Melbourne, Australia, a frequent contender among the most livable cities in the world, is a tourist destination that never fails to mesmerise the senses of travel enthusiasts. After seeing the vibrant culture, coffee, and colours, you’ll realise why this city has become such a popular destination in the world.
Whether you are a foodie, an art lover, or a thrill-seeker, you will get your fix from this beautiful city, Melbourne. The experienced Aussie chefs of the city can serve you delicious and authentic Indian, Italian, and Greek cuisine that will leave you craving more while you get the adrenaline pump from insane adventures.
Not to forget about the impressive museums and art galleries that have captured the hearts of many art lovers. Simply put, Melbourne has something to offer everyone, and if you plan to travel to this beautiful city, you will leave a bunch of unforgettable memories for a lifetime. However, before you visit this city, you must plan where to go first and where to end your trip.
Keep reading this blog to learn about the top tourist attractions in Melbourne so that you can plan your trip accordingly (whether you are travelling alone or with your friends) and don’t get distracted during your wonderful trip.
1. National Gallery of Victoria
Founded in 1861, the National Gallery of Victoria (aka NGV) is an art museum and top tourist attraction in Melbourne. This art gallery is home to over 70,000 works of American, Asian, European, and Oceanic art and is a perfect destination for artistic people. Being Australia’s oldest public art gallery, it is most visited by art lovers all across the globe.
NGV has a vast encyclopaedic art collection at two sites; the St. Kilda Road Building, which houses an international collection and is well-known for The Great Hall. In this building, visitors are motivated to lie on the floor in order to gaze at the stunning, colourful, glass-stained ceiling.
The second building of the National Gallery of Victoria is located near Federation Square and is known as the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. It features the history of Australian art. You get to see a wide array of artworks in this building, from contemporary media to aboriginal arts to the Heidelberg School.
NGV presents over 40 exhibitions a year, not to mention other special events, tours, children’s programmes, and performances. National Gallery of Victoria tickets can be bought online from the official website. The best part about this place is that you get FREE entry to permanent exhibitions.
| Name | National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) |
|---|---|
| Address | 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006, Australia |
| Website | https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/ |
| Distance from CBD | 3.9 km |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/RsEggKFX1 |
| Google Ratings | 4.7 out of 5 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 10am-5pm Tuesday: 10am-5pm Wednesday: 10am-5pm Thursday: 10am-5pm Friday: 10am-5pm Saturday: 10am-5pm Sunday: 10am-5pm |
| Social Links | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn |
| Contact Number | (03) 8620 2222 |
| Entry Type | Free |
2. Melbourne Zoo
The Royal Melbourne Zoological Gardens (aka Melbourne Zoo) is the oldest zoo in Australia and one of the most popular Melbourne tourist spots. It was established in 1862 and has more than 320 species of animals from all across the world and Australia. A very large part of this zoo is inspired by the London Zoo (the world’s oldest scientific zoo) and other astonishing exhibits such as Butterfly House, The Trails of Elephants, Orangutan Sanctuary, etc.
You can take your kids to Melbourne Zoo, which will not only help in the initial development but also let them breathe in the fresh and good air. Taking them away from the hustle and bustle of life and letting them interact with nature is one of the best things that you can do for your kids and that will benefit them throughout their lives. The best thing about Melbourne Zoo is that it offers an exclusive tour feature that allows visitors to interact with the zoo inhabitants, including kangaroos, giraffes, and zebras.
In addition, you can learn about the lives and feeding of the animals as you converse with the keepers of the zoo while on your visit. You don’t have to worry about anything if you are a foodie, as you can dine at the zoo’s best restaurants, where delicious food delights are served after meeting with the zoo inhabitants.
| Name | Melbourne Zoo |
|---|---|
| Address | Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia |
| Website | https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne |
| Distance from CBD | 4.2 km |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/GWQuekp5z |
| Google Ratings | 4.4 out of 5 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 9am-5pm Tuesday: 9am-5pm Wednesday: 9am-5pm Thursday: 9am-5pm Friday: 9am-5pm Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: 9am-5pm |
| Social Links | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter |
| Contact Number | 1300 966 784 |
| Entry Type | Paid ($19 for kids and $38 for adults) |
3. Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens is an astounding green space in Melbourne where you can find the tranquillity you seek, reduce stress levels effectively, and boost your mental well-being. You will surely have a delightful experience in this beautiful garden that is home to more than 8500 species of beautiful plants and is spread over 38 hectares of land.
