Situated on Port Phillip Bay on Australia’s coastline, Melbourne is known for its iconic shoreline, beautiful architecture, and amazing cultural scene.
As one of the country’s biggest cities and its cultural capital, Melbourne boasts an abundance of art galleries, performance spaces, installation pieces, stylistic graffiti, and beautiful architecture.
Whether you are from Australia, an expat, or a tourist passing through, Melbourne has so much to offer. In fact, there is so much to see and do in Melbourne, you might feel a little overwhelmed.
Don’t worry!
I’ve got you covered, with a list of the top 13 fun things to do in Melbourne Australia. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Hit Brighton Beach on a Sunny Day
With its stunning coastline, there are many beautiful beaches to enjoy and explore in Melbourne and many of them could rank on a list of the most fun things to do in Melbourne.
If you’re looking for a beach with calm waves and fun scenery, Brighton Beach is the perfect choice. Famous for its brightly coloured Victorian bathing boxes, Brighton is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Take a walk to see all the colourful and creative Victorian bathing boxes, before settling in for a swim and a lie out. Make sure you bring your camera with you; there are some wonderful things to capture on the Brighton coastline!
2. Take a Scenic Drive on Great Ocean Road
As I’ve mentioned in other blogs, Melbourne’s coastline is iconic with its rocky formations and crashing waves. To get the best view of the coastline, set out for a drive down Great Ocean Road.
It winds around the seaside sights and cliffs, giving beautiful views of the ocean and countryside at every turn. You can do a portion of the drive in a day, though some people reserve between two and four days to experience the whole thing, but the choice is up to you!
While this drive can take you quite a ways away from the city, we still consider it to be one of the most fun places in Melbourne to visit with some of the best views of Australian natural beauty.
Along the way, make sure you watch out for some of the highlights, including the Twelve Apostles, Loch and Gorge, and so many more sites! The Twelve Apostles are twelve rock pillars, which were carved out of the limestone over time by the crashing waves.
A short drive up from the Twelve Apostles, you’ll find Loch and Gorge, the site of a famous shipwreck. If you can swing it, it’s really worth it to take your time and fully experience Melbourne’s coastline.
3. Wander the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
Located on the south banks of the Yarra River, you’ll find the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, a natural paradise in Melbourne’s urban environment. It spans nearly 40 hectares with over 23 collections of plants and over 8,000 different plant species.
It is not only an important natural oasis, but also a cultural hub attracting nearly 2 million visitors every year. You can either wander on your own or take one of their tours, such as the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, free guided tour, or punting on the Ornamental Lake.
No matter how you choose to appreciate the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, you’ll know by the end of your visit why it is widely regarded as one of the most fun things to do in Melbourne CBD!
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is part of Melbourne’s rich cultural scene, which also includes numerous art galleries.
4. Check Out the Stalls at the Queen Victoria Market
With over 600 small businesses contained within it, Queen Victoria Market should be your first stop if you need to do any souvenir shopping.
This bustling, authentic Melbourne market has been in operation for over 140 years. It is a staple in the local community, and it is undoubtedly one of the most cool things in Melbourne. With everything from local produce and fresh food to artisan goods and souvenirs, everyone can find something for them.
If you want to get a taste of everything the market has to offer (literally), you can take a food tour through the market!
It’s a great way to get guided to the best food vendors and stalls, without having to do any of the research beforehand.
5. Explore the Dandenong Ranges National Park
If you want to get out of the city for a moment, head over to Dandenong Ranges National Park. Dandenong Ranges National Park is part of the Aboriginal cultural landscape, full of natural beauty and native animals that are hard to see anywhere else.
The landscape is also full of relaxing walking trails through the forest and hilltop towns. If you want to see some of the most classic landmarks, try to get up the famous 1000 Steps or check out Olinda Falls for some breathtaking views.
It is just a short drive from the city. If you have a car or you can take the train out there, just don’t forget to put on your hiking boots!
6. Catch a Game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground
If you’re a fan of cricket or even just curious about the sport’s cultural significance, you have to check out the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)!
The MCG is the most popular, oldest sporting venue in all of Australia. As the location of several important international cricket games, such as the 1992 World Cup final and the 1956 Olympic Games.
If you want to see a cricket match, make sure that you check the MCG schedule and buy tickets in advance, as the prices tend to skyrocket as the games get closer. Even if you can’t catch a match or concert, you can check out the National Sports Museum, which houses some of the most classic pieces of Australian sports memorabilia.
