15 Best Things to Do in Melbourne (First-Timer’s Guide)

Melbourne is the kind of city that grows on you. It doesn’t have one big postcard landmark like Sydney. Instead it has hidden laneways, a huge food scene, world-class sport, free trams and some of the best day trips in Australia. Here are the best things to do in Melbourne on your first visit.

1. Explore the laneways and arcades

Melbourne’s laneways are its heart. Start at Degraves Street and Centre Place for coffee, then wander through the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade, both built in the 1890s. Every turn hides a tiny bar, café or shop.

2. See the street art in Hosier Lane

Hosier Lane, opposite Federation Square, is covered in colourful street art that changes constantly. Nearby AC/DC Lane and Duckboard Place are great too. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds in your photos.

3. Shop and snack at Queen Victoria Market

Open since 1878, “Queen Vic” is a huge open-air market selling fresh produce, deli food and souvenirs. Try a hot jam doughnut from the famous van. It’s closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so check opening days before you go. In summer, the Wednesday night market is a fun evening out.

4. Ride the free tram

Trams are free inside the Free Tram Zone in the CBD. The City Circle tram loops past major landmarks and is a good way to get your bearings. Outside the zone, you’ll need a myki card.

5. Visit the MCG

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the world’s biggest stadiums. Watch a cricket match in summer or an Aussie Rules (AFL) game in winter, when the atmosphere is electric. Tours run on non-event days and include the National Sports Museum.

6. Spend a few hours at the NGV

The National Gallery of Victoria on St Kilda Road is Australia’s oldest public art gallery, and general entry is free. Look up at the stained-glass ceiling in the Great Hall.

7. Walk the Royal Botanic Gardens

A short walk from the city, the gardens are free and beautiful in every season. Combine them with the Shrine of Remembrance next door, which has great city views from its balcony.

8. Take in the view from Melbourne Skydeck

On the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower in Southbank, Skydeck gives you a 360-degree view of the city, the bay and the Dandenong Ranges. Go just before sunset.

9. Eat your way around Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia’s food capital. Have dumplings in Chinatown, pasta and gelato on Lygon Street, Greek food around Lonsdale Street and Vietnamese in Footscray or Richmond. And of course, coffee. Start with our guide to Melbourne coffee culture.

10. See the penguins at St Kilda

At sunset, little penguins return to the rocks of the St Kilda breakwater. Volunteers are often there to help you spot them. Use no flash photography. Before dusk, walk the pier and the Esplanade.

11. Federation Square and ACMI

Fed Square is the city’s meeting point, and ACMI, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, has a free permanent exhibition about film, TV and video games.

12. Brighton Beach bathing boxes

Around 30 minutes from the city by train, Brighton’s row of 82 colourful bathing boxes makes a great photo with the city skyline behind.

13. Day trip to Phillip Island

About two hours away, Phillip Island is famous for the Penguin Parade, where hundreds of little penguins waddle up the beach at dusk. You can also see koalas and seals.

14. Day trip to the Yarra Valley

An hour from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is known for cool-climate wine (especially Pinot Noir and sparkling), cheese, chocolate and hot-air balloon flights at sunrise.

15. Puffing Billy and the Dandenong Ranges

Ride the century-old Puffing Billy steam train through the forested Dandenong Ranges, then stop for scones in one of the small hill towns.

Tips for visiting Melbourne

• Pack layers. Locals joke about having “four seasons in one day”, and it’s true.
• Get a myki card for trams, trains and buses outside the Free Tram Zone.
• Book sport tickets early for big events like the AFL finals or the Boxing Day Test.
• Add a road trip. The Great Ocean Road starts just 90 minutes away.

FAQs

How many days do you need in Melbourne?

Three days covers the city. Add one or two more for Phillip Island, the Yarra Valley or the Great Ocean Road.

What is Melbourne famous for?

Coffee, laneways, street art, food, live music and sport, especially the MCG, the Australian Open and the AFL.

Is Melbourne good for vegetarians?

Very. Melbourne has a huge range of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and Indian food is easy to find in Dandenong and the western suburbs. See our Indian food in Australia guide.

When is the best time to visit Melbourne?

March to May and October to November usually have the most comfortable weather. Read our best time to visit Australia guide for details.

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