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Fun Things to do in Melbourne
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city guide
Melbourne has been my home since 2019 and Im often asked by friends back in the UK what is Melbourne known for?. You see, Melbourne is one of those funny cities without an obvious landmark such as the Colosseum or Statue of Liberty. Unless youve been here it can be a little hard to understand what makes this place so special.
So what exactly is Melbourne known for?
Melbourne is known for being one of the most liveable cities on earth. Often referred to as the Sporting Capital of the World, besides this it is also famous for its graffitied laneways, excellent coffee, cultural diversity and bayside location.
Best time to go
September to November and March to May: Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) are also good times to visit Melbourne courtesy the pleasant weather . It is a good time to explore the city on foot or on a bike and enjoy picnics, barbeques and more in any of the beautiful parks here.
Fun city facts and activities
- 1. Get back to nature in the Royal Botanic Gardens
2. See a blockbuster exhibition at the NGV
3. See the Melbourne sunrise from a hot air balloon
4. Take a drive down the Great Ocean Road
5. Peruse the sheds at Queen Victoria Market
6. See Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
7. Explore Melbourne's laneway icon, Degraves Street
8. Spend the day (and maybe the night) at Melbourne Zoo
9. Drink a cocktail at hidden bar Beneath Driver Lane
10. Learn stories of Melbourne's First Peoples at the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre
11. Tuck into dumplings at HuTong
12. Try the best croissant in the world at Lune Croissanterie
13. Go for a wee at the Sofitel (seriously!)
14. Take a day trip to the Yarra Valley
15. See a classic film at the Astor Theatre
16. Be brave and tackle the cold in Australias first ice cave
17. See a fuck-off big opera at the State Theatre
18. Ride a tram
19. Get a ground pass at the Australian Open
20. Eat a parma
21. Taste the house blend at Proud Mary
22. Have a dip in the Adelphi Hotel rooftop pool
23. See an AFL game at the MCG
24. Drink locally made whisky at Starward Distillery
25. Dance until dawn at the Toff in Town
Neighborhoods to explore
- Port Melbourne
Seaholme
St Kilda
Spotswood
Williamstown
South Melbourne
Elwood
Windsor
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- Despite being a relatively small city (four million people) at basically the end of the earth, Melbourne has food thats up there with places like New York City or London, and has the kind of variety you wont find anywhere else.
While Sydney gets all the international attention, if you travel mostly just to eat a lot, Melbourne is where its at. The influence of multiple waves of immigration is felt at every level, from the citys longstanding obsession with coffee to a European drinking culture to a whole lot of Vietnamese and Chinese food. Basically, any kind of food you want, Melbourne has it.
Melbourne Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Take a tour of the City Circle Tram, which passes through some of Melbourne's historical and cultural sites.
2. Visit the Immigration Museum to explore Australia's multicultural history.
3. Take a walking tour of the laneways of Melbourne, and explore the street art.
4. Visit the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, offering spectacular views of the city skyline.
5. Enjoy a game of mini golf at the Holey Moley indoor mini golf bar.
6. Take a guided tour of the Royal Botanic Gardens, to learn about the local flora and fauna.
7. Take a tour of the Eureka Skydeck and get a 360-degree view of Melbourne from the 88th floor.
8. Visit the Melbourne Aquarium for a unique underwater experience.
9. Take a free tour of the State Library of Victoria and explore the vast collection of books.
10. Visit the
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Chesterfield Farm
Chesterfield Farm is located in the suburb of Scoresby, in the City of Knox, Melbourne. Our kindergarten children from Petit ELJ Forest Hill have visited the farm. The children went there by bus and then walked around the farm on foot saying hello and feeding the hungry goats, deer, cows, horses, pigs and sheep.
2. Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo is one of the most popular zoos in the world. It is located in the suburb called South Yarra, in the City of Melbourne. This zoo has been operating since 1879. If your child loves animals, theyre going to love Melbourne Zoo where zookeepers help to fight wildlife extinction.
3. Your local library
Most libraries offer free programs for children and it is never too early to introduce your children to stories and books. Some libraries have story-time, craft sessions, science experiments, art classes, music lessons, computer games and much more.
