Experience Melbourne: 10 Top Sights and Activities to See and Do
Melbourne, Australia is a vibrant and exciting city known for its culture, food, and outdoor attractions. It’s an amazing city to explore and the perfect destination for tourists looking for an unforgettable experience. From lively music and art scenes to beautiful beaches and parks, there is something for everyone in Melbourne. Here are 10 of the top attractions and activities that you must experience while in Melbourne.
1. Explore the Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic roads in Australia and is considered a must-do while visiting Melbourne. Stretching 243 kilometres along the south-eastern coast of the country, this incredible drive is filled with stunning scenery, breathtaking views, and countless attractions. Along the way, you’ll pass through national parks, surf beaches, and quaint seaside towns. You can even take a cruise around the iconic Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone stacks rising from the ocean.
Book a tour of the Great Ocean Road
2. Visit St Kilda Beach
St Kilda Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Australia and is located just outside of Melbourne’s city centre. This iconic beach is known for its beautiful white sand, crystal-clear waters, and lively atmosphere. It’s a great spot for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and taking in the stunning views of Port Phillip Bay. There’s also plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants in the nearby St Kilda Esplanade area.
3. Visit Melbourne Zoo
The Melbourne Zoo is a unique and exciting way to experience the wildlife of Australia and beyond. Home to more than 300 animal species, it’s one of the oldest zoos in Australia and is also one of the largest in the world. You can explore various habitats such as the Rainforest Aviary, African Savannah, Butterfly House, and Australian Rainforest, among many others. You can also get up close with some of Australia’s most iconic animals such as kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, and emus.
4. Take a Tour of Federation Square
Federation Square is a bustling public square located in the heart of Melbourne and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Home to museums, galleries, restaurants, and shops, this vibrant square is a great spot to explore Melbourne’s culture and history. Here, you can visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Melbourne Visitor Centre, as well as many other attractions. Federation Square also hosts a variety of events throughout the year such as live music concerts, film screenings, art exhibitions, and more.
Book a tour of Federation Square
5. Take a Tram Ride Through Melbourne
Trams are one of the iconic symbols of Melbourne and taking a ride on one is an experience that you won’t forget. This unique form of public transport runs throughout the city and is a great way to explore its sights and attractions. You can choose from four different tram lines which will take you around the city centre, along the beachfront, and past some of Melbourne’s most famous landmarks such as Flinders Street Station and Federation Square.
Book a tour on a tram ride through Melbourne
6. Visit Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens are located in the heart of Melbourne and are one of the city’s most popular attractions. This beautiful garden spans more than 38 hectares and is filled with lush gardens, native trees, stunning flower beds, and tranquil lakes. Here you can explore the gardens at your own pace or take part in one of the many guided tours offered by the garden’s experts. The Royal Botanic Gardens also hosts various events throughout the year such as outdoor concerts and art exhibitions.
Book a tour of Royal Botanic Gardens
7. Take a Cruise on Yarra River
The Yarra River is an iconic river in Melbourne which flows through some of the city’s most popular attractions such as Federation Square and Southbank Promenade. Taking a cruise down this beautiful river is an incredible way to experience some of Melbourne’s best sights from a unique perspective. You can choose from various cruises ranging from private charters to themed sightseeing tours which will take you past some of the city’s most famous landmarks such as Crown Casino and the Eureka Skydeck.
8. Explore Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market is one of Melbourne’s oldest markets and is home to more than 600 traders selling everything from fresh produce to souvenirs and clothing items. This bustling market is a great spot to explore local culture and buy some unique items from around the world. It’s also a great spot to find some delicious food with plenty of eateries located inside the market serving up some mouth-watering dishes such as dumplings, falafel wraps, and seafood paella.
Book a tour of Queen Victoria Market
9. Explore Laneways & Street Art
Melbourne is known for its amazing street art scene which can be found in its many laneways throughout the city centre. Exploring these laneways is like stepping into another world where you’ll find colourful murals painted on buildings as well as small cafés, boutiques, galleries, bars, and more tucked away in these hidden gems. Some of the most popular laneways include Hosier Lane, Duckboard Place, ACDC Lane, Union Lane, Degraves Street, Centre Place, and many more!
Book a tour exploring Laneways & Street Art
10. Visit Eureka Skydeck
The Eureka Skydeck is one of Melbourne’s most iconic attractions and offers stunning views over the city as well as 360-degree panoramas from its observation deck located on level 88 of Eureka Tower. Here, you can learn about the history and development of Melbourne while taking in some amazing views over its skyline from nearly 300 metres above ground level! The observation deck also features an interactive digital display which will give you more information about some of the city’s landmarks that you can see from up high!
Book a tour to visit Eureka Skydeck
Conclusion
Melbourne is an amazing city that has something for everyone! From exploring its vibrant culture to experiencing its stunning natural beauty and wildlife – there are countless attractions to discover in this exciting city! Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to relax by the beach – there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied during your stay in Melbourne!
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