08 January 2025
33 mins Read
Looking for fun things to do in Melbourne? How about some educational things? Or even some delicious things? You’ve spoiled for choice in Australia’s cultural capital, with a seemingly endless sea of stuff to keep you entertained, engaged and enriched.
Maybe you only have a few days in town. Or perhaps even a few weeks. Or maybe you just live here and you want to remind yourself why Melbourne is one of the world’s greatest cities. Whatever situation you’re in, keep this handy guide close as we guide you around Melbourne’s greatest hits, from the city’s multitude of entertainment venues to fun family-friendly activities and a few road trip suggestions if you feel like something different.
It’s hard to be bored in Melbourne, given the city’s incredible amount of festivals, concerts and things to see throughout the week.
The Arts Centre Melbourne is Australia’s largest performing arts venue. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Sitting pretty alongside the Yarra River, the heritage State Theatre in Arts Centre Melbourne is one of the country’s most coveted performing arts venues. Both Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet are residents, so check the schedule for regular performances from each company. When you see that famous Graham Bennett-designed curtain lift you know you’re in for a memorable show.
Melbourne locals are fiercely proud of The Astor Theatre. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring Art Deco cinemas left in the Southern Hemisphere and has been screening classic films since 1936. The transportive, vintage atmosphere of this single-screen cinema makes every film feel that much more magical so make sure you check the very diverse schedule for what’s on.
The iconic music pub has been hosting live music since the ’80s. (Image: Visit Victoria)
The Tote is one of the most iconic pubs in Melbourne, having been around since 1980. Although modernisation has swept through and cleaned up some of the grime, there’s still a grungy layer of rock ‘n’ roll caked into those sticky floors. Loyalists swear The Tote has the best live music programming in the country, so line up either a mid-week or weekend gig and unwind to some homegrown tunes.
Settle into the Hotel Esplanade for some brews. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Watching live music at The Espy is another bucket list Melbourne experience that’ll help you appreciate the city even more. This iconic mega-pub in St Kilda has multiple band rooms, bars, restaurants and a seemingly endless amount of nooks. Settle in, sample some local brews, and then get a good spot for the next gig.
Heartbreaker features neon lights and urban energy. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Head to the lively Heartbreaker on Russell Street if you feel like a big one. This bar is open until 3am Wednesdays through Saturdays and has hosted many of Melbourne’s greatest parties, washed in a blood-red tinge and glowing with neon. That loosely-defined dancefloor is calling your name any day of the week so strap in for a party that’ll stretch until the early hours of the morning.
Seeing is believing but feeling is the truth installation by Paul Yore at Rising 2022. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Melbourne has many arts festivals throughout the year, but one of the most exciting over the past few years has been Rising. Clocking in at just over two weeks, the arts and culture festival happens early to mid-June and is packed with ticketed events and free things to do. Some of the world’s best musicians put on special performances while creative minds across various industries curate interesting events like site-specific works, venue takeovers, keynotes and theatre performances.
St Jermone’s Laneway Festival is now one of Australia’s major touring music festivals. Although it had a modest start, a commitment to diverse programming has seen this event grow to fill the void left by the likes of Big Day Out and Future Music Festival. World-class international artists like Florence & The Machine, Fred Again…, and Stormzy, as well as locals like Rufus Du Sol and Dope Lemon have helped Laneway draw in capacity crowds over the years. Get a ticket early and head to The Park in Flemington; it’s one of the best things to do in Melbourne as the tail-end of summer creeps up.
Join the crowd of music lovers at the Listen Out festival.
While large-scale festivals have buckled under the cost-of-living crisis, the boutique-minded Listen Out festival has confidently steered the course. Happening in September, the music festival skews young, and the curators always seem to have their finger on the pulse, booking trendy artists across R&B, hip hop, and EDM. Those more bass-heavy styles of music fill the Caribbean Gardens with life each year as Australia digs deeper into festival season.
Don’t miss the Australian Open 2025 at Melbourne Park. (Image: Morgan Hancock)
One of the country’s most anticipated annual sporting events is the Australian Open, stretched across a few weeks in January. It’s the southern hemisphere’s only Grand Slam tournament so organisers always make it as large, loud and exciting as possible, building up an entire festival around the sport so that the area of Birrarung Marr is full of live, live entertainment and fierce matches both from Tennis superstars and rising players. Book your tickets well in advance, as this is one of Australia’s most popular sporting events for good reason.
