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Melbourne Museum
2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Melbourne Museum

8.6
4.7/5
617 reviews
The Melbourne Museum was built in July 1996 and officially opened to the public in November 2000. It is the largest and innovative museum in the southern hemisphere. It is located in Carlton Gardens with the Royal Exhibition Hall. 1. Regional introduction The museum has three floors. The first floor includes the Bangiraka Indigenous Cultural Center, the Pacific Exhibition Hall, the Forest Exhibition Hall, the Science and Life Exhibition Hall, the Children's Hall, as well as shops and cafes; the second floor includes the Melbourne Exhibition Hall, the Mind and Body Exhibition Hall, Evolution Showroom; lower level includes Discovery Center and IMAX Cinema. 2. Collections and displays The collections and displays of the Melbourne Museum are amazing. You can see dinosaur fossils at the entrance, and there is also a 20-meter-long blue whale skeleton specimen, which is extremely rare. In more than 20 exhibition halls and independent exhibition halls, the museum has prepared all-inclusive content, and there are more than a dozen permanent exhibitions currently open. 3. Natural culture Nature is obviously the focus of the museum. The Science and Life Pavilion offers "Bees", "Life of Insects", "Ocean Life: Exploring Our Sea", "Human Body", "Consciousness: Enter The Labyrinth" and "From Darwin to DNA" at the Evolution Pavilion. 4. Indoor forest area The three-story indoor forest area introduces the ecological functions of the forest from the forest hierarchy, water conservation, plant composition, the seasonal distinction of Australian forests, and forest fires that often occur in Australia's dry season. There are also some Australian forests in it. Common birds and ants. The "Forest Secret" in the pavilion is at the center of the building, creating an ecosystem that is exactly the same as the natural environment, showing the trees, plants, wildlife and insects in Victoria's high mountains. Walking into the forest corridor, you will see more than 8,000 Australian plants planted here. In addition, there are insect exhibition areas and evolution areas that display the mysteries of the biological world. 5. The style of the style museum is very modern, which forms a strong contrast with the classical style of the Royal Exhibition Hall next to it. In addition to creating a visual effect, the metal frame and glass curtain wall also draw more natural light into the public spaces of the pavilion. You will see that the staff in the museum are wearing brightly colored work clothes, exuding a strong aboriginal cultural style, which contrasts with the avant-garde architectural form.Carlton · 2.7 km from Docklands
Carlton Gardens
No. 4 of Spring Outings in Australia

Carlton Gardens

8.3
4.0/5
75 reviews
Carlton Gardens covers an area of approx. 26 hectares and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004, together with the Royal Exhibition Building located within the gardens. The garden maintains a Victorian-style landscape, with open lawns and avenues lined with plane trees complementing each other. Multiple tree-lined paths connect historical buildings with leisure areas. The garden features 3 fountains, among which the one designed by sculptor Joseph Hochgertel for the 1880 exhibition is particularly striking, and 2 decorative small lakes are located in the southern part. The garden is planted with various trees, including English oaks, elms, London plane trees, and Moreton Bay figs, offering different scenery throughout the seasons. The Melbourne Museum on the north side forms a sharp contrast with the classical garden through its modern architectural language, and the same area also features a children's playground inspired by the Victorian maze. The garden is perfect for a stroll; people can walk along the tree-lined paths or rest on the lawns to experience urban garden life in Melbourne.Carlton · 2.6 km from Docklands
Melbourne Skydeck
2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Melbourne Skydeck

8.1
4.6/5
761 reviews
Melbourne Skydeck, the Eureka Skydeck 88, is located on the 88th floor, is 285 meters above the ground. With a direct elevator, you can overlook the entire city of Melbourne, 360 degrees, in a few seconds. There is a viewfinder for accurate observation of important landmarks throughout Melbourne. There is also a glass cube called The Edge that extends out of the edge of the building, and extremely exciting to stand up and look downstairs. △ Enjoy the sunset over Melbourne city △ Feel the exciting Edge experienceSouthbank · 1.7 km from Docklands
Melbourne Zoo
No. 9 of Family-friendly Attractions in Australia

Melbourne Zoo

8
4.6/5
584 reviews
Melbourne Zoo is a historic zoo in Australia with a wide variety of animals. Many species of wildlife roam freely in naturalistic environments. Here you can see animals unique to Australia, including koalas, kangaroos, platypuses, penguins and seals. Featured animals also include African and Asian rainforest species like gorillas and pygmy hippos, plus a steamy butterfly house filled with diverse tropical butterflies. △ Observe how gorillas forage, socialize, and care for their young △ Learn more about the behavioral habits and living habits of wildlife species △ A close look at Australia's unique semi-aquatic animal—the platypusParkville · 3.7 km from Docklands
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

