This detailed list of places to visit in Melbourne Australia will help you plan the most perfect visit possible, or help you discover some places you may not have known before.
Melbourne isn’t exactly a ‘city of attractions and landmarks’ as much as, say, London. But, there are still plenty of places to visit in Melbourne to keep anyone occupied for weeks.
I’m not joking when I say weeks, either. Even if you try a new cafe every morning, explore a new park or museum or laneway or suburb each day, test a new restaurant for dinner each night, and then visit a new trendy/hidden bar…. you would still never finish it all. And that’s why I LOVE this city!
Melbourne has more cafes per capita than any other city in the world, has new restaurants and bars opening each and every week, and is a center for food, culture, art, music, theatre, and just about anything else you could think of. There’s a reason Melbourne has been a top 3 most livable city in the world for at least 15 years, people!
After living in Melbourne and working as a tour guide in the city center, I learned basically all there is to know about worthwhile Melbourne attractions… and now I’m going to share that information with you! If you are planning you trip to Melbourne, check out my guide.
Check out my Other Melbourne Guides, Too!
- 48 Hours in Melbourne Itinerary
- Map + Complete Guide to Hidden Bars in Melbourne
- Melbourne CBD Breakfast + Brunch Guide
- Melbourne Day Trips
- Melbourne Weekend Getaways
- Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary
Places to Visit in Melbourne CBD
The Melbourne CBD is what many would call ‘downtown.’ This is where all the hustle and bustle is – the corporate buildings, tiny laneways, hidden/rooftop bars, historical sites, restaurants tucked in every corner, cultural areas, parks, museums – the whole lot.
Although there are lots of other attractions in Melbourne outside the city center, this is where you’ll want to begin to find the most noteworthy Melbourne attractions and a basic understanding of the city’s history. Scroll down or click here for my guide to Melbourne day trips.
I have organized the below in order so that you can pretty much walk in a seamless (but occasionally winding) line from each place to the next. You decide where to begin and how long to spend. You’re welcome.
Parliament Building
The parliament building is, for the sake of comparison, like Melbourne’s White House. It’s where the government functions for the state of Victoria always have and still do take place.
Free tours run on weekdays, and there are sometimes two tours running in a single day – check the Parliament of Victoria website for current times and booking details before you go.
The building is known for its beautiful Victorian-style architecture and massive stone columns out the front. It and a few buildings around the city of Melbourne were all built in this style during the Victorian Gold Rush of the mid-1800’s, which played a main role in shaping the Melbs we know today. It’s a great place to get the City Circle tram.
Tip: If you’re into historic Victorian gold rush-era buildings, book a room at the gorgeous Windsor Hotel across the street!
Treasury Building Museum
Continuing the historic gold rush-era buildings, we have the Old Treasury Building Museum. This one was built to be, well, a treasury during the gold Rush. It used to be the place to weigh, class, and store the gold found out in the gold fields.
Today, it’s a museum all about the foundations of Melbourne. It’s one of the best places to visit in Melbourne to gain a bit more of a historic understanding of the city, which is why I recommend it first!
Street Art Laneways
Did you even visit Melbourne city if you don’t have a photo in a street art-filled laneway? No. Melbourne is well-known for street art, and in the CBD you’ll find some of my favorite laneways for street art- AC/DC Lane and Hosier Lane.
AC/DC Lane is my personal favorite. They say AC/DC (the band) had some of their first gigs in a hidden rock bar in this laneway, which is why you’ll find all rock-related murals (many album covers for famous artists) covering the walls. That bar, Cherry Bar, has since moved a few laneways away to a new spot on Little Collins Street – still worth the visit, just don’t go looking for it on AC/DC Lane itself anymore. See how many rock murals you can pick out on your walk through!
Tip: Two of my favorite hidden bars are in this area: Eau de Vie (most incredibly presented cocktails in the city) and Death & Co (the acclaimed New York cocktail bar’s first international location, now at 87 Flinders Lane – the same spot the old secret wardrobe bar Trinket used to be).
Hosier Lane is the most famous (read: crowded af) laneway in the city. This one has a high turnover rate of art, so you’ll often see someone doing a mural right in front of you.
If you have time, visit Presgrave Place a bit farther away in the city center too.
