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With so much to see and do, Melbourne is a city that should be on your list of things to see. Whether you’re visiting for work or leisure, there’s always something new and exciting happening in this vibrant city. If you’re looking for attractions in Melbourne, we’ve got 15 things that will make your trip here unforgettable!
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What is Melbourne most known for?
Melbourne is most well-known for its world-class restaurants and cafes, as well as the city’s expansive parks and green spaces.
Melbourne is also known for its multicultural communities, which are celebrated through festivals and fairs that happen year-round.
Additionally, Melbourne has a significant amount of Victorian-era buildings throughout the downtown area. These buildings were constructed between 1855-1900.
Is Melbourne expensive?
Melbourne is not necessarily considered to be an expensive city, but the prices of things can vary greatly depending on where you go. For example, things like groceries or gas may be cheaper than many other places in the world, whereas eating out or buying clothing will probably cost more than elsewhere.
A one-week stay in Melbourne can cost anywhere from $2500 to $5000, depending on the type of hotel you’re looking for.
Eating out is a big part of the Melbourne culture, and many restaurants serve up delicious meals for very affordable prices.
However, it is also worth noting that there are some places which will cost you more than usual to go to (i.e.: museums). The good news though is that there’s plenty of free things to do in Melbourne as well!
What is there to do in Melbourne for free?
Melbourne has a lot of attractions that are free to operate, as well as having a free pass. For starters, the Royal Botanic Gardens offers free walking tours for those who want to learn more about the plants and animals that live in Melbourne. They also have a free tour that explores the changing seasons in Melbourne.
The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art offers a free day once a month with their First Thursday event. There is also a night walk through the CBD called City Circle which is conducted by Creative Victoria.
Other places you can visit to get ideas about what to see include the National Gallery of Victoria and ACMI which is an art and film museum located on St Kilda Road.
How do I spend a day in Melbourne?
If you want to spend a day in Melbourne, start your day out by getting coffee at local cafes or grabbing breakfast. Once you’re ready to get moving, take the free tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens (some guides are even kids!) and learn about all of the amazing wildlife that lives here. You can explore on your own or grab some helpful pointers from an expert.
Back at the gardens, explore the botanical collections while sitting on one of their many benches. If you’re hungry, grab some lunch at one of the many cafes around. If it’s not too hot for you yet, rent a bicycle and cycle through Fitzroy or Brunswick where there are countless vintage stores and street art to soak up. For dinner, try one of Melbourne’s famous restaurants and grab a glass (or bottle) of wine. If you’re looking for something more casual, there are plenty of pubs that serve up food as well!
What can you do on a hot day in Melbourne?
On a hot day in Melbourne, you can go to the beach and go swimming. You can also visit the Australian National Sports Museum to see all of the sports memorabilia from Australian athletes. Make sure to catch a movie at Hoyts Westfield City as well as eat at some of Melbourne’s best restaurants.
Also, you can go to the Royal Botanic Gardens and take a walk through them or visit Eureka Skydeck 88 for amazing views of the city. Another great place is Federation Square which has many restaurants, shops, and outdoor activities.
If you want to get out of the sun and into some museums, you can visit the Melbourne Museum or Scienceworks. Or if you want to get up close and personal with some wildlife, the Melbourne Zoo is a great experience.
Don’t forget about all of the shopping areas in Melbourne such as Chapel Street and Bourke Street Mall so that you can find something for everyone on your list!
The 20 Must-See Attractions in Melbourne:
1. Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens is a massive public garden and one of the largest inner urban parks in the world. Home to native plant species and features such as the highland trees and Living Rainforest, this natural oasis attracts visitors all year long.
In the gardens, you will also find the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, which is a massive space that hosts some of Australia’s largest exhibitions and events. The Royal Botanic Gardens are located just outside the city center meaning you can spend an afternoon in nature while still being close to attractions like Federation Square.
Take a walk or cycle through the park and enjoy its beauty. You can also visit the Queen Victoria Gardens, Cactus Walk, and Shrine of Remembrance which is all located within walking distance.
2. Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market is a commercial market in the Melbourne Central Business District, Victoria, Australia. It is located on Elizabeth Street between La Trobe Street and Russell Street.
Set up on an old railway site, this market offers shoppers more than just fresh produce with clothes, toys, books, toiletries, spices – some of which are made on-site – new technology, food, and more.
It was also considered as one of the top five fresh produce markets worldwide by National Geographic Magazine’s Green Guide. It is easy to see why when you walk inside and are instantly overwhelmed by the delicious scents of fresh herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables.
You can easily spend a few hours in this local favorite and there are plenty of cafes for when you get hungry.
3. Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance is a place of remembrance dedicated to those who served in the Australian Armed Forces. The building is built with Carrara marble and is one of the most imposing structures in Melbourne. The design was inspired by Byzantine architecture and was originally meant to be a memorial to the Australians that died in WWI.
Free to visit, this memorial is one of the most important sites in Australia with its unique design and shapes. It was built during World War I as a memorial for those who fought at war.
4. Southbank
Southbank is a large, modern, and bustling area that has many things to see and do. It is the perfect place for those who want to explore all of Melbourne’s major sights, as it is home to major attractions such as Melbourne Aquarium and the Festival Hall.
However, the real drawcard is the wide array of restaurants and eateries that line Southbank’s countless lanes and alleyways. There are also plenty of bars if you’re looking for a night out on the tiles.
Take a walk along the riverbank to be rewarded with some of the best views in Melbourne, including the Eureka Tower.
Southbank is a great place to relax and unwind with plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes along the riverfront. There are also some museums including Melbourne Museum, Immigration Museum, and Philip Island Penguin Parade.
5. St. Patrick’s Cathedral
The St. Patrick’s Cathedral is located in the heart of Melbourne. It provides a site for full-time Catholic worship, for both parishioners and visitors alike.
Visitors can access the cathedral during regular hours, while church services take place every day according to the Catholic tradition, with masses at 6:30 am and 5 pm on weekdays, 5 pm on Saturday evenings, and 4:00 pm on Sundays. The cathedral also hosts cultural events that are popular among locals and tourists alike.
Built in 1858, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the most popular churches among Melbourne locals and visitors for its unique design made up of bluestone walls with marble details.
6. Yarra River
The Yarra River is a river in Victoria, Australia. It’s not only scenic but is also used for plant and animal life. you can also find some historical artifacts along the river such as old boats and bridges. If you’re into nature, then this is a perfect place to go for a walk or bicycle ride.
Melbourne is a river city and the Yarra River flows through its heart. There are plenty of things to do on this scenic waterway from cycling, kayaking, canoeing, and even jet boating!
7. Melbourne Zoo
If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, the Zoo is the place to go! With over 30 species to see, it’s no wonder that Melbourne’s Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Admission prices range from $19-$27 for adults and $16-$24 for children. For your best value, try to purchase tickets in advance.
Melbourne Zoo is home to more than 150 species of animals from all over the world. It also houses a large section for Australian wildlife and has an amazing underwater viewing area where visitors can watch turtles, penguins, and other aquatic life up close!
8. National Sports Museum
The National Sports Museum is a must-see destination for any sports enthusiast. Located at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), it explores the history of sport in Australia and also gives an overview of the evolution of sports equipment.
Highlights include Joe Wilkins’s boxing gloves from 1910, Aboriginal cricketing urns, Olympic torches, Mary Peters’ 1972 gold medal for women’s pentathlon in Munich, and memorabilia from Cathy Freeman’s Sydney Olympics victory
National Sports Museum is one of Australia’s largest and most popular sports museums. Its three floors feature historical Australian sports memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and a huge collection of Olympic Games medals!
9. Federation Square
Federation Square is a public square at the corner of Swanston and Flinders Street in Melbourne’s Central Business District. It is surrounded by a number of important historic and modern buildings such as Flinders Street station, Melbourne Immigration Museum, State Library of Victoria, and Melbourne Arts Centre. The square was built between 2000-2001 and named to commemorate the centenary of the Federation of Australia.
