Top 25 Melbourne Attractions (2023)
Melbourne is an exciting metropolis that is located in the south-east of Australia. Home to a variety of leading art spaces and stunning natural sceneries, there is plenty you can do here. Let us explore Melbourne together, starting with the top 25 places to visit.
1. Animal Land Children’s Farm
Animal Land Children’s Farm is 30 years old that aims to provide children with a chance to experience the farm life and to educate them about the animals that live here. This is an ideal family outing destination as the children will be given the first-hand opportunity to try new things. Experiences such as milking a cow, feeding ducks, take care of baby animals, ride on ponies and one of the best part is that they will get to manoeuvre a farm tractor. Farmstays are also available if you would like to extend your stay here.
Operating Hours: Wednesday & Friday, 11:00am – 1:30pm | Satursday – Sunday, 10:30am – 3:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – AU$15 | Child – AU$22
2. Arts Centre Melbourne
Arts Centre Melbourne is a famous landmark in Melbourne and is also the flagship performing art centre in Australia. This Art Centre is located along the artsy St Kilda Road and is consists of 4 halls – the Hamer Hall, State Theatre, Playhouse, Fairfax Studio and many exhibition galleries. It is also a venue of choice for many renown local and international performances in Melbourne.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 11:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Subject to exhibition rates.
3. Royal Arcade
Royal Arcade is the oldest shopping arcade in Melbourne and was designed by Charles Webb; a well-known historical architect in Melbourne in the year 1869. Created to exude a royal flair, this building was constructed with tall glass ceiling, arch windows and an intricate design dome where the Gaunt’s clock is positioned. This popular tourist destination will transport you to a different era the moment you step into this place. Within this space, you can browse through the many retail shops, chocolatiers and cafes that are opened here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
4. Brighton Beach Boxes
Brighton Beach Boxes is a famous Melbourne attraction that is located between Wellington Street and Dendy Street; just 30 minutes away from Melbourne town. It is fascinating to see 82 creatively designed beach boxes which have been around for more than 100 years ago. These boxes instantly spruce up the landscape of this area and have people lining up to take pictures with this iconic landmark.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
5. Chadstone shopping complex
Chadstone shopping complex is the largest shopping mall in Australia and is located 25 minutes away from Melbourne city. This upscale and contemporary building is home to 530 stores, 95 dining outlets and the first LegoLand Discovery Centre in Australia. Spanning across 129,924 square metres, this shopping mall offers an enjoyable experience for all. The mall consists of four levels, with each housing many local and international brands such as H&M, Coles, Muji, Target and many more.
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday, 9:00am – 5:30pm | Thursday – Saturday, 9:00am – 9:00pm | Sunday, 10:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
6. Dandenong Ranges National Park
Situated an hour away from the city, Dandenong Ranges National Park is a lush 3,500 hectares of land that is rich with floras and faunas. This park is home to thousands of Mountain Ash Trees which are the tallest flowering and fruit tree in the world. You will also get to discover many areas of the park and behold the majestic sight of waterfalls, streams and pavilions that were built here. There are many hiking trails available for those who would love to explore this natural gem. This is an excellent weekend getaway as it also offers plenty of picnic spots for leisure and relaxation.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
7. DFO South Wharf
DFO South Wharf is located in the heart of the city and is a multi-level factory outlets store. This is a popular destination for shopping and is home to 180 retail stores that sell items from clothes, bags, watches and many more. You will be able to find bargain pieces at discounted rates for all the leading 120 Australian and International brands here.
Operating Hours: Saturday – Thursday, 9:00am – 6:00pm | Friday, 10:00am – 9:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
8. Eureka Skydeck 88
Eureka Skydeck 88 is located within Eureka Tower, and this building can be recognised by the gold plated exterior. Standing at 285 metres above sea level, Eureka Skydeck 88 is a must-visit if you would want to catch a glimpse of the stunning view of Melbourne city. Home to the only Edge experience in the world, Eureka Skydeck 88 offers an exhilarating experience from the extended glass box that will suspend you 300 metres above the ground. It doesn’t matter if you are visiting this place during the day or night; you will still be charmed by the gorgeous view of the city.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – AU$12 | Child – AU$8
9. Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles
One of the most famous attractions in Melbourne, Great Ocean Road is a road trip you simply cannot miss. The journey will take you to many of Melbourne’s spectacular sites, and the highlight is the 12 Apostles. It is a series of limestone rocks that are located along Port Campbell National Park. The view is breathtaking as you will get to see towering rock cliffs carved over time by the glistening emerald waters. What remains today is eight stacks as the other five rocks has fallen since the time it was discovered.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
10. Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay is a secluded beach that earns its name from its crescent shape shore. Located on the south-east side of Melbourne, this place is where you will catch a glimpse of the HMVS Cerberus shipwreck that has been a resident here for more than 90 years. Besides, this bay is an excellent place for boat watching as the waves, and the wind is perfect for yacht sailing. You can also enjoy a stroll at the Black Rock Jetty that stretches out to the sea; allowing you to spot marine creates living in these crystal clear waters.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
11. Hosier Lane
Hosier Lane is one of the main attractions in Melbourne where street arts is at its best. Located just 2 minutes away from Flinders Street Station and sandwiched between Flinders and Collins Street, this is a landmark filled with graffiti walls, with each painting telling its own story. Along the alley, you will also find some of the best coffees in Centre Place, situated just next to Hosier Lane.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
12. Luna Park
First opened its doors in 1912, Luna Park is an iconic amusement park in Melbourne offering a variety of adrenaline-pumping rides and entertainment. Luna Park is a modestly sized park that is designed to be a perfect destination for family and friend’s to have fun under the sun. Here you will be able to ride on the Scenic Railway which is the oldest and longest operating roller coasters in the world.
