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As Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is a historic, modern, and cosmopolitan city with an active arts industry, fine dining, and landmarks. The city is well known for its walls and even street poles, which are decorated with artistic graffiti and a beautiful mix of old and new. One can visit and do a lot of things within the city, such as shopping at the markets, for example, the Queen Victoria Market, or simply, spend a day relaxing by the nice Yarra River.
Top 10 Things To Do In Melbourne
From exploring vibrant laneways to enjoying world-class dining and sports, Melbourne offers a perfect mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. Following are the top 10 things to do in Melbourne:
1. Explore The Royal Botanical Gardens
Photo: Wpcpey / Wikimedia Commons
Founded in the year 1846, covering 94 acres in the centre of the city, these gardens contain more than 8500 plant species scattered from throughout the globe. Among the most interesting places are the picturesque Ornamental Lake, the quiet and serene Fern Gully, and the Aboriginal Heritage Walk that describes the local native culture. Within the gardens is also The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, which emphasises exploration with families. A picnic, a run, or birdwatching– the Royal Botanic Gardens has it all for anyone wanting to be in touch with nature and seeking some calm ambience.
Location: Birdwood Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141
Timings: 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
2. Shop At Queen Victoria Market
Photo: HappyWaldo / Wikimedia Commons
In the centre of Melbourne on Queen Street sits the southern hemisphere’s largest outdoor market, Queen Victoria Market with its indelible and rich history dating back to 1878. Still today the Queen Victoria Market is a bustling centre with lots of things for people to choose from. Many fresh fruits and vegetables, gourmet food, clothes, souvenirs, and hand-made artefacts are available for tourists. The market has a veritable melting pot of culinary delights including deli/ grocery items, fish/ seafood and assorted delicacies. It is a popular tourist destination because it offers seasonal night market programs that include live performances, street food and fun activities.
Location: Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Admire Street Art In Hosier Lane
Photo: Sdeclan82 / Wikimedia Commons
Melbourne’s central business district, particularly Hosier Lane, is celebrated for its bustling and dynamic street art culture. This laneway, with its great fame, is always frequented by both local people and visitors all over the world. This is because of the many different types of graffiti, murals and urban art created by different artists across the globe. Political, social, and cultural ideas can be found in the images created on the walls of the lane, thus making it a living canvas.
Location: Hosier Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
Best Time To Visit: Weekdays
4. Visit The National Gallery Of Victoria
Photo: Benjamin Babu Mathew / Wikimedia Commons
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)– which is the oldest public art gallery in the history of Australia and one of the most visited sites in the country, nestles right in the city of Melbourne. The museum has two main sections which are NGV International located along Suto Kildo in addition to The Ian Potter Centre which is based at Federation Square. This gallery has a diverse range of collections of both international and Australian artworks from ancient to modern times, such as European paintings, Asian arts, ornamental and various other art forms.
Location: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
5. Enjoy The View From Eureka Skydeck
Photo: Johntorcasio / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Situated on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower at 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank, is the Eureka Skydeck which provides the most magnificent views of the city of Melbourne. At 285 metres to its viewing deck, it is the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere. This allows visitors to enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the city as well as the Yarra River all without any obstruction. Thanks to the interactive displays that assist the entire viewing process. To the daring ones, there is the “Edge” experience where visitors get to enjoy a glass cube which protrudes out of the very building giving a lot of enjoyment.
Location: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
6. Game At The Melbourne Cricket Ground
Photo: Abhishek050592 / Wikimedia Commons
Brunton Avenue, Richmond, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is one of the most popular sports in the universe. Dubbed the ‘Spiritual Home of All Sports in Australia’, MCG conducts sporting events, such as Cricket, and Australian Rules Football (AFL), along with other activities such as music concerts. The MCG at 100024 sits the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere. On this note, it is also possible to arrange guided tours of the grounds or even the Australian Sports Museum which carries a lot of history in itself for the visitors.
Location: Brunton Ave, Richmond VIC 3002
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
7. Stroll Along St Kilda Beach And Pier
Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons
St. Kilda Beach and Pier, situated in St. Kilda, Melbourne, wonderfully combines leisure and sports. The beach is famous for sunbathing, swimming, and picnic activities while the pier offers breathtaking views of the architecture and landscape of Port Phillip Bay. People can promenade, indulge in seaside summer houses, or look for the penguins that live in a breakwater near the shore. There is also a beach that hosts a range of local activities including eateries, bars, and the traditional theme park, Luna Park. It’s a perfect place for those who love nature and the beach and also for people who prefer an active life on the seaside.
Location: St Kilda, Melbourne VIC 3182
Best Time To Visit: December to February
8. Experience Wildlife At Melbourne Zoo
Photo: Fir0002 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Melbourne Zoo is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in Australia. First open to visitors in 1859, over 300 animal species from all over the globe can be found in this remarkable exhibition. The visitors can visit a wide range of animal enclosures such as the Wild Sea, Lion Gorge, and the Gorillas’ Rainforest which contains animals from America, Asia, and Australia. In addition, the zoo also contributes to the overall wildlife conservation of the world. Transportation to and from the zoo is easy and the services are suitable for and enjoyable to both children and those who appreciate wildlife.
Location: Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
9. Discover History At Old Melbourne Gaol
Photo: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons
The Old Melbourne Gaol is a key landmark where one can understand a lot about the history of the city of Melbourne. The gaol which was opened in 1842, housed some of the most wanted criminals in history including Ned Kelly, who was tried and executed in the very building in 1880. The site has been turned into a museum with contents that highlight the realities of incarceration in the 19th century. Exploration of its haunted and dimmed-lit cells and ways of law enforcement and disorder periods in Melbourne as well as the view of the hanging yard is possible inside the museum.
Location: 377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
10. Wander Through The Block Arcade For Shopping
Photo: Kerry Raymond / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Block Arcade in Melbourne is a heritage shopping area designed with a combination of Victorian and modern-day luxury boutiques. Established in 1892, this stunning arcade with detailed mosaic flooring, stained glass windows and an assortment of shops and cafes selling designer wear and other goods. It also contains the popularly known Hopetoun Tea Rooms It is suitable for those who look for traditional aesthetics in addition to contemporary commercialism in the urban centres. This place promises an exquisite experience.
Location: 282 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Melbourne is an active and energetic city that has a combination of culture, history and natural beauty as well. The colourful markets and famous laneways of the city, impressive parks and gardens as well as international standard galleries, and more are all available in the city. Each place promises a unique experience and a memorable time in Melbourne. As you plan your next trip to Melbourne, let TripXL take care of your bookings and offer you some of the best deals.
Cover Photo: Melbpal / Wikimedia Commons
