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Top 10 attractions in Melbourne

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Carlton Gardens
No. 4 of Spring Outings in Australia

Carlton Gardens

8.3
4.1/5
75 reviews
Carlton Gardens covers an area of approx. 26 hectares and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004, together with the Royal Exhibition Building located within the gardens. The garden maintains a Victorian-style landscape, with open lawns and avenues lined with plane trees complementing each other. Multiple tree-lined paths connect historical buildings with leisure areas. The garden features 3 fountains, among which the one designed by sculptor Joseph Hochgertel for the 1880 exhibition is particularly striking, and 2 decorative small lakes are located in the southern part. The garden is planted with various trees, including English oaks, elms, London plane trees, and Moreton Bay figs, offering different scenery throughout the seasons. The Melbourne Museum on the north side forms a sharp contrast with the classical garden through its modern architectural language, and the same area also features a children's playground inspired by the Victorian maze. The garden is perfect for a stroll; people can walk along the tree-lined paths or rest on the lawns to experience urban garden life in Melbourne.Carlton · 703m from downtown
Twelve Apostles
No. 11 of Best Things to Do in Victoria

Twelve Apostles

7.5
4.6/5
666 reviews
Twelve Apostles stand in Australia inthe Great Ocean Road-adjacent Port Campbell National Park (Parks Victoria), and are the product of the Southern Ocean's waves and strong winds eroding limestone cliffs over tens of millions of years. Seawater carved caves into the cliff face, the caves widened into arches, and when the arches collapsed, they formed isolated stacks that broke away from the coast, some reaching approx. 45 m in height. These stacks were named Twelve Apostles in the 1950s—although only nine remained at the time. The name comes from Jesus' twelve apostles in the Bible, but there were never actually twelve stacks. The waves erode the limestone at approx. 2 cm per year. Stacks collapsed under wave erosion in 2005 and 2009, and this geological process is ongoing. Wooden boardwalk viewing platforms run along the cliff, allowing visitors to walk out and overlook the stacks and the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. At sunset, the setting sun turns the stacks golden, making it one of the classic scenes along theGreat Ocean Road.Australia · Princetown
Phillip Island
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Phillip Island

7.5
4.7/5
502 reviews
Phillip Island, also known as Penguin Island, is located at the entrance of Western Port Bay in southern Victoria, Australia. It is a true wildlife paradise where you can see koalas, kangaroos, penguins, seals, and many other wild animals. △ The Penguin Parade is one of the most popular attractions on Phillip Island. Here, you can hear the "huffing" sounds of the penguins up close and watch the little penguins waddle from the sea back to their burrows on land. △ Panny's Chocolate Factory is a fun and delicious attraction on Phillip Island, perfect for a family visit. You can watch the chocolate-making process and purchase them as souvenirs. △ Phillip Island Wildlife Park is home to many native species, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, and various birds. Visitors can observe these animals up close, feed kangaroos, and take photos with koalas.Ventnor · 78km from Melbourne
National Gallery of Victoria
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Melbourne

National Gallery of Victoria

7.2
4.8/5
261 reviews
The National Gallery of Victoria is a historic and highly acclaimed public art museum in Australia, located in the heart of Melbourne and a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. Comprising the International and Australian galleries, it showcases artworks from around the world and local creations. The gallery houses over 70,000 pieces, spanning paintings, sculptures, photography, fashion, and decorative arts. Visitors can admire masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt and Picasso, as well as the unique styles of Australian Indigenous art. The National Gallery of Victoria regularly hosts major international and thematic exhibitions, offering rich cultural experiences. Additionally, it features interactive art workshops and educational programs suitable for all ages. The gallery's café and shop also provide excellent spots for relaxation and shopping. Whether you're an art lover or a casual visitor, the National Gallery of Victoria promises an inspiring artistic journey.Southbank · 1.3km from downtown
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens
No. 2 of Spring Outings in Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens

