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10 BEST Things to do in Melbourne, Australia

10 BEST Things to do in Melbourne, Australia

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Are you looking for some of the best things to do in Melbourne? You’ve come to the right place!

Melbourne is a big place and is surrounded by tons of things to see and places to go. I’m from Australia and have had the privilege of exploring this city many times. Because of this, I know the absolute best things to do and tours to take to make your trip as memorable as possible.

I’ve created the list below to help you choose the experiences that are right for you. Regardless of which ones you do, I know you’ll leave loving Melbourne as much as we do. So let’s get to it!

Quick Pick: Our Favorite Experience

Bailey cheers her wine on the spirit of melbourne dinner druise
This was such an amazing cruise!

Don’t have time to read the full article?

Our personal FAVORITE experience in Melbourne is this 3-hour dinner cruise! You’ll watch the sunset over the city while indulging in a 4-course meal with unlimited premium beverages – it’s a must-do activity while visiting Melbourne! Check out the 800+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.

Tip: This tour is popular, so secure your spot in advance and have free cancellation 24 hours before you go!

The BEST Things to Do in Melbourne

1. Enjoy a Melbourne Dinner Cruise 

Dinner on the spirit of melbourne dinner cruise with steak and shrimp
This was such an amazing cruise!
wine glass on the spirit of melbourne dinner cruise with a bridge in the background
Wine and a sunset? Yes please!
  • Price: $195 AUD per person
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Time: 7:30 pm 
  • Highlights: Watch the sunset over the city on the Yarra River, enjoy a 4-course gourmet meal with included premium alcoholic beverages
  • Inclusions: 4-course dinner, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, river cruise
  • Rating: 4.5 Stars (check 1200+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 

The Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise isn’t just one of the best cruises in Australia, but one of our all-time favorites. This all-inclusive experience offers stunning sunset and nighttime views of Melbourne, unlimited drinks, and a four-course gourmet meal. Seriously, what’s not to love?

From start to finish our 3 hours spent on this dinner cruise were nothing short of fantastic. Right from the beginning I loved that the staff greeted us, asked if we wanted a drink, and then told us where to catch the best views of the sunset onboard. Talk about 5-star service! 

I also really appreciated that they limited the number of people on the cruise to avoid overcrowding. Nothing ruins a cruise like too many people on a boat. But since they kept the guest list small, there were plenty of places for everyone to go and enjoy the sunset over the Yarra River. This made the whole evening more romantic and enjoyable for everyone!

Bailey looks out over the water during sunset during the spirit of melbourne dinner cruise
Sunset on the river

One recommendation I would make is getting a ride arranged to and from your accommodation. As I mentioned above there is free-flow alcohol so it’s nice to be able to have fun and not worry about driving back home – safety first! But don’t worry, this isn’t a party cruise, but an upscale experience. Even though people were having a good time, it never once felt like a booze cruise.

This was an experience that kept on giving and we just couldn’t stop finding things to love about this cruise. The food was excellent (I recommend the chargrilled beef eye fillet) and the views of Melbourne lit up at night from the river were stunning. It’s also a neat way to see some landmarks like the Royal Botanical Gardens and Federation Square for free!

Make sure you book your tickets in advance since it’s one of the most popular experiences in the city. And for only $185 AUD, it makes sense why over 800 other people have given this cruise a 5-star rating!

2. Explore the Great Ocean Road

Bailey smiles and poses by twelve apostles on a great ocean road tour australia
The Twelve Apostles
Daniel walkng through Kennett River on a great ocean road tour australia
Kennett River is such a cool place!
  • Price: $155 AUD per person
  • Duration: 14 hours 
  • Time: 7 am 
  • Highlights: See famous landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and Gibson’s Steps, bushwalk in Great Otway National Park, spot kangaroos and koalas, see the historic Loch Ard Gorge
  • Inclusions: Professional guide, pick-up from select hotels, coffee/tea, national park fees
  • Rating: 5 Stars (check 5000+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 

To the south of Melbourne lies one of the most fantastic stretches of road in Australia. The Great Ocean Road boasts natural beauty unlike anywhere else and the best way to experience it is on this full-day tour. It takes you to all of the best must-see spots!

