With a fascinating history, intriguing architecture, an abundance of nature and a vibrant nightlife, the greatest things to do in Melbourne, Australia have a broad appeal!
The contemporary Melbourne Central Business District (CBD) is lively with a hip and trendy culture, but Australian beach scenes are just a tram ride away.
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If you are looking to truly experience the city, our list of Melbourne attractions is the perfect place to start.
In addition to sharing our tips for what to see in Melbourne, we also provide pertinent information for visitors – such as where to stay and how to get around.
21 Top Things To Do in Melbourne, Australia
Rather than just rattling off a list of things to see in Melbourne, we include detailed information and helpful links. Our ultimate guide to Melbourne includes everything you need for your vacation Down Under!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Melbourne Travel Guide for your trip to Australia!
#1 Get the Best Views from Melbourne Skydeck
The Melbourne Skydeck (formerly Eureka Skydeck) boastfully claims to be the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. As such, it is one of the top Melbourne points of interest!
Visitors are whisked up 88 floors of the Eureka Tower in less than 40 seconds to an observation room that offers a 360-degree view. Tickets should be purchased in advance.
Visiting Melbourne Skydeck
The 88th-floor observation deck (975 feet up) is enclosed with floor-to-ceiling windows for incredible views of Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges.
General admission includes a 3D interactive display and access to Bar 88. Once inside, visitors are free to sit back, relax and enjoy the view for as long as you’d like! Viewfinders are available to help pinpoint important Melbourne landmarks.
We took our time during our Melbourne Skydeck visit and lingered to enjoy the unique vantage point. We highly recommend stepping outside onto the small Terrace, which allows guests to feel the rush of the wind.
Top Tip: Thrill-seekers should also put The Edge Experience on their Melbourne To-Do List. The all-glass Edge box hovers outside the building – and is one of the most hair-raising Melbourne activities!
#2 Hop Aboard a Yarra River Cruise
For another unique Melbourne city perspective, hop aboard a Yarra River Boat Cruise. Taking a Yarra River Cruise is a great way to get acquainted with the landscape and history.
Yarra River Cruises are offered by a range of companies. They all take passengers up river, down river and all the way to Williamstown on Port Phillip Bay.
A classic Melbourne Highlights Cruise includes a trip up river (passing several gardens and historical locations) and then down river (skimming just below bridges, past the Docklands and under the impressive Bolte Bridge).
Read reviews of Melbourne River Cruises and Book It!
The Highlights Boat Cruise of Melbourne
The boats have outdoor space where passengers can stand (but you won’t be able to hear the on-board commentary). On the up river portion of the tour, guests learn about the fascinating history of the Yarra River.
While heading downriver, the boat has to clear three extremely low bridges: Queens, Kings and Spencer Street. Once past these, the cruise continues beyond the posh Southbank, under the massive Bolte Bridge.
Top Tip: The Highlights Cruise is actually two different trips combined on a single ticket. They can be booked separately (Up River or Down River), but the combo cruise is heavily discounted. Australia sights.
#3 Watch a Footy Game at the MCG
For sports fans, attending a Footy game at the MCG might very well be the absolute best thing to do in Melbourne, Australia. It was certainly a highlight for us (so much so that we have now attended multiple AFL games!).
Australian Football, Aussie Rules Football, Footy, AFL – figuring out what to call it is as difficult as figuring out how the game is played.
However, Melbourne was the birthplace of the sport (with the first game played in 1858) and watching a match is one of the top Melbourne things to do!
The place to watch AFL is at the MCG (the Melbourne Cricket Ground, but is often shortened to simply ‘The G’). The historic stadium is one of the largest in the world and dates to 1853.
Home of the Melbourne Cricket Club, the MCG hosts numerous matches, events and concerts. If there is nothing scheduled during your visit, consider taking a tour of the MCG.
#4 Drinks in Melbourne CBD
Melbourne nightlife is lively (and sometimes the day drinking is, too!). There seems to be endless options when it comes to drinking in Melbourne.
Those looking to party late into the night – or just want a good beer at the end of a long day of sightseeing – can find it in the Melbourne CBD.
The Best Melbourne Bars
The city’s iconic bars are one of the top places to go in Melbourne, Australia. For a classic Australian pub experience, you should check out historic spots, like Young and Jacksons or the legendary Cricketers Bar.
