10 Things You Must Do in Melbourne
When it came to all the cities my dad and I visited in Australia, Melbourne was without a doubt my favorite.
This city has a distinct flavor to it: the colorful skylines, booming modernization, lively atmosphere…
Flinder’s Street in Melbourne; January 2019
Near the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne; January 2019
Watching the sunset from our hotel room near the South Wharf in Melbourne; January 2019
Walking back towards the Central Business district in Melbourne; January 2019
… it’s a really special city.
I knew immediately upon landing that we would find ourselves in an exceptional place on Earth.
Landing in Melbourne from Perth; January 2019
Where Should I Stay in Melbourne?
We stayed right near the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre near the South Wharf, and we found it made for a great central location to explore the city.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Melbourne?
We stayed in Melbourne for 2 nights, but we could’ve easily kept ourselves occupied with 3 full days and nights. I think the bare minimum for Melbourne should be 2 full days, but to do the city justice – you should consider staying for 3 days and nights.
Top 10 Things to Do in Melbourne
Here are some things you should be sure to do while you’re there:
1. Go down to Luna Park
We didn’t go in, but I still wanted to see it. Did you know that the world’s oldest roller coaster resides at Melbourne’s Luna Park?
If you want to do what we did, and just take a glance – there are places to grab a bite nearby. There’s an incredible plant-based placed to eat called Matcha Mylk Bar right outside of Luna Park.
Outside Matcha Mylk Bar in Melbourne near Luna Park; January 2019
Does Melbourne Have Good Food?
Yes, the food in Melbourne is amazing! We found all of the food in Australia to be fresh and tasty, but Melbourne is especially known for its coffee and cuisine.
Melbourne is a city for foodies… be sure to eat while you’re here.
Food is a big part of the culture in Melbourne.
Aussies in Melbourne take their coffee very seriously, and at times - artistically.
Matcha burger in Melbourne; January 2019
Vegan Eggs Benedict!
2. Stroll through the Shrine of Remembrance
This park gave off major Central Park vibes with the massive greenery and skyscrapers peeking through the trees.
This view from the Shrine of Remembrance made me think I was in Manhattan’s Central Park, for a second!
3. Explore the South Wharf
The South Wharf in Melbourne; January 2019
This is near the Central Business District of the city (otherwise, the CBD – what Aussie’s call ‘downtown’), so you’ll be in the middle of all the action here. There are dozens of picturesque bars to have a drink alongside the water here while you take in the skyscrapers still under construction surrounding you.
The South Wharf in Melbourne; January 2019
The South Wharf in Melbourne; January 2019
What Should I Do in The South Wharf in Melbourne?
Things to do at the South Wharf in Melbourne include:
Seafarers Bridge: This is a nice little footbridge if you want to take some pictures of this neighborhood in Melbourne, get good views, and soak in the atmosphere.
South Wharf Promenade: An unbearably cute boardwalk-style promenade with a wide-variety of trendy, youthful, and bright restaurants and bars to check out. Perfect if you want to immerse yourself with the rest of the Melbourne natives.
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre: Very close to where my dad and I were staying in Melbourne, you may want to check out if there are any interesting events going on at the city’s convention center while you’re in town.
Melbourne Skydeck: Eureka Tower, home to the city’s primary observation deck, stands at a staggering 300 meters (or almost 1,000 feet) above the ground – making it the perfect spot to get a 360° view of Melbourne.
4. Check out the Arts Centre
Melbourne is the epitome of the adjective, ‘artsy’. Thus, they have several modern art museums to check out…
The skyscrapers in Melbourne are beyond innovative.
… but the best exhibits you’ll see willprobably be free while you’re walking the town.
Some of the modern art museums you may want to check out while in Melbourne include:
The Heide Museum of Modern Art
The Australian Centre For Contemporary Art
The Lyon Housemuseum
5. Discover the Awesome Graffiti on Hoiser Lane
I hadn’t heard of this graffiti street before coming to Melbourne, but I’m sure glad the hotel reception told us to not miss it.
The graffiti on Hoiser Lane in Melbourne; January 2019
Of all the places I’ve been to with well-known graffiti walls (like Tel Aviv and Belfast), this one was by far the coolest and most impressive.
This spray painting of SpongeBob on Hoiser Lane blew me away!
6. Admire the Architecture in City Square
Melbourne does an amazing job of introducing new, modernized buildings while still preserving the old ones. There are moments in Melbourne that you’ll feel like you’re walking in a European city.
One of those places is in City Square.
City Square in Melbourne; Janaury 2019
7. Buy a Ticket to see the Old Jail
Now, we all know how bored I get when it comes to museums – but this one is interactive. They take you inside and treat you like a prisoner; it’s amusing for all ages.
Outside the Old Melbourne Jail; January 2019
Not to mention, you’ll have to convince yourself that you’re not wearing technicolor glasses when you witness the skyline that resides outside the exhibit.
View of the rose-colored skyline outside of the Old Melbourne Jail; January 2019
Is It Worth Buying a Ticket to The Old Melbourne Gaol?
As someone who is usually isn’t phased by museums, I say yes – it’s worth going to the The Old Melbourne Gaol, as it’s fun and only costs around $38 AUD (or $25 USD).
8. Take a Day Trip to Drive Great Ocean Road
Unfortunately, my dad and I didn’t get the chance to do this on our first trip Down Under. All of my Aussie friends that are native to Melbourne tell me it’s one of the most gorgeous coastal drives in the world – and while it would be a full day, it’s possible to do Great Ocean Road as a day trip from Melbourne.
If you’re there, and like scenic drives, this is probably something you should be putting on your list. I know it’s on mine, for the next time I’m in Melbourne.
9. Explore Docklands
One of the men at our hotel’s reception told us that Melbourne is growing like there’s no tomorrow.
It’s true.
He told me to go down to Docklands and take a picture of the new, funky buildings and all of the current construction so I can compare my photos when I return one day.
Near Docklands in Melbourne; January 2019
Melbourne has the most unique and modernized architecture I have ever seen.
10. Eat at Queen Victoria’s Market
Like I mentioned earlier, it’s compulsory that you eat while you’re in Melbourne, as they’ve won awards for their coffee and their food.
One of the best places to do this is at Queen Victoria’s Market.
Is Queen Victoria’s Market in Melbourne Worth Seeing?
Yes, Queen Victoria’s Market shouldn’t be missed while you’re in Melbourne – as it’s opprotunity to try some of the city’s amazing food with its unique, colorful city views.
If you go in the summertime like I did, it’ll be packed, but it’s absolutely worth seeing.
The views alone from the market will put you in a luminescent trance.
A picture of me happily falling in love with the vibrant nature of Queen Victoria’s Market in Melbourne; January 2019
Anything you want to eat, is there. My dad and I opted for pierogis and lemonade.
House made lemonade and Polish street food from Queen Victoria’s Market; January 2019
The market is predominantly food based; but there are still clothes and other pieces of artworks to peruse in the hall.
It’s the perfect place to get a non-touristy Aussie souvenir – I bought a koala t-shirt that reminds me of my trip every time I wear it.
I hope this gave you an idea of things you should do while you’re in Melbourne. If you’re looking for other things to do in Australia; click here.
Last updated: June 6, 2025