Melbourne is a literary city, and there are a lot of tourist attractions worth visiting. I do not know if you are familiar with it, have been to it, or are a long-desired place.
1. City Circle Tram in Melbourne
Melbourne‘s city centre tram loop takes the 35-city circle tram, which can be taken in Melbourne CBD free of charge to the famous attractions of the net! These include Parliament House, Federation Square, National Gallery of Victoria, Chinatown, State Library, Flinders Railway Station, and many more. The Ring and Ride Tram has retained the tram model from 50-60 years ago, which is very historical and a must-see in Melbourne!
2. Flinders Street Station-The Most Popular Chair in Melbourne
This is Melbourne’s busiest train station and one of the city’s landmarks. From here, you can admire this historic building and feel the pulse of Melbourne’s city. Within a hundred miles of the station, cafes, art galleries, and cinemas line the arcade, and old trees line the route. You can reach the Royal Botanic Gardens in a few moments by pacing the lawns.
3. Federation Square in Melbourne
Federation Square is a 10-minute walk from Flinders Station. This is Melbourne’s cultural centre, with many cafes, restaurants and cultural venues. You can enjoy coffee here or visit the nearby Melbourne Museum and Australian Sports Museum.
10th Melbourne International Music Competition Global Final
Competition Date: August 3 – August 5, 2024
Competition Venue: Melbourne’s Federation Square Marginal Concert Hall
4. Gothic Style – Graffiti Street
Hosier Lane, a small road next to Federation Square, is a famous graffiti street filled with various gothic graffiti. Each piece of artwork is accompanied by the time of creation and the person who created it.
There are two famous graffiti streets.
1. Hosier Lane
2. AC/DC Lane
The two graffiti streets are Melbourne’s famous graffiti streets and spots. Many netizens and celebrities have once again shot photos, posters, and MVs on them. There are also many in-style cafes and other CBD spots nearby. The two streets are separated by 260m so that a 4-minute walk can hit the card!
Hidden next to Graffiti Street is a traditional French restaurant suitable for dating. It specializes in Southern French cuisine and takes you to France in a second. Red leather sofas, beautiful wooden chairs, marble bar. Strong Parisian characteristics, decoration, and lighting are out of the film. The menu has a must-have appetizer for French food. The Escargot de Bourgogne baked in garlic parsley butter is unforgettable, and the Beef Tartare Beef Tartate mixed with raw egg yolks is fresh and tasty.
5. The Oldest National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne
Southbank, where the marina is located, is home to one of the most iconic art galleries in the literary capital.
The gallery has a collection of about 65,000 pieces of national art and works from around the world, including photographs, paintings, vases, ceramics, sculptures, and artefacts of the indigenous people. The National Gallery of Victoria International Exhibition Gallery collects mainly international works of art, with a collection of more than 39,000 pieces.
Admission: Free
Opening hours:10:00-17:00
If you carry school or large bags, you must store them on the first floor.
Address:180 St Kilda Rd Melbourne VlC3006 Australia
6. State Library in Melbourne
Established in 1854, Zhou Li Library is Australia’s oldest public library. It is an elegant building with a collection of 2 million books. People often practice skateboarding and dance in front of the library, a unique sight in Melbourne.
State Library Victoria, which has preserved Victoria’s historical and cultural heritage.
Hours: 10 AM-9 PM Mon-Thurs 10 AM-6 PM Fri-Sat (don’t run out of time!)
Address: 328 Swanston St, Melbourne, VIC
Transportation: Get off at Swanston Street Station
7. Largest Chinatown in the Southern Hemisphere
Melbourne’s Chinatown was established in 1854 and has a history of 170 years. It is also the first Chinatown in Australia. Every overseas Chinese who comes to a foreign country must have been to the local Chinatown, which carries every Chinese’s memories of their hometown and can give them an irreplaceable sense of affection and belonging in a foreign country. Of course, for foodies, Chinatown is the food paradise in everyone’s heart, where you can eat food from all over the country, which is more authentic than the exotic food you ate in your hometown. In 2012, it was voted one of the best Chinatowns in the world.
