Historic attractions, breathtaking galleries, natural abundance — Melbourne has it all! Whether you’re a culture vulture, a culinary connoisseur, a sports, or an outdoor enthusiast, this city appeals to every taste.
The team at Show Me Melbourne are thrilled to call this city home and is deeply passionate about sharing its wonders through our Melbourne Day Tours. If it’s your first time visiting, we understand it can be a bit overwhelming to get your bearings and choose what to visit.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to the top 10 things to do in Melbourne, including everything from tours of the Melbourne Cricket Ground to day trips to the 12 Apostles. Read below to start planning your itinerary, or feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our tours.
Cruise the Yarra River
Coursing through Melbourne, the Yarra River is an iconic natural landmark of the city. It flows for over 200 kilometres and has cultural and spiritual significance for Aboriginal people. In Melbourne, it has formed a quintessential part of the skyline, with the city having developed around its rushing waters.
An unmissable experience is enjoying a boat ride on the Yarra River, where you’ll get to admire the city from a unique perspective. Whether you take a journey by steamboat, picnic boat, or even a water bike, the sightseeing is unmatched on a river cruise.
Tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is at the centre of Australia’s sporting culture. It’s the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere and the 11th largest in the world. But for Australians, it’s a place of heritage. Since it was opened in 1853, it has served as the home of Australian football and the birthplace of test cricket. You can catch a match here, or even tour the Australian Sports Museum located on its grounds.
If you want a full immersion into Australian sports, then our Melbourne Sports Lovers Walking Tour will be just for you as we tour the Melbourne Cricket Ground and see more iconic locations!
Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a lush oasis in the heart of the city. Spanning 38 hectares on the banks of the Yarra River, the gardens are home to over 8,500 plant species from around the world!
You can take a stroll through the gardens admiring its vast collection of rare Australian species, cycads, cacti, and more. There are also plenty of idyllic picnic spots, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy a relaxing day in the city.
Admire the Art at the National Gallery of Victoria
Cultural connoisseurs will relish a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria. The gallery is home to an incredible collection of 75,000 artworks, spanning centuries, destinations, and mediums. One of the best ways to experience this vast treasury of art is on one of the many free guided tours, which cover a variety of themes and topics.
If you want a deep dive into Australian art, then the Ian Potter Centre is a must-visit. Forming part of the National Gallery of Victoria but in a separate building, this centre exhibits Indigenous art, sculpture, photography, and fashion.
Go on a Melbourne Hidden Bar Crawl
Melbourne has an underground bar scene like no other. The city is speckled with hidden bars and speakeasies that each have their own distinct character and drink selection. However, finding these hidden bars may be a challenge! That’s why our Melbourne Hidden Bar Walking Tour provides an excellent way of uncovering these secret gems. We’ll visit three of the best-hidden bars in the city, sip on cocktails, and learn more about the stories behind these clandestine locales.
Browse the Queen Victoria Market
Operating since 1878, the Queen Victoria Market has been Melbourne’s go-to destination for the freshest produce and newest goods for over a century. There are over 600 small businesses in the market, offering everything from specialty foods to clothing and art. You’ll meet farmers, artisans, designers, and chefs who are passionate about sharing their vocation and love of Melbourne. You can expect to walk out of here with bags full of items!
Elevate Your View at the Melbourne Skydeck
For the best views in the city, the Melbourne Skydeck is the place to be. It’s not only Melbourne’s highest sky deck but the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere! The skydeck is located on level 88 of the Eureka Tower, standing nearly 300 metres above the ground. At the Skydeck, you can admire the views across the city, grab a drink from Bar 88, or stand on the Edge, a glass cube that suspends you in the air!
Take a Day Trip to the 12 Apostles
While not in Melbourne, the 12 Apostles make for an unmissable day trip from the city. These phenomenal coastal formations are a landmark of Victoria. If you take the Great Ocean Road, the drive is 4.5 hours, however, you can take a quicker inland route if you’re short on time. You can check out our Great Ocean Road Guide to Stops and Must-See Sights to plan your trip.
On your arrival, you can take a short walk to the lookout points where you’ll be astounded by the scene before you. Over hundreds of years, the powerful ocean has eroded the limestone sea stacks, creating a breathtaking vista. If the 12 Apostles is on your bucket list but you’d prefer not to drive, you can join our Great Ocean Road Tour!
Shop Until You Drop at Chadstone Shopping Centre
One of the largest shopping malls in the Southern Hemisphere, the Chadstone Shopping Centre will have you browsing and buying for hours. With over 550 stores to choose from, including boutiques, high-end fashion outlets, and shops for everyday needs, you can find everything you want here. There are also plenty of restaurants and eateries to choose from, as well as fun for the whole family with a LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, bowling, and mini golf!
Take a Ride in the Arthurs Seat Eagle
For a truly unparalleled perspective of Melbourne, you can take a ride in the Arthurs Seat Eagle! Located in Arthurs Seat an hour south of Melbourne, the Eagle gondola system takes you to the summit of Arthurs Seat, at about 300 metres high, in just 15 minutes! From here, you can see across Port Phillip Bay and all the way to Melbourne.
Discover More of Melbourne with Our Tours
This list of the top things to do in Melbourne is just the beginning! So much more of the city awaits, from incredible dining spots to historic attractions. To start your journey exploring the Victorian capital, check out our Melbourne Day Tours, where we uncover everything from history and architecture to culture highlights. If you have any questions about our excursions or would like to arrange your tour, feel free to contact us.