The rooftop bars in Melbourne are incredible and shouldn’t be missed, either! Our top recommendations for fun Melbourne rooftop bars are Rooftop at QT and the original Rooftop Bar at Curtin House.
For unique craft cocktails, check out Union Electric, 1806 or our personal fav, Berlin Bar. The Yarra Riverside is another great place to unwind and relax. Our top picks for waterside drinks are Ponyfish Island, Riverland and Arbory.
Melbourne Craft Beer
Prepare yourselves beer lovers: The Melbourne craft beer scene is among the best anywhere in the world! Little Creatures, which started brewing in Freemantle in 2000, ranks as one of our all-time favorite Australian craft brews.
Most Melbourne bars have heaps of Aussie craft beer available, so ask the bartender what local beers are on tap. Better yet, learn about Melbourne breweries on a Beer and Brewery Tour!
#5 Take a Day Trip to Brighton Beach
Brighton is an affluent Melbourne beach suburb with chic cafes and posh stores, but the most popular attraction in town are the 88 Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes.
Situated in a line, the colorful Dendy Street Beach Bathing Boxes are a top thing to see in Melbourne!
The small, wooden structures, which were originally used as ladies’ changing rooms, have no water or electricity, yet have fetched sale prices beyond $300,000!
Brighton Coastal Walk
Many believe Brighton is the most beautiful beach in Melbourne – and one of the best ways to see it is on a coastal walk.
From Flinders Street Station, ride the Sandringham Line to the last stop. Then follow the coastal path north to Dendy Street Beach and the famous Bathing Boxes.
The 2 mile trail through the foreshore reserve provides fantastic Port Phillip Bay views. A clear view of the distinctive Melbourne skyline can be seen from Green Point.
Enthusiastic walkers can continue all the way to St Kilda and take a tram back to Melbourne from there.
#6 Tour Parliament House
The stately Parliament House is a Melbourne must-see – and it’s open to visitors for free! The Melbourne Parliament House is the political home of the State of Victoria.
If Parliament is in session, guests can view the proceedings from the public galleries. When Parliament is not in session, free tours are offered of the Legislative Assembly Chamber, the Legislative Council Chamber and the central reading room of the library.
Find more Free Things To Do Melbourne!
#7 Go on a Fitzroy Pub Crawl
Exploring the historic districts is a must in Melbourne – and Fitzroy is one of our favorites! Fitzroy has been around since 1839 and features some of the best preserved Victorian-era architecture in the city.
The neighborhood also boasts a dizzying number of bars. A leisurely walk from the city (or a quick ride on the tram) puts this area within easy reach for Melbourne visitors.
Fitzroy was founded by the working class – and there is no bar that better embodies that spirit than The Workers Club. The cozy corner pub is sure to have footy on the telly and live music in the back.
Veer off the main drag, Brunswick, to find a pub gem. The Rainbow Bar has been around almost as long as Fitzroy itself and features more than 100 brews.
Top Tip: There is more to do in Fitzroy than visit pubs! Join a Melbourne local tour guide for a historic neighborhood walk.
#8 Walk from Port Melbourne to St. Kilda
While there are plenty of sights in Melbourne’s CBD, it’s hard to resist the beauty of Port Phillip Bay. The waterfront is the best place to go in Melbourne on a sunny day.
A paved path, Bay Trail, follows the beaches in Melbourne for 3 miles between Port Melbourne to St. Kilda Pier.
Walking the path is the perfect opportunity to visit the Melbourne beachfront suburbs, each of which have small entertainment districts and the distinct vibe of coastal living.
Port Melbourne
The mostly residential suburb of Port Melbourne was actually once the main hub of transportation. The Spirit of Tasmania still sails daily from the historic Station Pier.
The once seedy area has undergone major gentrification, turning it into a prominent Melbourne district, while retaining some of the historic character.
Bay Trail
From Station Pier, we set off on Bay Trail and walked east to start our trek from Port Melbourne to St. Kilda.
The paved path is shared by bicyclists, joggers and walkers and follows the sandy coastline to St. Kilda Pier. Our relaxing walk took us about an hour.
St. Kilda
Once we arrived in St. Kilda, we walked the stretch of the historic St. Kilda Pier. At the end of the pier is the Little Blue Restaurant, also known as the St. Kilda Pier Kiosk.
The original building from 1904 burnt to the ground in 2003, and the replica establishment has now also closed its doors.
