Multicultural Melbourne is frequently ranked as the world’s most livable city. The atmosphere in Australia’s second-largest city is unmistakably European. Here are the best tourist attractions and places to visit in Melbourne that prove this is Australia’s Premier City.
1. St. Kilda Beach: One of the unmissable places to visit in Melbourne for tourists
This unique area, which is only four miles from the city center, is well known for its farm-to-fork eateries, inventive cafés, and the adored Luna Park amusement park. It is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne that every visitor should not miss.
Along with a thriving creative arts culture, it is also home to Australia’s biggest seated theater, the recently renovated 1927 Palais Theater, which is only a short distance from the beach.
Beyond the boardwalk adorned with palm trees that borders the golden sands, St Kilda Beach’s lapping waves will gladly lull you into a state of tranquility.
When you’ve had your fill of the beach, head to St. Kilda Sea Baths for some fine dining. You can savor some iconic Australian delicacies like fish and chips or chicken parma (Australian for “parmigiana”) with ocean views at one of the few bars and restaurants in this old pavilion.
Strolling along St. Kilda Breakwater, a pier renowned for its “residents,” who make a special nightly appearance, is one of the greatest things to do in Melbourne with kids. It’s a great chance to see these cute critters when the colony of Little Penguins waddles back to their home shortly after nightfall.
2. Melbourne Cricket Ground: Places to visit in Melbourne for sport-lovers
This massive stadium is one of the greatest places to go in Melbourne if you’re a lover of cricket, Australia’s national sport.
Melbourne Cricket Ground, also known as “The G” by locals, is one of the biggest in the world and can hold up to 100,000 spectators. Up until you’re standing beside the wicket, the stadium’s immense size is difficult to appreciate.
You will have the chance to see this legendary arena’s interior during an hour-long tour, as well as to walk on the renowned turf and trace the feet of cricketing greats.
Visit the renowned Long Room (formerly known as the Members’ Lounge), get a peek inside the players’ locker rooms, and expand your trip to include the Australian Sports Museum which is situated on the premises.
3. The 12 Apostles and the Great Ocean Road: One of the most popular places to visit in Melbourne
The Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most breathtaking drives, is a mesmerizing coastal drive with crumbling cliffs, idyllic Australian beaches, and wild waves thanks to the Southern Ocean. It is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne that every visitor should not miss.
The 12 Apostles, a group of limestone sea stacks that are undoubtedly the most famous sight along the trip, are accessible through a more direct inland path, but the journey itself is where half the charm is to be found.
The Great Ocean Road follows the coast for the most part from its start in Torquay, just over an hour from Melbourne, passing through sun-drenched towns and golden beaches. Taking a detour through Otway National Park to see koalas in the wild is a common practice when traveling.
The sea wind and breathtaking cliffs greet visitors as they arrive at the 12 Apostles, of which only eight are still intact. This location is among Australia’s most stunning. The relaxed coastal village of Port Campbell, which is not far from the Apostles, is the ideal place to eat lunch before spreading out your blanket on the tiny beach.
4. Fitzroy Gardens: A green place in the middle of the city
A lovely green place in the city is the Victorian-era Fitzroy Gardens. It is one of Melbourne’s oldest parks and was established as a reserve in 1848. It is a tranquil environment with attractive plants, groomed grass, and flowers.
The park is also home to several historic structures, including the bandstand in Corinthian architecture and the conservatory from the 1930s, which features captivating seasonal floral displays.
5. The Dandenong Ranges and the Yarra Valley
While some tourists to Melbourne choose to take a river cruise or stroll the Capital City Trail along the Yarra River, locals know to follow the river inland to the Yarra Valley.
One of the nicest places to visit in Melbourne is, without a doubt, this beautiful natural environment with breathtaking scenery and renowned wineries, which is around 20 miles from the city.
Spend a leisurely day visiting various cellar doors for tastings and maker meetings before dining on a sophisticated farm-to-table cuisine at one of the area’s renowned restaurants. Get ready for a remarkable experience with the various award-winning vintages available to taste from exceptional estates like Yering and Rochford Wines.
The valley is a haven for hikers and those interested in nature. The Dandenong Ranges are a great location for exploring bushwalking routes, watching king parrots perform in the trees, or just taking in the Sherbrooke Forest landscape while riding an old railway.
6. Healesville Sanctuary: One of the best places to visit in Melbourne for families and kids
The Sir Colin Mackenzie Sanctuary in Healesville, which is surrounded by bushland, is a sizable conservation zoo where you may see native wildlife in a safe environment.
One of the greatest places to visit in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley to learn about the numerous protected and indigenous species is the sanctuary, which is an hour inland from the city. You will have the opportunity to explore a variety of ecosystems, mimicking the typical settings of the animals’ natural home, from wetlands to woodlands.
Before going to Kangaroo Island to see everyone’s favorite fuzzy mammal, wander the main trail to come across alluring birds, like the native emu or orange-bellied parrot. Continue walking along the bushland track, where you may see wombats, wallabies, and koalas. You may also get a chance to see the naturally shy dingo, which is related to the Indian wolf.