Operating Hours: Thursday – Friday, 7:00pm – 11:00pm | Saturday, 11:00am – 11:00pm | Sunday, 11:00am – 8:00pm
Ticket Price(s): From AU$5 onwards.
13. Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum is one of Australia’s most prominent museum that is located near to the Royal Exhibition Building. Largest in the Southern Hemisphere, Melbourne Museum is a place where you will get to learn more about the country’s history, aboriginal cultures, animal exhibits and more. Guided tours around the museums are available and will take around 45 – 60 minutes to cover the entire museum.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – AU$15 | Child – Free
14. National Gallery of Victoria
National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s oldest and largest museums that are founded in 1861. This National Gallery of Victoria is also known as NGV by locals, is an art gallery that is also home to one of the biggest stained-glass roof. With more than 66,000 permanent artworks that were gathered from all over the world, it is no wonder why it is so famous among tourists. Within these walls, it is fascinating to see many sculptures, paintings, dinosaurs fossils and many relics of old that are well-preserved.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
15. Parliament House
Inspired by the neoclassical design stands this grand Australian Heritage Site that is located on Spring Street. Parliament House is the state legislative meeting place that is open for tours only when there is no Parliament seating. You will get the chance to check out the stunning interiors of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council while you are here.
Operating Hours: Weekday, 8:30am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
16. Peninsula Hot Springs
Just situated 90 minutes away from Melbourne city, you will reach to Victoria’s first natural hot spring ground. Surrounded by an idyllic landscape, Peninsula Hot Springs is an award-winning spa that offers over 20 bathing areas that is suitable for the whole family. Here you will be able to rejuvenate yourself through the many facilities that are made available such as the cave pool, massaging thermal showers, Turkish steam bath and many more.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – AU$30 | Child – AU$15
17. Queen Victoria Market
Encompassing seven hectares of land, Queen Victoria Market is the largest outdoor market in the Southern Hemisphere. This is a famous landmark among both locals and tourists for a wide variety of fresh and local products. This market place is the best spot to learn about the country’s culture and a chance to savour the famed local delicacies. With over 600 stalls, this place is so lively and always bustling with people.
Operating Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 6:00am – 3:00pm | Saturday – Sunday, 6:00am – 4:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
18. Royal Botanic Gardens
Situated in the heart of Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens is a 38 hectares breathtaking natural landscape. It is the lungs of Melbourne, and the park is adorned with calm lakes, rest benches and beautiful wooden bridges, providing visitors with a wonderful time here. There are just so much to do and see here with plenty of picnics spots for recreational activities among families and friends.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:30am – 6:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – AU$15 | Child – AU$10
19. Shrine of Remembrance
Built on the St Kilda Road, Shrine of Remembrance is a war monument that pays tribute to all the people that were lost during the World War I. Constructed in 1934; you will get to learn about the country’s history through the many galleries that are exhibited within this place. It is really an eye-opening experience to be able to read up on stories of war, peace and lessons learnt in the past.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
20. State Library of Victoria
Why not visit the State Library of Victoria for a change of pace hidden away from the bustling city? Established in 1854, this serves as the oldest library in Australia. Listed as the country’s Heritage site, this 19th-century library is known for its magnificent architecture that was inspired by the neoclassical design; making it one of the top instagramable places in Melbourne. If you would love to spend a quiet time here reading, you will be able to browse through the two million books that are housed in this library.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
21. The Grampians
The Grampians is a stunning natural park surrounded by nature. Just three hours away from Melbourne city, this is a favourite place for nature lovers and avid rock climbers. This place was listed in Australia’s National Heritage for its rich ecology and unique stone formations. The park offers four trails to the peak, with each revealing breathtaking view of the natural wonders of Melbourne.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates.
22. The Rose Street Artists’ Market
Located in the centre of Fitzroy, The Rose Street Artists’ Market is a place you will have to visit if you are in town during the weekends. Opened every Saturday and Sundays, this market offers a myriad of original and artisan local handicrafts designed by 120 vendors. You can easily find uniquely designed accessories, painting and clothes pieces that can only be found here exclusively.
Operating Hours: Saturday – Sunday, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
23. Werribee Open Range Zoo
Ever dream of visiting the African Savannah? Now you can here in the heart of Melbourne. Spanning across 225 hectares of land, Werribee Open Range Zoo offers you an up-close and personal experience with animals in this open safari that resembles the animals’ natural habitat. Taken through unbeaten parts of the road, you will get to see many rhinos, gorillas, lions, kangaroos, emu and many more animals that roam free during the safari tour.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – AU$38 | Child – AU$19
24. Yarra River Cruise
During your trip here to Melbourne, why not take the scenic route through the Yarra River and discover new parts of the city. Disembarkation point is located opposite the Langham Hotel, and the cruise journey takes approximately 1 – 2 hours. The cruise offers different picturesque routes with some travelling to the Docklands, River Garden and Williamstown just to name a few.
Operating Hours: Daily, 11:30am – 3:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – AU$24 | Child – AU$18
25. Yarra Valley Wine Tours
With some of the best Australian wines produced here, this is one place you will have to include into your next itinerary to Melbourne. Yarra Valley is located east of Melbourne and is the top producer for Pinot noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine in Australia. A variety of grapes species can grow here due to its cooler weather in this region. There are plenty of tours available which will take you on a gourmet journey of wine tasting with leading experts in each winery.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:20am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates.
As one of the coastal capitals in Australia, Melbourne exudes a charm like no other. Roam through the streets with graffiti-filled walls and appreciate the ancient architecture of some of the historical buildings in Melbourne. No matter what sort of holiday you are seeking for, Melbourne will be able to captivate you and deliver it all.