Visiting Melbourne for the first time? Then we’re here to help you make the most of your stay! We’re often asked about what to do in Melbourne, and the good news is, no matter what your interests, there really is something for everyone in this great city.
Best for sports fans…
Love sports? Then Melbourne Cricket Ground should be top of your list of places to visit in Melbourne. Book a guided tour and you’ll get to see what goes on behind the scenes at one of the most iconic sports stadiums in the world. Here, you’ll also find The National Sports Museum, which is home to over 3,500 objects from all manner of sports, and an interactive sports gallery for a more hands-on experience. If you plan on visiting both of these tourist attractions in Melbourne, you can purchase a combined ticket from the Cricket Ground.
Great for the green fingered…
High on our list of top things to see in Melbourne is The Royal Botanic Gardens. Over 50,000 plants from all over the globe cover 36 hectares of garden, making it one of the world’s finest Victorian-era landscapes. As well as being the home of numerous stunning displays, such as the bamboo forest, Tropical Hothouse and Guilfoyle’s Volcano water reservoir, the Gardens are widely known as an important resource for education, conservation, science and horticulture. It’s the perfect place to relax, surrounded by spectacular natural beauty.
Calling all culture vultures…
Melbourne is lucky to have a fantastic selection of museums and art galleries to choose from. The National Gallery of Victoria is divided into an International section, and a section dedicated to Australia. There’s always a new and exciting exhibition to discover here, so be sure to check what’s on during your stay. There’s also the Heide Museum of Modern Art with its ever-changing events and impressive architecture, together creating a gallery experience unlike any other. Alternatively, TV and film buffs will appreciate a visit to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
A must for animal lovers…
The Royal Melbourne Zoo is the third oldest zoo in the world, and still one of Melbourne’s top tourist attractions. The enclosures are designed to recreate the animals’ natural habitats, with walkways passing through them, allowing you to get up close and personal. Here, you can meet many of the country’s native animals, such as platypus and fur seals in their natural bush settings.
Superb for shopaholics…
Experience the hustle and bustle of Melbourne’s markets and barter for a bargain. In the heart of the city you’ll find yourself wandering the Queen Victoria Markets, where you can sample some of the freshest local produce and local fashion. Or for bric-a-brac and vintage finds, the Sunday Camberwell Market, just east of the central business district, is the spot for you.
An Australia tour holiday with Distant Journeys ensures you experience Melbourne sightseeing at its best, as well as giving you plenty of free time to experience the city your way. If you’d like help putting together your list of things to do in Melbourne, our Tour Managers are experts when it comes to what to visit in Melbourne whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit – all you need to do is ask!
Image by Yaser Alghofily via Flickr