7.9
4.6/5
1k reviews
The Melbourne Aquarium is located on the banks of the Yarra River. It's a circular structure decked out in a blue-white color scheme. The aquarium has many exciting areas to explore for an unforgettable travel experience. It's home to Australia's massive Australian saltwater crocodiles, a rich variety of seahorse and sea dragon species as well as king and gentoo penguins. The idea of having a bit of fun with huge sea turtles and hide and seek with Nemo is no fantasy here. You can even take a transparent glass bottom boat for an adventure behind the curtain while traveling back and forth on the water yourself in search of excitement. △ Watch and feed jellyfish up close △ Go behind the scenes to see how penguins live △ Watch divers dance with fishMelbourne · 1.1 km from Docklands
National Gallery of Victoria
No. 15 of Best Things to Do in Victoria

National Gallery of Victoria

7.2
4.8/5
261 reviews
The National Gallery of Victoria is a historic and highly acclaimed public art museum in Australia, located in the heart of Melbourne and a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. Comprising the International and Australian galleries, it showcases artworks from around the world and local creations. The gallery houses over 70,000 pieces, spanning paintings, sculptures, photography, fashion, and decorative arts. Visitors can admire masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt and Picasso, as well as the unique styles of Australian Indigenous art. The National Gallery of Victoria regularly hosts major international and thematic exhibitions, offering rich cultural experiences. Additionally, it features interactive art workshops and educational programs suitable for all ages. The gallery's café and shop also provide excellent spots for relaxation and shopping. Whether you're an art lover or a casual visitor, the National Gallery of Victoria promises an inspiring artistic journey.Southbank · 2.1 km from Docklands
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens
No. 2 of Spring Outings in Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens

6.5
4.6/5
468 reviews
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens is located on the beautiful south bank of the Yarra River, where thousands of exotic plants from Australia and around the world thrive. The gardens also feature diverse architecture and engaging activities. 1. The Children's Garden helps kids explore the natural world Inside the Children's Garden, there are many interactive facilities where kids can play to their heart's content and get up close with nature. The garden offers everything to help children explore the natural world: crawl-through plant tunnels, climbable rocks, and bamboo groves perfect for playing hide-and-seek. The Children's Garden is temporarily closed for maintenance every winter. Opening hours during other seasons are Wednesday–Sunday from 10:00 AM until sunset, with daily operation during Victoria school holidays. 2.ObservatoryExplore the brilliant starry sky Next to the Children's GardenObservatoryThe bright yellow exterior walls and silver semi-dome make it easily recognizable. Built between 1861–1863, it has maintained close ties with the Astronomical Society of Victoria. The interior is only open to tour groups, and general visitors cannot enter. Planetarium visits are typically scheduled for the evening. 3. Herbarium plant specimen collection To the right of the Children's Garden is the Herbarium, a white circular building. It houses over 1.2 million plant specimens, mostly from Victoria, Australia, with more than half being at least a century old. The facility also includes a small library dedicated to botanical literature. Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted inside. 4. Tropical Greenhouse Step into the tropical greenhouse and discover exotic plants from around the world.Melbourne · 3.3 km from Docklands
State Library Victoria
No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Melbourne

State Library Victoria

6.4
4.5/5
289 reviews
State Library Victoria is located in the center of Melbourne, founded on the same day as the University of Melbourne in 1854, and opened to the public in 1856. It is one of the oldest public libraries in Australia. The library was designed by architect Joseph Reed and established through the efforts of then-Lieutenant Governor La Trobe and Judge Redmond Barry, among others. It was positioned from its inception as a cultural institution integrating books, art, and science. The core highlight is the La Trobe Reading Room, completed in 1913. The height and diameter of the octagonal hall both exceed 30m, the central dome skylight allows natural light to pour in, and the surrounding multi-level galleries taper inward. Overlooking the entire hall from the upper galleries is one of the most popular photo angles in Melbourne; the galleries also house a permanent exhibition themed around rare books called "The World of the Book". The collection exceeds 5 million items, ranging from books and manuscripts to maps, photographs, and newspapers. Diaries of Melbourne's founding pioneers, Captain Cook's maritime documents, and the original armor and letters of bushranger Ned Kelly are all housed here, and the armor is still on display in the library's Redmond Barry Reading Room. The lawn in front of the library is scattered with giant chessboards and statues, serving as a resting place for nearby office workers and students; inside, readers can be seen studying at their desks all year round. If you are short on time, heading straight to the La Trobe Reading Room after entering and then climbing to the top-level gallery is a classic route to experience the charm of this library.Melbourne · 1.9 km from Docklands
Hosier Ln
No. 16 of Best Things to Do in Melbourne