I’m a sucker for cute animals so naturally, this tour had me smiling the entire time we were visiting Kennett River. Part of the Aussie experience is seeing all the iconic animals, so hanging out with koalas, wallabies, kangaroos, and kookaburras was one of my favorite parts of this tour. The included nature walk was also tons of fun!

loch ard gorge great ocean road australia
Loch Ard Gorge is stunning!

But boy oh boy were there a lot of other fantastic stops during the day. The Great Ocean Road is packed with them and I loved that you never spent too much time in the van because you were constantly getting out to look at something. The Twelve Apostles are easily the most famous of the bunch and after seeing them for myself, I can see why. Massive limestone formations that rise out of the ocean certainly make an impression!

Of course, this is only a snippet of what we saw and even though the sights were incredible, the guides are what made the day so special. They were top-notch professionals and as informative as they were funny. Since this is a small group tour, they get to know everyone and make it a truly personal experience! 

Related Read: For more options for this scenic drive, check out our full list of Great Ocean Road tours from Melbourne!

3. Visit Phillip Island and see the Penguin Parade 

Penguins walk down a path on phillip Island during a go west penguin tour near melbourne australia
Penguins on parade!
Feeding a wallaby at the moonlit sanctuary on phillip island during a go west tour near melbourne australia
Feeding Wallabies at the Moonlit Sanctuary is awesome!
  • Price: $175 AUD per person
  • Duration: 12 hours 
  • Time: 10 or 11 am 
  • Highlights: Eco-tour, see the Brighton Beach bathing boxes, visit the Moonlit Sanctuary, view fairy penguins waddle to their burrows
  • Inclusions: Professional guide, pick-up from select hotels, Moonlit Sanctuary and Phillip Island Penguin Parade entry fees
  • Rating: 5 Stars (check 2600+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 

Yes, you read that correctly, this Phillip Island Day Tour includes one of my favorite things ever – a penguin parade! If you love animals, I can’t recommend this tour enough. This award-winning experience is fantastic for people of all ages and is non-stop fun.

Right off the bat, I recommend bringing a backpack with everything you need for a full-day tour. Extra water and snacks are always a good idea, but sunscreen is something you’ll want. You spend quite a bit of time outside and take it from me, the Australian sun is strong!

I loved that the day started at the colorful Brighton Bathing Boxes on Brighton Beach. A little sand between your toes first thing in the morning is a great way to start the day! This is a great place to snap some funky photos to share with friends and family.

Bailey walks on a boardwalk at the nobbies on phillip island with the ocean in the background during a go west penguin tour to phillip island near mebourne australia
Walking The Nobbies before going to see penguins

While the penguin parade is what gets people excited about this tour initially, I think the stop at Moonlit Sanctuary ends up being the highlight for a lot of people. I adore animals and getting to feed kangaroos and wallabies was such an amazing experience. If you’d like to do this when you go, bring some extra cash to buy food for them at the sanctuary – it’s only $3 AUD per container.

It’s not all koalas and wallabies, however. This endangered animal rescue lets you get up close to a whole host of iconic Australian wildlife like kangaroos, dingos, and even pythons! You often have to book those experiences separately, but our guide helped us book the koala experience on the day. Moonlit Sanctuary is one of the top reasons we have this tour on our list – it’s such a cool place to visit!

But, seeing the world’s smallest penguins waddle up a beach and to their little penguin homes is ridiculously cute. So I understand why people come from all over the world to see it. I appreciated that the viewing platform had enough room for everyone to watch the show and that it was set up in a way that didn’t disturb the penguins. 

It’s easy to see why not just us but thousands of other people loved this Phillip Island tour. Costing only $175 AUD it makes sense that it sells out all the time- so be sure to book in advance!

4. Go Wine Tasting in the Yarra Valley

Grape vines at a winery in the Yarra Valley, Melbourne
I love the Yarra Valley!
A tasting glass of wine is poured at a winery in the Yarra Valley
The wine was so good!
  • Price: $189+ AUD per person
  • Duration: 8 hours 
  • Time: 8-9 am
  • Highlights: Wine tasting at 2 wineries, chocolate tasting, gin tasting, cheese tasting at a local dairy farm
  • Inclusions: Professional guide, pick-up from select hotels, lunch, all tastings
  • Rating: 5 Stars (check 600+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 

As people who actively take wine tours around the world, we know a stand-out experience from a sub-par one. We can easily say that this Yarra Valley wine tour is one of the best and our recommendation for anyone who wants to experience Melbourne’s incredible wine country during their visit.

