Top Attractions

Federation Square

The modern architecture and crazy angles will amaze you while you enjoy an event on the stage or big screen with thousands of others, or just sit and relax in one of the many bars, restaurants and cafes. Everyone loves to get together here as it has quickly become the place to meet in Melbourne, and every weekend sees a new market or cultural festival. For information about these, go to: www.fedsquare.com 

Queen Victoria Market

This is Melbourne’s biggest and most popular open air market. There are a number of reasons for its popularity, chiefly, high quality but cheap food, clothes, souvenirs and other goods and the electric atmosphere provided by enthusiastic shoppers and even more dynamic stallholders. There is even a night market on Wednesday nights, but please check the website for opening hours. www.qvm.com.au 

St Kilda Beach

In front of the vibrant and always lively St Kilda, stretches St Kilda beach. This is about 20mins by public transport from the city and is a favourite with Melburnians wanting to relax on a lovely beach. It is also an extremely popular place to exercise, there are walking/running tracks, a bike/rollerblading path and regular beach volleyball games and activities such as wind surfing to join in. 

National Gallery of Victoria

If you want to see one of the best collections of Australian art from some of our most important artists, then you can’t miss the NGV. This gallery is 5mins walk from Flinders St Station and houses a large standing collection of some of our most influential artists, as well as playing host to major international exhibitions. The NGV website is the best place to visit to see which exhibition is currently in town. www.ngv.vic.gov.au

Observation Deck

Where do you go when you want to see the whole of Melbourne? Simple, the highest point in the city. Located at the top of the Eureka Tower, almost 300 metres up, you can see the bay, the mountains and the countryside on a clear day. For the romantic, this is the place to be at sunrise or sunset. For the adventurous, there’s “the-edge”. All prices and times can be found at:  www.eurekaskydeck.com.au

Royal Botanic Gardens

Tiring of the hustle and bustle of the city and want some tranquillity? Head straight to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Only 5 mins from the city centre by tram, stepping into the gardens will incredibly remove you from the rat race immediately. With over 50,000 types of plants and flowers, including a fantastic greenhouse, this place is an island of relaxation in a busy city. More information can be found at: www.rbg.vic.gov.au

Southbank

Cafes, shops and restaurants all line up along the beautiful Yarra river. Stroll along this strip at any time of the day and you’re sure to see numerous street entertainers wowing and amazing audiences. On weekend nights, fireworks light up the sky, adding to the lively atmosphere there.

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Aquarium

In the city, opposite South Bank, you can’t get a more central way to spend a few hours and learn about our native undersea wildlife. See fish of incredible colours as well as sharks, penguins, dolphins and whales. Check their website for feeding times. www.melbourneaquarium.com.au

Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum explores life in Victoria, from our natural environment to our culture and history. Located in Carlton Gardens, opposite the historic Royal Exhibition Building, the award-winning Melbourne Museum houses a permanent collection in eight galleries, including one just for children. Highlights include a complete skeleton of a blue whale, the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a living rainforest, the racehorse Phar Lap and an IMAX theatre on site. Major international exhibitions are presented in the Touring Hall. A visit to Melbourne Museum offers rich and often surprising insights into life in Victoria. www.museumvictoria.com.au