Melbourne is an eclectic and vibrant city that’s known for its art, music, and cultural scene. Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria and the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. You can bet on some of the most iconic attractions found in Southeastern Australia.
It can be difficult for someone who hasn’t been to Melbourne before to decide what they should do. Melbourne is home to world-class galleries and museums, unrivaled entertainment, and a huge foodie culture.
Melbourne is a city with a lot to do and see. It’s hard to plan an itinerary.
Steve Davidson, who has been living in Melbourne for over 12 years, was interviewed to give you some tips. Steve Davidson is a Melbourne local who knows the best things to do and even shares his hidden gems.
Steve offers his suggestions on the best places to explore, eat, drink, sleep, and shop in Melbourne.
What is Melbourne famous for
Melbourne has something to offer everyone, regardless of your budget or taste. Melbourne is a city that has a vibrant arts, music, and theatre scene. It’s known as one of the world’s most livable cities.
Melbourne is known for being easy to navigate, especially with the tramway system. The streets are easy to navigate.
The city is also known for its shopping and dining options, which are unlike any other in Australia.
Many visitors have come to Sydney to spend their money on the shopping strips of Chapel, Fitzroy, and Sydney Roads.
Visit St Kilda Pier at Dusk
The fairy penguins are a great way to bring smiles to all who see them. The little penguins look so adorable!
Why travel to Phillip Island when you can enjoy a penguin parade right here in the city?
I like St Kilda because of the many outdoor bars and restaurants, some with views over the bay.
Shop Until You Drop
Melbourne is known for being a popular destination for shoppers. The city offers a wide range of shopping, from vintage thrift shops to boutiques to high-end luxury.
The city’s laneways are great for shopping, especially those between Flinders and Elizabeth Streets, Bourke Street, and Swanston Street. Little Collins Street can also be a great place to get rid of some cash.
Shopping in the city center is actually quite good.
Brunswick has a lot of small markets and restaurants that serve delicious food at affordable prices.
I love Fitzroy because of all the restaurants and cafes, as well as the boutique shops that cater to a young crowd. Richmond and Prahran also have some decent shopping areas but are a bit more expensive. The locals love them, though.
See An AFL Game at Melbourne Cricket Ground
Melbourne Cricket Ground and Melbourne’s skyline at dusk. Victoria, Australia.
You must attend an AFL game if you are in Australia during the AFL season. The MCG’s atmosphere is unmatched in Australia.
You can visit the stadium behind the scenes if you are unable to attend a match. The stadium is not only a sports venue but also a small museum.
Visit the MCC Long Room and the changing rooms for the players. The Ron Casey Media Centre is also open to visitors.
Visit the Australian Sports Museum and Cricket Victoria Bill Lawry Centre to discover more about Australia’s sporting heritage.
Melbourne’s Delicious Foodie Scene
It would be a mistake to visit Melbourne without visiting some of the best restaurants in the city. On a budget, I recommend any Sunday afternoon beer garden offering a BBQ. These are common during the summer months.
Lucky Coq offers cheap pizzas, and I’m a big fan.
Don Dons, located on Swanston Street near Melbourne Central, offers delicious and affordable Japanese food – with lightning-fast service.
Eureka89 and Vue De Monde are my top picks for stylish dining. I like the view of the city from high above.
If you’re looking for a stylish yet casual place, I recommend Little Collins Street between Swanston Street and Spring Street. Terra Rosa, a favorite of mine on this strip, is located at Swanston Street.
Enjoy a trip along the Great Ocean Road.
The Great Ocean Road has been a major reason for people to visit Melbourne. The 250 km long scenic drive begins just an hour outside Melbourne, in Torquay. It continues to Warrnambool.
You’ll see incredible views, scenic viewpoints, and impressive rock formations like the Twelve Apostles (London Bridge), Gibson Steps, and London Arch.
Many people decide to drive the scenic route over several days to see the many attractions.
Explore Melbourne’s Gardens and Parks
Melbourne, despite being a large city, is surprisingly green. Many parks and gardens are available to escape the high-rises and enjoy being in nature.
Take a picnic at the Royal Botanic Gardens or Carlton Gardens.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are actually two separate sites, one in Melbourne and the other in Cranbourne. The Melbourne Gardens was founded in 1846, connecting to the south of the Yarra Valley. It covers 38 hectares, offering a peaceful place to relax surrounded by trees, gardens, lakes, and rivers.
Carlton Gardens, a World Heritage Site, is located on the northern edge of Melbourne’s CBD. The picnic and barbecue area is the most popular part of Carlton Gardens. It also has some wildlife, such as brushtail possums.
Visit the markets in Melbourne
I don’t think the Queen Victoria Markets offers much to tourists (other than a place where you can say that you have been). It’s where I go to buy my meat and fruits, which is handy for those who are staying in serviced apartments and want to save money.
Rose Street Markets in Fitzroy are also known as The Artist’s Market. The market is smaller than other markets, but the selection of art, clothing, and accessories is great. Also, they sell some really nice coffee.
There are many shopping options in Australia. This is truly the shopping capital, offering something for everyone.
St Kilda also has other Sunday markets in addition to the Arts Centre. If you enjoy huge shopping malls, Chadstone is a great place to visit. Public transport may make it a bit difficult to reach.
Visit a Festival in Melbourne
Melbourne is home to a number of festivals. The Comedy Festival, which runs from April to May, is a great opportunity to see world-famous (and up-and-coming) comedians in person.
The Moomba Festival, which takes place on the long Labour Day weekend in March, offers a carnival-like experience in the heart of the city. For me, the highlight is the annual parade along Swanston Street and the Birdman Rally. This is a must-see.
Spring Horse Racing Carnival is what I consider the unofficial beginning of summer. A whole week of racing takes place at Flemington, with the highlight being Melbourne Cup. I would recommend that everyone go to this event at least once in their life.
There is also the Grand Prix and the Australian Tennis Open… something is going on all year long.