CBD Rooftop Bars
Melbourne’s rooftop bar scene never sits still, so here’s a mix of reliable favorites and newer spots worth knowing about. Goldilocks, tucked above the Denyers Building on Swanston Street, is still one of the best rooftop hangs in the CBD – go for the boozy weekend brunch if you can. The Rooftop Bar at Curtin House is a Melbourne institution and still going strong, with cheap drinks and one of the best casual rooftop vibes in the city.
For something newer, The Stolen Gem on Bourke Street is an 8th-floor cocktail bar with a 270-degree view over Bourke Street Mall – polished and a bit more dressed-up than most rooftop spots in the city. If Mediterranean food with a view is more your speed, Cleo above Hyde Melbourne Place does breakfast through late-night drinks with a proper skyline backdrop.
St Paul’s Cathedral
This is the tallest church in Australia and one of the many famous Melbourne city attractions. Take a photo from Federation Square or visit during some of their open hours or Sunday services.
Tip: One of the best cafes is next door, called Chapter House Cafe.
Federation Square – Ian Potter Centre, ACMI Museum, and Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre
Federation Square was created to be the main city square Melbourne never had (there are no parks in the CBD – funny story).
It opened back in 2002, intended to house lots of bars and restaurants, broadcast videos and games on a massive screen, hold festivals, house thousands of people for special occasions, and be home to many of the city’s free museums. Here are the Federation Square museums:
Ian Potter Centre
This is an Australian art museum, housing art made only by Aussie artists. There’s a whole floor dedicated to an aboriginal art gallery and cultural artifacts as well inside Ian Potter.
Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) Museum
Australian Centre for the Moving Image. This museum is your one-stop Federation Square shop for all things moving image – video, cinematography, video games, and the evolution of all the above, including fun interactive exhibits.
Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre
This is the best free place to go to learn about Victorian aboriginal culture in Melbourne city. Indigenous culture is something very important to learn about during any trip to Melbourne/Australia, and this is a fantastic place to do so.
Flinders Street Train Station
Flinders Street Train Station is a Melbourne staple. It’s one of the most well-known Melbourne attractions, with a red and yellow facade, green dome top, clock tower, and row of train time clocks out the front. Fun Fact: the times on the train clocks used to have to be changed by hand 900 times in one day, with a long steel rod!
There has been a train station on this site since the 1850’s, but the current building was completed in 1909. A famous Melbourne saying is ‘meet me under the clocks,’ meaning meet me out the front of Flinders St Station (across from Federation square before it existed)!
One of my favorite stories to tell on tours here is a local legend that the station designs for Melbourne and Mumbai got swapped somewhere along the way (since both were British colonies at the time) – meaning this building was technically meant to be built in India. I can’t promise it’s true, but it’s a fun one to think about while you’re standing under those clocks.
Tip: If it’s summer, check out the Arbory Afloat floating bar or Ponyfish Island bar on the Yarra next to Flinders Street Station
Yarra River + Yarra River Cruise
The Yarra is Melbourne’s city center river. There are lots of great restaurants and bars along the water in the city, with great views. But perhaps the best way to see the Yarra and view the city from a different perspective is by taking a very affordable Yarra River Cruise.
You can book a river cruise here which will take you both upstream towards the sporting parks and downstream towards docklands.
Immigration Museum
As the city of Melbourne is founded on immigration (population boomed during the Gold Rush with people from all over the world), this type of museum is especially fascinating here.
Visit this museum to learn all about when people came to Melbourne, where they came from, why they came, what they brought with them, how this affected the city, and the current demographics of the area.
Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
Melbourne’s Aquarium – the Sea Life Aquarium – is right along the Yarra and is actually very spectacular. It’s one of the most popular Melbourne attractions included in the iVenture Melbourne unlimited Attractions pass.
You can also book discounted entrance to the Melbourne aquarium online in advance by clicking here.
Food Laneways
Laneways aren’t only good for street art! When you head back towards Flinders St train station, there are some fabulous laneways that are famous for restaurants and cafes.
Degraves St, “Melbourne’s Paris-themed laneway,’ is one of my personal favorites – great for breakfast and brunch. Next is Centre Place, where you’ll find hole-in-the-wall restaurants and cheap takeaway baguettes.