6.5
4.6/5
468 reviews
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens is located on the beautiful south bank of the Yarra River, where thousands of exotic plants from Australia and around the world thrive. The gardens also feature diverse architecture and engaging activities. 1. The Children's Garden helps kids explore the natural world Inside the Children's Garden, there are many interactive facilities where kids can play to their heart's content and get up close with nature. The garden offers everything to help children explore the natural world: crawl-through plant tunnels, climbable rocks, and bamboo groves perfect for playing hide-and-seek. The Children's Garden is temporarily closed for maintenance every winter. Opening hours during other seasons are Wednesday–Sunday from 10:00 AM until sunset, with daily operation during Victoria school holidays. 2.ObservatoryExplore the brilliant starry sky Next to the Children's GardenObservatoryThe bright yellow exterior walls and silver semi-dome make it easily recognizable. Built between 1861–1863, it has maintained close ties with the Astronomical Society of Victoria. The interior is only open to tour groups, and general visitors cannot enter. Planetarium visits are typically scheduled for the evening. 3. Herbarium plant specimen collection To the right of the Children's Garden is the Herbarium, a white circular building. It houses over 1.2 million plant specimens, mostly from Victoria, Australia, with more than half being at least a century old. The facility also includes a small library dedicated to botanical literature. Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted inside. 4. Tropical Greenhouse Step into the tropical greenhouse and discover exotic plants from around the world.Melbourne · 2.3km from downtown
State Library Victoria
No. 13 of Best Things to Do in Melbourne

State Library Victoria

6.4
4.5/5
289 reviews
State Library Victoria is located in the center of Melbourne, founded on the same day as the University of Melbourne in 1854, and opened to the public in 1856. It is one of the oldest public libraries in Australia. The library was designed by architect Joseph Reed and established through the efforts of then-Lieutenant Governor La Trobe and Judge Redmond Barry, among others. It was positioned from its inception as a cultural institution integrating books, art, and science. The core highlight is the La Trobe Reading Room, completed in 1913. The height and diameter of the octagonal hall both exceed 30m, the central dome skylight allows natural light to pour in, and the surrounding multi-level galleries taper inward. Overlooking the entire hall from the upper galleries is one of the most popular photo angles in Melbourne; the galleries also house a permanent exhibition themed around rare books called "The World of the Book". The collection exceeds 5 million items, ranging from books and manuscripts to maps, photographs, and newspapers. Diaries of Melbourne's founding pioneers, Captain Cook's maritime documents, and the original armor and letters of bushranger Ned Kelly are all housed here, and the armor is still on display in the library's Redmond Barry Reading Room. The lawn in front of the library is scattered with giant chessboards and statues, serving as a resting place for nearby office workers and students; inside, readers can be seen studying at their desks all year round. If you are short on time, heading straight to the La Trobe Reading Room after entering and then climbing to the top-level gallery is a classic route to experience the charm of this library.Melbourne · 523m from downtown
Hosier Ln
No. 15 of Best Things to Do in Melbourne

Hosier Ln

6.2
4.4/5
192 reviews
Hosier Ln is a laneway in Melbourne's Central Business District famous for its street art, located between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane, with one end facing the entrance to Fed Square. Since the late 1990s, this bluestone-paved laneway has gradually become a canvas for local and international street artists. Spray paint, stencils, and installations are layered across the walls on both sides, often featuring expressions of social issues, making it one of the most popular street art lanes in Melbourne. The lane is permanently open to street artists, allowing them to create without needing a permit. As a result, the artwork changes rapidly; if you visit again after a while, the walls may feature entirely new pieces. Many visitors describe it as an open-air gallery that is constantly being re-curated, and you might even catch artists at work. This short laneway is always crowded with people taking photos, and it is a favorite spot for wedding and fashion photography. There are also various popular eateries inside the lane. To capture the walls without crowds, it is best to visit during quieter times.Melbourne · 582m from downtown
Yarra River
No. 17 of Night Attractions in Australia

Yarra River

6
4.5/5
317 reviews
The lower end of the Yarra River near Melbourne, Australia, is a must-see location if you love nature. The river is home to a vast and fragile ecosystem, including several species of fish. Dolphins are often seen swimming upstream into this river due to the salinity of its southern waters. The banks of the Yarra River are home to cultural events, such as Melbourne's annual Moomba festival which includes a water skiing competition. Rowing is another popular sport along the Yarra and Melbourne's private schools are known for training their teams here.Southbank · 1.4km from downtown
St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne
No. 19 of Best Things to Do in Melbourne

