Are you planning a trip to Melbourne and feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the amazing attractions? Known for its chic fashion, buzzing cafes, stunning museums, and remarkable zoos, Melbourne is truly an explorer’s paradise.
Our comprehensive guide will help demystify your itinerary options by detailing the must-see sights in this vibrant city. Ready to embark on your unforgettable Melbourne adventure? Keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Melbourne is full of exciting places to visit like Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Block Arcade and Chinatown.
- For city tours, you can ride the City Circle Tram for free. It will take you around different spots in Melbourne.
- Take a step into history by visiting Old Melbourne Gaol and State Library Victoria.
- Get an insight into Aboriginal culture through the Aboriginal Melbourne walking tour.
Iconic Landmarks and Sights
Melbourne bursts with an array of awe-inspiring landmarks and sights that captivate visitors, from the lush Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria to the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground.
On a City Circle Tram tour, you’ll discover highlights like the imposing Shrine of Remembrance and lively Queen Victoria Market. Art lovers will be drawn to the National Gallery of Victoria while those seeking a panoramic view can head up to the Melbourne Skydeck in Eureka Tower.
Explore quintessential Victorian architecture at Block Arcade, spot diverse wildlife at Melbourne Zoo or delve into Australia’s cultural history at Melbourne Museum and State Library Victoria.
Don’t miss out on visiting Old Melbourne Gaol for an intriguing insight into 19th-century prison life.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a must-see in Melbourne. This place is big, covering 38 hectares of land! It has both native and exotic plants. Over one million people visit each year.
A cool fact about the gardens – they work to protect rare and endangered species. Tickets and tours are available for booking if you want a deeper look at everything here. There’s also special events that teach about the Kulin nation’s history and culture.
These events give you a chance to learn from an Aboriginal guide too! Come see why this garden is known for its natural wonders.
City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram is a must-see when you visit Melbourne. It’s an easy and free way to move around the city. You can sit back and enjoy the views as it takes you past famous places in Melbourne.
The tram has a voice that tells you about different sights.
This tram covers many spots of interest in Melbourne, like shops and events happening in the city. Tourists love using this mode of travel. So make sure not to miss out on your ride on the City Circle Tram!
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a huge place. It is the biggest cricket field in the world! People like to come here to watch games and take tours. There is also a museum you can visit.
The MCG sits close to the Yarra River, so it has nice views too. It offers high-quality facilities for events that leave guests happy every time they visit. This stadium tells parts of Melbourne’s story over time, making it an iconic landmark.
Both locals and visitors love this spot!
Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance is a place you must see. It stands tall in Melbourne for all to view. This site talks about people from Victoria who fought in World War I. Inside, there’s a center where visitors can learn more about its past.
People come from all over the world to see this great landmark. So, don’t miss it! You will feel the pride of Australia when you visit this special place.
Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market is a top attraction in Melbourne. It spans two city blocks and hosts over 600 small businesses. You can find fresh foods, handmade items, coffee, food stands, and souvenirs here.
As an iconic landmark of Melbourne and a famous place to visit, it draws many tourists each year. There are tours and tickets for anyone who wants to see all the sights at this market.
National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria is a must-see spot in Melbourne. It has two big, eye-catching buildings. One is NGV International and the other one is NGV Australia. They are full of art that dates back many years.
In these buildings, there are more than 70,000 pieces of art. This makes it the biggest and most visited gallery in all of Australia. Art lovers go to this site often because it’s famous for its diverse collection!
Melbourne Skydeck
At Melbourne Skydeck, you will be high in the sky. It is at the top of Eureka Tower on the 88th floor. You can see all over Melbourne from there! It has the best view in the Southern Hemisphere.
Get ready to take cool photos and videos of this huge city.
Block Arcade
Block Arcade in Melbourne is a must-see spot. It was built long ago, from 1891 to 1893. The look of this arcade takes ideas from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. You will see a high glass roof and floors made of small bits of colored stone or glass put into cement.