Catch this year’s action-packed motor racing event.
Albert Park Circuit comes alive for one epic weekend every March as the Australian Grand Prix takes place. Whether you’ve been pushed into the sport by your obsession with Netflix’s Drive to Survive, or have been a lifelong fan of all things car racing, there’s no denying this is one of the most exciting weekends in Melbourne’s packed events calendar. People from all over the world stop by as lavish after-parties, live entertainment, food activations and races fill the day.
Watch epic games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Australian Rules Football is inseparable from Victoria’s cultural identity. The sport was born here so expect an electric atmosphere when you head to the Melbourne Cricket Ground to catch a game. The epic sports stadium hosts all kinds of sports every day of the week but there’s something about the crowd shouting in unison during a heated AFL match that can’t be beaten.
The Chinatown transforms into a bustling area filled with music and food. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Chinese New Year is one of the last major events of the summer holidays so make the most of it by heading down to Melbourne’s Chinatown for the celebrations. The tight streets and alleyways that make up this area of the CBD are filled with live music, street performers, food stalls and more. But the real MVP is the traditional lion dance, which marches down Little Bourke Street to spread good fortune for all. Make sure you’ve got the date right and plan ahead – it’s always a fun night out.
Catch the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. (Image: Visit Victoria)
To many, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl is the most unique concert venue in Australia. Located in the Kings Domain Garden, the outdoor music hall hosts big-ticket artists, festivals and cultural performances throughout the year. Even if there’s nothing to your taste on the venue’s schedule, be sure to check out the free concert series from Melbourne Symphony Orchestra every summer.
Adelaide may get all the hype when it comes to the worldly Fringe festival, but Melbourne’s iteration of the left-field and experimental art event is nothing to ignore. Melbourne Fringe is one of the country’s largest with typically more than 300 shows across 100 venues. Artists produce shows independently, so head along to support the country’s most creative minds as they stoke the imagination and fill the weeks of late September and early October with life.
Melbourne hosts one of the most celebrated comedy festivals in the world. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Did you know that the historic Melbourne International Comedy Festival, which has been running since 1987, is one of the largest dedicated comedy festivals in the world? Running through March and April each year, the long stretch of local and international comedians is always a riot, turning Melbourne into a stage for witty and thought-provoking comedy tackling just about every topic imaginable.
Melbourne is an artist’s paradise and you’ll find many styles across town, including institutions shedding light on important moments in Australian history.
Visitors in the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at NGV International, Melbourne until 21 April 2025. © YAYOI KUSAMA
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is one of Australia’s most recognised and revered institutions. Many of the world’s biggest exhibitions come through the contemporary art gallery each year, complementing the fascinating and deeply varied permanent collections, which are free for all visitors. Make sure you grab a ticket to the latest exhibition on arrival and carve out a few hours to see all 13,000 square metres of display space. Catch the spectacular Yayoi Kusama exhibition running until April 2025.
The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Culture Centre showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists’ artworks. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Pop over to Carlton’s incredible Melbourne Museum and make a beeline for the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Culture Centre. Dedicated to First Nations stories, the gallery and cultural centre hosts three major exhibitions each year, each showcasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Adult tickets are only $15 so it’s always worth going in to see what Bunjilaka is up to.
As one of the finest historic buildings in Melbourne, The Astor Theatre plays a crucial role in the city’s cultural scene. You’ll often find that the only way to see big blockbusters and classic films in 35mm and 70mm prints is by heading to this single-screen theatre, designed in the Jazz Moderne style and operating since 1936. As a timeless symbol of St Kilda’s irrepressible charm, The Astor is an essential stop even if you aren’t settling down for a film.
Admire the street art of Melbourne on Hosier Lane. (Image: Visit Victoria)
You don’t have to fly far to find Melbourne’s best street art. Colourful, mesmerising murals are as crucial to the city’s cultural identity as its many art galleries and museums. There are many places where you find some great street art in Melbourne, from the iconic Hosier Lane near Federation Square, to Croft Alley. Although, our favourite would have to be the quieter AC/DC lane, named for the legendary Aussie rock band with murals from some of the city’s most renowned street artists.
