What to Do in Melbourne, Australia: City Highlights and Day Trips

Updated August 2026

When considering what to do in Melbourne, you’ll have plenty of options in what is now Australia’s biggest city! I will be honest, Melbourne didn’t fully win me over when I visited years ago, though it is quite a different city than the one I saw. It’s grown a lot since then and gotten more artsy by most accounts, so take my personal impression with that in mind.

There are also great day trips from Melbourne! The drive along the Great Ocean Road after visiting Melbourne is something that stands out to me. It’s not surprising the ocean road was a favorite of mine I suppose, but the hotel we stayed at caught on fire and it will forever be etched in my memory.

Below includes a mix of city highlights and day trip ideas to help you plan your own trip to Melbourne and Victoria.

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Things To Do in Melbourne

The weather is part of the reason I didn’t love Melbourne. Sydney is generally sunny and warm, but Melbourne is more cold and rainy. However, I would definitely give Melbourne a second chance and a sunny day may just change the game for me too (worked well for Paris)!

If you’re heading to Australia, here are the top things to do in Melbourne.

Explore Federation Square

Let’s start with Federation Square, with its eclectic mix of events, art exhibitions, and cool cafes. There’s always something happening here. Grab a coffee, soak in the atmosphere, and maybe even catch a live performance or two.

Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens

Want to touch some grass? Head over to the Royal Botanic Gardens for some peace and tranquility. These lush gardens are beautiful. If you want to spend a day, pack a picnic or stroll with a cup of coffee in hand and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. Sydney’s gardens impress with views, but Melbourne’s are more of an immersive experience.

Laneways

Melbourne is famous for its laneway culture, and Hosier Lane is the most iconic example. As you stroll down this colorful lane, you’ll be surrounded by ever-changing murals and graffiti, each telling its own story. But the laneways go beyond just street art.

Streets like Degraves Street and Centre Place are tucked-away hubs of cafes, bars, and small shops that give Melbourne a lot of its character.

Stroll around on your own, or book a tour that adds more color to the experience.

Complete Melbourne Walking Tour

Catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

The national sport of Barbados (my birthplace) is cricket, so this will definitely be on my list for a return visit. Head to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, or MCG for short, and catch a game of cricket or Australian Rules Football. I’ve only watched these sports on TV and while cricket is more chill, I know Aussie Rules Football would be crazy!

Even if there are no sporting events for you to make, consider the below tour which includes the MCG.

Melbourne Sports Experience + Free MCG Tour

Shop at Queen Victoria Market

Time to get your shopping fix at Queen Victoria Market! This bustling market is the place to be for fresh produce, gourmet delights, unique souvenirs, and everything in between. So take your time wandering through the maze of stalls and sampling delicious treats.

Ride the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

If you enjoy experiences like the London Eye, be sure to include the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel if the skies are clear. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, picturesque parks, and sparkling waterfront.

Enjoy the Food Scene

I do this in any city I visit, but it’s arguably the best food and coffee scene in Australia so it’s worth mentioning. Whether you’re craving a gourmet meal at a trendy restaurant or a simple yet delicious snack from a hole-in-the-wall cafe, Melbourne has you covered.

Experience the Melbourne Coffee Culture

Melbourne’s coffee culture is genuinely known for being more than just “good coffee.” Influenced heavily by Italian and Greek immigration, the city takes espresso seriously in a way that feels distinct from other Australian cities.

You’ll find independent cafes on nearly every block, each with strong opinions about their beans and brewing. Even if you’re not usually one to seek out a coffee scene while traveling, Melbourne might be the exception.

St. Kilda

If you want a break from the city center, St Kilda is worth the trip. This beachside suburb has a completely different vibe, with Luna Park’s iconic entrance, a lively beach, and even a resident colony of little penguins that come ashore at the St Kilda Pier around dusk. It’s a nice contrast to the laneways and skyscrapers of the CBD.

NGV (National Gallery of Victoria)

For art lovers, the National Gallery of Victoria is one of Melbourne’s best cultural stops. General entry is free, and the collection spans everything from historic pieces to major touring exhibitions.

Even if museums aren’t usually your thing (hi, it’s me!), it’s a worthwhile way to spend a few hours, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating.