St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne

5.5
4.5/5
434 reviews
St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne is the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, sitting across the street from Flinders Street Station and diagonally opposite Fed Square, guarding the busy intersection in the city center. This Neo-Gothic cathedral was designed by British architect William Butterfield and completed in 1891. Its exterior walls are built with warm-toned sandstone and limestone. The spires, completed in the early 1930s, used stone from Sydney and are slightly darker in color than the main structure. The central spire, nearly 100m high, makes the cathedral's silhouette a landmark on the local skyline. On the lawn outside the cathedral stands a bronze statue of British navigator Matthew Flinders, who led the first ship to circumnavigate Australia, and it is a common backdrop for tourists to stop and take photos. Push open the heavy wooden doors to reveal the interior, which features Butterfield's signature polychromatic Gothic style: dark bluestone stripes embedded in light-colored stone walls, floors covered with patterned tiles imported from the United Kingdom, and warm red wooden pews that echo the painted wainscoting, creating an effect that is intense yet solemn. The reredos behind the high altar is made of marble, alabaster, and Venetian glass mosaics, representing a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic decoration. The stained glass windows on both sides of the nave each tell different biblical stories and are worth slowing down to look up at. The pipe organ, crafted by renowned British organ builder Lewis, hangs above the choir stalls. The cathedral continues the English tradition of daily choral evensong. If you happen to be there at the right time, consider sitting in the back to listen. The resonance of the organ and choir under the vaulted ceiling is impressive. The cathedral has long hosted Mandarin-language gatherings and holds regular Chinese services, so Mandarin-speaking tourists are welcome to participate. Please remain quiet and turn off your flash when visiting. If a service is in progress, please listen quietly. To take a panoramic photo of the cathedral, you can walk to the side of Flinders Street Station and look back. The light and shadow on the warm-colored stone walls and spires are particularly beautiful at dusk. Stepping from the noisy street corner into the tranquil sanctuary—this contrast is exactly where its charm lies.Melbourne · 505m from downtown
Brighton beach
No. 20 of Best Things to Do in Melbourne

Brighton beach

5.5
4.7/5
74 reviews
Brighton beach is a stretch of coastal beach on the shores of Port Phillip in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne and has long been a popular weekend getaway for locals to enjoy the sea. The signature view of this beach is the Brighton Bathing Boxes lined up neatly along the sand: more than 80 Victorian-style wooden huts have stood on the beach since the 1860s. Initially used by swimmers to change clothes and store items, they still retain their century-old appearance with wooden exterior walls and tin roofs. Each hut is painted by its owner in a unique, vibrant pattern, forming a colorful coastal landscape that is an iconic image of Melbourne and a frequent subject for photographers. The huts are privately owned and mainly used to store water play equipment such as beach umbrellas and beach chairs. The bay has shallow water and calm waves, making the beach more suitable for swimming, wading, and sunbathing, and families with children can play with peace of mind. On sunny days, you can see the Melbourne city skyline on the opposite shore from the beach. At sunset, the sea and the bathing boxes are bathed in warm colors, making it an especially great spot for photos. It is crowded in summer and on weekends, so you can visit during off-peak hours if you want to take pictures in peace. The Brighton area where the beach is located is a well-known, established residential area in Melbourne. After seeing the Brighton Bathing Boxes, you might want to take a walk in the surrounding streets to admire the old seaside houses and garden villas.Brighton · 2km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Melbourne

Featured Day tours in Melbourne

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[Affordable Price for Tomorrow] Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Phillip Island & Penguin Island Day Trip
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4.9/5
· 1.5k reviews· 16.5k booked
Duration: 7 hrs
English
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100 consecutive positive reviews
FromDKK 660.99
[September Promotion] Melbourne Great Ocean Road Trail + Twelve Apostles Day Trip
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4.8/5
· 955 reviews· 9.3k booked
Duration: 6.8 hrs
English
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89 consecutive positive reviews
FromDKK 139.42
Optional Mercedes 599] Melbourne Puffing Billy Railway + Phillip Island 1-day tour
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4.8/5
· 1.2k reviews· 15.4k booked
Duration: 6.4 hrs
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94.5% of travelers recommend
FromDKK 721.17
Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne
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4.8/5
· 116 reviews· 1.5k booked
Duration: 4.8 hrs
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97.4% of travelers recommend
FromDKK 500.51
Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade one-day tour
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4.7/5
· 284 reviews· 1.7k booked
Duration: 6.1 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
93.7% of travelers recommend
FromDKK 804.8
Great Ocean Road Classic Sunset Day-Tour [English & Chinese speaking driver/guide & popular spots & air-conditioned bus] in Melbourne
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4.7/5
· 211 reviews· 978 booked
Duration: 8.8 hrs
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27 consecutive positive reviews
FromDKK 311.54
12 apostles 90 minutes/no backlight] Melbourne Great Ocean Walk + Twelve Apostles 1-day tour
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4.8/5
· 1.5k reviews· 18.9k booked
Duration: 7.1 hrs
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22 consecutive positive reviews
FromDKK 169.51
Melbourne Great Ocean Road + Twelve Apostles Day Tour -General Route or Reverse Route-The reverse bus tour, plus some tour types, includes lunch at the zoo at the participants' own expense.
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FromDKK 205.81DKK 216.65

