6 Things to do on a Trip to Melbourne

If you are planning a trip to Australia, one place that should definitely be on your travel itinerary is Melbourne. Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and is home to approximately 20 per cent of Australia’s population, making it the country’s second-most populous city. As well as being a popular place to live, Melbourne also has plenty to offer visitors. In 2019, it was estimated that 11.4 million people visited Melbourne for an overnight stay. It is easy to see why Melbourne holds such a strong appeal for visitors, as it is home to many Australian landmarks, and there is always plenty to see and do in this bustling city. 

If you plan to visit Melbourne during a visit to Australia, you will not be disappointed. Here are just some of the places to go and things to see and do during your trip to Melbourne:   

1. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Spanning 38-hectares and home to 8,500 species of plants, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is an incredible place to visit. This beautiful natural attraction has been welcoming visitors for over 170 years and continues to be one of the city’s most popular destinations for both local residents and visitors. Whether you decide to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria to simply relax and enjoy the peace and quiet, or to explore the site and immerse yourself in its natural beauty, there is something for everyone right here. The Gardens hosts events throughout the year, and tours are available to help you gain a better understanding, including an Aboriginal Heritage Walk. During the winter months, you may be able to see the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria illuminated with a spectacular display of lights. Don’t forget to book your place for any special events as these may get booked up quickly. 

2. Get a Birds’ Eye View of the City 

Melbourne is a stunning city, and a perfect way to fully appreciate it is with a bird’s eye view from the Melbourne Skydeck. Head to the Southbank area of the city, and you will find the Riverside Quay, which is where the Melbourne Skydeck is located. The Melbourne Skydeck is the tallest observation deck in the southern hemisphere. The Skydeck is a unique attraction and is an incredible 300-metres high. 

There are a few attractions you can choose to enjoy as part of your Skydeck experience. You can immerse yourself in a VR cinema experience in the Melbourne Skydeck Voyager™ Theatre, brave a dizzying virtual reality Plank Experience, and enjoy a meal on the top level of the Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka 89. If you have a head for heights, Melbourne Skydeck is a must-visit attraction during your time in the city.

3. Experience Melbourne Nightlife                                                

Melbourne is well-known for its fantastic nightlife, and here you will find so many bars to choose from during your stay that you will be spoiled for choice. Melbourne nightlife is varied and offers a host of possibilities, so whether you prefer up-market venues or laid-back bars with tons of atmosphere, you will find a place where you feel right at home in Melbourne. 

The Central Business District, widely referred to as the CBD, is one of the best places to start a night out in the city and to begin exploring the many Melbourne bars in the area. Federation Square in the CBD is packed with cocktail bars, nightclubs, and breweries serving artisanal beer. It is the place where most young Melburnians gather to enjoy delicious drinks and soak up the atmosphere in the city. If you prefer a more bohemian vibe, then the indie bars in the Fitzroy and Collingwood districts are ideal and offer an edgy charm. Here you will find laid-back pubs with beer gardens where you can grab a drink, enjoy the atmosphere and simply watch the world go by.

4. See the Penguins at Philips Island Nature Parks

If you are happy to venture out of the city and explore a little further afield, a visit to Philips Island Nature Parks is well worth the journey. The nature parks are located approximately 90-minutes outside Melbourne and are well worth a visit if you have the time at some point during your stay. If you love nature and seeing wildlife, Philips Island Nature Parks are the place to go. Here you can see little penguins in action at the Penguin Parade, watch koalas as you take a treetop walk at the Koala Conservation Reserve, and even head out onto the water and take a cruise to see the largest colony of fur seals in Australia in their natural habitat. This wide range of attractions makes the Phillips Island Nature Parks the ultimate choice of attraction for ecotourists and a destination not to be missed.  

5. Take a Ride on the City Circle Tram   

There are not many cities that offer free public transport, but Melbourne is one of them. When in Melbourne, you can enjoy free rides on the City Circle Tram, making it really easy to explore the city without blowing your money on getting around to see the sights. The heritage W-Class trams that run on the City Circle are iconic and an attraction in their own right. You can enjoy an informative audio commentary as you journey around some of Melbourne’s major landmarks and learn more about the city and its history. 

6. ArtVo

Just five minutes from the CBD, you will find the District Docklands, which is home to ArtVo. ArtVo opened in 2016 and is a unique visitor attraction. ArtVo is a trick gallery and the first of its kind in Australia. Visiting ArtVo is an immersive experience and features an array of optical illusions to trick your mind. While you are here, don’t miss out on taking loads of photos that will boggle your mind and wow your friends back home. If you love art but hope to experience it in a whole new way, then a visit to ArtVo is the perfect place to go.   

Let me know in the comments below, have you been to Melbourne yet? What are your favourite things to do?