places to visit near melbourne western suburbs

10 Charming Towns Two Hours Or Less From Melbourne

These picturesque towns come with excellent markets, scenic lookouts , old-school architecture and more.

Victoria is in no short supply of charming country towns and picture-perfect villages . From those with 19 th Century enchantment and golden beginnings to seaside towns and mountain escapes, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy. If you’re looking to get out of the city, add these towns near Melbourne to your list of must-visit places. All of these towns are just under a two-hour drive from Melbourne , making them perfect for day trip adventures.

Table Of Contents

Notable mentions

places to visit near melbourne western suburbs

Maldon, located 145kms northwest of Melbourne or just 40kms south of Bendigo, remains largely unchanged since its golden beginnings. Retaining much of its 19 th Century aesthetic , you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a set from another time.

Visitors keen on a blast from the past can take a ride in the steam train that departs Maldon Railway Station, explore the Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum and dive into Maldon’s many gold-mining relics, ruins and artefacts like Union Hill Gold Mine or the Porcupine Flat Gold Dredge .

Declared Australia’s first notable town, Maldon has also got plenty of local gourmet food and wine to savour as well as a heap of boutique and antique shopping to keep daytrippers entertained. And once you’ve walked all over town, make your way up to Mount Tarrengower for a view. Or, step into the 150-year-old Kangaroo Hotel for a bite and a drink.

2. Trentham

Just north of the Wombat State Forest (got to love the name), Trentham offers city-slickers a quick country escape that’s bursting with nature, wildlife and a smattering of foodie options including wineries and orchards. It styles itself as “Cool Country” and just one day out in Trentham will show you just how cool it can be.

Victoria’s highest single-drop waterfall (32m) can be found just a few minutes from the centre of the historic town so if you’re big fans of chasing waterfalls , then Trentham Falls has to be on your to-do list. You’re sure to find a great spot for a picnic stop nearby.

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Trek up to McLaughlins Lookout in Wombat State Forest for uninterrupted scenic views. Up top, you’ll find yourself gazing out across Mount Macedon, the You Yangs and the Dandenong Ranges while those keen on a jaunt through the forest can tackle the Domino Trail — an easy walk that will take you all the way to Lyonville along the railway line.

But, what about in town? Visit du Fermier for seasonal French farmhouse dishes from renowned chef Annie Smithers. Enjoy fresh vegetables picked from the garden alongside meat from the surrounding area. Head to RedBeard Bakery and feast on sourdough from their 140-year-old scotch oven. For classic pub fare, you can’t go wrong with The Cosmopolitan Hotel , which was built in 1866.

Gold had a huge part to play in Bendigo’s beginnings, and like Trentham, Victoria’s golden era has left a lasting impression on the state’s fourth most populous city , from authentic heritage attractions to cultural discovery and gastronomic offerings that make mouths water.

Since 2019, Bendigo has been a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy . For good reason, too. Bendigo’s only dedicated steakhouse, The Woodhouse , cooks their locally sourced produce with applewood in the charcoal-fired oven. Meanwhile, Alium Dining uses local and seasonal ingredients to push the boundaries. For sophisticated Asian fusion, you can’t miss Malayan Orchid, which serves up a tasty mix of Chinese and Malaysian cuisine. You can explore the area’s food and drink culture here .

For many, the Central Deborah Gold Mine is on the top of many to-do lists when visiting Bendigo. Descend 61 metres underground and discover a labyrinth of underground tunnels. Then, explore the surface of the mine with a gold panning experience, authentic mining buildings and more.

Other popular hotspots in Bendigo include the Bendigo Art Gallery and the Golden Dragon Museum . Bendigo’s Sacred Heart Cathedral the second-tallest church in Australia and the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion happens to be the largest Buddhist stupa in the western world.

If you feel like a gentle stroll, be sure to pop by Lake Weerona, the Bendigo Botanic Gardens and Rosalind Park. Visit Bendigo for their annual tulip display in spring for an extra dose of nature.

4. Daylesford

The beauty of Daylesford is no mystery to most Victorians. From the lavender farms to the day spas, the scenic walks to the uncovering of hundreds of vintage and antique goods , and boutique gallery visits followed by coffee at boutique cafes, there’s plenty to do in Daylesford.

So, where to start? If you’re after coffee (and by coffee we also mean breakfast), then Pancho Café on Vincent Street is a hot pick while Cliffy’s Emporium is also a solid choice. Once you’re all fuelled up, it’s time to hit the down and check out The Amazing Mill Markets for all the vintage finds under one massive roof.

Wander up to Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens , which is on top of an extinct volcano, and have a picnic with the help of Wombat Hill House . Then, climb up Pioneers Lookout Tower for splendid views of Daylesford and the surrounding areas. If you like walks, then you simply must stroll around the tranquil Lake Daylesford .

For your dose of art and culture, visit the beautiful Convent Gallery , which as you might guess from the name, is set in a former convent.

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And, if you know anything about Daylesford, you’re probably aware that the surrounding area is graced with magical mineral waters. Hit up Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa where you’ll find not only mineral baths but also other spa facilities and therapies so that your mind, body and soul can relax and rejuvenate.

5. Healesville

East of Melbourne also boasts beautiful and charming country towns, and Healesville has got to be right up there as one of our favourite regional destinations. Located up in the Yarra Ranges, it’s not only home to the famous Healesville Sanctuary but it’s also got a plethora of wineries — Innocent Bystander, Boat O’Craigo and TarraWarra Estate to name just a few — as well as a great selection of brewers and distillers making a name for themselves.

When it comes to food, feast on a shared-style menu paired with organic wines at No. 7 Healesville . If you want to take something home, pick up some cheese, meat and hampers from Kitchen & Butcher .

Art aficionados can mosey on over to YAVA Gallery and Arts Hub, Hearth Galleries or head a little out of town to visit TarraWarra Museum of Art , a cultural icon in the region featuring the best of modern and contemporary art.

Since you’re in the area, you can find one of Australia’s most beautiful, scenic drives — Black Spur . It’s an hour-long, 36-kilometre drive linking Healesville with Marysville lined on either side with towering mountain ash trees and ferns. Also, a visit to Maroondah Reservoir Park is well worth a visit for some downtime.

6. Sassafras/Olinda

Sassafras or Olinda? Why not both? The two towns in the Dandenong Ranges are more than worth your time and, if you like, you can walk between the two in less than an hour — Olinda to Sassafras if you want to go more downhill than up.

Sassafras is all 19 th Century charm complete with the Alfred Nicholas Gardens (famous for its autumn colours and that iconic boatshed) and Miss Marple’s Tearoom , a traditional English tearoom inspired by none other than Agatha Christie.

Meanwhile, Olinda has the serene Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, complete with the newly opened Chelsea Australian Garden , which feature thousands of native plants, a waterfall and a billabong.

When in Olinda, make sure to the local art galleries and studios, handcrafted jewellery and fashion at local boutiques , as well as, sweet shops and antique stores , which you’ll also be able to find in Sassafras. However, what Sassafras does have that Olinda doesn’t is Geppetto’s Workshop — a paradise of wooden toys and puppets.

7. Jindivick

Way out east on your way to Warragul, you’ll come across a tiny yet delightful town called Jindivick. Take in majestic views of rolling hills, explore the beautiful Garden at Broughton Hall and wander through the Sculpture Garden by artist Laurie Collins.

When it comes to food, you can’t go past The Caf’, Gypsy Creek Winery , or Brandy Creek Estate .

All of that’s on offer in this tiny charming town but you’ve still got plenty of walks you can go on including the famous Jacksons Track (it’s also the title of Daryl Tonkin’s memoir), several in Nangara Reserve and around Glen Cromie by the Tarago River , which is replete with facilities for a fantastic day out.

Loch it in even if you’ve never been to this swell South Gippsland town. Once you go, you’ll know exactly why it’s on this list. But if you need some convincing, the local council website describes it as a picture-perfect town “almost like something out of a fairy tale” .

With the stunning Strzelecki Ranges in the background , the alluring town is all 20th-century buildings housing boutique stores and quaint cafés . From Yakkity Yak, which sources its wares from Nepal and beyond, to all the antiques you didn’t know you want from Carringtons, you’ll be enamoured — but, they are by no means the only shops you’ll find. Explore the main street and surrounds and you won’t be disappointed.

With all the fabulous local produce around town, you can bet on finding some great foodie places for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. From Olive at Loch for all kinds of baked goods to Loch Village Foodstore & Café and The Loch Grocer , you’re well covered. When it’s time for drinks, hit up Loch Brewery & Distillery, Loch Wine Bar and the Gippsland Wine Company .

The Loch Suspension Bridge is a must for all tourists to the area.

9. Red Hill

Melburnians need no introduction to the Mornington Peninsula. And those who’ve done their research know all about Red Hill — the hidden hinterland town between Dromana and Shoreham. It might not have beaches, but they’re not at all far away and who cares when this place is peppered with wineries, farms, restaurants and cafes .

When it comes to meats, Red Gum BBQ makes America proud while modern Australian cuisine is well represented with the likes of Montalto, Max’s at Red Hill Estate and Port Phillip Estate (both its dining room and cellar door).

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Red Hill is also home to the Ripe n Ready Cherry Farm which are favourites in summer while the Red Hill Lavender Farm & Distillery is a more-than popular choice when the flowers are blooming . Combine with a wine tasting — say from Mount Rouge Estate or Polperro Winery — and you’ve got a spectacular day planned.

10. Queenscliff

Not to be outdone, the Bellarine Peninsula has its own charming town. Known as the “grand dame” by some, they say that Queenscliff is reminiscent of an English seaside resort , oozing elegance and overflowing with history.

The town, which was renamed in 1854 to honour Queen Victoria, features Victorian-era hotels, wide boulevards peppered with antique stores, and some pretty dignified-looking churches . A walk through town, especially down Hesse Street, will showcase some of the best sights, from lookouts to landmarks. Make sure you walk along the foreshore and stroll down the century-old Queenscliff Pier.

Step into the maritime and historical museums for a blast from the past or join a guided tour of Fort Queenscliff , which was built in 1860 and served to protect the entrance of Port Phillip Bay.

But if history doesn’t float your boat, visitors to Queenscliff can do a spot of snorkelling and immerse themselves in the colourful world of the sea at Pope’s Eye, part of the Port Phillip Heads Marine Park , or get tickets to the Queenscliff Music Festival . It takes place on the last weekend in November and is actually so popular that tickets sell out well in advance.

If you’d like to explore the Bellarine even further, hop on The Q Train . Journey along a heritage rail line between Drysdale and Queenscliff, and enjoy a degustation that showcases the best seasonal produce that the Bellarine Peninsula has to offer. If you don’t feel like travelling, don’t worry. Queenscliff is packed with options when it comes to food so you won’t be disappointed.

The ten charming Victorian towns near Melbourne that we’ve mentioned are by no means an exhaustive list. There are plenty more beautiful, scenic and memorable towns you can visit in a two-hour drive (or less) from Melbourne. Notable mentions of other lovely towns near Melbourne we haven’t been able to include in this list (next time) include Castlemaine, Kyneton, Macedon, Ballarat, Clunes and Maryborough.

And, there are plenty more if you’re willing to drive a little longer and a little farther away.

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Things to do western suburbs Melbourne

Are you searching for the best things to do in the western suburbs of Melbourne? Well, there’s plenty to see and do! check out the below list of the best attractions to the west of Melbourne. If you need more places, don’t forget to check out things to do in Melbourne and things to do in Geelong too!

Altona Coastal Park & Foreshore Trail

Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands Werribee

100 Steps of Federation Altona Meadows

Point Cook Coastal Park Melbourne

Gem Pier Williamstown Melbourne

Williamstown Botanic Garden

Cherry Lake Altona - A Perfect picnic spot in the west

Lerderderg State Park Victoria

Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Center

Werribee Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park

Royal Air Force (RAAF) Museum Point Cook Melbourne

Pink salt lake in melbourne.

Werribee South Beach Melbourne

Altona Beach Melbourne Victoria

Williamstown Beach Melbourne

Melbourne/Western suburbs

1 Understand
2.1 Footscray
2.2.1 By train
2.2.2 By road
2.2.3 By bicycle
2.2.4 By ferry
2.3 Moonee Ponds
2.4.1 By train
2.4.2 By bus
2.4.3 By road
9 Stay safe

The Western suburbs of Melbourne include the areas of Airport West, Caroline Springs, Essendon, Kensington, Flemington, Footscray, Keilor, Melton, Point Cook, Sunshine, Sydenham, Werribee, Williamstown and Yarraville. Many of these suburbs will hold no interest for travellers but a few such as Footscray and Yarraville attract tourists for their restaurants and bars, while Flemington and Moonee Ponds may attract tourists for special events such as horseracing.

Understand [ edit ]

Get in [ edit ].

Footscray [ edit ]

A number of frequent bus routes also operate from the CBD to Footscray. The 402 operates every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on weekends from St Vincents Plaza through the inner-north suburb of Carlton to Footscray. The 220 also operates through Queen Street from Gardenvale to Sunshine via Footscray, operating every 15 minutes on weekdays.

While Footscray is not connected directly to the city by tram, the route 82 from Leeds Street, 150 m from the train station, runs to the Moonee Ponds bus and tram interchange on Mount Alexander Road, which connects with trams to the city and north-western suburbs, with buses that run to the north-west and cut across the northern suburbs.

Hobsons Bay [ edit ]

By train [ edit ], by road [ edit ].

From the city, take the West Gate Freeway. If travelling to Spotswood, Newport or Williamstown, take the Williamstown Road exit (number W6) and turn left (follow signs for Williamstown). If travelling to Altona, take the Millers Road exit (number W7) and turn left (follow signs for Altona).

From Geelong or south-western Victoria, take the Princes Freeway and exit at Kororoit Creek Road (exit 11). Turn left and follow the signs for your destination, as this road connects to multiple suburbs in Hobsons Bay, including both Williamstown and Altona.

By bicycle [ edit ]

There is a bike route from Docklands in the city centre to Altona, and a second from Port Melbourne to Altona. Both go via Spotswood and Williamstown. To ride from Docklands to Williamstown or Altona, start on the bike path on Footscray Road. The cycle path is obvious most of the way, however near the Newport Power Station, there are a few diverging paths. Most of these quickly end or turn into dirt paths, so you'll quickly know if you've gone the wrong way. If in doubt, it can be best to look at a map, although staying right at each fork in the path generally works too.

The route from Port Melbourne is slightly more convoluted and includes a ferry (see below for more details). It could also be easily followed from most eastern bayside suburbs, as the bike path is continuous. From the Bay Trail (which runs along the beach), head east and follow it as it turns up Todd Road, passes under the West Gate Freeway and enters Westgate Park. Within Westgate Park, the path can be difficult to follow, but almost all of the paths form a loop, which means that you should end up in the right place in the end. The correct path goes under the West Gate Freeway again, so looking at a map could be useful at this point. Once out of Westgate Park, the path goes under the West Gate Freeway a third time. About 100 metres beyond the freeway is the Westgate Punt landing jetty. Take the ferry across the Yarra River. The brick building visible ahead is the Pumping Station at Scienceworks. If you're not visiting Scienceworks, turn left on the other side of the pipeline and follow the path. This is the same path as the one from Docklands.

By ferry [ edit ]

-37.8292 144.9004 9 Westgate Punt , Lorimer Street, Port Melbourne , ☏ +61 419 999 458 . M-F 6:30-9:10AM, 3:40-7PM (operates every 20 mins); Sa Su 9AM-5PM (operates on-demand) . Ferry service across the Yarra River, connecting Fishermans Bend and Spotswood. The Spotswood landing is straight across the road from Scienceworks. The journey takes about five minutes. M-F: $3 one way, Sa Su: $5 one way . ( updated Jun 2023 )
-37.8199 144.9658 10 Melbourne River Cruises , Berth 2, Southbank Promenade, Southbank , ☏ +61 3 8610 2600 , [email protected] . Melbourne River Cruises operates a cruising ferry service between Southbank in the city centre and Gem Pier in Williamstown. The approximate journey time is one hour. $33 per person one way . ( updated Jun 2023 )
-37.8635 144.9661 11 St Kilda Ferry , Pier Road, St Kilda , ☏ +61 402 735 293 , [email protected] . The St Kilda ferry primarily runs between St Kilda and Williamstown, however some services also go to Port Melbourne. See the timetable on their website for more details. $22 per person one way . ( updated Jun 2023 )

Moonee Ponds [ edit ]

Wyndham [ edit ], by bus [ edit ].

Bus route 439 departs from Werribee railway station and goes to Werribee South (which will be of no interest to most visitors) via Werribee Park and the zoo. The service operates roughly hourly in each direction every day of the week, although it is important to note that services leaving Werribee station before about 9AM will not stop at Werribee Park or the zoo. There are also no buses towards Werribee station from Werribee Park or the zoo after about 4:45PM, depending on the day of the week.

The Princes Freeway conveniently connects most Wyndham suburbs to the city centre and Geelong . For the Werribee town centre, get off at the Duncans Road exit-ramp and turn right, about 30 minutes from the city.

See [ edit ]

-37.803049 144.906975 1 Footscray Community Arts Centre , 45 Moreland Street . Non-stop art exhibitions and an endless list of music gigs and theatre shows. In summer outdoor film screenings take place on the banks of the Maribyrnong River. ( updated Sep 2016 )
-37.800308 144.899348 2 VU at MetroWest , 138 Nicholson Street , ☏ +61 3 9919 7043 , [email protected] . M-F 9AM-5PM . A community art space run by Victoria University, whose main Footscray campus is a bit further south along Nicholson Street. Features community and student exhibitions. Free . ( updated Sep 2016 )
-37.799994 144.900833 3 Trocadero Art Space , Level 1, 119 Hopkins Street . W-Sa noon-5PM . Small art gallery upstairs. Click through to their website to see examples from current exhibitions. Free . ( updated Sep 2016 )
Five Walls , ☏ +61421706205 - 0421706205 , [email protected] . W-Sa noon-5PM . Artist-run art space in the same place as Trocadero (above) Free . ( updated Sep 2016 )
K Road Cliffs , K Road, Werribee . An interesting cliff-face that overlooks the Werribee River, near the golf course. It's possible to launch canoes from the site along the river.
-37.764521 144.92403 4 Moonee Ponds Courthouse Museum , Corner Mount Alexander Road and Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds , [email protected] . Closed . The former Moonee Ponds Courthouse housed a museum of the local area, run by the Essendon Historical Society. In June 2016, a fire damaged the building and the collection. Restoration is happening, but the museum remains closed until further notice. ( updated Sep 2016 )
-37.764618 144.903324 5 Incinerator Gallery , 180 Holmes Rd, Moonee Ponds ( catch the 82 tram from Moonee Ponds interchange to Stop 41 at Maribyrnong Park; walk north along the river then turn right into Holmes Street; walk a minute or two along Holmes Street until you reach the gallery, opposite a lawn bowls club ), ☏ +61 3 8325 1750 , [email protected] . Tu-Su 11AM-4PM . Interesting gallery with exhibitions, art history talks, adult art courses, and workshops. Free . ( updated Sep 2016 )
-37.93057 144.67092 8 Werribee Mansion , Gate 2, K Road, Werribee , ☏ +613 8734 5100 , [email protected] . Nov-Apr: daily 10AM-5:30PM; May-Oct: M-F 10AM-4PM, Sa Su 10AM-5PM . An Italianate mansion from the 1870s, built by famous Scottish landlords Thomas and Andrew Chirnside. The building and its 60 rooms have been restored, and an audio tour is available. A café is available nearby. Paid tours depart Su-F at 11:30AM. Adult: $7, student/concession/child: $5, family (two adults and two children): $22 .
Werribee Historical Museum , Cnr Watton St & Duncans Rd, Werribee , ☏ +613 9749 2713 . Sa 10AM-1PM, Tu 10AM-3PM . Houses a collection of artefacts, documents, maps and photos relating to the Werribee area's history.
-37.92848 144.6743 10 Victoria State Rose Garden , Gate 2, K Road, Werribee , [email protected] . Daily 9AM-5:30PM . Winner of a global award for excellence, the gardens contain 5,000 roses in four interesting shapes. Roses look best from November to April. Free .

Do [ edit ]

-37.766788 144.927323 2 Moonee Valley Racecourse , McPherson Street, Moonee Ponds , toll-free: 1300 843 825 , [email protected] . See website for race meeting dates and times . One of Melbourne's Big Three horse racing venues, there are several race meetings a month in the busy season from September to March. The famous Cox Plate weight-for-age race is run here in late October each year Most general admission tickets $20, GA for Cox Plate $55 . ( updated Sep 2016 )
-37.765689 144.92478 3 Moonee Ponds Clocktower Centre , 750 Mount Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds , ☏ +61 3 9243 9191 , [email protected] . Performing arts centre including drama, dance, music performances and movie screenings. ( updated Sep 2016 )
-37.87093 144.83027 4 Altona Beach . On the "wrong" side of the bay in terms of famous Melbourne beaches, Altona Beach is a strictly locals-only affair. However, because it is a very long, clean, sandy beach, with plenty of parking, it is known as the best beach in Melbourne's west. Altona has a thriving restaurant and cafe district nearby, centred around Pier St. There's even a jetty, and the esplanade is lined with mature trees which provide some shade. Accessible by train and bus, too. ( updated Oct 2023 )

Buy [ edit ]

Downtown Footscray has a great community feel, with a dozen streets filled with small businesses. As well as the listings below, Footscray has a number of interesting shops selling traditional African clothing, art and hair products.