7. Abbotsford Convent: Explore special arts and the history
This National Heritage-listed edifice, which started as a convent in 1863 and held the distinction of being Australia’s largest multi-arts precinct, is another of the top locations to go in Melbourne to enjoy the city’s cultural scene.
You may explore the grounds and discover more about the precinct’s history with self-guided audio tours that can be downloaded to your phone. The Indigenous Sound Trail, designed by the Wurundjeri Elders, the Traditional Custodians of the Land, is particularly intriguing. It features soundscapes made by renowned local musicians.
Over 100 artists’ studios have been meticulously renovated inside the convent, which is now also home to temporary displays of their work at St Heliers Street Gallery. It is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne that every visitor should not miss.
8. National Gallery of Victoria: The most popular art gallery in Australia
Melbourne is known for its culture, and the National Gallery of Victoria is the crowning achievement. It is not only Australia’s oldest public art gallery, but also it is the most popular. In two city locations, you can see over 70,000 works of European, Asian, Oceanic, and American art.
The St. Kilda Road building, which was constructed in 1968, serves as the home of the international collection. The building’s most well-known feature is the Great Hall, where guests are welcome to lie on the floor and admire the vibrant stained-glass ceiling. This is the best place to visit in Melbourne!
9. City Circle Tram Tour
Do you want to see Melbourne the Melbourne way? Take the City Circle Tram. Melbourne is well-known for its trams, and the City Circle Tram is a free and convenient way to see the highlights of the CBD and Docklands.
The Parliament House, the Old Treasury Building, the Princess Theatre, and the Windsor Hotel are just a few of the grand historic structures that are passed by the hop-on, hop-off heritage tram that features commentary. Additionally, you can get off at popular sites like Federation Square. The trams run every 12 minutes, and it takes 50 minutes to complete the entire loop.
10. Federation Square: Impossible to overlook
It is directly across the street from Flinders Street Station, a major public transportation hub. The ultra-modern design of open and closed spaces in the building stands in stark contrast to the surrounding Victorian architecture.
Locals and tourists alike are drawn here by the live entertainment. With over 2,000 events held each year, there is always a performance or festival to enjoy in the central outdoor performance space or intimate indoor venues. There are also numerous cafés and restaurants in the area.
11. Melbourne’s Arcades and Laneways
One of the most popular places to visit in Melbourne for high-end shopping is the magnificent Block Arcade on Collins Street. This is the place where late-nineteenth-century gentry promenaded, coining the phrase “doing the block.” It has a mosaic floor, period details, and boutique shops.
Everything from Haigh’s Chocolates and vintage jewelry to designer fashion, gifts, and cafés can be found here. It’s also worth lining up at the Hopetoun Tearooms for morning or afternoon tea. This Melbourne icon dates back to 1892 and is the arcade’s only original shop.
From the maze of backstreets, cozy cafés beckon. Make time to order a coffee, pull up a chair, and people-watch – it’s a popular Melbourne pastime.
12. Eureka Tower: See the whole city
Where can you get a good view of the city? In the heart of Southbank, visit the 91-story Eureka Tower. This eye-catching skyscraper was named after the 1854 Eureka Stockade, a prospector rebellion in the Victorian goldfields. The gold crown and gold-plated windows of the building literally sparkle when the sun catches the top of the building, adding to the Gold Rush theme.
Skydeck, located on the 88th floor, has the highest public view in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit The Edge, a glass cube that slides out three meters from the building for vertigo-free visitors, for even more thrills. It is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne that every visitor should not miss.
13. The Melbourne Zoo
The 22-hectare Melbourne Zoo has something for everyone, from big cats to butterflies. Although the zoo was founded in 1862, the 250-plus species of animals now enjoy the best of modern facilities in state-of-the-art enclosures just five minutes from Melbourne’s CBD.
Animals from all over the world can be found here. In a traditional village garden setting, the internationally acclaimed Trail of the Elephants takes guests on a journey through the lives of the resident Asian elephants.
Another highlight is the Orang-utan Sanctuary, which houses the animals in their natural habitat of the trees. You can also walk down a bush track to see your favorite Australian animals, such as kangaroos, koalas, and emus.
14. Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building
The Melbourne Museum is a short tram ride from the CBD and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. This contemporary museum houses a diverse collection depicting society and cultures, as well as science and the environment.
The elaborate Royal Exhibition Building is adjacent to the Melbourne Museum. Built-in 1880 to house Melbourne’s International Exhibition, the building also hosted Australia’s first Commonwealth Parliament in 1901. The building is still used for exhibitions and special events, and regular tours are available.
15. The Royal Botanic Gardens: The best place to explore nature in the city
Among the best in the world are Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. The gardens have two locations: Melbourne and Cranbourne, and they were established in 1846.
The Melbourne Gardens are located in the heart of green parkland south of the Yarra River, approximately two kilometers from the CBD. They cover 38 hectares and are home to over 10,000 plant species from around the world, including many rare specimens.
- Location: Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
16. Queen Victoria Market: One of the unmissable places to visit in Melbourne for tourists
Queen Victoria Market is a historic landmark, popular with both locals and tourists. It has been at the heart of fresh produce shopping since 1878. Five days a week, the market stalls sell everything from clothing, art, and toys to that hard-to-find unique souvenir, with a focus on farm-fresh goodies.
- Location: Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