Disconnect for a while at the State Library of Victoria. (Image: Visit Victoria)
The State Library of Victoria is another essential cultural landmark for both locals and visitors in Melbourne. Not only will you find several exhibitions and galleries inside, but also an oasis of calm, providing an escape from busy Swanston Street. The State Library opened in 1856 and remains one of the most photographed locations in Melbourne thanks to the Harry Potter-esque La Trobe Reading Room.
Step inside the vibrant world of contemporary art. (Image: Matthew Stanton)
Located in North Melbourne on Queensbury Street, Arts House is one of the leading spaces for contemporary performance and experimental theatre in the city. Melbourne’s reputation as one of the most creative cities in the world wouldn’t nearly be half as valid without this locally beloved institution, which brings artists and audiences together and serves as an incubator for some of Australia’s most inventive minds.
Glimpse the country’s vibrant cultural scene. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Highlighting the modernist period of Australian art, the Heide Museum is a unique fixture for the country’s cultural scene with three buildings framed by immaculate gardens and an exciting sculpture park. It only takes 30 minutes to reach this essential stop from Melbourne CBD, opening you up to a former farm property that has undergone an impressive transformation and now sits as one of Australia’s most important hubs for the arts. Note that entry is always ticketed and adult tickets are priced at $25 (free for members and local residents).
Check out the fascinating photography collection at MAPh.
Not many tourists head out to Wheelers Hill so you’ll find a mostly local crowd on any given day at the Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh). The beautiful Harry Seidler-designed building hosts over 1,500 works by Australian photographers, piecing together a narrative of visual storytelling from all corners of the country. If you plan to visit, check out what ticketed workshops are on that week or just enjoy the free-entry gallery as its deeply fascinating collection.
Marvel at the many rotating exhibitions of film, TV, videogames and art. (Image: Visit Victoria)
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is dedicated entirely to the screen. Pop culture informs many of the exhibitions showcased at this unique Melbourne institution, spanning mostly the gaming, film and music industries with highly engaging works from around the world. Don’t miss the permanent collection of over 250,000 objects dated back to 1946.
Melbourne is known around the world for its food and drink scene so take some time to explore everything from classic restaurants to showstopping newcomers.
Make a beeline for authentic gelato at Pidapipo. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Lygon Street in the suburb of Carlton is the home of Italian food in Melbourne and that means it’s the home of the city’s best gelato. Pidapipo has quickly gained a reputation as the hot spot for the cold sticky stuff. Often there’ll be queues down the street, it’s that good. Once you’ve selected your flavour (the pistachio is a winner) take a walk back towards the city and finish with a stroll around the awe-inspiring Melbourne Museum.
Soak up epic views while enjoying a barbecue by the Yarra River. (Image: Visit Victoria)
It’s sad but true. Melbourne doesn’t have Sydney’s glittering harbour. But what it does have is the undeniably brown Yarra River, which is actually a damn fine spot for a riverside barbecue with friends. Find a barbie out the front of the Botanic Gardens and settle in for an afternoon session where you can watch the rowers going through the drills down the river.
Sip on brews paired with tasty burgers at Moon Dog World.
The northern suburbs of Melbourne (well, Preston to be exact) has been blessed with a wonderland that will delight both young and old. As soon as you enter you realise this is not your average brewery. Sure, you can taste some of Moon Dog’s excellent brews (there are 72 taps at the main bar), but there’s also a jungle area, a lagoon, a hidden Tiki disco bar, an indoor waterfall and a pinball arcade. There’s also a playground for little people making this a truly family-friendly venue. You’ll also get tasty burgers, share plates and desserts from the kitchen.
Enjoy boozy long lunches in the sophisticated space. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Andrew McConnell opened Gimlet in 2020, but you’d be forgiven for thinking this Melbourne institution has been on the corner of Russell Street and Flinders Lane for decades. Its arrival has transformed the historic Cavendish House into a powerhouse scene of boozy long lunches and swanky client dinners. Sit at the bar, order an ice-cold martini and see if you can get your mouth around the kitchen’s stunning signature burger. Or settle for a half Southern Rock lobster baked in saffron rice and sauce rouille.
Bite into the flaky croissants at Lune Croissantarie.
Ever since a New York Times critic described his first experience at Lune Croissantarie, the Fitzroy favourite has been mentioned in culinary circles around the world. How does this humble croissant bakery produce some of the flakiest, fluffiest and most delicious pastries in the world? Fitzroy isn’t France. And yet, Lune’s tight collection of signature croissants, the most popular of which is the almond croissant, needs to be consumed to be believed. Join the inevitable queue and taste for yourself.
