15 Lookouts for the Best Views of Melbourne
Scout Out the Best Views of Melbourne City Skylines
As a major cultural hub, you can get lost in the sights within Melbourne City, from famous graffiti laneways and classic Fitzroy architecture to Carlton Gardens and Sydney Road in Brunswick. But if you're looking to take it all in from afar, this city has tons of secret (and not-so-secret) spots to view Melbourne in all her magnificence.
While Melbourne's terrain is relatively level, its city skyline is anything but. Whether you're an early riser, here for the day, or a night owl who loves that glitter and glow, there's a view for everyone at any time of day for breath-taking panoramas.
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Eureka Skydeck: A Classic View in Melbourne
At Eureka Skydeck, you can see Melbourne from 88 floors up! Eureka Skydeck provides the highest vantage point for the greatest views of Melbourne any time of day, but it particularly shines at night. You will ascend using the Southern Hemisphere's quickest elevator (285 metres in under 38 seconds!). Eureka Tower was the tallest residential structure in the world when it was first constructed in 2006. Still, it wouldn't be fair if only renters could take in the amazing views. Fortunately, Melbourne's 360-degree Skydeck opened in May 2007 on the 88th floor. Those looking for a thrill can step out onto The Edge, a 3m glass cube suspended 300m above Southbank. It doesn't get much better than this vantage point, where, on a clear day, you can see sites up to 75 kilometres away. Eureka Skydeck is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
Royal Park, Parkville
This destination has a lot of greenery to contrast the distant concrete jungle, which makes the hill beside the Royal Park an excellent vantage point for views over the city. The Native Grasslands Circle in Royal Park, located close by behind the Royal Children's Hospital, also provides a lesser-known observation spot, making you feel like you're on even footing with it. You can even hear the roars and noises from all the critters at Melbourne Zoo, depending on the day and the time!
Albert Park Lake
Head over to Albert Park Lakeside Lookout for a pleasing view not far from the CBD. Visit Albert Park, famous for hosting the Australian Grand Prix. It contains a large lake surrounded by beautifully designed gardens and walking routes. From here, you may snag a stunning sight of Melbourne's cityscape. There are also plenty of swans and birdlife that contribute to those perfect Instagrammable moments.
100 Steps of Federation, Altona Meadows
For an incredible panoramic view of Melbourne's skyline and full harbour, head to Truganina Park, where The 100 Steps to Federation will take you to the highest point of land between the You Yangs and the city. The '100 Steps to Federation' goes to the summit of the 17m high hill that was previously the Altona Tip. The stone staircase is built of basalt rock recovered from when the region was a clean-fill tip. An isolated and quiet spot, the serenity creates the perfect backdrop to a sunrise yoga session or a romantic sunset walk. Grab your camera to capture reflections off the water or storms rolling in from a distance over the verdant hills, wetlands, or salt flats to the west. Getting here is about a 30-minute drive from the city and easily one of the best views of the city's skyline.
Rialto Towers
The Rialto Towers have been a feature of Melbourne's skyline for a very long time, with the observation deck opening to the public in 1994. The North Tower is 185 metres tall, while the South Tower is 251 metres tall, making it the seventh-tallest structure in Australia. Open from 10 am, we highly recommend waiting until dinnertime to enjoy the sights. Then, you can swing by Lui Bar for a chic drink and glittering city views (and always drink responsibly when hiring a GoGet!).
The Bolte Bridge
Depending on the occasion, the Bolte Bridge has different lighting! Although you can't access the Bolte Bridge on foot, if you book a GoGet, we suggest driving over it to get a brief shot of Melbourne out the window. Thanks to the countless lights that are arranged along the structure, this Melbourne landmark takes on a new appearance at night. You can climb one of the piers close to the Victoria Harbour Promenade to get a glimpse of the Bolte Bridge in all its splendour during the evening.
Shrine of Remembrance
All Australians who have served in wars for the country are honoured at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne. Explore its sombre halls and climb to the balcony for a stunning perspective of Melbourne across the lush Kings Domain lawns. The Shrine has solemn rooms and exhibits depicting Australia's role in war and peacekeeping throughout history. The Shrine's outside balcony outlook is ideal for some reflective peace. It provides a beautiful landscape of the Melbourne skyline. The good news is that this is one of Melbourne's free activities, so you don't have to spend a fortune!
