10 Things You Must Do in Melbourne
When it came to all the cities my dad and I visited in Australia, this one was without a doubt my favorite.
This city has a distinct flavor to it: the colorful skylines, booming modernization, lively atmosphere…
Flinder’s Street in Melbourne; January 2019.
Near the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne; January 2019.
Watching the sunset from our hotel room near the South Wharf in Melbourne; January 2019.
Walking back towards the Central Business district in Melbourne; January 2019
… it’s a really special city.
I knew immediately upon landing that we would find ourselves in an exceptional place on Earth.
Landing in Melbourne from Perth; January 2019
Here are some things you should be sure to do while you’re there:
1. Go down to Luna Park
We didn’t go in, but I still wanted to see it. Did you know that the world’s oldest rollercoaster resides at Melbourne’s Luna park?
If you want to do what we did, and just take a glane – there are places to grab a bite nearby. There’s an incredible plant based placed to eat called Matcha Mylk Bar.
Outside Matcha Mylk Bar in Melbourne near Luna Park; January 2019
This is a city for foodies… be sure to eat while you’re here.
Food is a big part of the culture in Melbourne.
Aussies in Melbourne take their coffee very seriously, and at times - artistically.
Matcha burger in Melbourne; January 2019
Vegan Eggs Benedict!
2. Stroll through the Shrine of Remembrance
This park gave off major Central Park vibes with the massive greenery and skyscrapers peeking through the trees.
This view from the Shrine of Remembrance made me think I was in Manhattan’s Central Park, for a second!
3. Explore the South Wharf
The South Wharf in Melbourne; January 2019.
This is near the Central Business District of the city (otherwise, the CBD – what Aussie’s call ‘downtown’), so you’ll be in the middle of all the action here. There are dozens of picturesque bars to have a drink alongside the water here while you take in the skyscrapers still under construction surrounding you.
The South Wharf in Melbourne; January 2019
The South Wharf in Melbourne; January 2019
4. Check out the Arts Centre
Melbourne is the epitome of the adjective, ‘artsy’. Thus, they have several modern art museums to check out…
The skyscrapers in Melbourne are beyond innovative.
… but the best exhibits you’ll see willprobably be free while you’re walking the town.
5. Discover the Awesome Graffiti on Hoiser Lane
I hadn’t heard of this before coming to Melbourne, but I’m sure glad the hotel reception told us to not miss it.
The graffiti on Hoiser Lane in Melbourne; January 2019
Of all the places I’ve been to with well-known graffiti walls (like Tel Aviv and Belfast), this one was by far the coolest and most impressive.
This spray painting of SpongeBob on Hoiser Lane blew me away!
6. Admire the Architecture in City Square
Melbourne does an amazing job of introducing new, modernized buildings while still preserving the old ones. There are still moments when you’ll feel like you’re walking in a European city.
One of those places is in City Square.
City Square in Melbourne; Janaury 2019
7. Buy a Ticket to see the Old Jail
Now, we all know how bored I get when it comes to museums – but this one is interactive. They take you inside and treat you like a prisoner; it’s amusing for all ages.
Outside the Old Melbourne Jail; January 2019.
Not to mention, you’ll have to convince yourself that you’re not wearing technicolor glasses when you witness the skyline that resides outside the exhibit.
View of the rose-colored skyline outside of the Old Melbourne Jail; January 2019.
8. Take a Day Trip to Drive Great Ocean Road
Unfortunately, my dad and I didn’t get the chance to do this on our first trip down under. All of my Aussie friends that are native to Melbourne tell me it’s one of the most gorgeous costal drives in the world.
If you’re there, and like scenic drives, this is probably something you should be putting on your list. I know it’s on mine, for the next time I’m in Melbourne.
9. Explore Docklands
One of the men at our hotel’s reception told us that Melbourne is growing like there’s no tomorrow.
It’s true.
He told me to go down to Docklands and take a picture of the new, funky buildings and all of the current construction so I can compare my photos when I return one day.
Near Docklands in Melbourne; January 2019
Melbourne has the most unique and modernized architecture I have ever seen.
10. Eat at Queen Victoria’s Market
Like I mentioned earlier, it’s compulsory that you eat while you’re in city; they’ve won awards for their coffee and their food.
One of the best places to do this is at Queen Victoria’s Market. If you go in the summertime like I did, it’ll be packed, but it’s absolutely worth seeing.
The views alone from the market will put you in a luminescent trance.
A picture of me happily falling in love with the vibrant nature of Queen Victoria’s Market in Melbourne; January 2019.
Anything you want to eat, is there. My dad and I opted for pierogis and lemonade.
House made lemonade and Polish street food from Queen Victoria’s Market; January 2019.
The market is predominantly food based; but there are still clothes and other pieces of artworks to peruse in the hall.
It’s the perfect place to get a non-touristy Aussie souvenir – I bought a koala t-shirt that reminds me of my trip every time I wear it.
I hope this gave you an idea of things you should do while you’re in Melbourne. If you’re looking for other things to do in Australia; click here.