If you’re after dinner, Hardware Lane is the place to go. You’ll feel like you transported to Italy!
Melbourne Town Hall
The Town Hall is one of those Melbourne tourist attractions that you have to at least lay eyes on, but don’t necessarily need to stay long. It’s another Victorian-style Gold Rush-era building that is worth a photo when you pass by.
Block Arcade + Royal Arcade
Nope, not the kind of arcade you’re thinking of! During the Gold Rush, Melburnians constructed beautifully designed, covered ‘shopping laneways’ that became centers of social interaction during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.
The most famous of these historic arcades are the Block Arcade and the Royal Arcade. They have gorgeous European architecture and some great venues inside.
Tip: If you are into High Tea, visit the Hopetoun Tea Rooms in the Block Arcade (oldest in the city). Kaikey Lane is a personal favorite laneway brekky/brunch spot in Block Pl.
Old Melbourne Post Office/ H&M
Yes, I did just list H&M in my guide to places to visit in Melbourne – strictly because of the historic building it’s now inside! The Old Melbourne Post Office is inside yet another beautiful Victorian style building on Bourke St, and it was active up until 1992.
Today, H&M has taken over the historic building (much to many locals’ dismay). I must give it to them, though – they have done really well with it. Marvel at the outside of the building, and even venture inside to view the original archways and glass ceiling. It’s only one time I’ll list an H&M on a travel guide, mmmkay?
Bourke Street Mall
The Bourke Street Mall is Melbourne’s shopping mall. It starts on Bourke Street and continues with 5-6 levels of shops for four blocks. I usually get lost inside, but if you need to shop, this is THE PLACE to do it. A good place to enter is through the Myer/David Jones on Bourke Street, and you can find the rest from there.
Tip: One of my fave bars EVER called Beneath Driver Lane is around here. Try the cocktails.
Chinatown
Did you know Melbourne has one of the oldest Chinatown’s in the world?! There were loads of Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush, and there has been a very strong Chinese culture around here ever since.
Chinatown is a MUST visit in Melbourne – even if you only have 24 hours in Melbourne. You can visit all kinds of Chinese shops, check out the Chinese Museum, and every local’s personal favorite: CHINESE FOOD. More specifically, dumplings.
Pop into one of the dozens of BYO hole-in-the-wall dumpling houses, bring some booze, cram into a tiny table in the corner, and eat your heart out. Locals lovingly call them ‘dirty dumplings’ because they may look a bit dodgy at first, but you learn to trust them – the food is always worth it.
Some of my favorite dumpling houses: Empress of China, China Red, Shanghai Street, Juicy Bao
State Library Victoria
Guess what – ANOTHER big Victorian-style building in the CBD! This one is very special, though – so special I recommend it as an absolute MUST-SEE of the tourist attractions in Melbourne.
The State Library of Victoria is much more than a Library – it’s a museum, a study hub, and an architectural wonder. Visit the museum exhibits to learn all about Melbourne’s fascinating history, and marvel at the gorgeous La Trobe reading room with 4 floors of bookshelves and exhibits. It’s free to enter, too!
Old Melbourne Gaol
The Old Melbourne Gaol (the old spelling for ‘jail’) is one of my favorite Melbourne hidden gems – an 1800’s jail smack-dab in the middle of the city! My favorite part about it is that the old jail is now part of the RMIT college campus (LOL get it? going to school in a jail? No? Sorry, dad jokes).
The old gaol buildings that haven’t been converted into university buildings are now a fascinating museum. You can enter the Old Melbourne Gaol to learn all about how crime was managed through Melbourne’s History, what criminals were kept there, why they were arrested, the cells in which they were kept, and even the logistics of hanging the worst of them!
There’ a whole exhibit on Melbourne’s most famous criminal, Ned Kelly. For nicely discounted tickets, purchase online in advance here.
Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market or ‘Vic Market’ as many locals call it, is another of the best places to visit in Melbourne. It’s the southern hemisphere’s largest open-air market and is seriously the ONLY place you’ll need to go to get souvenirs and other Australian trinkets. You can also get very cheap produce here. It’s wonderful to explore. The Queen Victoria Market is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 6am-3pm, Saturday 6am-4pm, and Sunday 9am-4pm (closed Mondays and Wednesdays).