Hosier Ln

6.3
4.4/5
192 reviews
Hosier Ln is a laneway in Melbourne's Central Business District famous for its street art, located between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane, with one end facing the entrance to Fed Square. Since the late 1990s, this bluestone-paved laneway has gradually become a canvas for local and international street artists. Spray paint, stencils, and installations are layered across the walls on both sides, often featuring expressions of social issues, making it one of the most popular street art lanes in Melbourne. The lane is permanently open to street artists, allowing them to create without needing a permit. As a result, the artwork changes rapidly; if you visit again after a while, the walls may feature entirely new pieces. Many visitors describe it as an open-air gallery that is constantly being re-curated, and you might even catch artists at work. This short laneway is always crowded with people taking photos, and it is a favorite spot for wedding and fashion photography. There are also various popular eateries inside the lane. To capture the walls without crowds, it is best to visit during quieter times.Melbourne · 2 km from Docklands
Old Melbourne Gaol
No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Melbourne

Old Melbourne Gaol

6.2
4.2/5
118 reviews
Many tourists are intrigued by the history of the Old Melbourne Gaol. Victoria's oldest surviving prison, which operated from 1845 until 1924, is now one of Australia's most famous museums and attractions. Known to harbor Australia's most violent and notorious criminals, including Australian convict and folk hero Ned Kelly. With most of the original architecture untouched, a tour of the historical prison gives guests a bone-chilling experience. Check out the unique souvenirs and memorabilia at the gift shop, or take a candlelight tour of the prison at your own risk!Melbourne · 2 km from Docklands

Experiences you can't miss in Docklands

Featured Day tours in Docklands

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Highlights of Melbourne Cruise
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3.9/5
· 280 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
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Melbourne 3-Hour Small Group Tour with Beach Boxes
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[Affordable Price for Tomorrow] Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Phillip Island & Penguin Island Day Trip
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4.9/5
· 1.5k reviews· 16.9k booked
Duration: 7 hrs
English
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25 consecutive positive reviews
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Optional Mercedes 599] Melbourne Puffing Billy Railway + Phillip Island 1-day tour
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4.8/5
· 1.2k reviews· 15.7k booked
Duration: 6 hrs
English
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60 consecutive positive reviews
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Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade one-day tour
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4.7/5
· 286 reviews· 1.7k booked
Duration: 6.1 hrs
English
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93.4% of travelers recommend
From€101.25
Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Penguin Island Day Tour [Visit two popular attractions in one day]
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4.6/5
· 187 reviews· 3.1k booked
Duration: 3.5 hrs
English
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90.4% of travelers recommend
5% off
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From€128.35€135.11
Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne
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4.8/5
· 129 reviews· 1.5k booked
Duration: 4.8 hrs
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97.7% of travelers recommend
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Great Ocean Road Classic Sunset Day-Tour [English & Chinese speaking driver/guide & popular spots & air-conditioned bus] in Melbourne
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4.7/5
· 211 reviews· 979 booked
Duration: 8.8 hrs
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27 consecutive positive reviews
From€41.90

Featured Cultural experiences in Docklands

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Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Day Tour [Premium Group | Hotel Transfers]
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Old Melbourne Gaol: Entry Ticket
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Geelong Audio Tour: Maritime Marvels and Heritage Highlights of Geelong
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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20% off
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Melbourne Immigration Museum: Entry Ticket
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Melbourne: MCG & Sports Venue Sightseeing Tour
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3.5 hrs
English
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Melbourne riverside, alleys and coffee culture experience
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Duration: 2.5 hrs
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From€86.60

Free things to do in Docklands

What travelers say about Docklands

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M30***18October 6, 2026
5.0
A fantastic museum experience! The entire exhibition hall was beautifully designed, offering an immersive and interactive experience suitable for people of all ages. It allowed for close-up observation of dinosaur fossils and showcased different periods of Australian culture. I recommend allocating 4 to 5 hours for a visit.

Melbourne Museum

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MandadadadaMay 30, 2023
5.0
Lovely place to walk past on the way to the Melbourne museum. This time of the year, there’s autumn leaves covering the walkways. There is even a small pond with some ducks in the corner. And right in front of the royal exhibition hall, there is a fountain where sometimes you will catch couples taking their wedding photos here.

