Choose from 98 Fun Things to Do in Victoria
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 98 listings.
Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy Gardens is one of several gardens established during the nineteenth century with a mind to creating and preserving green spaces within the city.
Hugging the eastern side of the CBD, Fitzroy Gardens is seen as the finest garden in the city’s large collection of green spaces, which include Flagstaff, Treasury, Carlton, Alexandra Gardens and the Kings Domain. Dominated by sweeping avenues of English Elms, and full of deciduous and native Australian trees, Fitzroy Gardens looks particularly beautiful in autumn (April to June).
Points of interest within the gardens include Captain Cooks Cottage (transported from England in 1934), a fairy tree, a model Tudor village and a conservatory that exhibits stunning floral displays throughout the year.
Free-guided tours of Fitzroy Gardens take place every Wednesday at 12.30pm. To get to the gardens on foot, walk east from Spring Street until you reach Lansdowne Street (which forms the gardens western edge) or alternately catch a tram along Flinders Street into Wellington Parade.
Hugging the eastern side of the CBD, Fitzroy Gardens is seen as the finest garden in the city’s large collection of green spaces, which include Flagstaff, Treasury, Carlton, Alexandra Gardens and the Kings Domain. Dominated by sweeping avenues of English Elms, and full of deciduous and native Australian trees, Fitzroy Gardens looks particularly beautiful in autumn (April to June).
Points of interest within the gardens include Captain Cooks Cottage (transported from England in 1934), a fairy tree, a model Tudor village and a conservatory that exhibits stunning floral displays throughout the year.
Free-guided tours of Fitzroy Gardens take place every Wednesday at 12.30pm. To get to the gardens on foot, walk east from Spring Street until you reach Lansdowne Street (which forms the gardens western edge) or alternately catch a tram along Flinders Street into Wellington Parade.
Address: Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia
From $ 41
Grampians National Park
Grampians National Park offers more than 646 square miles (1,673 square kilometers) of rugged sandstone peaks, with wildflowers, waterfalls, fern gullies, and vineyards. The park is known for its stunning natural landscape and many ancient aboriginal rock art sites.
The Basics
Most Grampians National Park tours set out from Melbourne; long day trip highlights include a visit to Halls Gap, the park’s only town; lookout points, such as Reeds, Boroka, or the Balconies; or a short hike at MacKenzie Falls or the Pinnacles. Hike through valleys, see incredible lookout point views, or taste Wartook Valley’s chardonnay.
Spend more time hiking and camping on a multi-day trip. Tours often go one-way between Melbourne and Adelaide, including a drive along the Great Ocean Road, a night in Grampians National Park, or a visit to the nearby gold rush town of Ballarat.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and water.
- Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so pack warm clothing, even in summer.
- Brambuk—the National Park and Cultural Centre offers maps, park information, park ranger tours and talks, cultural activities, restrooms, a café, and free Wi-Fi.
- Plenty of picnic spots and campsites in the national park offer basic amenities.
- Many walking trails and lookout points are wheelchair accessible, and all-terrain wheelchairs are available from the Cultural Centre (advance bookings recommended).
How to Get There
Drive along the Western Highway from Melbourne to reach Grampians National Park in West Victoria. Halls Gap in the east, Dunkeld in the south, and Wartook in the north provide access to the park. Trains from Melbourne run to Ararat, from where buses head to Halls Gap, but exploring with your own transport or joining a tour is more convenient.
When to Get There
Grampians National Park can be enjoyed year-round. Spring (September to November) offers the best time for hiking, while autumn’s mild weather is ideal for outdoor activities. Summer visitors might prefer to hike during the cooler hours of the morning; winter can be cold, but offers the best views of the park’s powerful waterfalls.
Grampians National Park Outdoor Activities
With more than 375 miles (600 kilometers) of roads and 100 miles (160 kilometers) of walking trails, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, and bushwalking opportunities abound. Hike Wonderland Grand Canyon route to the Pinnacle Lookout, the Mt. Rosea Hike, or Grampians Peaks Trail. Go rock climbing and abseiling in the mountains, explore by quad bike or on horseback, or canoe, fish, and join a boat cruise around Lake Bellfield and Lake Wartook.
Address: Victoria, Australia
From $ 96
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum
The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum is home to one of Australia’s most prominent shipwreck collections and is set in a 19th-century village overlooking Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast. More than 180 shipwrecks have occurred along the coastline here, including the famous Loch Ard disaster. The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum documents these, and educates visitors of the maritime heritage of both the Shipwreck Coast and the Great Ocean Road.