Beyond the kiosk building is the breakwater, which protects the harbor and is easily accessible via a path. One of the fun things to do in St. Kilda is to go see the colony of 12-inch-tall Little Penguins that live on the breakwater, which are often spotted at dusk.
Other sights in St. Kilda are a range of boutique shops, hip cafes and restaurants and the Luna Park amusement center. Spending an afternoon in St. Kilda is a fun activity in Melbourne – especially on the weekend!
#9 Join a Melbourne City Tour
There are so many things to see in Melbourne! Although not a particularly old city, Melbourne has an interesting past and numerous historic sights.
Many top Melbourne tourist attractions are located in the CBD, including the Royal Exhibition Building, Federation Square and Flinders St Station.
The stories that go along with the sights tell the history of Melbourne. Joining one of the Melbourne walking tours is an excellent way to get acquainted with the city and meet fellow travelers!
Sightseeing Tours Melbourne
There are numerous Melbourne tours, including several highly-rated offers on Viator. Let a knowledgeable Melbourne tour guide lead you to the best spots in the city.
In addition to guided Melbourne walking tours (like this one), visitors can learn about the city on Bike Tours, Foodie Tours and even Coffee Culture Tours.
Prefer to move at your own pace? Follow our Free Self-Guided Walking Tour!
#10 Eat Dumplings in Chinatown
If you are wondering what to do in Melbourne for food, put dumplings on your list! They are a Melbourne specialty – and there is no better place than Chinatown to indulge in the classic fare.
Chinatown occupies a stretch of Little Bourke St. and is one of the most popular places to visit in Melbourne. Ornamental gates, hanging lanterns and a string of Asian restaurants, shops and businesses line the street.
You can sample a variety of dumplings on a Chinatown Food Tour or opt for the All-You-Can-Eat dumpling experience at the Dumpling House in Chinatown!
#11 Ride Free Melbourne Tram 35
Whether your feet need a break or you just want to get to the other end of the Melbourne CBD, catch a free ride on the City Circle Tram #35.
The old, wooden tram cars rattle in a loop around the city and include a brief commentary. It’s definitely one of the best free things to do in Melbourne!
#12 Shop/Eat/Socialize at Queen Victoria Market
The buzzing halls of the Queen Victoria Market have all the ingredients of a thriving metropolitan market. It is one of the must-see Melbourne experiences!
While some markets like these become geared only toward tourists, there is no doubt that the QVM is still where locals gather.
In addition to the permanent structures, the Melbourne QVM has indoor and outdoor booths and stages sprawling out for more than two blocks.
Read our complete review about Visiting the Queen Victoria Market.
#13 Stroll the Melbourne Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne were founded in 1846 and provide a tranquil retreat.
Take a stroll and breathe in the fresh air in one of the most beautiful places in Melbourne. The Gardens are open daily from 7:30am to sunset and admission is free!
#14 Ramble through Melbourne Laneways
Melbourne’s Laneways are the minor streets found between the major thoroughfares. Created as side entrances, a means for deliveries and rubbish collection, the Laneways are now some of the best places to visit in Melbourne!
The pedestrian passageways serve as enclaves for trendy urban bars, cafes and local specialty shops. The Laneways are also the focal point of the famous Melbourne street art scene.
Find specific details in our article: Melbourne Laneways
#15 Visit the State Library of Victoria
The impressive and massive State Library of Victoria is an absolute must-see on every traveler’s list of things to do Melbourne! Originally opened in 1856, the building is architecturally stunning, both inside and out.
The Victoria Library is also a great place to learn about one of Melbourne’s most notorious residents: Ned Kelly. The Australian outlaw famously wore a suit of bulletproof armor on a shootout with police.
He was sentenced to death by hanging at the Old Melbourne Gaol in 1880. The armor is on display at the State Library of Victoria, alongside other Ned Kelly information.
#16 Spend a Day in Williamstown
Visiting Williamstown is one of the interesting things to do near Melbourne, Australia. The quaint streets are lined with preserved buildings and the Commonwealth Reserve green space fronts the bay.
Spending an afternoon in the picturesque town is a fun day trip from Melbourne. Williamstown is easily accessible by Metro train or Ferry boat.
Once there, stop at the Hobson’s Bay Information Center for a booklet on Williamstown history, an area map and three outlined walking tours.
