Melbourne prides itself on its status as an arts and culture hub, and this couldn’t be a more accurate description. Attractions are scattered around the city revealing the rich history of the city, and the strength of their cultural institutions, but this isn’t all the city has to offer, either.
Some of Australia’s most respected museums and galleries are found in Melbourne, such as the Melbourne Museum and the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Here, you’ll find collections and exhibitions that rival some of the most regarded in the world. The Melbourne Museum’s Forest Gallery is a particular highlight, where the natural world can be found right within the CBD’s heart, and the NGV’s exclusively Australian art collection of over 25 000 works in the Ian Potter Centre. A short walk from the museum is the Royal Exhibition Building, a heritage-listed site built in 1880. We’d recommend booking a tour of the Dome Promenade, where you can overlook Carlton Gardens and the Melbourne skyline from the building’s iconic dome.
The Royal Exhibition Building isn’t the only historical fixture in Melbourne—there are multiple tours you can book which take you around Melbourne’s heritage buildings, or you could simply pick some favourites. The Old Melbourne Gaol is a spooky visit, especially when you take a night tour. The Queen Victoria Markets are iconic, dating back more than 140 years, where over 600 small businesses sell local produce, clothing, souvenirs and handmade goods on the corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets.
If seeing native flora and fauna is your thing, you’ll have your opportunity at Melbourne Zoo, where you can spot animals on a wildlife safari or enjoy close encounters with lemurs, butterflies and reptiles among others. This is a good option when you’ve got friends coming from overseas, as their Australian wildlife experiences have the most variety. The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is like an oasis in the middle of the city, where you can explore 38 hectares of gardens, including 23 distinct collections of plants. Make sure to visit the historic Melbourne Observatory while you’re here, although it’s better to visit on a night tour where you can try out the telescope. The Shrine of Remembrance is also nearby, where neoclassical architecture combines with an internal gallery of 800 artefacts to honour Australian veterans.