Other than roaming the Victoria Market and admiring the National Gallery, there’s a myriad of activities worth adding to your Melbourne bucket list.
The vibrant city of Melbourne is known to be filled with plenty of charming parks, cultural events, delightful cafés, and busy streets. And as a traveler, you know how challenging it is to create an itinerary when you have a seemingly endless list of options to choose from.
So, take note of the top 10 things to do in Melbourne while you’re there.
- Climb the Eureka Skydeck
Get on the fastest elevator ride of the Southern Hemisphere and reach the dizzying heights of the 935-feet high Eureka Skydeck. It’s the best place to get a spectacular 360-degree view of Melbourne.
The observation deck will reward you with some of the finest views of Albert Park Lake, the Dandenong Ranges, and Port Phillip Bay. Take a short break there to plan the rest of your trip, try to find your hotel from up high, or get a snack from the on-site kiosk.
For those feeling adventurous, step on The Edge – a glass cube that suspends you 900+ feet above Melbourne from the 88th floor of the tower.
- Visit the Dandenong Ranges National Park
Looking for fun family things to do in Melbourne?
Get going to this stunning rainforest getaway that’s just at the city’s doorstep. Steep volcanic hills and the world’s tallest flowering tree are just a short train ride away.
The Dandenong Ranges National Park is a great place to get to know the Aboriginal cultural landscape. Don’t be dissuaded by any rain – the Olinda and Sherbrooke Falls are most scenic after a decent rainfall.
The park also features a famous 1,000 step bushwalk, an adventurous steep trail for runners and everyone who’s up for a scenic rainforest walk.
- Explore the Iconic Degraves Street
You wouldn’t be doing justice to your Melbourne visit without strolling down the bustling Degraves street. In fact, some will go so far as to call it the center of Australia’s café world.
All coffee lovers will have to get in there and check it out for themselves. One thing’s for sure – everywhere you turn, you’ll be enticed by the freshly ground coffee aroma.
So, take your family for a casual afternoon snack and drink in the many cafés giving off Paris or Rome vibes. This short and narrow laneway is a thoroughfare for the restless shoppers heading from Flinders St. to Flinders Lane.
- Watch the Sunrise While on a Hot Air Balloon
Are you up for a surreal early morning experience? Then taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise may just be what you need.
You can choose between several destinations, though the two most popular ones are over the city itself and the magical Yarra Valley.
Check out Global Ballooning Australia for any of the rides and prepare to set aside at least four hours for the whole experience. Most of the rides will have you flying around for one hour, while the rest of the time goes on transport, preparations, and packing up.
- Attend an Opera at the State Theatre
If you see a poster about a grand opera in town, know that a majestic event is on its way. With a stage that’s equivalent to eight suburban houses, exquisite costumes, and an elaborate set design, even those not keen on opera will have a great time.
And as you wait for the show to commence, you can try your hand at counting the tiny brass cups on the ceiling. Rumor has it that there are 75,000 in all – good luck verifying that fact.
- Visit the Royal Botanic Garden
Visit the city’s botanical research center and enjoy a dose of tranquility in the heart of Melbourne. If you’re looking for fun family things to do in Melbourne, you and the little ones can enjoy numerous educational resources on-site.
With an area of over 38 hectares and more than 8,500 species of plants from around the globe, visitors can lay eyes on the world’s fauna from as far away as California and Southern China under one open roof.
- Ride the City Circle Tram
There’s no better way to see Melbourne’s major attractions than going on a ride in the City Circle Tram.
Get aboard the iconic W-class heritage tram and follow the audio commentary of city landmarks as you pass them. These include the Docklands, Melbourne Aquarium, Parliament House, State Library, Melbourne Museum, Princess Theatre, and more.
The good news is that the tram operates every 20 minutes and the ride is completely free!
- Tackle the Cold in Australia’s First Ice Cave
If you’re looking for invigorating things to do in Melbourne, consider visiting the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs. The city’s adored wellness center has recently expanded to include a first-of-its-kind ice cave. That means visitors can now experience hot and cold therapy with numerous benefits to the body.
It gets more enjoyable than simply getting into the bath, though.
A 45-minute workshop takes you between the hot sauna and the ice cave. After the ice-cold bath, you may also catch an entertaining performance or attend a yoga or wellbeing class.
- Get Lost in Fitzroy Gardens
Escape the city’s busy streets and reward yourself with a relaxing walk through this immense inner-city garden. Take in the beautiful sights and take a photo or two of Captain Cook’s family home or a model of Tudor Village. Get a glimpse of the surprisingly charming fountains and memorials.
Don’t leave the gardens without stopping by the Spanish-style Conservatory. It’s where you can admire the five floral displays of hydrangeas, begonias, cyclamens, and other plants all year round.
- Drive Down the Great Ocean Road
After a hot day in the city, why not take a scenic road and reconnect with the ocean? The Great Ocean Road snakes along the Victorian coast from Torquay and up to Warrnambool.
Enjoy the beautiful sights by car, on foot, or on bike. The four-hour drive down the road is certain to entice you to make stops such that what seems like a short morning drive can end up taking a whole day (or two).
Explore Melbourne to the Fullest
Many regard the city of Melbourne as Australia’s epicenter of entertainment, sports, and arts. Whether you’re an avid coffee drinker or a foodie, you won’t be disappointed by the gastronomy scene, either.
There’s never a dull moment in Melbourne, no matter the visitor’s age or points of interest.