Short on Time in Melbourne?

If you are short on time in Melbourne, check out some the below tours! They will get you to the main highlights without the worry of navigating yourself.

I also love city tours for getting acclimated. They are perfect for giving you an overview and then you can always head back to places that stood out or get advice from the tour guide on more places to see.

Day Trips from Melbourne

Day trips are important to consider when deciding on what to do in Melbourne. If you’re heading here for more than a couple days, then day trips are a great way to fill your Melbourne itinerary.

We visited Melbourne when driving the east coast of Australia, so after visiting Melbourne we hopped into the car and headed down the Great Ocean Road. Of course, you can simply book day trip tours, if you don’t want to rent a car for these excursions.

Great Ocean Road

A scenic coastal drive that stretches for about 243 kilometers (151 miles) along the southwest coast of Victoria. You’ll be treated to stunning views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and the iconic rock formations known as the Twelve Apostles.

When I was driving the East Coast of Australia over their Winter months, I drove this stretch and it’s absolutely stunning! I’ve also never forgotten it, since I ended up on the news. A fire woke us up in the middle of the night because the motel kitchen of where we were staying caught on fire. It was scary and sad for the motel, but thankfully no one was hurt. Picture proof of the fire is provided, but I’ll never forget it picture or not.

Great Ocean Road, what to do in Melbourne

Yarra Valley

Just a short drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a haven for wine lovers. Spend the day touring world-class wineries, sampling delicious wines, and enjoying gourmet food against a backdrop of rolling vineyards and lush countryside. Even if you’re not a wine lover, you might enjoy the charm of this valley!

Phillip Island

Famous for its adorable penguin parade, Phillip Island is a popular day trip destination from Melbourne. Witness hundreds of little penguins waddling ashore at sunset and if the penguins aren’t enough, there are koalas, kangaroos, and seals to admire.

Mornington Peninsula

Whether you’re into relaxing at hot springs, exploring charming seaside villages, or hiking along scenic coastal trails, the Mornington Peninsula has something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in fresh seafood and soak up the laid-back vibe of this coastal region.

Peninsula Hot Springs and Beach Boxes Day Trip from Melbourne

Grampians National Park

If you’re a nature enthusiast, a day trip to the Grampians National Park is a must. Hike through rugged mountain ranges, marvel at cascading waterfalls, and spot native wildlife such as kangaroos, wallabies, and emus in their natural habitat.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Known affectionately as “The Prom” by locals, Wilsons Promontory offers pristine beaches, coastal hikes, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Rent a car and drive the two and a half hours to spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the beauty of this coastal wilderness.

Weather in Melbourne

Melbourne isn’t known for warm weather and sunny skies, but the Summer months from December to February see pleasant temperatures of 50s to high 70sF. Though it’s worth noting, they have been known to have some hot spells in the Summer.

Winter, June through August, experiences average temperatures in the 40s and 50s and is often cloudy. As long as you are prepared, any time of year is good for visiting. However, Spring, September to November, is said to be the most volatile weather.

I visited in the winter months and the weather did impact my experience, since I am a sunny and warm weather kind of girl. It was dreary everyday I was there, but it didn’t rain much thankfully.

How to Get Around Melbourne

Melbourne offers wonderful public transport, including free hop-on, hop-off City Circle Tram (number 35) in the city center! However, if you prefer taxis or ride sharing apps, they are also utilized to get around.

If you are short on time, consider a tour to make the most of your stay in Melbourne and not have to worry with navigating to the various spots.

Where to Stay

The great thing about big cities is there are plenty of options for every traveler! Whether you’re a family of four, a couple, group of friends or you’re taking in this beautiful city solo, there’s a place for you! So check out some of the below options for your stay in Melbourne and find a place that works for your trip.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Melbourne

Whether you’re a nature lover, a sports fan, a foodie, or an art aficionado, Melbourne has something to offer you. Since Melbourne is such a main hub in Australia, it’s a great starting or ending point for your trip.

The Great Ocean Road is truly great, Melbourne offers city vibes and great coffee, and there are so many excellent day trip options for a truly varied and fun trip!

If you’re still in the planning stages, check out my Australia guides.

What to Do in Melbourne, Australia: City Highlights and Day Trips