5 best places to visit in Melbourne

About Melbourne

Melbourne is the coastal capital of Victoria, a state in southeastern Australia. The modern Federation Square development in the city’s center, one of the most popular tourist attractions, features plazas, bars, and restaurants along the Yarra River. Culture is a major draw in the city. Art enthusiasts can satisfy their cravings at Melbourne’s impressive museums and galleries. Foodies will also find plenty to enjoy. Famous Australian chefs show off their skills here, whipping up creative concoctions from around the world. You can try various cuisines, such as Greek, Italian, and Indian, as well as Spanish and Vietnamese. You will never run out of things to do in Melbourne. Join us as we discuss the best places to visit in Melbourne in this blog.

Here are the 5 best places to visit in Melbourne

Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne are among the best in the world. Founded in 1846, the gardens have two locations- Melbourne and Cranbourne.

The Melbourne Gardens lie in green parkland south of the Yarra River. They cover 38 hectares and are home to over 10,000 plant species from around the world, including many rare specimens.

The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, designed to inspire the next generation of gardeners, and the Fern Gully Health and Wellbeing Garden, a tranquil spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, are two highlights of the gardens. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk explores Indigenous Australians’ rich heritage.

Live theater is a tourist’s favorite during the summer, and they can also enjoy the moonlight cinema under the stars. With its rolling lawns, lakes, large trees, and abundant bird life, this is a lovely place to linger and enjoy a picnic or a traditional high tea at The Terrace café.

This is one of the best free things to do in Melbourne, no matter what time of year you visit these beautiful gardens.

Address: Birdwood Ave, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria.

National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria is the crowning achievement of Melbourne City’s culture. It is not only Australia’s oldest public art gallery, but also its most popular. In two city locations, you can see over 70,000 works of European, Asian, Oceanic, and American art.

Built in 1968, the St. Kilda Road building houses the international collection. The Great Hall is the place where visitors can lie on the floor and gaze at the colorful stained-glass ceiling. It is the building’s most famous feature.

Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square houses the extensive Australian collection showcasing Australian art history, from Aboriginal works to the Heidelberg School and contemporary mixed media. The Pioneer by Frederick McCubbin, in large triptych format, is one of the highlights.

The National Gallery of Victoria always has something new to see. Every year, it hosts over 40 exhibitions, as well as special events, children’s programs, tours, and performances. The best part is that admission to permanent exhibitions is free.

Address: St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria.

Federation Square

There was a divide between Melburnians when Federation Square began in 2002 to commemorate 100 years of the federation. ‘Fed Square’ has become an integral part of the city, a popular meeting place, and an excellent starting point for tourists.

Fed Square is impossible to overlook. It is directly across the street from Flinders Street Station, a major public transportation hub. The ultra-modern design of open-and-closed spaces in the building stands in stark contrast to the surrounding Victorian architecture.

Locals and tourists come here for live entertainment. With over 2,000 events held each year, there is always a performance or festival to enjoy in the central outdoor performance space or intimate indoor venues. There are also numerous cafés and restaurants in the area.

Another reason to visit Federation Square is to visit the museums and galleries. The NGV Australia’s Ian Potter Centre focuses on Australian art. The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) hosts fascinating interactive exhibits on screen culture (film, TV, videos, and art), while the Koorie Heritage Trust exhibits art, photographs, and artifacts from the Koorie Aboriginal people of Victoria and New South Wales. The best part is that admission to these museums is free.

Fed Square is also one of Australia’s largest free Wi-Fi hotspots.

Address: Corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne, Victoria

Southbank & South Wharf

Located on the banks of the Yarra River, this scenic precinct is a short walk from Flinders Street Station. You will find many shops, cafés, and cultural attractions here. At any time of year, it’s a lovely spot for a stroll along the river.

Looking for nighttime activities in Melbourne? Some of the best nightlife spots in the city are available here, particularly in the South Wharf area, where heritage sheds have been converted into lively entertainment venues. Southbank also has inviting alfresco cafés, restaurants, and live entertainment, and the numerous festivals held here throughout the year add to the atmosphere.

If shopping is high on your list of things to do, there are excellent arts and crafts market every Sunday. You can also splurge at chic designer boutiques or score a steal at DFO South Wharf factory outlet stores.

Address- South Wharf, Melbourne, Australia.

Skydeck at Eureka Tower

Where can you get a good view of the city? In the heart of Southbank, visit the 91-story Eureka Tower. This eye-catching skyscraper got its name from the 1854 Eureka Stockade, a prospector rebellion in the Victorian goldfields. The gold crown and gold-plated windows of the building literally sparkle when the sun catches the top of the building, adding to the Gold Rush theme.

Located on the 88th floor, Skydeck has the highest public view in the Southern Hemisphere. Visit The Edge, a glass cube that slides out three meters from the building for vertigo-free visitors, for even more thrills.

Arrive at sunset for breathtaking views of the city both during the day and at night, when the lights twinkle as the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon. It’s the best time for pictures as well!

Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne, Victoria.

Key takeaways

• Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria, a southeastern state in Australia. One of the most popular tourist attractions, the modern Federation Square development features plazas, bars, and restaurants along the Yarra River. 
• Melbourne is a multicultural city. Art enthusiasts can have a good time at Melbourne’s impressive museums and galleries. At the same time, foodies will also find plenty to enjoy as famous Australian chefs offer dishes from around the world.
• Skydeck at Eureka Tower, Federation Square, South Wharf, and Royal Botanical Gardens are some of the most fascinating tourist spots in Melbourne. They offer art exhibits, city views, food, and culture.

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FAQs

Q1. Are 5 days enough for a Melbourne tour?

Ans- If you’re visiting Melbourne for the first time, you can see it all in three days, though five days are preferable to have time for day trips around the city.

Q2. How much does a meal cost in Melbourne?

Ans- In Melbourne, the average dining cost is- Inexpensive Restaurant (1 person) – $25.00, $120.00 for a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant, and $15.00 for a McDonald’s Combo Meal.

Q3. What is the best month to visit Melbourne?

Ans- you can visit Melbourne between March and May, as well as September and November. These shoulder seasons feature mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower airfare rates.