This place attracts many people who visit Melbourne for its mix of shops, places to eat, and cafes. Walking through Block Arcade is like taking part in a sightseeing tour because there are so many things to see and do! If you love shopping or just want to enjoy looking at beautiful things, then be sure not to miss Block Arcade on your trip!
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo is right in the city center. It has more than 320 kinds of animals to see. Before you go, make sure to book your zoo ticket online. This makes Melbourne Zoo one of the top sights in Melbourne! Escape into nature and enjoy looking at all the amazing wildlife here at this urban oasis.
As a top attraction in Melbourne, it’s a sight no visitor should miss!
Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum is a top spot to learn about history. It holds over 16.5 million things to see and explore! You can dive deep into science, nature, culture, and the past here. This museum shows the rich life of Melbourne’s early settlers and Aboriginal people.
People from all over come to see this place. There are many different displays that you can view. Melbourne is full of art spaces, bright streets, and great museums like this one. Come find out why so many love the Melbourne Museum!
State Library Victoria
State Library Victoria is a must-see sight in Melbourne. It is very old and has grand spaces with beautiful design. It opened in 1854, making it Australia’s oldest public library.
You will be in awe of the large domed reading room, where people love to take selfies! There are also free exhibits at the library. Book fans and history buffs flock here to learn more.
If you like amazing buildings with a rich past, this is a top attraction for you.
Old Melbourne Gaol
Old Melbourne Gaol is a must-see stop for visitors. It was the first prison in Melbourne. You can find it on Russell Street, between Victoria and La Trobe Streets. You can walk through its old cells and learn about people who once lived there.
Some of them have amazing escape stories that you will hear about in Escape Artists Tours. The gaol opens every day at 10am and closes at 5pm. This place will take you back to history! If you like to know more about our past, make sure not to miss this spot!
Must-See Neighborhoods and Attractions
Explore the green oasis of Fitzroy Gardens, spend an afternoon in the modern waterfront area of Docklands, feel at home in the charming neighborhood of Kensington, immerse yourself in Italian culture and gastronomy in Carlton and experience a slice of Asia in vibrant Chinatown.
Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy Gardens is a bright spot in Melbourne. It offers visitors a calm, green space to rest and enjoy nature. You can find it in the city center, easy for tourists to get to. The garden has lots of history.
The Captain Cook hut greets you at the entrance of Fitzroy Gardens. This little house shows us about Australia’s past. Within the gardens, many other things catch your eye. A fairy tree and a big glass house called the conservatory are both worth checking out on your trip!
Docklands
Docklands is a spot you should see in Melbourne. It lies in the Central Business District, near Parkville. The place gives great city views and lets you enjoy a fun-filled day at the harbor.
Art sculptures here catch your eye. At Docklands, you can eat by the waterfront or shop till you drop. Some cool spots to visit are Southern Cross Station, Mission to Seafarers Victoria, and Fitzroy-Brisbane Lions Historical Society.
For fans of architecture or sports, there are buildings and stadiums to explore too! So step into Docklands for a day of joyous adventure!
Kensington
Kensington is a fun place to see in Melbourne. It’s just 4km northwest of the city center. You will love its pretty streets and nice parks. Flemington, an important spot, is here too.
Kensington has a strong community feel that makes it special. It’s a great stop for your city tour with sights up to Racecourse Road in the north. This suburb gives you a unique city life experience!
Carlton
Carlton is a must-see spot in Melbourne. It’s called Little Italy for its strong Italian vibes. You will see old, pretty buildings here. The Royal Exhibition Building lives in Carlton Gardens and it’s a sight to behold! Walking around Carlton lets you find tiny shops and eat at good restaurants.
Market Lane offers great food, fun shopping, and cool places to hang out. This part of town has history, culture, beautiful parks as well as delicious food all waiting for you to enjoy! So put on your walking shoes and get ready to discover the many surprises hidden in this charming neighborhood named Carlton!
