What to Do When on a Day Trip to Melbourne
Is your time in Melbourne short? Here’s how you can make the most of it.
It’s much easier to plan a full vacation in Melbourne than decide what to see and do there in a single day. The sprawling city simply has too many attractions and activities, making it hard to choose just a few.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a blast of a day in Melbourne. Take a look at our list of things to do when on a day trip to Melbourne and discover some great ideas.
1. Go on a Ride with the City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram system in Melbourne is a free and great way to see the city. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or revisiting, the ride’s always a wonderful experience. It’s also convenient, as the City Circle Tram covers the most important points in the city center.
You can find a comprehensive timetable online to help you organize your trip around the city. The tram has stops that are a bit over 10 minutes away from each other. It stops at Waterfront, Central Pier, Docklands Par, and Flinders Street in Dockland. It also passes the Melbourne Aquarium, goes through Flinders Street, as well as other locations in Melbourne City.
The City Circle Tram route is a good start for a well-organized tour around the city. It’s our recommendation that you get on the ride first before you do anything else.
2. View the City from the Eureka Skydeck
The Eureka Tower is the highest building in Melbourne. You can find it in Southbank, right across the Yarra River. While it might not seem like a pivotal experience, the view is impressive and memorable.
The Eureka Skydeck offers a full view of the cityscape and beyond. Here you can take some amazing photos and even use the viewpoint for easier orientation. There’s a cafe up there as well, so you can sit down for a refreshment high above the Melbourne rooftops.
3. Don’t Forget the Coffee
Melbourne is big on coffee. With respect to the city’s size, it’s the coffee capital of the world. Rather than dropping by coffee shops and getting it to go, the common option for coffee drinkers in Melbourne is the cafes.
You can discover plenty of charming cafes where you can take a break from the fast pace of the city. We’d recommend finding a place near one of the parks, or ideally on the river banks. It’s a welcome pause and the right soul food for a one-day visit.
4. Explore Flinders Street and Station
Flinders Street Station is one of Melbourne’s milestones. After all, the fascinating building is over a century old. As a starting point for further exploration, it’s perfect. You’ll recognize its dome, clocks, and overall style long before you approach it. However, don’t forget to check out the interior – it’s as gorgeous as the outside of the building.
Flinders Street is an essential strip. From it, you can get too many of the city’s attractions once you’re done with the shops and other tour offers found on Flinders. Following the street, you’ll get to St Paul’s Cathedral or the iconic Federation Square.
5. Catch as Much Art as Possible at the National Gallery of Victoria
Unless it’s the sole reason you’re visiting, there’s no chance you’ll get to see the entirety of the art in the National Gallery. However, it would be a shame to skip the gallery, especially since the entry is free. With over 70,000 works of art, the National Gallery of Victoria is reason enough for multiple revisits to Melbourne.
If your schedule allows for an hour or two at the gallery, you might get a chance to see some of the most important artworks. There are Rembrandts, Picassos, Monets, and those by other important artists in there.
6. Feel the Atmosphere at the Sport Centers
If you’re a sports fan, there are some vital points you can visit in Melbourne.
For tennis enthusiasts, the Rod Laver Arena is a must-see. It’s the main site of the Australian Open, one of four Grand Slam tennis tournaments in the world. Seeing the complex live is an experience both casual and hardcore tennis fans will treasure.
The gigantic Melbourne Cricket Ground is another sports attraction worth visiting. This is the most iconic sporting center in Australia. So the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a milestone you shouldn’t miss.
7. Gaze at the Architectural Wonder of St Paul’s Cathedral
The Gothic style of the cathedral makes it one of the most fascinating buildings in Melbourne. The cathedral is a rare sight in the urban city environment, especially for its pointy towers that are at once impressive and recognizable on the cityscape.
Inside, plenty of light from the stained glass windows shines on the expansive space among the arches. The stonework and the choice of color will leave a lasting impression on anyone. The St Paul’s Cathedral is expertly, artfully built, and the atmosphere inside is serene and relaxing.
8. Grab a Lunch in a Unique Melbourne Restaurant
Restaurants in Melbourne offer a great range of international and local cuisines. Whether you’re up for Australian, Mediterranean, or Asian cuisine, there’s a restaurant specialized in it. After all, the numerous immigration waves made Melbourne a melting pot of various cultural influences.
There are fine dining venues in the city, but for a one-day visit, you might want to go for some of the more casual options. In fact, many of Melbourne’s cafes have surprisingly impressive food menus. But for a really magical experience, grab a bite to eat on the Yarra River waterfront.
A Single Day Trip Won’t Be Enough
Melbourne simply has too much to offer for you to see and experience the city in a short time. When you start discovering the wonders of the city, you’ll undoubtedly want to return.
A day trip to Melbourne can be a great escape even if on a business visit. However, it would be a mistake not to revisit the impressive city. Every time you return to Melbourne, it will have even more to offer.