Order a parma and chips at Park Hotel.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find the best chicken parmigiana in Melbourne. This classic Aussie pub meal has been refined in many kitchens across the city. You’ll find that many of these venues have their own version of the chicken parma, with a few highlights being Napier Hotel, The Royston, Newmarket Hotel and Park Hotel. Track down the one parma to rule them all and enjoy your bragging rights.
If a parma crawl is too niche for your friends, wrangle them together for the classic Melbourne pub crawl. With Melbourne pubs some of the best in Australia, many of these venues are best thought of as crucial pieces constructing the history of Melbourne. Plus, you get to try some of the best drops from Melbourne’s many breweries and distilleries.
Pop by The Elysian for a drink or two.
You could pick any of the distinctive suburbs in Melbourne for this one, but for a greatly varied cocktail crawl, you and your crew should head out to Fitzroy. The suburb’s storied edginess has been smoothed by stylish world-renowned cocktail bars like Black Pearl and The Everleigh. Be sure to pop by legends like Polly, The Elysian, and Odd Culture.
The tiny caretaker’s cottage has been transformed into an intimate pub. (Image: CC Media)
Shaped into a historic bluestone building, just behind Wesley Place church, Caretaker’s Cottage turns what used to be a tiny caretaker’s cottage into an intimate pub serving just a few cocktails, including a milk punch based on an old English recipe, plus local brews and Guinness on tap. Sit at the beautiful Tasmanian oak bar and drink in one of Melbourne’s most atmospheric offerings.
Grab latte at Industry Beans. (Image: Visit Victoria)
What’s the best coffee in Melbourne? Ask that question anywhere in town and you’ll start a screaming match. Every local has their own opinion on where to find Melbourne’s best coffee amongst a world-famous cafe scene, which is why you’ll find a highly curated list of recommendations. Check out our list of the best coffee shops in Melbourne. But if you’re in a rush, go for Industry Beans in Fitzroy or Traveller Coffee on Crossley Street.
Sign up for a tasting of their high-quality spirits. (Image: Visit Victoria)
There are many distilleries dotted around Melbourne offering tasting paddles at affordable prices. Award-winning distillery, Starward, is one of the best and most insightful, complemented by a tour of the production process detailing every step from grain to spirit. The interactive tastings are a highlight so book one via the distillery’s official website.
From Stomping Ground to Moon Dog, Melbourne has some of the best breweries in Australia. But don’t forget about the rest of the state. Take the short drive to Geelong and visit the immersive world Little Creatures has built alongside off-shoot White Rabbit. This massive set-up hosts two of Australia’s most imaginative brewers and is heaven for anyone who loves their IPAs, stouts and the various other styles that run through the many taps you’ll find scattered around.
Queen Victoria Market hosts winter night markets. (Image: Visit Victoria)
There are many historic weekly and monthly markets in Melbourne. Pick any of them and you’re guaranteed to find something you’ll want to take home from local artisans, farmers and producers. While Queen Victoria Market (also on this list of the best things to do in Melbourne) is the most famous, equal attention should be paid to long-running institutions like South Melbourne Market. Grab some fresh catches from Aptus Seafood, stock up at The Fresh Pasta Shop and grab some buzz from Padre Coffee – an outpost of one of Melbourne’s best coffee shops.
The Union Electric Bar is a great spot for casual drinks. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Another thing Melbourne has plenty of is rooftop bars. The city’s dense skyline is gorgeous from any angle, so you’ll find that plenty of venues need to have an open-air top to meet demand. They come in all shapes, sizes and styles, from classy establishments like The Rooftop at QT, Fable and the intimate Cameo, to casual charmers like Union Electric Bar and the kitschy Palmz Rooftop Bar.
Attica offers a multi-sensory modern Australian menu.
Although it’s far from pretentious, Ben Shewry’s world-renowned Ripponlea fine diner, Attica, is worth the sense of occasion. This hard-working kitchen has built a reputation for telling imaginative stories of Australian produce through well-conceived set menus. You never really know what to expect when walking into that stylish dining room whether it’s on a date or with some of your closest loved ones.
The indulgent chocolate souffle at Vue du Monde.
