Things to do in Melbourne
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Melbourne
Melbourne Museum
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 · 539m from downtown
Penguin Parade
The penguin parade is located at Summerland Beach on the southwestern tip of Phillip Island, serving as the signature attraction of Phillip Island Nature Park. It occurs daily around sunset: groups of little blue penguins return ashore on the waves after a day of foraging at sea, first gathering in shallow waters and peering around before waddling across the beach along fixed routes to their dune burrows. Spectators can observe this natural "mini parade" up close from viewing stands and boardwalks, often with penguins passing just steps away. The island is home to tens of thousands of little blue penguins. With blue feathers on their backs and snow-white bellies, they stand just over 30 cm tall and weigh approx. one kg when fully grown. Their round bodies and waddling gait make them utterly endearing. They spend their days foraging at sea and return to their nests in groups after dusk, following nearly identical round-trip routes between the ocean and their burrows generation after generation. On-site, you can hear their overlapping calls. There are a few points to note when observing: The eyes of little penguins are highly sensitive to light, so cameras or video recorders are not allowed on site, and quiet waiting is necessary to avoid disturbing them; after sunset, the seaside becomes windy and chilly, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring warm outerwear and arrive early to wait for the penguins to come ashore. This spectacle occurs year-round, with the southern hemisphere's spring and summer seasons (approximately August to February each year) coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin shore arrivals and nest activity become more frequent, typically creating livelier scenes. △ The little penguins leave the island to forage at sea during the day and return to their coastal nests in groups to rest at night. △ These little penguins are the smallest in the world, not only tiny in size but also very timid. Please avoid using flash to prevent irritating their eyes. △ The Penguin Parade can be observed year-round, with warmer weather from September to January coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin activity becomes more frequent, making it an ideal time for viewing.Summerlands · 78.7 km from Melbourne
Puffing Billy Railway
Puffing Billy Railway is an experimental narrow-gauge railway built at the turn of the 20th century. It is a historic steam train in Australia and one of the best-preserved steam train railways in the world. The train itinerary is 24 km,Along the way from Belgrave to the Dandenong Ranges, the journey passes through beautiful forests and fern-filled gullies. The open-sided carriages allow passengers to enjoy the scenic views, such as the famous landmark of the Puffing Billy Railway, the Monbulk Creek trestle bridge. Additionally, there are many stations along the route where passengers can disembark and explore. △ Ride a century-old steam train △ Breathe fresh air and enjoy the lush natural scenery along the way △ Putting legs outside the train car feels like traveling back to the 20th centuryBelgrave · 330m from downtown
Carlton Gardens
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 · 703m from downtown
Melbourne Skydeck
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 · 1.1 km from downtown
Melbourne Zoo
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 · 1.2 km from downtown
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
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 · 850m from downtown
Sovereign Hill
Sovereign Hill is an open-air museum located on the Ballarat goldfields, recreating the original appearance of a gold rush town during the first decade after gold was discovered in 1851. Walking into the park, the gravel-paved main street is lined with bakeries, candy stores, blacksmith shops, candle workshops, and old-fashioned photo studios, where staff in period costumes move about, and horse-drawn carriages occasionally pass by, transporting visitors back to the gold rush era of the 1850s. The signature experience here is gold panning: carefully sifting through creek water with a pan, and with luck, you might take home tiny gold flakes. The underground tunnels of Red Hill Mine recount the story of miners discovering the "Welcome Nugget," a gold nugget weighing nearly 70 kg. In the gold melting workshop, staff pour molten gold into bars on the spot—a truly impressive sight. The red-coated soldiers' musket-firing demonstrations along the main street and the handmade raspberry hard candy process in the candy workshop are year-round highlights. After dark, visitors can enjoy the AURA sound and light show, which tells the legend of gold. The park is spacious with many activities, so it's recommended to set aside most of a day for a leisurely visit. The main street has gravel paths, so wearing comfortable shoes is advisable. Gold panning, vintage photos, and carriage rides are particularly popular, so it's best to prioritize these upon arrival. △ It feels like traveling back to the gold rush era of the 1850s △ Observe the candy-making process up close △ Listen to the stories of the red-coated guards on Main StreetAustralia · Golden Point
Twelve Apostles
Twelve Apostles stand in Australia inthe Great Ocean Road-adjacent Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria), and are the product of the Southern Ocean's waves and strong winds eroding limestone cliffs over tens of millions of years. Seawater carved caves into the cliff face, the caves widened into arches, and when the arches collapsed, they formed isolated stacks that broke away from the coast, some reaching approx. 45 m in height. These stacks were named Twelve Apostles in the 1950s—although only nine remained at the time. The name comes from Jesus' twelve apostles in the Bible, but there were never actually twelve stacks. The waves erode the limestone at approx. 2 cm per year. Stacks collapsed under wave erosion in 2005 and 2009, and this geological process is ongoing. Wooden boardwalk viewing platforms run along the cliff, allowing visitors to walk out and overlook the stacks and the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. At sunset, the setting sun turns the stacks golden, making it one of the classic scenes along theGreat Ocean Road.Australia · Princetown
Phillip Island
