Spectacular Melbourne tourist attractions you can’t miss

In a city like Melbourne, you can get stuck eating all the food for your whole visit. Many people visiting Melbourne come for the tiny laneways filled with some of the best food in the world, the cafe culture that many other countries wish they had and the beauty that has won us the most liveable city in the world numerous times…but what are some of the best Melbourne tourist attractions you can’t miss?

For locals, we have our Melbourne favourites, and some Melbourne tourist attractions get lost in the memory bank by accident. There are new Melbourne attractions popping up continuously and changing on a regular basis that at times it is hard to keep up and choose which ones to go to.

In this post, it may jog your memory to see some long-lost Melbourne tourist attractions or take some international visitors to one.

The best Melbourne tourist attractions

Melbourne city is easy to get around and you will find so many amazing things to do in Melbourne. There are Melbourne tourist attractions for all ages, all abilities and for every budget.

Spending time in Melbourne is brilliant. If you are visiting Melbourne for a weekend away you can always find some new Melbourne tourist attractions that you have not been to before. Melbourne is a wonderful city full of culture, fabulous food and sites for everyone. These Melbourne tourist attractions should go on your next Melbourne getaway itinerary.

Melbourne Skydeck (Eureka Skydeck)

Located on Southbank this viewing platform will give you breathtaking views over the city of Melbourne. The building is just over 297 meters high and the viewing platform has floor-to-ceiling windows giving you an uninterrupted, spectacular view.

If you love heights and want an extra experience at the Eureka Skydeck you can go on The Edge. A top Melbourne tourist attraction that has a unique angle for the thrill-seeker. This glass cube hangs out over the Melbourne streets from the 88th floor.

You will find a small kiosk with snack foods and drink, with a few seating options, so you can get the full experience while watching the views over Melbourne. If you’re on a romantic evening out in Melbourne, there is a fine dining restaurant with great views you can eat at as well.

Eureka 89 restaurant

If you are looking for an unforgettable Melbourne experience then a meal in the Eureka Skydeck restaurant would make your trip to Melbourne unforgettable.

Australian Sporting Museum

The Australian Sporting Museum is located at the MCG and is a top of the Melbourne tourist attractions for anyone who loves sport. With interactive displays and a chance to actually play some games, there is a plethora of information about the history of some of the most popular sports in Australia and Victoria.

The MCG

The ‘G’ as many Australians would lovingly call it is the home of sport and one of the top Melbourne tourist attractions. For visitors to Melbourne, this is where you can see some of the sports played in our country, which is an experience in itself!

The MCG is the home to AFL (season running from March to September) and cricket (season running from November to February) and with seating available for 100,000 people it is one of the biggest arenas in the world. Not only can you watch a sporting spectacle you can also tor the stadium learning about the history and home of all sports in Melbourne.

Did you know the MCG held the Melbourne Olympic games in 1956 and Pope John Paul the II held a mass here on his visit in 1986?

Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is a War Memorial to honour all who served in the Australian Military. It is the National War Memorial of Victoria and is the largest in the State. This makes the Shrine of Remembrance a top Melbourne tourist attraction for anyone who loves history.

You will find the museum here with many displays from Returned Soldiers and their families who have donated items, letters and stories to be handed down to the next generations.

St Kilda Beach

A little over 30 minutes out of the Melbourne CBD you can escape to the St Kilda beach on a hot Melbourne day. Here you will find a calm beach where you can have a paddle or a sunbake while getting beautiful views of the Melbourne skyline. You can get access to the beach via car or easily by public transport.

The St Kilda beach is also a wonderful place to sit and eat at one of the brilliant cafes that line the shore.

St Kilda Beach Little Penguin colony

Another bonus is that St Kilda beach has a colony of Little Penguins that live there. If you are lucky you can see them come in from the water before dusk along the promenade at the St Kilda Breakwater.

Discover more of Victoria: 11 fun-filled day trips from Melbourne you have to do!

Luna Park

If you have had your fill at the St Kilda beach, then make your way to the iconic Luna Park. This old-time funfair will have you entertained for hours with a hair-raising ride to one of the oldest continually running wooden roller coasters in the world.

There is parking around Luna Park but it is limited and it can be expensive. It is timed and the inspectors are all over it if you are late. The fines are astronomical if you don’t pay.

Southbank

Wander beside the famous Yarra River with some of the very best restaurants in Melbourne at your fingertips. This is also a lot on during the evening which makes it a perfect romantic stroll. It is busy at times with street performers and art installations. the perfect location for Going on a date in Melbourne.

Planning a day at Luna Park? Here is everything you need to know to plan an epic visit to Luna Park

National Gallery of Victoria

Locally known as the NGV the National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest art gallery in Australia. Here you will find art from all over the world and at times travelling exhibitions as well.

The City Circle Tram

The iconic Melbourne trams are one of the main features of the city and one that anyone visiting Melbourne must experience. Route 35 is a free route through the streets of Melbourne in an old-style W6 class tram and will see you pass many of the best Melbourne tourist attractions.

Using this tram is a great way to see the city but it can get busy during holiday periods. You can plan your trip to Melbourne and all of the Melbourne tourist attractions that are on your must-see list easily with city circle tram route 35.

Cruise the iconic Yarra River

There is no better way to see a city than from the water and a cruise on the Yarra River in Melbourne is no different. Seeing all the best Melbourne tourist attractions from the water takes away the large crowds that can gather in the city and gives you a different view of Melbourne.

There are so many options to cruising the Yarra River when you visit Melbourne, from short cruises to dinner and show options.