Vue du Monde is one of Australia’s greatest fine dining experiences with an extra layer of wow factor coming from the views. Since 2011, the culinary powerhouse has sat on the 55th floor of Rialto Towers, far above Collins Street with one of the most magical perspectives of Melbourne’s toothy skyline. You’re forking out just under $400 for a set menu so treat a reservation with the ceremony it deserves, slowly savouring delectable dishes like a show-stopping grilled West Australian marron, fan-favourite marron row custard, and the timeless indulgence of the kitchen’s signature chocolate souffle.
Treat your tastebuds to decadent dumplings. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Even if you’ve been through Melbourne’s Chinatown several times before, you’ll find something new to love on a walking tour of the distinct area. Walk Melbourne has put together a short but sweet small group dumpling tour where guests stroll through Chinatown and visit four different venues, each with a distinctive style of handmade dumplings. Grab a few friends and make a day of it and then re-visit your favourite if you’re still feeling peckish.
Few people have defined Melbourne’s world-famous dining scene like Andrew McConnell. The culinary stalwart has opened up some tremendously popular concepts over the years, from fine dining with Cumulus Inc. to the transportive charm of Gimlet. But his ode to experimental Asian flavours, Supernormal, is still one of the chef’s brightest stars. Make sure you’re table has at least one of those New England Lobster Rolls on it and you’re in for a great night.
The restaurant is located in the historic Nicholas Building.
An old church has been converted into one of Melbourne’s most dramatic venues. Raine and its sister venue, La Rue, only opened in 2023 but are already inseparable from discussions on Melbourne’s best restaurants. Large, decadent servings of classic wood-fired meats and fresh seafood are best enjoyed under those super-high ceilings but remember to follow that up with a drink or two at the intimate La Rue.
Expect creative dishes and exceptional wine at Marion Wine Bar. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Melbourne does have the “best of” almost everything. You’ve already dominated the pub scene, found the best parma and sipped around Fitzroy’s cocktail bars. Now it’s time to turn to Vino. Grab some friends and map out Melbourne’s best wine bars, with essential stops including Marion Wine Bar in Fitzroy and Embla in the CBD.
Australia’s premier Italian precinct is Melbourne’s Lygon Street. The long, winding strip is crawling with popular Italian restaurants. Avoid the touts trying to get your attention and hop straight to the highlights like legendary Tiamo and Johnny’s Green Room. Both spots are right next to each other so we recommend dinner at Tiamo followed by a digestif at the upbeat Johnny’s.
Melbourne boasts some of Australia’s best Thai restaurants, but few have the same grip over locals as Soi 38. The northeastern Thai restaurant has just moved from its carpark location into a new space on Bourke Street, fitting up to five times as many diners as before. Order a big bowl of boat noodles swimming in pork broth flavoured with star anise and a five-spice housemade powder.
Melbourne’s most definitive institutions each represent an important part of the city’s cultural history.
This iconic strip captures the essence of Melbourne’s charm. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Melbourne’s laneway culture peaks with Degraves Street. The iconic strip is a self-contained image of everything that makes Melbourne so great, with on-street dining lining the area between Flinders Lane and Flinders Street. While Melbourne’s other big-name laneway, Centre Place, is noted for its good, Degraves Street is broader in scope with some incredible cafes, artisan stores, and wine bars.
Have a close encounter with a meerkat. (Image: Visit Victoria)
If you’re after kids activities in Melbourne, you’ll find no greater option than Melbourne Zoo. Conveniently located in Parkville, just outside of Melbourne CBD, great lengths have been taken to turn this into a world-class animal sanctuary. Plan ahead and book the Trial of the Elephants experience or book a room for the family at Roar ‘n’ Snore, where you can camp in the historic elephant exhibition before getting a private tour.
Melbourne offers free tram rides within the CBD. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Melbourne’s trams are part of the furniture and an essential way for people to get around between the city’s distinctive suburbs. Much like New York City’s iconic subway, the city has been designed around tram stops so even just one ride is a rite of passage for out-of-towners. Save some money and take advantage of the Free Tram Zone, which extends from Queen Victoria Market to Flinders Street Station and includes stops in Docklands, Spring Street and Federation Square.
Get up close to one of nature’s fiercest predators. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Much like Melbourne Zoo, the city’s signature aquarium is a great option if you’re looking for things to do with kids in Melbourne. The family-friendly activity pulls visitors into a series of interconnected aquatic ecosystems, showcasing everything from tropical reefs to unique arctic environments. You’ll see live jellyfish, sea dragons, saltwater crocodiles, and sharks.