Transportation
Arrival Airport: Melbourne Airport (MEL)
From the airport to the city: you can take the Skybus, find the Skybus sign at the airport and buy the ticket on the spot.
Inside the CBD: zuei convenient way to get around is the Tram, free of charge in some areas and requires no credit card to board.
Outside the CBD:The main transportation is tram and train. There is no one-way ticket, so remember to swipe your card!
Accommodation
It is recommended that you stay in the city centre, where there are many attractions, convenient transportation, and a lot of food!
Note: We recommend staying in the city centre.
When shopping, keep the invoice and show it when you get your tax refund. The purchase of the same brand needs to be more than 300 Australian dollars for the tax to be refunded!
8. Shopping at Brock Arcade
The Brock Arcade is Melbourne’s premier shopping mall. Still, the building is more intriguing than the expensive merchandise, and the sophisticated and elegant arcade is worth visiting. There are all sorts of quirky little stores, from cards and chocolates to tea rooms and music stores, each with a unique character that you won’t be able to keep your hands off your wallet. Brock’s Arcade was built in 1891 and is one of the best-preserved shopping arcades from the 19th century. Victorian window panes flank the mosaic tile floors with marble columns; even the masonry work on the top walls is meticulous.
9. Stroll Through the Underwater World
The Melbourne Aquarium has a considerable glass tunnel where you can observe Australia’s unique marine life from a distance. And there is also an underwater walking experience that allows you to swim underwater even if you don’t have a scuba diving license. In the aquarium, you can see the emperor penguins; super cute. The Ocean Tunnel is a great way to walk down the ocean. It feels like you are at the bottom of the sea. Melbourne Aquarium is called “the Thames of the southern hemisphere”, where you can see Australia’s unique marine life up close and touch a variety of marine shellfish. Adult tickets 19, 90 Australian dollars, children’s tickets 9, 90 Australian dollars, family tickets (2 adults, two children) 49, 9 Australian dollars.
10. Taste the Best Australian Steak in Melbourne
Outback Jacks is a restaurant specializing in steaks, where you can try top-quality Australian steaks, which may seem a little pricey before you order. Still, after you taste it, you’ll realize that the price is worth it! The Outback Jacks Bar & Grill in Point Cook serves top-quality Australian Wagyu beef, and a piece the size of half a hand costs more than 2,000 RMB! I don’t know anything, but this steak is super tasty.
11. Queen’s Market in Melbourne
Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere, and in the summer, it opens up for a night market with live bands, so you’ll have a great time eating snacks and watching performances. A large flea market with various flavours for both weekdays and holidays. In this market, you can find everything: meat, vegetables, seafood, and this outdoor area sells cheap fruits!
12. Experience Melbourne Hot Air Ballooning
You can take a hot air balloon ride in Melbourne over the city centre! Hot air balloons usually depart before sunrise, and overlooking Melbourne in the morning sun will surely be an unforgettable image of your trip! Hot air ballooning in Melbourne is not allowed for children under seven, and it’s best not to wear white or light-coloured clothes. It’s best to wear a hat and a shirt, as it can be chilly once you’re in the sky. The hot air balloon in Melbourne is picked up and dropped off at 5 a.m. The trip is about 3-4 hours, and the flight is 1 hour, with breakfast included, 375 dollars per person, and 350 dollars per person without breakfast.
13. Have Fun With National Treasures and Cute Animals
How can you miss the chance to meet some national treasures in Australia? At Ballarat Safari Park, you can feed the kangaroos up close and personal and have an opportunity to meet the cute koalas! Just over 1 hour drive from Melbourne, you can arrive at Ballarat Zoo. Some kangaroos, emus, and alpacas can roam around in Ballarat. And these guys are safe and are not afraid of people. Ballarat Zoo opened in 1985, the zoo in addition to kangaroos, koalas, alpacas and other animals, there are many vertebrate reptiles and different categories of animals, most of them free-ranging but very tame, if you want to get up close and personal contact with these budding creatures, to come here the best!