Williamstown Sights on the Waterfront
Before ships could navigate the Yarra River, Williamstown was a popular port. Many remnants of that past can be seen along the shoreline.
Walk the Gem Pier to see traces of the maritime history and take in the views of the city from across the bay.
The Timeball Tower on Point Gellibrand is another important Williamstown sight. It was built in 1849 and used to ensure ships had accurate navigation for ocean crossings. It is one of only five working timeballs that remain in the world.
Williamstown Community
The Williamstown community is highlighted by many historic churches, schools and government buildings that are still in use today.
Victorian-era mansions line the waterfront and Nelson Place is a beautifully preserved stretch of structures, including the old Customs House.
#17 Admire the Architecture of Melbourne Churches
The CBD is home to many religious buildings that rank as top places to see in Melbourne, for both their architecture and historical significance. We believe these five religious buildings are the best in the city.
St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral stands catty-corner from Flinders Street Station. The Gothic building still appears grand regardless of the taller, modern buildings that now overshadow the spires and tower. It was consecrated in 1891 and features an ornate interior.
The Scots’ Presbyterian Church is also in the middle of the CBD and parishioners have worshiped there since 1874. Stained glass windows depicting bible stories line the walls of the church, the oldest dating back to 1879.
St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral stands on land that was purchased in 1847 on the eastern edge of the city grid. The church was consecrated in 1897, but the spires weren’t completed until 1939. Golden light fills the wide interior, however we thought the most impressive views are from the east gardens.
The Melbourne City Synagogue (formally called the East Melbourne Synagogue) was built in 1877 in just six months. The Ark is placed in the direction of Jerusalem and is faced when praying. Services are in Hebrew, men and women sit separately and men are required to wear kippahs.
St. Mary Star of the Sea is a French Gothic style church that was consecrated in 1925. We feel the colorfully decorated interior makes St. Mary Star of the Sea the prettiest church in Melbourne.
#18 Visit the Melbourne Docklands
The Docklands, originally named Victoria Dock, were first developed on the banks of the Yarra River in the 1850s. They were used to accept migrants who were coming to Australia in droves during the gold rush.
In the 1990s, the Victoria Harbour underwent a major revitalization project to create a waterfront live/work/tourist playground.
Fun activities in Melbourne – like the Star Observation Wheel – are located in the Docklands, along with Marvel Stadium, numerous eateries and countless bars. Be sure to check for what’s on at Melbourne Docklands during your vacation to Australia.
#19 Tour the Shrine of Remembrance
Built in 1934 to honor the Victorians who served in World War I, the Shrine of Remembrance has evolved and expanded to include an intriguing Melbourne museum featuring artifacts from all Australian conflicts.
Guests who want more detailed information can pay to join one of the several daily tours. Expert guides share intriguing information on what is one of the most important places in Melbourne.
Things To See at the Shrine of Remembrance
The Beam of Light illuminates the word ‘Love’ on the plaque every half hour. On Remembrance Day, November 11, a beam of sunlight filters through the glass roof and hits the word ‘love’ at exactly 11am to mark moment in 1918 that the war ended.
On the Shrine of Remembrance walls are the national flags. Below them are handwritten books including the names of every Victorian who served abroad in World War I.
Also not to be missed is The Reserve. It encompasses 32 acres and features monuments, fountains and trees to commemorate the Victorians who have served. A monument to World War II, accompanied by an eternal flame and flags, stand at the front of the Shrine.
#20 Walk Sydney Road in Brunswick
Visiting Brunswick is another fun thing to do around Melbourne. Sydney Road has long been the main thoroughfare in Brunswick and it is lined with shops, eateries, government buildings and churches.
Gentrification of the area has spurred the remodeling of historic hotels (aka pubs) and the adaptive reuse of many of the buildings along Sydney Road.
In addition to the restored hotels, there are vintage shops and an assortment of international cuisine due to the diverse culture in the area.
The neighborhood is further from the CBD than other inner suburbs, which puts it out of walking distance. However, it is easily accessible via tram or train.
We opted for the train (Upfield Line) and disembarked at Jewell. Then we worked our way along Sydney Road, visiting a few pubs and shops before catching the train at Anstey back into the city center.
#21 Make a Day Trip to Seaford
Connected by an hour-long Metro train, Seaford is a quaint, beach-fronting suburb and one the best day trips from Melbourne. The entire coastline is bordered by the Foreshore Reserve.