On Wednesday nights, they hold the seasonal Queen Victoria Night Market from 5-10pm. This is something I highly recommend if you’re in town on a Wednesday during a season it’s running. The night market vibe shifts each season – when I last visited during the winter run, there were fire pits, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts, which made it feel totally different from the summery outdoor vibe you get in warmer months. It’s worth timing right, so don’t skip this step.
Tip: Make sure to check the opening hours of the Queen Victoria Market because they change the night market theme each season and it’s often closed for a week or two in between.
Places to Visit in Melbourne: Southbank/South Melbourne
Southbank is basically a continuation of the CBD, just on the other side of the river. Southbank is characterized by high rise apartments, riverside bars and eateries, a lovely walking promenade, and the famous Crown Casino.
I actually began my Melbourne experience living in one of these high-rise apartments (33rd floor, baby!) and surprisingly adored it. So I got to know this area extra well.
I also have a specific Southbank Travel Guide – click to open it for later.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne’s royal botanic gardens are directly adjacent to Southbank, and these are DEFINITELY worth a visit. Trust me. Although slightly better in summer, they have blooms and beautiful gardens all year round.
The Melbourne royal botanic gardens are among some of the largest in the world, and you can truly get lost exploring them. You can also take a punt boat ride around the gardens’ lakes, and learn all about the ecosystems there.
Tip: Bring picnic supplies and set up under your favorite tree in the Royal Botanic Gardens on a nice day!
Shrine of Remembrance
Next to the Royal Botanic Gardens is a grandiose World War Memorial called the Shrine of Remembrance. It’s a massive concrete structure – about 4 stories tall – adorned with sculptures and a massive staircase.
You can go in the memorial and climb to the balcony level, which has one of my top 2 favorite views of the city skyline. You can also descend below the monument to visit the war museum – it was originally all about WW2 but now has info on Australian participation in a few other wars too.
NGV – National Gallery of Victoria
This is another MUST of the top Melbourne attractions. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is just across the Yarra from Flinders St station and is the most prominent art museum in the city.
The National Gallery of Victoria hosts exhibits from many well-known international artists and is constantly changing. Exhibits are usually free except for when a famous show comes through. Make sure to check what’s on for your visit.
One of my favorite exhibitions ever was a terracotta warriors exhibit a few years back – they had hundreds of the figures on display, and it’s honestly something I still think about.
Tip: They run NGV Friday Nights events during the summer and winter – with music, food, and drinks along with museum exhibits.
State Theatre
Directly next to the National Gallery of Victoria (the building with the massive white spire on it that you can see from all over the city) is the State Theatre. This is one of the main places to view a play in Melbourne.
Melbourne is actually a massive city for theatre, and has dozens of theatres all around the city. If you’re into theatre, this is a great place to start!
Eureka Tower/Skydeck
The Eureka Tower is the 2nd tallest building in Australia, and the 4th in the Southern Hemisphere. It does have the highest viewing platform in the whole Southern Hemisphere, however – the Eureka Skydeck – which is the winner of my favorite view in Melbourne.
The Eureka Tower Skydeck takes up the entire 88th floor of the building, providing 360 degree views over the city. You can get drinks and snacks up top, and look through telescopes to get a bird’s eye view of any of your favorite Melbourne attractions.
I won’t lie – it’s definitely a touristy thing, but for the price, it’s 10000% worth checking out this view. You can book discounted tickets online too! It’s also a great place to visit for the New Year – you actually look DOWN on the fireworks!
Tip: arrive at the Eureka Tower about 30-40 mins before sunset. This gives you time to get up, enjoy the view in the daytime, perhaps catch one of Melbourne s best sunset views (over the ocean!), and then see the city when all the lights come on.
Southbank Promenade
The walking/biking path that runs along the river for the entirety of Southbank is known as the Southbank Promenade. Along this promenade, you’ll find some great vantage points to sit and relax along the river, and dozens of bumping bar-restaurants.
Walk down this promenade at any time of day and you’ll find full bustling venues and oftentimes street performers showing their stuff on the pathway.
Tip: My faves are Pure South (brunch) and Hopscotch (crafty beers and bites).