14. Watch the Aboriginal Fireworks Ceremony
Every Tuesday to Friday at 11:00, the Royal Botanic Gardens organizes walking tours of Aboriginal cultural sites, where you can watch traditional fireworks ceremonies and learn how Aboriginal people used plants to make food and medicine with a guide. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, is truly a magical paradise. A wide variety of plants. The staff member who greeted us was Aboriginal, and he shared with us the ancient music of their tribe and showed us many unique plants. The walking tour starts at the Visitor Center in Federation Square and costs $25 for an adult tour, which lasts about an hour and a half.
15. See the Little Penguins in Melbourne
Not far from Melbourne, Phillip Island is home to a group of adorable little stars – the blue penguins! Their petite size makes them even more lovable, and they are in no way less cute than koalas and kangaroos! The most awaited part of Phillip Island is to watch the little penguins return home at night. There are different ticket prices for this tour, and we recommend the most expensive one, the Ultimate Tour. The tour guide is also a researcher on the island before watching the small penguin specimens, explaining the island’s ecological protection efforts, etc. So that those who participate in the harvest are not only the cute penguin figure but also behind the survival story. The little penguins will swim back to shore from the sea in groups at sunset, so be prepared to watch them return to their nests before leaving after dark. In addition, taking photos or videos of the penguins on the island is forbidden, so be careful not to break the rules.
16. Ride the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne
London Broken Bridge, the Twelve Apostles Rock, the Grand Canyon of the Rockaways… Every scenery on the Great Ocean Road is unique; you can go with a group or rent a car to drive yourself, so don’t miss any of the scenery on the road. The Great Ocean Road is more than 200 kilometres long, about 170 kilometres along the coastline and the whole winding. As it faces the South Pacific Ocean, the average temperature is 5 degrees lower than Sydney. I myself think that the Great Ocean Road or with the group’s good, although driving is very accessible, to take into account the safety and physical problems. However, the scenery is good. It can be put on the drive, but the energy has no time to pay attention to the scenery. Play a circle down to the exhaustion of the car to drive two hours to go back; it’s very tiring!
17. Return to Nature in the Yala Valley
Standing in the Yarra Valley, you can see the mountains as far as the eye can see. Pick a weekend, go to this natural oxygen bar, taste fresh, natural food in local restaurants, and live a yearning day.
18. Stroll Through the “Abbotsburg Convent” Art District
Abbotsford Abbey was once a sanctuary, but today, the area around it is Australia’s diverse arts precinct, hosting various events and festivals. Come here for an exhibition of paintings by local artists, a craft fair, or a DIY clay project in a craft workshop.
19. Witness the Beauty of St Kila in Melbourne
Riding on Luna Park’s original train, watching the seagulls fly by at sunset, watching the little penguins return to their nests … it’s like a dream back to my childhood!
20. The View of the Yarra River from the Hamer Hall
Melbourne is beautiful in so many ways! The terrace at Hamer Hall is the perfect place to see the Yarra River and take in the Melbourne skyline.
With its vibrant arts scene, fascinating history, and dynamic culinary experiences, Melbourne offers an endless palette of activities for visitors and locals alike. From exploring the lush greenery of the Royal Botanic Gardens to getting lost in the colourful laneways adorned with street art, each experience is unique and captivating. Whether appreciating the city’s love for coffee in a cosy café, watching a sunset from the St. Kilda Pier, or indulging in a gastronomic tour through its markets and restaurants, Melbourne ensures every moment is memorable. It’s a city that embraces diversity in every aspect, inviting everyone to find a piece of it to love. With so much to see and do, Melbourne isn’t just a destination; it’s a vibrant, living experience waiting to be discovered.
FAQ
What are the top attractions to visit in Melbourne?
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Federation Square, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground are must-visit landmarks.
What are some unique experiences I can only have in Melbourne?
Experiencing a live AFL match, exploring the laneways for street art, and taking a coffee culture tour are uniquely Melbournian experiences.
Where can I find the best food experiences in Melbourne?
Melbourne’s laneways and food markets, such as Queen Victoria Market, are known for their diverse culinary offerings, including vibrant cafes and international cuisines.
What’s the best way to get around Melbourne?
Melbourne’s public transport system, including trams, trains, and buses, is efficient and covers most tourist attractions. The Free Tram Zone in the city center is particularly useful.
