Melbourne is a trendy, artsy metropolis filled with character and vibing with cultural diversity and uniqueness. Discover its lush green parks and inner-city hip neighborhoods, or delve into the forests and mountain ranges within the outer-city reaches.
Traverse the cobblestoned laneways and taste coffee known to be the best in the world, or check out its many interesting cultural hotspots like museums and art galleries that are teaming with exciting contemporary exhibitions.
As a city that has regularly been voted as the world’s most livable city, it can be daunting deciding what fun things to do in Melbourne to make the most of your time spent in this thriving metropolis.
From galleries to museums to day-trips and everything in between, we have compiled this guide to making the most out of your visit and help you to decide what to do in Melbourne.
Our Favorite places to stay in Melbourne
Choosing where to stay in Melbourne will ease your travel plans and allow more time for adventures and sightseeing. The CBD is alive with activity and must-see attractions and allows easy access to transport to further afield destinations.
United Backpackers
The Coolest Hostel in Melbourne
- Best location
- Vibey atmosphere
United backpackers is very centrally located, right opposite Flinders Street Station and offers a quirky setting with loads of places to chill or play.
The Victoria Hotel
A Great Budget Hotel in Melbourne
- Sheek Decor
- Value for money
Featuring a restaurant, swimming pool, sauna, and a rooftop fitness center. This centrally located hotel offers comfort and style at an affordable rate.
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
The Best Luxury Hotel in Melbourne
- Styling Interior
- Modern facilities
This heritage listed hotel offers stylish comfort right in the heart of Melbourne. Boasting comfort and style in the CBD, easily accessible from the historic Flinders Street Railway Station.
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• The 31 Best Things to Do in Melbourne •
#1 – Eureka Skydeck
- Panoramic views of the city
- Southern Hemisphere’s fastest elevator
- Be dazzled by Melbourne skyline
Get an adrenaline rush as you stand on the 88th floor of Eureka Skydeck. Let the city lights bedazzle your eyes with panoramic views over the skyline.
Choose to live the only “Edge experience” in the world, 280m above Melbourne city. Fight your fear of heights with the sheer exhilaration of the city views.
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#2 – Sealife Aquarium
- Discover over 10,000 aquatic animals
- Enjoy interactive adventures
- Interesting talks and feeds
The Sealife Aquarium is home to Australia’s largest saltwater crocodile and the world’s only display of Elephant shark.
A great activity for kids, with interactive opportunities for sitting amongst penguins or feeding the fish in a 2,2 million liter Oceanarium with over 10,000 aquatic species.
#3 – Melbourne Zoo
- See iconic Australian wildlife
- Feed Kangaroos!
- Learn about the Australian native animals
Stroll through the Asian rainforests where monkeys swing from trees and tigers prowl the ground. Step into the African bush to see a pride of lion and trails of elephants.
Get up close and personal with the Australian natives including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and emus. Dive underwater to spend time with the penguins and Australian fur seals.
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#4 – Melbourne Star
- Experience a flight on the Melbourne Star
- Enjoy 360-degrees of Melbourne’s skyline.
- Marvel at the Star’s LED display
Feel on top of the world as you glide through the sky on the Melbourne Star, enjoying panoramic views of the whole city from a fully enclosed, air-conditioned cabin.
This 30-minute flight on this innovative design will have you gazing upon the city’s docklands, providing a new dimension to Melbourne’s tranquil gardens and hip laneways.
Planning to stay in Sydney a while? You’ll want to know about the best day trips in the area!
#5 – 2-Hour River Cruise
- Cruise down the mighty Yarra River
- Enjoy a laid-back cruise
- Learn about Melbourne’s fascinating history
This 2-Hour cruise takes you down the Yarra River, passing important monuments and gaining insight into the interesting history of this beautiful city from a different perspective.
Catch some sun on the sundeck as you travel past art centers, parks, gardens, monuments, and national landmarks while enhancing your knowledge.
