Melbourne, Australia’s cultural and culinary capital, is always buzzing with excitement and variety.
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With an incredible diversity of culture, nature and food, there is something for everyone in Melbourne. Sports and art lovers, foodies and those looking to unwind in some of the beautiful gardens will all find plenty to do in this vibrant Australian city.
Below are 15 of our best recommendations.
Federation Square
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Federation Sqaure, or ‘Fed Square’ as affectionately called by Melburnians, is a key meeting point in the city of Melbourne. The iconic site, and its live entertainment and events, attracts Melburnians and visitors all year round.
The ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) building and Federation Square’s peculiar building designs are exciting and modern. You can find cultural festivals, art installations, and even outdoor yoga classes there throughout the year. The square’s location is also the perfect start for exploring the city as it is close to many of Melbourne‘s other major attractions.
Discover Street Art in Hosier Lane
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Hosier lane is home to Melbourne’s unique street art culture. The vivid street art and murals symbolize the stories of Melbourne and will change every time you visit!
Each visit to Hoser Lane is an experience in big artistic expression and freedom, and to ensure you get the complete experience, be sure to check out the AC/DC Lane as well, which is another street art hot spot.
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
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You can’t miss the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. It gives you stunning views over Melbourne, Australia, and Port Phillip Bay. It’s even more spectacular at night with all the twinkling city lights and makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
During the year there is the opportunity for great enjoyment and pleasure as one ascends and passengers can see important sites like the Dandenong Ranges and the MCG and view them as one goes up.
Royal Botanic Gardens
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If you’re looking for a way to clear your head of the noise of the city, take a walk through the calming Royal Botanic Gardens. Great for a stroll or finding a nice spot to have a picnic, these gardens feature an amazing collection of plants from all over the world.
Don’t forget to check out the amazing succulent garden at Guilfoyles Volcano, and spot some Australasian birdlife at Ornamental Lake! With so many places to sit and relax, The Gardens is a great spot to connect with nature, and enjoy one of the many events hosted here, like outdoor cinema nights in summer!
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
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The NGV is Australia’s oldest art museum, and the most popular, with a large range of art collections. They have pieces from ancient times all the way to contemporary artwork. This museum is a given stop for art enthusiasts. The temporary exhibitions also offer new and challenging opportunities!
The NGV has unique stained glass inside the Great Hall, and has a stained glass ceiling as well. They also have activities for children making it easy for the whole family to visit. Don’t forget to look at their calendar for events, workshops and talks.
Melbourne Museum
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Melbourne Museum will teach you while also allowing your imagination to run wild. The museum has different exhibits that teach you about our planet, history, different cultures, and science. A personal favorite among many visitors is the Forest Gallery. Here you can walk among the trees and see some animals in a natural rainforest setting. Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Center is also a really interesting exhibit. It gives a really good perspective of Aboriginal Australian culture and is an amazing educational experience.
You can dive into a world of knowledge and exploration at the museum, which frequently runs interactive exhibits and activities that capture the interest of visitors of every age.
Melbourne Zoo
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Melbourne Zoo is set within the beautiful Royal Park and showcases a variety of animals from different countries around the globe. However, above just being a location to see animals, Melbourne Zoo is also a place of sanctuary and dedicated to the conservation of the animals as well as educating the public on this cause.
Summer concert series “Zoo Twilights” offers a different way to experience live music in a beautiful setting. Children will love the interactive exhibits, such as \”Growing Wild,\” where they can become junior wildlife rangers. Also, check the feeding and animal encounter times to see some of your favorite animals up close.
Southbank Promenade
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Spend some time walking the Southbank Promenade along the Yarra River, where you will be surrounded by restaurants, cafes, shops, and more, all in view of the city skyline and famous Arts Centre Spire.
Food enthusiasts and those looking for a laid-back riverside experience will love the Southbank Promenade. A romantic dinner or casual drinks with friends? Whatever the occasion, there are options to suit every taste. The promenade is also home to the Arts Centre Melbourne, where you can enjoy a concert or performance of world-class standing.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
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The Melbourne Cricket Ground, or simply the G, is a historic sports venue where fans can enjoy both cricket and Australian Rules Football games.
Sports fans consider the MCG famous and legendary, and it is worth doing a tour of the stadium. Tours allow you to see the players’ change rooms, cricket viewing rooms (the MCG is also home to Australian cricket), and walk onto the field. Also, the National Sports Museum is located in the MCG, and is filled with sports collectibles, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits.
Eureka Skydeck
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For amazing views of the city and an exciting experience, head up the Eureka Skydeck. Located on the 88th floor of Eureka Tower, you will get a full 360-degree view of the city below you.
You can see Melbourne Australia from the highest public viewing point in the Southern Hemisphere. For those who like a little bit of danger, the Edge experience takes you in a glass cube that sticks out of the building. Just be sure you go to the Skydeck at sunset so you can see the beautiful transitions of day to night!
Queen Victoria Market
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A historic marketplace, Queen Victoria Market, or “Queen Vic” as the locals call it, provides a brilliant shopping experience with stalls offering fresh produce, gourmet food, clothing, and souvenirs, among other things.
The market is a real food destination offering everything from artisanal cheeses to fresh seafood. You can also find stalls selling clothing, jewelry, and crafts. Summer months at the market also means extended evening hours with live music and food trucks.
Go Wine Tasting in the Yarra Valley
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Yarra Valley is a top wine region in Australia, located a short drive from Melbourne. Enjoy a day in the valley surrounded by beautiful vineyards and tasting some of the best wine in the country.
A lot of wineries allow you to taste the world’s best Chardonnays, Pinots, and other varietals, as well as wine, the Yarra Valley also has artisian cheesemakers, chocolatiers, and fine dining establishments.
Great Ocean Road
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A day trip along the Great Ocean Road is essential, even if it isn’t in the heart of Melbourne. It is because of the stunning views of untouched beaches, rocky cliff sides, and the renowned Twelve Apostles rock formations that the natural beauty of Victoria’s coastline is showcased.
Eucalyptus trees are also home to koalas that you can see, and at dusk you can observe the penguins coming ashore. The journey becomes an unforgettable Australian road trip and you can break it up by enjoying the local coastal town of Lorne or Apollo Bay where you can eat local seafood and relax by the beach.
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