Melbourne Things To Do

For a better understanding of the city’s colonial history don’t miss the Old Melbourne Gaol; established in 1841 it expanded rapidly during the gold rush. Wandering around this one-time prison is a chilling experience – especially on a night tour. Between 1842 and 1929, 136 prisoners, including Australia’s most notorious outlaw Ned Kelly, were hanged on site.

In a city that loves modern architecture, Federation Square’s odd-looking geometric buildings have become iconic. Highlights include The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, which showcases works of art by famous Australian artists (including Aboriginal art), the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, and Champions: Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame.

Established in 1846, these highly regarded gardens form the green heart of Melbourne. Covering more than 99 acres, the gardens are home to over 12,000 species of plants. Attractions include the Ornamental Lake, the National Herbarium of Victoria, the Old Melbourne Observatory, the Australian Rainforest Walk, and the Water Conservation Garden. Free guided walks or self-guided audio walks are available.

Located at the top of the Eureka Tower, Skydeck 88 offers panoramic views of Melbourne from the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere. For an additional fee you can step out on “The Edge” – a glass cube jutting almost 10 feet out from the building and suspended about 980 feet above the ground.

Take a tour of the arena that is considered hallowed ground by fervent cricket and football sports fans around Australia. Better known as the MCG, this world-famous venue hosts many national and international cricket matches as well as local Aussie Rules (AFL) games. The ground is open for guided tours and contains the National Sports Museum.

Discover Melbourne from the water on one of many cruises that ply the Yarra River. Choose from the Scenic River Gardens upriver cruise, the Port and Dockland’s downriver cruise, or the complete city cruise.