Melbourne is one of Australia's best-known cities in the world! It is rich in green areas, interesting museums, old buildings flanking modern skyscrapers. Among the many things to do, you can't miss the experience of watching a rugby match, watching the sunset from St Kilda Beach or taking a photo in front of the iconic Brighton Beach cottages! Here's everything you need to know about what to see in Melbourne!
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1 - Queen Victoria Market
In the northernmost part of the CBD is Melbourne's most famous market: the Queen Victoria Market, simply called Vic Market by Australians. It takes place both inside a 19th century building and outside, with a wonderful view of the skyscrapers of the financial district!
Entering Queen Victoria Market is like being catapulted into another world: organised into themed areas and sections, you' ll find yourself strolling among stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to fish, clothing and souvenirs. And speaking of souvenirs, if you want to take home a souvenir of this trip, the Queen Victoria Market is the place to look!
In winter, don'tmiss the Winter Night Market: during the winter season, from June to August, the wonderful Winter Night Market is held one night a week at the Queen Victoria Market, with stalls, street food and shows of all kinds.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: on Queen St in the CBD. Easy walking distance from Melbourne Central (700 m, 9 min). Reference stop Melbourne Central (several train lines) and Queen Victoria Market (tram line 58) - Get directions
Hours: Tue, Thu and Fri 6am-3pm, Sat 6am-4pm, Sun 9am-4pm. Seasonal evening openings, Winter Night Market Wed 17:00-22:00
Ticket price: free
2 - State Library of Victoria
In the heart of the CBD, not far from Queen Victoria Market and the large Melbourne Central shopping centre, is the State Library of Victoria, the region's premier library. But that's not all: opened in 1854 as the Melbourne Public Library, it is the oldest public library in Australia, as well as being one of the first free admission libraries in the world!
Inside, the main attraction is the large central hall, which you can admire from above as you walk through the various galleries, where there are panels and documents relating to the history of the library! You can visit most of the rooms inside, of course remaining quiet without disturbing those who are working or studying.
Play chess with locals: the library is surrounded by the State Library Forecourt, a small park with large chessboards on the floor. Here you can play chess against tourists and locals, with pawns and characters about half a metre high!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: 328 Swanston St, in the CBD. Easy walking distance to Queen Victoria Market (850 m, 11 min). Reference stop Melbourne Central Station (several train lines), La Trobe St/Swanston St tram - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sun 10am-6pm,
Ticket cost: free
3 - Melbourne Docklands and Star Observation Wheel
Another must-see precinct is Melbourne Docklands, located just west of the CBD. This is the old harbour area, now completely redeveloped and expanded, making it one of the most charming areas of the city, with its tall skyscrapers and waterfront restaurants. In the evening, this district is truly wonderful, thanks to the lights of the buildings and skyscrapers reflecting in the water!
There are several attractions here: first of all the Star Observation Wheel, Melbourne's big Ferris wheel, which will give you a wonderful view over the whole city! You can decide to simply ride in the cabin, or have a special experience, such as booking an entire cabin, planning a marriage proposal or doing yoga while admiring the city! In addition to the wheel, the Docklands is home to the Etihad Stadium, also known as Marvel Stadium, home to many sporting events and concerts!
Watch a footy match at Etihad Stadium: it's Australian football, the national sport! It is played by two teams of 18 players each and combines rugby and football rules, very unusual but absolutely exciting!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: neighbourhood west of the CBD. Star Observation Wheel in Waterfront Way. Easy walking distance to Marvel Stadium (1 km, 13 min). Reference stop Southern Cross Station (numerous train lines) - Get directions
Hours: Melbourne Docklands always accessible / Star Observation Wheel September-April daily 11am-9:30pm, May-August Thu-Mon 11am-6:30pm, closed Tue-Wed
Ticket cost: Melbourne Docklands free / Star Observation Wheel from 16.50 AUD (€10.50). Family Ticket, Experience Ticket and Private Cabins available, see official website
4 - Royal Botanic Garden
If you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and want to enjoy a bit of relaxation, then you can't miss the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens, the green lungs of downtown Melbourne! Located near the Shrine of Remembrance, they are one of the city's most visited attractions and are uniquely beautiful! With free admission, you must budget at least half a day to visit them all.
Inside the gardens are more than 50,000 plants from around 12,000 different species! You will find yourself strolling through rose gardens, avenues with palm trees, cacti and many other wonders. An area of the park is also occupied by a small rainforest! But that's not all: you can relax in one of the many picnic areas, have a coffee in one of the many cafés or enjoy a nice boat ride on the lake. In summer, an open-air cinema is also held here!
