Things to Do in Melbourne

The city of Melbourne beautifully amalgamates green spaces with its concrete marvels. Stroll around the Botanical Gardens, take a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground or explore the vibrant Southbank Promenade—Melbourne has something for everyone. Here are the top 10 things to do while you’re in the second largest metropolis of Australia! 

1. Stroll around the Botanical Gardens

The Melbourne Botanical Gardens are located on the edge of the CBD, providing verdant relief from the hustle and bustle of town. Early in the morning or at lunch time, you will find office workers going for their daily jog around “the Tan”, whilst others prefer to relax and have a picnic within the grounds. The gardens have a wide variety of plants with special sections such as the Australian Forest Walk, the Tropical Glasshouse and the Arid Garden. Don’t miss my favourite, the Camellia Collection with shrubs that are world-acclaimed for their beautiful evergreen foliage and bright flowers. Another popular garden is the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden that has plants and paths designed specifically for kids to enjoy.

2. Go shopping at Queen Victoria Market

If you are searching for a bargain or even want to pack a picnic, then head straight to the Queen Victoria Market. This grand old market is open every day except Mondays and Wednesdays, and sells fresh fruit and vegetables, gourmet foods, clothing and souvenirs. If you are looking for some true blue Australian keepsakes then you will find them here as well, from warm sheepskin boots (called Uggs) to t-shirts, key rings and cuddly kangaroo toys. The Queen Vic, as locals affectionately call it, is also a great place to have lunch. There is a food court that has a wide choice of cuisines including Italian, Turkish, French and even Indian.

Read more: Honeymoon in Melbourne: 7 Romantic Experiences to Lose Yourself In

3. Take a tour of the MCG

One of the world’s greatest sporting grounds, and the birthplace of Test Cricket, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a must-see venue for sports fans. Called “the G” by Melburnians, this sporting arena is the place where dreams are realized and history is made. Every day of the year (except major public holidays), you can take a tour around this historic venue. The tour includes seeing some of the special rooms such as the MCG Tapestry Room and the Long Room. Cricket buffs can learn more about the game at the Cricket Victoria Bill Lawry Centre and the MCC Library. If you are lucky, you may even get a chance to walk around the changing rooms.

4. Stroll along Southbank Promenade

With stylish restaurants, some interesting art installations, great shops and the Yarra River as a backdrop, there is plenty to see in Southbank. This promenade is one of my favourite places to relax after a busy day in town. Sitting on a balcony with a riverside view, you can have dinner at one of the many restaurants or a quick drink before heading to the theatre. Located across the river from Flinders Street Station, Southbank also offers one of the best views of this historic golden coloured building. For a bit of fun, you can also catch a water taxi or a Yarra cruise from Southbank Promenade.

5. Take the historic train journey of Puffing Billy

For Thomas the Tank Engine fans, engineering buffs or those that appreciate a good train journey, look no further than Puffing Billy. This steam train is over 100 years old, and runs through the scenic Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Gembrook.  It is considered to be one of the best-preserved steam railways in the world. Puffing Billy is a good day-trip from Melbourne, and is open every day of the year except Christmas Day. The journey starts at Belgrave, a small township in the mountains and makes it way through the lush Sherbrooke Forest, small townships and spectacular views that go all the way to Port Philip Bay. The final stop is the historic town of Gembrook where you can wander the streets, grab a bite to eat or even buy some souvenirs at Gembrook Market before heading back to Belgrave.

6. Have dinner on the Colonial Tramcar

One of the best ways to travel short distances in Melbourne is on a tram. It is also a great way to explore the city and have a delicious meal at the same time. The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant is a vintage fleet of trams including one that was originally built in 1927. These trams have been converted into mobile restaurants that serve lunch and dinner to patrons as they make their way around some of Melbourne’s most scenic routes. You can choose what you would like to eat, enjoy a glass of wine and take in a tour of Melbourne all at the same time.

Read more: Places to Visit in Melbourne

7. Wine Tasting at Yarra Valley

For over half a decade, visitors from all over the world have been enticed by the rolling green hills of the Yarra Valley. Picture this: You and your loved ones are sipping on rich, luscious wines of the red, white and sparkling varieties. And amiable winemakers welcome you to countryside homesteads with gourmet, the delectable flavors of locally-grown food alone will wonderfully merge with the savor of wine in your mouth. Oh, and did we mention a ceaseless pouring of hot chocolate and coffee? Enjoy a lovely day at Yarra Valley under the open sky and in the beautiful countryside.

8. Take a day-trip to the Mornington Peninsula

I grew up near the Mornington Peninsula, and it has always been one of my favourite day-trips from Melbourne. There are some interesting things to do in this region from a lazy Sunday afternoon at Portsea Hotel to hiking in the hinterlands. If you are travelling with kids, why not check out the Ashcombe Maze or perhaps go berry picking. For the adults, the Mornington Peninsula is home to some lovely wineries; try Red Hill Estate for a great pinot noir and gourmet lunch. The peninsula also has lots of small towns that have long sandy beaches and crystal blue water to splash around in. Some of the more popular seaside towns include Sorrento, Rosebud and Dromana.

9. Visit Philip Island

Philip Island has always been a family favourite because of the wildlife you can see there. There is a fabulous koala boardwalk that takes you up in to the treetops where you can view these fluffy bears as they munch on eucalyptus leaves.  If you want to be a little more hands-on, there is also an area where you can feed kangaroos and wallabies. Take your binoculars along so you can view the seal colony that inhabits the aptly named Seal Rocks at The Nobbies. These lively animals frolic in the water undisturbed by all the on-lookers watching them from afar. At dusk, fairy penguins come home from a busy day in the sea, and you can sit on the beach and watch them as they wander along the sand dunes looking for their burrows. Watching these gorgeous little creatures waddling along the beach really is great fun.

10. Explore the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most famous beachside drives in the world and for good reason. Starting from the seaside town of Torquay, your journey will hug the rugged coastline as the Southern Ocean breaks against the cliffs below you. Along the way, the Great Ocean Road passes through several towns, some that are popular for family holidays such as Lorne and Apollo Bay and others with historic significance like Port Fairy and Port Campbell. But the most famous site along the Great Ocean Road would have to be the splendid rock formations called the 12 Apostles. There are actually several more rock formations along the Great Ocean Road but none is more photographed than these “men” that stand proudly in the middle of the ocean.

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