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#6 – Yarra Valley Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight
- Sunrise flight over Yarra Valley
- Complimentary return CBD transfers
- Complimentary flight certificate and coupon
Embrace the thrill of floating over the serene Yarra Valley, Victoria’s picturesque wine region, in a hot-air balloon.
Enjoy the scenery of the changing landscape and you soar suspended in a basket as the cold wind hits your cheeks and clouds pass you by.
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#7 – Melbourne Pub Crawl
- Learn about the history of Melbourne
- Experience unique Melbourne establishments
- Discover hidden bars!
Join your local English-speaking guide to discover 4 great hidden gems in 3 hours. Some marked by a simple light post, some only known by word of mouth.
Find yourself in hidden laneways that reveal a local treasure and learn a bit about the city’s history while you sip on treasures from the passionate bartenders.
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#8 – Secret Food Tour
- Walk along Fitzroy street
- Enjoy local food, history, and culture
- Embrace the liveliness of the city
This 3-hour walking tour takes you down the laneways that reveal a full range of food delights, from Turkish wraps to Vietnamese Dim Sum and delicious Melbourne coffee.
This tour is perfect for food lovers, and your local guide will teach you about the area’s culture and history. Taste a range of diverse dishes as you explore Fitzroy street and the iconic St Kilda beach.
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#9 – Visit The National Gallery
- Check out Melbourne’s multiple galleries
- Find every style of art you can imagine
- Discover Melbourne’s vibrant art scene
As seen from the incredible street art scattered around Melbourne, this place is an artist’s haven. Find the art styles in the more formal galleries and discover amazing talent.
A great activity when trying to keep the costs down, take a walk down the laneways of Melbourne to find studios and art galleries that exhibit amazing local and international pieces of work.
#10 – Kayak Tour
- Kayak down the Yarra River
- See the city from a new perspective
- Traverse the Yarra River
After a quick briefing, you’ll be kitted up to paddle downriver under the Princes Bridge and into the heart of Melbourne. A local guide will lead the way and give you all the local stories.
Even those with no paddling experience can board these gentle waters to discover Melbourne from a new perspective. Soak up the views of the city from the comfort of a stable sea kayak.
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#11 – Great Ocean Road and Sunset Tour
- See the incredible Great Ocean Road
- Watch the sunset over the Twelve Apostles
- Learn about shipwrecks along the Great Ocean Road
An exhilarating full-day tour takes you from Melbourne CBD to discover the dramatic landscapes of the Great Ocean Road and marvel at the panoramic views of the expressive coast.
Experience a personalized tour without the crowds, with photo opportunities and expert commentary. End off with a magnificent sunset at the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations.
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#12 – Phillip Island Coastal Helicopter Flight
- View Phillip Island from the sky!
- Sight dolphins, seals, and whales
- Enjoy views of Cape Woolamai
Departing from either the east or west heliport, you’ll fly off to enjoy the spectacular views of the beaches and stunning coastline. With interesting commentary from the knowledgeable pilots.
Flying over one of the best-known surf beaches in the country, and over the highest point on Phillip Island, this tour highlights some magnificent scenes from above.
#13 – Yarra Valley Food & Wine Tour
- Delicious lunch paired perfectly with wine
- Enjoy a cheese and wine pairing
- Experience the stunning scenery of the Yarra Valley
This small group tour is a wonderful way for wine lovers and foodies to spend the day. Visit wineries chosen for reflecting the very essence of the region.
Taste the delicious cheeses of the Yarra Valley, sip on a sparkling blanc de blanc paired with oysters and enjoy an alfresco lunch perfectly paired with wine.
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#14 – Opera at Arts Centre Melbourne
- World-class opera
- Champagne and glowing Southbank lights
- Wonderful performances by renowned musicians
Enjoy a festive evening out, choosing to don your fancy outfits and sip on classy champagne at the Arts Centre in Melbourne.