Enjoy a boat ride on the lake: in the heart of the botanical gardens lies this beautiful lake, with beautiful views of the city skyline. Here you can enjoy a romantic crossing on boats that are very reminiscent of the gondolas in Venice.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: on Birdwood Ave, South Melbourne. Easy walk to Shrine of Remembrance (450 m, 5 min). Reference tram stop Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Rd (numerous lines), Shrine of Remembrance bus (line 605) - Get directions
Hours: vary according to season, generally 6:30am-5:30pm. See official website
Ticket price: free
5 - Shrine of Remembrance
Close to the Royal Botanic Gardens is the wonderful Shrine of Remembrance, known more simply as The Shrine, a war memorial. Completely surrounded by greenery, this memorial was originally built to commemorate those who fell in World War I, but was later dedicated to the memory of all Australians who fell in any war!
Built by World War I veteran architects Phillip Hudson and James Wardrop, it is now one of the largest war memorials in the country! The building is neoclassical in style and you can climb up to the terrace for free, admiring a splendid view of the CBD skyline and all the surroundings!
Practical info: directions, hours and prices
Directions: on Birdwood Ave, South Melbourne. Easy walking distance to Royal Botanic Garden (450 m, 5 min). Reference tram stop Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Rd (numerous lines), Shrine of Remembrance bus (line 605) - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-5pm
Ticket cost: free donation
6 - Albert Park Lake
Another great area to relax and immerse yourself in nature is the beautiful Albert Park Lake, a large lake located in the district of the same name. But this isn't just a park, it's a real meeting place: on the western shore is the Melbourne Sports Centres, with football, volleyball, basketball, swimming pools and plenty of fields for other sports, while on the eastern shore is theAlbert Park Golf Course. This is also the venue for the Australian Grand Prix! In short, if you love sport, you certainly can't miss it!
It's also a great place to visit with the little ones, thanks to the many play areas designed for them, as well as the proximity to Middle Park Beach! And as you stroll along the shores of the lake, you can admire a beautiful view of the CBD skyline. A place not to be missed!
The park is located in the Albert Park neighbourhood of the same name, south of the CBD. Accessible from Flinder Street by direct tram line 3, 3a, 5, 6, 16 or 64 to Moubray St/St Kilda Rd (30 min) - Get directions
Witness a run of the Australian Grand Prix: Albert Park is home to the circuit where the famous Formula 1 motor race is held, with the first race hosted in 1996. If you are in town around the time of this event and are a fan, don't miss it!
7 - Fed Square and Flinders Street Railway Station
You can only start discovering Melbourne from the CBD, the Central Business District, the city's financial heart and most central area. Here you'll find numerous attractions, museums and monuments, not to mention restaurants and shops.
Two of the CBD's highlights are the wonderful Fed Square and Flinders Street Station. Fed Square, short for Federation Square, is one of the liveliest meeting points and squares in Melbourne! Here you will find clubs, restaurants, museums, but that's not all: every year it is the location for about 2,000 events of all kinds! Directly opposite is Flinders Street Station, which has become a symbol of the city! Stop to admire its architecture and be careful when crossing the street, it is a very busy area!
On Swanston St & Flinders St, in the heart of the CBD. Easy walking distance to the National Gallery of Victoria (450 m, 6 min). Reference stop Flinders Street (Central Station) - Get directions
Agreat area to stay in: the CBD is one of the best areas to stay in Melbourne. From here you can easily reach all parts of the city thanks to Flinder Street and Southcross stations, as well as being close to major attractions!
8 - ACMI
A very special museum in Melbourne that you should definitely visit is the ACMI, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Australia's national museum of screen culture, i.e. film, video games, digital culture and art. It is a perfect museum to visit even with the little ones!
This museum is already worth a visit for its unique architecture, make sure you walk past it at night to see it all lit up! Inside you can trace the entire history of technology, with interactive exhibits on TV, video games and films. You can also admire the first models of televisions and follow the whole evolution. Admission is free and the visit takes about an hour, don't miss it!
