Melbourne Attractions

Melbourne is home to a wide range of attractions as diverse as the city itself. Whether you want to step back in time, enjoy the stunning natural surrounds, shop til you drop or soak up the bohemian atmosphere of the city, there's plenty to see and do.

The Yarra River is the lifeblood of the city and offers popular sightseeing cruises however a stroll along the banks are another great way to discover the beauty of the river while enjoying the dining and entertainment options along the way. You can also learn about the city's maritime history at the Polly Woodside Museum.

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is an Australian sporting icon while Melbourne Park is home to famous Australian Open Tennis Championship. Nearby, the Melbourne Zoo is home to over 350 species of animals offers a wildlife wonderland just minutes from the CBD. The Rialto Observation Deck offers breathtaking panoramic views while the nearby inner city suburbs of Richmond, South Yarra, Carlton, Fitzroy and St Kilda offer a smorgasbord of food, entertainment and cultural attractions.

The Royal Botanic Gardens are a great place to relax while a visit to Captain Cooks Cottage, the Old Treasury Building and the Old Melbourne Gaol offer a glimpse into Melbourne's fascinating history. The 100 year old Queen Victoria Markets are another popular attraction and can be found on Collins Street in the heart of the city.

Lygon Street is Melbourne's famous 'eat street' and offers an almost endless array of restaurants and cuisines to choose from. Meanwhile, Hardware Lane sets the tone for Melbourne's culture with its renaissance style blue-cobble lands and café umbrellas. Chinatown is another hive of activity bustling with a huge range of shopping and dining options as well as vibrant architecture, artisan delicacies, Chinese lanterns and the Chinese Museum.

Just outside the city you'll be pleasantly surprised with a large number of easily accessible natural attractions including the maritime village of Williamstown, the spectacular rose gardens of the Werribee Park Mansion, the African safaris of the Open Range Zoo and the Australian icon of the National Wool Museum.

Further on, the Geelong Waterfront offers a pleasant promenade while the grand old town of Queenscliff offers a lovely place to relax. The natural attraction of Arthur's Seat also offers spectacular views of the bay on your way to the Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley boasting some of Australia's best vineyards and wineries.

Heading into the lush, mountainous forest of the Dandenong Ranges you'll discover the diverse wildlife of the Healesville Sanctuary and Puffing Billy, Australia's oldest steam railway. The Macedon Ranges also offer wineries in Sunbury and a WWI memorial boasting fantastic views. Nearby, the stunning natural attractions of Organ Pipes National Park, Hanging Rock and the Convent Gallery of Daylesford features breathtaking scenery and amazing rock formations.