Featured Food & drink in Melbourne

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Must-do in Melbourne | Yarra River city cruise & dinner
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Duration: 3 hrs
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FromDKK 1,194.89
Melbourne classic dinner cruise experience
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Duration: 3 hrs
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FromDKK 1,033.54
Melbourne Puffing Billy Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley Winery English Day Tour in Australia
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 5.9 hrs
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FromDKK 891.57
1-day tour of Yarra Valley winery in Melbourne with lunch, wine tasting and cheese sampling
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Duration: 6.9 hrs
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FromDKK 1,584.76

Featured Spa & wellness in Melbourne

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1-day round-trip tour to Peninsula Hot Springs from Melbourne
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Duration: 8.3 hrs
English
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FromDKK 922.77
Peninsula Hot Springs: Entry Ticket with Bath House
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5.0/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
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5% off
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FromDKK 354.87DKK 373.55
Mornington Peninsula: Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
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Mornington Peninsula: Hot Springs and Body Clay Ritual
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Duration: 4 hrs
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5% off
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FromDKK 443.6DKK 466.95
From Melbourne: Peninsula Hot Springs and Bath Box tour
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Duration: 4 hrs
English
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5% off
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FromDKK 836.65DKK 880.69
Peninsula Hot Springs: Fire, Ice, and Bathe
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Duration: 45 mins
English
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5% off
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FromDKK 442.68DKK 465.98
Mornington Peninsula Small Group Wine & Hot Springs with Lunch
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4.6/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
Free cancellation
FromDKK 1,263.83

Featured Cultural experiences in Melbourne

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Plaza Premium Lounge VIP lounge service at Melbourne Airport
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1.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3 hrs
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FromDKK 272.56
Old Melbourne Gaol: Entry Ticket
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Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Day Tour [Premium Group | Hotel Transfers]
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Melbourne Immigration Museum: Entry Ticket
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FromDKK 69.8
Mosaic Art Classes Melbourne: Turkish Lamp Workshop
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Free things to do in Melbourne

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What travellers say about Melbourne

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Mandadadada30 May 2023
5.0
Lovely place to walk past on the way to the Melbourne museum. This time of the year, there’s autumn leaves covering the walkways. There is even a small pond with some ducks in the corner. And right in front of the royal exhibition hall, there is a fountain where sometimes you will catch couples taking their wedding photos here.

Carlton Gardens

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JaymeLee28 January 2025
4.0
Amazing viewing point! make sure you check out the beach and also the viewing deck. facilities are well taken care of and large parking lot

Twelve Apostles

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谢颖华24 October 2025
5.0
It's actually not bad. There are a lot of people, and I really followed the online suggestions and bought ordinary seats. There is no need to buy too good seats. They will be close to each other anyway. Overall, this trip is worth experiencing.

Phillip Island

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Afroza ranu19 April 2025
5.0
The National Gallery of Victoria is an absolute must-visit when in Melbourne! As Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, NGV effortlessly blends history, culture, and creativity under one magnificent roof. From classical masterpieces to bold contemporary installations, every exhibit is thoughtfully curated to spark curiosity and inspiration. One of the highlights was the stunning Great Hall with its dazzling stained-glass ceiling—lying beneath.