Federation Square is a popular meeting place for locals and visitors with plenty to see. It features the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), Australian Craft & Design Gallery, Melbourne Visitor Centre, and more!
10. William Ricketts Sanctuary
The William Ricketts Sanctuary is a public garden that provides refuge to the animal population of Melbourne. It is one of the few places in Melbourne where you can see koalas in their natural habitat. The sanctuary was established to provide a safe haven for wildlife and has been running for many decades.
This sanctuary features sculptures from renowned Australian artist William Ricketts made out of natural materials including stone, fungi, and seed pods. Also, there are many sculptures of animals, including koalas.
A short walk through the sanctuary will lead you past these beautiful pieces and to a viewpoint from where you can see Mount Dandenong in all its glory. It is definitely worth visiting this place for both the art and the scenery!
11. Etihad Stadium
Etihad Stadium is a stadium in Melbourne, Australia. It has a capacity of 55,000 people. I recommend going to the Etihad Stadium when in Melbourne. They have a lot of events that are free. You can watch your favorite sport or music artist from the stands, and it is much cheaper than going to a concert!
Situated on the Yarra River, this stadium is home to AFL teams Essendon Bombers and Melbourne Storm as well as National Rugby League team North Queensland Cowboys! There are also other events held here including concerts.
12. South Wharf Promenade
South Wharf Promenade is a welcome respite for people after navigating the ridiculously bustling streets of Melbourne’s CBD.
The promenade has an outdoor dining area with diners overlooking the incredible panorama of the Melbourne waterfront. There are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the view, so you’ll never feel crowded. The promenade also has incredible views of the bridge, Richmond Ranges, and Philip Island.
Walk down towards the water’s edge and soak in the peaceful sunset with a drink in hand at one of Melbournes’ best dinner restaurants.
There’s plenty of shopping along South Wharf Promenade as well.
Home to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf Promenade is a pier that stretches out in front of it with water on both sides. you will also find Hamer Hall which hosts many musicals!
13. National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria is located in Melbourne, Australia. The gallery houses a collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, prints, and photographs. The gallery also offers limited art tuitions open to the public.
The National Gallery of Victoria was established in 1861. In the gallery’s collection, there are many different types of pieces that date back to the 19th century.
Free to visit, the National Gallery of Victoria is a smaller gallery that houses many amazing works from Australian artists. From sculptures by Ron Mueck and paintings by Frederick McCubbin to William Dobell’s famous portrait ‘Joshua Smith’ – this museum has it all!
14. Port Phillip Bay
Port Phillip Bay is the second-largest bay in the world and it’s right outside of Melbourne. The bay provides many different opportunities for water activities, while also being a great spot to enjoy the sunset.
Explore Phillip Bay by kayak, boat, or paddleboard. Rent equipment at one of the many marinas located around the bay and start exploring by yourself!
Port Phillip Bay is home to some of the most popular beaches in Melbourne, including St. Kilda Beach and Brighton Beach which are both located on its shores. There are also other attractions around here like Luna Park.
15. Docklands
One of the newest areas in central Melbourne, Docklands was once an industrial area that has now been transformed into a beautiful and modern place to visit. It features many shops, restaurants, and cafes as well as the iconic Etihad Stadium!
Docklands in Melbourne is a place where people can enjoy a lot of things. It’s a large, modern area that is home to some of the best restaurants in Melbourne. This area has been constructed on what was once a working dockyard. The view from here encompasses the entrance to the bay, which also includes Victoria Harbour and Port Phillip Bay.
You may want to walk around this region before you sit down for dinner at one of the restaurants. It’s mostly residential accommodation, with plenty of green space and various sporting fields. There are small pockets of shops and eateries and also plenty of art galleries and design studios, including Tramway Arts Centre and RMIT Design School. Docklands is perfect for people who love art and culture.