While this day trip had all sorts of fantastic stops, what made it go above and beyond for us was our incredible driver and guide, Janiey. If you’re lucky enough to get her, tell her Bailey and Daniel say hello! Although taking a look at the reviews it’s easy to see that all of the guides are exceptional at what they do and will make your day incredible regardless. 

While this is a wine tour, there are some non-wine-related stops that I loved. Four Pillars Gin Distillery made an absolutely brilliant gin and tonic and the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie had mouth-watering samples for everyone. I may or may not have purchased several bars for myself!   

The two wineries you visit, Balgownie Estate and Rochford Wines, were nothing short of amazing with stunning views of the countryside and wine tastings to match. I thoroughly enjoyed my glass (or two) of Balgownie Estates black label pinot noir, but there was a great selection of both reds and whites we tried throughout the day!

We love that tour is all-inclusive so once you’re picked up, there’s no need to worry about paying for anything extra – you even get a delicious lunch included!

5. Go on a Food Tour

Tasting mussels on a food tour inside the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne Australia
Yum!
International treats we tried on a food tour in Melbourne at the Queen Victoria Market
You try so many new things!
  • Price: $119+ AUD per person
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Time: 1:30 pm
  • Highlights: Small group tour around downtown Melbourne, visit the city’s coolest bars, cafés, and street food stalls
  • Inclusions: Professional guide, 2 savory tastings, 3 sweet tastings, alcoholic beverages, coffee/tea
  • Rating: 5 Stars (check 350+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 

Melbourne is a real foodie city. In fact, we weren’t surprised when it got voted the best food city in the world a few years ago! There are so many amazing places to eat that it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to go and what to try on your own. This is why we recommend doing a food tour!

We did this walking food tour and can’t recommend it enough. What set this tour apart for us was the variety. We went all over Melbourne trying the best dumplings in Chinatown, amazing local coffee, and delicious coffee and pastries from hidden gems in the city’s charming lanes and arcades. It was a smorgasbord of Melbourne’s best eateries – no wonder it has so many 5-star reviews!

The tour lasts for 3 hours and it’s a small group experience with a really lovely guide, so it felt like restaurant-hopping with friends. But at the same time, we got to hear a lot about Melbourne’s culture and pass by some of the city’s top sights. It costs $119 AUD and we think it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon in the city. 

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

6. See the city from the Melbourne Skydeck

Daniel poses for a photo at the Melbourne Skydeck
The outdoor deck is cool!
The Yarra River as seen from the Melbourne Skydeck
What a view!
  • Price: $43+ AUD per person
  • Duration: Approx 1-2 hours 
  • Time: Anytime between 12- 7:30 pm
  • Highlights: Stand on the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere, go outside on “The Terrace”, ride “The Edge” (if option selected), visit Bar 88, visit the VR theatre (if option selected)
  • Inclusions: Entrance to the Skydeck, other inclusions depend on the package chosen at the time of booking
  • Rating: 4.5 Stars (check 400+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

The Melbourne Skydeck is the tallest observation deck in the southern hemisphere, and the views are absolutely incredible. There are many different Skydeck Packages that you can book depending on your interests – there is truly something for everyone up there!

We booked “The Edge Experience” package, which meant we got to stand in the transparent glass cube that protrudes from the Skydeck, so we felt like we were being suspended over the city. It was thrilling and definitely worth the $43 AUD! 

Some of the other packages on offer include a VR experience that shows you all of Melbourne’s top sights and takes you on a (virtual) zipline adventure. Meanwhile, “Cocktails in the Clouds” includes the VR theater and a cocktail at Bar 88. We didn’t choose this package, but still went for a drink at the bar, and we were impressed by how good the cocktails were. There’s a great 2-for-1 happy hour between 4-8 pm. 

And if you can’t decide because it all sounds fun, the “Ultimate Package” is the one for you! You’ll get to everything we mentioned above and more for around $65 AUD. Just make sure to give yourself enough time to experience it all – we recommend around 2 hours!

