The Best Things to Do In Melbourne
When you’re heading to a new city, it can be a bit daunting finding the best things to do, see and experience when there are so many options. If Melbourne is the next destination on your list, we’ve got you covered!
Food & Drink
Possibly the most important things to locate in a new place are the best places to eat and drink. Whether you’re after a sweet treat, some delicious savouries, or something to wet your whistle, these hotspots are the places to be.
Market Lane Coffee
Market Lane Coffee is a boutique coffee roastery and retailer, born and based in Melbourne, dedicated to making good coffee accessible and exciting, simple to understand and appreciate, and easy to brew and enjoy. Perfect for that morning caffeine hit!
Mörk Chocolate
Mörk Chocolate are makers of specialty, ethically sourced hot chocolate in Melbourne. A definite must-try to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Whisky & Alement
If you’re looking for something a bit harder than hot chocolate, Whisky & Alement have the goods. With approximately 800 whiskies on pour at any one time you’re sure to find the one for you!
The Everleigh
One of the ‘World’s 50 Best Bars’ the Everleigh is dedicated to classic cocktails and service and alongside your trip through an American Diner and winding staircases to find it, it’s guaranteed to be a unique Melbourne experience.
Pidapipo
Another one for the sweet-inclined! Forget everything you know about gelato and head to Pidapipo for tried and tested, evolved and perfected gelato that you’ll never forget!
The Food Truck Park
If amongst all the drinks and sweet treats you’re looking for some actual food, the Food Truck Park is the place to go! With a range of options to suit ever personality and mood, there’s something for everyone!
Culture
Melbourne is known for its creativity, heritage and culture. Whether you’re into art, literature, history, architecture, design or music, you’ll find more than your fill in Melbourne!
State Library of Victoria
Not only is the State Library of Victoria Australia’s oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world, it’s also one of the most beautiful! Pop in to peruse the literature, study to your hearts content or explore the 70,000 heritage items added to the collection each year!
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia. Founded in 1861, today the NGV holds the most significant collection of art in the region; a vast treasury of more than 70,000 works that span thousands of years and a wealth of ideas, disciplines and styles and not to be missed!
Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
ACMI is Australia’s national museum of film, TV, video games, digital culture and art — at the heart of Melbourne in Fed Square. Pop in to explore Australia’s premier moving image collection, free, interactive Screen Worlds exhibition and an ever-changing program of world class exhibitions.
Melbourne Museum
Step into the Melbourne Museum and you’ll see our natural environment, our cultures and our history through different perspectives. Learn about biology, history and culture in ways you never have before!
Heide Museum of Modern Art
Heide Museum of Modern Art began life in 1934 as the home of John and Sunday Reed and has since evolved into one of Australia’s most important cultural institutions. With almost 300 solo, group and thematic exhibitions of modern and contemporary art since becoming a public art museum in 1981, Heide is a must-see for all art enthusiasts!
Hosier Lane
Helping make Melbourne’s mark on the global art scene, the famous bluestone laneway is full of colours, characters and shapes designed and implemented by both local and international artists. Whether you’re into stencils, paste-ups, murals or installations, you’ll find plenty of each in Hosier lane.
Outdoors
A trip to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without some adventures in the great outdoors. Home to beautiful landscapes and amazing views, you don’t want to miss the beauties Melbourne has to offer by staying inside!
Great Ocean Road
Only an hour or so drive outside of Melbourne lies the start of the Great Ocean Road. See the towering 12 Apostles, get up close to native wildlife, and take in iconic surf breaks, pristine rainforest and misty waterfalls as you go. Get outdoors on bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking expeditions or take the cultural route through galleries, museums and heritage attractions. Admire the stunning coastline on the Great Ocean Walk, see koalas, emus and kangaroos at Tower Hill, and explore surf towns and inspiring seaside villages.
The Yarra River
The Yarra River is now the undisputed social heart of marvellous Melbourne. Enjoy the picturesque settings along the banks of the river which is home to events, parks, trails, fishing platforms, picnic spots and more. Flowing through Melbourne city, it’s hard to miss, and one you definitely shouldn’t!
Royal Botanic Gardens
For a beautiful, leisurely experience, take a stroll through Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Take some time out from the hustle and bustle of the CBD and visit Melbourne’s inner-city oasis with more than 8,500 plant species from around the world.
Ruckers Hill
Take a short walk up Ruckers Hill in Northcote to get one of the best views of Melbourne that the city has to offer. Take in the Melbourne skyline and the surrounding historical homes from your sweet vantage point at the top of the hill!
Wildlife
There’s more to Melbourne than just seeing the sights. Take some time to get to know the locals, in this case, the local animals! With a variety of zoos and sanctuaries dotted around, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to our friends in the animal kingdom!
Melbourne Zoo
With over 300 species from all around the world, Melbourne Zoo is a hive of animal activity. Head over to see majestic Asian Elephants, sleek Sumatran Tigers and Orang-utans swinging through the trees. Visit the Gorilla Rainforest, or see koalas and kangaroos in the Australian bush setting!
Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
If you’re more of an underwater fan, Sea Life Melbourne has you covered. Home to thousands of animals, including sharks, turtles, stingrays, sawfish, tropical fish and much, much more, you’ll have a whale of time exploring the great ocean and it’s residents.
Healesville Sanctuary
Healesville Sanctuary is one of Australia’s most loved tourist attractions and the best place in Victoria to see and interact with native Australian wildlife. Visit the koala, platypus, parrot, dingo and more for a true Aussie experience.
Werribee Open Range Zoo
Get up close and personal with the animals of the African savannah in their natural habitats. This massive open range zoo gives the animals the room to behave as they would in the wild, and gives you the opportunity to see wildlife from Africa, Asia, North America and Australia!
Shopping
If you were on holiday for a good old shopping spree, Melbourne is the place to be! With both contemporary goodies and vintage treasures around ever corner, you definitely won’t head home empty-handed!
The Block Arcade
The Block Arcade is a heritage shopping experience right in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Shop to your heart’s content while taking in the beautifully ornate architecture of the arcade’s magnificent shops and atrium.
Queen Victoria Market
At the Queen Victoria Market, there really is something for everyone. Wander the heritage sheds for an authentic local experience. Uncover a variety of clothing, jewellery and souvenirs, and taste the atmosphere of the meat, fish and deli halls.
Readings
If you’re looking for some quality reading material for the journey home, or for your next stop at the beach, you’ve come to the right place. Australia’s favourite bookstore is full of literary treasures for everyone.
Polyester Records
For all of your musical needs, Polyester Records is here to help. With one of the largest ranges of new vinyl LPs in Melbourne as well as CDs, tickets, DVDs and Books, look no further for your next favourite album!
Lost & Found Market
This huge market is full of hidden treasures for the vintage soul. Wander the huge market to find vintage furniture, lighting, art, fashion, books, records and bric-a-brac.
These are just a few of the many amazing things on offer in Melbourne. Whether you’re there to work, holiday or live, there’s something for everyone. Team CoLo is heading to Melbourne soon, so we’d love to know what your favourite places in Melbourne are — let us know in the comments, and enjoy exploring!
