Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, Australia, is a city rich in history and culture. It is also one of the most beloved cities in the world, having been named the most livable city for six years running. Despite being based in a massive metropolis, it successfully retains a strong sense of community, which makes it popular with both residents and travellers.
Tourists of all ages and from all over the world flock to Melbourne to experience the city’s top attractions. The city is popular for several reasons, including living and working there, visiting it on its own, or as an extension of an East Coast adventure or a road trip from Melbourne to Perth. There are flights departing from Melbourne’s massive international airport to destinations all over the world, including several Asian cities and other parts of Oceania.
Top 10 Attractions of Melbourne
1. St Kilda Penguins
Going to the Antarctic isn’t necessary if you want to observe penguins. The tiniest walking bird species on Earth, the Fairy Penguin, calls the southern part of Australia home. Every night after a long day of fishing, penguins at St. Kilda Penguin Sanctuary make their way to the rocks to rest. Helpful and educational volunteers keep an eye on the penguins, making sure they stay well and safe while also providing visitors with an opportunity to observe these fascinating animals in their native environment.
2. Hosier Lane
Famous all over the globe, Melbourne’s laneways conceal the city’s best-kept secrets, including hidden cafés, vintage stores, restaurants, and pubs. The street art that makes Melbourne unique can be seen in Hosier Lane, an alley that is well worth a visit.
An inexpensive stroll down Hosier Lane in the heart of Melbourne gives you a sense of the incredible communal spirit of the city via its outdoor art gallery, and it’s one of the top things to do in Melbourne.
3. Café Hopping in Fitzroy
Among the top Melbourne attractions, Fitzroy is a haven for coffee connoisseurs. Melburnians adore their coffee, so it would be a nice afternoon to sample coffee at a few different cafés in quirky Fitzroy. The hip and happening Blackcat Café was my favourite; they had excellent coffee and a fantastic vibe.
4. State Library of Victoria
The State Library of Victoria is truly remarkable, and not everyone would think it should be on the list of top things to do in Melbourne. It offers exhibits about the art and history of the Victorian era and is located in a historic structure in the heart of the city.
A favourite of mine is the La Trobe reading room, which exudes an air of refined elegance with its large green lighting and antique-style oak desks.
5. St Kilda Beach
During Melbourne’s sweltering summers, there’s no better place to relax than St. Kilda Beach! stunning seaside architecture, a picturesque promenade, plenty of free barbecues, and a stunning sandy beach characterise this district. Relax for a while away from the hustle and bustle of the city in this idyllic spot.
6. Lentil as Anything
Lentil as Anything is the only restaurant I would eat at if I had to pick just one. This vegetarian eatery employs seasonal, locally produced products and has a “pay as you wish” policy, wherein patrons are not billed but instead are asked to make a voluntary contribution. With the slogan “food without borders” and the welcoming atmosphere that permeates the establishment, it’s easy to see that this restaurant welcomes all kinds of people.
7. Melbourne Markets
Vendors selling anything from veggies to gemstones to clothing go from all over Victoria to set up shop at Melbourne’s cultural epicentre, the Queen Victoria Market. The Melbourne Markets are a great place to find one-of-a-kind fabric items. Hours of operation vary daily at the markets, except Monday and Wednesday.
8. Yarra River Cruise
Take a Yarra River tour to see Melbourne from a different perspective! Historical excursions, sightseeing cruises, and alcohol cruises are just a few of the many exciting things to do on Melbourne’s most famous piece of water. It’s one of the top things to do in Melbourne since it’s a new and exciting way to view the city.
9. Flinders Street Station
Stunning Flinders Street is Melbourne’s equivalent of New York’s Grand Central. South of the central business district, in a building from the early 20th century, is where you’ll find the station. It’s a great spot to get the classic Melburnian snapshot with the city’s historic buildings, modern skyscrapers, and iconic trams.
10. Melbourne Museum
Numerous displays tracing Melbourne and Victoria’s past may be seen in the Melbourne Museum. Featuring Aboriginal tales and the evolution of early humans and other animals, it is among the top Melbourne attractions for history buffs. There’s also a lot for the little ones! Just north of the central business district is the $14 entrance Melbourne Museum.
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