Melbourne’s Must-Visit Attractions: An Insider’s Guide

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Melbourne’s must-visit attractions, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems.

Melbourne pulses with creativity, its artsy laneways splashed with murals and crammed with offbeat cafes. In August 2022 alone, 277,100 visitors flocked to this captivating city—a 1326% spike from 2021. But Melbourne is more than urban grit. Just steps from the CBD await pristine beaches, rugged peaks, and wildlife sanctuaries. With endless places to visit in Melbourne, it’s no wonder this Aussie metropolis hooks travellers of all stripes.

This insider’s guide curates 21 eclectic things to do in Melbourne, catering to culture vultures, nature lovers, history buffs, and epicureans alike. Whether you fancy cafe-hopping in quirky Fitzroy or koala-spotting in the Dandenongs, these Melbourne attractions reveal the city’s multifaceted allure. Let’s dive in.

 

1. Get Lost in Melbourne’s Laneways

Melbourne’s cobblestoned laneways are an open-air gallery of street art. Hosier Lane teems with kaleidoscopic murals, while AC/DC Lane pays homage to the Aussie rock legends with stylized portraits. For a DIY walking tour:

• Start at Federation Square

• Stroll down Hosier Lane to Rutledge Lane

• Detour to Union Lane for Aboriginal art

• Finish at Blender Lane for hipster cafes

 

2. Ride the City Circle Tram

The free City Circle Tram is among the best ways to visit central Melbourne’s top attractions. These heritage W-class trams loop around the CBD, passing:

• Parliament House

• Old Treasury Building

• Princess Theatre

• Melbourne Aquarium

Trams run every 12 minutes from 10am-6pm Sunday to Wednesday and 10am-9pm Thursday to Saturday.

 

3. Picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens

Established in 1846, the sprawling Royal Botanic Gardens are a verdant oasis near the city centre. Highlights include:

• 8,500+ plant species

• Aboriginal Heritage Walk

• Ornamental Lake

• Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden

Pack a picnic and wander the 38-hectare grounds, or join a guided walk to learn about the garden’s rich history.

 

4. Soak Up St Kilda’s Boho Vibe

Artsy St Kilda is one of Melbourne’s coolest suburbs to explore. On Sundays, the Esplanade Market bustles with 120+ stalls hawking handmade crafts and vintage wares. Fuel up with a flat white at Galleon Cafe before cycling the St Kilda Foreshore to Brighton Beach, famed for its colourful bathing boxes.

Don’t miss the fun-filled Luna Park with its 1912 carousel and scenic railway—Australia’s oldest continually operating roller coaster.

 

5. Wander the Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market has been a Melbourne institution since 1878. With over 600 traders, it’s a one-stop shop for farm-fresh produce, gourmet goodies, and artisanal souvenirs.

Section	Highlights
Dairy Hall	Locally made cheeses, butter
Organic Produce	Seasonal fruits & veggies
Art & Craft	Aboriginal art, handmade jewelry

Visit on Wednesday evenings (5-10pm, Nov-Apr) for global street food and live music at the Summer Night Market.

 

6. Meet Native Wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary

Get up close to iconic Aussie animals at Healesville Sanctuary, just 65km from the CBD. Top exhibits include:

• Koalas: Spot these sleepy marsupials in the treetops

• Kangaroos: Hand-feed friendly roos and wallabies

• Platypus: Watch these shy monotremes swim and play

Time your visit for the ‘Spirits of the Sky’ show to see majestic birds of prey in action.

 

7. Ride the Puffing Billy Steam Train

Step back in time aboard the Puffing Billy, a century-old steam locomotive that chugs through the Dandenong Ranges. This 24-km round trip travels from Belgrave to Gembrook, passing lush fern gullies and towering mountain ash.

Feeling adventurous? Dangle your legs over the side of the open-air carriages for a thrilling ride!

 

8. Explore the NGV

Art aficionados shouldn’t miss the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Australia’s largest and oldest art museum. The NGV’s two sites house an eclectic collection spanning Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian art, Asian art, and European masterpieces. Must-sees include:

• Aboriginal shields and bark paintings

• Chinese ceramics from the 7th century

• Monet’s stunning Water Lilies (1905)

 

9. Sip and Savour the Yarra Valley

Just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a gourmand’s paradise known for cool-climate wines and farm-to-table fare. Standout cellar doors include:

• Domaine Chandon: Sip sparkling at this French-owned winery

• Yering Station: Sample elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

• Giant Steps: Enjoy single-vineyard wines with rustic pizza

Round out your tasting tour with handmade cheeses at Yarra Valley Dairy and sweet treats at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie.

 

10. Dine in Dynamic Fitzroy

Exploring Melbourne’s culinary scene is one of the top things to do in Melbourne, Australia. And Fitzroy, the city’s first suburb, brims with trendsetting eateries and third-wave cafes.

For your Fitzroy food crawl, don’t miss:

• Industry Beans: Single-origin coffee and smashed avo toast

• Lune Croissanterie: World-renowned for flaky, buttery pastries

• Naked For Satan: Spanish tapas and infused vodkas on the rooftop

 

11. Cruise the Yarra River

See Melbourne from a fresh angle on a leisurely Yarra River cruise. Glide past scenic highlights like Birrarung Marr park, Southbank Promenade, and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Along the way, learn about the Yarra’s significance to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people, who called the river Birrarung or “river of mists.”

 

12. Cheer at the MCG

Even non-sports fans can appreciate the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the birthplace of Test cricket and Australian rules football. Take a behind-the-scenes tour to:

• Explore the National Sports Museum

• Visit the player changing rooms

• Follow in the footsteps of cricket legends on the hallowed turf

To feel the MCG’s electric atmosphere, attend an AFL match (Mar-Sept) and join 100,000 passionate fans cheering “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi! Oi! Oi!”

 

13. Unwind in Mornington Peninsula

When the urban buzz overwhelms, head to the Mornington Peninsula for a restorative getaway. Just 75 minutes from the CBD, this coastal gem offers:

• Pristine beaches like Sorrento and Portsea

• Natural hot springs at Peninsula Hot Springs

• Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at 50+ cellar doors

Don’t miss the Peninsula’s vibrant culinary scene—from the hatted Paringa Estate for elegant degustation to Johnny Ripe bakery for “damn fine apple pie.”

 

14. Browse the Block Arcade

For a taste of Old World glamour, visit the heritage-listed Block Arcade. Dating back to 1892, this elegant shopping gallery features:

• Mosaic-tiled flooring

• Glass canopy ceiling

• Carved stone pillars

• Wrought iron details

Browse high-end boutiques, savor tea and scones at the Hopetoun Tea Rooms, or splurge on handmade chocolates at Haigh’s.

 

15. Take a Phillip Island Day Trip

Phillip Island, 140km south of Melbourne, is a wildlife-lover’s dream. At the Penguin Parade, watch Little Penguins waddle ashore at sunset. Then visit the Koala Conservation Centre to spot koalas snoozing in the treetops.

Other island highlights include the Nobbies rock formations, the Churchill Island heritage farm, and the Grand Prix Circuit for go-kart thrills.

 

Stay Connected in Melbourne with Airtel

With this diverse array of places to visit in Melbourne, there’s truly something for everyone. But to make the most of your Melbourne adventures, reliable connectivity is key. That’s where Airtel’s Postpaid international roaming plans come in handy.

With affordable options for data, calling, and texting, you can navigate the city with confidence, make on-the-go reservations, and share your Melbourne moments in real-time. So why wait? Choose a plan that fits your travel needs and embark on your Melbourne exploration with peace of mind.