Those of you who have followed this blog for awhile know that Melbourne, Australia is one of my favourite cities. I first went to Melbourne in 2014, when I was in New Zealand, to see friends. In 2017, after leaving New Zealand, I returned. Over the next two months, I returned to Melbourne again and again. I wandered the alleys, went to the markets, strolled along the river, and found hidden late night bars. But there’s more to Melbourne than just great coffee, incredible street are, and fantastic food and wine. From easy access to wildlife, astounding natural scenery, and one of Australia’s best wine regions. here are 25 things to do in Melbourne, Australia.
25 things to do in melbourne, australia
Sydney may be Australia’s best known city, but Melbourne (pronounced “Melbin” by locals and those in the know) is wildly popular with visitors. It is located on the south coast, in the state of Victoria. Melbourne is one of the major international gateways into Australia on most major carriers. Flying into Melbourne and out of Sydney is a great itinerary option for those who have time to explore Australia.
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As the usual starting point for trips out to the Great Ocean Road, Wilson’s Prom, or the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne attracts millions of visitors each year. And while these three exciting destinations are top attractions, there’s plenty to do in the city as well. I definitely included the nearby highlights but tried to stay focused on things to do in Melbourne, rather than the state of Victoria as a whole!
browse the vast queen victoria market
The go-to destination for locals to pick up fresh produce is also a must do for visitors. The outdoor stalls are all local vendors selling organic produce, eggs, honey, jam, and all sorts of clothing, bric a brac, and homewares. Indoor, there are charcuterie stalls, wine and beer shops, cheesemongers, and bakeries – as well as spice stalls, and coffee & tea shops. Truly a one stop shop for anyone after good local fare or people watching. Closed Monday and Wednesdays, so just be aware. In the summer, head to the night markets at the Queen Vic.
walk along the yarra river
Melbourne’s downtown core sits astride the Yarra River, a few miles inland from the coast. The Yarra is small, and in recent years the Melbourne waterfront has become a popular destination. With a riverwalk on both sides, and several pedestrian bridges crossing the river between Federation Square and Southbank, it’s easy to get around. In late January/early February, the Chinese New Year lights up the Southbank side of the river with fireworks, fire-breathing towers, and lifesize sculptures. It’s a don’t miss event if you’re in the city then.
take a walking tour
There are plenty of options for walking tours in Melbourne. Some are designed for street art fans, others are more about the coffee heritage or cocktail bars, but all spend a few hours exploring the hidden laneways and unique features of Melbourne.
seek out unique street art
You can’t go to Melbourne and not see unique street art. Graffiti adorns most alleys – both well marked and hidden. And finding it is one of the popular things to do in Melbourne. It’s something of a scavenger hunt to explore the Melbourne alleys for good art. Until 2016, unknown artist Banksy had pieces scattered around the city but they were destroyed that summer. Rumour has it there is a new piece. Some of the best pieces belong to local and visiting superstar taggers. Well known locales include Hosier Lane, near Fed Square, AC/DC Lane, and Croft Alley – but there are plenty of others around the city and its suburbs.
learn about the city’s coffee heritage
Australians take their coffee seriously, which you’ll notice if you head to almost any cafe in the country. There are staggering arrays of roasts, blends, strengths, and more. At times, you feel as though you’ve walked into a science lab. Coffee in Melbourne is no exception – the city is considered Australia’s coffee capital. The best way to see the best of Melbourne coffee is by tour. Hidden Secrets hosts a walking tour of the city that highlights both the history of the coffee culture and the modern approach.
enjoy live music
As Australia’s culture capital, Melbourne has plenty to offer in the way of live music. Its a rare night that you won’t find at least one venue hosting a live act – some host seven nights a week! And there is no telling what you may come across – the stage is set for almost any kind of musical genre. The Esplanade, in St Kilda, often has free entry, so even budget travellers can rock out to live bands. Other venues include Cherry Bar, Section 8, and Corner Hotel, among others.
