Top 12 amazing things to do in Melbourne

Melbourne is one of the most eventful and exciting cities in Australia! Known for its mix-matched architecture to its art scene and in vogue cafes, Melbourne is considered as Australia’s cultural capital.

The bustling metropolis is jam packed with things to do which makes it hard to know where to even start! From world class street art to herritage listed masterpieces, here are the top 12 things to do when visiting Melbourne.

1. Tour the city via tram

Melbourne’s tram system opened in 1885 and is now one of the largest in the whole world! The trams are a fantastic way to tour the city. The city also has a city circle tram which is free of charge!

As the name suggests, this tram takes you around the city allowing you to stop at a number of stations to visit popular attractions and suburbs in Melbourne.

The vintage trams stops every 30 minutes between 10am – 6pm from Sunday to Wednesday and 10am-9pm from Thursday – Saturday. For times and the route check the timetable.

2. Visit Brighton beach & bathing boxes

Brighton beach and bathing boxes can be found on Brighton beach and are one of Australia’s most iconic attractions. Here you can find 82 unique beach box huts, each decorated in individual colours and art, making for a great photo opportunity, especially when viewed together as a collective!

The Beach Boxes are a vestige from Modest Victorian times, being build in 1860 by European settlers during the population boom caused by the Australian Gold rush. The bathing boxes were used by beach goers to change their clothing in privacy; making these beach boxes a heritage protected resource. Although the beach boxes are still used today, locals are to buy an annual licence which comes at a hefty price.

Related post: Visiting Brighton Beach & Bathing boxes, Melbourne

3. Admire the street art

Melbourne’s street art is internationally renowned and sets the scene for Melbourne’s creative ambiance. There are various art pieces, paintings and graffiti styled murals around the whole city, however, Hosier lane, AC/DC lane and presgrave place take the cake! They are all situated within close proximity making for a nice stroll.

Additionally, Fitzroy suburb boasts an abundance of alternative restaurants and market places, in which flaunt murals and incredible art work, making it one of the most arty suburbs of the city.

4. Stroll the Royal Botanical Gardens Victoria

The Royal Botanical gardens were founded in 1846 south of the Yarra river. Extending across 38 hectares, here you can find a collection of more than 8,500 species of plants from around the world.

The lush gardens and ponds allow you to escape the concrete jungle, making for some forrest therapy as you stroll or ride a bike through the gardens and even stop for a coffee at one of the cafes located within the garden grounds.

5. Indulge in the food and coffee scene

Melbourne takes the title of being the coffee capital of Australia, and as an Australian I can say this is a massive statement for a country full of coffee enthusiasts.

The average Melbournian will have the knowledge and literacy of coffee flavours. and worldly cuisine! Having the second biggest Greek population outside of Athens in addition to various other cultures and ethnicities, there is food being sold on the street from over 70 countries!

6. Flinders street station

Flinders street station was opened in 1854 making it Australia’s oldest train station and has become one of Australia’s most famous landmarks. Flaunting its green copper dome, yellow facade, arched entrance and clock, it makes for a fabulous photo.

Other than being visually striking, the station is currently the second busiest in the country and has the second longest platform in the world. serving 15 tram lines and 14 train platforms, you can get to all suburbs of Melbourne and surrounding districts with ease and for an affordable price! Just ensure you purchase and top up a myki card at the kiosk outside of the station which enables you to use the transport.

7. Visit Luna Park

When you hear Luna Park, you may think of Sydney, but there is another in St Kilda, Melbourne! Opened in 1912 the theme park was an immediate success. Walk into the big mouth and explore the vintage rides and vibrant ambiance of one of Australia’s oldest theme parks!

8. Visit Southbank & South wharf

Southbank is dominated by the glamorous crown cassino and top end restaurants. It is also a lively cultural hub homing Melbourne’s art gallery and is the heart of Melbourne’s coffee scene.

Flaunting a bustling south wharf, where bougy bars and parlours line the water front of the Yarra, you can enjoy twilight and night where decorative lighting and the city back drop make the whole atmosphere glow in awe.

9. Visit Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building

Located in Carlton you can find the UNESCO- heritage listed Royal exhibition building. Built in 1880, the famous Australian icon is a mix – match of Victorian, Byzantine, Romanesque, Lombardic and Italian Renaissance styles. The grand building is whopping 150 metres in length and occupies 64 acres of land filled with Baroque style gardens.

The building has held some major events in history such as the Melbourne Centennial Exhibition in 1888, which celebrated 100 years of European settlement in Australia, but its most significant event being the opening of the first parliament in Australia in 1901 following the inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia on 1st of January.

10. Visit the Docklands

The Docklands is located 2kms West of the CBD. Known for its vibrant and contemporary waterfront, ferris wheel and plethora of restaurants that run along Newquay Promenade, Harbour Esplanade and Victoria Harbour Promenade.

It’s also adorned with sculptures, an entertainment quater and plaza, light display and shopping centre making for a great day or night alike to spend strolling and enjoying its surroundings.

The Docklands are also a great alternative to accomodation if you still want the city feeling without the same level of foot traffic as the CBD.

11. Watch an AFL game

Melbourne is the home of AFL. Australia is the only country to have a professional league making it a truly iconic experience. It isn’t hard to realise that Victorians feels strongly about their beloved Aussie rules, me included.

Due to many of the teams being locally based, there’s always a game to watch during game season. So join in and see what all the fuss is about.

P.S GO THE PIES!

12. Stroll the Fitzroy markets

Fitzroy is the alternate and artistic hub of the city. Not only does the suburb provide incredible food and mural art works, but it also has an abundance of market stalls on the weekends that can be found all over the suburb.

From thrifting clothes and vintage art to hand crafted jewellery and knick knacks, the markets are a perfect place to browse between coffees and seeking art.