10 awesome things to do in Melbourne, Australia

10 awesome things to do in Melbourne, Australia that will make you feel like a local

The saying goes that Melbourne is your wife and Sydney is your mistress, meaning Sydney is how you like to spend a weekend and Melbourne is the one you want to come home to. It’s an accurate representation, as Melbourne can’t beat Sydney’s glitz, yet still has an overwhelming amount of sites, culture and activities worth bragging about.

Those, combined with fantastic (and sometimes free!) public transportation, safe streets and a strong economy help Melbourne consistently rank as one of the world’s best places to live.

10 awesome things to do in Melbourne that will make you feel like a local

Here are the top 10 awesome things to do in Melbourne, Australia that will have you feeling like a local in no time.

10 awesome things to do in Melbourne that will make you feel like a local
Flinders Station

What to do in Melbourne: Soak up the café culture

Melbourne is renowned for its cafes, and after you sip a Flat White at one of them you’ll never want to go to Starbucks again. There’s just something about the strong lattes artfully created by career baristas, who take pride in knowing your order after the first time you walk in.

Most cafes also offer house-made treats such as fluffy croissants, juicy fruit parfaits and fresh-out-of-the-oven muffins, making it an easy decision to skip your hotel’s boring continental breakfast. Outdoor cafes are also the perfect place to people watch and soak in the sounds of the city.

RELATED: A starter guide to Yarra Valley wine tours

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Meet in Federation Square

While this place is crawling with tourists thanks to the information booths, hectic Flinders train station and the fact that many tours pick up day-trippers here, even locals can’t avoid Federation Square.

One of the busiest places to visit in Melbourne, Fed Square is home to an impressive array of venues including the modern Deakin Edge and The Atrium, and regularly hosts events including fashion shows and wine and food festivals. Towering St. Paul’s Cathedral also looks over the square, which is bordered by the serene Yarra River, making it a great place to sit back and watch the world go by. It’s incredible to think that the square has only been around since 2002!

10 awesome things to do in Melbourne that will make you feel like a local
Federation Square

10 awesome things to do in Melbourne that will make you feel like a local

 

Walk down Hosier Lane

No trip to Melbourne would be complete without venturing through Hosier Lane, which is just a few blocks from Fed Square. Street art comes alive in this corridor, where artists are welcome to spray their creations all along and up the walls, creating an ever-changing, bright tapestry. Even the locals find new works every time they walk through, making this one of the top Melbourne activities.

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Shop ‘til you drop

Melbournians are a stylish bunch, and their fashion districts prove it. It’s easy to waste away an entire day popping in and out of boutiques, such as the ones you’ll find along hip Chapel Street. From runway-ready looks to homewares and stationary (don’t miss kikki.K, where everything looks like it jumped off a Pinterest board), it’s all here.

For a shopping strip with even more atmosphere, head to the St. Kilda district which has stores that suit all budgets, cafes and restaurants with great patios, and cake shops which will make anyone with a sweet tooth go crazy. Those who prefer the cover of a mall should try the glitzy Emporium Melbourne, or head out to Chadstone which is a short drive from Melbourne and has over 500 stores. A free shuttle departs from Federation Square daily.

St. Kilda
St. Kilda

Top tips: Shopping in St. Kilda or on Chapel Street? Be sure to stop in at Kookai, a beautifully curated store which offers stylish yet classic women’s wear that will make you look like a million bucks. If you need an afternoon tipple, try the Tea Salon in Emporium—their scones are delicious, the décor is adorable, and they’ll even serve you gin in a teapot so no one will judge.

10 awesome things to do in Melbourne, Australia that will make you feel like a local

Bask in the sun on Brighton Beach

While Brighton Beach itself isn’t exactly postcard-worthy, it’s well worth a visit for one reason: the bathing houses. Taking a cue from the Caribbean, the uniquely decorated cabanas that line the length of the beach are absolutely charming, and you’ll find yourself torn trying to pick a favourite. From Easter-egg hues to bright depictions of kangaroos and crabs, the owners take pride in having their houses stand out, making it one of the most popular Melbourne sights for the Instagram crowd.

RELATED: The 5 best day trips from Melbourne, Australia

Brighton Beach bathing houses

Brighton Beach bathing houses

Enjoy a slow stroll along the beach while taking in the views of both the houses and Melbourne’s skyline, then grab a bite to eat on the patio at The Baths. Sipping a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc while watching paddle-boarders and boats head out from the neighbouring dock is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.

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Brighton Beach bathing houses

Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens

A serene outdoor oasis right in the middle of the city, the Royal Botanic Gardens are a welcome respite from the everyday hustle and bustle. Meticulously kept gardens are bordered by perfectly manicured lawns, and huge leafy trees and stick-straight palm trees provide shelter from the Australian sun.

The gardens are like a living greenhouse, with different areas dedicated to particular plant species—take the cacti area, for example.

Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens

Pathways wind throughout the massive park, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll, and many Melbournians get their fitness fix here by jogging around the Tan which loops around the park (it’s named after the colour of the track, natch). There’s ample space to spread out and have a picnic, or simply soak in the scene at one of the cafes.

Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens

While the greenery is what the Royal Botanic Gardens are most famous for, it’s also steps away from the spectacular Shrine of Remembrance which is considered one of the top Melbourne city attractions. The war memorial is dedicated to those who have served in wars and peacekeeping missions that Australia has been a part of, and hosts remembrance ceremonies.

Visitors are welcome to tour the building, and also walk up to the top where they can take in one of the best views in the city.

Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, Australia
Shrine of Remembrance

Try your luck at Crown

Who needs Vegas when you could just spend a night at Crown? This entertainment complex just a few minutes from St. Kilda and Fed Square is the next best thing to Sin City, boasting hotels, nightclubs, spas, numerous restaurants, luxury shops and a casino. If you find yourself there around sunset, be sure to head outside to one of the patios overlooking the Yarra River at the top of the hour. There you’ll catch the Gas Brigades, a nightly show which sees huge fireballs burst out from the towers as water falls down the side. Talk about a spectacle!

Watch a movie in the great outdoors

Australians love any excuse to stay outside. Enter Moonlight Cinema. From December to March, a giant screen is set up in the Botanical Gardens, which shows movies ranging from new releases to golden oldies such as Flashdance.

Adult movie tickets are around $20 each, and you can hunker down on the grass on your own blanket or rent one of the comfortable beanbag chairs for about $9. Food trucks are on site, and you can also bring your own food in. Does it get any better than a picnic in the park while watching the sunset as your favourite movie plays?!

Moonlight Cinema
Moonlight Cinema

Night Market

If you’re looking for another way to spend an evening, Melbourne’s famous Night Market is the place to be. Every Wednesday night from November through March, the historic Queen Victoria Market is transformed into a bustling bazaar.

The smoky smell of meat sizzling on the grill wafts around you as lively music plays, and people line up at the dozens of food stalls serving up authentic dishes from around the world. Greek, Korean, Indian, Cajun, it’s all here. After filling up, be sure to browse through the artisan stalls selling clothing, jewelry and artwork for creations you won’t find anywhere else.

Night Market
Night Market

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Get in the game

Finally, if there’s one thing Melbournians are known for it’s their love of the game. From cricket to horse racing, F1 to tennis matches and everything in between, Melbourne is passionate about their sporting events. Let’s not forget footy, which is like a mix between rugby and soccer but played in a circular field.

Melbourne is the birthplace of Aussie Rules, and it’s worth trying to round up tickets to a game just to see what all the fuss is about. The city is crawling with sports stadiums, ensuring that no matter what time of year you visit, there will always be something worth cheering about.

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Where to stay in Melbourne

Melbourne has plenty of hip boutique properties that are sure to leave an impression. Some of the city’s top ranked properties include:

  • Adelphi Hotel: A swanky, overhanging glass rooftop hotel, luxe lounge and spacious modern rooms make this a guest favourite. Click here to book
  • Art Series: This boutique hotel has a great location near the CBD and Queen Victoria Market, and the beautifully designed property gets top marks for its friendly staff and comfortable beds. Click here to book
  • Crown Towers: Crown Towers Melbourne is a hot spot of action thanks to the aforementioned casino on the riverbank, and its luxurious rooms boast incredible city views. Click here to book

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21 thoughts on “10 awesome things to do in Melbourne, Australia that will make you feel like a local”

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  2. Cool city and cool post, I must say. Melbourne is world tourist city where everyone find something to himself for sure. Melbourne doesn’t disappoint you. Melbourne make you happy with independent Australian lifestyle and culture that is blended with sorts of culture brining something new to the Australia to make worlds best place to live.

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  4. Melbourne has been an international city for a long time but the more it evolves the more it becomes not only a true international city, but a great one. We have lived in Melbourne and ran businesses in the city for over 40 years. We love it and will live here forever. Great article BTW!

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  6. Melbourne is such an amazing city. Definitely one of my favourites I’ve visited. The street art is definitely a big highlight for me, not just on Hosier Lane, but all around the city! I agree with the coffee as well. When you think Melbourne, coffee is definitely one of the first words which comes to mind.

  7. I loved these pictures and they brought back a lot of memories. I was born in Melbourne many years ago .There is no place like Melbourne. I would love to see it once more but that is just a dream. I hope I will see more pictures like these.

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  9. Hi Tamara,

    I would like to enquire if you are accepting guest posting in your website? We are offering infographic about Melbourne City as World’s Most Liveable City. Here in MiniMovers, we are promoting Melbourne City to attract more travelers and movers to Melbourne. Once it is posted, we can share the link on our social media accounts. Please let me know how that sounds. 🙂

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  10. I love Melbourne with such passion, to the point of moving there to live 2019, from N.Z. Unlike a lot of my fellow countrymen, I’m moving to Melbourne to experience the lifestyle that just blows me away. My wife and I are devout foodies and coffee followers so that’s an attraction straight away. But it’s the whole package this city has to offer that is the big attraction. This article is very goid. Thank you.

  11. Pingback: A starter guide to Yarra Valley wine tours - Globe Guide

  12. Pingback: 5 reasons why Manly Beach is one of the best beaches in Sydney - Globe Guide

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