20 Fun Things To Do In Melbourne You Never Knew About!
If you’re looking for a vibrant Australian city to explore, Melbourne should be high on your list. There is no shortage of fun things to do in Melbourne, and you don’t want to miss out on all of the “must-dos” and hidden gems here!
Known as one of the world's most liveable cities, Melbourne is widely considered one of the best cities in Australia to visit and live in. This is not by accident, as this multicultural city offers something for every type of traveller.
If you’re ready to add some fun activities to your Melbourne itinerary, let’s get started!
1. Go to an open-air festival
We say any festival because if there is something you’re interested in, there’s probably a dedicated festival for it in Melbourne. The city has a rich open-air festival culture, with over 30 music festivals, many free festivals and other unique events.
Here are some of the best festivals in Melbourne that should be on your radar:
- Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, March - April
- The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, March
- Dragon Boat Festival, February
- Midsumma Festival, January - February
- Live at the Bowl, January to April
2. Explore Melbourne’s Chinatown
While undoubtedly the best time to visit Melbourne Chinatown is for Chinese New Year, when you can see the traditional Lion dance and join the celebrations, this charming district is a fun place to explore any time of the year!
What should you do in Melbourne Chinatown? You can try Chinese food, admire traditional 19th-century buildings and sing your favourite songs in one of many karaoke bars.
3. Kayak down the Yarra River
Kayaking down the Yarra River is a fun activity for anyone who prefers a more active vacation. You can join a kayak tour or rent out a kayak for a couple of hours and explore it on your own.
The perks of going with a tour are that you’ll learn more about Melbourne’s landmarks, and tour guides will make sure you don’t float too far away - useful if kayaking is not your strongest skill!
4. Take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards
Taking a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Yarra Valley is an extraordinary experience to add to your Melbourne itinerary. You know the day will be fantastic when it starts like this!
The whole experience is exceptional, from the moment you arrive and help prepare your own balloon to the flying time and incredible sunrise views over Melbourne and Yarra Valley.
5. Go to the beach
As Melbourne is a coastal city, there’s no shortage of beaches around. With summer temperatures regularly reaching exceeding 30℃, going for a dip in one of Melbourne’s many beaches must be the best way to cool off.
Choose your favourite among beaches stretching from Port Melbourne all the way to Sorrento along Port Phillip Bay. Some of the most popular beaches are Brighton beach, with its iconic colourful beach houses and Half Moon Bay.
6. Visit THE LUME Melbourne Art Gallery
While most art galleries would be considered a fun indoor activity for art connoisseurs, THE LUME is one of those art galleries that everyone will love.
It is an epic adventure into art, with this immersive experience leaving you thinking differently about art. THE LUME brings art to life with visual and audio elements. The exhibitions change regularly, so you can visit the gallery many times to discover new displays!
7. Discover Melbourne Street Art
For those who enjoy a different style of art, there is a vibrant street art scene in Melbourne. You can do the tour on your own, following Melbourne's street art walk starting at Duckboard Place.
Alternatively, join Melbourne Street Tour, the first and only street art tour in Australia run by street artists. And who is better equipped to teach you about street art than the artists themselves? You might even get a chance to try creating some art as well.
8. Visit Werribee Open Range Zoo
Werribee Open Range Zoo is not your everyday zoo, it is an African-themed zoo where animals roam freely. That makes it more of a safari, so if you have ever dreamed of exploring the African savannahs, this is as close as it gets in Melbourne!
9. Have a boat picnic on the Yarra River
One of the most unique places you could have a picnic in Melbourne must be in the middle of the Yarra River. You don’t even need a boating licence to rent a small electric boat, and you can choose between different boat sizes to fit your whole group.
Renting a boat for 2 hours will be enough to cruise around and have a picnic on board. Bring some snacks and discover Melbourne from a different perspective.