7. Take a Melbourne City Walking Tour 

Scenic shot of a tram and train station in Melbourne Australia
Flinders Street Station is one of the busiest in the world!
Two boats cruise the Yarra River in Melbourne Australia
Walking along the Yarra River
  • Price: $99 AUD per person
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Time: 11 am
  • Highlights: Learn history and stories on a walking tour, visit attractions such as Federation Square, Hosier Lane, & Old Melbourne Gaol, stop for a beer and coffee
  • Inclusions: Professional guide, coffee, beer, commentary, maps
  • Rating: 5 Stars (check 1100+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

We think this Melbourne City Walking Tour is an amazing way for anyone to start a visit to the city. Having a guide take you to little-known local spots, give recommendations for the rest of your trip, and teach you about the city’s culture is sure to have you swooning over Melbourne.

What we loved about this walking tour is that you see a lot and only actually walk about 3 km (1.8 mi) over a 3-hour period making it accessible to lots of travelers. There is still a fair amount of standing though, so bring comfortable shoes! This is also a year-round experience, so wear clothing appropriate for the weather since rain doesn’t change the tour.

The other aspect of this tour that makes it so great is the fact that it has a maximum of 12 people making for a more personal experience. Our guide was able to answer any questions the group had and it was always easy to hear what he had to say.

And there is quite a bit they will tell you! Even though we have been to Melbourne tons of times we were stunned by the amount of history we didn’t know about when it came to the city. Learning how it became known as the coffee capital of the world, the history of the architecture, and much, much more. I particularly enjoyed ACDC Lane which has tons of rock and roll murals you can get pictures of.

Remember how I said Melbourne is known as the coffee capital of the world? That’s not just some title they throw around, it’s true! And on this tour not only do you get to try some incredible coffee, but local Melbourne beer at the end of it as well. It’s an amazing way to end the tour!

8. Visit Grampians National Park

Silverband Falls in Grampians National Park in Australia
Silverband Falls
A kangaroo in Grampians National Park in Australia
A kangaroo in Grampians National Park in Australia
  • Price: $155 AUD per person
  • Duration: 13 hours 
  • Time: 7 am
  • Highlights: Small group, go on a bushwalk, spot kangaroos, visit waterfalls, hike to the Grand Canyon
  • Inclusions: Professional guide, coffee/tea, all fees, pickup from select hotels
  • Rating: 5 Stars (check 500+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

As nature lovers, we have to recommend getting out of Melbourne and exploring Grampians National Park! It’s so rugged and beautiful, although it’s a 3-hour drive from the city so we highly recommend booking this full-day tour rather than driving yourself.

We loved visiting the gold mining town of Ballarat, and the chance to go on a bushwalk to the pretty Silverband Falls. We also bought lunch in the small town of Halls Gap and our guide took us on a kangaroo-spotting walk here which we loved.

Afterward, we did a 30-minute hike around the Wonderland Loop (which offers the most amazing views) before visiting MacKenzie Falls, which is another highlight of the park. It was a long day at around 13 hours, but our guide, Chris, kept the group’s energy high with his great sense of humor and we had so much fun exploring that it didn’t feel that long. 

The tour cost us $155 AUD each and we went in the summer, so we made sure to book in advance through Viator. It usually runs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so plan accordingly!

9. Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Dessert Tour

Bailey explores on a Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Tour
Bailey explores on a Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Tour
Bailey tastes Haigh’s Chocolate in Melbourne Australia on a guided tou
Mmm chocolate!
  • Price: $103 AUD per person
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Time: 10:40 am
  • Highlights: Walking tour to 6 of Melbourne’s best chocolate spots, learn about the chocolate-making process, get a tasting with wine pairing
  • Inclusions: Professional guide, minimum 7 chocolate tastings, bottled water, “I’m a Chocoholic” badge, hot chocolate, cheese & chocolate matching experience
  • Rating: 5 Stars (check 250+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

We’ve talked about exploring some of Melbourne’s iconic lanes and arcades throughout this blog, but the ultimate way to discover them is by booking this Lanes & Arcades Dessert tour, which we loved. As soon as I found out it’s all about exploring chocolate shops and dessert cafes, I knew we had to do it! 

I don’t know what we loved more – exploring all of the quaint laneways and Victorian arcades, or trying luxurious, Aussie-made chocolates. We got to try so many different chocolates and even enjoyed a cup of super-rich hot chocolate. Then, just when we thought we couldn’t eat any more chocolate, the tour ended with a cheese and wine pairing which was the perfect break from all of that sugary goodness. 