take a day trip to the yarra valley
Victoria’s wine region (there is at least one wine region in each Australian state) is less than an hour from the CBD. Imagine picture perfect rolling hills, undulating vineyards, and old houses dotted across the landscape. Add in modern wineries with panoramic views of the countryside and you have one of the best day trips from the city. Remember, don’t drink and drive!
get your tan on at st kilda beach
Unlike rival Sydney, Melbourne is not known for its beaches. Yes, there are great beaches in Victoria, many within a short drive of the city. But city beaches? There’s really only St. Kilda, a hipster neighbourhood south of the city. The number 16 tram runs from Flinders Station to St. Kilda; from the terminus its a short walk to the beach. Fairy penguins live near the breakwater; if you’re there around sunset you might catch a glimpse! Post-sun, head for one of St. Kilda’s many bars and cafes.
ride the rails at the oldest theme park
Luna Park, located in St. Kilda, is Australia’s oldest amusement park. Its distinctive entry features a clown … sure to be terrifying after dark and a few cocktails. The highlight of the park is the world’s oldest continuously operated wooden roller coaster.
go thrifting in fitzroy
Fitzroy, located northeast of the city centre, is a popular spot for thrift stores and used bookstores. It’s easily accessible from the city and strolling Smith Street seeking great deals on vintage clothing, vinyls, or classic books is a popular thing to do in Melbourne.
brunch at one of many different cafes
On a sunny Saturday, Melburnians do brunch right. This great list by The Urban List has over 80 different cafes and restaurants to settle into after a night at a cocktail or rooftop bar. Bottomless mimosas? Industrial-strength coffee? They have it all.
drink craft cocktails at a hidden bar
Coffee might be what gets Melburnians going during the day, but it is the cocktails that keep them going at night. And while there are hundreds of little hole in the wall coffee places across the city centre, there are also hundreds of cocktail bars in the laneways. It’s almost a game to seek them out, as it is VERY EASY to miss some of them. For some, you need a password. Others require that you ring a bell. Doors are unmarked, windows are blacked out, and half of the buildings look abandoned. They’re not. Local favourites include Eau de Vie, Croft Institute, and Berlin Bar, but every local has their favourite. I attempted to visit as many as I could and I think I only managed about 20-25. It could take you years. Well worth it!!
wander the halls of the national gallery of victoria
With over 70,000 priceless works, the National Gallery’s collection is wildly impressive. Art on display here includes works by Cezanne, Rembrandt, Picasso, and others. There is an extensive collection of Australian work, especially at the Ian Potter Centre. The NGV is the oldest (founded in 1861), largest, and most popular art gallery in Australia, and is comprised of two campuses. The NGV International is on St. Kilda Road, just past Southbank, while the NGV: Ian Potter Centre is at Federation Square. Free admission!
enjoy a classic film at the astor theatre
The Astor Theatre is the last single-screen cinema still showing movies in Melbourne. With a rotating schedule of classic and new films, there’s something for everyone here. The building was built in 1936 – in the Art Deco style – and kind of feels a bit like the glamourous Old Hollywood. The theatre does offer cheap tickets at times and also hosts film festivals throughout the year.
taste test more than 500 craft beers
Good Beer Week, Melbourne’s answer to other craft beer festivals around the world, takes place each May. The lineup includes local breweries as well as state and national breweries, all showcasing their best beers. In March, though, the team puts on the Good Beer Week Showcase event at the Atrium in Federation Square. I attended this two day event in 2017, and it was exceptional. While it’s definitely a sneak peek at the main event, it’s got a lot going for it on its own. Over 30 breweries attend, and there’s more than 100 beers to try. Every (one-day) ticket includes 20 tastings, a $10 voucher for food, and entrance into as many masterclasses as you want, as well as a free glass. I can only imagine what the full Good Beer Week is like!
relax in the royal botanic garden
There is no shortage of green space in Melbourne, from the Birrarung Marr to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Here, among the shadows of giant trees, visitors can wander the paths, visit the Shrine of Remembrance, and learn about indigenous Australian flora and fauna. The Shrine of Remembrance commemorates Australian soldiers in World War I.