Check out all the activities at the museum: ACMI is very active in every respect. It has a cinema, events, festivals, workshops and interactive exhibitions.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: in Fed Square, Flinders St, in the CBD. Easy walking distance to St Paul's Cathedral (180 m, 3 min). Reference stop Flinders Street (numerous train, tram and bus routes) - Get directions
Hours: Mon-Fri 12am-5pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
Admission fee: free / special and temporary exhibitions, see official website
9 - St Paul's Cathedral
'/>"/> Autralia is a melting pot of different peoples and cultures, and therefore also of religions. Among Melbourne's major religious buildings, we must definitely mention St Paul's Cathedral, a wonderful neo-Gothic style cathedral located near Fed Square. Consecrated in 1891, it is of the Anglican faith.
The façade features twin tall spires, while inside you can admire the large stained glass windows. Also resting here are important figures from Australian history.
Photos yes, but with permission: to take photos inside the Cathedral, you must apply for a 'Photo Permit' at the entrance, where you will find the 'Cathedral Welcome' at a cost of AUD 5.00 (€3.10). It is forbidden to take photos during celebrations.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: on Flinders St, in the CBD. Easy walk from Fed Square (270 m, 4 mins). Reference stop Flinder Street (numerous bus, tram and train routes) - Get directions
Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-3pm, closed Mon
Ticket price: free
10 - SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Photo by Bidgee. If you are visiting Melbourbe with children, apart from ACMI you absolutely cannot miss the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, one of Australia's largest aquariums! It is home to around 10,000 marine species, mainly from the Southern Ocean or part of Antarctic marine life!
The aquarium is divided into different thematic areas to make the visit more organised! Don't miss: Antarctica, with king penguins; the seahorse section; and the Oceanarium, which houses sharks, rays and turtles and contains 2.2 million litres of water. But that's not all, here you can enjoy some truly adrenaline-pumping experiences, such as swimming in a shark tank!
Buy yourticket in advance: as this is one of the most visited attractions, especially by families, to avoid queues at the ticket offices we recommend that you buy your ticket online.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: on King Street in the CBD. Easy walking distance from Southern Cross (600 m, 8 min). Reference stop Melbourne Aquarium (Routes 35, 70, 75) - Get directions
Hours: Thu-Mon 10am-5pm, Tue-Wed closed
Ticket cost: full price from AUD 36.80 (€23.20), concessions from AUD 25.60 (€16.10) / Variable cost experiences, such as shark diving, see official website
11 - Eureka Sky Deck
In the Southbank district, on the opposite bank of the Yarra River from the CBD, you'll find the Eureka Sky Deck, Melbourne's most beautiful observation deck! This imposing skyscraper, which towers over the city skyline and is clearly visible even from the distant St Kilda and Albert Park neighbourhoods, is about 297 m high and its lifts are really fast: 9 m/s!
From the top, the view is truly spectacular and you will have the city at your feet, but quite literally: in fact, at an additional cost to the ticket, you can enter the famous'The Edge', a kind of glass cube on the 88th floor, which will make you remain suspended in the void! A unique experience, definitely not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo.
Buy yourticket online: this is the most famous observation platform in the city, so queues can be long, especially at weekends! We recommend that you buy your ticket online to avoid wasting precious time.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank. Within easy walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria (600m, 7 mins). Reference stop Flinder Street (numerous bus, tram and train routes) - Get directions
Hours: daily 10am-10pm. Hours vary according to season and days, see official website
Ticket price: full AUD 25.00 (€15.80), concessions AUD 16.50 (€10.50)
12 - National Gallery of Victoria
Photo by Joyofmuseums. If you love art, you definitely can't miss the wonderful National Gallery of Victoria, the city's most important art museum and one of the most important in Australia. It was founded in 1861 and is located a short walk from Fed Square and Flinders Street Station.
Today, the collections are divided into two main parts: NGV Australia, where you can admire objects, works and artworks by Australian artists; and NGV International, with international collections and pieces from around the world. In total, the museum's collection has about 60,000 pieces, including sculptures, paintings and artworks, all from different times and places!
Enjoy a stroll through the Queen Victoria Gardens: right in front of the museum are these beautiful gardens, which also overlook the banks of the Yarra River, from where you can enjoy wonderful views of the city!
Practical info: directions, times and prices
Directions: 180 St Kilda Rd, Southbank. Easy walk from Fed Square (450m, 6 mins). Reference stop Arts Precinct/St Kilda Rd (routes 1, 3, 3a, 5, 6, 16, 64) - Get directions
Hours: Wed-Mon 10am-5pm, Tue closed
Ticket cost: free / special and temporary exhibitions for a fee, see official website
13 - Werribee Open Range Zoo
For this last attraction we have to travel outside Melbourne, but it's really worth it, especially if you love animals and are travelling with children. We're talking about the Werribee Open Range Zoo, an African-themed zoo! Together with the Melbourne Zoo and the Healesville Sanctuary (dedicated to Australian wildlife), it is part of the Zoological Parks and Gardens Board.