Carlton Gardens

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Avinash KhanapurMarch 22, 2026
4.0
I have completed summit of various tallest buildings and observatory decks. However Eureka Towers lacks the punch or experience and assuming that I was never designed from a commercial aspects. However being jn CBD, it does offer some spectacular views and photographic opportunities. But challenge always remains that Wearher should support u. The GenZ experiences like EDGE and VR are there but can be much better. Felt they are not value for money.

Melbourne Skydeck

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_TI***ueOctober 5, 2026
5.0
Can see all the native animals at one place. No need to travel to Western Australia to see Quokkas.

Melbourne Zoo

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Anonymous userOctober 3, 2026
5.0
It was such a nice experience to visit the aquarium in Mel! Our girl definitely had lots of fun locating all the residents and stamping them in our booklet. It is quite a big space to see various kinds of fish and sea life.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

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Afroza ranuApril 19, 2025
5.0
The National Gallery of Victoria is an absolute must-visit when in Melbourne! As Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, NGV effortlessly blends history, culture, and creativity under one magnificent roof. From classical masterpieces to bold contemporary installations, every exhibit is thoughtfully curated to spark curiosity and inspiration. One of the highlights was the stunning Great Hall with its dazzling stained-glass ceiling—lying beneath.

National Gallery of Victoria

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蝴蝶飞了November 25, 2024
5.0
The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is one of Australia's most famous botanical gardens. It is located on the banks of the Yarra River south of Melbourne's city center and covers an area of ​​about 38 hectares. The garden is famous for its beautiful natural scenery, diverse flora and tranquil environment. It is an ideal place for local residents and tourists to take a leisurely walk. Scenic features: 1. Diverse plant areas The garden has more than 8,500 species of plants, including native Australian plants and rare plants from all over the world. In particular, the Australian rainforest area and the cactus garden show completely different natural landscapes. 2. Lakes and wetlands The central lake (Ornamental Lake) is the core landscape of the garden. The lake reflects the surrounding trees and sky, providing visitors with a peaceful view. There are seats and paths by the lake, suitable for slow walking and relaxation. 3. Hiking and viewing trails There are many trails in the garden that shuttle through the trees. From the winding trails, you can enjoy the natural landscape from different angles, especially in spring and autumn, when the garden is most colorful. 4. Landscape Architecture and Sculptures There are some exquisite pavilions, stone bridges and sculptures in the garden. These buildings are harmoniously integrated with the natural environment, adding cultural and artistic atmosphere to the scenic area. 5. Bird watching and wildlife The garden is home to many kinds of birds, including black swans, parrots and ducks, making it a paradise for bird watchers. In addition, you can occasionally see traces of kangaroos or possums. 6. Seasonal landscape In spring, the garden is full of flowers, especially the rose garden area, which is fragrant; in autumn, maple trees and deciduous plants present brilliant colors of golden and crimson. Featured activities: • Moonlight Cinema During the summer, visitors can enjoy open-air movies on the lawn and experience the combination of nature and culture. • Guided tours and educational activities The botanical garden provides free or paid guided tours to help visitors better understand plants and their ecological significance. Summary The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is not only a place to appreciate natural beauty, but also a window to experience Australia's unique ecological environment. Whether it's a leisurely walk, a family gathering, or a photography project, this place can bring an unforgettable experience.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens

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lucialuoFebruary 4, 2025
5.0
Free to visit, no, it should be called free admission. The library, which was originally supposed to be a quiet space for reading, is now full of tourists taking photos and checking in! The library is large and beautiful, an old and beautiful building that is well worth a visit!

State Library Victoria

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JourneyyymeMay 25, 2023
4.0
The graffiti street is full of art. It's so cool. There might be homeless people. Overall, I like it a lot. It's a street full of art.

Hosier Ln

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小岛乱子January 29, 2026
5.0
It feels like stepping onto a movie set, with a unique sense of time travel. Especially for movie buffs, it's a must-see when visiting Melbourne. If you're staying in the city center, it's within walking distance. A top choice for independent travelers.

Old Melbourne Gaol

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Docklands?

Don't miss these attractions in Docklands: Melbourne Museum, Carlton Gardens, and Melbourne Skydeck. If you like Day tours, try Highlights of Melbourne Cruise. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Day Tour [Premium Group | Hotel Transfers].

You can give Melbourne Puffing Billy Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley Winery English Day Tour in Australia and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Wine Tasting Half-Day Tour [Round-Trip from City/3 Wineries/Morning or Afternoon Option] a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Highlights of Melbourne Cruise, Melbourne 3-Hour Small Group Tour with Beach Boxes, and [Affordable Price for Tomorrow] Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Phillip Island & Penguin Island Day Trip. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 25, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Docklands is around EUR 41.9 – EUR 128.35. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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