cheer for aussie rules football
I’ll be the first to admit, Aussie Rules football (Australian Football League or AFL) appears like a recess game in which the bossy kid on the playground changes the rules halfway through. It’s a mess and no one except true blue, born and bred Melburnians have ANY idea what’s going on. But, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go watch a game. Like most other sporting events, it’ll be more fun with a beer and a few mates.
browse the stacks at the state library of victoria
The State Library of Victoria, on Swanston Street, is every bibliophile’s dream. With over 2 million books, devoted readers can spend hours exploring the stacks. In addition to the library’s vast collection, it also houses rare and original documents related to the founding of the city. The armour worn by infamous outlaw Ned Kelly also lives here. In the anterooms off the main entrance, there are often small exhibits.
visit the melbourne museum
Far from being an old, boring museum, the Melbourne Museum is popular with everyone. There are entire galleries dedicated to children’s exploration and interaction. Bunjilaka, a space for indigenous Aboriginal artists to interpret their culture, is one of the most popular galleries in the museum. The museum also highlights the history of Victoria and even boasts a taxidermic racehorse.
ride the city trams
Trams are an integral part of Melbourne. They run well out into the suburbs for commuters and they connect with various train lines at inner city suburbs. Riders need a MyKi card to ride (and fines are expensive!) which can be bought at major stations. However (and this is a great perk!), there is a city centre circle line that is completely free! It’s about a thirty minute walk from the east edge to the west edge of the central city, but it’s just a short tram ride away! Trams run every 6-8 minutes during peak times.
visit china
Melbourne’s Chinatown is located smack in the centre of the city, on Little Bourke Street. It’s definitely THE place to go if you’re craving any kind of Chinese food done right. Chinese culture is not limited to this strip, either. On Chinese New Year, expect to see the city as a whole light up with fireworks, light sculptures, and festivals.
spend the day in brighton
Brighton, Victoria is one of the most photographed beaches in Australia. Why, you ask? For these striking beach boxes. The bathing boxes are at Dendy Street Beach, south of Middle Brighton. While they are popular with visitors, they are all privately owned and there is a waitlist for ownership. There are also regulations that owners must adhere to in order to preserve these unique structures, although they have artistic license in colour and pattern. All of the boxes retain their classic Victorian architectural features, like corrugated roofing, timber frames, and weatherboards. Brighton is accessible by train from the CBD.
go for a “great” drive
(This is where the list shifts a bit to “around Melbourne”!) There are fewer great road trips in the world than that along the Great Ocean Road. Torquay is the official start to the road, just south of Geelong, but most people are more familiar with the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, and Loch Ard Gorge. Here’s the deal: it’s about three hours one way to the major sites. You can do that in one long day or you can stop over in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell. Tour companies offer day trips, but maybe the best way to do it is to hire a car and self drive with the windows down.
camp out at wilson’s prom
In the other direction, three hours to the southeast of Melbourne, is one of Victoria’s best kept secrets. Trust me when I say that there are very few people who have even heard of Wilson’s Promontory National Park. I hadn’t until I met a girl while exploring the Sapphire Coast. Her next stop was Wilson’s Prom, and had I had more time I might have gone down there. Wilson’s Prom is home to the southernmost point and the southernmost lighthouse in mainland Australia. My kind of place! It is known for its beaches, wildlife, and hiking trails.
spot the penguin at phillip island
If you don’t get a chance to see the penguins at the St Kilda breakwater, Phillip Island is your next best bet. The island is located between Melbourne and Wilson’s Prom, about two hours from the city by car. Penguins tours are the primary highlight for visitors, although Phillip Island has quite a bit more. There are excellent, patrolled beaches, golf courses, art galleries, motorsport and bike courses, and great food and wine. If you have the time, an overnight or two days here is the best way to experience everything that Phillip Island has to offer!
Have you been to Melbourne, Australia? What’s on your list of things to do in Melbourne? Leave suggestions in the comments! And don’t forget to pin this >>> for future reference!
