Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city, is a popular destination for independent travelers due to its history, attractions, and food scene. But what are the must-see places in Melbourne, and what attractions do we recommend?
Today, we're sharing 15 top attractions in Melbourne's city center, all of which are easily accessible by tram or on foot. We've also included a map of these attractions to help make your trip planning even smoother!
1. Royal Exhibition Building
The Royal Exhibition Building is Melbourne's first UNESCO World Heritage-listed structure and the last 19th-century exhibition building in the world. Visitors can tour the building even when no exhibitions are on, and nearby attractions like Carlton Gardens and Museums Victoria are also highly recommended for a weekend getaway.
◎ Address: Royal Exhibition Building, Nicholson Street, Carlton
◎ Admission: Adults $10; Children $7
◎ Transportation: Take tram 86 or 96 to Melbourne Museum/Nicholson St 11 stop (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Recommended itinerary: Guided half-day tour | Melbourne city tour | Museum discount tickets
◎ Official website: Royal Exhibition Building
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
2. Queen Victoria Market (QVM)
If you love browsing local markets, don't miss the Queen Victoria Market, the third-largest and largest open-air market in the southern hemisphere, covering 7 hectares. Operating since the 19th century, visitors can buy seafood, meat, produce, clothing, and souvenirs. Special night market events are held during specific summer and winter days, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists.
◎ Address: Queen Victoria Market, Queen Street, Melbourne
◎ Transportation: Take tram 58 to Queen Victoria Market stop (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Recommended itinerary: Guided half-day tour | Melbourne city tour | Half-day food tour | City half-day tour
◎ Official website: Queen Victoria Market
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
3. Melbourne Zoo
A trip to Australia wouldn't be complete without seeing koalas and kangaroos! Melbourne Zoo, Australia's oldest zoo, opened in 1862 and houses over 320 species of animals from Australia and around the world. Together with Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo, they make up Melbourne's three major zoos. Animal lovers shouldn't miss this attraction!
◎ Address: Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Ave, Parkville
◎ Admission: Adults $38; Children aged 4-15 $19 on weekdays, free on weekends; children under 3 free
◎ Transportation: Take tram 58 to Melbourne Zoo/Royal Park (Stop 26) (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Money-saving tips: Discounted tickets | Discounted tickets 2 | Kangaroo interactive experience
◎ Official website: Melbourne Zoo
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
4. Melbourne Central
Melbourne Central is a shopping center integrated with a train station, featuring various restaurants, cinemas, electronics stores, and souvenir shops. The building's most striking features are its 50-meter-tall former shot tower, Coop's Shot Tower, and the world's largest marionette fob watch weighing 2,000 kg. Visitors can also join free Melbourne Central Mall tours for a deeper understanding of the site's history and development.
◎ Address: Melbourne Central, Swanston Street, Melbourne
◎ Transportation: Take the blue line train to Melbourne Central Station or trams 1/5/6/16 to Melbourne Central Station (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Official website: Melbourne Central
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
5. Flinders Street Railway Station
Flinders Street Railway Station, also known as Flinders Street Station, is a must-visit attraction for many visitors to Melbourne's city center. As Australia's oldest and busiest railway station, it is surrounded by 4 of Melbourne's most famous landmarks: Flinders Street Railway Station itself, St. Paul's Cathedral, Federation Square, and Young & Jackson Bar. This area has become a must-visit spot for tourists!
◎ Address: Flinders Street Railway Station, Flinders Street, Melbourne
◎ Transportation: Take the blue or purple line train to Flinders Street Station or trams 1/5/6/64 to Federation Square/Swanston St stop (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Recommended itinerary: Guided half-day tour | Melbourne city tour | 4-day food tour
◎ Official websites: Federation Square | St Paul’s Cathedral
◎ Nearby accommodations: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
6. SEA LIFE Melbourne
Similar to the "Sydney Aquarium", Melbourne's city center has its own "SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium," which houses over 10,000 marine species, including sharks and saltwater crocodiles. The aquarium features the world's largest "circular oceanarium" in its center, making it an ideal destination for families!
◎ Address: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, King Street, Melbourne
◎ Admission: Adults $42; Children $22.4
◎ Transportation: Take tram 35/70/75 to Melbourne Aquarium stop (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Money-saving tips: Discounted tickets｜Discounted tickets 2｜Legoland Discovery Centre & Aquarium Combo｜Shark Dive Experience
◎ Official website: SEA LIFE Melbourne
◎ Nearby accommodation: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
7. State Library Victoria
A library as a tourist attraction? Yes, the "State Library Victoria" is quite unique, being Australia's oldest and the world's first free public library. In addition to its beautiful architecture and extensive collection, the library also displays many local historical artifacts, attracting over two million visitors annually. Don't miss out!
◎ Address: State Library Victoria, Swanston Street, Melbourne
◎ Transportation: Take trams 1/5/6/64 to Melbourne Central Station / State Library of Victoria stop (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Official website: State Library Victoria
◎ Nearby accommodation: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
8. Eureka Skydeck 88
Located on the 88th floor of the "Eureka Tower" in Melbourne's city center, the "Eureka Skydeck 88" is the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere. Visitors can also experience the fastest elevator in the Southern Hemisphere and the world's only "transparent glass room (Eureka Tower The Edge)" suspended outside the building. With a complete view of Melbourne's cityscape, it's a must-visit for those who love taking photos and sightseeing!