Crown Casino
The Crown Casino is the largest casino in Australia – it’s like Melbourne attempting to channel a tiny bit of Vegas in the city 😉 They do a decent job of it, too – the Crown attracts all the high rollers, national and international, to some of their swanky restaurants and bars. One of their balcony bars famously shoots fire on the hour, every hour, at night – visible from all around.
Some of the most highly rated restaurants are also along the Crown’s Promenade, such as Gradi (Italian) and the ever-fancy Conservatory.
The Crown is also the most luxurious hotel in Melbourne. There are three hotels under the name, but if you want to go all-out, book a room at the Crown Towers.
DFO South Wharf + Melbourne Convention Center
If you need to do some shopping – the DFO at South Wharf is the place to go! There are tons of brand name outlets in a massive building here, that is connected to the Melbourne Convention Center which holds conferences nearly every weekend.
South Melbourne Market
South of Southbank, you have the suburb of South Melbourne. The highlight of this area is definitely the South Melbourne Market, which has fantastic and authentic varieties of street food and local produce. Pick up food to cook later or try any of dozens of small restaurants and food stalls. Open W-F-Sa-Su.
Tip: Check out the trendy coffee shop St Ali Coffee Roasters while you’re in the area – it roasts coffee for many Melbourne cafes.
Places to Visit in Melbourne: Carlton
Next, we’ve got the suburb directly north of the CBD: Carlton! Carlton is home to Melbourne University, the Royal Exhibition Building, and some notable parks, museums, and buildings. It’s walking distance from the CBD – in fact you can just keep walking to these points of interest from the last ones. Yep, in order!
Melbourne Museum
The Melbourne Museum is probably one of the most comprehensive places to visit in Melbourne to learn about history. There are lots of smaller museums around the city I have mentioned, but this is the kind of museum you could truly spend all day in.
Unfortunately this one is not free – expect to pay somewhere around $20-25 for an adult ticket (worth double-checking current pricing on the Museums Victoria website before you go, as it does change), with concession and family prices too. But, it’s worth it!
Royal Exhibition Building
Next to the Melbourne museum within Carlton Gardens, you’ll find the historic Royal Exhibition Building. It’s a heritage-listed site, built-in 1880, and currently holds the title of one of the oldest exhibition pavilions in the world.
Nowadays, they hold all kinds of events at the Royal Exhibition Building, from cheese festivals to dog lovers festivals to car exhibitions and markets. Check if there’ anything on during your visit here.
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo is the closest place to the city to experience Australian wildlife. It’s just at the northern tip of Carlton and easily accessible via public transport. I recommend booking an entrance ticket with a kangaroo encounter so you can get up close and personal to the most famous Aussie animal while you’re there.
If you have more time, there are some fantastic animal sanctuaries outside the city I will mention below where you can also experience Australian wildlife. But if you don’t have much time, the Melbourne Zoo is definitely the place to go.
Lygon Street
Two words – LITTLE ITALY! Lygon Street will transport you to the streets of Italia, with tables and chairs lining the cobbled sidewalk and waiters calling out to you to try their pizzeria or ristorante.
This is the place to go for an authentic Italian meal. I’ll warn you that it most likely won’t be cheap, but it will be delicious, and many places are also BYO (hello, wine!).
Tip: My top recommendations are Tiamo, Brunetti, and Il Cantuccio.
Places to Visit in Melbourne: Fitzroy + Collingwood
Fitzroy and Collingwood are famously and lovingly known as “hipster Melbourne.” These two adjacent suburbs are where you need to go to find Melbourne’s ‘artsy’ side – complete with lots of street art, the trendiest cafes and eateries, and thrift/vintage stores to shop until you drop. This part of town also has some of the best restaurant turnover in Melbourne, so a few newer favorites worth knowing about are Yiaga (a native-ingredient-driven menu tucked by Fitzroy Gardens), The Pontian Club (Anatolian Greek food that started as a pop-up), and Little House, a cozy wine bar on Smith Street.
I also have an in-depth guide to this area and also a guide to the bars in the area with a map.
Brunswick Street
Brunswick Street is the main street of Fitzroy, which could loosely be considered the even more hipster suburb of the two. The best way to make the most of Brunswick Street/Fitzroy as a whole is to take a leisurely walk down the street, allowing yourself to be pulled in whichever direction tickles your fancy.
