Things to do in Melbourne
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EDITOR'S PICK
Queen Victoria Market
Chaotic, friendly, multicultural – the Queen Victoria Market is one of the largest open-air markets in the southern hemisphere and the grand dame of all Melbourne markets. Over 600 traders hock their wares here and it’s been pushing trade for more than 125 years. You’ll find everything from perfectly ripe brie to perfectly rank moccasins. An organic corridor in the fruit and vegetable section is stocked with fresh produce grown without a hint of chemicals or pesticides. The bustling night market runs between late November and mid-February.
reviewed
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Balloon Sunrise
Although perhaps not fully awake (the tour leaves before dawn), you’ll certainly feel dreamy floating above the building tops and peering into backyards from a hot-air balloon. This tour includes an hour’s air time, plus a champagne breakfast at the Langham Hotel Melbourne, from where tours depart. Balloons go up every morning (weather permitting) except Christmas and New Year’s Day, though you’ll need to book a few weeks ahead. Children must be over six years old. They also go up in the Yarra Valley.
reviewed
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Great Ocean Road West—Melbourne to Adelaide
5 days (Melbourne to Adelaide)
by G Adventures
This might be a quick trip along the Great Ocean Road—but you’ll never feel rushed. Geared towards budget-conscious travellers looking to hit the highlights of…Not LP reviewed
from USD$599 -
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Seamstress
Start off with a cocktail under a canopy of tiny qipao on the top floor, then make your way downstairs to the dining room for some contemporary Chinese cooking. The food – coconut and roe rice balls, curly-fried snapper or Onkaparinga venison with Szechuan pepper and a Chinese wine reduction – is as delicious as it sounds. The 19th-century warehouse, complete with rickety wooden stairs, is fabulously atmospheric. Their basement bar Sweatshop could be on the cards when you’re done.
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Australia South to North - Melbourne to Darwin
18 days (Melbourne to Darwin)
by G Adventures
You can’t get Down Under through a bus window. If you’re going to get off the tourist track, you’ll have to shake things up a bit—that’s why we’ve turned to…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,799 -
Melbourne to the Red Centre
13 days (Melbourne to Alice Springs)
by G Adventures
If you really want to get Down Under and experience Australia’s highlights without feeling rushed, you’ll have to get off the big coaches. Explore Melbourne…Not LP reviewed
from USD$1,999 -
Bourke Street Mall
West of Swanston St marks the beginning of the Bourke St Mall. The mall is thick with trams, the sounds of Peruvian bands busking, shop-front spruikers and the general hubbub from shoppers. In a 60-year tradition, November to early January sees people lining up (sometimes for hours) to get a peek at the animated displays in Myer's Christmas windows.
reviewed
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Yarra Valley Wineries and Puffing Billy Steam Train Day Tour from Melbourne
9 hours (Departs Melbourne, Australia)
by Viator
Travel through the scenic Yarra Valley and ride the Puffing Billy steam train on a big day trip from Melbourne. The Yarra Valley wine tour takes you through…Not LP reviewed
from USD$151.21 -
Outback to The Great Ocean Road in Style
12 days (Alice Springs to Melbourne)
by G Adventures
The outback...in comfort? Oh, it's possible. This G-Plus trip offers travellers the chance to explore the exotic extremes of contemporary Australia, from its…Not LP reviewed
from USD$2,599 -
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St Paul’s Cathedral
Opposite Federation Square stands the Anglican St Paul’s Cathedral. Services were celebrated on this site from the city’s first days. Built between 1880 and 1891, the present church is the work of distinguished ecclesiastical architect William Butterfield. It was a case of architecture by proxy, as he did not condescend to visit Melbourne, instead sending drawings from England. It features ornate stained-glass windows (made between 1887 and 1890) and holds excellent music programs. In summer it’s open to 6pm daily.
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National Sports Museum
The new National Sports Museum features five permanent exhibitions focusing on Australia’s favourite sports and celebrating historic sporting moments. There are some choice sports fetish objects on display: the handwritten notes used to define the rules of Australian Rules Football in 1859; Bradman’s baggy green cap; olive branches awarded to Edwin Flack, Australia’s first Olympian in 1886; and our Cathy’s infamous Sydney Olympics swift suit. There’s also an interactive area that gets kids trying out their skills.
reviewed
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Yarra Valley Food and Wine Small Group Tour
8 hours (Departs Melbourne, Australia)
by Viator
For all things gourmet with personalized service, join this small group Yarra Valley food and wine tour from Melbourne. Enjoy private wine tastings accompanied…Not LP reviewed
from USD$187.71 -
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Mr Wolf
Local celeb chef Karen Martini’s casual but stylish space is out of the action but always packed to the gills. The pizzas here are renowned (crisp with top quality ingredients) but there’s also a great menu of antipasti and pastas that display her flair for matching ingredients. Don’t let the groove factor put you off taking the kids; they have a couple of special bambini pizzas and lots of kid-friendly desserts. If there are no little ones in tow, the next-door bar is open late.