There are also various events that happen within this region, including the popular White Night Melbourne Festival which takes place in March or April each year. During these months, you can expect to see plenty of different attractions up for display around Docklands as well as the other parts of central Melbourne. There’s also a large selection of outdoor events that take place here, including the Australian Football League’s annual Docklands Stadium.
16. West Gate Bridge
The West Gate Bridge is located in the western suburbs of Melbourne and was originally designed as a railway bridge. In 1958, it became a road bridge as well. The bridge has been recognized as one of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks for the past 60 years.
It is an iconic piece of architecture with its unique design and shape that was designed to meet the needs of commuters with ease!
Walk along the bridge for a great view of the entire city and the Yarra River. It is a great place for pictures and to take in the sights.
17. Yarra Valley
It is around 40 minutes drive from central Melbourne, Yarra Valley features many wineries and breweries. It is a beautiful and relaxing place to visit, even for just half a day!
The Yarra Valley is a scenic region that is known for its wine and dairy production. It has provided a way for visitors to get out of the city and enjoy an Australian country lifestyle. The wine-producing regions within the Yarra Valley are made up of many small family vineyards where tourists can go on a tour and learn about the history of the area.
The best thing to do here is to go on a Yarra Valley wine tour. There are many options for wine tours, but the best way to do this is by joining a group of other people who want to go on an organized tour. There are tons of smaller wineries that allow visitors to learn about the area while enjoying free tastings.
Some of the top wineries and breweries include:
– McGuigan Cellars: Visitors will enjoy the beautiful views of the Yarra Valley and learn about different wines.
– Yering Station: This winery is known for its restaurant that provides a fine dining experience with spectacular scenery.
– Bistro Vue at Domaine Chandon: Located within Melbourne, this bistro provides a wonderful dining experience and views of the Yarra Valley.
– Yering Station Brewery: The brewery is great for those who want to learn about beer making while enjoying local food. It also has an adjoining restaurant that serves delicious meals made with locally produced ingredients.
18. Melbourne Aquarium
Melbourne Aquarium is one of the city’s most popular attractions and features many exhibits including an amazing Great Ocean Walk exhibit which takes visitors through a replica rainforest!
The aquarium was established in 1991. The aquarium has a total of 6.6 million liters of water, with more than 700 species living on site. The facility includes an underwater observatory, the largest of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.
You will get to see so many different kinds of fish, sharks, turtles, and stingrays. After you’re done looking at all the animals, there are lots of fun activities for kids too like getting to feed the stingrays or even pet a shark!
19. Luna Park
Luna Park is a historic amusement park in Melbourne, Victoria, that was developed in the 1880s. This park has been open for more than a hundred years now.
The most popular attraction at the park is the Giant Dipper Rollercoaster. Luna Park is located on Sydney Road and it is just a stone’s throw away from the suburb of St Kilda which is famous for having many beaches.
Dating back to 1912, this amusement park features old-fashioned rides like the Big Dipper roller coaster as well as modern thrill rides that give a whole new meaning to the word ‘thrill’!
The other attraction at Luna Park (apart from the Giant Dipper) is the Ghost Train which will lead you through all sorts of creepy experiences with different monsters that are meant to scare you senseless. You can also enjoy all sorts of rides like The Himalaya which will make you feel like you’re on a mountain ride and the Grand Carousel which will give you that old-fashioned feeling.
You can also visit Luna Park to enjoy different food stalls with all sorts of international cuisines such as Indian, Chinese, Italian, and American.
20. Melbourne Museum
The Melbourne Museum features permanent exhibitions that are housed in seven Victorian buildings set in beautiful gardens. The museum houses five galleries, two theaters, a planetarium, and the Alfred Deakin Research Centre.
One of the main attractions of the Melbourne Museum is its impressive collection of Aboriginal artworks, which are displayed throughout the museum.
Located in Carlton Gardens, this museum is one of Australia’s most popular museums and features historical exhibitions as well as cultural displays from Aboriginal people all around Australia.
If you are a history buff, you will love exploring the history of Australia in this museum.
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