Top 25 Attractions and Activities in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is a vibrant and dynamic metropolis, boasting an engaging city center, distinctive inner-city neighborhoods, and lush parks and mountain ranges that showcase Australian nature in all its glory.

The city is celebrated for its numerous laneways, cultural diversity, exceptional dining options that cater to all budgets, and remarkable street art. It has also gained a reputation as the coffee capital of the world and is frequently recognized as one of the world’s most livable cities.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Melbourne:

1. Drink the world’s best coffee

It is officially recognized that Melbourne hosts the finest coffee globally, as voted by over a thousand users on website booking.com.

Melbourne outperformed several well-known coffee capitals such as Rome and Vienna, and the dedication of Melbourne’s baristas is readily apparent.

It is indeed challenging to find subpar coffee in Melbourne; the city prides itself on being a leader in coffee and café culture, and the locals exhibit a passion for their coffee selections. Cafés in London even advertise the presence of Melbourne-trained baristas, as Australian and New Zealand baristas effectively introduced high-quality coffee to the city.

Melbourne also hosts a coffee expo, and the 2014 World Barista Champion, Pete Licata from the USA, has characterized the coffee culture in Melbourne as “incredible.” Coffee enthusiasts will undoubtedly find their ideal experience here.

A stroll through the city’s laneways will lead you to excellent coffee, and specialized tours for coffee lovers are available: explore Hidden Secret Tours or Melbourne Coffee Tours for more information.

According to Yelp, the premier cup of coffee in Melbourne can be found at Patricia on Little Bourke Street: a compact establishment without seating and often a queue to enter, but widely recognized as offering possibly the best coffee you will ever try! The staff are welcoming, and it certainly warrants the accolades it receives.

2. Check out the amazing street art

Melbourne is renowned for its street art, often regarded as one of the global capitals for this artistic expression.

The local council has designated specific areas for street artists, ensuring that the street art here is of exceptionally high quality and frequently updated. This supportive framework allows emerging street artists to gain valuable experience while simultaneously reducing unregulated graffiti in other areas, thereby enhancing the urban atmosphere enjoyed by both tourists and locals. A comprehensive street art map of Melbourne can be found here.

Moreover, a Melbourne street art tour, led by street artists, is available for those interested in gaining insight into the art’s origins, creation process, and the individuals involved in this intriguing underground scene. A similar tour can also be found on getyourguide.com.

3. Wander through laneways

An unstructured exploration of the many laneways of Melbourne offers an exceptional opportunity to discover what this city presents.

City maps are accessible at the Federation Square Visitor Information Centre and many local hotels; notable laneways include Centre Place, AC/DC Lane (named after the iconic Australian rock band), Hardware Lane, and Degraves Lane.

You will encounter a plethora of sights, activities, shopping, and dining, all while gaining a renewed appreciation for Melbourne’s urban culture.

4. Visit Flinders Street Station and Federation Square

The primary entrance to Flinders Street Station stands as a picturesque urban symbol of Melbourne, appearing in numerous postcards and tourist brochures. This stunning building, which opened in 1910, is registered on the Victorian heritage list.

Inside, you will find Australia’s busiest train station, featuring a small shopping area with enticing dining options and convenient access to Southbank.

Across the street, Federation Square is another iconic location in Melbourne, noted for its unique architectural design, presenting a striking contrast to typical structures.

While at the Square, do not miss visiting the Australian Centre of the Moving Image, which showcases captivating exhibitions on themes such as Claymation, and the Ian Potter Centre art gallery.

5. Rock out

Melbourne is distinguished for its vibrant live music scene, particularly in the rock genre.

The city frequently hosts numerous bands, attracting both local and international talent, including emerging artists.

It is also the residence of the renowned Australian singer-songwriter Nick Cave.

Popular venues for live performances include the Corner Hotel, the Evelyn Hotel, the Spotted Mallard, the Post Office Hotel, Ding-Dong Lounge, the Esplanade Hotel, and the Palais Theatre.

6. Learn how things work at Scienceworks

Scienceworks features an exciting assortment of interactive science exhibits, workshops, and events.

The venue also hosts a planetarium, a lightning room, and a miniature model city known as Nitty Gritty Super City, which showcases how an urban environment operates in small scale.

The planetarium presents educational shows, while the Lightning Room offers 30-minute live demonstrations featuring a gigantic Tesla Coil that generates over two million volts of electricity to create dramatic lightning discharges.

This destination promises entertaining experiences for both children and adults alike!