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M.O.O.
This sumptuous hideaway has the air of an exclusive gentlemen’s club. Overstuffed leather couches, private booths lining the walls and excellent service complete the picture. It’s the perfect place to work your way through a wine list. Its street-level little sister Penny Blue is more of the same décor wise, but with big street-side windows and outdoor seating that suits afternoon imbibing. They spin some great tunes from the dj cage, but the staff can be a little offhand.
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Madame Brussels
Head here if you’ve had it with Melbourne moody and all that dark wood. Although named for a famous 19th-century madam, it feels as though you’ve fallen into a camp ‘60s rabbit hole, with much Astroturfery and staff dressed à la the country club. And just like in a Richard Yates novel, they certainly know their booze. The décor might veer towards the hysterical, but it’s just the tonic on a chilly winter’s day; they even provide lap rugs for the terrace.
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Tasma Terrace
The three-storey, grey-stuccoed terraces comprising Tasma Terrace were built in 1879 and designed by Charles Webb, who also designed the famous Windsor Hotel. These are one of Melbourne’s finest Victorian terrace rows, with exquisite cast-iron verandas and a restrained ecclesiastical air. They are owned by the National Trust – an organisation dedicated to preserving historically significant buildings across the state – which has its offices here.
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Melbourne City Sights Morning Tour with Optional Yarra Cruise
4 to 5 hours (Departs Melbourne, Australia)
by Viator
A Melbourne city morning tour is perfect if your time is limited in Melbourne. You'll see all the major attractions on your 3.5-hour city tour and discover that…Not LP reviewed
from USD$52.14 -
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Spanish Club
Serving the area's Spanish community for over 25 years, the Spanish Club is now hosting bands and DJs between elderly citizens' meetings and salsa dance classes. The back Salon Room is beautiful, complete with fancy patterned carpet, and it's smoke-free. The front bar has good black vinyl booths to drink at, and - if it's Saturday - to eat a Matador Breakfast with Bloody Marys.
A rockin' soundtrack (no Jamiroquai or Moloko, just straight up Johnny Cash, Detroit Cobras etc) is the final touch.
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Jasper
In a city where coffee rivals football as 'the religion', many pray at the temple of Jasper. The smell of roasting beans lures you along Brunswick St and into these mouthwatering environs. Jasper selects the best coffee beans from around the world, with a heavy leaning towards organic and Fair Trade coffee, then roasts and blends them with heavenly results. You can pick up a take-home stash for the week, have a cup and a handmade chocolate in-house or fixate on the coffee machines and accoutrements.
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Australian Ballet
Based in Melbourne and now more than 40 years old, the Australian Ballet performs traditional and new works at the Victorian Arts Centre.
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Melbourne Outlet Shopping Tour
8 hours (Departs Melbourne, Australia)
by Viator
Calling all shopaholics! Enjoy a full day of retail therapy in Melbourne on this outlet shopping tour and discover some of the city's best discounts and…Not LP reviewed
from USD$87.60 Advertisement
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TL Wood
Teresa Liano has styled Melbourne’s best dressed behind the scenes for years. Her luscious label gives women what they really want: the loveliest silks and wools, and cuts that both flatter the female form and subtly demand attention. One of her soft knit scarves will keep you warm for years.The shop, which feels more like a very stylish front room, also has a wonderful range of jewellery by local artisans. There’s also a branch in the city centre.
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Doc
DOC has jumped on the Milanese-led mozzarella bar trend and serves up the milky white balls – your choice of local cow or imported buffala – as entrees, in salads or atop fabulous pizzas. Toppings include creamy broccoli puree and prosciutto, bitter-sweet cicoria (chicory) and lemon, and the litmus-test margherita gets rave reviews. The buffalo milk gelato is a delight or they do dessert pizzas if you’re up for double dough.
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Phillip Island Little Penguins Parade Evening Tour
6 hours (Departs Melbourne, Australia)
by Viator
Take a Phillip Island evening tour from Melbourne and see the heartwarming phenomenon of these little penguins as they emerge from the surf and waddle to the…Not LP reviewed
from USD$114.71 -
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Kanteen
This rare alfresco riverside café morphed from an old ablutions block into a firm neighbourhood favourite (it’s also handy for Herring Island). It supplements its toasted pide selection with interesting breakfast options such as sticky rice with coconut, and lunch specials such as a Japanese-inspired noodle and duck salad. Fab as the location is, the service can be off-puttingly slow; loud commercial chill-out tunes don’t make the wait any easier.
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Aux Batifolles
This French bistro does the trick for both big occasions or simple weeknight dinners. All the standards are here: duck confit, moules frites and steak tartare. Desserts too: crème brûlée and tarte Tartin just the way maman used to make. While you won’t be wowed by culinary innovation, you’ll love the delightful service, careful presentation, hearty serves and very modest prices. Bookings advised.
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