10. Go for a hike in the Yarra Ranges National Park
Outdoor lovers will be happy to know that wilderness and hiking opportunities are just a short drive away from the city. Yarra National Park is an incredible rainforest with numerous trails and waterfalls to explore.
11. Watch a movie in a Cinema from 1936
You could just go to one of many cinemas in the city, but why not make it a bit more special and enjoy a movie in a movie theatre that’s been operating since 1936?
Astor Theatre is one of the oldest cinemas in Australia, and a time machine that takes you back as you enjoy one of the classics with an old Hollywood feel.
12. Go wine tasting in the Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley is just one hour outside Melbourne city centre, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a whole new world.
Join a wine-tasting tour in Yarra Valley and discover some of the best Australian wines. Alternatively, just stroll along the vineyards, appreciating the tranquillity of this incredible region.
13. Join one of many Melbourne celebrations
As a cultural diversity hub, Melbourne is home to all the festivals and cultural celebrations you could think of. Your calendar will be filled with events from New Year's to Chinese New Year, St Patrick’s Day and many more!
Regardless of when you visit, something’s on in Melbourne, and they will celebrate it.
14. Grab brunch and discover coffee culture in Melbourne
Brunch is a big deal in Melbourne, and with plenty of delicious spots to explore, you’ll never run out of options for a delicious mid-day meal. Don’t stress about dietary requirements - regardless of whether you’re vegan, vegetarian or paleo, you’re covered.
Cafes are on another level in this city. With the abundance of quirky cafes and specialty coffee spots opening around the city, you’ll never run out of new places to try.
15. Admire the best view of the city from the Eureka Tower Skydeck
The observation deck of Eureka Tower is located on the 88th floor of the building, offering an unparalleled view of the city.
For thrill-seekers, make your way to the Cube. It is literally a glass cube, extending three metres out of the building, and offers an incredible 360° panorama of your surroundings, complete with a glass floor!
If you’re scared of heights, you might want to think twice about it, but it is totally safe!
16. Enjoy Melbourne nightlife
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Melbourne at night. Regardless of what type of nightlife you’re into, there is something for everyone.
Melbourne is home to numerous rooftop bars, casual pubs, alternative bars and nightclubs.
If it’s your first time in the city and you’re overwhelmed with choices, consider joining a pub crawl to discover the best bars with a local guide.
17. Watch the Australian Open tennis game
If you happen to be in Melbourne in January, you’re lucky as you can watch one of the world’s most popular tennis tournaments featuring the best players in the world!
18. Take a road trip to Great Ocean Road
One of the best things about Melbourne is how many incredible coastal road trips you can take from the city. Just a short drive from the city centre, and you’ll be looking at open seas, incredible rock formations and hidden coves.
The must-sees of the Great Ocean Road are the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.
19. Take a ride on the Puffing Billy Railway
Puffing Billy Railway is Australia’s oldest heritage steam railway. Taking this scenic railway through the lush rainforest is one of the best things to do in Melbourne with kids.
But don’t be fooled, this experience is for adults too! It is an excellent way to admire the landscape as you dangle your legs on the side of the train - I don’t know many other trains that allow you to do that!
20. Go for a ride in Luna Park
Luna Park Melbourne is a historic amusement park operating since 1912! For those with safety concerns, don’t worry, they’ve updated their rides in the past century.
Yet, vintage lovers will love to know that the Great Scenic Railway is the oldest continually operating roller coaster in the world.
Summary: 20 Fun Things To Do In Melbourne
Whether you’re visiting Melbourne for a few days or a few weeks, there are plenty of fun activities in Melbourne you can add to your itinerary.
This diverse city will win you over regardless of if you decide to stay in town or go on a road trip around Victoria.
The city has something for everyone, from cultural experiences to outdoor activities to make the most of the sunny Melbourne days.
Louis
Louis is passionate about bringing people together through events and parties. He is a strong believer in the importance of social activities and parties in developing and strengthening relationships.