Sandy paths – which extend 3 miles south to Frankston – weave through the protected vegetation, with several trails breaking off for beach access.
If you happen to be visiting on the third Sunday of each month, don’t miss the Seaford Farmer’s Market!
Tips For Your Trip to Melbourne, Australia
We have covered the best things to do in Melbourne, but we have some additional advice for your trip!
Pro Tip: Consider using Travel Planning Printables (like we do) to get your vacation to Australia organized!
Melbourne Day Trips
We have highlighted plenty to do in Melbourne and the surrounding area, but there are also top Australia sights that are easily accessible. The most popular Melbourne day tours include incredible scenery, local wine and beautiful wildlife!
The Great Ocean Road
A legendary shoreline drive, The Great Ocean Road features a stunning coastline and the iconic rock formations, called The Twelve Apostles. Find all the details for visiting the region in our complete guide to a Great Ocean Road Day Trip.
Yarra Valley Wine Tasting
Sip and swirl your way through multiple vineyards in the top Melbourne wine regions. Find out more!
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Enjoy Australia’s best wildlife – including koalas, kangaroos and the evening Penguin Parade. Book it!
3-Day Melbourne Adventure Tour
An extended trip away can wrap many top activities together in one excursion. This multi day tour from Melbourne includes the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the Grampians National Park. Get the Details!
Melbourne Sightseeing Tips
Looking for more recommendations for things to do around Melbourne? We haven’t had the pleasure of partaking in these activities, but they come highly recommended by fellow travelers!
- Escape the city and immerse yourself in nature. Head to the Dandenong Ranges and trek the 1000 Step Trail or hop aboard the historic Puffing Billy Steam Train. Better yet, combine the steam train with a Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tour.
- Traveling to Melbourne as a family? The SEA LIFE Aquarium or the Melbourne Zoo and the Werribee Open Range Zoo.
Where To Stay in Melbourne
We have stayed in hotels, hostels, Airbnb Apartments and even private homes while petsitting as International Housesitters. We believe the prime place to stay is in the city center – and there is a wide array of accommodations to suit any budget.
Check out these top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your vacation: Quay West Suites, The Como and Rendezvous Hotel. Start your search for more choices on Booking.com – just be sure to read our Tips for Booking Hotels first!
Getting To Melbourne…And Around
Our preferred method of getting anywhere is flying (we are JetSetting Fools, after all!) and when we purchase plane tickets, we start our search for the best deals on Skyscanner.
Most visitors arrive via plane at the Melbourne International Airport (MEL). From the airport, you can take the SkyBus, a mini-van shuttle bus or arrange private transfer into the CBD.
Once in the city, there is ample public transportation, including a network of trains, trams and buses, which all accept fares via the Myki Card.
We aren’t keen on driving abroad, but renting a car can often save time and money (especially when traveling with more than two people) – and a car rental allows for greater discovery.
What To Pack for your Melbourne, Australia Trip
We have a few packing hacks for items you will definitely want to bring on your vacation to Melbourne. So grab our FREE Checklist and let’s get you to Australia!
Walking Shoes
With so many fun things to do, you will be spending quite a bit of time on your feet. Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable travel shoes.
I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by New Balance and Kris prefers wearing trail shoes by Merrell.
Travel Camera
We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip to Australia. Rather than relying on your phone, upgrade to an actual camera for quality photos.
We always travel with a Canon Rebel which takes amazing pictures, is a fantastic DSLR budget camera for beginners and comes bundled with loads of accessories!
Melbourne Map, Guidebook & Day Pack
We feel it is still useful to have a guidebook for your trip. Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, you will also want a great day bag to organize all of your everyday travel essentials.
Australia Travel Insurance
If you haven’t already obtained coverage for your adventure to Australia, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Melbourne! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
Need help planning your complete Australia Itinerary? Check out our Australia Travel Guides page for top tips and walking tours for other major cities, including Sydney, Brisbane and Perth.
Looking for more Top Destinations in Australia? Good on ya! Our detailed articles will get you on your way to Surfer’s Paradise and the Gold Coast, up to Cairns, and over to Hobart, Tasmania.
How about more of the great outdoors in the Great Southern Land? Take an exciting day trip to the Blue Mountains, walk from Spit to Manly and trek along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk!
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