Check out the top 20 list of things to do in Melbourne
Melbourne might not be the capital of Australia, but it is almost just as important, especially when we talk about finance, economics, sport, entertainment and tourism. It was founded to be the capital of the colony of Victoria, and grew out to be a significant city on the continent. It is often referred to as the “cultural capital” of Australia, as it is the birthplace of Australian impressionism, Australian rules football, the Australian film and television industries, and Australian contemporary dance. Many of the largest and oldest cultural institutions of Australia are located in this city, making its nickname quite fitting. Tourist attractions are just as abundant as you might think, so we have made a list of the top 20 things to do in Melbourne, so you don’t get overwhelmed with choices.
- City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram is probably one of the most convenient and fun ways to explore the city. It offers a free ride through the city which actually goes near a lot of the popular attractions. You can hop on and off nearly any time you want, but don’t forget to push the button to signal this. It can get a bit crowded during the busy tourist seasons, but if you wait for the next one then it will be better. It’s definitely one of the most enjoyable things to do in Melbourne.
2. Melbourne Cricket Ground
The Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the largest stadiums in the world, especially when it comes to cricket, the sport the Australians love so much. This stadium served as the centrepiece stadium of the 1956 Summer Olympics, the 2006 Commonwealth Games and two Cricket World Cups in 1992 and 2015, among many other sport events.
3. National Sports Museum
The National Sports Museum is located inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground. There are exhibits for sports such as cricket, Australian rules football, the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, tennis, rugby league, rugby union, soccer, basketball, boxing and netball. There’s also a racing section, and a Sports Hall of Fame. Sport lovers will definitely love this museum, so make sure to visit it.
4. Melbourne Zoo
As the oldest zoo in Australia, the Melbourne Zoo is also one of the most popural. It is home to more than 300 animal species, most of which are free to roam in areas that resemble their own natural habitats. The most popural animals for tourists are probably the native ones, like kangaroos, wallabies, platypuses, koalas and wombats, but there are many exotic and less exotic animals all around, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
5. Melbourne Museum
The Melbourne Museum is a natural and cultural history museum dedicated to educational purposes. The collection includes permanent and temporary exhibitions, and there are many different kinds at that. You can see skeletons and remains of prehistoric animals, preserve of a famous Australian racehorse, Aboriginal artifacts and many more concerning evolution, native animals and cultural history objects.
6. National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria is an art museum, and the oldest one in Australia. It features a large collection of both Australian and International art, making it very popular among citizens and tourists alike. Some of the most popular works of art include the largest stained-glass ceiling the world located in the Great Hall of the NGV, a Volkswagen Beetle molded into a sphere, and a taxidermied deer covered in glass and crystal beads.
7. Port Campbell National Park
While not exactly in Melbourne, the Port Campbell National Park is well worth the trip. This natural park is highly popular, as it provides a great way to experience the beauty of Australia. The most famous features include the Twelve Apostles rock formation, The Arch, London Bridge and a grotto, among others. Visitors may also spot koalas and kangaroos along the way. You should choose to go along the Great Ocean Road, as it offers a wonderful view of the scenery.
8. Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance was built in the memory of the Australians killed during World War I. The monument was inspired by famous Greek attractions like the Parthenon and the Acropolis and features several memorials and exhibitions, including the Gallipoli Memorial, The Forecourt (a World War II memorial housing the Eternal Flame) and the Remembrance Garden (commemorating soldiers of post-WWII conflicts).
9. State Library Victoria
The State Library Victoria is the central library of Melbourne. It holds over 2 million books and 16,000 serials, including the diaries of the city’s founders and the folios of Captain James Cook. The neoclassical architectural style of the building is just as impressive as its collection. It has numerous reading rooms, but students also like to come here when the weather is nice and just lay down in the grass while reading their educational books. The place is a must-see among the things to do in Melbourne for bookworms and enthusiasts.
10. Ned Kelly’s Armour
Ned Kelly was a very famous outlaw in Australia, “Robin Hood” figure to some, a vicious punk to others. His reputation only grew larger after his death, which is also shown by the keeping of his bullet-dented armour. Today, the remaining parts of it are kept in the State Library Victoria on display.
11. Block Arcade
The Block Arcade is a heritage shopping arcade in the central business district of the city. It has numerous boutiques, galleries and specialty food stores, but even if you don’t want to shop it’s well worth a visit, since its architectural style is magnificient, to say the least. The skylights, cast-iron details, mosaic floors and stained glass windows all make up a beautiful building, which is perfect for even just walking through it.
12. Royal Botanic Gardens
Located near the center of Melbourne is the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s a large park with a great collection of around 10 thousand different species of plants. There are both exotic and native plants in various exhibitions, and many statues, shaded benches, beautiful pathways and greenhouses.
13. Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley is famous for being one of the largest wine regions of Australia, with around 70 wineries and vineyards here. The main production is centered around high-quality chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wine, but these are not the only ones made here. Guided tours and samplings are available for visitors who come to this region.
14. Haunted Bookshop
This place might not be for everyone, as it may seem quite eccentric, but if you believe or are interested in the occult and ghosts, then the Haunted Bookshop of Melbourne is just for you. Books here focus on topics such as Magic, Witchcraft, Satanism, Divination, Tarot, Ghosts, Vampires and Aliens. It’s an interesting place even if you don’t believe in these kinds of things.
15. Wunderkammer
The Wunderkammer of Melbourne is both a retail store and a small museum of sorts. The collection includes antique botanical prints, anatomical models, specimens preserved in vintage glass canisters, fossils, medical instruments, and insects mounted in hand blown specimen domes, some of which are buyable while others are only for display.
16. Melbourne Storm Tunnels
Constructed seperately from the sewer system, the Melbourne Storm Tunnels are a very big and long series of tunnels under Melbourne. Urban explorers and graffiti artists flock the place regularly to either explore the maze-like tunnel system, or to have parties and make graffiti art. Be warned that the place can be dangerous, and it’s not for the claustrophobic or those who are afraid of the dark and large insects.
17. Old Melbourne Gaol
The Old Melbourne Gaol might not be for those who are easily disturbed, as it is an old jail that seen through over a hundred hangings and executions, including that of the infamous Ned Kelly, the outlaw. His skull was kept here for a long time, but it has been stolen away unfortunately. A museum was established here that shows the history of the jail and the criminals kept here. Interactive exhibitions show these, and while the skull is not here anymore, the death mask of Ned Kelly can still be seen.
18. Flinders Street railway station
Flinders Street railway station is the cenrtral metropolitan railway station of Melbourne. It serves at least 100 thousand travelers a day, and occupies two blocks with its large and beautiful building. It has been a cultural icon of the city ever since its foundation, and for a good reason, as its architectural style is worth a visit.
19. Gaunt’s Clock
Gaunt’s Clock is located at the Royal Arcade shopping center. It is famous and popular due to the two statues standing on its two sides, the statues of the mythic figures Gog and Magog. The clock itself shows the time while the two mechanical figures hit the chimes with their arms, signaling the time.
20. Coop’s Shot Tower
Coop’s Shot Tower is the same as any shot tower built to produce bullets, but it is actually not as normal as others. It was saved from demolition a few decades ago, and was subsequently enclosed in a giant cone of black steel and glass, built around the tower. It’s especially beautiful from the inside, while looking up. A museum was also established inside, focusing on its history.