7. Stroll the botanic gardens

The Botanic Gardens are conveniently located within walking distance of the city center, providing a serene retreat filled with tranquility and greenery away from the urban hustle.

This area is a favored location for local joggers and walkers, while the stunning landscapes create a perfect setting for peaceful meditation.

Boasting over 8,500 plant species, the gardens are richly colorful, visually captivating, and educational.

Consider bringing a sketchbook to capture the beauty of the flowers or the picturesque settings!

8. Have a gourmet Greek dinner

Melbourne boasts the largest Greek population outside of Athens, and its vibrant Greek community regularly hosts a variety of cultural events.

In the delightful Greek Precinct, you will discover authentic Greek cuisine that rivals that found in Greece itself. This area also contains numerous Greek cultural shops and the nearby Hellenic Museum.

If you are visiting Melbourne in March or September, consider attending the Antipodes Festival or the Greek Film Festival, respectively.

9. Get sporty at the MCG

As the largest stadium in Australia, the Melbourne Cricket Ground proudly declares itself as “Australia’s favorite stadium.”

Melbourne’s sports culture is enthusiastic, with the MCG at its epicenter.

It serves as the home of the Melbourne Cricket Club and also hosts the immensely popular AFL, international soccer, rugby matches, and other sports-related events.

Initially constructed in 1853, the stadium has undergone numerous renovations and boasts a record attendance of approximately 130,000 attendees.

Additionally, the MCG houses the Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum.

10. Shop till you drop

Melbourne is famous for its upscale shopping, particularly on Chapel Street, which attracts both local and celebrity customers due to its excellent array of high-quality clothing. Another shopping destination is the former Melbourne Government Post Office, which has been converted into a shopping mall.

Bridge Road in Richmond offers excellent outlet shopping, budget-friendly dining, and an array of homewares.

Fitzroy is known for its eclectic vintage finds, while further afield, Highpoint and Chadstone are expansive shopping malls featuring a variety of Australian and international brands.

11. Learn about Victoria’s convict past at Old Melbourne Gaol

Old Melbourne Gaol is a museum located in the city center, which functioned as a prison from its inception in 1842 until 1929. It served as the execution site for many of Australia’s most notorious criminals, including Ned Kelly, with 133 executions occurring on-site.

The museum provides an insight into life in the 1800s, highlighting the harsh conditions endured by some mentally ill and homeless individuals who were incarcerated there, a reality that seems shocking by today’s standards.

The museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts, including death masks of executed criminals.

Considered by some to be haunted, the museum offers ghost tours that recount chilling accounts collected from visitors and staff.

12. Visit the Immigration Museum

The Immigration Museum celebrates Australia’s multicultural heritage, showcasing the various cultures that have contributed to shaping modern Australia.

Situated in the historic Old Customs House, the museum narrates the stories of different communities in Melbourne and Victoria, focusing on the immigration journey, identity definitions, and the arduous experiences endured by many immigrants en route to Australia.

Additionally, it includes the Customs Gallery, which documents the historical significance of the Old Customs House as a central hub for immigration, trade, and commerce during the 19th century.

13. Have a night out at the Crown Casino Complex

The Crown Casino Complex is a vast resort and casino located next to the Yarra River. It is recognized as the largest casino complex in the Southern Hemisphere and ranks among the largest globally.

Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the exception of three public holidays each year, it offers an exciting gambling experience, but also provides premium shopping opportunities, exquisite dining options, and vibrant nightlife.

The Atrium area is stunning, featuring beautiful fountains and audiovisual shows. Additionally, pyrotechnic towers located outside the complex create a remarkable display, releasing fireballs into the night sky. Dubbed the “Gas Brigades,” these towers are the largest of their kind worldwide.

14. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Queen Victoria Markets

The Queen Victoria Markets have served as a significant food hub in Melbourne since their inauguration in 1878. Visitors will discover some of the city’s most delectable produce stalls and delicatessens, offering exceptional cheeses, olives, and smoked meats.

The architecture of the building is a fine representation of Victorian style, while artisanal crafts created by local artisans and unique souvenirs for visitors are also available.

Throughout the year, various events are hosted at the markets, so it’s advisable to check the website for current happenings.

15. Admire Aboriginal art

Melbourne features several galleries showcasing Aboriginal art, both within the city and its surroundings. The collection is particularly expansive at the City Gallery (inside Town Hall), the Flinders Lane Gallery, the Ian Potter Museum of Art, and NGV International.

Aboriginal art is celebrated worldwide for its intricate beauty and profound symbolism. Melbourne provides an excellent venue to explore the significance of art in indigenous culture and appreciate the artistry involved.

