Melbourne

A scenic view of Melbourne's modern skyline along the Yarra River featuring a vibrant cruise boat.
John Simmons, Pexels

Melbourne, Australia, stands as a culturally rich and dynamic city, offering a diverse array of experiences from its renowned coffee and culinary scene to its vibrant arts, entertainment, and sporting events. It provides a harmonious blend of urban exploration and accessible natural attractions.

For those seeking to connect with other travelers, areas such as St. Kilda are particularly popular, offering a lively social atmosphere with beach access, nightlife, and various hostels. The city's Central Business District (CBD) and its famous laneways also serve as social hubs, featuring numerous bars and unique venues. Additionally, inner-city suburbs like Fitzroy, Brunswick, and Richmond provide distinct creative and social environments.

Top 6 Things to do in Melbourne

Melbourne offers a rich array of experiences, from exploring vibrant cultural laneways and engaging with art to enjoying serene gardens and embarking on scenic heritage train journeys.

1. Wander Melbourne's Laneways and Discover Street Art

Melbourne's city center is a maze of narrow laneways and arcades, transformed into vibrant outdoor galleries. Exploring these alleys allows for discovery of dynamic street art, hidden cafes, unique boutiques, and historical architecture. It is worth doing to experience the city's creative pulse and local hidden gems. Look out for Hosier Lane and Union Lane for prominent street art displays. Many lanes also feature specialty coffee shops, bars, and eateries.

Cost: Exploring independently is free. Guided walking tours by local artists or experts are available, typically ranging from AUD $69 to $139 per person, and sometimes include a coffee or refreshments.

Transport: The laneways are primarily within Melbourne's Central Business District (CBD), which is covered by the Free Tram Zone. Walking is the best way to explore them.

2. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The National Gallery of Victoria is Australia's oldest and largest public art museum, housing an extensive collection of international and Australian art. It is a worthwhile visit for art and culture enthusiasts to see diverse exhibitions, from ancient artifacts to contemporary works. The NGV comprises two main buildings: NGV International on St Kilda Road and The Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square, dedicated to Australian art.

Cost: General entry to the permanent collections is free. Special, temporary exhibitions may require a paid ticket, typically costing between AUD $19.59 and $31.15 for adults.

Transport: NGV International is on St Kilda Road, a short walk or tram ride from the CBD. The Ian Potter Centre is in Federation Square, within the Free Tram Zone. Trams along Swanston Street (e.g., routes 1, 3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72) stop nearby NGV International. A tram ride from the CBD to St Kilda Road would be approximately AUD $5 for a Myki fare if outside the free zone.

3. Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Situated close to the city center, these expansive gardens offer a serene escape with beautifully landscaped grounds, diverse plant collections, and tranquil lakes. It is ideal for a relaxing stroll, enjoying nature, or a picnic. The gardens also host various events and guided walks.

Cost: Entry to the Royal Botanic Gardens is free. Guided tours or specific events within the gardens may have a fee.

Transport: The gardens are approximately two kilometers from Melbourne's CBD. They are accessible by tram or bus. A tram ride (e.g., routes 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72 along St Kilda Road) or bus (e.g., route 605) takes about 10-15 minutes from the city. A Myki fare would be around AUD $5. Walking from the CBD takes approximately 30-35 minutes.

4. Visit St Kilda Beach and Pier

St Kilda offers a lively coastal experience with a long sandy beach, a historic pier, and a bustling foreshore. It is a popular spot for relaxation, walking, cycling, and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Towards dusk, visitors can often observe a colony of little penguins returning to their burrows at the end of St Kilda Pier, which is a unique wildlife viewing opportunity. Acland Street and Fitzroy Street in St Kilda are known for their cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Cost: Access to the beach and pier is free. Costs for food, drinks, or Luna Park amusement park rides are separate.

Transport: St Kilda is about 4-5 miles (6-8 km) from Melbourne CBD. The most popular way to get there is by tram. Trams 16, 96, and 3a (weekends) run directly from the CBD to St Kilda Beach in approximately 25-30 minutes. A Myki card is required, with a one-way trip costing around AUD $5. Taxis from the CBD typically cost AUD $17-$22, and an Uber ride is around AUD $13.

5. Ride the Puffing Billy Railway

Embark on a nostalgic journey aboard the Puffing Billy, a historic steam train that winds through the lush Dandenong Ranges, a scenic area outside Melbourne. Passengers can sit with their legs dangling from the open-sided carriages, offering an immersive experience of the temperate rainforest, fern gullies, and picturesque landscapes. The most popular route is from Belgrave to Lakeside, taking about an hour each way, with time to explore Emerald Lake Park.

Cost: Train tickets from Melbourne CBD to Belgrave (where Puffing Billy starts) cost approximately AUD $6. Puffing Billy tickets vary based on route and class, with half-day tours from Melbourne (including transfers and the train ride) starting around AUD $56.29. It is advisable to pre-book tickets, especially during peak season, as capacity is limited and tickets can sell out.

Transport: Puffing Billy departs from Belgrave Station, located about 39-43 km east of Melbourne CBD. The best way to get there by public transport is to take a Metro Train from Melbourne Central Station to Belgrave Station. This journey takes approximately 1 hour and 13-17 minutes. Taxis from Melbourne to Puffing Billy Station cost approximately AUD $95-$120.

6. Explore Queen Victoria Market

As one of the largest open-air markets in the Southern Hemisphere, Queen Victoria Market offers a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse range of fresh produce, gourmet foods, clothing, and souvenirs. It is worth visiting to experience a lively piece of Melbourne's local culture, sample fresh produce, and find unique items. The market hosts various events and night markets, especially during warmer months.

Cost: Entry to the market is free. Costs depend on purchases made.

Transport: Queen Victoria Market is located on the edge of Melbourne's CBD and is easily accessible by tram or a short walk from the city center. Several tram routes service the market, and it is considered within walking distance for many staying in the CBD.

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