Melbourne Attractions & Things to Do

Last Updated on March 4, 2021

Melbourne Sightseeing Guide

Quick Facts About Melbourne

  • Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria, Australia
  • Population 4,600,000 +
  • City & Suburbs overall Size: A whopping 9,990 Km sq.
  • Second Largest Most Populated Australian City
  • Why is Melbourne called Melbourne? The state of Victoria is named after Queen Victoria, it was she who decided that our fair city would be named Melbourne, as an honour to the 2nd Viscount Melbourne, British Prime Minister in the 1830’s.

Victoria’s capital city has a reputation for great coffee, fashion, culture, street art… and the list goes on. There is a friendly rivalry between us and Sydney folk which is not required. Both cities are fabulous and have their own charms and quirks.

We have listed what we believe to be the best places to experience when visiting Melbourne. Some of our recommendations are free and some have a cost involved. Visiting with kids? We have plenty of activities to keep families entertained too.

What to do in Melbourne at night? We have that covered too…

Weather

Ignore the constant references to ‘Four seasons in one day’. Yep, the weather can change quickly, is this a peculiarity to Melbourne? Not necessarily…

SEASONAverage Temperature °CAverage Temperature °FNotes
SPRING
September – November
9.6 - 19.6°C49.3 - 67.3°FTemperamental weather changes to be expected.
SUMMER
December – February
14 - 25.3°C57.2 - 77.5°FOur driest season with some extended hot spells for a few days or more...
AUTUMN
March – May
10.9 – 20.3°C51.6 - 68.5°FCan be just awesome, foggy days that then clear to blue skies.
WINTER
June – August
6.5 - 14.2°C43.7 - 57.6°FCold. Though we can have stunning frosty days. Pack an umbrella.

I’m Free Walking Tours of Melbourne

Start your city discovery with a free walking tour, guided by a local. Starting by Sir Redmond Barry Statue outside the State Library of Victoria (Swanston Street). The tours go daily at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm, no bookings required. Simply look for the guide wearing a distinctive green shirt. The tours last for 2.5 to 3 hours.


Melbourne Star

After some hiccups and an estimated cost of $100 million to build, the Melbourne Star is now gracing our city skyline with stunning vistas across Port Phillip Bay, to Mount Macedon and as far as the Dandenong Ranges. Day or night, it is rather special to ride the 30-minute loop, reaching a total height of 120 metres. There is a special discount package offering a trip on the wheel during the day and then at night to experience the city lights too.

Melbourne Star
Melbourne Star Photo Credit: Visit Melbourne
  • Book online to save money on tickets.
  • Sights & Lights – Book day and night ‘flights’ on the Star and save around 30%

Pricing – purchased on location.

SINGLE ENTRYAdult $36.00Concession $28.00Child (5-15) $22.00Save money Book Online
SIGHTS & LIGHTS
Single Entry
Adult $46.00Concession $38.00Child (5-15) $32.00
FAMILY TICKETS1 Adult 1 Child
$45.00
2 Adults 1 Child $73.00Additional Child
$17.00
Additional Adult
$28.00
SIGHTS & LIGHTS
Family Entry
1 Adult 1 Child
$65.00
2 Adults 1 Child
$103
Additional Child
$27.00
Additional Adult
$38.00
PRIVATE CABIN
Up to 20 people
1 Full Rotation
$350.00
2 Full Rotations
$400.00
3 Full Rotations
$425.00
That's a great deal!

Check prices and book tickets here. (Booking online ahead of time will save money).


Eureka Skydeck

A touch over 297 metres high, the Skydeck is one of the best places to see the Melbourne city skyline and look down on the streets from all angles.

An added option is to pay extra and experience ‘The Edge’.

” There’s no experience like it in any other building in the world and the perfect indoor activity for both kids and adults alike!