The aim of this zoo is to safeguard endangered species! But that's not all: don't expect the simple zoo where the animals are locked in cages and you move freely along the path, here it's the opposite! The animals live free in their own space and visitors move around in the zoo buses, just like a safari. A truly incredible experience!
Take part in a safari tour: given the distance from the centre and the fact that this is a very popular attraction, we recommend that you buy your admission ticket online, which also includes a safari tour inside the zoo.
Practical info: directions, times and prices
How to get there: Werribee South, 40 km from Melbourne. Accessible by car via M1 (40 min) or by transport, first train to Werribee Station (Werribee Line), then bus line 439 Werribee South to the zoo - Get directions
Hours: daily 9am-5pm
Ticket price: full price from AUD 38.00 (€24.00), concessions senior AUD 28.00 (€17.70), concessions child AUD 19.00 (€12.00) / Special experiences and activities for a fee, see official website
14 - Brighton Beach
Further south of St. Kilda is the Brighton neighbourhood, one of the city's wealthiest, best known for Brighton Beach, a true Melbourne landmark! Here, too, you can enjoy a splendid view of the city skyline and in summer the area is very lively and busy, both with families and young people enjoying water sports.
But what has Brighton Beach become famous for? For its iconic colourful beach huts! These cottages are nothing more than beach boxes owned by families living in Melbourne, but their uniqueness and beauty lies in their bright colours. In fact, all the cottages are decorated with colours and patterns, one different from the other, you won't find one alike. A photo here is a must!
The beach is located in Esplanade, a district of Brighton, south of the CBD. Accessible from Flinder Street by direct Sandringham line train to Middle Brighton (40 mins) - Get directions
Find the little house with the Australian flag: of all of them, the most famous little house is one and only one, the one with the Australian flag, completely painted blue. A photo is a must here!
15 - St. Kilda
St. Kilda is definitely one of Melbourne's most charming and best-loved neighbourhoods! South of the CBD, it is now an iconic place in the city, chosen mainly by backpackers and young people who want to move to the Australian city for a while.
But what to do in St Kilda? Certainly one of its main attractions is the beautiful beach, St. Kilda Beach, from which you can admire a splendid view of the CBD skyline! On the waterfront, packed with places to have a sundowner, you'll also find Luna Park Melbourne, the city's historic amusement park, a must-see! And if the heat gets too unbearable, you can stroll through the beautiful gardens of the St Kilda Botanical Gardens!
The neighbourhood is located south of the CBD, overlooking the sea and bordering the neighbourhoods of Windsor and Elwood. Accessible from the CBD and Flinder Street by direct tram line 3, 3a, 67 or 16 (30 min) - Get directions
Enjoy a walk to Point Ormond Lookout: stroll south along the waterfront to this vantage point. It's a knoll right on the ocean from which you can see the Melbourne skyline in the distance. Not to be missed at sunset! Get directions
More things to see
Photo by Tim Sabo. In addition to the attractions seen so far, there are other things to do and see! If you're travelling as a family, you might also consider a visit to the Melbourne Zoo (AUD38.00/€24.10) or theHealesville Sanctuary (AUD38.00/€24.10), dedicated to Australian wildlife, where you can also meet the animals. Or you could visit the Scienceworks (depending on activities, from AUD 8,00/€5,10), a museum about science!
If you love visiting museums, next to the National Gallery of Victoria is theArts Centre Melbourne(official website), a dramatic arts centre with theatres, a concert hall and an outdoor arena, and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (free). Not far from Queen Victoria Market is the Royal Exhibition Building (free outside), a convention centre worth a visit if only for the exterior and its beautiful gardens!
Finally, there are other interesting neighbourhoods such as Richmond (multicultural, full of restaurants and Asian shops), Brunswick (trendy and youthful, full of alternative and design venues), Carlton (known for its 'Little Italy'), and finally Collingwood (arts district, loved by young people and full of galleries and clubs).
What to do in Melbourne
Takea cruise: Melbourne is crossed by the Yarra River, so enjoy a cruise to see the city from a different perspective.
Go ona food tour: coffee and cooking are serious business in Melbourne. The coffee is really good, as is the culinary tradition, which sees cuisines from all over the world come together. Discover all the less touristy places with a tour.