Spot an awesome-looking shop? Go in. New beers on tap at a brewery? Try them. Cute little coffee shop? One flat white, please! See a rooftop bar? Someone show me to the stairs!
I can, however, point you in the right direction for a lot of these things. 😉 Check my Fitzroy Guide for things to do, Best Brunch in Fitzroy, and Fitroy Bars.
Rose St Market + Fitzroy Mills Market
The Rose Street Market opens on weekends on, you guessed it, Rose Street. It runs from 10-4pm Saturdays and Sundays, with all kinds of artisans showing off their crafts. It would be a perfect trip to mix in with some brunch or croissants in the area.
The Fitzroy Mills Market is also on Rose St and has more produce than art, but is completely covered in street art.
Smith Street
Smith Street runs parallel to Brunswick Street, about a 10 minute walk east, and is actually itself the border between the suburbs of Fitzroy (west) and Collingwood (east). So it’s important to note that all Smith street activities can also be done in conjunction with Brunswick Street activities.
Smith Street has a similar vibe to Brunswick Street but with more shopping – think brand names like Kathmandu, Bonds, and more. These shops are peppered with other gems, too, also listed in my guides above.
Places to Visit in Melbourne: Abbotsford
Across Punt Road from Collingwood, you’ll find the lovely suburb of Abbotsford. Abbotsford is known for bordering the winding Yarra River, and also being the home of quite a few local breweries. It’s a bit more secluded of the places to visit in Melbourne, yet still close to everything… which is exactly why I love it!
I lived here for quite a while, and also have an in-depth guide to the best things to do, restaurants to eat at, and bars/breweries in Abbotsford right here.
Main Yarra Trail
The Main Yarra Trail is a run/walk/bike friendly trail that winds up and down next to the Yarra River for miles and miles. It is one of my favorite city escapes in Melbourne. Trust me, you’ll feel like you just entered the remote countryside far from civilization, and really be able to get back into nature.
Tip: After your walk, get a feed/coffee as some of my favorite joints: Au79, Three Bags Full, or 8 Murray St.
Abbotsford Convent/Collingwood Farm + Market
Right along the Yarra River, Next to the Abbotsford Convent (which sometimes holds events, art exhibitions, festivals, and farmers’ markets), you’ll find a farm. This is when you REALLY feel like you are miles from the city!
The ‘Collingwood Children’s Farm’ has sheep, goats, cows, peacocks, and more available to pat each and every day, right next to the Main Yarra Trail. They have markets on the second Saturday of each month.
Tip: The Farm Cafe is a cute outdoor cafe on the farm. If you like vegan food, check out donation-based Lentils as Anything.
Breweries
There are quite a few breweries along the Yarra river in Abbotsford. If you’re into beer, check out Carlton Brewhouse (for something a bit more mainstream) or Bodriggy, Moon Dog, or Stomping Ground for something a bit more crafty.
Tip: Is beer your thing? Lean in! Book a tour of the famous Carlton Brewhouse.
Places to Visit in Melbourne: Richmond + East Melbourne
South of Abbotsford (and directly east of the CBD), you’ll find Richmond. Richmond is quite a large suburb that is home to lots of residential areas, main streets with lots of shopping and venues, and essentially the middle ground between the ‘north side’ (Fitzroy/Collingwood/Brunswick) and the ‘South Side’ (South Yarra/Prahran/St Kilda etc).
East Melbourne is the suburb right between Richmond and the CBD. There’s not much going on, but all the main sporting parks are located here.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Stadium
Sports fans, stop here! The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere, with a capacity to host over 100 thousand people. Wow! The National Sports Museum is also located here.
It hosts cricket matches during cricket season (Australian summer months – Dec-Feb). But all Melburnians get very excited whne March rolls around because that means it’s footy season!
For anyone unfamiliar, the AFL (Australian Football League), or “Aussie rules” as many call it, is a sport/league that started here in Victoria. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen called football before – trust me! I’ll never forget my first time walking into the MCG for a footy game – the atmosphere is truly electric, and I supplemented the enjoyment with a meat pie and a beer, which is basically the law. If you’re here between March and September, make sure to attend a footy game in the MCG to get some true Aussie culture.