16. Enjoy a taste of Italy on Lygon Street

The Lygon Street Italian Precinct, often referred to as Little Italy, is a charming tree-lined street traversing multiple suburbs of Melbourne, distinguished by its rich café culture that introduced residents to the high-quality coffee for which the city is celebrated.

Here you will discover exceptional Italian dining experiences, as well as stores featuring Italian produce and culture, the beautiful Lygon Buildings (constructed in 1888), and a variety of boutique shops.

17. Visit the Block Arcade

The Block Arcade is a shopping precinct located within an exquisitely designed heritage arcade, which opened in 1892. Rich in history and featuring stunning architecture, the Block Arcade provides a nostalgic experience while housing a variety of luxury boutiques, as well as the quirky Art of Dr. Seuss gallery, the Hopetoun tearooms, and Haigh’s chocolates.

18. Have a picnic at the Carlton Gardens, and visit the Royal Exhibition Building

The Carlton Gardens complex spans 26 hectares and features the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum, and IMAX cinema.

This site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is easily accessible from the city center.

The meticulously maintained gardens, lovely fountains, and impressive architecture warrant a visit.

The gardens provide a pleasant setting for walkers and a chance to appreciate an array of Australian and international flora (and occasionally fauna!). Events such as gardening festivals are often hosted here as well.

19. Go penguin-spotting at St Kilda

St Kilda brims with attractions for both tourists and residents, from the delectable pastries on Acland Street to community gardens and vibrant nightlife.

The area features a beautiful beach with iconic Victorian beach houses and a pier. Surprisingly, this bustling suburb is also home to a colony of little penguins. This colony established itself in the 1970s along the St Kilda breakwater and makes its appearance just after sunset throughout the year, particularly blooming during summer.

Penguin guides are available during daylight savings hours to provide insights regarding these fascinating birds.

Visitors are respectfully advised to treat the penguins and their nesting areas with care, as they cherish their families just as much as we do!

20. Go bushwalking in the Dandenong Ranges

The Dandenong Ranges, located on the outskirts of Melbourne, provide an idyllic setting for walkers, cyclists, hikers, nature enthusiasts, and bird watchers.

The stunning scenery in the ranges makes it a favored tourist destination for active travelers, romantic getaways, and even wedding photos.

Visitors will discover charming small towns, delightful local produce, and the renowned Puffing Billy steam train.

21. Catch a festival

Melbourne is celebrated for its vibrant festivals; it is advisable to check the visitor center at Federation Square or search online for events during your stay.

Some particularly renowned festivals include White Night (an illumination festival in the inner city), the Lonsdale Street Greek Festival, Cultural Diversity Week, Lunar New Year celebrations, the Midsumma Festival, the Moomba Festival, and the Christmas Festival.

22. Go on a safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo

The Werribee Open Range Zoo, situated a bit farther from the city center, is well worth the journey. This safari-style zoo features an African theme, enabling visitors to observe various exotic animals up close.

The zoo also organizes events such as the Rhythm of Africa, ensuring enjoyment for visitors of all ages.

23. Go gallery-hopping

Melbourne is home to over 100 galleries, featuring everything from intimate studio spaces to the grand NGV, showcasing an extensive range of artistic styles, including Melbourne’s iconic Heidelberg style.

Art enthusiasts may wish to allocate several days to truly explore Melbourne’s thriving artistic scene.

24. Go on a wooden roller-coaster built in 1912

Luna Park, which opened in St Kilda in 1912, features the Scenic Railway, which also began operation the same year.

This roller coaster holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating roller coaster in the world; while it may appear somewhat antiquated by contemporary standards, it offers a unique glimpse into the theme parks of the past.

Visitors are charged a minimal entry fee of $5 if they wish to access the park without riding any attractions (to aid in the park’s upkeep). Even for those not keen on amusement rides, the grounds provide ample opportunities for memorable photographs, and the rich history of the venue certainly makes it worthwhile. Should you change your mind about riding, the entry fee will be deducted from the ticket price.

25. Take a river cruise

The Yarra River, which separates Melbourne’s city center, offers stunning views, and embarking on a cruise is an excellent method to appreciate this vital aspect of the city.

Numerous cruise operators provide services along the river, allowing you to select the option that best suits your preferences and budget.

Additionally, kayaking tours are available for those who prefer a more hands-on experience. However, it is crucial to be aware that the Yarra’s water quality is subpar; consequently, if you capsize, it is advisable to take a shower and change clothing promptly.