Things to do in Melbourne

Alright, we’ll just say it: Melbourne is one of the coolest – if not the coolest – city in Australia. (We’re sorry, Sydney!) The Victorian cities ooze culture whether it be their top-rated coffee and food scene, the passionate sports culture (you haven’t lived if you haven’t seen an AFL final or a cricket game at the MCG). 

The city is also rich in history, has lots of cool cafes and bars to check out and acts as a great starting point when exploring the surrounding areas such as different parts of Melbourne (eg. St. Kilda, Brunswick or Brighton) and beyond (eg. The Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula or the Grampians). For inspiration of what to get up to when you’re in Melbourne, scroll on to the below.

Unique {geoName} things you can’t do anywhere else

• MCG: Cricket fans do not want to miss making a stop at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground – especially when the Ashes is on. If you visit between December 2025 and August 2026, be sure to check out the WARNE: Treasures of a Legend exhibition, which pays tribute to the late and great spin bowler, Shane Warne.
• Trams: Melbourne has become synonymous with trams thanks to its extensive and historic network of tram lines and routes. If you’re in the city centre, you can ride the trams for free.
• Lane ways: Melbourne plays host to many famous laneways and narrow alleyways, including the iconic Hosier Lane, which is filled with art, as well as Degraves Street & Centre Place which is filled with hole-in-the-wall cafes and eateries. AC/DC Lane is another lane, which pays tribute to Australia’s music scene.
• Flinders Street Station: There’s no landmark more instantly recogniseable as being “Melbourne” than historic Flinders Street Station. The unmissable clock facade has become a popular meeting spot.

Best {geoName} attractions to see

• Federation Square: Instantly recognisable due to its architecturally interesting geometric shape, Federation Square is heritage listed and acts as a major cultural and entertainment hub. It’s home to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia and hosts many free events and performances.
• MCG: Catch a sporting game (AFL or cricket will likely top the priority list here!) or an event (Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift have performed here in the past) or take a tour of the massive stadium.
• Queen Victoria Market: The vibrant Queen Victoria Market has been operating since 1878 and is just as special to visit in present day. Open five days a week, the market is the largest market in Australia and has more than 600 traders.
• Old Melbourne Gaol: Step into Australia’s criminal past with a visit to Old Melbourne Gaol where infamous lawbreakers such as bushranger Ned Kelly and 1920s gangster Squizzy Taylor (yep, of Underbelly fame) were once held. Tours are on offer.

Best {geoName} day trips and tours

• Great Ocean Road Tour (13 hour) :Experience this iconic road trip with a chance to see the famous Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge. Stops along the way include Memorial Arch, Lorne, the Cumberland River lookout and Apollo Bay - all offering perfect photo opps.
• One-day tour of Penguin Parade Phillip Island + Centennial Farm + Koala Zoo: Wildlife lovers, rejoice! With this tour you can see a modern dairy farm and experience the milking process, watch little penguins return home after foraging and visit Maru Koala and Animal Park and more.
• Grampians Eco Wilderness Escape Day Tour from Melbourne: Grampians National Park offers wondrous wildlife opportunities such as guided bushwalks and panoramic trail hikes, encounters with koalas and kangaroos and stunning views from Reeds, Boroka & The Balconies Lookout.
• Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Bus Tour: The Puffing Billy steam ride features a scenic journey through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges and a stop at the Healesville Sanctuary for wildlife encounters and more.
• Mornington Peninsula: A popular getaway location, Mornington Peninsula contains its famous hot springs as well being well known for its food and wine, particularly pinot noir and chardonnay.
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Budgeting for things to do in {geoName}

Like most Australian cities, Melbourne isn’t necessarily the cheapest destination in the world to visit. However, you don’t need to spend big or blow your budget to have a good time here. There are lots of attractions that are free if you have to tighten your purse strings, such as checking out landmarks like the Royal Botanic Gardens, Brighton Beach Bathing Houses or strolling around the Queen Victoria Market. 

Melbourne is an incredibly diverse city with cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and attractions catering for all types of budgets. So whether you’re opting for a budget holiday or are hoping for something a little more luxe, you’ll be able to find exactly what you need in stunning Melbourne.

Free things to do in {geoName}

• Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne: Open daily from 7.30am to 7.30pm, the Royal Botanic Gardens is tranquil and lush with more than 8,500 plant species from around the world. It also hosts many events so check the calendar to see what’s on while you’re visiting.
• Shrine of Remembrance: For an impressive view of the Melbourne skyline, visit the Shrine of Remembrance. Here, you’ll also have the opportunity to honour the service and sacrifice made by Australians who been involved in war and peacekeeping.
• Free walking tours: Explore Melbourne with one of the city’s free walking tours, which depart everyday day at 10am and 2pm from the State Library.
• Brighton Beach Bathing Houses: These colourful and iconic beach huts have long been a famous landmark in Melbourne – and are perfect as a backdrop for a fun, photo opp.
• Visit the National Gallery Victoria (NGV): As long as you don’t mind giving any special exhibits a miss, the NGV is completely free to visit and houses plenty of unique pieces of both Australian and international art.