Melbourne is one of the best cities to visit not only in Australia but in the whole world. There is nothing that you cannot find here. From world-class street art to beautiful cafés and luxurious neighborhoods, you will definitely fall in love with this city at first sight.
Even though you are staying in a 5-star hotel, such as Hotel Chadstone, you must go out and explore the city. However, if you don’t want to get lost, you can follow our guidelines and discover the best 10 things to do in this area.
1. Flinders Street Station
Image source: visitmelbourne.com
This is definitely one of the most iconic spots in Melbourne, right in the central city. Opened in 1854, Flinders was Australia’s first railway station, and it is now the central hub for the city’s train network.
Legends tell that there is a ghost haunting platform 10. He is known as George, although many believe he is the spirit of Ernest Leahy, a man who died tragically in 1902 after a boat accident. Speaking of haunted places in Australia, there is an abandoned ballroom on the station’s upper level, and no one has used it since 1983.
Once a center of cultural and social events, this ballroom now is decaying. With water leaking from the roof and plasterwork falling apart, it’s a monument that reflects the past. It’s like a time capsule that takes us back in time. But, whether is really haunted or not, there is no evidence.
2. St Paul’s Cathedral
Follow Flinders Street and, located diagonally opposite to the station, you cannot miss St Paul’s Cathedral. It was built between 1880 and 1931 in a so-called Gothic transitional architecture which combines Decorative Gothic and Early English styles. With its yellow-brown color, it is one of the most characteristic spots in the city.
It is also one of the most unique buildings in Australia due to being built from sandstone and limestone. If you enter the cathedral, you will find banded stonework, mosaics, and patterned floor tiles. There are also other decorative works which make this place a must-visit tourist attraction.
3. Queen Victoria Market
Locals call it the “Vic Market” or “Queen Vic”, and it is one of the busiest places in Melbourne. This vast market features several stalls, selling goods of any kind, such as food, souvenirs, clothes, and gadgets.
The market was first opened in 1874, and the building is almost intact. This means that you can get the feel of what it was like to shop in the last century. Just remember that the market is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.
4. Docklands
If you are in Melbourne’s Central Business District, you cannot miss the Docklands, one of the city’s largest inner suburbs. Here you will find some of the most iconic buildings, such as the Etihad Stadium, Harbour Town, and many entertainment and shopping hubs. If you wonder what would you do there, don’t worry because there are plenty of things you can see and do, including:
- Art sculptures – which you can find all over Docklands.
- Walk Webb Bridge and Jim Stynes Bridge – two main bridges very close one to another.
- RIde on the Melbourne Star – a gigantic Ferris wheel like the London Eye.
- Take a Yarra River cruise, etc.
5. Federation Square
Image source: lonelyplanet.com
You can take the City Circle tram and reach the Federation Square. It’s one of the best venues for arts, culture, and it has been Melbourne’s central business district for many years. Additionally, here you can do some “people watch”, and just enjoy the sight of the city going by while you have a snack.
6. The Royal Botanic Gardens
This is definitely the best spot to relax in the whole city. Covering 86 acres, The Royal Gardens features thousands of trees and flowers that come from several areas of the country. You can also find many peaceful lakes, stunning views, as well as a children’s garden where your kid(s) can explore nature. And, if you want to explore the gardens, you can take a Free Guided Walk, Aboriginal Heritage Walk, travel in a punt on the Ornamental Lake, or ride on the Garden Explorer.
7. Chinatown
Image source: abc.net.au
Melbourne’s Chinatown dates back to 1851 when the first prospectors from China arrived in this country. Chinatown offers a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood to enjoy a nice walk around the oldest continuous Chinese settlement in the West. it’s a great chance to explore the Asian cuisine, bars, and fashion boutiques among the other. Apart from enjoying good food and a great party, you can also visit the Chinese Museum, visit Chinese festivals, and take a guided walk through the buildings and lanes of Little Bourke Street.
8. Melbourne Zoo
Australia is the place where the cute koalas and kangaroos live. If you want to see them, you don’t have to go far nor leave the city center. You just need to visit the Melbourne Zoo to enjoy some wildlife. There, you can spend a lovely afternoon with your family and see some elephants, snow leopards, brown bears and, of course, kangaroos.
9. The Melbourne Museum
Image source: visitvictoria.com
Ready to dedicate an afternoon to history and arts? The Melbourne Museum offers an exciting overview of the art and textiles from all around the world. There is also a dedicated gallery for children, as well as a discovery center and an amphitheater.
10. Como House and Gardens
This is one of the oldest estates in the city, built over 160 years ago. It is a mix of both Italian and Australian architecture, and it offers a glimpse into the privileged lifestyle of the ancient Australian middle class. Get lost in this beautiful mansion to dream of elegant dances, dinners, and luxurious events.
As you can see, there are plenty of places you can visit and many things to do in Melbourn. From the historic and bit of spooky Flinders Street Station to the Vic Market to the Melbourne Zoo, this city offers a great variety of attractions worth visiting. So, if you plan to visit Melbourne, make sure you put all these places on your to-do list.
