need a visa, find out how to get one at the local embassy.
Explore Melbourne’s neighborhoods: Venture beyond the city center to discover the unique charm of Melbourne’s diverse neighborhoods. From the artsy vibe of Fitzroy to the beachside allure of St. Kilda, each district has its own character and attractions.
Dine like a local: Melbourne is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse culinary scene. Explore local markets, try international cuisines, and don’t miss out on Melbourne’s renowned coffee culture.
Stay connected: Maintaining an internet connection can be crucial to your Melbourne experience. It allows you to find your way around with map apps, buy tickets to museums and events online, and share your experiences on social media without looking for a free WiFi hotspot.
Holafly offers the best eSIM experience in Australia with unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and affordable plans that turn alternatives such as travel SIM cards or pocket WiFi into an afterthought.
FAQs
Melbourne is renowned for its dynamic arts and culture scene, diverse culinary offerings, and unique coffee culture. The city’s iconic laneways, major sporting events, and captivating street art contribute to its global appeal.
Three days in Melbourne can be enough to visit most of the main draws in the city. That said, if you want to take on other activities in surrounding areas, such as driving the Great Ocean Road or visiting the Peninsula Hot Springs, three days won’t be enough.
Melbourne offers plenty of free activities, including visiting the National Gallery of Victoria, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Shrine of Remembrance. You can also visit the many parks around the city or explore its diverse architecture on foot without having to pay a dime.
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A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