Arrive early to avoid the crowds and make the most of the Southbank lights reflecting on the Yarra river before enjoying some amazing performances.
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#15 – Mt Buller Snow Day
- Enjoy a scenic drive
- Experience the alpine village atmosphere
- Free clothing hire and chairlift
Close enough to Melbourne for a day trip out in the snowy village of Mt Buller, a scenic 3-hour drive from the city.
Look at the breathtaking views during the scenic chairlift after tobogganing down the slopes. Build a snowman and have a snowball fight making the most of your day out in the snow.
#16 – Peninsula Hot Springs Tour
- Revitalize and recharge
- Return transfers to Peninsula Hot Springs
- Lunch with complimentary wine tasting
Spend your day recharging in the thermal pools of Peninsula Hot springs and make the most of the beautiful gardens and surrounding vineyards.
Have lunch at the winery including a delicious wine tasting before returning to Melbourne fully relaxed and recharged.
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#17 – Stroll the Botanical gardens
One of the best free things to do in Melbourne
- Find an oasis of calm
- Walk around the gardens
- Learn about over 8,500 plant species
Located just outside the urban madness is a garden of peace and serenity surrounded by marvelous landscape views and colorful plants.
Spend your day meandering through the gardens, have a picnic or bring your book or sketchbook to relax in nature for the day.
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#18 – Check out the amazing street art
One of the best things to do in downtown Melbourne
- Street art capital of the world
- Find amazing pieces on allocated graffiti walls
- Explore the underground art scene
Melbourne is renowned worldwide for its street art, and with designated areas, the artists are able to express exceptionally high-quality pieces that are mind-blowing and ever-changing.
This creative urban facilitation makes an awesome day of exploring the ins and outs of the city for locals and tourists alike.
#19 – Take a ride on the City Circle Tram
- Hop aboard the integral tram system
- hop on and off as you choose
- Audio commentary included
Melbourne’s free historical W-class trams travel through the city allowing locals and tourists to explore the city freely.
The trams travel through Melbourne’s central business district and provide commentary that reveals the attractions at each stop and all the interesting facts along the way.
#20 – Wander through laneways
- Wander through the streets of Melbourne
- Come across hidden gems
- Taste some great coffee!
A destinationless meander through the streets of Melbourne is a wonderful way to see what the city has to offer and find yourself in some amazing cafes and shops.
If you would prefer a guided tour through thelaneways of Melbourne to gain a new appreciation of the urban culture, you can also take a guided laneways tour.
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#21 – Check out a science exhibition at Scienceworks
All ages will love this site!
- Find interesting hands-on exhibits
- Discover the mini-metropolis of science
- Children and adults will have a great time!
Scienceworks is an informative and interesting outing that excites the whole family! Check out the current exhibits and learn more along the way.
The planetarium hosts explanatory shows while the lightning room offers 30-minute live shows that include a gigantic Tesla Coil that generates over 2-million volts of electricity to produce 3-meter lightning bolts.
#22 – Find refuge in one of the city’s churches
One of the more unique things to do in Melbourne
- Discover churches around the city
- Admire Melbourne’s places of worship
- Visit the neo-Gothic St Paul’s Cathedral
Melbourne’s places of worship are impressive to look at and a lovely spiritual path to enjoy whilst discovering the business district of the city.
Find amazing styles and architecture with stained glass windows and incredible sculptures and statues.
#23 – Visit Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Visit Australia’s favorite stadium!
- Tour around the Cricket grounds
- Catch a game
The MCG is the center of all the action for sports fans in Melbourne. Hosting the popular AFL, as well as international soccer, rugby, and other events.
The stadium was originally built in 1853 and has been renewed many times since. Take a guided tour of the grounds to find out more about the largest stadium in Australia.
#24 – Go shopping at the Queen Victoria Market
- Explore Queen Victoria Market
- Taste the fresh produce!