This beautiful botanic garden has specially curated living collections that are made up of documented, accurately identified, and labelled plants for display, education, conservation, and research. The diverse plant collection of the Royal Botanic Gardens includes cacti and succulents, herbs, Californian species, rainforest flora, roses, cycads, plants from south-eastern Australia and many threatened and rare species collections.
It also ranks among the top sunrise spots in Melbourne. Overall, this botanic garden is a perfect place for all nature lovers and families who want to give their kids the ultimate education and a vocabulary that will help them throughout their journey through life. While seeing the beauty of nature, you can also treat your stomach to delicious food items at the cafes that offer seasonal lunches and delicious coffee.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan a picnic with your friends and family at this best Melbourne tourist spot amidst the green foliage and immerse yourself in the tranquillity.
| Name | Royal Botanic Gardens |
|---|---|
| Address | Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia |
| Website | https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/ |
| Distance from CBD | 2 km approx |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/PdwCPYAwpZ4 |
| Google Ratings | 4.8 out of 5 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 7:30am-5:30pm Tuesday: 7:30am-5:30pm Wednesday: 7:30am-5:30pm Thursday: 7:30am-5:30pm Friday: 7:30am-5:30pm Saturday: 7:30am-5:30pm Sunday: 7:30am-5:30pm |
| Social Links | Facebook, Twitter |
| Contact Number | (03) 9252 2300 |
| Entry Type | Free |
4. Federation Square
Located at the edge of the Melbourne CBD, Federation Square (or Fed Square) is one of the best public squares in the world. This public square covers 3.2 ha of land and is a venue for various cultural, artistic, and public events. It has won many awards for its design and architecture and millions of visitors come to see the beauty of this building every year.
Fed Square is one of the best tourist attractions in Melbourne, owing to its unique design and capability of hosting the biggest gatherings. Upon arriving at this public square, you can head off to the best restaurants and bars to fill your tummy with flavorful food items and delicious wine.
While shopaholics can satisfy their cravings with specialty stores, if you get in the mood for something thrilling, you can hop on river cruises and explore Melbourne by water. You can also stroll around the public square while watching the sports events on a giant TV screen or enjoy the FREE Wi-Fi facility.
In other words, Federation Square has something to offer everyone, whether you are a shopaholic, a thrill-seeker, or a big foodie searching for delectable dishes to satisfy your deep cravings.
| Name | Fed Square |
|---|---|
| Address | Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| Website | https://fedsquare.com/ |
| Distance from CBD | 1.3 km |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/aQuc5Jc3cj4tJivB9 |
| Google Ratings | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Social Links | Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter |
| Contact Number | (03) 9655 1900 |
| Entry Type | Free |
5. Melbourne Skydeck
Every big city in the world is recognised for its spectacular architecture and that’s what attracts tourists to visit the city and contribute to its growing economy. Melbourne has the Eureka Tower, which is a 297.3 m skyscraper that took more than 4 years to complete. This tower is named after a rebellion during the Victorian Gold Rush, the Eureka Stockade.
Despite its stunning architecture, this is not the main attraction point, Melbourne Skydeck is what people know Eureka Tower for, which offers a wide range of activities, including Bar 88 to experience dining at the city’s highest bar, Sky High Romance, where you can create memories for a lifetime, VR Plank, a theatre, etc.
However, the experience of standing on a glass cube almost 300 metres above the ground is only available at the EDGE. You get an opportunity to push your boundaries as a thrill-seeker at this unique and stunning adventure place. However, this thrilling adventure is only for daring guests and if you are one, face your fears at this amazing place above the world only at this best tourist attraction in Melbourne.
Eureka Tower is one of the well-known attractions of this building. Looking at the tallest building with a great vintage point is indeed a treat to your eyeballs and you must learn about it before you go to experience all the above things on your own.