Tip: It’s very popular to take tours of the MCG. Book an affordable tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground stadium here.
Olympic Precinct
The Melbourne Cricket Ground isn’t the only stadium in East Melbourne. In fact there are 5 – giving Melbourne the title of “the only city in the world with 5 international-sized sporting stadiums within a 10 minute walk of the CBD.” That’s pretty special!
The entire precinct was built for the 1956 Olympics, and today holds the Rod Laver Arena, the AAMI Stadium, Margaret Court Arena, and the Melbourne Arena. If you’re around in January you can catch the Australian Open of Tennis here – the second largest in the world.
Tip: If you love sport, go all-out and book an all-day Melbourne Sports Lovers Tour visiting the MCG, Grand Prix track, Marvel Stadium, National Sports Museum, Flemington Racetrack, and more.
Swan St + Bridge Rd
Although Richmond doesn’t have many specific landmarks to mention, it’s still important to list because it’s one of the most prominent Melbourne suburbs.
Take a stroll down Swan St or Bridge road to see tons of lively cafes, pubs, and bars that will be busy at any time of day. Swan Street is especially known for its shopping.
Tips: Check out the rooftop bar at Mt View Hotel for some drinks, and Top Paddock for brunch.
Cook’s Cottage – Fitzroy Gardens
Another of the popular attractions in Melbourne is Cook’s Cottage, located in the Fitzroy Gardens in East Melbourne. It actually was the cottage of the famous explorer Captain Cook (who landed on the East coast of Australia in the 1770’s).
This historical landmark was originally located in Yorkshire, UK, but was brought to Australia in the 1930’s and reconstructed in Fitzroy Gardens. It was rebuilt in exactly the same way – even with cuttings of the original ivy that lined the walls.
Places to Visit in Melbourne: Docklands
Okay, so I’m going to be brutally honest with you guys – Docklands is NOT one of the COMPLETELY necessary places to visit in Melbourne. It’s funny – it’s right on the water and should have done really well as a suburb when they tried to build it up a few years ago, but it just kind of…. didn’t. There are some cool restaurants and venues, but it’s just not really one of the best places to visit in Melbourne.
Either way, there are some important Melbourne attractions here that I must include, so here they are.
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
The Melbourne Star is basically Melbourne’s version of the London Eye. It’s a big ferris wheel that looks out over the city skyline. I don’t think the view is as good as the Eureka Skydeck (as the foreground is very industrial in Docklands), but it’s still really cool.
Marvel Stadium
The Marvel Stadium (previously the Etihad Stadium) is Melbourne’s other massive sporting arena other than the MCG. They hold many different sporting competitions and footy games here, and just went through a major redevelopment to keep it up to scratch.
Tip: If you make it to a footy game, however, make sure to make it the MCG. Nothing against the Marvel Stadium, but the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere is a sight to behold! See both on a Melbourne Sports Lovers Tour.
Places to Visit in Melbourne: St Kilda
St Kilda is Melbourne’s loved local beach! Melburnians are aware that St Kilda beach may not be the nicest beach in the whole world… but its their beach and they still love it! 😛
It’s situated on a bay, so swimming is very possible – the water is just really shallow. The best part about St Kilda are the beachside bars and bustling community surrounding it. So read on for where to go in St Kilda from north to south.
St Kilda Pier + Penguins
The St Kilda pier is a big L-shaped pier that protects a small marina within it. This pier is famous because there’s a colony of ‘little penguins’ (yes, that’s what they’re called) that live there. These lil guys leave the rocks of the pier each morning around sunrise, and come back to burrow in for the night around sunset.
Tip: Arrive just before sunset, and wait at least 3o+ mins after the sun is gone for maximum penguin-age. Bring WARM clothes – it gets cold and windy out here.
Catani Gardens
The Catani Gardens are some rolling grassy knolls next to the water. They often hold festivals and events, and are a fabulous place to have a summer picnic, too.
Each February, the St Kilda Festival – the largest free festival in Melbourne city – takes place on and around these gardens.
Luna Park
Luna Park is one of the best landmarks in Melbourne. It’s an iconic theme park right on the water, which is famous for the massive clown face entrance and for having one of the oldest wooden rollercoasters in the country.
Pop in on a weekend to do some rides, eat some bites, and have a classic Melbourne experience.
