MileHacker Logo
Famous Landmarks in Victoria

Famous Landmarks in Victoria

Victoria Australia Travel Guide

Melbourne Sights

Melbourne offers a blend of modern architecture and historic charm. From bustling public squares to world-class sports stadiums, the city has an unique array of recognizable places.

Each landmark provides a glimpse into Melbourne's urban life and cultural heritage. They are great starting points for exploration.

Must-See Landmarks

  • Federation Square: Melbourne's main public gathering space, a modern architectural complex. Free entry.
  • Flinders Street Station: Historic rail depot with distinctive yellow and red brick architecture. A classic photo opportunity.
  • Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): World-renowned sports stadium, home of Australian Rules Football. Tours available. Book MCG Tour tickets.
  • Eureka Skydeck: Panoramic 360-degree views of Melbourne from the 88th floor. Entry fee applies. Visit at dusk for city lights.

Additional Landmarks

Cultural & Memorial Sites

  • Shrine of Remembrance: Victoria's national war memorial, offering solemn reflection and city views. Free entry.
  • Royal Exhibition Building & Carlton Gardens: UNESCO World Heritage site, impressive 19th-century building within beautiful gardens. Gardens are free.
  • Parliament House of Victoria: Grand Victorian-era building. Free public tours available when parliament is not sitting.
  • Polly Woodside: Historic tall ship moored in South Wharf, connecting to Melbourne's maritime past. Entry fee applies.
  • Cooks' Cottage (Fitzroy Gardens): Captain James Cook's parents' believed family home, transported from England. An admission fee applies.
  • Fitzroy Gardens: Beautiful gardens hosting Cooks' Cottage, perfect for a calm stroll. Free entry.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): Australia's oldest art museum. NGV International & NGV Australia. Permanent collections are free.
  • Melbourne Museum: Major museum with diverse collections, including Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre. Entry fee applies.
  • Australian Center for the Moving Image (ACMI): Explores film, TV, gaming. Located at Federation Square. No charge to enter permanent exhibitions.
  • Immigration Museum: Tells stories of migration to Victoria in the Old Customs House. Entry fee applies.

Many museums offer free permanent exhibitions, with fees for special temporary shows.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

  • National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): Australia's oldest art museum with international and Australian art collections. Permanent collections are free.
  • Melbourne Museum: A major museum with diverse collections, including a significant Aboriginal cultural center.
  • Australian Hub for the Moving Image (ACMI): Explores film, television, video games, and digital culture. Free entry to permanent exhibits.
  • Immigration Museum: Personal accounts and historical context of immigration to Victoria.

Historical Sites

  • Old Melbourne Gaol:

    Former prison, site of Ned Kelly's execution. Offers a glimpse into Victoria's penal history. Night tours are available.

  • Parliament The residence of Victoria:

    Grand Victorian-era building. Free public tours are usually available when parliament is not sitting.

  • Cooks' Cottage (Fitzroy Gardens):

    Believed family home of Captain James Cook's parents, moved from England. A unique historical curiosity.

  • Polly Woodside:

    Historic tall ship in South Wharf, connecting to Melbourne's maritime past.

  • Eureka Stockade Memorial (Ballarat):

    While not explicitly listed, Ballarat's history ties into the gold rush era and is historically significant.

Natural Attractions

Victoria's natural landscapes range from urban green spaces to spectacular coastal formations.

Melbourne's Green & Coastal Spaces

  • Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (Melbourne Gardens)

    Extensive landscaped gardens near the city center, with diverse plant collections and tranquil lakes. Free entry, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic.

  • St Kilda Beach

    Melbourne's most accessible urban beach. Visit the St Kilda Pier at dusk to witness the nightly return of a colony of little penguins.

  • Yarra River

    Flows through Melbourne, with scenic walks along the promenades, boat cruises, and kayaking. Lined with cafes and cultural venues.

  • Dandenong Ranges

    A beautiful mountain range east of Melbourne, with lush rainforests and towering mountain ash forests. Ride the historic Puffing Billy Railway.

