Things to do in and around Melbourne
Drive the Benalla Silo Art Trail
Winding through vibrant towns and striking landscapes, the Benalla Silo Art Trail is a top road trip for art lovers and curious travellers alike. Discover giant murals, local cafes, and small-town charm in North East Victoria.
Top Things to Do in and around Melbourne: Best Attractions, Day Trips & Experiences
From world-class galleries and riverside dining to scenic walks and wildlife encounters, Melbourne and its surrounds offer something for every kind of traveller. Beyond the vibrant laneways and cultural hubs of the CBD, Greater Melbourne’s suburbs and nearby regions deliver easy day trips packed with nature, history, and flavour.
Wander through the leafy Dandenong Ranges with its misty forest trails and heritage Puffing Billy steam train, or sip and sample your way through the renowned wineries and wildlife sanctuaries of the Yarra Valley. Head west to Werribee for an open-range safari, a tour of the grand Werribee Mansion, or a stroll through its immaculate rose gardens. Along the coast, explore historic Williamstown, relax on the beaches of Altona, Sandringham, or Black Rock, or take in quiet waterside charm at Tooradin on the Western Port side.
Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in the outer eastern suburbs’ gardens and reserves, as well as along the scenic Yarra and Maribyrnong River precincts. Even near Melbourne Airport, hidden gems like Woodlands Historic Park and the unique basalt formations of Organ Pipes National Park invite short and surprising adventures.
All within 90 minutes of the city centre, Melbourne and its surrounds blend urban energy with natural beauty, making it easy to turn your stay into a series of unforgettable experiences.
Best Beaches & Coastal Walks in Melbourne
| Attraction | Description | Location / Suburb |
|---|---|---|
| Altona Beach | Calm waters and walking paths along the urban coastline. | Altona, west of Melbourne CBD |
| Sandringham Beach | Popular for picnics and coastal walks with views over Port Phillip Bay. | Sandringham, southeastern Melbourne |
| Williamstown Beach | Historic maritime village with waterfront promenade and beach access. | Williamstown, southwest of Melbourne CBD |
| West Gate Punt | Ferry crossing linking urban coastline areas, great for scenic views. | Connects Spotswood and Port Melbourne |
Best Views & Scenic Spots in Melbourne
| Attraction | Description | Location / Suburb |
|---|---|---|
| Eureka Skydeck | Highest public vantage point in Melbourne offering 360° city views. | Southbank, Melbourne CBD |
| Shrine of Remembrance | Balcony views overlooking the city skyline and parklands. | Kings Domain, Melbourne CBD |
| SkyHigh Dandenong Ranges | Elevated spot with panoramic views over Melbourne and surrounds. | Mount Dandenong, Dandenong Ranges |
| Williamstown Botanic Gardens | Seaside gardens with sweeping views of the bay and city skyline. | Williamstown |
Best Walks & Lookouts in Melbourne
| Attraction | Description | Location / Suburb |
|---|---|---|
| 1000 Steps Kokoda Track Walk | Iconic forest walk leading to a historic war memorial lookout. | Ferntree Gully, Dandenong Ranges |
| Dandenong Ranges Forest Walks | Various trails through lush forest with lookout points. | Dandenong Ranges, outer eastern suburbs |
| Organ Pipes National Park Loop | Scenic walking trail with unique geological formations and views. | Keilor North, northwest Melbourne |
| Warburton Rail Trail | Long-distance trail with several lookout spots along the route. | Warburton, east of Melbourne |
Melbourne Iconic & Historic Sites
| Attraction | Description | Location / Suburb |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Town Hall | Historic building at the heart of the city with impressive architecture. | Melbourne CBD |
| Royal Exhibition Building | UNESCO World Heritage site known for its grand architecture and events. | Carlton, inner north Melbourne |
| Werribee Mansion | Stunning historic mansion with exquisite gardens to explore. | Werribee, southwest Melbourne |
| Williamstown Maritime Precinct | Heritage precinct featuring historic ships and maritime museum. | Williamstown |
Melbourne Markets, Food & Shopping
| Attraction | Description | Location / Suburb |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Victoria Market | Large, vibrant market with fresh produce, food stalls, and crafts. | Melbourne CBD |
| South Melbourne Market | Famous for gourmet food vendors and local produce. | South Melbourne |
| Chapel Street Shopping | Trendy shopping strip with boutiques, cafes, and nightlife. | South Yarra, inner southeastern Melbourne |
| Prahran Market | Renowned market offering fresh food, specialty produce, and delicacies. | Prahran, inner southeastern Melbourne |
Melbourne Museums, Art & Culture
| Attraction | Description | Location / Suburb |
|---|---|---|
| National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) | Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum. | Southbank, Melbourne CBD |
| Melbourne Museum | Comprehensive museum covering natural history, culture, and science. | Carlton Gardens, inner north Melbourne |
| Immigration Museum | Exhibits exploring Australia’s migration history and multiculturalism. | Melbourne CBD |
| Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) | Contemporary art exhibitions and installations. | Southbank, Melbourne CBD |
Melbourne Nightlife & Events
| Attraction | Description | Location / Suburb |
|---|---|---|
| Federation Square | Central hub for events, live music, and cultural gatherings. | Melbourne CBD |
| Laneway Bars | Trendy, hidden bars scattered throughout Melbourne’s CBD. | Melbourne CBD |
| Arts Centre Melbourne | Venue for concerts, theatre, and live performances. | Southbank, Melbourne CBD |
| Rooftop Bars | Popular spots offering city views alongside cocktails and music. | Various locations across Melbourne CBD |
Melbourne Parks, Nature & Wildlife
| Attraction | Description | Location / Suburb |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Botanic Gardens | Expansive gardens featuring native and exotic plants, perfect for picnics and walks. | Melbourne CBD |
| Werribee Open Range Zoo | Safari-style zoo with African animals roaming free in large enclosures. | Werribee, southwest Melbourne |
| Yarra Valley Wildlife Sanctuary | Wildlife sanctuary showcasing native Australian animals. | Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne |
| Woodlands Historic Park | Protected natural area with walking trails and native flora and fauna. | Melbourne Airport region, western fringe |
Plan Your Melbourne Adventure
Whether you’re exploring Melbourne’s vibrant urban core, strolling along its beautiful beaches and coastal walks, or venturing into the lush Dandenong Ranges and scenic Yarra Valley, this diverse region offers something for every traveler. From world-class art galleries and historic landmarks to wildlife sanctuaries and bustling markets, Melbourne and its surrounds provide unforgettable experiences for nature lovers, culture seekers, foodies, and adventure enthusiasts alike. Start planning your Melbourne adventure today and discover why this dynamic city and its nearby escapes are some of Australia’s top travel destinations.
Victoria Travel Inspiration & Stories
Drive the Benalla Silo Art Trail
Winding through vibrant towns and striking landscapes, the Benalla Silo Art Trail is a top road trip for art lovers and curious travellers alike. Discover giant murals, local cafes, and small-town charm in North East Victoria.
The Great Stupa Bendigo
Visiting The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion near Bendigo will leave you feeling relaxed and peaceful. The Great Stupa Bendigo is based on the famous Great Stupa of Gyantse in Tibet and its base is 50m square and is almost 50m high.
Drive the Great Ocean Road
Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most iconic drives, winding over 240km along the southern coastline of Australia.
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