Melbourne is well-known for its cafes, restaurants, and sporting events — but there is much more on offer. Today, Melbourne is a global tourist hotspot with lots of amazing things to see and do for people of all ages. Let’s check out 10 of the top places to visit in Melbourne.
- Chadstone — The Fashion Capital
- Melbourne Museum
- Melbourne Skydeck
- Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
- Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
- Old Melbourne Gaol
- Yarra River
- Chinatown
- City Circle Tram
- Melbourne Zoo
Chadstone — The Fashion Capital
Less than 30 minutes away from the Melbourne CBD, Chadstone Shopping Centre is a great place to experience unparalleled shopping, entertainment, and dining. As the largest shopping centre in Australia in both size and number of shops, there’s a lot to do, see, and experience.
Dine in style at Cinque Terra or enjoy a craft beer at the Urban Alley Brewing Co. Explore the latest fashion trends at Tom Ford, or maybe find your new workout gear at Rebel. With over 500 stores and 70 dining options, you’ll have no shortage of eateries to try and things to buy.
It’s no surprise that Chadstone Shopping Centre hosts close to 26 million visitors per year. Plus, get an even better deal for your spending dollar with the Chadstone Shopping Centre Tourist Shopping Passport.
For an extended stay, it’s worth considering Hotel Chadstone Melbourne — MGallery Collection, which is only a walking distance away.
Melbourne Museum
Visitors to Melbourne love the Melbourne Museum, located close to the State Library and Fitzroy Gardens in Carlton. Here, you can immerse yourself in the history of Melbourne and Australia, while also gaining an insight into Australia’s indigenous culture. Set your curiosity free to wander among the exhibits and check out special events and exhibitions. From Dinosaurs to Dandenong, Melbourne Museum brings the past to life.
Melbourne Skydeck
Put your best foot forward at Melbourne Skydeck, situated at the top of Eureka Tower, the world’s tallest residential skyscraper. Located 300 metres above ground level, with incredible Melbourne views, Melbourne Skydeck is the perfect way to see the sights from above. If you are feeling brave, you can walk on the Edge, a glass cube that projects from the Skydeck, 88 floors above the city. Additional Skydeck attractions include the VR Plank and the Voyager Theatre.
MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
Located in the sporting capital of Australia, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is an iconic stadium famous around the world. Sports fans visit the MCG as a rite of passage to watch the AFL or international cricket. Since its establishment as the Melbourne Cricket Club in 1838, the MCG has been a breeding ground for countless Australian sporting heroes and is well worth a visit to soak up the heady atmosphere.
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Located next to the Yarra River and close to the CBD is SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Here you can see some of the world’s most amazing animals, including adorable penguins and incredible tropical fish. Visitor options include the Jelly Lab Experience where you get to go behind the scenes and meet mysterious underwater creatures. Or take the Penguin Passport Tour for an up-close look at these beautiful creatures. At SEA LIFE, you can make discoveries, feed the animals, and enjoy Melbourne’s only underwater dining experience. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is a family-friendly favourite. For even more fun and savings, consider a ticket bundle offer with SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.
Old Melbourne Gaol
Close to the city centre, Old Melbourne Gaol is an alternative experience for the brave. Here, you can uncover the chilling history of Victoria’s oldest surviving prison. Explore the old Melbourne Gaol, the Old Magistrates Court, and the City Watch House. Special tours (not for the faint-hearted) include The ‘Ghosts? What Ghosts! Tour’, ‘Hangman’s Night Tour’, and Éscape Artists Tour’.
Yarra River
The Yarra River is a favourite Melbourne playground with lots to see and do. You can take a river explorer cruise from Southbank, follow the Capital City Trail beside the Yarra on foot or bike, or kayak through the 240-kilometre expanse to explore urban and regional sights. The Yarra River is the backdrop for special Melbourne events such as the Moomba Festival, and it is front and centre for rowing regattas and the Dragon Boat Festival. The banks of the Yarra are a great place to kick back and enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
Chinatown
Historic Chinatown showcases the best of Melbourne’s multicultural character. Chinatown in Melbourne dates back to the gold rush days of the 1850s and is the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the Western world. Check out Chinatown’s historic buildings and the Chinese Museum, where you can discover historic artefacts and join the Finding Gold experience. If the timing is right, make sure to catch the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Melbourne Chinese New Year Festival.
City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram, specially introduced for the convenience of tourists, is a great way to see the sights in an iconic Melbourne way. This free tram runs along a CBD circuit with views of major Melbourne attractions and is perfect for families. You can hop on and off at any of the stops, and the ride includes an informative running commentary about the Melbourne sights. This is a budget-friendly way to see historic landmarks, get your bearings stress-free, and learn more about this amazing city.
Melbourne Zoo
A visit to Melbourne won’t feel complete without a trip to Melbourne Zoo, located a short distance from the CBD at Parkville. A special place, Melbourne Zoo is a not-for-profit organisation in partnership with local communities, conservationists, and Zoo supporters. It’s time to get up close and personal with kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and other Aussie wildlife wonders, along with majestic favourite animals from around the world. For a special treat, you can camp out under the stars swag-style for an overnight Melbourne Zoo experience.
What are some other top Melbourne attractions?
There’s so much more to do in Melbourne. History buffs can visit the Shrine of Remembrance, art lovers can head to the Ian Potter Centre art gallery, and for deeper immersion into Aboriginal culture, the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Carlton is highly recommended. Pass time checking out CBD street art or mingle at heritage-listed Flinders Street Station. The options are endless in Melbourne.
Where should I visit outside of Melbourne?
Australia is a playground to enjoy from top to bottom. Closer to Melbourne, the penguin parade on Phillip Island is hugely popular, as are Victoria’s wineries. Further afield, you can explore the majestic Dandenong Ranges, visit an authentic gold rush town, and much more. Melbourne is your gateway to the best Australia has to offer.