Home to a world first, The Edge extends from Eureka Tower’s 88th floor and suspends you nearly 300 meters over Melbourne in a glass cube – glass walls, ceiling, and floor – you can see through it all! “

We recommend doing The Edge when visiting the Skydeck, the simulated noise of breaking glass during the ‘experience’ is cheesy though, in my humble little opinion! It is fab for kids though.

  • Sun & Stars Upgrade Option for an extra charge, visitors can enter the Skydeck twice on the same day or over two consecutive days. See the views during the day and at night.
  • Dining Located on the top floor of Eureka Tower, Eureka 89 dining offers an incredible dining experience with stunning views through floor to ceiling windows. Bookings can be made up to 4 weeks in advance.
  • A kiosk/cafe is located on the viewing deck, so take your time and have a snack whilst soaking up the views.

Eureka Skydeck Melbourne

Pricing

SKYDECK ENTRYAdult Ticket $20.00Concession $15.50Child (4-16) $11.50Under 4 years Free
FAMILY PRICESFamily Ticket
2 Adults + 2 Children $46.00 Save $17.00
Family Ticket
2 Adults + 1 Child $46 Save $5.50
Family Ticket
1 Adult + 2 Children
$34 Save $9.00
Family Ticket
Extra Child
$9.50 Save $2.00
UPGRADE:
'Sun & Stars'.
$5.50 per person$5.50$5.50
THE EDGE ENTRY
(Extra charge on top of Skydeck entry).
Adults $12.00Concession $10.00Child (4-16) $8.00Under 4 years Free
Prices and timetable as at May 2017

Bookings for the Skydeck can be made on the spot or ahead of time.


Captain Cooks Cottage

Built in 1755 by the father of Captain James Cook, Cooks’ Cottage is the oldest building in Australia and a favourite Melbourne attraction.

Originally located in Yorkshire, England, the cottage was brought to Melbourne by Sir Russell Grimwade in 1934. Each brick was individually numbered, packed into barrels and then shipped out here.

“Combining modern interpretations of Captain Cook’s adventures, centuries-old antiques, a delightful English cottage garden and volunteers dressed in 18th-century costumes, Cooks’ Cottage is a fascinating step back in time”.

“In 1933 the owner of the cottage in Gt. Ayton, that was built by Captain Cook’s father, decided to sell it. In a patriotic attempt to prevent it’s being taken to the United States by certain Americans she made it a condition of sale that the building remains in England. However, she was persuaded to change “England” to “the Empire”, and accepted an Australian bid of £800, as opposed to the highest local offer of £300″. Read more…

Captain Cooks Cottage Melbourne Australia

MCG

The Melbourne Cricket Ground, also affectionately called ‘The G’!

Home to the National Sports Museum

” the museum offers something for everybody all year round with school holiday activities, the Game On! interactive gallery, and Australia’s largest collection of sporting memorabilia.

Across a multitude of sports, the museum features memorabilia from some of the country’s biggest heroes and highlights moments that have shaped the traditions of Australian sport”.

Apart from attending games at this famous venue, tours are also well worth taking part in –

“Explore the inner sanctum of the MCG, walk on the hallowed arena, and experience where legends play by taking a guided MCG tour!”


Melbourne City Circle Tram

Following Route Number 35, the heritage trams are a free and fascinating way to get around the Melbourne CBD. It gets very busy during the lunch hour rush, so best to go earlier or a little later in the day. An onboard commentary describes many of the buildings along the route. Find out more about the free service…

City Circle Tram – Photo Credit VisitMelbourne.com

Doing The Block & Laneways…

‘Doing the Block’ is a Melbourne tradition from decades ago. It was the place to be seen and is still one of those fabulous places that are worth adding to the city bucket list. With chocolate and specialty shops, decadent tea rooms, and stunning architecture, the block deserves the adoration it receives. It is between Elizabeth and Collins Street.


Immigration Museum

Definitely, a place to visit, the Immigration Museum tells the story of very early immigrants to Australia as well as the current dilemma for many people in detention seeking asylum currently. Located at 400 Flinders Street.