While far from being one of Melbourne's shopping destinations, Footscray houses two large markets:

-37.80104 144.901948 1 Footscray Market , 18 Irving Street , ☏ +61 3 9687 1205 , [email protected] . Tu W 7AM-4PM, Th 7AM-6PM, F 7AM-7PM, Sa 7AM-5PM; closed Su M . Footscray Market is a fresh produce, meat, poultry and seafood market, catering particularly to the various ethnicities and local restaurants. There's also eateries, nut and coffee stalls, tobacconists and a few variety shops. It has the reputation as one of the cheapest places in Melbourne to shop so if you're cooking for yourself it's definitely worth a look. Or just wander around and enjoy the sights and sounds of business going on around you. ( updated Sep 2016 )
-37.802168 144.898056 2 Konjo African Craft , 87 Irving Street , ☏ +61 3 9689 8185 . Store selling Ethiopian food and crafts: spices, flours, raw and roasted coffee, pots, wood craft, clothing and jewellery. Also has a cafe . ( updated Sep 2016 )
-37.79723 144.8771 4 Bharat Traders , 580 Barkly St West Footscray , ☏ +61396876071 . 10AM-9PM daily . A go-to shop for Indian ingredients, spices, food, homewares and other accoutrements. ( updated Nov 2022 )

Eat [ edit ]

The inner western suburbs, in particular Footscray and Flemington, are emerging as major players on Melbourne's food scene. In addition to a strong history of Vietnamese restaurants and noodle shops, particularly on Hopkins Street in Footscray, the inner west is emerging as Melbourne's African (Ethiopian in particular) food hub. Ethiopian cuisine, despite the tired old jokes, is an increasingly popular niche in the West due to its combination of approachability and uniqueness; the food is characterized by stews and curries, many vegetarian or vegan, eaten with a slightly sour flatbread known as injera. The many Ethiopian options available throughout western Melbourne are universally inexpensive, generously portioned, and tasty. Many are buffets, all have extensive vegetarian/vegan options, and some are exclusively vegan.

-37.80213 144.897987 1 Cafe Lalibela , 91 Irving Street , ☏ +61 3 9687 0300 . Daily 11AM-10PM . Probably the best Ethiopian cuisine in the area, and not a main course over $12. Served in the traditional custom of sharing, the food is poured on layers of injera (flat, sour bread) covering one big plate to be shared by all at the table.
-37.802045 144.899299 2 African Town Cafe , 161 Nicholson Street , ☏ +61 3 9689 9660 . More Ethiopian cuisine, while local regulars pop in and out for a chat over excellent $2 Ethiopian coffee. All main courses $10.
-37.800061 144.899638 3 Ras Dashen , 121 Nicholson Street , ☏ +61 3 9687 3293 . M-F 11:30AM-8:30PM, Sa Su 12:30PM- 8:30PM . A whole baked fish for $13, beans and egg in a mild stew for $8, nice dark "Amber Beer" from Ethiopia like a porter or mild stout. ( updated Sep 2016 )
-37.799929 144.902025 4 Dumplings and More , 96 Hopkins Street , ☏ +61 3 3 9689 2165 . Daily 11AM-9:30PM . Great entrees. The main courses not particularly cheap, but the entrees and dumplings are dirt cheap. ( updated Sep 2016 )
Konjo Cafe Footscray , 87 Irving Street , ☏ +61 3 3 9689 8185 . M-Sa 8:30AM-4:30PM, Su 9:30AM-4:30PM . Same location as Konjo African Craft in the "Buy" section above. Features a $15 all-you-can-eat buffet lunch W-Sa (vegan on W and Th). ( updated Sep 2016 )
-37.79957 144.89674 5 Bar Thyme , 227 Barkly St Footscray . W-Sa 5-11PM, Su 1-10PM . Outstanding slightly fancy French fusion food with a romantic ambience. You'd never guess you were in Footscray. ( updated Nov 2022 )
-37.80127 144.90082 6 Kariton Sorbetes , 50 Leeds St Footscray . Filipino gelato with ever-changing, outlandish, delicious flavours. Once you try it, you'll wonder why they haven't taken over the world yet. They do take-away treats too. Worth waiting in line for. ( updated Nov 2022 )
-37.79731 144.87783 7 Harley & Rose , 572 Barkly St West Footscray . WeFo's finest wood-fired pizza place. Unpretentious and delicious, good for families. Dining out front, inside and in courtyard. ( updated Nov 2022 )
-37.79943 144.89927 8 Ollie's Deli , Shop 7/158 Barkly St, Footscray , ☏ +61391347995 . M-F 8AM-3PM, Sa Su 9:30AM-3PM . If you're ever in Footscray and feel like a gourmet sandwich that isn't a Banh Mi, this place is for you. They're so big you can easily share them, particularly the chicken schnitty and reuben sangers. Huge sandwiches $17 . ( updated Nov 2022 )
Cafe Sunshine ( Salamatea كافه سلامتى ), 21 Dickson St Sunshine , ☏ +61476038689 . Daily 9AM-4PM, and F-Su 5:30-10PM . When the airport rail link is built through Sunshine, more tourists will have a reason to experience this suburb. This is a nice cafe with great coffee, food and service. It is particularly known for its Persian food. This cafe is also a social organisation which employs and trains people of refugee backgrounds. ( updated Nov 2022 )
-37.81648 144.89021 9 Goje , 38 Anderson St, Yarraville , ☏ +61396875264 . Su-Th 2-9:30PM, F Sa 2-10PM . Popular plant-based DIY frozen yoghurt place in the middle of the lively Yarraville restaurant and shopping strip. If coming by car, park a few streets away. Weigh-and-pay. Around $5 a serving if you don't go crazy - but it is hard not to! . ( updated Nov 2022 )
-37.78784 144.92961 10 Laksa King , 6-12 Pin Oak Cres, Flemington ( near Newmarket Station ), ☏ +61393726383 . 11:30AM-2:45PM & 5-20:30PM daily . Supremely busy laksa place in the lively Newmarket shopping strip. Discount if paying by cash. Most laksas $12 . ( updated Nov 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

-37.804542 144.901591 1 The Station Hotel , 59 Napier St , ☏ +61 3 9810 0085 . Daily 11AM to late . Footscray - Opposite the Town Hall. Casual bar, indoor and outdoor seating, coffee. One of the "Top five places to eat steak" as judged by The Age Good Food Guide Dining Companion 2010.
-37.79927 144.89432 2 Bar Josephine , 295 Barkly St Footscray . daily 1PM-1AM . Casual, cosy, tucked-away bar with interesting beers (including a beer lucky dip!) with board games and repurposed bus seats. ( updated Nov 2022 )
-37.80053 144.89927 3 Mr West , 106 Nicholson St Mall Footscray . Bar (upstairs) and bottle shop (downstairs) with a humongous number of beers on tap, plus wine and fancy spirits. Order pizza from the place across the street using QR codes at your table, or BYO food. Seating out front or upstairs. You can choose from the larger bottle shop selection and drink there as well. ( updated Nov 2022 )
-37.80218 144.89278 4 The Victoria Hotel , 43 Victoria St, Footscray ( near Middle Footscray Station ), ☏ +61383200315 . M-Th 4-11PM, F-Su noon-midnight . Lovingly restored old pub with great food, dining areas inside, in courtyard, or outside. ( updated Nov 2022 )
-37.79033 144.93507 5 Bonehead Brewing , 86 Parsons St Kensington , ☏ +61490334892 . F 4-11PM, Sa 1-11PM, Su 1-10PM . On-site independent brewery with comfortable drinking area with open fireplace. There's usually food trucks out front. ( updated Nov 2022 )
-37.79725 144.87729 6 West Footscray Wines , 578 Barkly St West Footscray , ☏ +61370645859 . Th - Sa 2-10PM, Su 2-7PM, W 2-9PM . As WeFo gentrifies, outstanding little wine bars like this one are now possible. Get the staff to recommend you a bottle. Charcuterie and nibbles also available. ( updated Nov 2022 )
-37.81005 144.90408 7 Hop Nation Brewing , 6/107-109 Whitehall St, Footscray , ☏ +61450973644 . Th 3-7PM, F 2-9PM, Sa noon-9PM, Su noon-6PM . A hidden brewery worth making a trip for. Easily reached by the bike and pedestrian Maribyrnong River Trail ( updated Nov 2022 )

Sleep [ edit ]

-37.799192 144.892878 1 Plough Hotel , 333 Barkly Street (Corner Barkly St and Geelong Rd) , ☏ +61 3 96872070 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 10AM . Above a large pub. $120-165 per night . ( updated Sep 2016 )
Bed and Breakfast at Stephanie's , 154-160 Fergsuon St ( 300 metres west of Williamstown Town Hall ). Has B&B accommodation and self-contained accommodation. Great value romantic get-a-way with a good cooked breakfast and quiet and comfy rooms with ensuite. Whilst staying there you can use of their bikes, helmets and locks to explore the many waterfront bike paths at no charge.
-37.9304 144.6691 2 Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park , Gate 2, K Road, Werribee , ☏ +61 3 9731 4000 . ( updated Sep 2018 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Although the western suburbs are gentrifying fast, they have long had a bad reputation in terms of crime. Now, the western suburbs are generally as safe as anywhere else in Melbourne. Use normal common-sense precautions as in any other large city. Drug users do tend to congregate in Footscray, especially near the station, but they won't bother you.

The inner west suffers from increasing road traffic and congestion. Use Google Maps to find bike lanes if you intend to cycle: new ones are popping up constantly.

Connect [ edit ]

37.8046 144.9006 1 Maribyrnong City Council , 61 Napier Street, Footscray , ☏ +613 9688 0200 , [email protected] . M-F 8:30AM-5PM .

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Melbourne suburb guide

From laid-back seaside suburbs to the city centre’s street art-clad laneways, Melbourne’s neighbourhoods are as eclectic as they are exciting.

By Natasha Dragun and Carly Spek

Multicultural, artistic, and sporty, Melbourne’s neighbourhoods are diverse and dynamic, from the relaxed beachside suburbs of the southeast to the coffee shop-lined alleys of the city centre. Thanks to Melbourne’s extensive network of trams – some of them free – it’s easy to hop between its more central neighbourhoods, no matter where you decide to stay.

Central Melbourne

Hosier Lane, Melbourne, VIC © Visit Victoria

Hosier Lane, Melbourne, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Graffitied ACDC lane in Melbourne © Visit Victoria

Street art-clad AC/DC Lane was named in tribute of one of Australia’s most famous rock bands.

Where: City centre, Southbank

Melbourne’s compact central neighbourhoods mix high- and low-brow art with colonial and modern buildings and coffee shops galore, all steps from the meandering Yarra River. The atmosphere is both eclectic and buzzing, and the hub’s neat grid of streets makes it easy to explore – although it’s fun to lose yourself in its many street art-covered laneways .

Central Melbourne is famous for it's innovative food scene. Take a free City Circle tram to the Queen Victoria Market to find an enticing array of food and stalls where you can pick up quirky souvenirs. Central Melbourne’s artsy lanes are a highlight of the city centre, where you’ll discover hole-in-the-wall restaurants like Supernormal and perennially popular tapas joint MoVida .

With fashion-forward locals and vibrant street murals, there's plenty to see in Melbourne's city. Relax on the Yarra River with a picnic aboard an electric GoBoat , or wander the Southbank riverfront stretch to browse big-brand boutiques. Gaze at world-leading exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria or slink into Paris Cat , one of the city's underground jazz clubs.

From funky boutique hotels to luxury stays, there are plenty of choices for the perfect rest stop in Melbourne. Rest up (or continue to play) at the Notel hotel, where you'll find six 1970s Airstream trailers perched on the rooftop. At Southbank, luxury hotel The Langham has the best rooftop pool in town and Ovolo Laneways is an affordable but fun central option.

Melbourne’s south-east beaches

St Kilda Beach, Melbourne, VIC © Visit Victoria

St Kilda Beach, Melbourne, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Where: St Kilda, Elwood, Elsternwick, Brighton

Beaches lined with palm trees and colourful bathing boxes , sun-dappled cafés, wide waterfront promenades, yachts dotting the bay – Melbourne’s beachside suburbs, south-east of the city centre, are laid-back and resorty, yet achingly cool. The further south you go, the better the beaches get. Think long stretches of sand and gentle rolling waves.

From street food to ocean-view dining, the south-east beaches have you covered. Wander along St Kilda's bustling Esplanade , where you’ll pass The Espy complex on the other side of the street, home to an abundance of scene-stealing restaurants. Grab coffee and cake from Monarch Cakes , or tuck into fish-and-chips from Pink Flake on St Kilda Beach.

Melbourne's south-eastern beaches offer a vibe that's more laid back and playful than the hipster-chic streets of the city. Check out the Esplanade's pop-up stalls, or visit landmark amusement complex, Luna Park . Head beachward to rent bikes, dip into historic sea baths or stroll waterfront promenades. A visit to the beach bathing boxes of Brighton is a must!

Hotels in Melbourne's south-east beach suburbs tend to be smaller than their city counterparts, lending to a warm, local feel no matter where you choose to stay. Book a night beside the beach to swim and stroll the days away at St Kilda’s Art Deco Prince Hotel or the Brighton Savoy .

Melbourne's best coffee shops

Melbourne’s south-east suburbs

People relaxing at Royal Botanic Gardens © Visit Victoria

Where: South Yarra, Prahran, Windsor

The neighbouring suburbs of South Yarra , Prahran and Windsor in Melbourne’s inner-south-east are an enticing mix of wide leafy streets studded with jaw-dropping mansions. Here you'll find some of the city’s most applauded restaurants, with the upscale shopping strips of Toorak Road and Chapel Street offering plenty of retail temptations.

Wine and dine the days away in Melbourne's food-obsessed south-east suburbs. Pay a visit to Prahran Market for deli goods galore and a piping hot coffee. Eat modern Asian food in a buzzy warehouse at Hawker Hall or take your pick of the area's abundant eateries. Spend your evenings sampling the different specialties of Chapel Street's bars.

You can expect to find excellent dining, picturesque surrounds and dangerously tempting boutiques in Melbourne's south-east suburbs. Spend all day touring themed floral displays in the Royal Botanic Gardens , or wander along Chapel Street where retail outlets blend a mix of upscale and edgy big-brands and independent boutiques.

There are plenty of stylish spaces to rest your head after long days spent exploring Melbourne's south-east. At the end of the night, flop into bed at chic art hotel The Cullen , named for the late Australian artist Adam Cullen. In South Yarra, The Como Melbourne offers another stylish local sleeping option, or wake up overlooking the Royal Botanic Gardens at United Places .

Melbourne’s inner-east

Aerial view over Melbourne Sport Precinct in Melbourne, Victoria © Tim Shaw

Melbourne Sport Precinct, Melbourne, Victoria © Tim Shaw

Fan waves flag at the AFL grand final in Melbourne © Tourism Victoria

Join the action and excitement of the Australian rules football (AFL) season (March to September).

Where: Richmond, Collingwood, Abbotsford

This precinct of Melbourne is vibrant and multicultural and you'll quickly see why Melbourne has been dubbed the sporting capital of Australia. The inner-east is a hub for sports fanatics of all games thanks to its major stadiums surrounded by legendary bars and live music venues. It’s also home to ‘Little Saigon’ along Victoria Street, offering a parade of tasty eateries.

Join the crowds at charming local pubs to celebrate (or commiserate) your favourite sporting team, or dress your best for a sophisticated night out in Melbourne's south-east. On a match day, the legendary Corner Hotel is the place to go for cold beers, live music and counter meals. Nearby fine-dining restaurants also beckon; try Minamishima for omakase-style sushi.

Spend your days in Melbourne's inner-east cheering at local sporting venues Melbourne Cricket Ground and Rod Laver Arena , or exploring the surrounding attractions. Shop 'til you drop along Bridge Road or Swan Street and visit Abbotsford Convent , a historic creative hub along the Yarra River, which now hosts gorgeous gardens and spaces for live performances.

After jam-packed days spent celebrating athletic victories, Melbourne's inner-east has ample options for a good long sleep. Rest your head in a character-filled room at Element Melbourne Richmond . If you're looking for an easy stroll to Melbourne Cricket Ground, Richmond’s Lanbruk Apartment Hotel is particularly handy for catching a match.

Melbourne’s northern suburbs

View of shops along Brunswick Street in Fitzroy © Roberto Seba

Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria © Roberto Seba

Where: Carlton, Fitzroy, Brunswick

The neighbourhoods of Melbourne’s inner-north are a magnet for foodies, thanks to the thriving Italian restaurants in Carlton (aka ‘Little Italy’) and the bohemian dining rooms of Fitzroy and Brunswick . The further from the city centre you travel, the more diverse the offerings get, including a fantastic array of live music venues to get you on your feet.

Restaurants in Carlton’s Little Italy draw a loyal following for good reason. Lygon Street is the heart of this dining precinct, where you’ll also find design-driven Zagame’s House hotel, with its cosy Lord Lygon wine bar. Eat your way around the world on Brunswick’s Sydney Road, where a perfect day’s culinary delights include dinner at the likes of Cutler & Co .

When you're not exciting your tastebuds at northern suburb eateries, there are other adventures to be found. Explore the Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens with its collection of natural and cultural history artefacts; catch a film at gloriously retro Cinema Nova ; shop vintage fashion and bookstores along Brunswick Street; and dance the night away at a live music venue.

Whether you're searching for quaint and quiet or central and vibrant, there's loads of rooms to choose from in Melbourne's northern suburbs. Zagame’s House hotel is a chic, modern option - with a lively restaurant and sound-proof rooms, so you can have the best of both worlds. The Park Hyatt Melbourne also offers a luxurious base for exploring the neighbourhood.

Explore Melbourne's western waterways

With wide-open spaces, abundant birdlife and beautiful views, there are plenty of fantastic places to walk in Melbourne's west!

Victoria Walks has worked in partnership with Melbourne Water to create maps that share the best places to walk along waterways of the west.

The 18 walks below will have you connecting with nature, exploring volcanic rock formations, and reaching for the binoculars to spot wildlife - maybe even a platypus!

Also see Melbourne waterway walks for walks from the northern to western suburbs.

Werribee River

Lollypop creek.

Skeleton Creek

Kororoit Creek

Jacksons creek, taylors creek, moonee ponds creek.

Coastal parks and estuaries

1. Riverbend Park to Davis Creek, Tarneit , 3 km each way

Wander along the Werribee River to the wetlands and billabongs of Davis Creek. River redgums, birdlife and croaking frogs make this a wonderful walk to connect to nature. 

2. Wyndham Park loop , 2.6 km loop

Explore Wyndham Park and the Werribee River in the heart of Werribee's CBD. Platypus have been sighted in all sections of the Werribee River, including this section of the river, right in town. Wyndham Park has been updated with fantastic new playgrounds and is a destination in its own right.

3. Werribee to Riverbend Park loop  , 8.2 km loop

A fantastic loop along the Werribee R iver that feels more like the countryside than the urban fringes. Highlights include ancient River Redgums, tranquil river scenery, market gardens and historical markers.

4. Urban hike along the Werribee River Stretch your legs along 8.5 km of continuous riverside pathways in central Werribee (17 km return).

5. Werribee River Park, Cocoroc 2.6 km loop taking in escarpment views, the historic bluestone ford and peaceful red gum bushland. Werribee Open Range Zoo and Victoria State Rose Garden are located close to this walk.

6. K Road Cliffs, Werribee South , 600m return

A short but spectacular walk to view the dramatic red cliffs over the Werribee River. A haven for waterbirds and photographers! 

7. Wyndham Bay Trail to Werribee South Foreshore  2.5 km one way, 5 km return

Take a seaside stroll along the less-explored coastline of Port Phillip Bay. The Wyndham Bay Trail stretches from the new Wyndham Harbour to the Werribee South Foreshore where the Werribee River meets the bay. 

Lollypop Creek Trail , Wyndham Vale, 4.4 km loop

A series of elevated boardwalks open this 4.4km loop walk allowing you to get up close to the rehabilitated wetlands. This section of the Lollypop Creek Trail leads to the spectacular and serene Tucker's Waterhole.

Kororoit Creek Trail, Albion to Sunshine West , 5 km each way, 10 km return

A gem of a walk along the Kororoit Creek. Highlights include extensive revegetation of local flora, basalt outcrops and boulders, and birdlife.

Skeleton Waterholes Creek

1. Skeleton Creek from grasslands to wetlands , 7 km loop

A fantastic loop following the Skeleton Creek Trail from Emu-Foot Grassland, a reserve of significant local flora, to Cheetham Wetlands, a haven for shore birds and water birds.

2. Skeleton Waterholes Creek, Truganina and Tarneit , 5 km loop

A varied and interesting wander along Skeleton Waterholes Creek and Tarneit Creek. With wide-open space and wetland habitats, this walk is excellent for connecting to nature in Melbourne's west.