National Gallery of Victoria

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蝴蝶飞了25 November 2024
5.0
The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is one of Australia's most famous botanical gardens. It is located on the banks of the Yarra River south of Melbourne's city center and covers an area of ​​about 38 hectares. The garden is famous for its beautiful natural scenery, diverse flora and tranquil environment. It is an ideal place for local residents and tourists to take a leisurely walk. Scenic features: 1. Diverse plant areas The garden has more than 8,500 species of plants, including native Australian plants and rare plants from all over the world. In particular, the Australian rainforest area and the cactus garden show completely different natural landscapes. 2. Lakes and wetlands The central lake (Ornamental Lake) is the core landscape of the garden. The lake reflects the surrounding trees and sky, providing visitors with a peaceful view. There are seats and paths by the lake, suitable for slow walking and relaxation. 3. Hiking and viewing trails There are many trails in the garden that shuttle through the trees. From the winding trails, you can enjoy the natural landscape from different angles, especially in spring and autumn, when the garden is most colorful. 4. Landscape Architecture and Sculptures There are some exquisite pavilions, stone bridges and sculptures in the garden. These buildings are harmoniously integrated with the natural environment, adding cultural and artistic atmosphere to the scenic area. 5. Bird watching and wildlife The garden is home to many kinds of birds, including black swans, parrots and ducks, making it a paradise for bird watchers. In addition, you can occasionally see traces of kangaroos or possums. 6. Seasonal landscape In spring, the garden is full of flowers, especially the rose garden area, which is fragrant; in autumn, maple trees and deciduous plants present brilliant colors of golden and crimson. Featured activities: • Moonlight Cinema During the summer, visitors can enjoy open-air movies on the lawn and experience the combination of nature and culture. • Guided tours and educational activities The botanical garden provides free or paid guided tours to help visitors better understand plants and their ecological significance. Summary The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is not only a place to appreciate natural beauty, but also a window to experience Australia's unique ecological environment. Whether it's a leisurely walk, a family gathering, or a photography project, this place can bring an unforgettable experience.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens

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lucialuo4 February 2025
5.0
Free to visit, no, it should be called free admission. The library, which was originally supposed to be a quiet space for reading, is now full of tourists taking photos and checking in! The library is large and beautiful, an old and beautiful building that is well worth a visit!

State Library Victoria

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Journeyyyme25 May 2023
4.0
The graffiti street is full of art. It's so cool. There might be homeless people. Overall, I like it a lot. It's a street full of art.

Hosier Ln

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多多猪5 December 2025
4.0
A boat trip on the Yarra River in Melbourne was quite pleasant. The river's current was very calm, and the boat facilities were decent. Complimentary coffee and tea were provided on board, and the ride was very smooth. English commentary was also available along the way. The water quality was average; it wasn't particularly murky, but it wasn't exceptionally clear either. However, the scenery along the banks of the Yarra River in Melbourne was quite nice. 👍

Yarra River

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飞飞翔的鱼12313 July 2023
5.0
St. Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne was built in 1880. This Gothic church features pointed arches and flying buttresses, as if telling a series of historical stories. The cross-ribbed spires inside are like God's fingers, which can pluck the strings of people's hearts with a gentle wave. Here, it seems that we can hear the voice from the depths of history and feel the power of faith. Standing in front of St. Paul's Cathedral, we seem to be able to hear the voice from the depths of history and feel the power of faith. It's like standing on the top of a mountain, as if we can touch the sky closest to God.

St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne

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madapmu2 April 2026
4.0
A beach outside Melbourne, the main attraction is the row of colorful wooden bungalows, perfect for taking photos. Some bungalows are not only brightly colored but also decorated with other artwork. I went in early April, and some people were still swimming. Sitting in the bungalows was very comfortable, and many people did so. One bungalow had its door open, revealing sofas, beach chairs, small tables, and other furnishings.

Brighton beach

Popular cities near Melbourne

Frequently asked questions

You can give Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne and Yarra Valley Gourmet Tour in Australia [Rochford Winery Visit & Tasting + Lunch at Deer Lane Winery] a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include [Affordable Price for Tomorrow] Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Phillip Island & Penguin Island Day Trip, [September Promotion] Melbourne Great Ocean Road Trail + Twelve Apostles Day Trip, and Optional Mercedes 599] Melbourne Puffing Billy Railway + Phillip Island 1-day tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 15 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Melbourne is around DKK 139.42 – DKK 804.8. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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