The building has a gold crown, a red stripe, blue glass cladding and white lines that each have some deep meaning; for instance, the stripe represents the blood spilled during the revolt, while the gold crown indicates the Victorian Gold Rush in the year 1854.
| Name | Melbourne Skydeck |
|---|---|
| Address | 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia |
| Website | https://www.melbourneskydeck.com.au/ |
| Distance from CBD | 1.9 km |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/DB73jKHHH |
| Google Ratings | 4.8 out of 5 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 12-10pm Tuesday: 12-10pm Wednesday: 12-10pm Thursday: 12-10pm Friday: 12-10pm Saturday: 12-10pm Sunday: 12-10pm |
| Social Links | |
| Contact Number | (03) 9693 8888 |
| Entry Type | Paid (Ticket cost for adults - $23, for children $15, and $19 for concession tickets for students, seniors, and patients) |
6. Peninsula Hot Springs
Step into a haven after exploring Melbourne all day and get a relaxing experience at Peninsula Hot Springs, which is a day spa facility just 90 minutes away from the Melbourne CBD. At this day spa, you get the opportunity to immerse yourself in geothermal waters that offer a wide range of benefits, like alleviating all your pains and deeply moisturising your skin.
Peninsula Hot Springs has been serving its beloved clients with top-notch service since 1997 while sharing the enormous advantages of bathing in geothermal waters. Upon visiting this day spa, you get an opportunity to reconnect with the community as well as your mind, soul and body. This tourist attraction in Melbourne and day spa offers numerous services for the ultimate relaxation of the body, ranging from bathing to spa and sleep.
By taking a bath in the geothermal waters of Peninsula Hot Springs, which flow 637 metres below ground, you can awaken your senses. Either you can try bathing in the pool or opt for private baths. You can also try spa treatments that are specially designed to provide you with complete relaxation or spend a night with your significant other in nature with king beds, ensuite bathrooms, and a private deck.
| Name | Peninsula Hot Springs |
|---|---|
| Address | 140 Springs Ln, Fingal VIC 3939, Australia |
| Website | https://www.peninsulahotsprings.com/ |
| Distance from CBD | 100.4 km |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/QkDLwziUgv |
| Google Ratings | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Opening Hours |
Monday: 5am-2am Tuesday: 5am-2am Wednesday: 5am-2am Thursday: 5am-2am Friday: 5am-2am Saturday: 5am-2am Sunday: 5am-2am |
| Social Links | |
| Contact Number | 1359 508 777 |
| Entry Type | Paid |
7. City Circle Tram
Want to see the spectacular views and Melbourne tourist spots while eating your favourite snacks? Hop on the City Circle Tram! It is a zero-fee tram that runs around the Melbourne CBD in Australia, allowing you to see the top sights in the Central Business District and Docklands. The route of this tram has been designed mainly for tourists all across the globe.
This tram operates in both directions, clockwise and anti-clockwise, which means you can start your journey from anywhere. While riding the tram, you get to see a wide range of Melbourne attractions, including the Windsor Hotel, the Old Treasury Building, and the Parliament House. Additionally, you can hop off at any of the attractions you like to explore, such as Federation Square.
The tram takes around fifty minutes to complete the entire trip and runs every twelve minutes, seven days a week, except Good Friday and Christmas. You can board the tram from any stop along the City Circle route. So, if you happen to be in Melbourne or plan to pay a visit to this beautiful city, do not forget to hop on and hop off the City Circle Tram.
| Name | City Circle Tram |
|---|---|
| Website | https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/ |
| Address | Flinders Street Station, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 |
| Distance from CBD | 1.4 km |
| Directions | https://maps.app.goo.gl/NThFUiFzG |
| Tram Route | D11-Waterfront City/Docklands Dr to D10-Newquay Prom/Docklands Dr |
| Yelp Ratings | 3.9 out of 5 |
| Social Links | NA |
| Contact Number | 1800 800 007 |
| Entry Type | Free |
On The Final Note
Travel enthusiasts planning to visit one of the most livable cities in the world, Melbourne, might get confused about where to start their trip and destinations to include and exclude. This city has a lot to offer to the tourists and getting confused between the destinations is obvious. That’s why we have prepared this exclusive blog that lists the top tourist attractions in Melbourne you can’t afford to visit.
The best places to visit in Melbourne include a wide variety of destinations, including Melbourne Zoo, Eureka Tower, Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Gallery of Victoria, City Circle Tram, Federation Square, and Peninsula Hot Springs. All the information regarding these destinations has been mentioned above in this blog.
So, book your tickets, pack your bags, and fly to explore one of the most livable cities in the world!