Organ Pipes National Park, Keilor North , 3.2 km loop

A short walk along Jacksons Creek in a small national park named after the volcanic rock formations that resemble organ pipes. At creek level, this is a lovely shady place to walk and explore.

Taylors Creek lakeside loop , Taylors Lakes, 3.4 km loop

A great walking track around the scenic lakes and wetlands of Taylors Lakes. This walk is popular with families, joggers and people enjoying time outdoors.

Woodlands Historic Park, Moonee Ponds Creek , Greenvale, 3.8 km loop

Stretch your legs in bushland at Woodlands Histor ic Park. This walk has kangaroos, abundant birdlife and ancient River Red Gums along the upper reaches of Moonee Ponds Creek.

Coastal wetlands and river estuaries

1. Truganina Park Trail and Laverton Creek Spit , Altona 4 km loop

Truganina Park is a bird watcher's paradise and a great place to walk through coastal parkland. This trail starts and finishes at Altona Foreshore, crosses Laverton Creek and loops around Truganina Park.

2. Altona Skipper Butterfly Loop, Truganina Park , Altona Meadows, 2.3 km loop

Walk up the "100 Steps to Federation" hill for the best views in the west. On a clear day, you can see the CBD, ships on Port Philip Bay, Cheetham Wetlands and the You Yangs in the distance. This circuit walk on the Truganina Park Trail takes in important habitats for rare species including the Swift Parrot and Altona Skipper Butterfly.

3 Cheetham Wetlands , Point Cook, 3 km loop

Explore the wetlands and salt marshes from the boardwalks and observation tower at Cheetham Wetlands in Point Cook. This expansive park is important for migratory shorebirds that visit Port Phillip Bay from the northern hemisphere.

4 Wyndham Bay Trail to Werribee South Foreshore  2.5 km one way, 5 km return

5 Day hike in the west, Laverton to Williamstown 22 km one way, station to station

A fantastic 22 km walk taking in creeks and wetlands that feed into Port Philip Bay. This walk links Skeleton Creek to Bay Trail West, past Laverton, Cherry and Kororoit Creeks to Williamstown Beach. Public transport accessible!

Also see Melbourne waterway walks for walks from the northern to western suburbs.

Women Who Walk

2023 research update, maribyrnong walks, our services, need to move more.

The Best Places to See in Melbourne: A Guide to Sights + Suburbs

Top 5 Places to See in Melbourne

#5 — free city walking tour.

Doing a city walking tour is the best way to start off your time in any city. Walking tours help you get your bearings on the place and understand the basic and vital foundations that make the city what it is. Our Free Walking Tour does just this – we take you through historical monuments and arcades, graffiti-covered laneways, bustling squares, and through the depths of both ancient and modern culture.

#4 — Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is easily the most popular day trip from Melbourne. Just a few hours outside the city is a coastline unlike any other, with towering cliffs over perfect wave breaks. Taking a day tour to the Great Ocean Road (or renting a car to road trip yourself- just give it a few days!) is one of the most breathtaking things to do in Melbourne. Sights along this drive like the famous 12 Apostles will stay with you forever, and give you an alternative vibe to the bustling city centre.

#3 — Melbourne Coffee

Did you know that Melbourne is the coffee capital of the world? It’s not just a self-proclaimed title, either – Melbourne actually has more cafes per capita than any other city in the world. Crazy, huh? Melbourne has evolved its very own coffee culture, complete with unique drinks and talented baristas. Make sure to try some – or just come on the free tour — we stop for coffee about 45 minutes into the walk.

#2 — Eureka Skydeck

Unlike many global cities, Melbourne doesn’t have a central hill…. It has a very, very tall central tower called the Eureka Tower! Located high up on the 88th floor is the highest observation deck in the whole southern hemisphere, called the Eureka Skydeck .

This viewpoint is one of the absolute must places to see in Melbourne, and will give you views from over the entire CBD, to the docklands, all the way down the coast, to the mountain ranges surrounding the city. You can even watch the footy from up there if the timing is right!

#1 — Hidden Laneway Bars

Because of Melbourne’s unique city design, locals became VERY good at making use of space – especially for fascinating venues and bars. This is why you’ll find that many of the bars in our city are hidden – in back corners of laneways, above other shops, or inside historic and/or repurposed venues, or even hidden within bookshelves. See how many one-of-a-kind venues you can discover – or come on our Melbourne Hidden Bars Tour to discover some and learn about plenty more.

Places to See in Melbourne CBD

Melbourne’s CBD, or Central Business District/Downtown, is a bustling grid full of rich history, delicious food, hundreds of cafes, hidden bars, tall skyscrapers, diverse culture, and fascinating people. Let’s see some of the best parts:

One of the most unique things about Melbourne is the presence of tiny, one-lane streets throughout the city called Laneways. Over the years, the laneways have become the ‘beating heart’ of Melbourne, with the best tucked-away cafes/bars/restaurants only the locals know, amazing murals and street art, and interesting stories.

Some of the best laneways to check out are AC/DC Lane, Duckboard Pl, Hosier Lane, and Union Lane for street art, and Hardware Lane, Degraves St, and Centre Place for food.

Historic Victorian Buildings

Melbourne grew massively in population and wealth due to a massive gold rush here in the 1800’s. It was during this time that the beautiful Parliament Building, Windsor Hotel, Treasury Building, and more were built, all with their own unique story and impeccable architecture.

Federation Square + Museums

Federation Square is Melbourne’s biggest (and most unique) gathering place. It holds lots of city events, broadcasts live events and sports games, holds loads of restaurants and bars, and is also home to many of Melbourne’s free museums.

Historic Arcades

Arcades in Melbourne aren’t the kind you might imagine – they aren’t gaming rooms, but rather beautifully constructed, high-ceilinged shopping corridors Melbourne’s beautiful

River Cruises

A lesser-known yet top-notch way to see the city is actually from the water. Check out Melbourne River Cruises to learn a bit about the city from the Yarra River itself, providing fantastic views of the city and surrounding areas with commentary as well.

Old Melbourne Gaol

‘Gaol’ is the old spelling of ‘jail,’ and is pronounced the same. Confusing, we know! The Old Melbourne Gaol is an old historic jail in the city center that was in use for almost 150 years. This is where the famed Ned Kelly was locked up, and has plenty of other fascinating crime stories in what is now a huge museum. Book a discounted ticket here.

Melbourne is proudly home to one of the longest continuously operating Chinatowns in the world, and has always had a strong presence of Chinese culture. Visit Chinatown for some bona fide Chinese culture – including LOTS of delicious food, shops, and even a museum. It’s a must to go to a BYO dumpling house!

Bourke St Mall

Many people come to Melbourne for its amazing shopping. Bourke Street Mall is the epicenter of some absolutely massive mall complexes within the city that weave above and below the streets.

The Best Melbourne Suburbs to Visit

The fun most definitely doesn’t stop once you leave the city centre. Here are some of the other areas of Melbourne you most certainly won’t want to miss.

St. Kilda is our very own Melbourne Beach. We will admit that it’s not the NICEST beach in the WHOLE world (you can go down the Great Ocean Road or the Mornington Peninsula for that – not far!) but it’s OUR beach, and we love it!

St Kilda is more than a beach; it’s a beachside community. You can visit some lovely open-air pubs along the sand, relax in the park, taste some delicious pastry or Gelato along Acland Street, or even visit our local theme park – Luna Park!

Fitzroy & Collingwood

Fitzroy and Collingwood are most commonly known as the ‘hipster’ areas of the city, and some of the top places to see in Melbourne. These adjacent suburbs are where you’ll find lots of thrift/op shops, trendy cafes, street art, beer gardens, and more.

Walk up Smith Street in Collingwood and down Brunswick Street in Fitzroy for a full glimpse of what hipster Melbourne is about – you might just come away with a few thrifty purchases and a new favorite cafe.

Not too far past St Kilda, you’ll find Brighton Beach – famous for its dozens of multi-colored bathing boxes along the shore. Visit for an iconic Melbourne experience (and instagram photo!) and for a beach day, easily combined with a day in St. Kilda.

Southbank is basically an extension of the CBD, but as its name suggests, on the Southern bank of the Yarra River. Southbank is known for having a beautiful promenade walk along the river bordered by lovely open-air bars/restaurants and some interesting performers and artists. You can also find the largest casino in Australia, The Crown, and also Melbourne’s best view at the Eureka Skydeck on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower. It’s one of our top view recommendations – book in advance here.

You can also find the city’s botanical gardens adjacent to Southbank. We’re proud to have some of the largest botanic gardens in the world here in Melbourne, and no visit to the city is complete without seeing them. They’re free to enter, and have themed gardens from all over the planet. Perfect for an afternoon picnic or even an open-air movie in the summer!

South Yarra & Prahran

These southern suburbs are best known for bordering Chapel Street, which is a fantastic place to visit for restaurants, shopping, bars, and lots of nightlife!

If Fitzroy and Collingwood are hipster, Brunswick takes it to the next level. Brunswick is king of the North Side and also home to a bustling few streets full of venues, culture, and art.

Carlton is home to Melbourne university, and (almost more importantly), Little Italy. Take a trip up Lygon street to see dozens of Italian restaurants, pizzerias, and gelaterias that will take you right back to Europe.

Must-See Day Trips from Melbourne

Once you’ve seen the city and surrounding areas, you can explore even MORE in some stunning areas outside the city. Here are our top recommendations – make sure to use the discount code WALKS101 if you’d like to book any – a special promotional code for valued customers of ours.

Yarra Valley

The Yarra Valley is Melbourne’s very own wine region, and is the birthplace of dozens (hundreds?!) of delicious wines. But it’s home to more than just vineyards! The gorgeous rolling hills will make you feel like you have departed miles and miles away from the big city, and between glasses of fresh wine you can taste cider, gin, cheese, and even chocolate. Check out these day tours which plan out all sorts of tastings for you.

Great Ocean Road

As we have already rightfully mentioned as one of the top 5 places to see in Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road easily maintains its title. One of the most beautiful coastlines in all of Australia, this road trip would be silly to miss while here. Book a day trip to have everything taken care of for you, or rent a car and accommodation to take more time!

Phillip Island

Phillip Island is Victoria’s famous penguin island, which is lucky enough to be the home of the ‘penguin parade’ each evening. Take a drive there to see hundreds of tiny penguins returning from the water to their resting place for the night, or take a day tour to include visitation to some wild animal parks as well.

Grampians National Park

The Grampians National Park is a stunning rocky mountainous reserve located less than 3 hours from the city. Visit the Grampians for some picturesque views, remote hikes, scenic waterfalls, prolific wildlife, and lots of local aboriginal culture and history. You can spend a night out here or you can take a day tour as well.

Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula extends directly south of Melbourne, and is a charming area full of diverse landscapes. This area is where you’ll find Melbourne’s most sparkling beaches, as well as many cliffy coastline bush walks and up-and-coming beach towns along the water. You can road trip it or book a day tour for a quicker view.

Puffing Billy Train and Healesville Sanctuary Tour

Well, that’s about it for the best places to see in Melbourne, its surrounding suburbs, and gorgeous areas, wine regions, and national parks as well. We hope you enjoy your trip!

John O'Sullivan

John is our owner-operator. After working since 2010 in travel guiding European tours, he started this operation to bring the best of the tours he saw in Europe to Australia.

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July 2, 2015 / Comments (4)

Seven of the best family-friendly hikes west of Melbourne

Family-friendly hikes west of Melbourne - Serendip Sanctuary

There are so many great family-friendly hikes around Melbourne. The Greater Melbourne area offers a lot of walking opportunities and the chance to disappear from the urban world for a short time. The kids will be super excited about their outdoor adventure.

Most of these hikes are close to Melbourne, but for those an hour or so away, here are some ideas for keeping kids entertained in the car .

Here are seven of the best family-friendly hikes west of Melbourne.

1. Newport Lakes

The park is small enough that you won’t ever feel lost there but big enough that the urban world retreats as soon as you enter the park. Most people are surprised to find that such a wilderness area exists so close to Melbourne.

Venture around the paths that criss-cross the park and if you feel brave enough, cross the lake on the large stepping stones. The tracks are gravel and dirt and not suitable for a pram. So either take a backpack carrier for the really little ones or let the older kids run loose. You could do a walk of around 2km or join a few tracks and do a circuit of 4km or more.

There’s also an excellent picnic ground at the carpark off Mason Street with sheltered picnic tables, BBQs, a wide grassy area and a great kids’ playground. It’s a great place to relax after your walk and for the kids to play.

2. Brimbank Park

Photo of Brimbank Park. Image courtesty of Tirin from Wikipedia

Nestled in Keilor and along the Maribyrnong River, Brimbank Park is another gem of a park that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of bush when you’re just a stone’s throw from urban streets.

The paths are sealed and suitable for a pram. However, there are two steep hills, on either side of the park, making a loop walk difficult with a pram. In fact, the hills are so steep and a few hundred metres in length so for safety, I’d avoid the hills with a pram.

There are plenty of facilities, including three separate picnic areas at each of the car parks with toilets, BBQs, covered picnic tables, plus it has a café should you want a coffee fix or a snack.

3. Serendip Sanctuary

The paths are gravel but there are many double gates to go through (to prevent the animals from escaping) so it’s not really pram friendly.

There are plenty of activities for the kids to do, from comparing their jumping prowess against a kangaroo to discovering life in a pond.

There are picnic tables and toilets near the carpark at the main entrance.

4. Werribee Gorge

The Werribee Gorge Circuit walk from Meikles Picnic Ground is perfect for the older kids who want a bit more of a challenge while hiking. Take your little one in a backpack carrier. It’s definitely not pram-friendly. There might be some hairy moments while navigating the rocky section along the river and use the bolted on wire for stability.

For a younger family, you could try the Short Circuit Walk which is a lot easier and a lot less hairier!

Again, there are plenty of picnic tables and toilets at the Meikles Picnic Ground.

5. Long Forest

Winter’s sun streaming through the trees at Long Forest

Near Melton and about 50km from Melbourne is a little-known slice of wilderness called Long Forest . There are four short walking tracks, from 1.5km return to 4km return, so you’re sure to find one to suit your family. For those with kids ready to tackle longer distances, you can join tracks to make a longer circuit walk. It’s really worth the trip out there.

There are picnic tables but no toilet facilities that we could find. Think of it as an opportunity to teach kids how to answer nature’s call in nature.

6. You Yangs

The East-West Walk is great fun and ideal for the adventurous child who likes to rock scramble. There are great views and all kinds of terrain to navigate around this walk.

The East-West Walk is a 4.5km circuit walk that starts at the Flinders Peak car park. There are BBQs, picnic tables and pit toilets. If the kids aren’t exhausted after that walk, tackle the 450 steps to the peak. It’s a 3.2km return walk and well worth the effort for the amazing views across Port Phillip.

Big Rock is an easier, flatter 3km return walk from the Park Office car park near the main entrance. You could tackle that one with a pram.

7. Cherry Lake

There is a sealed path around the lake, suitable for a pram. It is an easy 3.5km walk, not really what I’d describe as a hike. There’s a great playground, though not really suitable for toddlers. There are BBQs and picnic facilities and a lot of ducks and swans. There’s zero chance of getting lost.

Other things to do in Melbourne

Last modified: July 29, 2022

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4 responses to : seven of the best family-friendly hikes west of melbourne.

Great post Sandra, there’s a few here for us to consider in the warmer months, lets hope they come around quick!

I’d really like to get out to Long Forest again. Such a gem of an undiscovered place. And Newport Lakes. My sister lives just down the road from there. I’m waiting for my broken toe to heal properly so we can get outdoors again.

love this! Friends and I did the Oxfam 100km a couple years ago in preparation for 4 weeks in Nepal – beautiful areas so Close to home!

Hey Jo, I did Trailwalker a few years ago too and got to discover ‘the other side’ of Melbourne. I loved hiking out in the Dandenongs and the Yarra Ranges. Beautiful! But there certainly are some gems out west, which is far more convenient for me, especially now with the little guy in tow. Thanks for stopping by! Sandra

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It’s in Melbourne’s inner suburbs that you’ll really get a feel for what life in this city is all about. Many have quite distinct characters, whether as ethnic enclaves or self-styled artists’ communities. Browsing through markets and shops, cruising across Hobsons Bay, sampling the world’s foods and, of course, sipping espresso are the primary attractions. Café society finds its home to the north among the alternative galleries and secondhand shops of Fitzroy , while the Italian cafés on Lygon Street in nearby Carlton fuelled the Beat Generation with espresso, though these days boutiques far outnumber bookshops. Grungy Richmond , to the east, has both Vietnamese and Greek enclaves, is home to a number of good Middle Eastern restaurants, and has a diverse music scene in its many pubs. South of the river is the place to shop until you drop, whether at wealthy South Yarra , self-consciously groovy Prahran or snobby Toorak . To the south, St Kilda has the advantage of a beachside location to go with its trendy but raucous nightlife. To firm up your itinerary with something more concrete, make for the well-designed zoo in Carlton, or Scienceworks , a hugely enjoyable interactive museum in Spotswood. The outstanding Heide Museum of Modern Art is in Bulleen and, a bit further along in the same direction, Eltham hosts the artists’ colony of Montsalvat.

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Carlton lies just north of the city but, with its university presence and long-established Italian restaurant scene, it could be a million miles away. Lygon Street is the centre of the action, and it was here, in the 1950s, that espresso bars first opened in Melbourne; exotic spots such as Toto’s Pizza House had an unconventional allure in staid Anglo Melbourne, and the local intelligentsia soon made the street their second home. Victorian terraced houses provided cheap living, and this became the first of the city’s “alternative” suburbs. These days, Carlton is no longer bohemian; its residents are older and wealthier and Lygon Street has gone definitively upmarket, though the smart fashion shops still jostle with bookshops and an abundance of Italian restaurants and cafés.

Lygon Street itself is the obvious place to explore, but the elegant architecture also spreads eastwards to Drummond Street , Carlton Gardens , Rathdowne and Nicholson streets . Running along the western side of the university, Royal Parade gives onto Royal Park , with its memorial to the explorers Burke and Wills, from where it’s a short walk through the park to the zoo.

Smith Street , forming the boundary between Fitzroy and Collingwood to the east, has charity shops, ethnic butchers and cheap supermarkets among New Age bookshops, quirky cafés and revamped pubs. North of Johnston Street you’ll see a clutch of sportswear factory-seconds outlets. Collingwood and the adjacent suburb of Abbotsford have a large gay population , with gay bars and clubs clustered on Peel, Gipps and Glasshouse streets.

In the 1970s, Fitzroy took over from Carlton as the home of the city’s artistic community, and every year at the end of September, the area is awash with pop-up art installations, exhibitions and street performers as part of the colourful Fringe Festival – the alternative scene’s answer to the highbrow Melbourne International Arts Festival. The district’s focus is Brunswick Street (tram #112 from Collins St), especially between Gertrude Street , home to trendy galleries, art spaces and boutiques, and Johnston Street , with its lively Spanish bars. In the shadow of Housing Commission tower blocks, funky secondhand shops rub shoulders with ethnic supermarkets and cafés packed with grungy students, hipsters and musicians.

The Heide Museum of Modern Art was the home of Melbourne art patrons John Reed (1901–81) and Sunday Reed (1905–81), who in the mid-1930s purchased what was then a derelict dairy farm on the banks of the meandering Yarra River. During the following decades the Reeds fostered and nurtured the talents of young artists and played a central role in the emergence of Australian art movements such as the Angry Penguins, the Antipodeans and the Annandale Realists; the painters Sidney Nolan, John Perceval, Albert Tucker and Arthur Boyd were all members of the artistic circle at Heide at one time or another. Heide I is the farmhouse where the Reeds lived from 1934 until 1967, while their airy modernist 1960s home Heide II shows work from the collection. The most prominent addition is the Heide III (Albert & Barbara Tucker Gallery), which features over two hundred artworks from Albert’s personal collection. Café Vue draws on produce from the cottage garden; it also does a great lunchbox for consumption in the sculpture garden.

Beyond Commercial Road in Prahran proper, Chapel Street focuses on street-smart fashion, becoming progressively more downmarket as it heads south. Landmarks include Prahran Market (Tues, Thurs & Sat 7am–5pm, Fri 7am–6pm, Sun 10am–3pm), an excellent, though expensive, food emporium (fish, meat, fruit, vegetables and delicatessen) plus cafés and a few clothes shops. On the western side of Chapel Street, Chapel Street Bazaar has an amazing array of secondhand clothes, Art Deco jewellery, furniture and bric-a-brac. Just opposite, tucked away in Little Chapel Street, Chapel off Chapel (03 8290 7000) provides a venue for an eclectic mix of theatre performances, music and art exhibitions.

Bordered by the Yarra River, Richmond is the bustling heart of Melbourne’s Vietnamese community. Its epicentre, Victoria Street, is lined with greengrocers, fishmongers and pho restaurants, while running parallel further south, Bridge Road is a bargain-shopper’s paradise, dotted with clothing factory-seconds stores. Further south again, the clutch of bars and restaurants nestled around the corner of Swan and Church streets is a popular pit stop for football-goers en route to and from games at the nearby MCG.

