TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN MELBOURNE
Below is a list of places to visit in Melbourne.These sight are all accessible via travel on the free Tourist Shuttle bus or City Circle Tram. At each stop there are many more places to visit. Melbourne is such an interesting city with so much history.
FREE Tourist Shuttle bus and City Circle Tram
Tourist Shuttle Stop 1. – Arts Precinct
NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA (NGV)
This an important place to visit in Melbourne as it currently features the European Masters’ Stadel Collection. This exhibition is exclusive to the NGV, on loan from the Stadel Museum in Frankfurt, Germany. It features work from artists such as Monet, Cezanne, Picasso and Munch. This is only a short walk from Flinders Street Station across the Princes Bridge.
Melbourne Arts Centre Melbourne City
The Arts Centre has an unusual spire and is next door to the NGV. The Arts Centre’s major exhibition space is in Gallery 1, which is adjacent to the St Kilda Road entrance. The Gallery features exhibitions that complement the Arts Centre Performance program.
The Princes Bridge crosses the famous Yarra River in Central Melbourne (just across from Flinders Street Railway Station) on route to the National Gallery of Victoria. This historic bridge was built in 1888 on the site of one of the oldest river crossings in Australia. The Princes Bridge has often been a focal point for big events in Melbourne, such as the Moomba Festival and New Years Eve Celebrations.
Tourist Shuttle Stop 2. Federation Square
Wonder about the unusual designs and interesting architecture of the buildings in Federation Square. It is home to the Melbourne Visitor Centre, the ACMI – Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the Ian Potter Centre, which showcases over 20 galleries housed within a spectacular architectural complex, includes ABBA World memorabilia. Guided tours daily at 11am.
Places to visit Melbourne. The ABBA Building in Federation Square Melbourne City
Tourist Shuttle Stop 3. Sports Precinct
National Sports Museum: A must for sports lovers, the National Sports Museum showcases the great moments in Australia’s sporting history.Tours at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Gate 3. Daily 10am-5pm. Cost: Adults $15, Con: $11, Child $8, Family: $50. Cost: (combined MCG/NSM tour ticket Adult $30, Con:$20,Family $60).
The Rod Laver Arena and Olympic Park are also popular venues. Tennis World has guided tours Monday-Friday 11.30am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm. Weekends 11.30am and 1.00pm. Cost: Adults $14. Concession/Seniors $10.00. Children $6. Family $28.
Cooks’ Cottage and Fitzroy Gardens: Find out why Cook’s Cottage is in Melbourne? Enjoy the latest floral exhibition in the Conservatory and stroll through the formal gardens. Tours daily from 9am to 5pm. Cost $2.30-$4.50.
Tourist Shuttle Stop 4. Chinatown Precinct
Chinatown on Little Bourke Street: The Australia’s National Chinese Museum re-opened to the public on Sunday 29 August, 2010 after an $1.2m upgrade. Chinatown is a fascinating place to visit in Melbourne with a wonderful variety of Chinese restaurants and shops.
At this precinct you will also find architectural icons of Melbourne’s Theatrical heart, such as Her Majesty’s Theatre, the Princess and Comedy Theatres.
Tourist Shuttle Stop 5. – Melbourne Museum – TITANIC. The Artifact Exhibition
A must see event! Visit The Melbourne Museum to see the much feted TITANIC. The Artifact Exhibition . It is only on until 17 October 2010. It is a very moving exhibition. Don’t miss it.
Put this first on your list of places to visit in Melbourne.
Tip: Book on line for this exhibition if you can, otherwise you could have to wait a couple of hours to see it.
The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens are next door to the Melbourne Museum. They are both listed on the World Heritage List.The Royal Exhibition Building was built in 1879 for Melbourne’s first International Exhibition. It has a magnificent interior and at times tours are available. Booking inquiries are through the Melbourne Museum.
The magnificent Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton Gardens.
Tourist Shuttle Stop 6. Lygon Street Precinct.
This Precinct in Carlton is the historic heart of Melbourne’s Italian community. This area is also renowned for La Mama and the Carlton Courthouse theatres.
Tourist Shuttle Stop 7. University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a public university founded in 1843. It is the second oldest university in Australia, and the oldest in Victoria. It has its own museums, galleries and is also home to the Ian Potter Museum of Art.
Tourist Shuttle Stop 8. – Queen Victoria Markets
Queen Victoria Markets are one of the most popular places to visit in Melbourne. It is a very old established market first started in 1878, now covering seven hectares. It has an amazing array of fresh fruit and vegetables, freshly ground coffee, delicious home made Pesto, cheeses, fresh fish and meat. Clothing, toys, souvenirs and everything else you could wish for.
Tourist Shuttle Stop 9. Waterfront City, Docklands
Waterfront attractions include Icehouse which has two Olympic-sized rinks. Harbour Town is a shopping precinct. The Waterfront City Marina is also located here. New Quay has a host of restaurants and bars for dining and relaxation.
Tourist Shuttle Stop 10. Docklands Stadium & Victoria Harbour
View the Docklands Stadium (now Etihad Stadium) host to many sporting events and concerts. Dockland Park has a playground for children with free barbeques and picnic area.
Tourist Shuttle Stop 11. William Street – Melbourne Aquarium
Explore the underwater world of the Melbourne Aquarium. Visit the Immigration Museum or the Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre. The Law Courts, Supreme Courts and County Court as well as the ANZ Gothic Bank are in this precinct.
Eureka Tower from Princes Bridge with happy tourists
Tourist Shuttle Stop 12. – The Eureka Skydeck88 – Southbank & Yarra River
The Eureka building is 984.3ft or 300 metres in height. Skydeck88 is the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere. The viewfinders inside the Skydeck pinpoint the different historical and cultural locations of Melbourne. If you’re a visitor, this would assist greatly in getting your bearings on the best places to visit.
Tourist Shuttle Stop 13. The Shrine, Royal Botanic Gardens and Sydney Myer Music Bowl.
Shrine of Remembrance. Dedicated in 1934, this is Melbourne’s and Victoria’s war memorial. A remembrance service is held in the Sanctuary every half hour. Open 1o-am-5pm daily (except Good Friday & Christmas Day). Guided tours daily 11am & 2pm. Admission free.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne is well worth a visit with attractive vistas and native bird-life. Government House and La Trobe’s Cottage are nearby. In the near vicinity are the formal park lands of King’s Domain and the Sidney Myer Music Bowl.
Which all just goes to prove you can have a great time with so many places to visit in Melbourne, despite the Melbourne weather.
Refer my post on the
Melbourne City tours & cheapest travel around CBD.
About Lyn
The ABBA Building looks amazing.
Hi! Yes, the Abba Building is one not to be missed, especially if you are an ABBA Fan. thnx Lyn
Looks like you had a full day. Great stops on your tour.
Hi Australia Girl, The beauty of this tour is many of the attractions are within walking distance of one another, and you can get of the bus and spend as much or as little time as you require, and get on at the next stop to continue your tour. Melbourne city has a lot to offer and it is a very friendly city. Thanks for your comments.
Thank you for your list of places to go, Lyn. This is definitely getting bookmarked! Although do you have any suggestions on zoos? I’m very fond of animals, and would really like to know your opinion. 🙂
Hi Mitch, Yes, Melbourne has an excellent Zoo and easy to access by train. It has three types to choose from in close vicinity to Melbourne. You can find more details on this in my article on the Melbourne Zoo. “Roaring Lions and Tigers”. You should find the info there helpful. I haven’t visited the two other Zoos as yet. Thanks for dropping by. Lyn