15 Things To See & Explore In Melbourne

Are you planning a family vacation and looking for a destination that’s fun for kids and adults alike? Look no further than Melbourne, Australia! With its unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities, Melbourne is the perfect place to travel with family and kids.

Explore the city’s famous laneways and street art, catch a game at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground, or take a scenic cruise along the Yarra River. And with world-class museums, aquariums, and zoos, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities in Melbourne.

Moreover, I am based in Melbourne so I have experienced these things first hand and many times over.

Join me as I list 15 must-see things to see & explore in this vibrant and exciting city, and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure!

1. The Hook Turn: This unique driving maneuver is a must-see for anyone visiting Melbourne. It’s a way to make a right turn across tram tracks and is only used in a few places in the world. Make sure to watch for the signs and give it a try! This is most common in the Melbourne CBD area wherever you see the tram lines.

2. Free City Circle Tram: This free tram takes you on a loop around the city, with commentary on the history and culture of Melbourne. It’s a great way to see the sights and get oriented in the city. The City Circle route is serviced by heritage W class trams decorated in special maroon and green with yellow and gold trimmings, as well as MMTB’s standard traditional green liveried W Class trams.                           Routes, Timings & other details here.

3. Cafe Lanes: Melbourne is famous for its laneways, and many of them are home to small cafes and coffee shops. Explore the lanes around Flinders Lane and Degraves Street to find some hidden gems.

4. Hosier Lane: This laneway is famous for its street art, which is constantly changing. It’s a great place to take some unique instagramable  photos and see some amazing artwork.

5. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): This historic stadium is home to the Melbourne Cricket Club and is a great place to catch a game. There are also tours available that take you behind the scenes. Checkout the timings & pricing for tours here.

6. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: Located right in in the CBD this places is a must visit with kids. This aquarium is home to over 10,000 animals, including sharks, stingrays, and penguins. It’s a great place to learn about marine life and see some amazing creatures up close.                                                                   Checkout the timings & pricing for tours here.

7. Yarra River Cruise and Walks: Take a scenic cruise along the Yarra River and enjoy views of the city skyline. You can also take a walk along the riverbank and enjoy some of Melbourne’s beautiful parks. More details here

8. Crown Melbourne: You probably should make an extra effort to visit this Melbourne icon. Just a short walk (~5-7mins) from the iconic Flinders Street station, this entertainment complex has something for everyone, including restaurants, bars, and a casino. There’s also an indoor amusement park for kids.  More details here

9. Melbourne Zoo: This zoo is home to over 300 species of animals and is a great place for a family outing. Make sure to check out the butterfly house and the orangutan sanctuary.                                           Getting There & Ticket Pricing here  Click on the Book Now button.

10. Federation Square: This public space is located in the heart of Melbourne and is a great place to relax and take in the sights. There are often events and exhibitions happening here as well.

11. National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): This art gallery has an impressive collection of both Australian and international art. There are also plenty of interactive exhibits for kids.

12. Queen Victoria Market: This market has been around since 1878 and is the largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere. It’s a great place to buy fresh produce, souvenirs, and try some of Melbourne’s famous food. This place is free to visit.                                                                                                Getting there: If you are on flinders street, then just take any tram from Elizabeth street and get down at Latrobe Street. Trams are FREE in CBD.

13. Royal Botanic Gardens: This beautiful park is home to over 8,500 plant species and is a great place for a picnic or a leisurely walk. There are also plenty of events and exhibitions throughout the year.

14. Eureka Skydeck: This observation deck is located on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower and offers stunning views of Melbourne. It’s a great place to watch the sunset or to see the city lights at night.Ticket Prices here.

15. St Kilda Beach: This popular beach is located just a few kilometers from the city center and is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby.

For latest updates, activities & news visit the official Melbourne City site here: https://whatson.melbourne.vic.gov.au/

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, Melbourne has something for everyone. With its friendly locals, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere, Melbourne is a city that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on the whole family.

So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Melbourne today and get ready to make some unforgettable memories with your loved ones!