  • Great Ocean Road

    Iconic coastal drive southwest of Melbourne, famous for dramatic cliffs and the Twelve Apostles. Best experienced over 2-3 days for comprehensive exploration. Find tours on GetYourGuide.

  • Weather Note

    Weather conditions along the Great Ocean Road can change rapidly; review the weather forecast.

Hidden Gems

Explore lesser-known spots and unique experiences beyond the main attractions.

Markets & Laneways

Melbourne Laneways & Street Art (Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane): Best explored on foot, many guided street art tours.

Cultural Havens

The State Library Victoria: Beautiful historic building with grand reading rooms. Don't miss the magnificent Dome Reading Room.

Dive into Hidden Gems

These areas give an authentic Melbourne feel away from typical tourist paths.

  • South Melbourne Market: A lively atmosphere with buskers, unique stalls, plus the local way of living. Visit for fresh produce, deli foods, and famous Dim Sims.
  • Collingwood Children's Farm: A working city farm alongside the Yarra River, offering a taste of rural life within metropolitan Melbourne. Good for families.
  • Further Exploration: A Melbourne travel guide book can aid in uncovering more local favorites.

Explore Victoria's Diverse Attractions

Victoria's appeal goes beyond Melbourne, with regional areas offering their own unique historical sites, museums, and breathtaking natural wonders.

From the spectacular shoreline to tranquil gardens, there is much to see and do.

Regional Highlights: History

Regional Victoria's history is immersed in the gold rush era, with many towns preserving their past.

Gold Rush Towns

  • Ballarat: Home to Sovereign Hill, a museum that shows life as it was depicting 1850s gold rush life.
  • Bendigo: Rich Victorian architecture and a robust Chinese heritage from the goldfields.
  • Old Cells (Various): Some regional towns preserve old jailhouses or heritage buildings for tours.

Regional Highlights: Nature

Outside of Melbourne, stunning natural attractions await exploration.

Natural Wonders

  • Grampians National Park (Gariwerd): Rugged mountains, wildflowers, and Aboriginal pictographs sites.
  • Wilson's Promontory National Park: Coastal wilderness, white beaches, and abundant wildlife.
  • Phillip Island: Famous for its Penguin Parade and koala conservation center.

Regional Highlights: Wildlife

Victoria offers excellent opportunities to encounter Australia's unique wildlife in natural settings.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

  • Healesville Sanctuary: Dedicated to native Australian animals in naturalistic environments.
  • Werribee Open Range Zoo: Offers a game drive experience with African and Australian animals.
  • Koala Conservation Centre (Phillip Island): Elevated boardwalks to see koalas in the wild.
  • Penguin Parade (Phillip Island): Witness thousands of little penguins waddle ashore at dusk.

Planning Your Sightseeing

Booking tours and entry fees in advance, especially during peak season, is a good idea.

Booking Tips

  • For attractions, consider GetYourGuide for reserving tickets and tours.
  • Check official websites for current opening hours, fees, and tour availability.
  • Some regional attractions are best accessed by car; consider rental options.

Museums & Institutions Insights

NGV Highlights

  • NGV International for global art, ancient to current.
  • NGV Australia (Federation Square) focuses on Australian art.
  • Permanent collections are free to enter at both locations.

Melbourne Museum Insights

  • Significant collections and interactive exhibits.
  • Contains the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Center.
  • Features an IMAX cinema for an immersive experience.

Experience Melbourne's Charm

Whether you are interested in history, art, nature, or just city vibes, Melbourne and its surroundings offer a wealth of experiences.

Urban Oasis

The Monarch's Botanic Gardens provide a serene retreat within the city, ideal for relaxation and appreciating diverse flora.

Cultural Hub

Federation Square is a dynamic public space hosting various events and cultural institutions, a focal point of Melbourne life.

Historical Depth

Sites like the Old Melbourne Gaol offer a somber yet compelling look into Victoria's past.