Birrarung Marr
While taking pictures of the skyline from Birrarung Marr, why not pack a picnic and set up a wonderful lunch spot? Birarrung Marr, an urban park north of the Yarra River and close to Federation Square, is an ideal place to take in the greatest views of Melbourne. The city's business sector can be seen majestically from the park itself. There is a hill near Birrarung Marr (famous for the summer festival season) that you can climb to view the river and the high-rise buildings surrounding the park.
Gem Pier, Williamstown
Williamstown is the location of the city's earliest maritime heritage and one of Port Phillip Bay's busiest ports. Gem Pier also offers some of the city's most picturesque vistas and barbeque and picnic areas. Want to capture the sheer magnificence of Melbourne's skyline? Gem Pier can be found in Williamstown, which is a short drive across the West Gate Bridge. HMAS Castlemaine, a museum and Heritage Honour Ship, is housed on the old pier. By dusk, we advise you to stroll down the dock and take in Melbourne's twinkling, stunning views in all her glory.
St Kilda Pier
On a clear day or a warm evening (or any time really), head to St Kilda Pier, the primary place to experience waterside views, salty air, and rooftop bars with sunset views (dolphins majestically jumping subject to weather). The charming penguin parade that takes place at twilight is the major attraction at this famous Melbournian pier, or you can rollerblade along the promenade before soaking up the sun on a rooftop bar like The Esplanade (but always drink responsibly when driving a GoGet and be sure to take your favourite designated driver!).
Brighton Pier & Brighton Beach
Visit Brighton Pier and bring your furry friends along for the fun. Brighton Pier is a local favourite for its picture-perfect views of Melbourne. Since the pier is close to the Bay Trail, biking and swimming, plenty can fill your day here. Stroll down to the breakwater and enjoy some fish and chips while seeing the Melbourne cityscape from a distance. Visitors and residents alike are drawn to Brighton's Dendy Street Beach because of the 82 brightly coloured bathing huts. Still, the view opposite them will give you a fresh view of Melbourne's skyline. One of the greatest spots to spend a hot New Year's Eve night is at this panoramic skyline view of Melbourne, which is free to enjoy in contrast to the beach boxes (which cost roughly $200,000 to buy!).
Ruckers Hill, Northcote
If you're in or heading north of the city, then enjoy this majestic vista atop Ruckers Hill in Northcote. Park on High Street and take a leisurely stroll up Ruckers Hill, where you can see a more unique view of the Melbourne skyline from this vantage point. Ruckers Hill is also a go-to New Year's Eve site for people wishing to witness fireworks.
SkyHigh, Mount Dandenong
At SkyHigh, you can escape the bustle of the city and take in an amazing perspective over Melbourne. Spend your next day in Melbourne enjoying nature and chowing down on some bistro fare at SkyHigh on Mount Dandenong. You and your family can have a beautiful picnic outside or go into the restaurant to gaze out of the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the horizon! On a clear day, the metropolitan skyline, the Mornington Peninsula, Port Phillip Bay, and the You Yangs to the west can all be seen from Mount Dandenong's SkyHigh, which overlooks the eastern suburbs. Afterwards, navigate the hedge maze, stroll through the English Garden, go hiking, or find the Wishing Tree and Percy Possum's House while you are there.
Burkes Lookout, Mount Dandenong
There are many lookouts in the Dandenongs, which is good news for explorers and nature lovers. Burkes Lookout requires a nearly ideal day to see a breath-taking view. However, when the suburbs are completely lit up at night, and the city can be made out in the distance, we believe Melbourne at night is one experience you can't miss from this location.
Melbourne Hot Air Balloon
Okay, this one is a bit of a cheat, but why not soar above Melbourne with an incredible bird's eye view in a hot air balloon? By reserving a unique hot air balloon ride, you can elevate your experience of the Melbourne sunrise (pun intended). As you float through the crisp morning air, brace yourself for unprecedented 360-degree sights of both urban and rural surroundings. Flying over the Yarra River, the Australian Tennis Centre, and the enormous MCG can all be seen. We advise booking a hot air balloon ride with breakfast so you can enjoy it as soon as you arrive if you're travelling with someone special.
Suppose you're after the best view of the city. In that case, any one of the destinations on this list will tick the box, and travelling in your GoGet will make the journey that much more enjoyable, eliminating stress and giving you the freedom to fully immerse yourself in the region. Looking for more to do around Melbourne? Check out our list of Best Things To Do in Melbourne or Best Day Trips from Melbourne.
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