The South Yarra stretch of Chapel Street has long been considered a “Golden Mile” of trendy shopping, awash with boutiques and speciality shops, bistro bars full of beautiful people and cooler-than-thou nightclubs. These days, much of its exclusivity has been usurped by the arrival of generic clothing chains and slightly sleazy bars. While there is still a smattering of designer boutiques to be found, most of the cool kids have migrated south down the Chapel Street beat towards Prahran and Windsor.

If it’s the bay you’re heading for, then St Kilda is the obvious destination. The former seaside resort has an air of shabby gentility, which enhances its current schizophrenic reputation as a sophisticated yet seedy suburb with a raging nightlife. Running from St Kilda Road down to the Esplanade, Fitzroy Street has a reputation as Melbourne’s red-light district – usually pretty tame, though late at night not a comfortable place for women alone – and epitomizes this split personality, since it’s lined with dozens of cafés and bars. On weekend nights, these and others throughout St Kilda are filled to overflowing with a style-conscious but fun crowd.

As Chapel Street crosses High Street Prahran changes to Windsor and becomes more interestingly eclectic. Secondhand stores and discount household-appliance shops sit cheek by jowl with a growing number of worthwhile cafés and bars frequented by south-side locals. Busy Dandenong Road marks the boundary of Windsor and East St Kilda . Just across Dandenong Road on Chapel Street lies the Astor Theatre , a beautifully decorated cinema in an Art Nouveau building.

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Best Melbourne Western Suburbs Cafes

Written by David Hagger on 17 August 2014 .

The World Loves Melbourne has visited a plethora of Melbourne Western Suburbs cafes and we have selected our top cafes. The West has seriously great cafes that are some of the best in Melbourne, worth a trip across town. (The World Loves Melbourne has spent considerable time in the West).

In no particular order -

1. Sourdough Kitchen

2. The Cornershop

3. Footscray Milking Station

4. Seddon Deadly Sins

5. Noisette

6. Duchess of Spotswood

7. Station Street Trading

8. Candied Bakery

9. Common Galaxia

10. Le Chien

11. Hausfrau Bakery

13. The Premises

1. Sourdough Kitchen - Seddon.

Sourdough Kitchen is a charming cafe in Seddon with vintage style decor and ambience. Known for their epic bakery products, they didn't disappoint with the Chicken and leek sausage roll (also have a Pork and fennel sausage roll). We were curious to explore chicken mince in a sausage roll. Sourdough Kitchen is about free range and organic products. The chicken and leek filling was superb. The fit out is almost a nod to yesteryear with a nostalgic ambience. Somewhere to relax and unwind.

Check out the sourdough breads. Also try the popular Vegan pies and Vegan sourdough croissants for tasty treats.

2. The Cornershop - Yarraville

The name on many cafe lovers' lips when it comes to western suburbs cafes. Yarraville's finest and hipster central, The Cornershop is a standout for its ambience. The menu is fairly simple but has a range of options set to please a variety of tastes, including salad lovers. Sitting out in the courtyard on a warm Melbourne day is sensational, that is if you can score a table. This cafe is usually well attended and has a strong local following. This is a great place to relax and imbibe.

The Cornershop has a cool ambience inside with large windows, funky lighting, big communal table and white brick walls. We've enjoyed perennial favourites that have been on the menu for some time now, including the pides, the meatballs and the steak sandwich. Coffee is a priority here and hits the mark.

And who can resist those Desiree chips with aoli?

3. Footscray Milking Station - Footscray

Footscray Milking Station is an engaging cafe located in the burbs in Footscray, and a secret hideout for local council workers. Once upon a time it used to be a milking station. Unlike many other cafes it is actually located right in a neighbourhood - not a cafe or shopping strip. It's "as local as local gets". Come here of a weekday morning and you'll be lining up for coffee - usually it's a packed house. Grab a table and be prepared for friendly service and tasty treats. I'm amazed at how well the staff do under pressure, with (nearby) Council crew enjoying a coffee or breakfast before their working day starts.

We love the quirk factor here. Footscray Milking Station serves up first class coffee in retro cups. Enjoy the timber floor, exposed brick, tasty treats in cabinets and boards with specials. Service is friendly if not charming, and the small cafe is intimate. Check out the old milk bottles used for water (quaint).

4. Seddon Deadly Sins - Seddon

Seddon Deadly Sins is a funky cafe in Seddon with a clever name and a culinary excellence. Seddon has become a cafe haven these days and Seddon Deadly Sins is one of the finest. The decor and menu isn't predictable (presented inside a little Golden Book). Locals love this place for its style, if not quirk, and for its dining spaces (including the outdoor courtyard). Seddon Deadly Sins has a funky ambience with great use of timber and glistening varnish on the tables. Interesting figures and quirky pieces adorn. I enjoyed the distressed wall, Phantom comics wallpaper, red lamps and cabinets with tasty treats. The mood is alternative and this includes the music selection.

As we discovered at breakfast, Seddon Deadly Sins both coffee and food are top notch. We recommend the Spanish eggs or even just poached eggs on sourdough. Also known here for some fine creative latte art. Daily specials appear on its legendary specials board. Apart from the creative dishes and descriptions, I dig the writing style and signage here.

5. Noisette - Port Melbourne.

Noisette is undoubtably one of the best cafes and bakeries in Melbourne, with a plethora of high class items. We get the impression they supply the buns for some of Melbourne's best burgers. All manner of tasty fresh baked treats here. They do it all - croissants, macarons, cakes, breads - even wedding cakes! They exude French style and flair.

Noisette is one of Melbourne's best for bakery products. Come here for breakfast; try the Ham and Cheese toastie, the Breakfast burger or the Croque Monsieur.

6. Duchess of Spotswood - Spotswood

Duchess of Spotswood is a bold piece of English style sophistication that stands out like a beacon in Spotswood (semi industrial pocket in the shadow of the West Gate Bridge). It’s a top notch café that could convert Republicans into Monarchists. Forget what’s politically correct when it comes to culinary enjoyment. Duchess of Spotswood goes into overdrive on flair, class and sheer indulgence.

Duchess of Spotswood is a charming and cheeky establishment that occupies an old butcher’s shop. It advertises itself as an “unashamedly British café” where the cooking is influenced by passion, nostalgia, seasonal produce and fun. Yes fun! Order some of the classics here and throw away the calorie chart. The celebrated Duchess of Pork is another popular breakfast selection. The hearty portion of pork is delectable, and with two free range eggs is amazing! But then throw in some truffle sauce, black pudding and sourdough with a tub of butter and you are fuelled for the day! The English love a good “fry up” as my family heritage can testify, but this is “fry up” with class. I felt slightly guilty eating such fare but enjoyed the defiance of turning the food pyramid on its head.

The coffee here is also excellent and Duchess of Spotswood takes it’s coffee seriously. A wonderful creamy velvety latte satisfied my Saturday morning craving. There’s plenty of action behind the counter and the baristas are skilful on the La Marzacco. Some of Melbourne’s outstanding blends are here including Proud Mary and Seven Seeds. I enjoyed the Candyman blend from Auction Rooms. An attractive selection of cakes lures you to the counter.

Duchess of Spotswood brings an air of sophistication with crystal chandelier and smart timber floors. A smallish restaurant it boasts hip modern art (on canvas) on the walls. Tasteful flower arrangements also add to the ambience. Slick table service with engaging staff is impressive. One also appreciates the newspapers set out on the chunky timber table, which was the old butcher’s table.

7. Station Street Trading - Port Melbourne

Station Street Trading in Port Melbourne is a stunning cafe in a refreshing precinct opposite a decent park (Smith Reserve). Sit outside on a pleasant Melbourne day and imbibe. The owners of Station Street Trading have developed a delightful character building and delivered on cuisine and ambience with flair. This is a unique setting compared to the bustling rush of many city cafes.

I enjoyed dining at a pavement table opposite the park. My visit was on a fine day but when it gets cold the cafe supplies blankets to take away the nip outside. Come here to a trendy cafe strongly supported by locals.

The menu at Station St Trading is seasonal and has an emphasis on local ingredients. Daily specials are available - making lunch for interesting for nearby workers. The breakfast menu hits the spot with this gourmet version of a big breakfast. The presentation of The Station St Stack is superb with quality bacon on skewers, killer beetroot relish, perfect eggs, and avocado and mushrooms to please. It's been a perennial favourite since the cafe opened. It didn't feel like a big fry up, more like a gourmet pleasure. One of the best breakfast options in Melbourne! Yay for interesting (as opposed to predictable) breakfast selections.

8. Candied Bakery - Spotswood

Candy I won't let you go! Candied Bakery is an American style bakery sensation in Spotswood and another success in the West. Unlike almost any bakery I've been to this place hums with quality, style and imagination. This is about nuances with quality ingredients and friendly interesting spaces to dine and imbibe. Candied Bakery turns the staid quaint bakery concept on its head with its modern offerings and fit out. You can eat in and enjoy sausage rolls, almond croissants (popular at work), great fresh breads, buns and amazing pies.

Candied Bakery is also famous for its delectable hot cross buns at Easter...

The Candied Bakery concept has been influenced by bakeries, food and flavours encountered by Toula and Orlando on trips to the USA and Europe. Inspired by their experience, Toula and Orlando decided it was time to re-work known and loved Australian classics while tempting their customers tastebuds with some of their U.S and European favourites.

Candied Bakery also gets you going with doughnuts that excite more than bring guilt. Italian custard that will make you groan. These ended up being a treat for the office staff - beats the usual drab office cakes.

9. Common Galaxia - Seddon

Common Galaxia is a funky if hot hipster cafe in Seddon that impresses with its amazing coffee, cuisine and modern fit out. This is a serious coffee haven with coffee from iconic Melbourne Seven Seeds and Market Lane. I remember when this cafe opened and it was taken by the style of the cafe - I would come here before work and imbibe the ambience. Green benches, great use of timber, a curved counter, large windows, and funky light fittings - spectacular use of shapes and different textures built by Fido Projects. Style in Seddon, which is more often than not, grungy.

The food at Common Galaxia is excellent, even though the coffee is such a standout featuring a Synesso and fine baristas. Were these guys one of the first cafes to feature the smorrebrod sandwiches, now a trend in Melbourne? Check out the Common Galaxia Big Breakfast, Breakfast Board and the Herb and Cheese Scrambled Eggs.

10. Le Chien - Seddon

Again, this is quirk central, like many cafes in the West. The coffee and food is excellent, and includes famous Corn fritters and some home made treats.

11. Hausfrau Bakery - Yarraville

Hausfrau Bakery and Cakes is a stunning large bakery in Yarraville that oozes elegance and character. Popular with the locals it's a great option for a meal or coffee, with gourmet cuisine at reasonable prices. These are foodie people with a passion.

Walk in to a bright space and make your way to the display cabinets. Hausfrau has compelling selections such as gourmet baguettes, quiches, salads, pies and delectable cakes. The kitchen out the back is expansive and lends itself to creativity and variety. The theme is European and the class of this place belies that of the average bakery. Apart from the food, the attraction of Hausfrau is the delightful ambience. The feel is like 60s cool with retro furniture, vinyl flooring, quirky objects on the walls, lampshades, cushions, and chic tiles. Hausfrau gets packed out at lunch times and the cafe is buzzing.

Hausfrau is a standout in Yarraville, a suburb brimming with cafes.

12. Mies - Spotswood

Mies is a great cafe in Spotswood and is popular amongst the locals. Come here for great food selection and amazing coffee. In fact it seems coffee is the speciality - not only have I enjoyed exceptional coffee from Mies but I was able to purchase their beans from a broad selection.

Mies takes their coffee seriously and their staff are super helpful Order a great brew and enjoy the modern interior. Which is exactly what I did, at reasonable prices.

13. The Premises - Kensington

The Premises is a superb cafe in the heart of classy Kensington. The precinct is fabulous and The Premises is a standout in terms of service, coffee and cuisine. We know its not way out West, but we have included The Premises in best of the West.

With so many great coffee places in Melbourne, cafes with a great ambience have that something extra. The Premises lives up to its name as a great premises, an iconic building of classic architecture with combination of grungy concrete floor and tiles, cool lamps, large windows with natural light (dare I say streaming in), and quirky retro pieces around the room. The cafe is actually split level and both sections are attractive.

The room with an outlook on to Bellair is appealing with a cool communal table with retro green chairs and large floral arrangement, with large modern art on the wall and large menu board. Also attractive is the timber work and exposed brick by the counter. Check out the French Toast and the Breakfast Roll. The Premises also has a strong local following.

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10 Best Places To Visit Near Melbourne For A Breathtaking Sojourn

23 Mar 2023

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is a magnificent place to explore. This rapidly growing city offers a good climate, infrastructure and lots of places that are worth exploring. Melbourne ranks among one of the top Australian travel destinations, attracting millions of people every year. Not only is the city full of places that attract your attention, but, there are also many places near Melbourne that are equally worth exploring. Less than a few hours’ drive away from the city, there are many places to visit near Melbourne. Here we have gathered a list of 10 such places near Melbourne, Australia that you would like to explore on your trip to Victoria.

10 Best Places To Visit Near Melbourne

For a small state, Victoria has much to offer. There are many places around the capital city that will attract your attention. Take a look at the list of these 10 places to go near Melbourne to enjoy the perfect Victorian charm.

Yarra Valley Wine And Wildlife
Wilsons Promontory National Park
The Mornington Peninsula
The Grampians
The Great Ocean Road
Philip Island
The Bellarine Peninsula

1. Yarra Valley Wine And Wildlife

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Melbourne sits on the mouth of the Yarra River and the Yarra Valley is about a 50 minutes’ drive from Melbourne city. Yarra Valley has a lot to offer to the visitors. The first stop here is Coombe, where you can see the heritage gardens and the historic house of Australia’s first opera star, Dame Nellie Melba. From Coombe, take a quick drive to Domaine Chandon, which is one of the premier producers of sparkling wine in Australia. After tasting the wine here, head to Healesville Sanctuary where you can spot Kangaroos, dingoes, Koalas, Lyrebirds, Wombats, Tasmanian devils and Platypus. You can also stop at the TarraWarra Museum of Arts, which has an extensive collection of Australian arts.

Location: Yarra Valley, Victoria.

Must Read: 11 Things To Do In Melbourne In Winter For A Perfect Oz Vacay

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2. Wilsons Promontory National Park

Wilsons Promontory National Park is located on the peninsula southwest of Melbourne. It is one of the hidden gems of Australia and is filled with abundant wildlife. You will see many rugged mountains scattered across the landscape. Sweeping beaches, coastlines and open rain forests mark the spectacular scenery of the place. The Wilsons Promontory is a great wilderness retreat, where visitors can camp, stay, cabins or lodges at the Tidal River. The water that surrounds the Promontory is a great place for diving.

Location: Wilsons Promontory, Australia. Timings: Open 24 hours. Places To Stay: Prom Coast Apartments, Sandy point hideaway, Limosa Rise, Tidal Dreaming Seaview Cottages , Driftwood Villas

3. Marysville

Marysville is one of the best places to visit near Melbourne. This lovely town was devastated by bushfires in 2009 and almost the entire town was burned to the ground. But still, the town didn’t lose its spirit and recovered remarkably. Only an hour drive from Melbourne, the beauty of Marysville makes a refreshing change from the bustling city life. Once you reach there, you can relax and unwind in the peaceful natural setting. You can go hiking at the Lake Mountains or marvel at the beautiful Stevenson Falls, go fishing for trout in Buxton Trout farm and don’t forget to taste the wines at the Buxton Ridge Winery.

Location: Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia Places To Stay: The Tower Motel Marysville, Amelina Cottages, Vibe Hotel Marysville, Marysville Caravan and Holiday Park , Lithgow Falls Marysville

Suggested Read: The 19 Best Places To Go Shopping In Melbourne On Your Next Aussie Trip

4. The Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula is a perfect camping spot in Australia and it is only about an hours’ drive from Melbourne. The view of the sunset from the Dromana Beach is simply stunning. You can also go for a walk in the coastal headland of Sorrento or take a dip in the Peninsula hot springs. If you are looking for a place to stay, you can easily find many Air BnB hotels in this region. Set in a natural backdrop, Mornington Peninsula is one of the perfect places near Melbourne for weekend getaways.

Location: Victoria, Australia Places To Stay: RACV Cape Schanck Resort, Oceanic Sorrento, Hotel Sorrento, The Royal Hotel Mornington, Mornington Hotel

5. The Grampians

If you are a lover of hiking activities, then the Grampians is the destination for you. The Grampians is located at a three hour drive away from Melbourne. This national park comprises of a rugged mountain range and famous for the stunning rocky views that it offers. This is another rarely talked about destinations in Victoria, but once you visit the place you’ll totally love the place. There is also a lovely town called Halls Gap, which lies in the heart of Grampians. If you are visiting with kids, you can go to Halls Gap zoo or you can take a stroll along Pinnacle Walks that offers some breathtaking view of Halls Gap.

Location: Victoria, Australia Places To Stay: The Grampians Motel, Dunkeld Studio Accommodation, The Lodges, Halls Gap Caravan Park, Sea Lake Motel

Suggested Read: Plan A Trip To Australia For An Awesome New Year Party In Melbourne!

6. The Great Ocean Road

If are visiting Melbourne, then you cannot simply miss out on this amazing road trip along the Great Ocean Road. The road starts about a 90 minute drive away from Melbourne and stretches for about 250 kilometres up to Warrnambool. The road stretch attracts thousands of tourists every year. Explore the seaside towns across Ocean Drive and walk through rainforests and waterfalls, swim at the picturesque beaches and spot Koalas on your road trip across Ocean Road.

Location: 250 kms from Torquay to Warrnambool. Places To Stay: Cumberland Lorne Resort, Lorne Hotel, Great Ocean Road Resort, Chatby Lane Lorne, Lorne Bay View Motel

Bright ranks among the top 3 towns in Australia. It is a charming town and you will definitely love the vibe of the place. The Owens River flowing through the town surrounded by the Alpine trees creates the ambience of a Colorado like vibe. There is also a brewery by the river that manufactures some excellent craft beer and some really delicious pizzas. Besides the drinks and food, you can also explore the outdoors on foot or on a bicycle. While exploring this lovely town, make sure to make a detour and enjoy a delicious lunch at the Bridge Road Brewers.

Location: Victoria, Australia. Places To Stay: Bright Freeburgh Caravan Park, Merrimeet Cottages, Westwood Lodge Apartments, On The Banks, Fox and Hound at Bright

Suggested Read: Best Airports In Melbourne That Are A Perfect Blend Of Stylish Infrastructure & Comfort!

8. Philip Island

Philip Island, near Melbourne, has so much to offer. Spot the penguin colonies and enjoy motorcycle racing while on the island. The main town of Philip Island is the Cowes Beach, which is home to the scenic Smiths Beach. Philip Islands is famous for its Penguin Parade where you can see dozens of wild penguins waddling away through the wild. You can also visit the Koala Conservation Centre, the Chocolate factory or the Grand Prix Circuit. Don’t forget to visit the Nobbies outcrop that offers some stunning views site for Seal Rocks.

Location: Victoria, Australia. Places To Stay: Island Escape, Quays Motel San Remo, Pelicans Motel San Remo, Ramada Resort, Phillip Island Apartments

9. Daylesford

Daylesford with a central highland setting and scenic landscapes is only a 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne. It is perfect for a day trip from Melbourne. Once there, spend your mornings skimming through the lovely shops and galleries. For book enthusiasts visit the Paradise Bookshop, you can also go to the Convent Gallery or Bromley and Co., which is artist David Bromley’s stunning art studio. Finish off your day with a relaxing deep in the mineral-rich waters of Hepburn Springs, before driving back to Melbourne.

Location: Victoria, Australia Places To Stay: Arinya Retreat Daylesford, East St. Daylesford, Delfryn, Kuca Slate, Artemis Retreat

Suggested Read: Top 10 Indian Restaurants In Melbourne For Those Who Miss Desi Flavors In The Foreign Land

10. The Bellarine Peninsula

Bellarine Peninsula is among the least talked about destinations near Melbourne, but once you visit the place you will be in love with the spectacular sight of the place. This is also about an hour drive from Melbourne and is located near the starting point of Great Ocean Road. The peninsula has a caravan park, which can serve as your base for exploring the Peninsula. Queenscliff is a nice historic town in Bellarine with lovely café scene. Other worth exploring towns in Bellarine Peninsula is Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale.

Location: Victoria, Australia. Places To Stay: Ti-Tree Village, Terrace Lofts Apartments, Jordan House, Riverglen Holiday Park, BIG4 Beacon Resort

Further Read: 14 Cafes In Melbourne Where You Can Satiate Your Caffeine Cravings

There are lots of day trips and weekend getaways in the vicinity of Melbourne city. With this guide, you can explore the popular as well as lesser known locations near the lovely city of Melbourne. So, plan a trip to Australia , head to Melbourne and visit these places nearby for a breathtaking experience!

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Food & Drink

Where To Eat, Drink and Shop in and Around West Melbourne

Perched on a slice of land sandwiched between Docklands and North Melbourne, West Melbourne is no longer just a thoroughfare to pass through as you get from Southern Cross Station to a window seat at Prudence. In fact the region is making a case for becoming a destination unto itself, with an influx of restaurants, cafes, bars, boutiques and new gallery options coming to the area.