Planning Your Visit

Melbourne Pass

Consider a multi-attraction pass for savings on popular sights like Eureka Skydeck and Melbourne Museum. Check GetYourGuide for options.

View Passes

Guided Tours

Many attractions offer guided tours that give insights into their history and significance.

Book Tours

Public Transport Access

Most Melbourne CBD attractions are accessible via the Free Tram Zone, making it easy to move between sights.

Best Photo Spots

Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and the Monarch's Botanic Gardens offer excellent photo opportunities.

Tourist Information Centers

Visit a Visitor Information Centre for maps, brochures, and personalized guidance on sightseeing.

Attraction Accessibility

Melbourne's commitment to accessibility means many attractions offer facilities for visitors with diverse needs.

Accessibility Features

  • Wheelchair access and wheelchair ramps are common in major museums and points of interest.
  • Some venues provide assistive listening devices or sign language interpretation.
  • Information in Braille or large print is available at select locations.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Victoria offers numerous attractions suitable for families with children of all ages.

Kid-Friendly Spots

  • Melbourne Museum has dedicated children's galleries and interactive exhibits.
  • Zoos and wildlife sanctuaries like Healesville and Werribee are popular family outings.
  • St Kilda Beach and Luna Park provide classic seaside fun and entertainment.

Tip for Great Ocean Road

For the best experience, consider dedicating 2-3 days to the Great Ocean Road drive.

This allows for pulls in at scenic points, exploring coastal towns, and steering clear of a rushed trip.

Hidden Gems: Delve

Beyond the popular destinations, Melbourne's hidden gems present a more intimate and local experience.

Laneway Art & Culture

Melbourne's street art scene is constantly changing and provides an unique urban gallery experience.

Street Art Spots

  • Hosier Lane: Among the most famous, constantly evolving with new artwork.
  • AC/DC Lane: A tribute to Australian rock music, with band-related art.
  • Caledonian Lane: Known for its and edgy murals.

Market Exploration

Markets offer a taste of local life, beyond just shopping.

Market Delights

  • Queen Victoria Market: Beyond food, find clothing, souvenirs, and artisan goods.
  • Night Markets: Summer or Winter Night Markets offer unique evening experiences with live music and street food (seasonal).
  • Camberwell Sunday Market: Popular for second-hand goods, vintage items, and crafts.

Creative Precincts

Certain suburbs buzz with creative energy, featuring unique shops and venues.

Artistic Hubs

  • Fitzroy: Known for its hip, artistic, and independent vibe with unique boutiques.
  • Collingwood: Features abundant street art, live music venues, and trendy cafes.
  • Brunswick: Has a diverse mix of cafes, bars, and independent shops.

These areas provide a less touristy, more authentic Melbourne experience.

Architectural Wonders

Melbourne's architecture showcases a blend of historic grandeur and modern design.

Outstanding Buildings

  • State Library Victoria: A magnificent historic building with grand reading rooms and impressive architecture.
  • Block Arcade & Royal Arcade: Historic shopping arcades with beautiful Victorian architecture.

These sites are not only visually appealing but also offer quiet spaces within the city.

Nature Within the City

Even within the urban area, you can find tranquil green spaces and unique natural encounters.

Urban Nature Spots

  • Fitzroy Gardens: A beautiful a break with formal gardens, towering trees, and open lawns.
  • Albert Park Lake: Popular for walking, jogging, and boating, with views of the city skyline.
  • Collingwood Children's Farm: A rare opportunity to experience farm life in an urban setting.

These spots provide a refreshing break from the city's hustle and bustle.

Planning for Hidden Gems

Foot Exploration

Many hidden gems, especially the laneways, are best discovered on foot.

Local Guides

Consider a guided tour for street art or market visits for insights.

Flexible Schedule

Allow ample time for wandering and spontaneous discoveries in these areas.

Local Insight

Melbourne's charm often lies in its hidden corners. Don't be afraid to wander off the main streets to find unique cafes, boutiques, and street art installations.