For sports fans especially, the MCG is one of the most fun things to do in Melbourne!
Sports enthusiasts can also take Melbourne Sports Tours to visit other famous sporting venues in the city and makes it one of the coolest activities in Melbourne city.
7. Take in the Views at the Melbourne Skydeck
For unparalleled views of the Melbourne skyline, you have to take a trip to the Melbourne Skydeck.
The Melbourne Skydeck offers the highest public observation deck in the entire city, as well as the Southern Hemisphere at large. Also known as the Eureka Skydeck, the observation area is located on Level 88.
You’ll get awe-inspired views from every angle and have the chance to take some really incredible pictures. If you’re in the mood for a thrill, check out the Edge. The Edge is a glass cube that you can step into. It stretches three metres out from the rest of the building, so you can put your nerves to the test.
8. Appreciate the Street Art on Hosier Lane
If you appreciate art, looking at the street art on Hosier Lane should be on your list of fun stuff to do in Melbourne!
Local artists, along with international contributors, have transformed Hosier Lane into a vibrant street art destination. There is no better place in Melbourne for street art than Hosier Lane. Its cobblestone streets are lined with graffiti, art installations, and stencils.
Since it is an active art area, the landscape is constantly changing, with a wide range of subject matter and art pieces to appreciate. To get the best experience, consider taking a graffiti art tour in the area!
9. Take a Tour of the Block Arcade
Constructed in 1892 on Collins Street, the Block Arcade is one of the most classic sites in Melbourne. Inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Millan, the Block Arcade is a shopper’s dream, located conveniently on Melbourne’s golden mile.
It is an extremely fun place to go boutique shopping. While you’re there, you can also appreciate the beauty of the Block Arcade itself, from the Southern hemisphere’s largest mosaic floor to the beautiful glass dome above.
To get the full experience, make sure that you book time for tea in the Hopetoun tea rooms or at the Devonshire.
While you can explore the Block Arcade on your own, if you want to get the full experience, you can always take a tour.
These tours cover the history of the Block Arcade and how it relates to the larger history of Melbourne.
10. See the Sights from the City Circle Tram
If you spend any time in Melbourne’s CBD or city centre, you’re bound to run into the classic City Circle Tram. These old-style trams run around the most important streets of Melbourne.
The best part, the City Circle Tram is completely free to ride and is complemented by audio commentary that speaks to the notable landmarks and sights you’ll see around town.
You can sit down for a relaxing ride around the centre, while you get a view of the Docklands, Parliament House, Princess Theatre, and more!
You can catch the City Circle Tram almost any day of the year, except for major holidays.
11. See A Movie Under The Stars
The Moonlight Cinema in Melbourne Gardens runs from certain times in the summer to autumn. This outdoor cinema experience features classic and new releases on the Central Lawn of the Royal Botanic Gardens. General admission is around $25, with premium seating options available. I would advise booking in advance to make sure you get tickets..
For more details, visit the Moonlight Cinema Melbourne page.
12. Soak up the views from Naked for Satan's rooftop
Naked for Satan is a Spanish tapas bar featuring a popular rooftop venue, Naked in the Sky. If you are seeking to get away from city traffic while enjoying incredible views, head to Fitzroy to enjoy this sprawling view.
Do not miss the extensive collection of vodka made by artisan producers, beer and a selection of Australian and Spanish wines.
13. Drink locally made whisky at Starward Distillery
A whisky distillery based near Melbourne that delivers smooth, easy to drink flavours.
The distillery itself has a large open-air room in an easy walk-able vicinity. The restaurant in front is accessible to the public (try a whisky and tonic) and it is a wonderful place to meet friends.
The distillery has Starward as well as other Australian whiskies and many craft beers. Do not miss the tours of the distillery to understand the process of making whisky.
Exploring Australia: the Most Fun Things to Do in Melbourne
No matter if you’ve lived in Melbourne all your life or if you’re just passing through, there are so many fun things to do in Melbourne.
While I encourage you to get out on your own and explore, this list should give you a strong place to start.
As you’re out exploring Melbourne, make sure that you don’t miss these classics. Don’t forget to visit St Kilda Beach, a popular tourist attraction, and the Werribee Open Range Zoo for a unique zoo and glamping experience.
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