And there’s more on its way. The West End Retail Kickstarter Grant is currently offering entrepreneurial Melburnians the chance to take up space at West End , a new precinct bordering Rosslyn, Dudley, Adderley and Spencer Streets. The grant is encouraging businesses to lock up a spot and receive anywhere from $15,000 to $150,000 funding per applicant.

Incoming businesses can look forward to joining a quiver of bright spots to eat, drink and shop already established in West Melbourne. Here’s where to head.

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Grab a coffee and Japanese musubi from 279 On the corner of Victoria Street, 279 is a minimalist Japanese cafe that specialises in two things – coffee and musubi. The coffee is self-explanatory. Musubi, on the other hand, is onigiri – a beloved triangle of rice with filling or toppings wrapped in a piece of nori. Eaten by hand and topped with the likes of salmon, edamame or bacon and egg, musubi makes for an excellent on-the-go snack, especially paired with the cafe’s mochi doughnuts with yuzu glaze. Top it off with a classic filter coffee and you’re fuelled for the day.

Explore West End’s Art Space Opened in 2016, this contemporary gallery in the West End precinct on the edge of the CBD supports both local and international artists working in a range of mediums. Currently on display is Brooklyn-based artist Fran O’Neill, who creates vibrant, swirling paintings in intense hues. Her exhibition Soft Magic is on show until September 24. The gallery also has a thriving online store with works from previous shows.

Have a pre-dinner beer at Benchwarmer Head into Benchwarmer for an obscure beer selection, with half local and half international brews on offer. The bar only stocks limited-release beers, so even if you see a beer from a brewery on the list, it’s unlikely you would have tried it. On a warm day, grab a seat at the outdoor tables – but the indoor orange date night booths are also a great option, where you’ll get a great view into the kitchen. If you’re after an afternoon snack, something from the extensive yakitori menu is sure to keep you full until dinner.

Grab dinner at Westwood The great thing about visiting a restaurant in a Victorian-era terrace is it feels like having dinner in someone’s beautiful home. That’s the case at Westwood, an all-day restaurant and wine bar run by Michael and Monica Underwood, who also own Underwood in Fitzroy North. Like any good wine bar, the low lighting here gives it an intimate, moody feel. Stop in for a takeaway bottle of wine on the way home, take a seat at the bar for some wine and snacks, or go large on the European-inflected main menu, which is known to host such pedigree as swordfish tartare with sliced kumquats, grilled cuttlefish and romesco, braised cabbage with celery cream, and sous-vide 72-hour beef short ribs. Decadent..

Go for Greek-themed dessert at Lukumades Lukumades was once a food truck. But with owner Exarhos Sourligas wanting to give his deep-fried Greek doughnuts a space to be enjoyed outside of festivals and events, he decided to give his business a space of its own. Lukumades now occupies a neat shopfront on Peel Street opposite the Queen Victoria Market. These lukoumades aren’t the traditional version you’d get in Greece (where they’re served with walnuts and honey syrup). Here, they’re loaded with extravagant toppings such as Nutella and crushed biscuits, or topped with cinnamon sugar and injected with strawberry jam.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with West End Melbourne by Trenerry Property. With the West End Retail Kickstarter Grant seeking to empower and connect independent and emerging businesses within the West Melbourne community, grants of up to $150,000 are available to applicants seeking tenancy within West End Melbourne. Learn more about the West End Retail Kickstarter Grant

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19 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Melbourne

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Multicultural Melbourne frequently tops the list of the world's most livable cities. Visit this vibrant city at the head of Port Phillip Bay, and you'll see why it's such a popular destination. Australia's second-largest metropolis exudes an unmistakably European feel. Grand Victorian buildings recall the city's Gold Rush riches, and tree-lined promenades and a tangle of hidden laneways make exploring the city especially rewarding.

Culture is a big draw. Art lovers can get their fix at Melbourne's impressive museums and galleries. And foodies will also find plenty to love. Famous Aussie chefs flaunt their talents here, whipping up creative concoctions from around the world — you can feast on everything from Greek, Italian, and Indian cuisine to Spanish and Vietnamese.

But perhaps Melbourne's biggest claim to fame is sports. The famous Melbourne Cup horse race , held on the first Tuesday in November, brings the entire nation to a standstill. And Australian Rules football ("footy") elicits an almost religious reverence. If you're a sports lover, try to catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground while you're here. Tennis fans flock to the Australian Open in early February, and Formula One followers eagerly anticipate the Australian Grand Prix.

You'll never run out of things to do in Melbourne. Explore the city's diverse galleries, cafés, and shops; stroll through lush gardens; cruise along the Yarra River; or hop aboard a heritage tram to discover Melbourne's magic.

Melbourne also boasts a busy arts calendar. Highlights include the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (March to April), and if you're looking for things to do in Melbourne in August, scoop up some tickets to the Melbourne International Film Festival. Seeking a little slice of nature? Rewarding day trip adventures lie a short drive from the city buzz.

Before you head out on your sightseeing tour, find the best places to visit in the city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Melbourne.

1. Relax at the Royal Botanic Gardens

2. find inspiration at the national gallery of victoria, 3. check out federation square, 4. wander through melbourne's arcades and laneways, 5. get a culture fix at southbank & south wharf, 6. catch a game at the melbourne cricket ground and visit the national sports museum, 7. enjoy the views from melbourne skydeck at eureka tower, 8. attend a performance at arts centre melbourne, 9. explore the melbourne museum and royal exhibition building, 10. take a city circle tram tour, 11. meet the animals at melbourne zoo, 12. captain cook's cottage, fitzroy gardens, 13. cruise the yarra river, 14. pay your respects at the shrine of remembrance, 15. soak up the scene at docklands, 16. shop at queen victoria market, 17. take a tour of parliament house, 18. delve into melbourne's past at the immigration museum, 19. state library victoria, where to stay in melbourne for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to melbourne, melbourne, australia - climate chart.

Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens are among the finest of their kind in the world. Established in 1846, the gardens encompass two locations: Melbourne and Cranbourne.

The Melbourne gardens lie in the heart of green parkland extending south of the Yarra River , about two kilometers from the CBD. Covering an area of 38 hectares, they are home to more than 10,000 plant species from around the globe, including many rare specimens.

Highlights include the Ian Potter Foundation Children's Garden , designed to encourage the next generation of gardeners, and the Fern Gully Health and Wellbeing Garden , a tranquil spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk explores the rich heritage of Indigenous Australians.

In summer, live theater is a highlight of the gardens, and a moonlight cinema is set up under the stars. Rolling lawns, lakes, large trees, and abundant birdlife make this a beautiful spot to linger and enjoy a picnic or a traditional high tea at The Terrace café.

Special events add something new to every visit. Check the calendar for seasonal programs like guided birding walks; Forest Therapy walks; ClimateWatch walks; and Lightscape, when the gardens are illuminated after dark.

No matter what time of year you visit these beautiful gardens, this is one of the best free things to do in Melbourne. Note, though, that admission is charged for some special events.

If you're short on time or mobility is an issue, hop aboard the Explorer - Melbourne Gardens . This open-sided minibus will take you on a 30-minute tour of all the garden's highlights.

Address: Birdwood Ave, South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

Melbourne is famous for its culture, and the National Gallery of Victoria is the jewel in the crown. It's not only the oldest public art gallery in Australia , it's also the most visited. Here, you can admire more than 70,000 works of European, Asian, Oceanic, and American art in two city locations.

The international collection is housed in the St. Kilda Road building , originally opened in 1968. The building is renowned for The Great Hall, where visitors are encouraged to lie on the floor and gaze at the colorful stained-glass ceiling.

The Great Hall at the National Gallery of Victoria

The extensive Australian collection is held in the Ian Potter Gallery in Federation Square , featuring the history of Australian art, from Aboriginal works through to the Heidelberg School and contemporary mixed media. One of the highlights is the large triptych format, The Pioneer by Frederick McCubbin.

There's always something new to see at the National Gallery of Victoria. It presents more than 40 exhibitions a year, as well as special events, children's programs, tours, and performances. Best of all, entry to the permanent exhibitions is free .

NGV International

Address: St. Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria

The Ian Potter Centre

Federation Square, Flinders Street &, Russell Street, Melbourne Victoria

When Federation Square opened in 2002 to commemorate 100 years of federation, it divided Melburnians. There were those who loved it and those who hated it. Either way, "Fed Square" has become an integral part of the city, a popular meeting place, and a great spot for tourists to start their sightseeing.

You can't miss Fed Square. It's located opposite Flinders Street Station, a major public transport hub. The building's ultra-modern design of open and closed spaces stands in striking contrast to the surrounding Victorian architecture.

Live entertainment lures locals and tourists here. With more than 2,000 events annually, you can always find a performance or festival to enjoy in the central outdoor performance space and intimate indoor venues.

And you'll find plenty of cafés and restaurants here, too. Chocolate Buddha is a favorite serving casual Japanese cuisine with beautiful views of the city.

Museums and galleries are other highlights of visiting Federation Square. The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia is dedicated to Australian art. The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) hosts fascinating interactive exhibits on screen culture (film, TV, videos, and art); and the Koorie Heritage Trust , displays art, photographs, and artifacts from the Koorie Aboriginal people, who hail from parts of Victoria and New South Wales. Best of all, entry to these museums is free .

Fed Square is also one of the largest free Wi-Fi sites in Australia .

Address: Corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne, Victoria

Wandering the labyrinth of lanes and alleyways is one of the most popular things to do in Melbourne. Head to the area around Flinders , Collins, and Bourke Streets to see elegant, interesting, and quirky Melbourne at its best.

For high-end shopping, one of the most popular places to visit in Melbourne is the magnificent Block Arcade on Collins Street . With its mosaic floor, period details, and boutique shops, this is the place where late 19th-century gentry promenaded, coining the phrase, "doing the block."

You'll find everything here from Haigh's Chocolates and vintage jewelry to designer fashion, gifts, and cafés. It's also worth lining up for a morning or afternoon tea at the Hopetoun Tearooms . This Melbourne icon dates back to 1892 and is the only original shop still in the arcade today.

Cozy cafés beckon from the tangle of backstreets. Save time to order a coffee, pull up a chair, and people-watch for a while — it's a favorite Melbourne pastime.

The opulent Royal Arcade is Melbourne's oldest arcade, and Flinders and Degraves Lanes are also well worth exploring.

Southbank is the place to go for a dose of culture. Located on the banks of the Yarra River , a short stroll from Flinders Street Station, this scenic precinct is packed with shops, cafés, and cultural attractions. It's a wonderful place for a stroll along the river at any time of year.

Looking for things to do in Melbourne at night? You'll find some of the city's best nightlife here — especially in the South Wharf area, where heritage sheds are converted into lively entertainment venues. It's an evocative space after dark, when the city lights ignite and reflect off the river.

Southbank also hosts enticing alfresco cafés, restaurants, and live entertainment, and the many festivals held here throughout the year amp up the vibe.

If shopping is high on your list of things to do, you'll find an excellent arts and crafts market here every Sunday. Plus you can splurge at chic designer boutiques or grab a bargain at DFO South Wharf, factory outlet stores.

If you feel like catching a show, the Malthouse Theatre presents everything from musical theater, dance, drama, and comedy to contemporary opera and cabaret. Or catch a performance by the Melbourne Theatre Company at Southbank Theatre. Southbank is also home to Arts Centre Melbourne , the city's major performance venue.

While you're here, keep a lookout for the public art, like The Travellers steel sculptures along Sandridge Bridge and the Queen Bee gracing the side of the landmark Eureka Tower .

Looking for things to do in Southbank with kids? Climb aboard Polly Woodside in South Wharf, one of the country's last surviving 19th-century tall ships.

Melbourne Cricket Ground and the National Sports Museum

Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia, so it's no surprise that a sports stadium numbers among the city's top tourist attractions. With a capacity of 100,000 and a history dating back to 1853, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is considered one of the world's greatest stadiums. It's also the largest and oldest sports venue in Australia.

As the main stadium for the 1956 Olympic Games and 2006 Commonwealth Games, the birthplace of Test Cricket, and the home of Australian Rules Football , "the 'G" is woven into the fabric of Melbourne.

Daily tours take visitors for a trip down a memory lane of great moments in sporting history and incorporate the Australian Sports Museum , including the Australian Gallery of Sport and Olympic Museum . You can also catch a game of cricket in summer, or football during winter.

Directly opposite the MCG is Melbourne Park , home of the Australian Open tennis tournament, held every January. You can hire a tennis court, and many concerts are held here during the year.

Address: Brunton Ave, East Melbourne, Victoria

View of Melbourne from the Skydeck at Eureka Tower

Wondering where to find a great view over the city? Head to the 91-story Eureka Tower in the heart of Southbank. This striking skyscraper was named in recognition of The Eureka Stockade, the 1854 rebellion of prospectors in the Victorian goldfields. Adding to the Gold Rush theme, the building's gold crown and gold-plated windows literally sparkle when the sun catches the top of the building.

Melbourne Skydeck , on the 88th floor, affords the highest public view in any building in the Southern Hemisphere . For even more thrills, head out onto The Edge , a glass cube that slides out three meters from the building for vertigo-free visitors. You can also buy tickets to Voyager Theatre, a Virtual Reality experience that takes you on an immersive, multisensory journey to 16 famous Melbourne attractions.

Author's Tip : Arrive at sunset to see spectacular views over the city during the day and night, when the lights twinkle as the sun slips slowly beneath the horizon.

Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne, Victoria

Arts Centre Melbourne is the city's leading arts and culture venue. Easily recognizable by its spire, it sits on the banks of the Yarra River, near South Bank, and is a wonderful place to attend a performance of theater, dance, music, comedy, and more.

Arts Centre Melbourne incorporates a range of state-of-the-art theaters and spaces. These include the State Theatre , home to The Australian Ballet and Opera Australia; the 884-seat Playhouse ; the more intimate Fairfax Studio ; and Hamer Hall, the premier performance space for the revered Melbourne Symphony Orchestra . A short stroll away, you can attend an outdoor concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the Kings Domain Gardens.

Planning a pre-show dinner? Café Vic serves up seasonal contemporary cuisine, as well as snacks throughout the day.

While you're here, stop by the Australian Music Vault . The free exhibition here tells the story of Australian contemporary music.

Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building

A short tram ride from the CBD, the Melbourne Museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland. This modern purpose-built museum houses a diverse collection depicting society and cultures, as well as science and the environment.

Highlights include Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre ; the Phar Lap exhibit, about Australia's greatest racehorse; and the Children's Gallery , a series of hands-on activities designed to stimulate and engage youngsters. You can also stroll through a vibrant forest, and immerse yourself in a world of life-size dinosaurs.

Adjacent to the Melbourne Museum is the elaborate Royal Exhibition Building. Built in 1880 to host Melbourne's International Exhibition, the building also held the first Commonwealth Parliament of Australia in 1901. Regular tours are available, and the building is still used for exhibitions and special events.

Address: 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, Victoria

Want to do some city sightseeing the Melbourne way? Hop aboard the City Circle Tram . Melbourne is famous for its trams, and the City Circle Tram is a free and easy way of seeing the top sights in the CBD and Docklands.

Accompanied by a commentary, the hop-on, hop-off heritage tram passes many of the grand historic buildings, including Parliament House , the Old Treasury Building, Princess Theatre, and the Windsor Hotel . Plus you can hop off at major attractions like Federation Square. The trams run every 12 minutes and take about 50 minutes to complete the entire loop.

You can board the tram at any stop along the City Circle route, seven days a week, except Christmas Day and Good Friday.

From big cats to butterflies, animal lovers will have plenty to enjoy at the 22-hectare Melbourne Zoo . Although the zoo dates back to 1862, the 250-plus species of animals have the best of modern facilities in state-of-the-art enclosures, about five minutes from the Melbourne CBD.

You'll find animals from all over the planet here. The award-winning Trail of the Elephants is an insight into the lives of the resident Asian elephants in a traditional village-garden setting. Another highlight is the Orang-utan Sanctuary , where the animals live in their treetop home. And you can wander down a bush track to meet your favorite Aussie animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and emus.

With many wild encounters, including "roar and snore," twilight music concerts, and behind-the-scenes tours of some enclosures, Melbourne Zoo offers animal lovers a fun-packed experience.

Zoos Victoria operates two other zoos: Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo , and all run important conservation programs, including breeding and recovery work for endangered species.

Address: Elliott Ave, Parkville, Victoria

Captain Cook's Cottage was brought to Melbourne from Captain James Cook's native home in Yorkshire, England and erected in Fitzroy Gardens . The quaint cottage is an insight into the life and times of Cook's seafaring adventures and exploration of Australia and other parts of the world.

Also in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens is the magnificent Spanish-mission style conservatory , which is always filled with a vibrant floral display. Children will love the tiny Tudor village and Fairy Tree .

After strolling around the gardens, head to hipster-packed Fitzroy for some of Melbourne's best vegan food, as well as vintage shopping and vibrant street art.

Address: Wellington Parade, East Melbourne, Victoria

A riverboat cruise is not only a relaxing way to see the sights, it's also an insight into the history of the Yarra River . Many cruise companies can be found along Southbank, and it's a fun way to get your bearings before you set out to explore the city on foot.

While you're gliding down the river, keep an eye out for Birrarung Marr, originally called "Birrarung," meaning "river of mists and shadows," a waterfront parkland celebrating Aboriginal ties with the Yarra River.

If you're short on time, the one-hour River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise gives you a relaxing tour past top city sights, like the Royal Botanic Gardens , Melbourne Cricket Ground , and National Tennis Centre .

Sitting majestically in Kings Domain gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance was built after the First World War to commemorate Victorians involved in the Great War, either abroad or at home. Today, it serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Australian servicemen and women. It's also the central focus for ceremonies on ANZAC Day, held on 25 April, and Remembrance Day, held on 11 November each year.

In the Galleries of Remembrance under the shrine you can explore photographs, artifacts, and artwork related to Australians at war and peacekeeping operations.

Guided or self-guided tours are available daily, and the lighting on the building is particularly beautiful at night. From the balcony, you can enjoy beautiful views over the 13 hectares of surrounding parkland and the city beyond.

If you happen to be visiting Melbourne on a Sunday, you can attend a Last Post Service here at 4:45pm with bugle calls and a wreath-laying at the Eternal Flame.

Address: Birdwood Ave, Melbourne, Victoria

Docklands is Melbourne's newest waterfront entertainment precinct. With the highest concentration of green-star-rated buildings in the Southern Hemisphere, the satellite village is filled with cafés, restaurants, tourist attractions, and parklands. It's one of the most popular Melbourne attractions at night.

You'll find something here for everyone. Snap some pics at ArtVo , an interactive 3D art gallery; take the Docklands Public Art Walk; or soak up some street art scenes at Blender Studios .

Docklands is also home to Marvel Stadium and the O'Brien Icehouse , a world-class ice sports venue.

Craving some retail therapy? An art and vintage market is also held along the waterfront every Sunday, and you can shop 'til you drop at the open-air shopping mall. Dining is also a highlight. You can feast around the world on everything from Turkish and Vietnamese cuisine to contemporary Australian creations.

Address: Harbour Esplanade, Docklands, Victoria

A popular place with locals and tourists, Queen Victoria Market has been at the center of fresh produce shopping since 1878. Farm-fresh goodies are a highlight here, but the market stalls sell everything from clothing, art, and toys to that hard-to-find unique souvenir, five days a week.

Are you a foodie? You can sign up for a two-hour guided walking tour with tastings of some of the market's best treats.

Special events such as winter night markets, music concerts, and other functions are often held throughout the year.

Address: Queen and Victoria Streets, Melbourne, Victoria

Parliament House is one of Melbourne's best-kept tourist secrets. This is where Australia's first federal parliament met from 1901 through 1927, and the building's grand colonnaded exterior makes a striking landmark on Spring Street.

One of Australia's oldest public buildings, Parliament House was built during the Gold Rush, and its interior is lavishly decorated with gold leaf, chandeliers, and a superb mosaic floor .

Today, you can watch the proceedings of the two Houses in the public galleries on days when parliament is sitting. Free, informative tours are held Monday to Friday on days when parliament is not in session.

Insider's tip: Another fun way to experience this grand building is to book High Tea or a farm-to-fork lunch at Strangers Corridor, the elegant wood-paneled restaurant.

Address: Spring Street, East Melbourne, Victoria

Want to learn about the interesting people who call Melbourne home? The Immigration Museum tells real stories of people who relocated here from all over the world. Every person arriving in Melbourne had to pass through customs here, and their poignant stories help explain the city's diversity today.

The museum is located in the elegant Old Customs House , and its permanent collection is interactive and engaging. Special exhibitions add to the museum's appeal.

A visit here provides a different perspective of early European settlement and its impact on Indigenous communities. If you're looking for things to do in Melbourne on a rainy day, this is a great option.

Address: 400 Flinders Street, Melbourne, Victoria

State Library Victoria is another worthy addition to your list of free things to do in Melbourne. As soon as you approach the building, you'll be impressed by its grand heritage architecture. First opened in 1856 , the building sports an elegant sandstone facade fronted with a series of grand Corinthian columns. Step inside for more surprises.

