Melbourne is buzzing with excitement, and there’s never been a better time to explore Australia’s cultural capital! Whether you’re a local looking for new adventures or a visitor ready to dive into the city’s vibrant scene, here are 10 awesome things you can do in Melbourne today.
1. Marvel at the Eureka Skydeck 88
Start your day with breathtaking 360-degree views from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest public observation deck. Located on the 88th floor of Eureka Tower, this incredible vantage point offers stunning panoramas of Melbourne’s skyline, Port Phillip Bay, and the Dandenong Ranges. Don’t miss “The Edge” – a glass cube that extends out from the building for an adrenaline-pumping experience!
📍 Location: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006
🌐 Website: eurekaskydeck.com.au
🚊 Getting There: Tram Route 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72 to Casino/Riverside Quay
2. Explore Melbourne’s Famous Laneways and Street Art
Get lost (in the best way) wandering through Melbourne’s iconic laneways and discovering world-class street art. Start with Hosier Lane near Federation Square, then explore Centre Place, AC/DC Lane, and Croft Alley. Each laneway offers unique murals, hidden cafes, and quirky shops that change regularly, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
📍 Starting Point: Hosier Lane (off Flinders Street)
🌐 Info: Melbourne Street Art Guide
🚊 Getting There: Any tram to Flinders Street Station
3. Experience Queen Victoria Market
Dive into Melbourne’s food culture at the legendary Queen Victoria Market, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest open-air market. Browse over 600 specialty stores offering fresh produce, gourmet delights, artisanal goods, and unique souvenirs. The market has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for over 140 years and is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or picking up local treasures.
📍 Location: 513 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
🌐 Website: qvm.com.au
🕒 Hours: Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun (check website for specific times)
🚊 Getting There: Tram Route 55, 57, 59 to Queen Victoria Market
4. Ride the Free City Circle Tram
Jump aboard Melbourne’s iconic City Circle Tram for a completely free tour of the city’s key landmarks. This heritage tram runs every 12-15 minutes and takes about 45-60 minutes to complete the loop, passing attractions like Federation Square, Parliament House, and Docklands. It’s the perfect way to get your bearings and plan your next stops!
📍 Stops: Multiple stops around CBD (look for burgundy trams)
🌐 Info: PTV City Circle Route
🆓 Cost: Completely FREE
🕒 Running: Every 12-15 minutes, 10am-6pm (Sun-Wed), 10am-9pm (Thu-Sat)
5. Relax in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Escape the urban hustle in one of the world’s finest botanic gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne spans 38 hectares and features over 8,500 plant species. Take a peaceful stroll around the ornamental lake, climb the volcano for skyline views, or simply enjoy a picnic on the expansive lawns. It’s pure tranquility in the heart of the city.
📍 Location: Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3004
🌐 Website: rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne
🚊 Getting There: Tram Route 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72 to Domain Interchange
6. Discover World-Class Art at NGV
Immerse yourself in artistic brilliance at the National Gallery of Victoria. Currently featuring the world record-breaking Yayoi Kusama exhibition with over 180 works including never-before-seen infinity rooms, the NGV consistently showcases both international masterpieces and contemporary Australian art. The permanent collection alone is worth the visit!
📍 Location: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006
🌐 Website: ngv.vic.gov.au
🚊 Getting There: Tram Route 1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67, 72 to Arts Precinct
7. Shop and Dine at Federation Square
Melbourne’s cultural heart, Federation Square, is a vibrant hub of activity featuring unique architecture, galleries, restaurants, and events. Home to the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI), it’s also the perfect spot for people-watching while enjoying a coffee or meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
📍 Location: Corner Flinders & Swanston Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000
🌐 Website: fedsquare.com
🚊 Getting There: Any tram to Flinders Street Station
8. Take a Stroll Along the Yarra River
Walk or cycle along the scenic Yarra River paths, particularly around Southbank. The riverside promenade offers beautiful city views, outdoor dining options, and access to attractions like Crown Casino and the Arts Centre. The area comes alive with street performers, markets, and events throughout the week.
📍 Starting Point: Southbank Promenade
🌐 Info: Southbank Guide
🚊 Getting There: Tram to Flinders Street Station, then walk across any bridge
9. Experience Melbourne’s Coffee Culture
Melbourne’s coffee culture is legendary worldwide, so treat yourself to the city’s famous brews! Explore hidden laneway cafes, trendy rooftops, or established coffee institutions. From flat whites to specialty single origins, Melbourne’s baristas are among the world’s best, and every cup tells a story of the city’s passionate coffee community.
🌐 Coffee Guide: Melbourne Coffee Culture
10. Catch Live Entertainment
End your day with Melbourne’s thriving entertainment scene. Whether it’s live music at a rooftop bar, comedy at one of the famous venues, theater in the East End Theatre District, or simply enjoying the nightlife in the laneways, Melbourne comes alive after dark. Check out what’s on at venues like The Comedy Theatre, Athenaeum Theatre, or discover hidden bars and live music venues.
🌐 What’s On: whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au
🎪 Winter Bonus: Current June 2025 Events
Lightscape at Royal Botanic Gardens
A magical after-dark illuminated experience featuring stunning light installations throughout the gardens. This winter wonderland transforms the Royal Botanic Gardens into a luminous journey perfect for evening strolls.
📍 Location: Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne
🌐 Tickets: Book Lightscape tickets
📅 Dates: Winter season (check website for current dates)
🕒 Times: After dark (sessions from 6pm)
Winter Night Market at Queen Victoria Market
Cozy up at the Winter Night Market with warming food, hot drinks, live music, and a magical atmosphere. The iconic Queen Victoria Market sheds transform into a winter wonderland with heating, fairy lights, and festive vibes.
📍 Location: Queen Victoria Market
🌐 Info: Winter Night Market details
📅 When: Wednesday evenings
🕒 Times: 5pm-10pm
RISING Festival
Melbourne’s premier winter arts festival featuring 12 days of new art, music, and performance across the city. From unconventional venues to traditional stages, RISING showcases over 400 artists in 185 events including world premieres and unique collaborations.
📍 Locations: Multiple venues across Melbourne CBD
🌐 Program & Tickets: rising.melbourne
📅 Duration: 12 days in June
🎯 Highlights: Mini-golf in Flinders Street Station ballroom, underground performances, rooftop concerts
🗺️ Planning Your Melbourne Day
Getting Around: Purchase a Myki card for all public transport. The Free Tram Zone covers most CBD attractions.
Best Route: Start with Eureka Skydeck for orientation, then explore nearby attractions on foot or by tram.
Insider Tip: Download the official Melbourne app for real-time transport updates and event information.
Melbourne truly is a city that never sleeps, with endless opportunities for adventure, culture, food, and fun. Whether you’re here for a day or a lifetime, these experiences will give you a taste of what makes Melbourne one of the world’s most liveable and loveable cities. So grab your camera, put on comfortable shoes, and prepare to fall in love with Melbourne today!
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