Drive theGreat Ocean Road: the famous road on the ocean, where you can also reach the 12 Apostles. You can do this on your own by hiring a car or with an organised tour, including transport.
Admire the street art on Hosier Lane: just a stone's throw from Federation Square, this street is the realm of street art. Amongst the murals and alternative shops, you'll also see kids at work creating a masterpiece on the walls.
Take aride on the City Circle Tram: this is an old tram that makes a circular tour of the CBD. You can board it in front of the Finder Street station. The full ride takes 50 minutes and is free
Shopping in South Yarra: This is Melbourne's fashionable shopping district. Here you can go on a shopping spree between shops and malls
Lose yourself in Chinatown: Melbourne has a huge Chinese community and walking around Chinatown will make you forget you're in Australia for a moment.
Catch a cricket match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground: this is the oldest cricket stadium in the world and is still in operation today. Here you can watch matches of this particular sport, mingling among the locals
Watch arugby match at AAMI Park: rugby is as famous in Australia as football is in Italy, and watching a game here is a unique experience. In Melbourne you can do this at the spectacular AAMI Park
Take a short trip to Williamstown: this is a small town from which you can see all of Melbourne. It is an elegant harbour area, full of maritime museums and colonial buildings. From Melbourne you can get there by train or ferry.
Discover Phillip Island: it is a small natural oasis 90 min drive from the centre of Melbourne, a small island home to lesser blue penguins.
Taste Yarra Valley wine: outside Melbourne is the Yarra Valley, a beautiful valley full of wineries and distilleries offering tours and tastings. Don't miss the chocolate factory either!
What to see in 1 day
With only one day to spare, some sacrifices are inevitable. You'll have to optimise your time and forego the in-house visit of some attractions. Here is the complete 1-day itinerary.
9am - CBD, including Fed Square and Flinders Street, St Paul's Cathedral, State Library of Victoria
13:00 - Lunch at Queen Victoria Market
14:30 - Eureka Tower
15:30 - Shrine of Remembrance
16:00 - Royal Botanic Garden
18:00 - Albert Park
19:00 - St. Kilda
What to see in 3 days
In 3 days you can take in all the main sights of the old town. Here is a complete weekend itinerary.
Day 1: CBD, Fed Square and Flinders Street, St Paul's Cathedral, State Library of Victoria, Queen Victoria Market, Eureka Tower, Docklands
Day 2: National Gallery of Victoria, Shrine of Remembrance, Royal Botanic Garden
Day 3: Albert Park Lake, St. Kilda, Luna Park Melbourne, Brighton Beach
What to see in 7 days
In a week, we recommend that you spend the first five days visiting the main attractions, then move on to the surrounding area to discover wonders such as the Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island or the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Full itinerary here.
Day 1: CBD, Fed Square and Flinders Street, St Paul's Cathedral, State Library of Victoria, Queen Victoria Market, Eureka Tower, Docklands / Distance travelled: 6.4 km - 1 h 22 min
Day 2: National Gallery of Victoria, Shrine of Remembrance, Royal Botanic Garden / Distance travelled: 2 km - 26 min
Day 3: Albert Park Lake, St. Kilda, Luna Park Melbourne, Brighton Beach / Distance travelled: 11.9 km - 2 h 27 min
Day 4: Day on the Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles / Distance travelled: depending on chosen route or tour
Day 5: Day at Phillip Island / Distance travelled: 280 km - 3 h 30 min by car
Day 6: Day at Werribee Open Range Zoo / Distance travelled: 70 km - 1 h 15 min by car
Day 7: Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, ferry cruise to Williamstown), Melboune CBD / Distance travelled: 27,5 km - 45 min by car
Plan your stay in Melbourne: tips, flights and hotels
One of the biggest expenses when planning a trip to Australia is definitely the flight: from Italy there are no direct flights, you have to plan at least one stopover and a full day's travel(compare flights). The best time to visit the city is definitely mid-season, with milder temperatures, but it's great to visit all year round!
If you only have a few days to visit Melbourne, the best option is to stay in the CBD, the financial heart of the city(compare accommodation on booking). From here you can reach most attractions in no time thanks to the very efficient public transport! Visiting the city on foot is impossible, the trams and metro are a great way to get around quickly!
If you're travelling with children, you should know that Melbourne is a really baby-friendly city and, as we've seen, there are plenty of attractions dedicated to them, it's one of the best cities to live in the world! It follows that the cost of living is very high indeed, in fact to organise a trip to Australia you need to budget for several expenses.
