Are you planning on taking a trip to Melbourne, Australia and aren’t sure what to do while you are there? With so many great options, it can be difficult to narrow it down to fit them all into your visit.
Keep reading for a list of the top things to do in Melbourne, and get the most out of your trip!
1. Make a Visit to Flinders Street Station and Federation Square
Flinders Street Station was opened in 1910 and is a cultural symbol of Melbourne. This building is on the Victorian heritage registry and featured on many postcards and brochures for tourists.
Flinders Street Station is Australia’s busiest train station and also has delicious food options and some quaint stores for shopping. Across the street from Flinders Street Station is Federation Square, another icon in Melbourne.
Federation Square has a unique architectural design that makes it visually fascinating and is a center for the arts and public events. There are many bars and cafes that you can choose from while taking a break from visiting the Ian Potter Center, Koorie Heritage Trust or ACMI located in this area.
2. Port Campbell National Park
Located outside of Melbourne is Port Campbell National Park. Home to the stunning rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles, you will want to make sure you have your camera at hand for some amazing photography opportunities.
Along the cliffs, you will be able to see not only the Twelve Apostles but other natural formations known as the London Arch, the Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge and The Grotto. After some time at the main viewing platform and other attractions, take a drive down the Great Ocean Road for more amazing views of the coastline and national park.
There are also plenty of different plant species and wild animals to enjoy seeing throughout the park, such as koalas and emus, and spider orchids or the coast daisy bush.
3. State Library Victoria
For those who enjoy history and architecture, the State Library Victoria is a must-see stop during your trip to Melbourne. The library was built in 1856 on two acres of land in the business district and houses many different historical artifacts, archives, books, and rare children’s books.
The exterior architecture of the building features neoclassical details such as stone columns while the interior has the famously octagonal-shaped La Trobe Reading Room.
To see the entirety of the library and learn some interesting information on its history, you can take a free tour. Some tours are offered daily or only on certain days, so do your research ahead of time and plan accordingly.
If you would like a comfortable stay near this iconic library, check out these apartment options!
3. The Block Arcade
The Block Arcade is home to art galleries, shopping boutiques, and gourmet food stores that are housed inside a stunning architectural building. The interior of the building has stained glass windows, beautiful cast iron detailing, skylights and mosaic tile flooring.
This grandiose building has a relaxed, inviting atmosphere that will have you wanting to spend lots of time sampling the different food options and marveling at all the fine details.
4. Melbourne Museum
The Melbourne Museum is a natural and cultural history museum. There are plenty of exhibits that range in information from dinosaur skeletons to a collection of Aboriginal artifacts.
This museum is perfect for families traveling with younger children because there are plenty of interesting exhibits to look at. The museum also has an outdoor playground which is a perfect way to end the visit.
You can also access the museum by riding the City Circle Tram, a hop-on-hop-off style tram that allows you to see the whole city. The tram departs every 12 minutes from Flinders Street Station but you can mount or dismount at any point along its route.
5. Melbourne Zoo
Animal lovers must add the Melbourne Zoo to their list of things to do in Melbourne. This zoo is the oldest one in Australia having opened in 1862.
There are more than 300 different species that reside here and most roam freely within their areas. There are many native Australian species at the Melbourne Zoo, such as platypuses, koalas, kangaroos, and wombats.
To learn more information about the animals that live here, you can join in one of the talks given by the animal keepers.
6. Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens were founded in the mid-1800s and cover roughly 94 acres of well-groomed land. There are many different collections of plants that highlight the native Australian plant species, and some that are rare or in threat of dying out.
Spend some time here walking the many pathways admiring the plants and garden statues, reading or having a picnic lunch. There is also a children’s garden and hands-on activities for those who may be visiting with children.
7. Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance was built in 1924 to honor the 19,000 people who gave their lives during World War I. There are several different monuments that were inspired by the Parthenon and Acropolis in Greece as well as a Remembrance Garden where fallen soldiers from other wars are honored.
There are also several military exhibits located inside the shrine. This attraction is a somber experience and will give you an understanding of the role Australia played in these wars.
There are hour-long tours available for more information about the shrine. You can also visit the second-floor balcony for a great view of downtown Melbourne’s skyline.
8. Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley is the Melbourne area’s most well-known wine region. There are 70 different wineries located here with several different wine tours for you to choose from and taste the many different varieties of wines offered in this region.
The Yarra Valley is about 40 minutes northeast of Melbourne and you can travel by car or join a wine tour that has a transfer service to and from the city.
Learn More About Things to Do in Melbourne Today!
These are just some of the many great things to do in Melbourne for you and your family. So pack your bags, grab your passport and get ready for a trip you won’t forget!
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