Victorians come from more than 200 countries, speak 260 languages and dialects and follow 135 religious faiths.

Why do people leave their countries of birth to live here? What is their experience in their new country? How do communities adapt to new arrivals?

These are the questions that the Immigration Museum poses. Expect a thought-provoking experience filled with stories that are sometimes sad, sometimes funny, but always compelling. And somewhere within, you’ll find your own story.


Street Art

The city is becoming well known for Street Art, Hosier Lane is one of the best known. A self-guided tour is easily done, wandering the little laneways and ‘coffee shop alleys’…


Vic Market

A visit to Melbourne should include Queen Victoria Market. With delicious food, general market stalls, and entertainment it is a Melbourne favorite. For over a century people have been buying fresh produce and goods from this iconic landmark.


Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance was created to meet the needs of a grieving community after the extensive loss of lives in the First World War (1914 –18). 114,000 Victorians enlisted in the First World War. Of the 89,000 of them who served abroad 19,000 were killed. They were buried in distant graves far from home at a time when most Australians did not travel abroad. The Shrine provided a place where Victorians could grieve as individuals, as families or as a community. It also served to honour the courage of the men, women and children who remained at home.

Free entry to the Shrine with daily tours at 11 am and 12.45 pm


Botanical Gardens

Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens was established in 1846 by Lieutenant Governor Charles La Trobe. Over the next 60 years this swampy site was transformed into the world-famous landscape we know today. In 1958, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the ‘Royal’ prefix on the Gardens.

One of the best places to enjoy some quiet time and simply slow down. Stroll the gardens, enjoy something to eat at the tearooms… and just relax.

A bonus for families in the Botanical Gardens is the Ian Potter Foundation Garden and playground. One of the best places to take kids in Melbourne. It’s free to enter, check the website for opening times and activities. 


Walk or Bike Ride Along the Yarra River

The Yarra River trails go for miles. Hire a bike and ride, passing through areas that will make you feel that you’ve entered the countryside and the city could not possibly be so close. Boathouse tearooms, small falls, the Collingwood Children’s Farm, and Convent… spend a day. Walking is a good way to enjoy the trails too, pack a picnic maybe, and head off. When you need to return…maybe catch a cab.


Beaches & Beach Boxes

We have a number of great beaches around Port Phillip Bay. From close to the CBD all the way around to the end of the Mornington Penisula. The easiest beaches to access are at St Kilda and around Port Melbourne. Grab the tram to St Kilda and hit the sand! A little further along from St Kilda, Brighton Bech is lovely and has classic Australian Beach boxes, built over 100 years ago. Either catch a train to Brighton and walk to the beach or walk along the path from St Kilda (or cycle).

Photo Credit Visit Victoria

Where to Stay in Melbourne

We have some fabulous places to stay in Melbourne as well as some quirky accommodation options…


Getting Out of the City – Day Trips

Getting out of the city and exploring the countryside is a ‘must-do’. From coastal areas to the mountain ranges, there is a lot on offer and begging to be added to every traveler’s list when in Victoria.

Great Ocean Road

The Ocean Road generally needs no introductions as it’s one of the most visited areas in Victoria. Day trips are possible, but if you only have one day spare, consider doing a tour as it’s a long drive. Give the driver’s seat to a professional and enjoy the ride.

Dandenong Ranges

Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Dandenongs are a beautiful little mountain range with pretty villages, super views, and over 32 stunning walking trails. Do a day trip by public transport or self-drive, maybe spend a night in the Dandenongs…

Sherbrooke Forest Dandenong Ranges

Mornington Peninsula

Safe beaches for families or surf beaches – the Mornington Peninsula offers both. A favorite holiday destination for generations of Victorians, the Peninsula has a lot to offer.

Yarra Valley

Famed for superb wineries, the Yarra Valley is a mega attraction for many. It’s an easy day trip from the city – book a tour to the Valley if you plan to do wine tastings…

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Best Things to See & Do in Melbourne
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