The many sights, sounds and activities that define Melbourne range from sea to sky.
Float over Melbourne at sunrise with Global Ballooning Australia. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Wake up before the crack of dawn and stroll into the undercarriage of a grand hot air balloon. Global Ballooning Australia offers an incredible sunrise expedition over some of Melbourne’s most iconic locations. The company also offers popular rides over the Yarra Valley so go for that if you’re in the mood for some bucolic scenes instead.
Located in Newham, just an hour from the CBD, the Hanging Rock Summit offers some of the best and most picturesque hiking in Melbourne. Numerous trails lead from the car park and require varying levels of fitness, so you’re guaranteed to find something that’d suit while you get outdoors for a bit and give yourself over to some of Victoria’s best views, coloured by the rustic red faces of the six-million-year-old rock formations that make up the Macedon Ranges.
Watch artists spin high-quality ceramics at Abbotsford Convent. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Opened in 1863 by The Sisters of the Good Shepherd, the historic Abbotsford Convent acted as a shelter for thousands of women and children dealing with poverty. What was once a charitable venture providing food, education and work is now one of Australia’s largest arts and cultural precincts, with over 120 studios, galleries, a school, and a women-led restaurant called Julie. Head here for lunch and spend a few hours exploring the site’s illuminating history.
Witness the parade of penguins on Phillip Island. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Take the two-hour drive down to Phillip Island for an amazing family-friendly experience. The small, scenic island features its own chocolate factory and wildlife parks, but the real reason most make the trek is to watch the fairy penguin parade just after sunset. Given the island is home to the largest fairy penguin colony in the world, watching as they collectively waddle across the sand is pure magic.
The Victorian-era Fitzroy Gardens are peppered with colourful flowerbeds. (Image: Visit Victoria)
While there are many impressive parks around Melbourne, Fitzroy Gardens holds a special place in our hearts. The massive inner-city garden contrasts with the grungy surrounds with many different areas and points of interest. Take a few hours and walk around; your path should lead you to surprising moments like a model Tudor Village, the Spanish Mission-style Conservatory, and even Captain Cook’s 1755 family home. Don’t forget to bring a camera to snap shots of all the gorgeous floral arrangements.
Cape Schanck Lighthouse is a popular spot to see the southern lights. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Rare phenomenon aside, it’s hard to catch a glimpse of the Aurora in Australia. That is unless you know where and when to look. The Aurora Australis, also known as Southern Lights, can be seen during winter from a few places in and around Melbourne. If feeling lucky, make sure the conditions are clear and then try to get up to Cape Schanck, Point Lonsdale, and Aireys Inlet.
Cruise down the Yarra. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Get a group together and head on over to Docklands. The very unique GoBoat is located here, offering these tiny round boats for hire that you can sail down the Yarra River with a picnic table in the middle. Sail past Melbourne’s bustling waterfront while you sip wine and pick at a charcuterie board. The best part is anyone can do it; you don’t even need a boating licence to operate one of these simple vessels.
Pop into one of the trendy cafes along Brunswick Street. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Melbourne has a few iconic shopping strips but few are as diverse and endlessly engaging as Brunswick Street. Fitzroy’s high street is a treasure trove of homegrown fashion labels sandwiched next to vintage clothing stores, secondhand emporiums and markets. You’ll easily find a few things to complement your personal style so be patient and dedicate a few hours to shopping up and down this busy inner-city strip.
Paddle down the Yarra on a kayak. (Image: Visit Victoria)
If taking a GoBoat down the Yarra River isn’t to your taste, perhaps you’d like to switch your picnic dingy for a good old-school kayak. Hit up Kayak Melbourne, grab a few friends, and have a scenic paddle down the river while looking up at Melbourne’s skyline. The best time to do all this is during the Moonlight Kayak Tour, which lasts 2.5 hours and is suitable for all ages.
Go for a relaxing stroll down the pier. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Melbourne’s most timeless and romantic suburb always feels like a warm hug from the past. Nostalgia is caked into every ceviche of St Kilda, making the iconic scene of Luna Park, St Kilda Beach and the esplanade enough to make anyone tear up. The unique suburb has never shed its bohemian image so it has plenty of trendy restaurants, bars and shops to keep you busy for days. Spend some time at the beach, grab a drink nearby and relive your childhood at Luna Park. Just don’t forget to stroll down to Jacka Boulevard during sunset – you might get some company from a dozen or so fairy penguins.
