Melbourne has recently overtaken Sydney as Australia’s largest city, and is frequently voted one of the best places to live in the world. This is in part thanks to its constant reinvention of itself. There is always some fun new activity to try, a new pop up bar, or a new food fad. The summers are filled with events, festivals and celebrations, while the winters offer night markets and live music at cozy bars and cafes. There is always something to do, and I can hardly make recommendations because it’s never permanent, but I can promise you’ll never be bored in Melbourne.
St Kilda Pier
The St Kilda area is a favourite among backpackers in Melbourne, thanks to its many bars and Luna Park amusement park. But head out to the pier at dusk and you will find St Kilda’s biggest draw – a colony of Melbourne’s cutest residents, Fairy Penguins. Fairy Penguins, also called Little Penguins, are the smallest penguin in the world, and St Kilda Breakwater is home to around 1400 of them. Just before dark you can watch them come ashore for the night. The viewing platform is closed until early 2024, but the pier is still accessible and the penguins can be seen from a distance. Once the platform reopens next year you can return to witnessing the nightly exodus from close up.
Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market, in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, is a bustling market home to more than 600 small businesses. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, souvenirs or a new wardrobe, your needs are sure to be met at this historic market. Every Wednesday during the winter months of June to August, the Queen Victoria Market hosts the Winter Night Market. Here you can find street food from all over the world, warm beverages such as mulled wine to be enjoyed around the open fires, and live music and entertainment.
Laneway Art
Melbourne city centre is covered with a maze of little lanes, each with its own quirky personality. Most are covered with impressive graffiti and artwork, and filled with interesting bars, restaurants and boutiques. It is worth spending an afternoon wandering the lanes, enjoying the sights and smells of the city’s creativity. Head to Hosier Lane for some of Melbourne’s best street art. AC/DC Lane is also worth a visit for its graffitied tributes to various artists. For scrumptious food offerings head to Centre Place, or Chinatown’s Market Lane. Later in the evening visit Tattersalls Lane for cool bars and late night snacks.
Fluffy Torpedo
Fluffy Torpedo is Melbourne’s newest ice cream shop and is quickly becoming an institution. Named after the owner’s dog, Fluffy Torpedo specialises in experimental flavours, like Vegemite white chocolate or orange and poppyseed cake batter. You’re definitely going to need to visit a few times to try all of the different fantastical creations.
Arbory Afloat
Melbourne’s most popular floating bar can be found on the Yarra River every summer. Each year the theme is redesigned, but it is always evocative of an exotic seaside destination. There is an extensive food menu, with many Turkish flavours and offerings, but most people go for just a drink on the water. With two separate bars and and pool club on the upper deck, this is the perfect scenic spot for an afternoon cocktail in the sunshine. The Abory Bar and Grill, the sister location of Arbory Afloat, sits just a little further up the river on an old railway platform. This location is open year round, and is a great option for winter food and drinks.
Lido Cinemas
Lido Cinemas shows new releases and artsy independent films year round, but the best cinematic experience is at Lido on the Roof. During the summer, a rooftop screen pops up for open air movie nights with a view. The roof is covered in astroturf and set up with deck chairs and beanbags, with blankets available to keep you warm. There is also a rooftop bar, which opens an hour before the screening starts, so you can enjoy the sunset with a beer in hand before settling in for the movie.
Albert Park
Albert Park is an oasis of calm in the middle of Australia’s biggest city. The park is full of walkways and cycle lanes, as well as picnic areas and view points. It is popular among locals for jogging, cycling and dog walking, as well as sailing and rowing on the lake. Head to the south of the park for the best view of Melbourne’s skyline reflected onto the lake. This is a perfect spot to chill and watch the sun go down.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Melbourne plays host to some of the world’s greatest sporting events, including Formula 1’s Australian Grand Prix and tennis’s Australian Open. Tickets are not too difficult to get and are reasonably priced. If you want to get a taste of Australia’s National Sport, then the MCG is the place to go. Australian football, or Aussie rules, is a sort of cross between European football and rugby, but played on a cricket oval. It is fast paced and exciting, and Melbourne is home to some seriously committed fans. The AFL season runs from March to September, and if you’re around at this time you should definitely catch a game. The uniqueness of the game and the atmosphere at the MCG make for a great experience.
Wilsons Promontory National Park
Yarra Trams
Melbourne’s tram system is by far the best way to get around the city. Pick up a myki card and you’ll be good to go on any tram, train or bus across the city’s extensive network. You’ll pretty much get everywhere you could possibly want to go in Melbourne with this card. Fares a fairly cheap, but as an added perk all trams in the CBD are completely free. This often means they’re crammed full of commuters and people who can’t be bothered to walk a couple of blocks. Why walk when you can take a free tram? Perhaps avoid these at the end of the work day unless you want to be crushed. But at some point during your visit you should definitely wiggle your way into the crowd, find yourself as much space as you can, and feel like a true local.
State Library Victoria
The state library of Victoria has to be one of the prettiest libraries in the world. It is Australia’s oldest public library, and was one of the first free libraries worldwide. There are often events, workshops and exhibitions going on, but it’s nice to simply go and sit with a good book. Even if you’re not feeling bookish, I recommend going to see the iconic La Trobe reading room. Head up to the 5th floor to see this stunning octagonal space from above.
This post was originally published as “Enjoy Cultural Melbourne” on Wanderdash (follow me @rosroundtheworld)
Booking Resources
Hotels: Booking.com is my go-to anywhere in the world, and in Australia it’s definitely the place with the widest selection and best prices.
Hostels: Hostelworld is always the best site for hostels, and many are also on booking.com.
Tours: Check both viator and getyourguide for a huge range of tours to suit everyone!
Buses: Greyhound is the main company for intercity buses, and they offer flexible multi journey passes, perfect for the East Coast backpacking route.
Car hire: For car hire I always use localrent.com, but in Australia I’d recommend a campervan for the bucket list Aussie roadtrip. Jucy or Wicked Campers for backpacker budget, Britz or Maui for more space and luxury.
Flights: For finding the best routes, Kiwi is my favourite tool to search multiple airports at once. To find the best prices, I use google flights or skyscanner.
Insurance: It’s always a good idea to have insurance. I recommend safetywing for full coverage.
eSim: Local sims are easy to set up in Australia, at any supermarket or convenience store. If you want to be connected immediately, consider an esim for your first few days. I recommend airalo.
Consultation: For expert advice and planning assistance, get in touch! I have travelled Australia extensively and can provide personalised recommendations, as well as great deals, 24/7 customer service, and financial protection. Contact me here.
These are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you use these sites to book something. There’s no additional cost to you, and I don’t recommend anything I don’t use myself. Thanks for your support!