The Ian Potter Queen's Hall is a serene, light-filled space lined with white Corinthian columns. Chandeliers and filigreed original skylights add to the grandeur here, and the space hosts one of the world's largest chess collections . During the day, students huddle here buried deep in books. At night, it transforms into a magical event space.

If you're an art and history lover, you'll enjoy browsing the multiple galleries. The free exhibitions here range from Melbourne artists to historic artifacts, like Ned Kelly's armor, and photography collections.

Undoubtedly, though, the highlight is the La Trobe Reading Room . A soaring domed ceiling crowns this magnificent octagonal space, which was inspired by the British Museum in London and the Library of Congress in Washington. Four gallery levels rise above the vast space, and light floods in through the roof's many skylights. It's one of the most photographed sites in the library. Head to the upper galleries for the best shot.

Kids, too, will find things to love here. A two-story children's castle, reading nooks, and, of course, plenty of books await at The Pauline Gandel Children's Quarter.

The best way to explore the library is on a free self-guided digital tour . Alternatively, you can join one of the many free guided tours led by passionate volunteers. After exploring the rich history here, you can refuel with cake and coffee at one of the two on-site cafés.

Address: 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne Victoria

For first-time visitors to Melbourne, one of the best places to stay is either the city center or Southbank, with its restaurants, cafés, and lively events calendar. These tourist-friendly areas are close to prime attractions such as Federation Square; the Royal Botanic Gardens; and the labyrinth of laneways and shopping arcades around Flinders, Collins, and Bourke Streets. Here are some highly rated hotels in these areas:

Luxury Hotels:

Steps away from St. Patrick's Cathedral and Fitzroy Gardens, the plush Park Hyatt is one of Melbourne's best hotels. Shops and restaurants lie a short stroll away, and sports fans can walk to the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Melbourne Park.
Exuding elegance and old-world charm, The Langham, Melbourne is a romantic choice in Southbank overlooking the Yarra River. In your spare time, you can swim in the indoor pool topped by a glass roof, dine in the excellent on-site restaurant, and walk to popular shopping and entertainment venues.
Also in Southbank, the serviced apartments of Quay West Suites are a favorite with families.

Mid-Range Hotels:

A couple of blocks from the famous Queen Victoria Market, the Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens has a tram stop on its doorstep and offers great value within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Also steps away from a free tram and a five-minute walk from outlet shopping, Alto Hotel on Bourke is Australia's first carbon-neutral hotel. Its modern apartments are a great choice for families.
A five-minute walk from Federation Square, the boutique Adelphi Hotel surprises guests with its contemporary style and personal touches.

Budget Hotels:

Near Melbourne Park, the family-run City Centre Budget Hotel offers excellent value, with a rooftop kitchen and plenty of public transport options on its doorstep.
Within walking distance of Flinders Street Station, the Ibis Budget Melbourne CBD has basic rooms but a fantastic location.
Also in the budget price range, Essence Hotel Carlton lies two tram stops away from the CBD and only a five-minute walk from the Melbourne Museum, IMAX Theatre, and the Free Tram Zone. The rooms are tiny but clean, and the beds are comfy.
Neighbours Sightseeing Tour: Fans of the long-running Neighbours TV soap opera can take a "Neighbours" Tour of Ramsay Street to see filming locations and the original Ramsay Street houses. You also have the opportunity to meet one of the cast members.
Great Ocean Road Day Trip: The most popular excursion from Melbourne is to the Great Ocean Road and the site of the famous limestone stacks known as the Twelve Apostles. The Great Ocean Road Small-Group Eco Tour from Melbourne is an easy and fun excursion. This tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, morning tea, lunch, transport in a 24-passenger vehicle, and park admission fees for stops at Great Otway National Park for wildlife viewing and Port Campbell National Park to see the Twelve Apostles. You can also upgrade this tour to include a scenic helicopter flight.

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50 EPIC Places to Visit in Melbourne – Attractions in Every Suburb

Posted on Last updated: January 10, 2023

This detailed list of places to visit in Melbourne Australia will help you plan the most perfect visit possible, or help you discover some places you may not have known before.

Melbourne isn’t exactly a ‘city of attractions and landmarks’ as much as, say, London. But, there are still plenty of places to visit in Melbourne to keep anyone occupied for weeks.

I’m not joking when I say weeks, either. Even if you try a new cafe every morning, explore a new park or museum or laneway or suburb each day, test a new restaurant for dinner each night, and then visit a new trendy/hidden bar…. you would still never finish it all. And that’s why I LOVE this city!

Melbourne has more cafes per capita than any other city in the world, has new restaurants and bars opening each and every week, and is a center for food, culture, art, music, theatre, and just about anything else you could think of. There’s a reason Melbourne won most livable city in the world 7 years running, people!

After living in Melbourne and working as a tour guide in the city center, I learned basically all there is to know about worthwhile places to visit in Melbourne… and now I’m going to share that information with you! If you are planning you trip to Melbourne, check out my guide.

Check out my Other Melbourne Guides, Too!

48 Hours in Melbourne Itinerary
Map + Complete Guide to Hidden Bars in Melbourne
Melbourne CBD Breakfast + Brunch Guide
Melbourne Day Trips
Melbourne Weekend Getaways
Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary

A big Melbourne travel guide that breaks all the best places to visit in Melbourne into suburbs, with different attractions streets, things to do, and places to eat/drink in each one.

Places to Visit in Melbourne CBD

The Melbourne CBD is what many would call ‘downtown.’ This is where all the hustle and bustle is – the corporate buildings, tiny laneways, hidden/rooftop bars, historical sites, restaurants tucked in every corner, cultural areas, parks, museums – the whole lot.

Although there are lots of other places to visit outside Melbourne city center, this is where you’ll want to begin to find the most noteworthy Melbourne attractions and a basic understanding of the city’s history. Scroll down or click here for my guide to Melbourne day trips.

I have organized the below in order so that you can pretty much walk in a seamless (but occasionally winding) line from each place to the next. You decide where to begin and how long to spend. You’re welcome.

Parliament Building

The parliament building is, for the sake of comparison, like Melbourne’s White House. It’s where the government functions for the state of Victoria always have and still do take place. They have free tours of the inside each day if you’re into that kind of thing.

The building is known for its beautiful Victorian-style architecture and massive stone columns out the front. It and a few buildings around the city of Melbourne were all built in this style during the Victorian Gold Rush of the mid-1800’s, which played a main role in shaping the Melbs we know today. It’s a great place to get the city circle tram.

Tip: If you’re into historic Victorian gold rush-era buildings, book a room at the gorgeous Windsor Hotel across the street!

Treasury Building Museum

Continuing the historic gold rush-era buildings, we have the Old Treasury Building Museum. This one was built to be, well, a treasury during the gold Rush. It used to be the place to weigh, class, and store the gold found out in the gold fields.

Today, it’s a museum all about the foundations of Melbourne. It’s one of the best places to visit in Melbourne to gain a bit more of a historic understanding of the city, which is why I recommend it first!

Street Art Laneways

Did you even visit Melbourne city if you don’t have a photo in a street art-filled laneway? No. Melbourne is well-known for street art, and in the CBD you’ll find some of my favorite laneways for street art- AC/DC Lane and Hosier Lane.

AC/DC Lane is my personal favorite. They say AC/DC (the band) had some of their first gigs in a hidden rock bar called Cherry Bar (recently closed), which is why the laneway is named after them and why you’ll find all rock-related murals (many album covers for famous artists) covering the walls. See how many you can pick out!

Tip: Two of my favorite hidden bars are in this area: Eau de Vie (most incredibly presented cocktails in the city) and Trinket (enter the secret bar through the wardrobe).

Hosier Lane is the most famous (read: crowded af) laneway in the city. This one has a high turnover rate of art, so you’ll often see someone doing a mural right in front of you.

If you have time, visit Presgrave Place a bit farther away in the city center too.

St Paul’s Cathedral

This is the tallest church in Australia and one of the many famous Melbourne city attractions. Take a photo from Federation Square or visit during some of their open hours or Sunday services.

Tip: One of the best cafes is next door, called Chapter House Cafe.

Federation Square – Ian Potter Centre, ACMI Museum, and Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre

Federation Square was created to be the main city square Melbourne never had (there are no parks in the CBD – funny story).

It opened back in 2002, intended to house lots of bars and restaurants, broadcast videos and games on a massive screen, hold festivals, house thousands of people for special occasions, and be home to many of the city’s free museums . Here are the Federation Square museums:

Ian Potter Centre

This is an Australian art museum – housing art made only by Aussie artists. There’s a whole floor dedicated to an aboriginal art gallery and cultural artifacts as well inside Ian Potter.

Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) Museum

Australian Centre for the Moving Image. This museum is your one-stop Federation Square shop for all things moving image – video, cinematography, video games, and the evolution of all the above, including fun interactive exhibits.

Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre

This is the best free place to go to learn about Victorian aboriginal culture in Melbourne city. Indigenous culture is something very important to learn about during any trip to Melbourne/Australia, and this is a fantastic place to do so.

flinders street station motion blur photo trams

Flinders Street Train Station

Flinders Street Train Station is a Melbourne staple. It’s one of the most well-known Melbourne attractions, with a red and yellow facade, green dome top, clock tower, and row of train time clocks out the front. Fun Fact: the times on the train clocks used to have to be changed by hand 900 times in one day, with a long steel rod!

There has been a train station on this site since the 1850’s, but the current building was completed in 1909. A famous Melbourne saying is ‘meet me under the clocks,’ meaning meet me out the front of Flinders St Station (across from Federation square before it existed)!

Tip: If it’s summer, check out the Arbory Afloat floating bar or Ponyfish Island bar on the Yarra next to Flinders Street Station

Yarra River + Yarra River Cruise

The Yarra is Melbourne’s city center river. There are lots of great restaurants and bars along the water in the city, with great views. But perhaps the best way to see the Yarra and view the city from a different perspective is by taking a very affordable Yarra River Cruise.

You can book a river cruise here which will take you both upstream towards the sporting parks and downstream towards docklands.

Immigration Museum

As the city of Melbourne is founded on immigration (population boomed during the Gold Rush with people from all over the world), this type of museum is especially fascinating here.

Visit this museum to learn all about when people came to Melbourne, where they came from, why they came, what they brought with them, how this affected the city, and the current demographics of the area.

Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium

Melbourne’s Aquarium – the Sea Life Aquarium – is right along the Yarra and is actually very spectacular. It’s one of the most popular Melbourne attractions included in the iVenture Melbourne unlimited Attractions pass.

You can also book discounted entrance to the Melbourne aquarium online in advance by clicking here.

Food Laneways

Laneways aren’t only good for street art! When you head back towards Flinders St train station, there are some fabulous laneways that are famous for restaurants and cafes.

Degraves St , “Melbourne’s Paris-themed laneway,’ is one of my personal favorites – great for breakfast and brunch. Next is Centre Place, where you’ll find hole-in-the-wall restaurants and cheap takeaway baguettes.

If you’re after dinner, Hardware Lane is the place to go. You’ll feel like you transported to Italy!

Melbourne Town Hall

The Town Hall is one of those Melbourne tourist attractions that you have to at least lay eyes on, but don’t necessarily need to stay long. It’s another Victorian-style Gold Rush-era buildings that are worth a photo when you pass by.

Block Arcade + Royal Arcade

Nope, not the kind of arcade you’re thinking of! During the Gold Rush, Melburnians constructed beautifully designed, covered ‘shopping laneways’ that became centers of social interaction during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.

The most famous of these historic arcades are the Block Arcade and the Royal Arcade. They have gorgeous European architecture and some great venues inside.

Tip: If you are into High Tea, visit the Hopetoun Tea Rooms in the Block arcade (oldest in the city). Kaikey Lane is a personal favorite laneway brekky/brunch spot in Block Pl.

Old Melbourne Post Office/ H&M

Yes, I did just list H&M in my guide to places to visit in Melbourne – strictly because of the historic building it’s now inside! The Old Melbourne Post Office is inside yet another beautiful Victorian style building on Bourke St, and it was active up until 1992.

Today, H&M has taken over the historic building (much to many locals’ dismay). I must give it to them, though – they have done really well with it. Marvel at the outside of the building, and even venture inside to view the original archways and glass ceiling. It’s only one time I’ll list an H&M on a travel guide, mmmkay?

Bourke Street Mall

The Bourke Street Mall is Melbourne’s shopping mall. It starts on Bourke Street and continues with 5-6 levels of shops for four blocks. I usually get lost inside, but if you need to shop, this is THE PLACE to do it. A good place to enter is through the Myer/David Jones on Bourke Street and it’s all downhill you can find the rest from there.

Tip: One of my fave bars EVER called Beneath Driver Lane is around here. Try the cocktails.

Did you know Melbourne has one of the oldest Chinatown’s in the world?! There were loads of Chinese immigrants during the Gold Rush, and there has been a very strong Chinese culture around here ever since.

Chinatown is a MUST visit in Melbourne – even if you only have 24 hours in Melbourne. You can visit all kinds of Chinese shops, check out the Chinese Museum, and every local’s personal favorite: CHINESE FOOD. More specifically, dumplings.

Pop into one of the dozens of BYO hole-in-the-wall dumpling houses (we call them ‘dirty dumplings’ because sometimes it may look a bit dodgy but you just grow to trust it after a while 😛 ), bring some booze, cram into a tiny table in the corner, and eat your heart out.

Some of my favorite dumpling houses: Empress of China, China Red, Shanghai Street, Juicy Bao

State Library Victoria

Guess what – ANOTHER big Victorian-style building in the CBD! This one is very special, though – so special I recommend it as an absolute MUST-SEE of the tourist attractions in Melbourne.

The State Library of Victoria is much more than a Library – it’s a museum, a study hub, and an architectural wonder. Visit the museum exhibits to learn all about Melbourne’s fascinating history, and marvel at the gorgeous La Trobe reading room with 4 floors of bookshelves and exhibits. It’s free to enter, too!

Old Melbourne Gaol

The Old Melbourne Gaol (the old spelling for ‘jail’) is one of my favorite Melbourne hidden gems – an 1800’s jail smack-dab in the middle of the city! My favorite part about it is that the old jail is now part of the RMIT college campus (LOL get it? going to school in a jail? No? Sorry, dad jokes).

The old gaol buildings that haven’t been converted into university buildings are now a fascinating museum. You can enter the Old Melbourne Gaol to learn all about how crime was managed through Melbourne’s History, what criminals were kept there, why they were arrested, the cells in which they were kept, and even the logistics of hanging the worst of them!

There’ a whole exhibit on Melbourne’s most famous criminal, Ned Kelly . For nicely discounted tickets, purchase online in advance here.

Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market or ‘Vic Market’ as many locals call it, is another of the best places to visit in Melbourne. It’s the southern hemisphere’s largest open-air market and is seriously the ONLY place you’ll need to go to get souvenirs and other Australian trinkets. You can also get very cheap produce here. It’s wonderful to explore. Keep in mind the Queen Victoria Market is open Tu, Th, Fri, Sat, and Sun.

On Wednesday nights from 5-10pm, they hold the Queen Victoria Night Market. This is something I highly recommend if you are in town on a Wednesday. The night market is totally different from the day market- at night they have dozens of street food stalls and artisans selling handmade crafts (whereas in the day it’s mostly souvenir-type stuff).

Tip: Make sure to check the opening hours of the Queen Victoria Market because they change the night market theme each season and it’s often closed for a week or two in between. It also closes at a different time each day.

Places to Visit in Melbourne: Southbank/South Melbourne

Southbank is basically a continuation of the CBD, just on the other side of the river. Southbank is characterized by high rise apartments, riverside bars and eateries, a lovely walking promenade, and the famous Crown Casino.

I actually began my Melbourne experience living in one of these high-rise apartments (33rd floor, baby!) and surprisingly adored it. So I got to know this area extra well.

I also have a specific Southbank Travel Guide – click to open it for later.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Melbourne’s royal botanic gardens are directly adjacent to Southbank, and these are DEFINITELY worth a visit. Trust me. Although slightly better in summer, they have blooms and beautiful gardens all year round.

The Melbourne royal botanic gardens are among some of the largest in the world, and you can truly get lost exploring them. You can also take a punt boat ride around the gardens’ lakes, and learn all about the ecosystems there.

Tip: Bring picnic supplies and set up under your favorite tree in the Royal Botanic Gardens on a nice day!

Shrine of Remembrance

Next to the Royal Botanic Gardens is a grandiose World War Memorial called the Shrine of Remembrance. It’s a massive concrete structure – about 4 stories tall – adorned with sculptures and a massive staircase.

You can go in the memorial and climb to the balcony level, which has one of my top 2 favorite views of the city skyline . You can also descend below the monument to visit the war museum – it was originally all about WW2 but now has info on Australian participation in a few other wars too.

NGV – National Gallery of Victoria

This is another MUST of the top Melbourne attractions. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is just across the Yarra from Flinders St station and is the most prominent art museum in the city.

The National Gallery of Victoria hosts exhibits from many well-known international artists and is constantly changing. Exhibits are usually free except for when a famous show comes through. Make sure to check what’s on for your visit.

Tip: They run NGV Friday Nights events during the summer and winter – with music, food, and drinks along with museum exhibits.

State Theatre

Directly next to the National Gallery of Victoria (the building with the massive white spire on it that you can see from all over the city) is the State Theatre. This is one of the main places to view a play in Melbourne.

Melbourne is actually a massive city for theatre, and has dozens of theatres all around the city. If you’re into theatre, this is a great place to start!

Eureka Tower/Skydeck

The Eureka Tower is the 2nd tallest building in Australia, and the 4th in the Southern Hemisphere. It does have the highest viewing platform in the whole Southern Hemisphere, however – the Eureka Skydeck – which is the winner of my favorite view in Melbourne.

The Eureka Tower Skydeck takes up the entire 88th floor of the building, providing 360 degree views over the city. You can get drinks and snacks up top, and look through telescopes to get a bird’s eye view of any of your favorite Melbourne attractions.

I won’t lie – it’s definitely a touristy thing, but for the price, it’s 10000% worth checking out this view. You can book discounted tickets online too! It’s also a great place to visit for the New Year – you actually look DOWN on the fireworks!

Tip: arrive at the Eureka Tower about 30-40 mins before sunset. This gives you time to get up, enjoy the view in the daytime, perhaps catch one of Melbourne s best sunset views (over the ocean!), and then see the city when all the lights come on.

eureka skydeck places to visit in melbourne

Southbank Promenade

The walking/biking path that runs along the river for the entirety of Southbank is known as the Southbank Promenade. Along this promenade, you’ll find some great vantage points to sit and relax along the river, and dozens of bumping bar-restaurants.

Walk down this promenade at any time of day and you’ll find full bustling venues and oftentimes street performers showing their stuff on the pathway.

Tip: My faves are Pure South (brunch) and Hopscotch (crafty beers and bites).

Crown Casino

The Crown Casino is the largest casino in Australia – it’s like Melbourne attempting to channel a tiny bit of Vegas in the city 😉 They do a decent job of it, too – the Crown attracts all the high rollers, national and international, to some of their swanky restaurants and bars. One of their balcony bars famously shoots fire on the hour, every hour, at night – visible from all around.

Some of the most highly rated restaurants are also along the Crown’s Promenade, such as Gradi (Italian) and the ever-fancy Conservatory.

The Crown is also the most luxurious hotel in Melbourne. There are three hotels under the name, but if you want to go all-out, book a room at the Crown Towers.

DFO South Wharf + Melbourne Convention Center

If you need to do some shopping – the DFO at South Wharf is the place to go! There are tons of brand name outlets in a massive building here, that is connected to the Melbourne Convention Center which holds conferences nearly every weekend.

South Melbourne Market

South of Southbank, you have the suburb of South Melbourne. The highlight of this area is definitely the South Melbourne Market, which has fantastic and authentic varieties of street food and local produce. Pick up food to cook later or try any of dozens of small restaurants and food stalls. Open W-F-Sa-Su.

Tip: Check out the trendy coffee shop St Ali Coffee Roasters while you’re in the area – it roasts coffee for many Melbourne cafes.

Places to Visit in Melbourne: Carlton

Next, we’ve got the suburb directly north of the CBD: Carlton! Carlton is home to Melbourne University, the Royal Exhibition Building, and some notable parks, museums, and buildings. It’s walking distance from the CBD – in fact you can just keep walking to these points of interest from the last ones. Yep, in order!

Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum is probably one of the most comprehensive places to visit in Melbourne to learn about history. There are lots of smaller museums around the city I have mentioned, but this is the kind of museum you could truly spend all day in.

Unfortunately this one is not free (it’ll set you back about $25 for an adult ticket, with concession and family prices too). But, it’s worth it!

Royal Exhibition Building

Next to the Melbourne museum within Carlton Gardens, you’ll find the historic Royal Exhibition Building. It’s a heritage-listed site, built-in 1880, and currently holds the title of one of the oldest exhibition pavilions in the world.

Nowadays, they hold all kinds of events at the Royal Exhibition Building, from cheese festivals to dog lovers festivals to car exhibitions and markets. Check if there’ anything on during your visit here.

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo is the closest place to the city to experience Australian wildlife. It’s just at the northern tip of Carlton and easily accessible via public transport. I recommend booking an entrance ticket with a kangaroo encounter so you can get up close and personal to the most famous Aussie animal while you’re there.

