The 5 Best Things to Do in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is a cosmopolitan hub renowned for its artistic tendencies. Home to the oldest public art museum in Australia, a vibrant collection of street art and exceptional cafes, this city has a lot to offer its visitors. There’s only one catch…

With so many exciting and varied places to explore, it’s hard to decide on what to do or where to start! As is often the way with large cities, you can find yourself feeling confused and inundated with recommendations. But don’t worry, I’m here to help. This roundup details the best things to see and do in this bustling, cultured part of Australia. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in.

Visit the Eureka Skydeck

The 108th tallest tower in the world and a popular attraction for tourists. Walking into the ground floor may not seem overly impressive, but the breathtaking speed of the lift is a different story altogether. It whizzes you up to the observation deck in a matter of seconds.

The observation deck is on the 88th floor and provides spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Granted, it’s not hugely unique as many cities have glass observation attractions nowadays, but what better way to get your bearings in an unfamiliar part of the world.

We were advised to visit once it was dark outside, as this shows the city lights at their finest. My advice? Head up there a little before sundown and watch the world transform from day to night, right before your eyes.

Spend an Afternoon at The Botanic Gardens

Mike and I have wandered around many a public garden in our time and I can honestly say that the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne are the best of all.

Vibrant, luscious and large, you won’t regret visiting this gorgeous sliver of Melbourne. Complete with a rose garden, glistening lakes and plenty of lunch locations; these gardens are the perfect way to spend a day in the city, without feeling like you’re in the city at all. The gardens are so peaceful and there are plenty of corners for you to hide away in. Or – if you prefer a little more action – embark upon a boat ride across one of the lakes.

We enjoyed a whole afternoon here taking in the views, reading and basking in the Australian sunshine. We even spotted a wedding taking place and spent a while observing the guests as they enjoyed the picturesque surroundings. The air filled with the hum of excitable energy and all the makings of a perfect day ready to unfold before them. It was so beautiful, I almost had to stop myself from masquerading as one of them!

Dine at Chin Chin

A South-East Asian delight! Almost everyone we spoke to for dining recommendations strongly advised that we visit Chin Chin Melbourne. Though nobody could pinpoint exactly what the unique appeal of this restaurant was. Naturally, we decided to see for ourselves.

We arrived at the restaurant at around 6 pm and had a 30-minute wait before even getting through the threshold. Upon entry, we were greeted by a very enthusiastic host who took our names and told us the wait would be around an hour. We were prepared for this – and so should you be if you intend on visiting. It’s extremely popular and you aren’t able to book a table in advance.

Fortunately, they considered the consumer and built a vibrant gogo bar downstairs, to indulge in whilst you wait. In fact, we had such a nice time downstairs with a bottle of bubbly that we would have happily stayed downstairs a while longer. The bar has a great atmosphere – it’s lively, but not hectic. Plus, there are plenty of seats.

When the time does come to head up to your table, you will be presented with an impressive menu. The concept of the whole establishment is ‘social’, so most of the dishes are designed for sharing. With this in mind, it’s best to just dive on in and take your pick, mixing and matching as you go. I strongly suggest ordering the butter chicken, it is mouthwateringly divine and I’m craving it again even as I write this.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by @chinchin on Aug 4, 2018 at 7:16pm PDT

Sorry, I was too busy eating to take my own photos here 😉

Drive to St Kilda

This one isn’t strictly in Melbourne, but I won’t tell if you don’t! If you’re interested in a pleasant change of pace, I urge you to take a 15-minute drive over to St Kilda.

If you’re an animal lover, the best time to go is late afternoon/early evening. Why? Because shortly after sundown, dozens of little penguins hop up onto the pier. You can watch them waddle around and explore the boardwalk – it’s utterly adorable.

Please be mindful that these sweet little creatures are frightened of camera flashes. The below image features one brave stray that ventured closer to civilization. It isn’t an amazing picture as I didn’t want to panic him, but it gives you an idea of what’s in store.

Visiting St Kilda is a lovely way to spend an evening, provided you’re a penguin fan. And if you’re not? There are plenty of eateries that you can enjoy, following a day at the beach.

Brunch at SOS Cafe

The ultimate brunch spot in South Yarra; a bold statement considering how many brunch spots can be found here.

A very relaxed but vibey place, where everything is presented with the utmost attention to detail. Plus, you can dine al fresco. They have so many delicious options on offer, I could happily go back every day to sample everything they offer! From breakfast smoothies to eggs galore, you can’t really go wrong.

I hope that this article has inspired you to visit Melbourne! If you have any questions or have your own recommendations to suggest, please feel free to share these in the comments section below. 

Read More About Australia:

• The best places to visit in Australia: East Coast
• Complete guide to sailing The Whitsundays
• What to see and do in Wollongong, Australia
• What to see and do in Mallacoota, Croajingolong National Park

Pin this post for later: