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Things to Do in Melbourne

Things to Do in Melbourne

Melbourne Victoria, Australia Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures Around Melbourne

Melbourne's proximity to diverse natural landscapes possesses many opportunities for outdoor adventures, if you want a mild stroll or an adrenaline rush.

Hiking & Wildlife

Dandenong Ranges & You Yangs

1000 Steps (Kokoda Memorial Walk): Challenging rainforest walk (Moderate difficulty) in Dandenong Ranges. Flinders Peak Walk: Steep climb for panoramic views in You Yangs Regional Park (Moderate difficulty).

Wildlife Encounters

Little Penguins at St Kilda Pier: Observe wild penguins at dusk. Healesville Sanctuary: Dedicated to native Australian wildlife (day trip). Phillip Island Penguin Parade: Famous nightly parade (requires a 1.5-2 hour drive).

Wilsons Promontory

Multi-single-day hikes or shorter walks with stunning coastal views. About A 3-hour car journey to the southeast of Melbourne (Various difficulties).

Water Sports & Adrenaline

  • Paddling a kayak on the Yarra River: Rent kayaks or join guided tours for city views.
  • Stand-Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) at St Kilda Beach: Lessons or rentals available.
  • URBNSURF: Australia's first surf park near Melbourne Airport, perfect waves for all skill levels. Book ahead.
  • Skydiving: Tandem skydiving over St Kilda Beach or Great Ocean Road for breathtaking views.

Cycling Routes

  • Capital City Trail: 29 km path circling inner suburbs.
  • Bay Trail: Picturesque coastal path along Port Phillip Bay.
  • Mountain Biking: Trails in Lysterfield Park.
  • Bike rentals available; helmets legally required.

Hot Air Ballooning

  • Sunrise flights over Melbourne's city skyline.
  • Flights over the Yarra Valley vineyards.
  • A memorable and scenic experience.
  • Book well in advance.

Climbing & Ropes Courses

  • Several indoor climbing and bouldering gyms exist.
  • High Ropes Courses: Trees Adventure (Glen Harrow Park) offers treetop ropes courses and zip-lining.
  • A fun activity for various fitness levels.
  • Check for age and height restrictions.

Safety Notice for Outdoor Activities

Always check weather conditions, wear appropriate gear, and inform someone of your plans, especially for hiking or water sports.

Cultural Immersion in Melbourne

Melbourne includes various ways to engage with its food culture, from hands-on cooking to immersive tours and festivals.

Workshops & Classes

  • Art Classes: The NGV or independent studios offer drawing, painting, pottery, sculpture.
  • Craft Workshops: Discover jewelry making, textile art in creative hubs like Abbotsford Convent.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn about diverse cuisines (Italian, Vietnamese, Thai) through hands-on experience.
  • Dance Classes: Various studios have drop-in lessons in styles from ballet to hip-hop or traditional forms.

Cultural Performances

Arts Centre Melbourne

A central venue for major cultural performances: The Australian Ballet, Opera Australia, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and various theater productions. Find tickets here.

Melbourne Recital Centre

Hosts classical music, jazz, and contemporary performances in an acoustically acclaimed venue. Browse events.

Malthouse Theatre

Known for its innovative and contemporary Australian theater productions. Purchase tickets ahead of time for popular shows.

Koorie Heritage Trust

Offers guided cultural walks and experiences from Federation Square, providing insights into Aboriginal history and culture in Victoria.

Moomba Festival

Australia's largest free community festival in March, celebrating local heritage with parades, watersports, and things for families to do.

Film & Comedy Festivals

Melbourne hosts the International Comedy Festival (Mar/Apr) and the International Film Festival (Aug), featuring local and international talent.

Relaxation and Wellness in Melbourne

Melbourne provides numerous ways to unwind and rejuvenate, from luxurious spa treatments to natural hot springs and peaceful green spaces.

Spa & Wellness

  • Luxury Hotel Spas: High-end hotels (The Langham, Crown Towers) feature luxurious day spas.
  • Independent Day Spas: Numerous independent spas across the city provide relaxation and pampering services.
  • Chuan Spa (The Langham): Known for its focus on Conventional Chinese Medicine principles.
  • Yoga & Meditation: Many city studios offer drop-in classes. Regional retreats also available.

Natural Hot Springs

Peninsula Hot Springs

Premier natural hot springs destination near Melbourne (1.5-hour drive south). Offers geothermal pools, private bathing, and a spa dreaming center.

Alba Thermal Springs & Spa

A newer, luxury hot springs encounter on the Mornington Peninsula.

St Kilda Sea Baths

Historic complex with a heated seawater pool, gym, spa services, cafes, and gulf views.

Wellness Planning Tip

Book Hot Springs Ahead

Plan a day trip to Peninsula Hot Springs for a rejuvenating experience. Book entry times in advance, especially on weekends.

Explore Green Spaces

Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful getaway for walks and quiet reflection.

City-Based Relaxation

Many city hotels offer pools and well-being centers for guest use, providing urban relaxation options.