◎ Address: Eureka Skydeck, Riverside Quay, Southbank
◎ Admission: Adults $25; Children aged 4-16 $16.5; Family (2 adults, 2 children) $75
◎ Transportation: Take a train or tram to Flinders Street Train Station and walk for about 5 minutes (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Money-saving tips: Discounted tickets｜Discounted tickets 2｜Skydeck & City Tour Combo
◎ Official website: Eureka Skydeck
◎ Nearby accommodation: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
(From the observation deck, you can see various Melbourne city attractions, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Flinders Street Station, and even far-off places like Albert Park Central Lake, Phillip Bay, and the Dandenong Ranges)
9. The Shrine of Remembrance
Located within Kings Domain, the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne serves as a museum honoring the 110,000 Victorians who lost their lives during World War I. As Australia's largest war memorial, it is built in a classical Greek style. Visitors can learn about Australian war history and take in panoramic city views from the top. If time permits, consider a visit to the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria to experience the relaxed pace of local life.
◎ Address: Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne
◎ Admission: Free
◎ Transportation: Take trams 5/6/16/64 to Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Rd (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Recommended itineraries: City half-day tour | Guided half-day tour
◎ Official website: The Shrine of Remembrance
◎ Nearby accommodation: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
(Special commemorative events are held at the Shrine of Remembrance on ANZAC Day (4/25) and Remembrance Day (11/11) each year. If you're visiting during these times, consider scheduling your trip accordingly.)
10. National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
The National Gallery of Victoria is Australia's oldest, largest, and most visited art gallery. It comprises the International Gallery and the Australian Gallery, which showcase art from various countries and local works, respectively. The International Gallery is highly recommended, where you can view numerous precious exhibits. If you enjoy such attractions, consider visiting the nearby Arts Centre Melbourne for a deeper appreciation of the city's art scene.
◎ Address: National Gallery of Victoria, St Kilda Rd, Melbourne
◎ Admission: Permanent exhibitions are free
◎ Transportation: Take trams 1/5/6 to Arts Precinct/St Kilda Rd (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Money-saving tips: Exhibition discount tickets
◎ Official website: National Gallery of Victoria
◎ Nearby accommodation: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
11. Chinatown Melbourne
Many Australian cities have Chinatowns, but Melbourne's is the oldest, dating back to the Gold Rush era. It has been named one of the world's best Chinatowns by CNN. Today, there are numerous Asian restaurants, clothing stores, and supermarkets operating here. If you miss hometown cuisine while abroad, why not visit this attraction?
◎ Address: Chinatown, Little Bourke Street, Melbourne
◎ Transportation: Take trams 86/96 to Russell St-Stop 7, then walk (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Official website: Chinatown Melbourne
◎ Nearby accommodation: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
12. Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
As one of the four giant observation wheels in the world, the Melbourne Star stands out as the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. With 21 spacious cabins, the wheel can accommodate around 20 visitors at a time, offering a 360-degree view of Melbourne's cityscape and suburbs. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Mount Macedon and the Dandenong Ranges, taking in the stunning scenery!
◎ Address: Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, The District Docklands
◎ Ticket prices: Adults $27; Children (5-15 years) $16.5
◎ Transportation: Take bus 220 to Moonee Ponds Creek or trams 35/70/86 to NewQuay Prom/Docklands Dr and walk for 5 minutes (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Money-saving tips: Discount e-tickets | Discount tickets 2
◎ Official website: Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
◎ Nearby accommodation: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
13. Hosier Lane
Melbourne, known as "Australia's Art Capital," is famous for its vibrant street art, which has become an integral part of the city's identity. Hosier Lane is a renowned "Graffiti Alley" much like Union Lane and ACDC Lane in the city center. Many international and local artists regularly update their artwork here, making it a must-visit photo spot for tourists!
◎ Address: Hosier Lane, Melbourne VIC
◎ Transportation: Take trams 35/70/75 to Russell St/Flinders St station (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Official website: Hosier Lane
◎ Nearby accommodation: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
14. Crown Melbourne
Although not exactly a "sightseeing spot," the Crown Melbourne, located along the Yarra River, is an entertainment complex that houses upscale restaurants, hotels, bars, casinos, and shopping centers. If you want to experience Australian casino culture, this is the place to be!
◎ Address: Crown Towers Melbourne, Whiteman Street, Southbank
◎ Transportation: Take trams 12/96/109 to Casino/MCEC/Clarendon St station (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Official website: Crown Melbourne
◎ Nearby accommodation: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
15. Melbourne Park
Known as the "Garden State" of Australia, Melbourne is home to numerous beautiful parks, such as Kings Park, Fitzroy Gardens, and Flagstaff Gardens, where locals go to relax. Melbourne Park is a special place as it hosts the world-famous Australian Open tennis tournament. While attending the event, visitors are encouraged to explore the picturesque park as well!
◎ Address: Melbourne Park, Melbourne VIC
◎ Transportation: Take tram 70 to Rod Laver Arena/Melbourne Park station (Find Car Hire Deals | Car Rental in Australia)
◎ Recommended activities: City half-day tour | Sports arena tour
◎ Official website: Melbourne Park
◎ Nearby accommodation: Booking | Agoda | Hotels | Expedia (Compare & Save)
(Melbourne Park also features various sports venues, hosting events such as ice-skating, cycling, swimming, and car racing [Photo by annieb via Wikimedia Common])
Melbourne Attractions Map
Lastly, I've compiled a Google Map containing the top 15 recommended Melbourne city attractions and other surrounding and island sights, complete with basic travel information. Feel free to toggle the layers, save, and share the map as needed.
Link: Melbourne, Australia Attractions Map
The above introduction highlights some of the top attractions in Melbourne's city center, but there are many more worth visiting, such as the Royal Arcade, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Parliament House, Immigration Museum, and Old Melbourne Gaol. Strolling through Melbourne's city center is a true pleasure, and you'll continually discover delightful surprises!