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Melbourne, Australia

Destination Guide

Melbourne

Australia

Best things to do in Melbourne

48 curated attractions in Melbourne, Australia. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

October - March

Average temp

15°C/59°F

Budget

Expensive

Safety

Very safe

About Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital, shaped by its coastal location and a history of immigration that enriches its arts scene. The city's layout is a mix of Victorian architecture and modern design, with narrow laneways filled with coffee shops, street art, and hidden galleries, all while experiencing a fickle climate that can make you question your wardrobe choices. The Yarra River winds through, providing scenic views and access to the Royal Botanic Gardens, while the National Gallery of Victoria showcases a vast collection of art. Tourists flock to St. Kilda Beach for its sunsets and the Melbourne Star for a bird’s-eye view of this sprawling urban landscape. The Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road are a popular day trip for good reason, even if getting there takes longer than expected. People visit for the coffee culture, arts, and nightlife, which are enough to keep even the most discerning traveler occupied.

Who it's for

Culture enthusiasts and foodies will thrive here, given the city's endless supply of galleries and cafes. A poor choice for those who prefer predictable weather or larger tourist attractions; Melbourne’s charm lies in its small wonders and surprises. If you expect everything to be easy and straightforward, you might want to rethink your plans.

Getting around

Public transport: Very Good

  • The city centre is easily walkable, and most major attractions are within thirty minutes on foot
  • Public transport is efficient, with trams and trains covering the area well, though they can get crowded during peak hours
  • Taxis and rideshares are readily available but can be costly compared to public options
  • Melbourne Airport is about twenty minutes from the city, but traffic can make that much longer
Phillip Island (Penguin Parade)

Phillip Island (Penguin Parade)

Wildlife sanctuaries
ACMI

ACMI

Cultural
Dandenong Ranges

Dandenong Ranges

Forests & jungles
Dandenong Ranges National Park

Dandenong Ranges National Park

National parks & nature reserves
Brighton Beach (Bathing Boxes)

Brighton Beach (Bathing Boxes)

Beaches
AC/DC Lane

AC/DC Lane

Urban Attractions
Southbank Promenade

Southbank Promenade

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Old Melbourne Gaol

Old Melbourne Gaol

History museums
Fitzroy Gardens

Fitzroy Gardens

City parks
State Library of Victoria

State Library of Victoria

Historic libraries & universities
Tattersalls Lane

Tattersalls Lane

Urban Attractions
Croft Alley

Croft Alley

Urban Attractions
Port Arthur

Port Arthur

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
Phillip Island

Phillip Island

Islands
Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory National Park

National parks & nature reserves
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

Observation decks & city views
Twelve Apostles

Twelve Apostles

Coastal walks & sea cliffs
Royal Exhibition Building

Royal Exhibition Building

Castles & palaces
Docklands

Docklands

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Shrine of Remembrance

Shrine of Remembrance

Monuments & memorials
Royal Botanic Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens

Botanical gardens
Yarra Valley wine region

Yarra Valley wine region

Wineries & vineyards
Hope Street Space

Hope Street Space

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Melbourne Cricket Ground

Melbourne Cricket Ground

Stadiums & sports venues
Carlton Gardens

Carlton Gardens

Natural Wonders
Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

Arts and Entertainment Venues
National Gallery of Victoria

National Gallery of Victoria

Art museums & galleries
Koorie Heritage Trust

Koorie Heritage Trust

Cultural & Heritage Sites
South Melbourne Market

South Melbourne Market

Shopping and Markets
Princess Theatre

Princess Theatre

Theatres & opera houses
Puffing Billy Railway

Puffing Billy Railway

Specialty & quirky museums
Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum

Science & natural history museums
narrm ngarrgu Library

narrm ngarrgu Library

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Australian Music Vault

Australian Music Vault

Cultural
Yarra River

Yarra River

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market

Food markets & food halls
St. Kilda Beach

St. Kilda Beach

Beaches
Eureka Skydeck 88

Eureka Skydeck 88

Observation decks & city views
Federation Square

Federation Square

Squares & plazas
Flinders Street Station

Flinders Street Station

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
MPavilion

MPavilion

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo

Zoos
Tudor Village

Tudor Village

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Hosier Lane

Hosier Lane

Cultural
Fed Square’s Test Garden

Fed Square’s Test Garden

Natural Wonders
Luna Park, St Kilda

Luna Park, St Kilda

Theme parks
Goodbyes

Goodbyes

Shopping and Markets
Rebel Sport’s Emporium

Rebel Sport’s Emporium

Shopping

Where to eat in Melbourne

The places worth planning a meal around.

Easey's

Easey's

Australian

★ 4.3 · 3,541 reviews

Conservatory

Conservatory

★ 4.3 · 2,794 reviews

Proud Mary

Proud Mary

Café · $$

★ 4.5 · 2,052 reviews

Ponyfish Island

Ponyfish Island

★ 4.4 · 1,727 reviews

Agathe

Agathe

Modern Australian · $30–$60

★ 4.5 · 1,496 reviews

Ukiyo

Ukiyo

Japanese · $$$

★ 4.9 · 917 reviews

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