If you have more time, there are some fantastic animal sanctuaries outside the city I will mention below where you can also experience Australian wildlife. But if you don’t have much time, the Melbourne Zoo is definitely the place to go.

Lygon Street

Two words – LITTLE ITALY! Lygon Street will transport you to the streets of Italia with tables and chairs lining the cobbled sidewalk and waiters calling out to you to try their pizzeria or ristorante.

This is the place to go for an authentic Italian meal. I’ll warn you that it most likely won’t be cheap, but it will be delicious, and many places are also BYO (hello, wine!).

Tip: My top recommendations are Tiamo, Brunetti, and Il Cantuccio.

brunswick street firtzroy best places to visit in melbourne

Places to Visit in Melbourne: Fitzroy + Collingwood

Fitzroy and Collingwood are famously and lovingly known as “hipster Melbourne.” These two adjacent suburbs are where you need to go to find Melbourne’s ‘artsy’ side – complete with lots of street art, the trendiest cafes and eateries, and thrift/vintage stores to shop until you drop.

I also have an in-depth guide to this area and also a guide to the bars in the area with a map.

[irp posts=”12471″ name=”Things to Do in Fitzroy: Melbourne’s Hipster North Side”]

[irp posts=”12473″ name=”Fitzroy Bars: A Guide (+ Map) to the Best Brunswick St Bars and Beyond”]

Brunswick Street

Brunswick Street is the main street of Fitzroy, which could loosely be considered the even more hipster suburb of the two. The best way to make the most of Brunswick Street/Fitzroy as a whole is to take a leisurely walk down the street, allowing yourself to be pulled in whichever direction tickles your fancy.

Spot an awesome-looking shop? Go in. New beers on tap at a brewery? Try them. Cute little coffee shop? One flat white, please! See a rooftop bar? Someone show me to the stairs!

I can, however, point you in the right direction for a lot of these things. 😉 Check my Fitzroy Guide for things to do, Best Brunch in Fitzroy , and Fitroy Bars.

places to visit in melbourne fitzroy mills market street art

Rose St Market + Fitzroy Mills Market

The Rose Street Market opens on weekends on, you guessed it, Rose Street. It runs from 10-4pm Saturdays and Sundays, with all kinds of artisans showing off their crafts. It would be a perfect trip to mix in with some brunch or croissants in the area.

The Fitzroy Mills Market is also on Rose St and has more produce than art, but is completely covered in street art.

Smith Street

Smith Street runs parallel to Brunswick Street, about a 10 minute walk east, and is actually itself the border between the suburbs of Fitzroy (west) and Collingwood (east). So it’s important to note that all Smith street activities can also be done in conjunction with Brunswick Street activities.

Smith Street has a similar vibe to Brunswick Street but with more shopping – think brand names like Kathmandu, Bonds, and more. These shops are peppered with other gems, too, also listed in my guides above.

abbotsford trail running with view of carlton brewhouse

Places to Visit in Melbourne: Abbotsford

Across Punt Road from Collingwood, you’ll find the lovely suburb of Abbotsford. Abbotsford is known for bordering the winding Yarra River, and also being the home of quite a few local breweries. It’s a bit more secluded of the places to visit in Melbourne, yet still close to everything… which is exactly why I love it!

I lived here for quite a while, and also have an in-depth guide to the best things to do, restaurants to eat at, and bars/breweries in Abbotsford below.

[irp posts=”12586″ name=”Abbotsford Melbourne: Things to Do, Eat, and Drink”]

Main Yarra Trail

The Main Yarra Trail is a run/walk/bike friendly trail that winds up and down next to the Yarra River for miles and miles. It is one of my favorite city escapes in Melbourne. Trust me, you’ll feel like you just entered the remote countryside far from civilization, and really be able to get back into nature.

Tip: After your walk, get a feed/coffee as some of my favorite joints: Au79 , Three Bags Full, or 8 Murray St.

Abbotsford Convent/Collingwood Farm + Market

Right along the Yarra river, Next to the Abbotsford Convent (which sometimes holds events, art exhibitions, festivals, and farmers markets), you’ll find a farm. This is when you REALLY feel like you are miles from the city!

The ‘Collingwood Children’s Farm’ has sheep, goats, cows, peacocks, and more available to pat each and every day, right next to the Main Yarra Trail. They have markets on the second Saturday of each month.

Tip: The Farm Cafe is a cute outdoor cafe on the farm. If you like vegan food, check out donation-based Lentils as Anything.

There are quite a few breweries along the Yarra river in Abbotsford. If you’re into beer, check out Carlton Brewhouse (for something a bit more mainstream) or Bodriggy, Moon Dog, or Stomping Ground for something a bit more crafty.

Tip: Is beer your thing? Lean in! Book a tour of the famous Carlton Brewhouse .

Places to Visit in Melbourne: Richmond + East Melbourne

South of Abbotsford (and directly east of the CBD), you’ll find Richmond. Richmond is quite a large suburb that is home to lots of residential areas, main streets with lots of shopping and venues, and essentially the middle ground between the ‘north side’ (Fitzroy/Collingwood/Brunswick) and the ‘South Side’ (South Yarra/Prahran/St Kilda etc).

East Melbourne is the suburb right between Richmond and the CBD. There’s not much going on, but all the main sporting parks are located here.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Stadium

Sports fans, stop here! the Melbourne Cricket Ground is the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere, with a capacity to host over 100 thousand people. Wow! The National Sports Museum is also located here.

It hosts cricket matches during cricket season (Australian summer months – Dec-Feb). But all Melburnians get very excited whne March rolls around because that means it’s footy season!

For anyone unfamiliar, the AFL (Australian football League) or “Aussie rules” as many call it, is a sport/league that started here in Victoria. It’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen called football before – trust me! If you’re here between March and September, make sure to attend a footy game in the MCG to get some true Aussie culture.

Tip: It’s very popular to take tours of the MCG. Book an affordable tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground stadium here .

Olympic Precinct

The Melbourne Cricket Ground isn’t the only stadium in East Melbourne. In fact there are 5 – giving Melbourne the title of “the only city in the world with 5 international-sized sporting stadiums within a 10 minute walk of the CBD.” That’s pretty special!

The entire precinct was built for the 1956 Olympics, and today holds the Rod Laver Arena, the AAMI Stadium, Margaret Court Arena, and the Melbourne Arena. If you’re around in January you can catch the Australian Open of Tennis here – the second largest in the world.

Tip: If you love sport, go all-out and book an all-day Melbourne Sports Lovers Tour visiting the MCG, Grand Prix track, Marvel Stadium, National Sports Museum, Flemington Racetrack, and more.

Swan St + Bridge Rd

Although Richmond doesn’t have many specific landmarks to mention, it’s still important to list because it’s one of the most prominent Melbourne suburbs.

Take a stroll down Swan St or Bridge road to see tons of lively cafes, pubs, and bars that will be busy at any time of day. Swan Street is especially known for its shopping.

Tips: Check out the rooftop bar at Mt View Hotel for some drinks, and Top Paddock for brunch.

Cook’s Cottage – Fitzroy Gardens

Another of the popular attractions in Melbourne is Cook’s Cottage, located in the Fitzroy Gardens in East Melbourne. It actually was the cottage of the famous explorer Captain Cook (who landed on the East coast of Australia in the 1770’s).

This historical landmark was originally located in Yorkshire, UK, but was brought to Australia in the 1930’s and reconstructed in Fitzroy Gardens. It was rebuilt in exactly the same way – even with cuttings of the original ivy that lined the walls.

Places to Visit in Melbourne: Docklands

Okay so I’m going to be brutally honest with you guys – Docklands is NOT one of the COMPLETELY necessary places to visit in Melbourne. It’s funny – it’s right on the water and should have done really well as a suburb when they tried to build it up a few years ago, but it just kindof…. didn’t. There are some cool restaurants and venues, but it’s just not of of the best things to visit in Melbs.

Either way, there are some important Melbourne attractions here that I must include, so here they are.

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

The Melbourne Star is basically Melbourne’s version of the London Eye. It’s a big ferris wheel that looks out over the city skyline. I don’t think the view is as good as the Eureka Skydeck (as the foreground is very industrial in docklands) but it’s still really cool.

Book discounted tickets here!

Marvel Stadium

The Marvel Stadium (previously the Etihad Stadium) is Melbourne’s other massive sporting arena other than the MCG. They hold many different sporting competitions and footy games here.

Tip: If you make it to a footy game, however, make sure to make it the MCG. Nothing against the Marvel Stadium, but the largest stadium in the southern hemisphere is a sight to behold! See both on a Melbourne Sports Lovers Tour.

melbourne attractions st kilda luna park

Places to Visit in Melbourne: St Kilda

St Kilda is Melbourne’s loved local beach! Melburnians are aware that St Kilda beach may not be the nicest beach in the whole world… but its their beach and they still love it! 😛

It’s situated on a bay, so swimming is very possible – the water is just really shallow. The best part about St Kilda are the beachside bars and bustling community surrounding it. So read on for where to go in St Kilda from north to south.

St Kilda Pier + Penguins

The St Kilda pier is a big L-shaped pier that protects a small marina within it. This pier is famous because there’s a colony of ‘little penguins’ (yes, that’s what they’re called) that live there. These lil guys leave the rocks of the pier each morning around sunrise, and come back to burrow in for the night around sunset.

Tip: Arrive just before sunset, and wait at least 3o+ mins after the sun is gone for maximum penguin-age. Bring WARM clothes – it gets cold and windy out here.

Catani Gardens

The Catani Gardens are some rolling grassy knolls next to the water. They often hold festivals and events, and are a fabulous place to have a summer picnic, too.

Each February, the St Kilda Festival – the largest free festival in Melbourne city – takes place on and around these gardens.

Luna Park is one of the best landmarks in Melbourne. It’s an iconic theme park right on the water, which is famous for the massive clown face entrance and for having one of the oldest wooden rollercoasters in the country.

Pop in on a weekend to do some rides, eat some bites, and have a classic Melbourne experience.

Acland Street is the main street of the Luna Park-end of St Kilda, complete with lots of cafes and restaurants. It’s most famously known to have a high concentration of delicious and authentic cake and pastry shops.

Tip: For a veggie brunch and some awesome flavored lattes, check out Matcha Mylk Bar. For drinks along the water, Captain Baxter is the go.

St Kilda Esplanade Market: Sundays

If you venture to St Kilda on a Sunday, you can catch the amazing St Kilda Esplanade Market (and Luna Park – two birds with one stone!). This market has tons of artisans selling their handmade craft along the Esplanade each week. You never know what you might find!

Tip: After you shop till you drop, grab a drink/feed at “The Espy” Esplanade Hotel.

Places to Visit in Melbourne: South Yarra/Prahran

South Yarra and Prahran famously spearhead the scene of Melbourne’s ‘south side,’ which is known to have some luxurious bits but a fair bit of grunge as well… depending on where you go!

South Yarra is right across the river from Richmond, and has some of the nicest neighborhoods in the city. Prahran is a residential area centered around the famous Chapel Street.

Chapel Street

Chapel street runs through both South Yarra and Prahran, and is a well-known center for all things shopping (more in the north) and bars, restaurants and nightlife (more in the south). It runs for about 2km, with venues, shops, and bars lining it in its entirety.

Chapel Street is home to some of Melbourne’s most (in)famous nightclubs, such as Revolver Upstairs , which runs (literally) all weekend and hosts some famous dj’s, among many others. There are trendy bars on each corner and no shortage of delicious eats.

Kimmie’s Tips: Jungle Boy is a cool hidden bar where you enter through a fridge. Pawn & Co is half club, half Pawn Shop. Journeyman is great for brunch.

Prahran Market

About mid-way down Chapel Street you will find the Prahran market, which is yet another amazing Melbourne market. The Prahran market is a foodie paradise – with tons of different vendors selling delicious bites.

Places to Visit Near Melbourne – Melbourne Day Trips

Phew – finally done with all the places to go IN Melbourne Australia and closer suburbs. But, of course, there are many important Melbourne attractions that are outside of the city.

Luckily for you, I wrote a WHOLE POST of the most important Day Trips from Melbourne – read it by clicking below:

[irp posts=”12174″ name=”13 Must-See Day Trips from Melbourne – Victoria, Australia”]

For the sake of this post: I have listed what I consider the MOST important places to visit outside of Melbourne below:

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is perhaps the most must-do day trip from Melbourne. Visit famous landmarks such as the twelve apostles, Port Campbell National Park, and the Loch Ard Gorge along a rugged coastline.

It’s also popular to rent a car and do a road trip yourself. If you’d rather do that, I suggest trying my 2-3 day Great Ocean Road Itinerary and staying at some places recommended in my Great Ocean Road Accommodation Guide.

Yarra Valley Wine Region

There are many wine regions near Melbourne, but the Yarra Valley takes the cake. It’s got over 100 wineries, beautiful scenic rolling hills, and is only an hour drive from Melbourne city center.

Phillip Island Penguins

Sure, you can see penguins at the St Kilda Pier, but if you want to see HUNDREDS of them, you must see the renowned Phillip Island Penguin Parade! Out here, there’s a massive nature center set up perfectly for you to watch, yet not disturb, hundreds of ‘little penguins’ as they make their way to the land for the night.

Puffing Billy + Dandenong Ranges

Puffing Billy is an old-fashioned steam train the runs through the Dandenong Ranges. The Dandenong Ranges are beautiful mountains with amazing hikes and views – both only an hour drive from Melbourne. Or, you can book a day tour to the steam train and the area.

Visit the Mornington Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a beautiful and lesser-known area to visit outside Melbourne. They have at least a dozen breweries and hundreds of wineries , and is also famous for many beaches to surf or relax . They have hot springs and some beautiful countryside too and many activities.

Visit a Music Festival

Victoria is famous for many music festivals all throughout the summer. Check out my list of the best bush doofs in Australia or check out Rainbow Serpent , Babylon , Beyond the Valley (for the new year), Strawberry Fields , and Pitch Festival – ass famous in Australia.

All the melbourne attractions + suburbs organized into one convenient guide to all the best places to visit in Melbourne - there's something for every kind of person/traveler here whether you're a foodie, outdoor adventurer, or history buff!

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10 Outer Melbourne Suburbs To Check Out And Why

Melbourne isn’t just a fantastic attraction because of its city, but also its outer suburbs. We go through what these outer Melbourne suburbs have to offer, and why to check them out!

Located north of the CBD, Fitzroy is one of Melbourne’s oldest suburbs, rich with history. Despite this, it is far from old fashioned, with its bohemian aesthetic that mixes both the ultra modern and retro together, there is nothing that you can’t do in this suburb that has become a city within itself!

The basis of Fitzroy’s appeal is certainly its diversity. From both designer to second hand shops, cafes and restaurants of various cuisines, different genres of music shows (techno, rock, indie etc.) happening every night, different themed rooftop bars, nightclubs and art galleries, there truly is a touch of something for everyone in Fitzroy.

The historical pools are still open for the public to take a dip, with DJ’s playing on weekends, making it the perfect summer playground.

There are also true crime walk tours to take, exploring the suburb’s notorious gang wars in the early 1900’s. Spooky!

2. Brunswick

Also north of the city, Brunswick prides itself on its art-filled streets and alternative flair in a similar fashion to Fitzroy.

Further out from Melbourne city and in the heart of the northern suburbs, Brunswick has kept its multicultural tropes from being one of the most popular settling destinations for migrants since the 1950’s, and blended it with progressive youth culture. Its traditional Middle Eastern and Asian restaurants down the northern stretch of Sydney Road are about as authentic as you can get. There is also a huge Mediterranean culture, packed with continental food stores and furniture wholesalers. What a great place to take nonna for a day out!

Brunswick is also op-shop heaven. If you’re after some cheap second-hand threads, the biggest ‘Savers’ in Melbourne has you covered, as do the other limitless thrift shops in the area. ‘Dejour Jeans’ is also a huge hit, building custom made jeans for under $50.

Also infamous for its ‘hipster’ culture, Brunswick is the perfect place to go man-bun spotting (remember to bring binoculars!)

The area is also famous for its very own ale, ‘Brunswick Bitter’, that most people drink on the notorious Sydney Road ‘pub crawl’.

3. Northcote

Another one of the outer Melbourne suburbs that prides itself on the arts, Northcote truly is a progressive treasure.

A hot spot for foodies, Northcote (as well as its neighbour Westgarth) are well known for their dedication to vegan and organic cafes and restaurants. ‘Welcome To Thornbury’ is also the permanent food truck bar hosting over 80 trucks every weekend.

The Northcote Social Club is one of Melbourne’s most popular bandrooms, and shows are running here every week of all different genres.

For those who live to shop, Northcote is home to many independent retailers, as well as new and secondhand bookstores.

4. St. Kilda

For those who love to party, it doesn’t get much better than the Melbourne outer suburb of St. Kilda. Situated on a prestigious esplanade, St. Kilda offers both day and night activities for everyone.

Melbourne’s oldest theme park, ‘Luna Park’, sits directly next to the beach, and provides a day of fun for the whole family at a reasonable price. If the weather permits it, you can walk to the beach afterward for a dip, eat some ice cream at the skate park, or even hire some windsurfing gear.

For the night owls, St. Kilda is home to some of the most prestigious up-market fine dining restaurants and bars. Whether dining on The Esplanade or hitting up some of the most well-known nightclubs in Melbourne, there’s little that this seaside suburb doesn’t offer for an evening of scrubbing up.

St. Kilda is home to seven theatres, including the famous historical Palais Theatre, which runs shows all year round.

The iconic St. Kilda Festival runs annually every February (and is free!), showcasing the hottest live music, comedy, visual arts and more.

5. South Yarra

Moving on to south west outer Melbourne suburbs, South Yarra is an affluent area reputable for its ultra-modern art deco aesthetic, pricey apartments, well-preserved mansions, and the famous Chapel Street.

A busy and bustling area, there are many magnetic factors to this polished suburb, including shopping and fashion. Chapel Street has been acknowledged as one of the hottest shopping spots in Melbourne, including independent and designer retailers.

Chapel Street is also famous for its prestigious gourmet restaurants and cocktail lounges that come alive at night. The street is also host to some of the most popular, buzzing nightclubs in Melbourne, including the iconic ‘Revolver Upstairs’; which you’ll hear the locals refer to as a “Revs sesh”.

The Royal Botanic Gardens in the area is also a hot spot for picnics and day drinks.

6. Footscray

One of Melbourne’s most historic suburbs, like Fiztroy, Footscray was one a stomping ground for back alley gang fights and binge drinking on the street. However, the western suburb has now turned itself around into a rich portrayal of Melbourne’s progressive culture.

As far as multiculturalism goes, it doesn’t get much more authentic than Footscray. There is no better place in Melbourne to grab some African and Vietnamese cuisine, at any time of the day. Food choice is extremely varied and includes the famous ‘8Bit’ burger restaurant, which has been crowned for the best burgers in Melbourne. Pubs and historical hotels fill the streets and come alive at night with gigs and music shows.

The Footscray Market is one of the most popular markets in Melbourne, as well as the best place to grab fresh fruit and veg in the western suburbs.

The Footscray community takes pride in its arts culture; its hot spot destinations being ‘The Dancing Dog Theatre’ and ‘The Footscray Community Arts Centre’.

7. Yarraville

Another western suburb, Yarraville is a Melbourne outer suburb that appears to be preserved in time.

Family owned businesses and restaurants are still running strong from generations ago, which can be an absolute treat to eat at and score some second hand treasures.

Its main attraction is definitely the timeless art deco ‘Sun Theatre’, opened in 1938 (which serves the BEST buttered popcorn) which is still running all of the latest movies every night.

Rich with bars and pubs, Yarraville is a western hotspot for nightlife, with its streets lit by lanterns at dusk. My two personal favourites by far are ‘The Railway Hotel’ for a great classic pub feed, followed by a walking distance trip to ‘The Vault’ for some scrumptious, well priced cocktails in their gorgeous beer garden. The food and margaritas at Hecho en Mexico, conveniently located right next to the railway station, is also always a hit if you’re feelin’ caliente!

8. Williamstown

Set on the coast of the west, Williamstown is another bustling western outer suburb of Melbourne proud of its historical heritage.

Famously known as Melbourne’s first port settlement, Williamstown is highly associated with maritime themed activities. The ‘HMAS Castlemaine’ is a classic warship built in 1941 that hosts tours of its history, and often floats around the bay for photogenic opportunities. If that isn’t enough to satisfy the curious seaside explorer, ‘The Titanic’ theatre restaurant and its show dedicated to the sinking of the infamous ship should do it, over a three course meal. The venue even turns into a vintage nightclub when the show is over, so you can party in Gatsby style on an imaginary ship! For something a little quieter, there is also the ‘Williamstown Museum’, run by the suburbs historical society.

Along the esplanade, five star ocean view seafood restaurants stand tall amongst boating piers. If you’re in the mood for a more casual dining experience, restaurant/bars of various cuisines fill the strip of Nelson Place.

Williamstown isn’t just a blast for the adults though. ‘Scienceworks Museum’ is an educational barrel of fun for the entire family. Check out the awesome planetarium, and participate in a day filled with awesome and fun discoveries about the amazing world of science.