4. Royal Park
Royal Park is the widest open outdoor area in Melbourne. It contains several sporting facilities and is situated on land of great significance to the people of the Eastern Kulin Nation. The park has several facilities for families including picnic areas, barbeques and playgrounds. You can also take your dog along to try out the off-leash areas.
5. Melbournes walking tracks or bike paths
Melbournes walking tracks and bike paths are perfect for family outings. You can walk, jog, run, cycle, skate, rollerblade, inline skate or just enjoy watching others doing the same thing. If you enjoy cycling, you could cycle along the Yarra River to Collingwood Childrens Farm. Just add a baby bike seat so your toddler can enjoy the outdoors with you.
6. Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium is definitely worth visiting. Bring along the pram to give tired little legs a rest. There are lots of shows and interactive zones to see and learn about. Also, bring along some healthy snacks or drinks to enjoy while you watch the attractions.
7. Fairy Park
This fun outdoor playground appeals to children of all ages. It is Australias oldest themed attraction. The adventure park is located west of Melbourne, set in the beautiful open rolling countryside of Anakie. When children visit Fairy Park, they can meet their favourite fairy tale characters.
8. Collingwood Childrens Farm
Located at Abbotsford this community farm is easily accessible if you live in Melbourne City. Collingwood Childrens Farm is one of our favourite places to visit with toddlers because it has an abundance of animals including goats, rabbits, ducks, chickens, alpacas, sheep, cats, dogs, geese, peacocks, guinea fowl, turkeys, and even a donkey.
9. Childrens Gallery Melbourne Museum
At the Melbourne Museum, children can explore, play and learn through interactive exhibits, activities, programs and events. This wonderful attraction supports families, educators and carers with children from one to five and older. Its an amazing place for children and adults alike to get lost in time and experience history first-hand through play-based learning.
10. Scienceworks
Scienceworks is a great learning space for children of all ages. There are lots of hands-on science and STEM experiences and shows. Children love going to the planetarium. Special days run for younger children every few months and there are themed attractions that change regularly.
City data and FAQ
Is Melbourne worth visiting?
As a West Australian from Perth ( more or less) I would say, Yes". Definitely. Melbourne is a great AUSTRALIAN and indeed WORLD CITY.
Ryan Lye - Lives in Perth, Western Australia (1958 Present)
Is Melbourne a walkable city?
I have often walked all over parts of Melbourne, or ridden a bike. As the city grew things moved out of the centre. This means it can be hard to do some things entirely on foot. But we also have system of trains, trams and buses. When I visit the city I dont take a car. I take the train to the city ( no parking problems) I may take a tram to the beach and walk along that, or walk through the city. I have taken a train out to the dandenongs to either walk through the fern gullies or to ride puffing billy. Once you have a myki there is a ceiling price on public transport. So you can use things all day without further payment. When I take the train to the city the public transport is included in the fare so I only have to pay for the trip down and back everything else is available to be used as required.
Smitaj - Lives in Victoria, Australia (1950 Present)
The centre of Melbourne, the CBD and adjacent suburbs, is very walkable. I live in Port Melbourne and frequently walk along the bay front to St Kilda. I'll also walk through Botanical Gardens, then walk along the river to Burnley and back via South Yarra and Fawkner Gardens. Lots of beautiful streets in Melbourne, I change the route slightly and never get bored.
Tim Irvin Lives in Melbourne
Are two days enough to visit Melbourne?
I mean it is a big developed modern City with enormous amounts on offer. I once spent two months in the small town of Gordes in Provence and I suspect if I had stayed there another twelve I would still have had plenty to do. Depends on who you are and what you like.
Nicholi Valentin
Yes two days can give you an idea of what you will be missing our on by not staying longer. I am referring of course to only the metropolitan Melbourne and not the regional areas of Victoria the State (It is not very big).
Close to the CBD there are galleries, eateries (Lots of these, and the food is from all over the world. ), theatres, museums, parks and gardens, shopping, and of course general sight seeing and atmosphere (not a smelly one) of a bustling city.
Lindsay Payne
