Top 10 Tourist Attractions Near Melbourne
Melbourne is a seaside metropolis with a multicultural feel, and it’s no wonder it’s been voted most liveable city numerous times.
It is simple to understand why it is regarded as Australia's cultural centre. Melbourne is home to natural preserves, museums, parks, and galleries. There is a tonne of intriguing architecture, from Victorian buildings to modern creations and it the undisputed winner for an Aussie city worth exploring due to its fantastic food, nightlife, shopping, and sports. It's also not necessary to be a visitor to Melbourne to appreciate these well-liked attractions. When you reside in a city, you usually steer clear of the well-known tourist traps and attractions in favour of off-the-beaten-path attractions like secret gardens or hidden pubs. And although many tourist sites are just money pits, others are well-liked by visitors for good reason.
For this reason, we've compiled a list of 10 experiences that represent Melbourne's greatest qualities and, in our opinion, are worth your time.
1. Eureka Skydeck
The tallest observation deck in all of Melbourne, Eureka Tower, is located right in the middle of the city. This is the only location that is well worth a visit if you want to get a broad perspective of the city. You will use one of the twin elevators when you visit to get to the top where you can travel all the way from the first floor to the 88th floor in less than 40 seconds. You can choose to trade The Edge's thrills for the Skydeck's scenic vistas if you're feeling very daring. The Edge is a glass square that offers unmatched vistas from every aspect, with the floor being completely clear.
Observe the city's lights glitter as the sun slowly sinks below the horizon at sunset for breath-taking vistas of the city both during the day and at night.
2. Federation Square
Melburnians were split when Federation Square, built in 2002 to mark the 100th anniversary of federation, opened. Both those who liked it and people who loathed it existed. In any case, "Fed Square" has grown to be a significant element of the city, a favourite gathering area, and a fantastic venue for visitors to begin their sightseeing. Fed Square is unmistakable and is situated in front of Flinders Street Station. The building's ultra-modern layout of open and enclosed sections contrasts sharply with the Victorian architecture in the neighbourhood. Here, live entertainment draws both residents and visitors. You can always find a show or festival to enjoy in the primary outdoor performance space and quaint interior venues thanks to the more than 2,000 events held each year. Additionally, there are several restaurants and cafés in this area. Another reason to visit Federation Square is the abundance of museums and art galleries. Australian art is the focus of the Ian Potter Center. Intriguing interactive exhibits on screen culture (movies, television, videos, and art) are presented by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), and the Koorie Heritage Trust presents artwork, photos, and artefacts created by the Koorie Aboriginal people, who are native to regions of Victoria and New South Wales. The best part is that admission to these institutions is free. The largest free internet zone in Australia is also located in Fed Square Go to Federation Square if you want to experience Melbourne's heart and soul. The best area to people watch is in this popular gathering spot, where many residents congregate
3. Melbourne Zoo
The Melbourne Zoo is located in the city's Parkville neighbourhood. The animals in this zoo are unique because they are housed in natural habitats that were created more for the comfort of the animals rather than for the enjoyment of visitors. Don't miss the Wild Sea Exhibit, where you can get up close and personal with penguins and seals. The baboon viewpoint, a breathtaking location where you may search for the members of a sizable baboon family, is also remarkable. Animal enthusiasts will find lots to appreciate at the 22-hectare Melbourne Zoo, from large cats to butterflies. Despite the zoo's 1862 founding, it is only five minutes from the Melbourne CBD and houses more than 250 different types of animals in contemporary enclosures. The acclaimed Trail of the Elephants offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the local Asian elephants in a picturesque rural garden. The Orangutan Sanctuary, where the creatures reside in their treetop habitat, is another noteworthy location. Along a bush route, you may also meet your favourite Australian wildlife, such as kangaroos, koalas, and emus. Additionally, it plans certain cutting-edge activities like twilight concerts and "roar and snore" wild encounters. It is one of the most fascinating zoos in the world, performs significant conservation initiatives, such as breeding and recovery efforts for endangered animals, and is well worth a visit any day of the year.
4. National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria is the crown gem of Melbourne's cultural landscape. Not only is it Australia's oldest public art gallery, but it also receives the most visitors. In two metropolitan sites, you may view more than 70,000 pieces of art from Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and America.
The St. Kilda Road building, which debuted in 1968, is home to the worldwide collection. The Great Hall, where guests are invited to recline on the floor and admire the vibrant stained-glass ceiling, is one of the building's most famous features. The National Gallery of Victoria, sometimes referred to as NGV by locals, is home to an amazing collection of significant works of art. Rembrandt, Monet, and Tom Roberts, to mention a few, have works housed at the two NGC branches. The National Gallery of Victoria often features new exhibits. It offers more than 40 exhibitions annually in addition to special occasions, kid-friendly activities, excursions, and concerts. The best part is that admission to the ongoing exhibits is free.
5. Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market is one of Melbourne's must-see sights. It's a sizable open-air market that goes back to the 19th century and is among the biggest in the entire globe. Locals refer to it as the Queen Vic or just Vic Market; the name is derived from its position at the intersection of Queen and Victoria Streets, not from the Queen. The market is best experienced on foot, as you may browse the stalls and sellers of anything from fresh farm produce to handcrafted jewellery to specialised clothes. Spend the day in this laid-back, stimulating setting in the middle of the city, grab a good bite to eat, or grab a cool drink. This unique tourist destination in Melbourne has a number of weekend activities like night markets, concerts, and street tours. Do you enjoy eating? You can register for a two-hour guided walking tour that includes samples of some of the tastiest foods at the market.
Summer is a popular time for special events including night markets, concerts, and other gatherings.
6. Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne are among of the best in the world. The gardens were created in 1846 and are situated in the middle of a lush parkland that stretches south of the Yarra River. More than 10,000 plant species from all over the world, including many rare species, may be found in these 38 acre gardens. Highlights of the Royal Botanic Gardens include the Fern Gully Health and Wellbeing Garden, a calm retreat from the bustle of the city, and the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden, created to inspire the next generation of gardeners. The extensive legacy of Indigenous Australians is explored on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk. The gardens' live theatrical performances and nighttime movies beneath the stars are highlights of the summer season. This is a lovely place to stay and relax while enjoying a picnic or a classic high tea at The Terrace café thanks to the rolling lawns, lakes, big trees, and an abundance of birds. This is one of the top free things to do in Melbourne, regardless of the season you visit these lovely gardens.
Take a deep breath as you stroll through the Rose Collection, a vibrant collection of flowers with a lovely ambience. Visit Ornamental Lake if you want a particular pleasure.
7. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Given that Melbourne is Australia's sporting capital, it should come as no surprise that a sports stadium is among the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The MCG, one of the top Melbourne tourist sites, is unquestionably a must-see since it is the birthplace of test cricket, the primary stadium of the 1956 Olympics, the location of Australian football grand finals, has a history dating back to 1853, and it has a capacity of 100,000. A daily 75-minute tour of the stadium is planned by the curator to transport visitors back in time. Cricket matches are held in the summer, and football games are held throughout the year. Locals refer to the stadium, which is in Yarra Park, as just "The G." The Melbourne Cricket Ground, built in the middle of the 19th century, worth a visit even if you are unable to watch a cricket match while you are there.
8. Melbourne Museum & Royal Exhibition Building
The Melbourne Museum is surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland and is only a short tram ride from the CBD. A variety of exhibits illustrating society and civilizations, as well as science and the environment, are housed in this contemporary, purpose-built museum. Highlights include the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Center, the display on Australia's best racehorse, Phar Lap, and the Children's Gallery, a collection of interactive games and activities for young people. A vivid forest and a planet filled with life-sized dinosaurs are also accessible. The ornate Royal Exhibition Building is right next to the Melbourne Museum. The structure, which was constructed in 1880 to house the Melbourne International Exhibition, served as the site of Australia's first Commonwealth Parliament in 1901. The structure is still utilised for special events and exhibitions, and regular tours are offered.
9. Peninsula Hot Springs
Need a little downtime after sightseeing? Bring your worries to the Peninsula Hot Springs in the Mornington Peninsula by booking your GoGet and driving there. You've earned it, so spend some time in the cave pools, have a massage, and unwind on the day beds. For years, Melburnians searching for an affordable and tranquil weekend getaway have found sanctuary on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula. More than 50 different bathing experiences are available here, including communal thermal mineral pools, wet and dry saunas, a hydrotherapy pool, Turkish and Moroccan hammams, and the popularly Instagrammed mountaintop pool with 360-degree views of the Fingal farmlands. Public bathing is also available at the serene Spa Dreaming Centre in a number of thermal pools, including a barrel bath, a grotto pool, and an enclosed pool with views of the lake. The on-site spa offers massages, facials, and body treatments as forms of pampering. There are also yoga sessions, body clay workshops, mindful walks, and warm water exercises available.
10. Melbourne’s Arcades & Laneways
One of the most well-liked activities in Melbourne is exploring the maze of alleys, arcades and laneways. For the greatest examples of beautiful, fascinating, and eccentric Melbourne, visit the area surrounding Flinders, Collins, and Bourke Streets. The majestic Block Arcade on Collins Street is one of Melbourne's most well-liked destinations for high-end shopping. This is the location where the late 19th-century aristocracy promenaded, coining the phrase, "doing the block," with its mosaic floor, historical elements, and boutique shops. The Hopetoun Tearooms' morning or afternoon tea is also worth the wait in line. This Melbourne landmark was established in 1892, and it is the sole original store that is still open today. From the maze of side alleyways in Melbourne, cosy cafés beckon. Spend some time ordering a coffee, sitting down, and enjoy people-watching; it's a popular Melbourne past time. Melbourne's oldest arcade, the magnificent Royal Arcade, as well as Flinders and Degraves Lanes are well worth seeing. You want to be sure to visit all the popular areas. Numerous businesses provide walking sightseeing excursions via the alleys and alleyways.
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