We have to give a shoutout to our guide, Ivan, who was just so entertaining and told us so much about the arcades and laneways we passed through while keeping the laughs coming. The tour costs $103 AUD and we thought it was 100% worth it. I think it’s the perfect way for first-timers to get to know Melbourne’s hidden gems!

10. Go on a Scenic Hot Air Balloon Ride

Yarra Valley Global Ballooning Australia
Global Ballooning Australia
Global Ballooning Australia
Global Ballooning Australia
  • Price: $495+ AUD per person
  • Duration: 4 hours 
  • Time: Between 4:30-6:30 am
  • Highlights: Watch the sunrise in a hot air balloon over the Yarra Valley, enjoy scenic landscapes, upgrade to include breakfast
  • Inclusions: 1-hour hot air balloon ride, complimentary in-flight photos, digital flight certificate, insurance and fees, transfers & breakfast (if option selected)
  • Rating: 5 Stars (check 450+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

If you’re looking for a truly memorable experience while you’re in Melbourne, look no further than this hot air balloon ride over the Yarra Valley!

We did this last time we went to Melbourne, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. The day starts early (around 4:30 am!) but it’s definitely worth the early wake-up to see the sunrise from above the clouds. We spent around an hour soaring through the sky and taking in the magnificent views around us. We even saw some wild kangaroos in the fields below, which was really neat!

After the flight, there is an option to add on breakfast with sparkling wine at Balgownie Estate. I highly recommend doing this because it was a great way to decompress and take in the amazing experience we just had – plus the breakfast was delicious!

This tour also offers the option to add on transportation from Melbourne as well for an extra fee. This is a nice option to have if you’re not renting a car and can’t drive yourself out to the meeting point.

All in all, we can’t recommend this experience enough. And we aren’t alone, there are hundreds of 5-star reviews for this tour!

Where to Stay in Melbourne

The Langham Melbourne room
Photo credit: The Langham Melbourne

If you’re planning to visit Melbourne, let us help you find a great place to stay. There’s something to fit every budget, so check out our top picks from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here’s what you need to know!

The Langham Melbourne – $$$

For an elegant stay – think marble staircases, fountains, and chandeliers – The Langham Melbourne is the perfect place. The hotel is in the middle of Melbourne overlooking the Yarra River. You’ll get beautiful city views from the hotel’s restaurant and from the indoor pool. It’s also within walking distance of a number of top attractions.

Rooms here start at $300 – $400 AUD per night. Check availability and reserve a room here.

Grand Hotel Melbourne – $$

Stay in the Melbourne Central Business District at this historic hotel that has plenty of character. The studios and apartments at the Grand Hotel Melbourne give you more space than a typical hotel and even include a kitchen. You can also take advantage of the heated indoor pool and the fitness center with a sauna. Plus, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Crown Casino, Southbank, Docklands, and more.

A studio starts at around $200 AUD per night and can be reserved through Booking.com here.

Space Hotel – $

You don’t have to sacrifice style for money at this hostel. The Space Hotel is a modern hostel with lots of extra guest amenities like a gym, a hot tub, and even a mini-theater. You can head to the rooftop terrace to relax and enjoy the views. The hostel is conveniently located in the Central Business District and is not far from the Queen Victoria Market and Chinatown.

Accommodation options include both private rooms and shared dorm rooms. A bed in a dorm starts at $55 AUD and private rooms begin at $100 AUD. You can reserve a spot in advance through Booking.com or HostelWorld.com.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Bailey and daniel smile for a selfie on the deck of the spirit of melbourne dinner cruise
Thanks for reading!

I hope our guide on the best things to do in Melbourne helped you plan the perfect trip! All of these experiences made us fall in love with Melbourne and the areas surrounding the city. While you can absolutely explore on your own, these tours make it easier to have a seamless experience – especially if it’s your first time here!

Don’t leave just yet! You might enjoy our blog on the best day trips from Melbourne or we have tons more travel inspiration, tips, tour reviews, and city guides on our blogs about Australia.

25 Things to do in Melbourne for First-Time Visitors

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Our Favorite Great Ocean Road Bus Tour – Review and What to Expect