A top museum within the city, the Immigration Museum is a great place to understand modern-day Australia. The exhibitions are found within Old Customs House and focus on the many generations that have made up the nation’s diversity. You can’t truly understand Melbourne without catching a footy game. The locals are football mad and you’ll …
10 Amazing Things to Do in Your Visit to Melbourne

A top museum within the city, the Immigration Museum is a great place to understand modern-day Australia. The exhibitions are found within Old Customs House and focus on the many generations that have made up the nation’s diversity.
You can’t truly understand Melbourne without catching a footy game. The locals are football mad and you’ll get to experience their passion first hand as the sun rises over Flinders Street Station.
1. Walk the Royal Botanic Gardens
Take a stroll in the Royal Botanic Gardens and take in the beauty of some of the world’s most interesting plants. You can also visit the Tropical Glasshouse if you have time.
The Shrine of Remembrance is another must-visit landmark. Here you’ll find thousands of war medals and other artefacts from Australia’s military history, as well as a piece of one of the Gallipoli landing lifeboats.
Melbourne is known as the culture capital of Australia and there are many events throughout the year to keep you entertained. If you’re a sports fan then get your rugby and football fix at the MCG, or watch Australian tennis at the Australian Open. Alternatively, you can enjoy hot air ballooning over the city. This is truly a breathtaking experience. You’ll be sure to remember it forever!
2. Take a Boat Ride on the Yarra
Melbourne’s Yarra River is one of the city’s most popular attractions. You can sail past some of the most iconic landmarks, such as Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens, major sporting arenas and Herring Island.
Take in the sights from a different perspective while enjoying a glass of wine on board. Enjoy the sights of the city and relax on a 2 hour cruise.
Embark on the Melbourne Skydeck and Yarra River Cruise combo for an unforgettable experience in Australia’s cultural capital. Save by purchasing the combined ticket and get a 360-degree view of the city.
Melbourne’s infamous laneways are awash with street art, some of which continually changes. Join a tour that channels the effervescent creativity of Melbourne’s graffiti artists. Then, head to the Block Arcade for a boutique shopping adventure that includes boutique retailers and bespoke haberdashers.
3. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne. This iconic monument is a place of reflection, remembrance, and hope. It serves as a symbol of Australia’s respect for its veterans and their sacrifices. Its design, inspired by classical architecture, is a reflection of the nation’s love for history and culture.
You can take a tour of the Shrine of Remembrance, or you can just visit on your own. The imposing monument will surely impress you and give you an insight into Australia’s war history.
Also, check out the beautiful memorial squares and reflection pools. These are the perfect places to enjoy the city’s scenery and architecture.
4. Visit the Immigration Museum
The Immigration Museum tells the real stories of people who have made Melbourne their home, using pictures, personal items and voices to bring them to life. Housed in the grand Customs House building (the impressive Long Room is well worth a visit alone), it explores why people have moved to Australia, how they got here and what impact they’ve had on society.
Learn about Aboriginal culture at the Koorie Heritage Trust or join a Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) walking tour in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Watch the world flutter by at the butterfly room and see the big-eared residents of Melbourne Zoo, then book in for a Roar ‘n’ Snore zoo sleepover to wake up next to lion pride! For a young city, Melbourne has a surprisingly interesting Wild West past at the Old Melbourne Gaol.
5. Visit the Block Arcade
A visit to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without a stroll around the Block Arcade. This historic shopping arcade is known for its beautiful architecture and luxurious retail stores. It was founded in 1892 and is modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy.
It’s a must-see for shoppers and history buffs alike. You can find everything from high-end fashion to indie label artisan goods. You can also get a bite to eat at one of the many eateries in the arcade.
If you’re a spirits fan, you can sample local gin and whiskey at Fossey’s Distillery or Starward. Or, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, head over to Haigh’s Chocolates. You can even join a guided tour of the Block Arcade! It’s a great way to see this city from a new perspective.
6. Visit the Melbourne Museum
There are always a variety of exhibitions on offer at the Melbourne Museum, from big blockbuster shows to smaller niche events. At the moment, there’s a terrific display on contemporary Indigenous fashion (which is great for anyone with an interest in Australia’s culture), as well as a fascinating exhibit on the building’s history as Old Customs House, the focus of singer Courtney Barnett’s 2015 song ‘Elevator Operator’.
Kids will love meeting the 67-million-year-old Horridus, the world’s most complete triceratops skeleton (complete with prehistoric sounds and immersive multimedia). Adults can explore Victoria’s gold rush history at the Melbourne Gallery or discover the city’s landmarks through the Melbourne Icons exhibition, including the body of legendary racehorse Phar Lap.
Hamer Hall’s balcony is also a must-see for one of the city’s most scenic vistas, overlooking the riverside and Arts Centre Melbourne.
7. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria
Every Melbourne resident remembers being taken to see the Christmas windows, but don’t miss the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) if you’re a modern art fan. The building’s steel rust red facade is a landmark and the museum itself features innovative, challenging artwork.
Take a look around the NGV if you haven’t already; its collection spans two architectural gems in Melbourne’s south end. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV International exhibits pieces from all over the world, while the NGV Australia contains both Indigenous and non-Indigenous art.
If you’re hungry after your tour, head to the Melbourne Skydeck at Southbank to gaze over the city from the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere or book a Roar and Snore zoo sleepover to get up close with the wildlife. You can even feed giraffes and monkeys during your stay!
8. Visit the National Gallery of Australia
A visit to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without checking out its world-class art. Whether you’re an art lover or not, the National Gallery of Australia will impress you with its vast collection of international and Australian art.
The museum’s current blockbuster exhibition is Yayoi Kusama, a record-breaking retrospective with works like the infinity room and a life-size spider. You can also see other amazing special exhibits at the gallery.
As well as its famed laneways, the city has a number of gorgeous arcades. The Block Arcade is one of them, with 19th-century architecture and beautiful post beams. It’s a great place to shop, with stores like Haigh’s Chocolates and artisan stationery. You can also grab a bite to eat in the courtyard. It’s a great spot for lunch and people watching. If you’re a whisky fan, then check out the adjoining Whisky Room too.
9. Visit the Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne has a lot to offer for nature lovers. You can either stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens or visit one of the several wildlife parks in the city. You can also go on a wildlife adventure at Melbourne Zoo and watch animals like elephants and lions from close quarters.
Melbourne is a very diverse city and it has many museums that tell its stories. There is the Immigration Museum, Chinese Museum, Small Italian Museum in Carlton and the Koori Heritage Trust.
You can also explore the city by bike. There are plenty of free tours to choose from, including a self-guided tour of the laneways and arcades. If you are a foodie, you can also check out the weekly Rose Street Artists Market and sample some of the best local cuisine. There is also a range of free live music events, from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to the annual Carols by Candlelight.
10. Visit the Australian Sports Museum
If you are a sports fan you will love visiting the Australian Sports Museum. You can relive cherished sporting moments and discover new ones at this unique cultural experience that showcases the history of Australia’s passion for sports.
Once the epicentre of mini skirts, fake tans, hair extensions and binge drinking, Chapel Street is now home to an array of exciting restaurants and bars. It’s also the place to see a big-name musical at the lavish Regent Theatre.
Those with an interest in contemporary art should head to the ACCA, which has a distinctive steel rust-red facade and is a landmark in Southbank. They regularly host major international exhibitions, with past blockbuster shows including works by Van Gogh and MC Escher. Its current show, Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Room, is a must-see.