Things to do in Melbourne
Melbourne Eureka Skydeck
SkydeckFeaturing the southern hemisphere’s highest observation deck, the Melbourne Skydeck experience dazzles, entertains and informs through its spectacular and ever-changing views, state-of-the-art virtual and augmented reality technology.
Edge suspends daring guests in a transparent glass cube that projects out from Melbourne Skydeck, leaving them suspended nearly 300-metres above the streets of Melbourne.
Voyager Theatre features 24 award-winning virtual reality ‘pod’ chairs that take guests on an immersive journey of discovery through 16 iconic Melbourne experiences in glorious super high-definition 8K video with 6D sensory immersion.
Edge your way slowly along the Plank – watch out for those pesky pigeons and try not to fall – before taking the plunge and ‘ziplining’ through the parks and streets of Melbourne.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Established in 1846, the Royal Botanic Gardens cover over38 hectares and display a vast and diverse collection of plants from around the world, including rare and threatened species.
The new Arid Garden features more than 3,000 cacti and succulents. Experience the diversity colours, flowers and shapes that these fascinating plants have to offer. Kids’ activities are embedded into the footpaths to encourage visitors of all ages to understand the wonders of these plants and their importance in a warming climate.
The Children’s Garden is a popular attraction, with over 150,000 young visitors each year. Designed as an interactive educational environment, children of all ages and abilities can learn about the natural world as they play and explore.
Other attractions include Guilfoyle’s Volcano, the Melbourne Observatory, the Tropical Glasshouse, Plant Craft Cottage and numerous lakes, islands, and sculptures dotted around the site.
NGV International Museum
NGV International houses a whole world of international art, displaying the National Gallery of Victoria's collections of European, Asian, Oceanic and American art. Since the National Gallery of Victoria opened in St Kilda Road in 1968, the total collection has doubled in size to more than 70,000 works of art. A truly iconic Melbourne building, the gallery has been totally redesigned to house one of the most impressive collections in the Southern Hemisphere.
The NGV offers an extraordinary visual arts experience with diverse temporary exhibitions, collection displays, talks, tours, programs for kids, films, late-night openings and performances.
Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Vic Market provides an authentic shopping experience in the heart of the city. Home to hundreds of small businesses, it's the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere.
As well as a large range of fresh produce, you can shop for specialty cheeses in the Dairy Hall, enjoy a meal at one of the many cafes, or grab a coffee and croissant to go.
The huge range of speciality shopping opens from 9am every Market day and includes locally made art, clothing, homewares, jewellery, skincare, plants, books, pet supplies and flowers.
The market is proudly plastic bag and straw free. But if you forget to bring your own bag or basket, reusable bags are available for purchase. Shopping trolleys are also available for hire.
If you can’t make it to the market, shop online with same-day delivery of fresh produce to more than 150 suburbs. Click and collect is also available.
Melbourne Zoo
All members and visitors must pre-book a ticket online. You will not be able to book tickets at the gate.
Over 300 species of animals can be found in the beautifully landscaped settings of Melbourne Zoo, just minutes from the central city.
Stroll through an Asian village and garden setting to see the majestic Asian elephants. See unique Australian wildlife, encounter sleek Sumatran tigers, watch orangutans swinging through the trees, or submerge in an underwater world to see Victoria’s native penguin species and Australian fur seals.
There are also interactive exhibits where visitors have the chance to learn all about the zoo's animals, the fight to save wildlife from extinction, and what visitors can do to help.
State Library of Victoria
Established in 1854 as the Melbourne Public Library, State Library Victoria is Australia's oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world.A Melbourne landmark and cultural icon, the library is a magnificent 19th-century building with some of the city’s most beautiful heritage interiors. A special highlight is the La Trobe Reading Room, with its majestic octagonal domed ceiling.
The library's collections include Ned Kelly's complete armour, over two million books, hundreds of thousands of pictures, newspapers, maps and manuscripts, and masses of audio, video and digital material - all reflecting the changing face of Victoria over the past 150 years.
The library's green lawn is a popular gathering spot, hosting events and busking performances.
There are permanent and touring exhibitions to explore in the various galleries of the library. Free guided tours are also available.