Chinatown
Chinatown lies between Swanston and Spring Street. You can see old buildings that tell stories of the past. This lively place is perfect for people who love food. It offers many types of Asian dishes.
Have fun at karaoke, taste a cocktail in a bar or shop for fashion items. Visit the Museum of Chinese Australian History to learn something new. See landmarks, historic sites and churches too!
Unique Experiences
Experience the rich Aboriginal history on a walking tour, explore Melbourne’s laneways and arcades, immerse yourself in Korean culture, discover secret gardens and green spaces around the city, or visit accessible attractions for wheelchair-friendly adventures.
Aboriginal Melbourne walking tour
The Aboriginal Melbourne walking tour is a great adventure. It gives you a glimpse into the city’s history. You will learn a lot about Aboriginal culture. The walk leads you through the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Here, you get to see unique plants and trees.
Melbourne’s laneways and arcades
Melbourne’s laneways and arcades give you a unique experience.
- They are full of cool shops, cafes, bars, and artwork.
- You will find Hosier Lane, Centre Place and Malthouse Lane in the list of popular spots.
- Keep your eyes open when walking around! You might pop into a small cafe or tiny wine bar.
- The laneways always have something new. Every visit is different from the last one.
- The city grid is like a treasure map. It has many hidden jewels waiting for you in its arcade, alleys, and lanes.
- Melbourne offers more than just laneways. There are pretty gardens, big buildings, sport fields, markets and other famous lanes too.
Korean culture in Melbourne
In Melbourne, a trip to Koreatown is like stepping into Seoul. You can find it on Little Bourke Street in the city center. Here there are lots of K-pop stores. These shops have all kinds of CDs and DVDS from popular Korean music groups.
Visitors can also buy Korean streetwear fashions.
The city also has a lot of Korean food places. People love to eat at BBQ restaurants and cafes that serve kimchi, bulgogi, bibimbap and other dishes from Korea. There’s even a museum called Jeju Folk Village Museum where tourists can learn about Korean history and belief systems.
Secret gardens and green spaces
Melbourne is full of secret gardens and green spaces for tourists to uncover. Here’s your list:
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria: A top spot for history, culture, science, and nature. You may find some hidden surprises that add to its stunning beauty.
- Dandenong: It’s a budget-friendly nature spot loved by locals and tourists.
- Fitzroy Gardens: A city garden with stunning trees and flowers all year round.
- Docklands Park: This park has fun playgrounds and quiet corners where you can take a break from the city buzz.
- Kensington’s JJ Holland Park: Popular among families for its open space and playgrounds.
- Secret Garden St Kilda: A hidden gem filled with lush plants and beautiful sculptures.
- Carlton’s Lincoln Square: This small but serene park provides an escape from the city noise.
- Aboriginal Garden in Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria: Take a tour guided by an Aboriginal guide to learn about their culture in a unique way.
Accessible and wheelchair-friendly attractions
Melbourne is a city that welcomes all. It has many places that people can visit, no matter if they use a wheelchair or not.
- The Forest Gallery: This place is in Melbourne Museum. It has ramps for wheelchairs.
- Milarri Gardens: These gardens are also in the same museum. They too have ramps.
- The Royal Botanic Gardens: This place is very friendly to people with disabilities too.
- National Gallery of Victoria: This gallery is one of the top 10 disability-friendly spots in the city.
- Hearing loops at Melbournes’ spaces help those who find it hard to hear.
- Cape coastline vista tours: Guides take people in wheelchairs to see this beautiful view.
- Inclusive wildlife encounters: Even if you use a wheelchair, you can still see wild animals up close!
- Accessible beach visits: Everyone loves a day at the beach and Melbourne makes sure it’s possible for all!
- Art galleries: There are many more places like this in Melbourne where everyone feels welcome and enjoys their visit!
- Waterfront experiences: Spend time by the water, eating good food and seeing amazing sights!
Insider Tips and Recommendations
Gain fresh perspectives with a visit to the immersive LUME Melbourne. Dive into oceanic wonders at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Embrace art and culture at Arts Centre Melbourne. Don’t miss out on local events that define the city’s vibrant personality.
Discover how to make the most of your short trip with our guide on spending 24 hours in Melbourne successfully.
The LUME Melbourne
The LUME Melbourne is a must-see spot. It’s the world’s largest digital art gallery. You will love this place which has over 550 works from more than 110 artists. This is not a normal art show.
It makes famous paintings move and burst with color.
This huge space covers more than 3,000 square meters and goes up four stories high! People who visit say good things about it on TripAdvisor. The LUME Melbourne is in the top 10% of places to see on that site.
Come see this top sight in Australia’s arts and culture city.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
You must see the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. It sits by the Yarra River, right across from Crown Casino. This place is a top spot in Melbourne. Many sea creatures live there like penguins and sharks.
There are also seahorses and tons of colorful fish from warm waters. You can touch some animals at the aquarium too! Different tickets are for sale to fit your money plan.
Arts Centre Melbourne
Arts Centre Melbourne is a must-see spot for tourists. Here, you can find great shows from all over the world. You may also get lost in its history and design on a guided tour. The State Theatre inside it is known for its unique look.
Don’t forget to stop at the Sunday market filled with arts and crafts too! It’s right under the Spire, which lights up Melbourne’s sky.
Local events and popular destinations
Melbourne is alive with events and hot spots that draw in both locals and tourists.
- Food and Wine Festival: This yearly event shows off Melbourne’s love for fine dining.
- White Night Festival: Experience Melbourne’s nightlife during this all-night art festival.
- Australian Open: Tennis fans from around the world come to watch this major sporting event every January.
- Lygon Street Italian Festa: This lively festival celebrates Italian culture with lots of food and fun.
- Moomba Festival: Take part in this community event with parades, fireworks, and more.
- Fashion Week: See the latest trends at Melbourne’s famous fashion event each year.
- St Kilda Beach: Relax on the sandy shore or stroll along the vibrant St Kilda Pier.
- Melbourne Central Shopping Centre: Shop for fashion, dine at restaurants, or catch a movie at this popular spot.
- Degraves Street: It’s full of hip coffee shops and places to grab a quick bite.
How to spend 24 hours in Melbourne
Make the most of your day in Melbourne with this guide.
- Start early at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Enjoy the fresh morning air and amazing green sights.
- Hop on the City Circle Tram next. This takes you around key spots in Melbourne.
- Stop at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Games often take place in the morning.
- Visit the Shrine of Remembrance next. It’s a mark of respect for past wars.
- Take time to shop at Queen Victoria Market after lunch.
- After shopping, see art at National Gallery of Victoria.
- As it gets darker, view the city from Melbourne Skydeck.
- For dinner, head to Block Arcade. You’ll find many food options there.
- End your night with a visit to Fitzroy Gardens or Docklands.
Conclusion
Melbourne is full of fun and adventure. You can find a world to explore in this city. Come and see what Melbourne has for you. Pack your bags and start the journey now!
FAQs
1. What are the top 10 tourist attractions in Melbourne?
The top 10 tourist places in Melbourne include popular spots like Federation Square, Royal Botanic Gardens, and Eureka Tower among others.
2. Where can visitors to Melbourne find more information on sightseeing places?
Visitors can find detailed guides about visiting places in Melbourne from a ‘Melbourne Lonely Planet’ travel book or online sources.
3. Are there any near Melbourne tourist places to visit?
Yes! There are many interesting sites close to the city of Melbourne, you will never run out of things to do!
4. Can you name some of the must-see sights in Melbourne?
Sure! The must-see sights for any tourists coming to Melbourne would be Shrine Of Remembrance, Queen Victoria Market and St Kilda Beach.