Entertainment and Nightlife in Melbourne

Melbourne is a reputation as Australia's live music capital, offering a evening entertainment from hidden laneway bars to grand theaters.

Live Music & Performance

  • Forum Melbourne: Historic theater venue, hosts international and Australian acts.
  • The Corner Hotel (Richmond): Beloved pub venue featuring an extensive range of bands in an intimate setting.
  • Cherry Bar (AC/DC Lane, CBD): Famous rock and roll bar, live music most nights.
  • Theater District (CBD): Princess, Regent, Her Majesty's Theatres host major musicals and plays.

Bars & Nightclubs

Laneway Bars CBD

Melbourne's laneways are famous for their hidden, sophisticated small bars. Explore Flinders Lane, Hardware Lane, Tattersalls Lane for diverse options.

Rooftop Bars

Enjoy drinks with city views at popular spots like Rooftop Bar (Curtin House), Goldilocks, and Loop Project Space & Bar.

Clubbing & Pub Crawls

Range of nightclubs serving various music tastes. Chapel Street (Prahran) and Brunswick Street (Fitzroy) feature trendy venues. Join structured bar crawls for a guided tour.

Crown Casino Complex

Offers a casino, numerous bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and live shows, operating late into the night. Located in Southbank.

Late-Night Eateries

Discover late-night food options, especially in the CBD and ethnic precincts, for after-hours cravings.

Festivals & Events

Melbourne's calendar is packed with varied cultural festivals that celebrate its various communities. Check local event listings.

Responsible Nightlife

Drink sustainably and be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone or at night. Utilize public transport or ride-sharing services.

Shopping and Markets in Melbourne

Melbourne is a shopper's paradise, featuring a range from high-end fashion and designer boutiques to quirky artisan markets and bustling produce stalls.

Traditional Markets

  • Queen Victoria Market: Fresh produce, meat, seafood, deli items, clothing, souvenirs. Closed Mon & Wed.
  • South Melbourne Market: Fresh produce, seafood, high-quality foods, fashion, famous Dim Sims. Open Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun.
  • Prahran Market: High-quality gourmet food, fresh produce, specialty deli items. Closed Mon & Wed.
  • Preston Market: Large, multicultural market focusing on fresh produce and ethnic foods.

Artisan & Boutique Shopping

Rose Street Artists' Market Fitzroy

Weekend market (Saturdays and Sundays) showing local artists, designers, and craftspeople. A great place for unique, handmade gifts, art, and jewels.

Abbotsford Convent

Has different artist apartments and often hosts craft markets and events, providing unique artisan goods.

Independent Boutiques

Explore boutiques in Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Gertrude A thoroughfare for unique fashion, homewares, and artisan goods.

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Australian-themed items (boomerangs, Aboriginal art - ensure responsible sourcing).
  • Gourmet food products (local wines, craft gins, gourmet jams, Australian chocolates).
  • Specialty coffee beans from a local Melbourne roaster.
  • Sports merchandise from AFL teams or the Australian Open.

Luxury & Designer Shopping

  • Collins Street ("Paris End"): High-end international designer boutiques and luxury department stores.
  • Chadstone Shopping Centre: Massive luxury mall, known as "The Fashion Capital."
  • Chapel Street (Prahran/South Yarra): Trendy boutiques, independent labels, and vintage stores.
  • Historic Arcades: Block Arcade & Royal Arcade feature elegant boutiques and jewels stores.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

  • Support local Australian artisans and designers.
  • Seek out fair trade products certifications for imported goods.
  • Avoid purchasing products made from endangered species or anything illegally sourced.
  • Choose sustainable and sustainable products.

Shipping & Customs Information

Retailer Shipping
  • Many larger stores and galleries offer international shipping services.
  • Inquire about costs and customs procedures directly with the retailer.
  • An option is to ship larger or fragile purchases to your home country.
Australian Customs
  • If purchasing high-value items, know your home country's's customs regulations.
  • Keep receipts for all purchases to facilitate customs declarations upon return.
  • Check duty-free allowances for your country before making significant purchases.

Shopping Tip

Visit the Rose Street Artists' Market in Fitzroy on a weekend to find unique, handmade souvenirs and support local artists directly.

Activity Planning Summary

Top Adventures & Culture

  • Hiking: Dandenong Ranges (1000 Steps) or You Yangs (Flinders Peak).
  • Wildlife: Phillip Island Penguin Parade or Healesville Sanctuary.
  • Cultural: Cooking classes, Koorie Heritage Trust, Moomba Festival.
  • Culinary: Food tours, Yarra Valley wine tasting, laneway dining.

Relaxation & Entertainment Picks

  • Relax: Peninsula Hot Springs, city spas, Royal Botanic Gardens.
  • Nightlife: Live music venues (Forum, Corner Hotel), laneway bars, rooftop bars.
  • Shopping: Queen Victoria Market, Collins Street luxury, Rose Street Artists' Market.
  • Coastal: St Kilda Beach for strolls and sunsets, Port Phillip Bay activities.