The iconic arcade is built with ornate architecture. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Melbourne’s charming Block Arcade has been sitting pretty since the 1890s, admired for its elevated domed glass ceilings and ornate architecture. The visually impactful shopping strip also sets the scene for some of Australia’s most beloved businesses, ranging from vintage tea rooms and watchmakers to Haigh’s chocolate and several excellent jewellers. It’s a popular spot for gift shopping, but you’ll likely find something you want to keep for yourself as well.
Start your morning right with a scenic run around The Tan.
The best way to see any city is to go for a scenic jog. If you feel like getting your steps up while seeing some of the most beautiful sights in Melbourne, then make a beeline for The Tan. This 3.8 km stretch, a former horse-racing track, is perfect for joggers, framed by the Royal Botanic Gardens. You won’t find much privacy, as locals have adored this spot for decades, but you will find just one more thing to love about Melbourne’s relaxed lifestyle.
High Street features eclectic boutiques, trendy cafes, and lively street art. (Image: Visit Victoria)
High Street, the massive strip that threads Northcote with Thornbury and Preston, was dubbed the world’s coolest street by Time Out in 2024. It’s hard to argue when the street’s boho-chic aesthetic is elevated by various record shops, indie cinemas, restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. There are little to no chain stores on the strip, meaning you’re darting across exclusively independent businesses offering a sharp sense of place in Melbourne’s inner north.
Melbourne has some of the best hotels in Australia scattered across town so base yourself in one of those exceptionally comfortable pockets of hospitality.
Timeless elegance meets world-class service. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Opened in 2023, The Ritz-Carlton is just a stone’s throw from Marvel Stadium and offers incredible views of the Melbourne skyline. If you’re in the mood for an elevated stay, book into one of the 257 guest rooms and suites that have been treated with a gentle, calming approach to interior design. The 80-floor hotel is also crowned by one of Melbourne’s hottest restaurants, Atria, and a cosy cocktail lounge that keeps things simple and premium.
Check into The Olsen in South Yarra. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Melbourne has several Art Series hotels, each with their own loyal following of locals and visitors who swear by them every time they need somewhere to stay. The Olsen, which is dedicated to the colourful art of John Olsen, is the most sophisticated of them with a great location on Chapel Street in South Yarra. We recommend booking a night or two and exploring the winding strip, which is packed with some of Melbourne’s best casual restaurants and bars.
The stylish hotel features bold design and artistic flair. (Image: Visit Victoria)
QT Melbourne is much more than its iconic rooftop bar. The quirky, fashion-forward lifestyle hotel has done plenty to establish itself as one of Melbourne’s best hotels, piercing the heart of the CBD with a buzzy social scene and 188 guest rooms and suites. Booking in for a quick staycation if you can’t stand to peel yourself away from the city centre and make sure you’ve got dinner booked in at the excellent Pascale Bar & Grill.
Modern elegance meets historic charm at the Adelphi Hotel. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Noted mostly for its angular cantilevered pool with glass-bottomed views of Flinders Lane, Adelphi Hotel remains one of the most coveted boutique hotels in Melbourne. The property only has 34 rooms, each generously sized with a tremendous amount of privacy. So if you want that air of exclusivity and to really feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of Melbourne CBD, Adelphi Hotel is a great choice for a staycation.
Located on Flinders Lane, Quincy Hotel is a colourful boutique-minded hotel with three restaurants, a rooftop pool and 241 rooms and suites. Although it’s only been around for a few years, the property is a local favourite given it’s surrounded by an incredible amount of high-quality shopping and dining. Its proximity to Federation Square also means you’re a short walk from NGV International and everything that makes Melbourne CBD such a walkable gem.
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Finding the best burger in any city has turned into a competitive sport. For people as picky with their food as Melburnians, it’s no surprise that t...
St Kilda is one of Melbourne’s most historic and diverse suburbs, offering a great variety of things to do beyond just soaking up the time-honoured ...
Carlton is one of Melbourne’s most polished and charismatic inner-city suburbs, with a strong cultural heart. Carlton made a name for itself as Mel...
Sometimes a corporate hotel is just a corporate hotel. Other times, it’s like the Element Melbourne Richmond: a sophisticated, pet-friendly paradise...
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No thanks, I like to travel solo
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