Melbourne, the second-largest city in Australia, overflows with first-rate attractions.
When you’re coming up with you travel itinerary, Melbourne is one place you shouldn’t forget.
It’s a destination that has it all — from cultural and architectural highlights to amazing outdoor locations. Here’s our subjective list of the top attractions in Melbourne and nearby locations:
City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram is a fantastic way for a newcomer to get the lay of the land or for Melbourne veterans to just get around and enjoy the sights.
In the Central Business District, the circular route goes clockwise and counterclockwise, rides past many of the major tourist attractions, has unlimited hop-on, hop-off service — and is free!
Federation Square
New York City has Times Square. Melbourne has Federation Square. It’s only been open since 2002, but it’s already emerged as a key focal point for residents and visitors who are out for sun, fun and food.
Centrally located, you can enjoy cutting-edge art, plenty of restaurants and bars, numerous special events and lots of people-watching. It’s also within walking distance of other key attractions such as Eureka Tower (see below). (Corner of Flinders and Swanston streets, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000; +61 03 9655 1900)
Royal Botanic Gardens
A gathering spot for tourists and residents alike, you’ll find more than 8,500 types of plants from around the globe at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Plan your visit and book walking tours of Ornamental Lake, learn about the effects of climate change and more. Or you can just arrive spur of the moment and bask in the beauty.
Have children with you? Then the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden is a popular stop at the gardens, and the Aboriginal Heritage Walk lets you see the land through the eyes of the original inhabitants. (Birdwood Ave, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia; +61 3 9252 2300)
National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria is a two-for-one kind of deal. It’s composed of two buildings within a short walk of each other.
As its name implies, NGV International (180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3006, Australia; +61 3 8620 2222 ) has art from around the world. while the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia (Federation Square, Flinders and Russell streets, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia; +61 3 8620 2222) keeps it all in-country.
Either or both will make for a delightful interlude for art lovers, especially on a rainy day.
State Library Victoria
This visit isn’t really about checking out books — it’s about checking out the magnificent structure that holds those books.
The State Library Victoria is housed in a stunning 19th-century building, and the La Trobe Reading Room, with its white domed ceiling, is a must-see.
The library also displays permanent and temporary art exhibits. (328 Swanston St., Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia; +61 3 8664 7000)
Mjølner Melbourne
This isn’t a restaurant list, but sometimes, a place to eat becomes an attraction in itself. And that’s the case with Mjølner Melbourne, which comes with a Thor/Viking theme.
The dark-lit spaces of the restaurant mix traditional Norse elements with a 21st century vibe, and the menu is heavy on meats. (106 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia; +61 3 8393 9367)
Melbourne Zoo
It’s hard to top seeing creatures out in the wild, but if a deep trip into the Outback isn’t in the cards for you, the well-regarded Melbourne Zoo can help fill your animal void.
Besides the popular native kangaroos, koalas, kangaroos and emus you’d expect from an Australian zoo, you can see elephants from Asia, lemurs from Madagascar and Sumatran tigers along with other far-flung animals. (Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia; +61 1300 966 784)
