Melbourne is a city with much to offer – from history to food to natural sights. Check out my list below for the 9 Must Do Things in Melbourne!!
1. Explore Cooks Cottage
Cooks’ cottage is located within the Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne. There’s a really interesting story behind it got here. Originally, the same cottage was built in Yorkshire, England by Captain Cooks’ Parents. Many years later, once Captain Cook has already become famous, the new owner of the cottage decided to sell it at an auction. The highest bidder was an Australian businessman, who decided to dismantle the cottage brick by brick and ship it over to Melbourne and donate it to the city.
Today you can visit the cottage both from outside and from inside. Inside awaits you a simple house, with many stories to tell. I really enjoyed this experience as it’s a fun way to learn about Captain Cook, his relationship to Australia, England and his family.
The admission is 7.20 AUD for adults.
Find out more here.
2. Go Shopping on Bourke Street Mall
If you enjoy shopping, this is the place to go! The Bourke Street Mall is a pedestrian street with all kinds of boutique and department stores.
However, in general, all of central Melbourne is great for shopping. If you stay within the marked area on the map you will keep on finding new shops as you go 🙂
3. Enjoy the food at Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market is a covered market in the heart of Melbourne. You will find all kinds of cuisines represented here. There are over 600 small businesses represented, both in the form of booths and small cafés. That gives you the opportunity to either buy some things to take away and have a picnic in the park, or get comfy in one of the cafés there. Either way, make sure to be hungry!
To find out more about the place click here.
4. Visit the Rose Street Market
The Rose Street Market is a place where small businesses have the opportunity to display their art. You will find a wide variety of unique handmade pieces. From jewellery, to paintings, to planters, clothes, etc…!
If you want to get a feeling for the vibe before visiting, or even start ordering online – check the Rose Street Market out here!
5. Have an Italian Dinner at Lygon street
Lygon Street is a wide, expansive tree-lined street filled with boutiques, restaurants, theatres, bars, and of course European style cafes. If you’re longing for a European touch Down Under, you’ll find it here with plenty of al fresco dining options.
We had pizza and pasta at Corretto, and we loved everything! But make sure to check out your options before settling, there’s so many restaurants to choose from!
6. Visit St. Kilda
St. Kilda is only a short tram ride away from Melbourne and located right by the beach. You can stroll, jog or lay by the beach here during the summer months. Year round you can visit the historic Luna Park, and there’s also a pedestrian street with kind of boho/hippie vibe boutiques 🙂
Oh not to forget, they have awesome bakeries there! We had a chocolate cake and cheesecake at Monarch Cakes. OMG!! You have to try them!
7. Take pictures at Brighton Beach
As a European, I was very confused at first , because Brighton Beach is in England, right? But the Brighton Beach I’m referring to is in fact just a short bus ride from St. Kilda. As mentioned in the heading, there’s not much to do here except take cute pictures. It’s a nice beach lined with a bunch of cute little beach huts. I believe they are all privately owned and used by their owners in the summer months as a small beach getaway. Since they are privately owned, every owner has the right to do with the hut as he pleases. All of the huts are very colourful, but no two are the same. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it!
If you have some more time, you can also venture further out of the city in different day trip for these two must see attractions below!
8. Day trip to Philipp Island
If you love animals this will be one of the coolest things you’ll ever see! At Philipp Island, small penguins come ashore every night at dawn. The whole event is called “penguin parade”. In small groups of 3-6 penguins, they will make their way out of the water and waddle along the beach and into the high grass beyond the beach. They are so adorable to watch – definitely a unique experience!
Unfortunately I can’t post pictures since cameras are not allowed, but if you’re interested search up the event on Google and get inspired!
I booked this tour and I would highly recommend it!
9. Day Trip to the Great Ocean Road
Finally, one of the most iconic sights in Australia: The 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road. In theory, the Great Ocean Road can be a trip on itself, with some people spending over a week along this coastal region. However, since many people are short on time, there are also plenty of people that opt to see this area through a day trip from Melbourne.
Most tours follow a similar itinerary and make a stop in Torquay, take you Koala spotting, go on a rainforest walk, stop in Apollo Bay and of course also leave you plenty of time at the famous Twelve Apostles. I must say, they are just as stunning in real life as they seem on pictures.
I personally went on this tour and would highly recommend it, the tour guide and owner of the company is very knowledgeable and entertaining!
I hope you were able to draw some inspiration for your next trip to Melbourne. If you are looking for a day to day itinerary, check mine out here! Whatever you decide to do, I guarantee you that you will never get bored in this diverse city! 🙂