Just outside of Melbourne city, Carlton is Melbourne’s own terrace homed ‘Little Italy’. A fantastic place to take Nonna if she’s feeling homesick, Lygon Street is famous for its gelatos, pizzerias, and lively atmosphere.

Home to ‘The University Of Melbourne’, many cafes have taken on this title with pride, in particular ‘The University Cafe’. Many tailor their spaces to university students, including accessible laptops and free wifi.

‘La Mama Theatre’ is always hosting recent and progressive plays, usually written and acted out by local talent of the university. If this floats your boat, also check out ‘Cinema Nova’, which screens newly released independent films on the daily.

The Carlton Gardens is also a great place for a picnic, jog, or to people-watch the Italian old men squabble over the paper while enjoying your gelato. Magnifico!

10. Docklands

This harbour themed outer Melbourne suburb has so much to offer in terms of entertainment.

Loaded with waterfront fine dining restaurants, Docklands is the place to be if you’re after the ultimate fine dining experience with a view, or even just looking for a few relaxing drinks after work.

‘Marvel Stadium’ hosts the biggest national and international sporting and music events all year round, and with its title of most technologically advanced in Australia, you won’t miss out on any of the action no matter what angle you’re seated at!

Day activities are also a plenty at Docklands, with the Star Observation Wheel assisting you in seeing the beautiful city of Melbourne at new heights. The O’Brien Group Arena is open both night and day, for the public to ice skate to some funky tunes whenever it suits.

Do you agree these outer Melbourne suburbs are the sweetest? If we missed anywhere, we’d love to hear in the comments below!

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Wineries Near Melbourne

Explore the Best Wineries near Melbourne

Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in? Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Shadowfax Wines

A boutique winery in Macedon Ranges of Victoria wine region that emphasizes work and innovation to produce premium wines

Austin's Wines

Sharing exceptional wines: Austin's family winemakers since 1982 – visit the estate in the Moorabool Valley for memorable moments

Banks Road Vineyard

Small-batch excellence: Banks Road Vineyard's minimal intervention philosophy and biodynamic practices in Victoria's Bellarine Peninsula

Brandy Creek Estate

Boutique winery making premium cool-climate wines and also has a signature Day Spa

Condie Estate

A labor of love: the Condie estate's dedication to excellence in viticulture and winemaking, rooted in nature's bounty in Victoria wine region

Domaine Chandon

Pioneering méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines in Australia's Yarra Valley, blending French heritage with new world terroir since 1986

GilGraves Wines

Embracing nature and minimal intervention in Bendigo's thriving vineyards to produce exceptional wines from the exceptional terroir

Gisborne Peak Winery

Amazing Wines and Close to Nature

Greenstone Vineyards

A commitment to handcrafted, premium wines in Melbourne's Yarra Valley and Heathcote, focusing on quality over quantity since 2015

Kyneton Ridge Estate

Family winery known for their natural cool-climate wines and the beautiful Ridge Café in the Victoria wine region

Lethbridge Wines

Friendship, science, and wine: the story behind Lethbridge Wines, crafting savory wines that speak of place in Geelong's Moorabool Valley

M. Chapoutier Australia

Pioneering winemaking in Heathcote's ancient soils – experience excellence with audacious practices and exceptional shiraz in Victoria wine region

Discover Wine Tours from Melbourne Offered by Local Guides

Take a Wine Tour from Melbourne with Knowledgeable Local Wine Tour Guides

Giants of Art and Wine Tour

Art and wine exploration in Mornington Peninsula with a tour in luxurious Mercedes Benz

Red Therapy | Wine Tour in Mornington Peninsula (Private Tour)

A wine therapy you will be grateful for! a luxurious journey through Mornington peninsula's finest wineries

Wine Lovers Private Tour

Savor Mornington Peninsula's finest wines with Arthur O'Bryan and winemaker Geraldine McFual, featuring a seaside picnic, cellar door visits, and a gourmet lunch

Melbourne is the vibrant capital of Victoria, Australia, known for its dynamic cultural scene, exceptional food and coffee culture, and a perfect combination of historic and modern architecture. It is famous for its art galleries, theatres, and year-round cultural events. The laneways of the city, including the famous Hosier Lane, serve as dynamic outdoor galleries with ever-changing street art. Melbourne is also known for its diverse cuisines that can be enjoyed in its restaurants, cafes, and markets, all underpinned by a renowned coffee culture.

The city is a paradise for sports lovers, with major events like the Australian Open and the Melbourne Cup, while its tranquil green spaces like the Royal Botanic Gardens provide peaceful retreats. The city's multicultural identity is reflected in its neighbourhoods, cultural festivals, and international culinary offerings, creating a tapestry of diversity. Melbourne's architecture seamlessly blends historic landmarks, such as Flinders Street Station, with modern marvels, like Federation Square.

The city also serves as a gateway to nearby wine regions, including the renowned Yarra Valley, offering a delightful blend of city vibrancy and wine exploration. Efficient public transportation, encompassing trams, trains, and buses, facilitates easy exploration, while the city's bustling calendar filled with diverse events and festivals contributes to a dynamic and creative atmosphere, making Melbourne an enticing destination for both locals and visitors.

The best wine regions to visit near Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia, is surrounded by several renowned wine regions. Melbourne serves as a gateway to nearby wine regions, including the renowned Yarra Valley, offering a delightful blend of city vibrancy and wine exploration. Here are some notable wine regions near Melbourne:

Yarra Valley: Located just an hour's drive from Melbourne, Yarra Valley is famous for its cool-climate wines, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Many wineries offer cellar door tastings, and the picturesque landscape adds to the overall experience.

Mornington Peninsula: Known for its maritime climate, Mornington Peninsula is acclaimed for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The region also boasts stunning coastal views. You can find boutique wineries and larger estates here.

Heathcote: If you're a fan of robust red wines, particularly Shiraz, Heathcote is a great destination. It's about a two-hour drive from Melbourne, and the region is known for its rich, full-bodied reds.

Geelong: Geelong is another wine region known for its cool-climate wines. Shiraz, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay are popular varieties here. The area has a diverse range of wineries, some with beautiful vineyard settings.

Macedon Ranges: Located in the northwest of Melbourne, the Macedon Ranges are known for their cool-climate wines. Sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay thrive in this region. The altitude contributes to the unique character of the wines.

Bellarine Peninsula: Situated southwest of Melbourne, the Bellarine Peninsula offers a mix of wineries and coastal scenery. The region produces cool-climate wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz.

Beyond wine, the Victoria wine region provides unique experiences such as hot air balloon rides for panoramic views of the region. Additionally, the area includes exceptional dining options. Overall, the wine regions near Melbourne are a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts seeking a delightful blend of exquisite wines, breathtaking scenery, and diverse experiences.

What can you do when you visit Melbourne?

Visiting Melbourne offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to various interests. The city's vibrant arts and culture scene by exploring institutions like the National Gallery of Victoria or attending performances at iconic venues like the Arts Centre. Melbourne also caters to wine enthusiasts, offering delightful wine tours and wine experiences. Whether in a while you can enjoy the most beautiful landscapes as you sample cool-climate wines such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Consider joining a guided wine tour to fully immerse yourself in the region's vinicultural delights, often paired with local cheeses and gourmet cuisine. Melbourne provides a gateway to unforgettable experiences, blending cultural richness, food and wine , sporting excitement, and wine-centric adventures amidst breathtaking vineyard landscapes.

Map of Wineries Near Melbourne

Discover the locations of wineries near Melbourne

How to reach wineries near Melbourne

Wineries, local wine guides and experiences near Melbourne are easily accessible by different means of transportation.

How do you reach wineries near Melbourne?

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Sydney gets a drenching as heavy rain, severe weather forecast for NSW today and tomorrow

It has been a wet and wild day across New South Wales with more extreme weather expected over the weekend.

In Sydney more than 160 millimetres of rain has fallen since 9am on Thursday, its heaviest in 4 years.

More than 45 flood alerts remain active across New South Wales on Friday night after intense rainfall saturated the state with the worst to come overnight.

7:13 AM 7:13 AM Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 7:13am Sydney cops heaviest rainfall in 4 years
7:01 AM 7:01 AM Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 7:01am Six injured in wet-weather crash
6:24 AM 6:24 AM Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 6:24am BOM issues flood warning for Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers

Live updates

Where to find emergency assistance and information.

By Luke Royes

For emergency assistance, contact SES in NSW or QLD on 132 500

If your life is at risk, call Triple-0 (000) immediately

For the latest weather updates visit the Bureau of Meteorology in NSW here

ABC Emergency contains planning and advice, an incident map and more

If you're not sure what to do when there's a flood, here's the best way to plan

Tune in to your local ABC Radio Station

Sydney cops heaviest rainfall in 4 years

By David Hirst

Here's a few facts and figures from our weather boffin Tom Saunders:

Sydney has already received its heaviest rain total in 4 years with more than 160mm since 9am yesterday (highest 48-hour total)
The heaviest rain today has been on the Mid North Coast. Taree with more than 100mm since 9am
A deluge will arrive overnight across parts of Sydney and the Illawarra, Blue Mountains and Hunter leading to severe flash flooding and rapid river rises, including up to 220mm in 6 hours on the Illawarra Escarpment
The torrential falls are part of a broader rain event which is soaking eastern Australia, and has triggered flood watches and warnings from southern Queensland to the NSW South Coast
More than 40 flood watches are current for NSW
The band of torrential rain is moving south and will clear from Sydney by about 8am, clear the Illawarra by late morning and clear from the South Coast by the evening

Six injured in wet-weather crash

Reporting by Adriane Reardon from the ABC South East NSW newsroom.

Six people, including two children, have been taken to hospital with injuries following a crash in wet weather south of Mudgee in the NSW central west.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash on the Castlereagh Highway, about 2pm today, where a ute and four-wheel drive had collided.

The male passenger in the ute, believed to be in his 60s, was flown to hospital with serious injuries, while the male driver, 55 was taken to Mudgee Hospital.

The driver of the four-wheel drive, a 34-year-old man, was also flown to hospital with serious injuries, while his 32-year-old female passenger was flown to hospital with critical injuries.

Two children in the back-seat, aged two and six, sustained minor injuries and taken to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead for observation.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation is underway.

Flooding at Parramatta River in Sydney's west

ABC photographer Timothy Ailwood is at Parramatta River. He's just filed this pic.

Storm damage to create 'significant work' for SES

NSW SES chief superintendent Dallas Burnes has this afternoon given an update on ABC News 24.

Mr Burnes said storm damage was going to "create more significant work for us".

He said the majority of call-outs had been for leaking roofs and fallen trees and there had been about half a dozen rescues.

Mr Burnes urged people to stay indoors tonight.

"If it's at nighttime and the road is flooded? Do not cross that roadway. You do not know what is under it. "The flood rescues we've undertaken today, the majority related to cars entering floodwater. That puts our volunteers' lives at risk."

Rain and thunderstorms continue in southern Queensland

A south-west Queensland town has shut its flood levee ahead of major flooding, as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts heavy falls for the south-east of the state into the weekend.

Senior forecaster Laura Boekel said rain and thunderstorms would continue today and tomorrow, with possible falls of up to 100 millimetres.

"It's very important to note that in some parts of the south and south-east, we're seeing moisture of the soil and the catchments quite high, so that means catchments, rivers, creeks can respond quite rapidly," she said.

"We could see responses from moderate rainfall this weekend."

BOM issues flood warning for Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers

The people at the Bureau of Meteorology have certainly had a busy day. They've just released another weather update.

Major flooding possible at Menangle and North Richmond from Saturday morning
Moderate flooding possible at Windsor and Putty Road from overnight Friday
Minor flooding likely at Camden Weir, Wallacia Weir, Penrith, Sackville and possible at Lower Portland from Friday evening

Rainfall totals of up to 150mm have been observed in the Hawkesbury Nepean catchment since 9am on Thursday.

Further heavy rainfall is forecast through the catchment for the remainder of Friday and into Saturday.

Minor flooding is likely along the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Colo Rivers from overnight Friday. With the forecast rainfall, further river level rises and moderate to major flooding is possible from Saturday morning along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers.

Transport update for commuters

This is the latest from the Transport Management Centre.

Motorists and public transport passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra travel time due to severe weather in Sydney and surrounding areas.

Wakehurst Parkway is closed in both directions due to flooding between North Narrabeen and Oxford Falls.
Oxford Falls Road is closed in both directions due to flooding between Wakehurst Parkway and Aroona Road.
Other roads where motorists are advised to take extra care due to water on the road include: The Pacific Highway at Pymble, Centenary Drive at Strathfield, Pittwater Road at North Manly and Euston Road at St Peters

On public transport:

Passengers who need to travel on the Sydney Trains network are advised to allow plenty of extra travel time due to severe weather damaging equipment at Redfern, as well as slower boarding times.
Trains are running on all lines but there are some delays and gaps in service.
Plan ahead and avoid travel where possible.
Buses are supplementing trains between Campbelltown and Macarthur, and between Riverstone and Richmond.
Passengers are advised to listen to announcements and check information displays for service updates.
Buses are replacing ferries between Parramatta and Rydalmere due to the weir overflowing.

Parramatta River overflowing

This is the latest from the ABC's Elinya Chenery.

Heavy rainfall has caused minor flooding in Sydney's west this afternoon.

The Parramatta River is overflowing in low lying areas after the water level raised above 2 metres in height.

Areas affected by the flooding include the Parramatta Ferry Wharf and footbridges across the river.

Authorities say further flooding is expected in the area in the coming hours.

Communities on Mid North Coast without power

Some communities along parts of the Bellingen River on the NSW Mid North Coast are completely isolated by flood water and without power.

Residents in the localities of Thora and Darkwood are affected, and NSW SES crews will be undertaking welfare checks.

"We've got some communities there that are completely isolated by floodwater," NSW SES spokesperson Andrew Edmunds said on the ABC statewide drive program.

"They may find themselves without power, water and other essential services."

Isolated residents in those communities are being urged to contact the NSW SES on 132 500 if they need assistance with supplies.

NSW SES advises people not to go outside

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is advising people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as significant rainfall impacts much of the NSW east coast.

A severe storm warning is in place for communities from Gosford in the north, to Batemans Bay in the south, across to Goulburn, with damaging winds and very heavy rain possible. Meanwhile, residents on the Bellingen River at Thora and Darkwood have been advised to prepare for isolation.

Residents in these communities may find themselves cut off by flood water and without power, water and other essential services.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said conditions were likely to worsen over the next few hours.

"There's potential for very large downpours of rain between the Blue Mountains and Narooma, which could lead to life-threatening flash flooding," Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.

The NSW SES said it had responded to more than 800 incidents in the last 24 hours.

Prepare to evacuate alert in Chipping Norton

The NSW SES has issued a prepare to evacuate and watch and act notice for people in low lying areas of eastern parts of Chipping Norton.

Those in the following area are being told to prepare to evacuate due to predicted dangerous flooding:

All properties in the following streets in Chipping Norton:
Newbridge Road between Riverside Road and east to Georges River
Riverside Road between Childs Road and Newbridge Road
Davy Robinson Drive
Rickard Road
Arthur Street

You should monitor the situation and prepare to evacuate so that you can safely evacuate when instructed to do so by NSW SES. There's more detail on Facebook here .

More than 100 flights cancelled at Sydney Airport

The wild weather has not surprisingly caused issues at Sydney Airport with more than 100 flights cancelled through domestic arrivals and departures.

A Sydney Airport spokesperson urged passengers to check with their airline regarding the status of their flight.

Is public transport in Sydney affected by the weather?

Sydney Trains and Ferries asked commuters to take "extra care" as surfaces can be slippery when wet
Transport for NSW is advising to allow for extra travel time on the T1, T2, T3, T8 and T9 train lines due to weather damaging equipment at Redfern
Transport for NSW says there are no significant delays on Sydney's bus network

Hundreds of sandbags at the ready in Gosford

SES NSW volunteers fill sandbags in Gosford while seated under tents.

Hundreds of sandbags are ready and waiting for collection at the NSW SES Gosford depot on the Central Coast in preparation for more rain to come.

Members of the community volunteered their time to help fill the bags today, along with those from the Terrigal Rugby Union Club.

Gosford has received more than 70 millimetres so far today, according to data from the Bureau of Meteorology.

BOM updates flood warning

The Bureau of Meteorology has updated its Flood Watch which now includes major flooding on:

Myall River
Lower Hunter River
Upper Nepean River
Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River
Georges and Woronora River
Macquarie River to Bathurst

Click here for regular Flood Watch updates from the BOM .

Major delays on state's rail networks

Transport for NSW says there are "major delays" across the Sydney Trains and NSW Trainlink networks because of the heavy rain.

Passengers are advised to avoid non-essential travel.

Buses may supplement some services.

If you do need to travel though, Transport for NSW advises you to allow plenty of extra time.

Flooding impacts Newell Highway

Flooding continues to impact the Newell Highway in the state's north, which remains closed between Boggabilla and Moree.

Motorists travelling north from Moree can take a diversion using the Carnarvon Highway and the Barwon Highway to Goondiwindi.

The southbound diversion is the same in reverse and is also suitable for all vehicles.

The alternate route between the two towns is about 2.5 hours long.

Hawkesbury SES commander says it's a 'waiting game' at the moment

By Millie Roberts

Jessica Kidd from the Sydney newsroom spoke to Kevin Jones from the Hawkesbury SES just then.

He said the volunteers were busily checking equipment and making sure everything was "good to go" as the unit prepared for rain in the Hawkesbury expected tonight.

"We're really at the moment just playing a bit of a waiting game, waiting for the rain to come," he said. "It seems to have not been as bad as they were predicting up on the north coast, but as it comes further south it looks like … there's still a chance that it's going to be a bit more intense."

Mr Jones said the local community is "definitely much more aware" on this occasion after going through "so many floods", which has helped with preparations today.

Power restored to hundreds of buildings in Sydney's CBD

Ausgrid says power has been restored to hundreds of businesses and homes after "significant rainfall" caused a major power outage.

It said 1,300 customers were affected after a substation flooded on Goulburn and Pitt streets.

Power has now been restored to more than 1,250 customers after the water was pumped offsite.

It said the "bulk" of affected customers have their lights back on, but a small number may still be out at this point in time.

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Melbourne's west, Victoria, Australia
Art & culture. Delve deep into the history of places near and far at Melbourne's varied museums, dedicated to all manner of the city's quirky local stories. Explore a little further on each visit to Melbourne's west, either returning to favourites in Footscray and Yarraville or uncovering hidden secrets.
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Editorial credit: Ikonya / Shutterstock.com. Victoria is in no short supply of charming country towns and picture-perfect villages.From those with 19 th Century enchantment and golden beginnings to seaside towns and mountain escapes, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy. If you're looking to get out of the city, add these towns near Melbourne to your list of must-visit places.
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14 / 15. Footscray's edgy cool has created a 'hood that's so vibrant it makes it onto global round-ups of the world's hippest suburbs. Mr West Bar & Bottle Shop (pictured) is a favourite hang, while elsewhere, there are plenty of streets crammed with coffee shops, a melting-pot of eats and a riverside walking track.
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Point Cook Coastal Park Melbourne. Yet another awesome thing to do around the western suburbs of Melbourne, The Point Cook Coastal Park covers an area of 863 hectares and includes the Cheetham Wetlands. The park features a play area for kids, outdoor BBQs, a lot of parking space, beachside benches. [Read More]
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The Western suburbs of Melbourne include the areas of Airport West, Caroline Springs, Essendon, Kensington, Flemington, Footscray, Keilor, Melton, Point Cook, Sunshine, Sydenham, Werribee, Williamstown and Yarraville. Many of these suburbs will hold no interest for travellers but a few such as Footscray and Yarraville attract tourists for their restaurants and bars, while Flemington and Moonee ...
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Melbourne Suburbs
Western Australia offers wonderfully remote outback experiences: from spectacular national parks to sandy deserts, pristine beaches to working cattle stations. This itinerary allows you to explore the way from Perth to Darwin in depth and at your own pace, in your own rental car. view tour ⤍. 14 days / from 10070 USD.
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The western suburbs of Melbourne has a wide range of awesome activities for kids and families. There's no reason not to be active in the west. ... Take a visit to Falcons Lookout at Werribee Gorge which is located just outside Melbourne ... There are some nature gems in the west. Serendip Sanctuary near Lara is a wildlife reserve with a range ...
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Notable mentions

2. Trentham

4. Daylesford

5. Healesville

6. Sassafras/Olinda

7. Jindivick

9. Red Hill

10. Queenscliff

Things to do western suburbs Melbourne

Altona Coastal Park & Foreshore Trail

Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands Werribee

100 Steps of Federation Altona Meadows

Point Cook Coastal Park Melbourne

Gem Pier Williamstown Melbourne

Williamstown Botanic Garden

Cherry Lake Altona - A Perfect picnic spot in the west

Lerderderg State Park Victoria

Sanctuary Lakes Shopping Center

Werribee Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park

Royal Air Force (RAAF) Museum Point Cook Melbourne

Werribee South Beach Melbourne

Altona Beach Melbourne Victoria

Williamstown Beach Melbourne

Melbourne/Western suburbs

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