Welcome to Melbourne, a vibrant and multicultural city that blends modern architecture with rich history and culture. From the bustling laneways and street art to the lush parks and gardens, Melbourne has something for everyone.
Foodies will delight in Melbourne’s diverse cuisine, from world-class restaurants to bustling food markets. The city is also known for its coffee culture, with countless cafes and specialty roasters to choose from.
History buffs will enjoy exploring Melbourne’s colonial past, with grand Victorian-era buildings and museums that showcase the city’s cultural heritage. And for nature lovers, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, from scenic drives to national parks.
Melbourne is a city that truly has it all, so get ready to discover, explore, and fall in love with this unique and exciting destination.
1. Explore Melbourne’s laneways
Discover Melbourne’s famous laneways, which are filled with street art, cafes, bars, and boutique shops. Take a walking tour to learn about the history and culture of these hidden gems. Book your Melbourne Laneways tour here.
2. Visit Federation Square
Experience the cultural heart of Melbourne at Federation Square, which hosts a range of events, exhibitions, and performances throughout the year. Take a guided tour to learn more about the iconic architecture and design of this landmark.
3. Take a food tour of Melbourne
Discover Melbourne’s thriving food and wine scene on an exciting culinary walk. Savor coffee, dumplings, sweet treats, and local drinks while unveiling hidden gems tucked away in the city’s alleys and arcades. Gain insights into Melbourne’s history and future from your expert guide, visit a 19th-century arcade, appreciate street art, and explore charming boutique stores. Conclude your adventure with a drink at a popular local bar. Book your 3 hour Foodie Discovery Walking Tour here.
4. Take a hidden bar tour of Melbourne
Uncover Melbourne’s hidden bar gems with a local guide, venturing into the city’s dark, intriguing laneways. Escape tourist traps and explore four exceptional bars in three hours, enjoying exclusive drink specials for your group. Engage with passionate bartenders and bar owners, and receive a customized map featuring recommendations for other must-visit bars in Melbourne. Make sure to arrive thirsty for this unforgettable experience! Book your Hidden Bar Tour of Melbourne here.
5. Take a hot air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley
Experience the exhilaration of a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the picturesque Yarra Valley, Victoria’s renowned wine region, located just an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Enjoy breathtaking views of vineyards and wineries as you float gracefully above the stunning landscape. Meet your pilot before sunrise for a short briefing, then watch the balloon inflate before climbing aboard for your unforgettable flight. After landing, celebrate your adventure with an optional champagne breakfast. Book your Yarra Valley Hot Air Balloon tour here.
6. Join an evening craft beer tour
Join an exciting beer tour in Melbourne for all beer enthusiasts. Starting at the Sir William Clarke Memorial Statue, you’ll hop on a tram to explore one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods, home to some of Melbourne’s finest brewers. Dive straight into the local brew scene, visiting three favorite venues and sampling a variety of beers. Learn about Melbourne’s beer history while enjoying fresh brews and tasty food. After the tour, get recommendations from your guide for continuing your evening or receive directions to your accommodation or public transport back to the city. Book your Evening Craft beer Tour of Melbourne here.
7. Visit the Melbourne Museum
Discover Melbourne’s cultural and natural history at the Melbourne Museum, which showcases interactive exhibits and collections. Take a guided tour to learn about the museum’s highlights, including the dinosaur exhibit and the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
8. Take a day trip to the Great Ocean Road
Experience one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives on a day trip to the Great Ocean Road. See the Twelve Apostles, visit charming seaside towns, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean. We recommend jumping on this Great Ocean Road Full-Day Tour from Melbourne which overs all the bases.
9. Take a wine tour of the Yarra Valley
Sip and swirl some of Australia’s best wines on a tour of the Yarra Valley wine region, which is just a short drive from Melbourne. Visit multiple wineries, enjoy tastings, and learn about the wine-making process. This Full-Day Yarra Valley Wine Experience with Lunch is our pick for the best tour to jump on.
10. Visit the Queen Victoria Market
Shop for fresh produce, souvenirs, and local goods at the Queen Victoria Market, which has been operating since 1878. Take a guided tour to learn about the market’s history and significance in Melbourne’s culture.
11. Take a wildlife tour of Phillip Island
Experience Australia’s wildlife on a day trip from Melbourne to Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade. Visit the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park to interact with kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. Enjoy Cape Woolamai surf beach and the Nobbies before witnessing the captivating Penguin Parade at Summerland Beach. Book your Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour here.
12. Take an electric bike tour of Melbourne
Cycle through Melbourne on an electric bike tour, safely exploring highlights and landmarks like the Yarra River, Parliament House, and the Shrine of Remembrance. Learn about the city’s history, Aboriginal heritage, and sports significance. Enjoy a break in the eclectic Fitzroy district for lunch, where you can exchange impressions with fellow travelers and get tips from your guide on local dining and entertainment options. Book your Electric Bike Sightseeing Tour of Melbourne here.
13. Take a ride on a heritage steam train in the Dandenong Ranges
Journey through the scenic Dandenong Ranges on the historic Puffing Billy locomotive, a well-preserved steam railway from 1900. Travel on its original mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook, and enjoy traditional train journeys and first-class dining experiences. You can book your Puffing Billy Railway Heritage Steam Train Journey here.
For those wanting to be picked up from central Melbourne there’s also this Puffing Billy & Healesville Sanctuary Scenic Tour that is very popular.
14. Experience the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
Visit SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, a top family attraction in the heart of Melbourne CBD along the Yarra River, and explore 12 different zones featuring over 10,000 marine animals. See Antarctic Penguins in their exhibit and explore the new ‘Ocean Invaders’ jellyfish exhibit. Enjoy daily animal presentations, shark and ray feedings, a 4D cinema show, hands-on touch pools, and kids’ activities, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages. You can book your Sea Life Aquarium Melbourne Entry Ticket here.
15. See the sights of Melbourne aboard a city river cruise
Set off on a narrated cruise along Melbourne’s Yarra River on a boat featuring a sundeck. Glide past landmarks like Polly Woodside, West Gate Bridge, Southgate, Princes Bridge, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Olympic Park, Herring Island, Botanic Gardens, and more. Enjoy the round-trip journey with stunning views of buildings, skyscrapers, parks, and Melbourne’s iconic sites, gaining insight into why it’s considered one of the world’s most livable cities. Book your 2-Hour City Highlights River Cruise here.
Looking for more things to do in and around Melbourne? We recommend checking out GetYourGuide for a huge range of amazing options.