Regional Victoria wants YOU! 21 of the best places to visit in Victoria

Queen Victoria Market

Want a Melbourne tourist attraction with a bit of everything? Then Queen Victoria Market is for you! This amazing mixture of everything Melbourne is famous for is held in one place. Here you will find a food hall with foods from all over the world as well as a huge fresh food market. In the back of the market is a large shopping area with Melnpourne tourist souvenirs for you to take home or buy a Melbourne souvenir for friends.

During the year Queen Victoria Market also olds twilight markets and food truck events, making it one of the most popular Melbourne tourist attractions for the locals too!

China Town Melbourne

Many people visiting Melbourne love to spend some time in China Town Melbourne. Not only will you find amazing food here there are plenty of bars that have live music and clubs for you to dance the night away.

If you are looking for a great night out with a great meal to start with China Town is one of the best Melbourne tourist attractions.

Budget travel in Melbourne? Yes! Here are the best free things to do in Melbourne

Old Melbourne Gaol

One of the oldest Melbourne tourist attractions and probably one with the most colourful past, the Melbourne Gaol can at times leave you with goosebumps. The old bluestone building was home to some of Melbourne’s worst criminals from 1845 until its closure in 1924 and is now a museum where all can learn about the history of the Melbourne criminal system.

Cells are open and you can also tour the adjourning watch house. The old Melbourne Gaol is also where Ned Kelly was hung.

Melbourne Museum and The Exhibition Building

Not only is Melbourne blessed with Australia’s oldest Art Gallery, the NGV, it also has the largest history and cultural museum too. Here you will find a plethora of displays from Australian artefacts to ancient fossils. At times the Melbourne Museum is also home to touring exhibitions normally held for a few months at a time to give visitors enough time to experience it.

The Melbourne Museum is located in the Carlton Gardens and is next door to the Royal Exhibition Building which is a UNESCO-graded building.

ArtVo

Artvo at the Docklands literally puts you in the picture. This immersive, ‘trick-art’ gallery allows you to get amazing pictures. You become part of the art with 3d images putting you on a surfboard in big waves, hanging off the side of a Melbourne tram or riding a gondola in Venice.

You will walk through a variety of different zones, including the fantasy zone where people explore the ocean, polar ice caps, space and the forest. If you are visiting Melbourne with kids this is one of the top Melbourne tourist attractions for families.

Fitzroy Gardens

At the Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne, you will find the Fairy Tree. The tree was one of the original trees planted over 300 years ago and today has fairies carved into it. Captain Cooks cottage was apart stone by stone in England and rebuilt in this Melbourne Park. Cook founded Australia on one of his many exploration journeys.

You can wander the gardens and even bring a blanket for a wonderful picnic in the Fitzroy Gardens. This is one of the best Melbourne tourist attractions for relaxing free of charge in the city.

Need summer holiday plans? We have you covered with the best places for a summer holiday in Victoria

Federation Square

Once deemed an eyesore by many Victorians Federation Square has now grown on us and is part of the Melbourne tourist attractions you can’t miss. Here there are numerous bars and eateries where you can watch the Melbourne world go by. If you are looking for a budget option in Melbourne you can grab a sandwich or take away and sit on the steps.

You will also find on occasions that there are free events happening in the square.

Flinders Street Station

I’ll meet you under the clocks! It’s an old saying and one that many Melbournians will know well. It meant I will meet you out the front of Flinders Steet Station and as the saying says there are clocks out the front. Flinders Street station was opened in 1854 and is Australia’s oldest train station.

Tour Parliament House

Another great free Melbourne tourist attraction is a tour of the Melbourne Parliament House. Here you can tour the Parliament on weekdays on a 45 minute guided tour. For entry, you will need proof of identity for all who have booked a ticket.

Everyone LOVES a road trip: Use our easy drive North East Victorian road trip itinerary for an epic journey!

Melbourne Immigration Museum

The Melbourne Immigration Museum is a wonderful collection of information and first-hand recollections from people who took the leap and immigrated to Victoria. It goes through the hardships and joys that people found once they reached Victoria. Here you will also discover the people who helped get Melbourne the reputation of one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

Melbourne Zoo

Although visiting a zoo these days is not high on people’s lists of top places to visit Melbourne Zoo is leading the way in animal conservation, especially for the unique Australian wildlife. Here you can see all the Aussie animals you have read about in large enclosures with state of the art equipment to keep them safe and healthy.

If you are looking for a full day out then a top Melbourne tourist attraction is the Melbourne Zoo. Many people would rank this as the best Melbourne tourist attraction for tourists visiting Melbourne but locals love it as well.

Arcades and famous laneways

They are all over Instagram and you can see them on the pamphlets that are released by the Victorian tourism associations looking magnificent rain, hail or shine. The Melbourne Laneways and alleys are not only pictures worthy they are filled to the brim with amazing cafes, original art shops and quirky, vintage clothes sellers. You can find yourself lost in what treasures they hold for hours.

Melbourne Street art

One of the very best free Melbourne tourist attractions is the Melbourne street art installations. These amazing works of art are located all over the city in small lanes and painted by local artists as well as visiting artists from all over the world.

You will find so many around the city with more being added every day. If you are looking for some free Melbourne tourist attractions to visit then the Melbourne street art lanes are for you.

Some Melbourne street art lanes are:

There are so many amazing Melbourne tourist attractions so put some of these amazing places on your next Melbourne trip itinerary.

If you are looking for more amazing and best places to visit in Victoria or more travel in Victoria destinations Explore Victoria has some more articles below for you to check out. If you have an idea, attraction or top spot feel free to leave us a comment or email us at contact@explorevictoriaaustralia.com

---

More best places to visit in Victoria inspiration

---