Phillip Island, also known as Penguin Island, is located at the entrance of Western Port Bay in southern Victoria, Australia. It is a true wildlife paradise where you can see koalas, kangaroos, penguins, seals, and many other wild animals. △ The Penguin Parade is one of the most popular attractions on Phillip Island. Here, you can hear the "huffing" sounds of the penguins up close and watch the little penguins waddle from the sea back to their burrows on land. △ Panny's Chocolate Factory is a fun and delicious attraction on Phillip Island, perfect for a family visit. You can watch the chocolate-making process and purchase them as souvenirs. △ Phillip Island Wildlife Park is home to many native species, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, and various birds. Visitors can observe these animals up close, feed kangaroos, and take photos with koalas.Ventnor · 78 km from Melbourne
Experiences you can't miss in Melbourne
Featured Day tours in Melbourne
View all Day tours![[Affordable Price for Tomorrow] Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Phillip Island & Penguin Island Day Trip](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0353412000owxc2zf0430_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
4.9/5
· 1.5k reviews· 16.9k bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
97% of travelers recommend
FromQAR 359.78
4.8/5
· 994 reviews· 9.5k bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
100 consecutive positive reviews
FromQAR 75.34
![Optional Mercedes 599] Melbourne Puffing Billy Railway + Phillip Island 1-day tour](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0357212000o1yn9qiBC78_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
4.8/5
· 1.2k reviews· 15.7k bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
54 consecutive positive reviews
FromQAR 370.70
![Great Ocean Road Classic Sunset Day-Tour [English & Chinese speaking driver/guide & popular spots & air-conditioned bus] in Melbourne](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0350d12000n9i366n638B_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
4.7/5
· 211 reviews· 980 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
27 consecutive positive reviews
FromQAR 170.80
![12 apostles 90 minutes/no backlight] Melbourne Great Ocean Walk + Twelve Apostles 1-day tour](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0350j12000s9azdr660DC_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
4.8/5
· 1.5k reviews· 19.2k bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
95.9% of travelers recommend
FromQAR 92.27
4.9/5
· 124 reviews· 1.5k bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
97.6% of travelers recommend
FromQAR 294.27
4.8/5
· 366 reviews· 2.7k bookedFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
94.8% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 112.03QAR 117.93
4.7/5
· 286 reviews· 1.7k bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
93.4% of travelers recommend
FromQAR 412.75
Featured Cultural experiences in Melbourne
View all Cultural experiences![Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Day Tour [Premium Group | Hotel Transfers]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0585q12000qbrn17h4DF9_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
5.0/5
· 3 reviews· 36 bookedFree cancellation
FromQAR 505.00
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 291.06QAR 306.38
FromQAR 426.99
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromQAR 205.62
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromQAR 363.97
FromQAR 273.27
Featured Food & drink in Melbourne
View all Food & drink
5.0/5
· 1 reviewFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromQAR 485.29
![Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Wine Tasting Half-Day Tour [Round-Trip from City/3 Wineries/Morning or Afternoon Option]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0351w12000raydou98B41_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
![Yarra Valley Gourmet Tour in Australia [Rochford Winery Visit & Tasting + Lunch at Deer Lane Winery]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0351v12000pe5qrrb1282_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
FromQAR 538.00
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromQAR 862.59
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromQAR 398.34QAR 419.31
4.8/5
· 4 reviewsFree cancellation
92 travelers saved
FromQAR 455.45
![Melbourne Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery wine tasting 1-day tour [quality English group | cheese & chocolate tasting]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0355312000r67p2n90976_C_568_320.png?_fr=wc)
More things to do
Private Tours in Melbourne
View More Private Tours in Melbourne
Group Tours in Melbourne
View More Group Tours in Melbourne
Free things to do in Melbourne
Carlton Gardens
Carlton · 703m from downtownTwelve Apostles
Australia · PrincetownPhillip Island
Ventnor · 78 km from Melbourne
National Gallery of Victoria
Southbank · 1.3 km from downtown
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens
Melbourne · 2.3 km from downtown
State Library Victoria
Melbourne · 523m from downtown
Hosier Ln
Melbourne · 582m from downtown
Yarra River
Southbank · 1.4 km from downtown
Brighton beach
Brighton · 2 km from downtown
St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne
Melbourne · 505m from downtown
What travelers say about Melbourne
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
_FB***61October 1, 2026
5.0
Loved watching a group of little penguins head home! It was so sweet seeing them waddle and shake their tails
Penguin Parade
Anonymous userJune 6, 2026
5.0
Long train ride outside of the city. Surrounding Great nature. Worth to visit
Puffing Billy Railway
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
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
_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
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
M10***60October 4, 2026
5.0
You can experience riding a mine cart down the mine shaft, with a 45-minute guided tour, which is quite a novel experience. Overall, it's pretty good! However, considering the two-hour drive and ticket price, the value for money isn't very high, so it's not a must-see attraction. If you're short on time, you can skip it; if you have more time, it's still a great option!
Sovereign Hill
JaymeLeeJanuary 28, 2025
4.0
Amazing viewing point! make sure you check out the beach and also the viewing deck. facilities are well taken care of and large parking lot
Twelve Apostles
谢颖华October 24, 2025
5.0
It's actually not bad. There are a lot of people, and I really followed the online suggestions and bought ordinary seats. There is no need to buy too good seats. They will be close to each other anyway. Overall, this trip is worth experiencing.
Phillip Island