- Night Market every Wednesday night (Nov – Apr)
The marketplace comes alive with live music, tasty food and diverse products and homewares for all your shopping needs.
Wander through the laneways finding goodies, and tasting the delicious food on offer while taking in the vibey atmosphere. You can also take a culinary tour of the multicultural markets in the city.
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#25 – Go Penguin spotting at St Kilda beach
Discover the most popular beach
- Find penguins and their nesting sites
- See the famous Victorian beach houses
- Taste delicious cakes
St Kilda is full of attractions for tourists, from the community gardens to the thriving nightlife. Come taste the delicious food lined along the beach, watch the sunset and check out the Penguins.
The colony of Penguins established itself here in the 1970s and they come to visit St Kilda every night just after sunset.
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#26 – Go Bushwalking in the Dandenong Ranges
An outdoor lover’s dream!
- Discover the scenic mountain range
- Admire the forest’s birdlife
- Take photos of the beautiful scenery
The Dandenong Ranges attract tourists to its breathtaking scenery to enjoy the outdoors. The perfect spot for nature-lovers and bird-watchers.
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a place for wedding photos, this is the place to be. It’s also where you will find the famous Puffing Billy steam train
#27 – Check out a Music Festival
For all the music lovers
- Melbourne is renowned for its festivals
- Check online for what’s on
- Great music and energetic vibe!
Melbourne is one of the top destinations for music festivals and it’s well worth checking what’s going on during your visit.
Some of the most popular festivals include White Night, the Lonsdale Street Greek Festival, Cultural Diversity Week, the Lunar New Year Celebrations, the Christmas festival, the Moomba Festival, and the Midsumma Festival.
#28 – Visit the Werribee Open Range Zoo
Fun for wildlife lovers
- Discover a wide variety of animals
- African-themed Safari-style zoo Entertaining for all ages!
- Great family outing
Found just outside of Melbourne’s city is the Werribee Open Range Zoo which hosts a number of African animals in its open style zoo.
Bring the kids for some informative game viewing and enjoy the African themed events.
#29 – Pentridge Prison
- Discover the haunted past of Pentridge Prison
- Learn about Australia’s most notorious criminals
- Explore spooky areas of the prison
With inside access to restricted buildings that home a very unraveled underworld of Melbourne’s grimy criminal history, you will discover why the facility carries the hauntings of its past.
This eerie tour is not for the faint-hearted. Follow the dark history of one of Australia’s most famous prisons built in 1851 and shut down in 1997.
#30 – Go on a wooden roller coaster at Luna Park
One of the best cheap things to do in Melbourne
- Check out Luna Park in St Kilda
- World’s oldest operating wooden roller coaster
- Have fun on the other rides
Travel through time when visiting Luna Park in St Kilda to get a fascinating taste of what a rollercoaster looked like in the 1900s.
Check out the exciting theme park rides and learn about the rich history of Luna Park, for a small fee of $5 USD.
#31 – Rock out at a live music venue
A Must-do for Rock-n-Rolla’s!
- Discover Melbourne’s famous live music scene
- Check out the local and international talent
- Rock out to live bands at Melbourne’s popular venues
Melbourne is particularly famous for its live music scene – specifically rock music. So if you’re a rock fan, this is one of the top things to do in Melbourne!
Some great local spots to check out include the Corner Hotel, the Esplanade Hotel, the Evelyn Hotel, the Post Office Hotel, the Spotted Mallard, the DingDong Lounge and the Palais Theatre.
Conclusion
Melbourne has it all. Whether you are an art lover looking to discover the amazing street art and National Galleries, or a foodie on the hunt for delicious tastes from all over the world, there are so many fun things to do in the city.
Discover Melbourne yourself! This hip, vibey city emanates with liveliness and is an adventure for anyone who walks its laneways.
With the combination of world-class dining, art galleries, shopping, sports, and world-class coffee, it’s no surprise Victoria’s capital is regarded as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
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