Acland St
Acland Street is the main street of the Luna Park-end of St Kilda, complete with lots of cafes and restaurants. It’s most famously known to have a high concentration of delicious and authentic cake and pastry shops.
Tip: For a veggie brunch and some awesome flavored lattes, check out Matcha Mylk Bar. For drinks along the water, Captain Baxter is the go.
St Kilda Esplanade Market: Sundays
If you venture to St Kilda on a Sunday, you can catch the amazing St Kilda Esplanade Market (and Luna Park – two birds with one stone!). This market has tons of artisans selling their handmade craft along the Esplanade each week. You never know what you might find!
Tip: After you shop till you drop, grab a drink/feed at “The Espy” Esplanade Hotel.
Places to Visit in Melbourne: South Yarra/Prahran
South Yarra and Prahran famously spearhead the scene of Melbourne’s ‘south side,’ which is known to have some luxurious bits but a fair bit of grunge as well… depending on where you go!
South Yarra is right across the river from Richmond, and has some of the nicest neighborhoods in the city. Prahran is a residential area centered around the famous Chapel Street.
Chapel Street
Chapel street runs through both South Yarra and Prahran, and is a well-known center for all things shopping (more in the north) and bars, restaurants and nightlife (more in the south). It runs for about 2km, with venues, shops, and bars lining it in its entirety.
Chapel Street is home to some of Melbourne’s most (in)famous nightclubs, such as Revolver Upstairs, which runs (literally) all weekend and hosts some famous dj’s, among many others. There are trendy bars on each corner and no shortage of delicious eats.
Kimmie’s Tips: Jungle Boy is a cool hidden bar where you enter through a fridge. Pawn & Co is half club, half Pawn Shop. Journeyman is great for brunch.
Prahran Market
About mid-way down Chapel Street you will find the Prahran market, which is yet another amazing Melbourne market. The Prahran market is a foodie paradise – with tons of different vendors selling delicious bites.
Places to Visit Near Melbourne – Melbourne Day Trips
Phew – finally done with all the places to go IN Melbourne Australia and closer suburbs. But, of course, there are many important Melbourne attractions that are outside of the city.
Luckily for you, I wrote a WHOLE POST of the most important Day Trips from Melbourne – read it by clicking below:
For the sake of this post: I have listed what I consider the MOST important places to visit outside of Melbourne below:
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is perhaps the most must-do day trip from Melbourne. Visit famous landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell National Park, and the Loch Ard Gorge along a rugged coastline.
It’s also popular to rent a car and do a road trip yourself. If you’d rather do that, I suggest trying my 2-3 day Great Ocean Road Itinerary – two days works if you’re focused on the main sights, but three lets you add hikes and detours without rushing – and staying at some places recommended in my Great Ocean Road Accommodation Guide.
Yarra Valley Wine Region
There are many wine regions near Melbourne, but the Yarra Valley takes the cake. It’s got over 100 wineries, beautiful scenic rolling hills, and is only an hour’s drive from Melbourne city center.
Phillip Island Penguins
Sure, you can see penguins at the St Kilda Pier, but if you want to see HUNDREDS of them, you must see the renowned Phillip Island Penguin Parade! Out here, there’s a massive nature center set up perfectly for you to watch, yet not disturb, hundreds of ‘little penguins’ as they make their way to the land for the night.
Puffing Billy + Dandenong Ranges
Puffing Billy is an old-fashioned steam train that runs through the Dandenong Ranges. The Dandenong Ranges are beautiful mountains with amazing hikes and views – both only an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Or, you can book a day tour to the steam train and the area.
Visit the Mornington Peninsula
The Mornington Peninsula is a beautiful and lesser-known area to visit outside Melbourne. They have at least a dozen breweries and hundreds of wineries, and is also famous for many beaches to surf or relax. They have hot springs and some beautiful countryside too and many activities.
Visit a Music Festival
Victoria is famous for many music festivals all throughout the summer. Check out my list of the best bush doofs in Australia or check out Rainbow Serpent, Babylon, Beyond the Valley (for the new year), Strawberry Fields, and Pitch Festival – ass famous in Australia.
Enjoyed this Melbourne travel guide? Pinned it yet?
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.