Come nightfall, the Flagstaff Hill village puts on a spectacular show using special effects to bring the tragic story of the Loch Ard wreck to life. ‘Shipwrecked' is an outdoor sound and laser show that sails nightly, with dinner and show packages available.
Practical Info
The Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum is located at 89 Merri Street in Warrnambool, Victoria. It’s open daily from 9am until 5pm with last admissions at 4pm. The ‘Shipwrecked’ evening show runs nightly at dusk, with show times varying depending on the time of year. The show runs for approximately 70 minutes.
Address: 89 Merri Street, Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia, Australia
From $ 13
Churchill Island
The Churchill Island Heritage Farm is one of Melbourne’s most unique attractions. A tiny island off the coast of Phillip Island, Churchill Island is occupied entirely by the Churchill Island Heritage Farm.
Churchill Island was one of the first places in Victoria to be used for agriculture. Farmed since 1798, the island retains its heritage by showcasing pioneer farming techniques to visitors in its current incarnation as an historic working farm.
The Churchill Island Heritage Farm Visitor Centre contains an exhibition on the history of the island, as well as a giftshop and café. The real attraction of the island however is the farm life. Daily farming activities include cow milking, sheep shearing and more. Visitors can also circumnavigate the island on a walking track with fantastic views. The farm hosts a farmers market on the fourth Saturday of each month with lots of local produce.
Kids will love spotting the unusual breed of typical farm animals on the island. Highland cows, Clydesdale horses, peacocks and more can be found on the farm, as well as sightings of the Little Penguins that live on Phillip Island next door.
Practical Info
Access to Churchill Island is via Phillip Island, a ninety minute drive from Melbourne. Once on Phillip Island, head across the Churchill Island bridge. It’s also possible to walk from Phillip Island to Churchill Island if you’ve taken a tour or public transport to Phillip Island. The Heritage Farm is open from 10am to 5pm daily, and entry costs $12 for adults and $6 for children.
Address: 246 Samuel Amess Drive, Churchill Island 3925, Australia
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults $12 AUD, children $6 AUD
From $ 193
Cooks' Cottage
In the heritage-listed Fitzroy Gardens sits a historic building that is one of the most significant in Australia. Built in 1755 in England before being shipped to Australia in 1934, that building is Cooks’ Cottage – built by the parents of one Captain James Cook, the man who claimed Australia for the empire.
Today, after having being carefully dismantled, thoroughly labelled and shipped halfway around the world to be reconstructed, Cooks’ Cottage serves as a museum to the exploits of Captain Cook. Modern interpretations of his adventures are displayed alongside antiques in a very English cottage and garden.
As Captain Cook’s Childhood home, Cooks’ Cottage is a step back in time. The building has been carefully restored and great emphasis is put on the experience of visiting the cottage, including the 18th-century costumes worn by the staff. Entry to the cottage includes a self-guided tour and comprehensive fact sheet available in many languages, and school holiday programs run for children four times a year.
Practical Info
Cooks’ Cottage is a 15-minute walk from Federation Square, or very close to the Treasury Gardens stop on the free City Circle tram. The cottage is open from 9am-5pm daily, with the exception of Christmas Day, and last entry is at 4:45pm. Entry is $6.50 for adults, $3.60 for concession, and $3.50 for children up to 15 years.
Address: 230-298 Wellington Parade, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Hours: 9am-5pm daily
Admission: Adults $6; children up to 15 $3
From $ 41
Como Historic House and Garden
Take a guided tour through the elegance of wealthy pioneer lifestyle captured in the antique furnishings and manicured land of Melbourne’s Como Historic House and Garden.
Established in 1847 by Edward Eyre Williams, Como House is a well-preserved example of aristocratic style, with fireplaces and chandeliers, gilded mirror frames and rich embroidery. Folktale suggests the house was named in memory of Italy’s Lake Como, where Edward is believed to have proposed to his wife, Jessie Gibbon. Over the years, the house survived the Great Depression and family financial ruin, before being passed through to the Armytage family to endure wartime and 95 years of family dynasty. In 1959, Como House and Garden entered the protection of the National Trust.
Although the House only admits visitors booked in groups of 15 people of more, guided tours are free and allow access to the picturesque gardens after viewing the house.
Established in 1847 by Edward Eyre Williams, Como House is a well-preserved example of aristocratic style, with fireplaces and chandeliers, gilded mirror frames and rich embroidery. Folktale suggests the house was named in memory of Italy’s Lake Como, where Edward is believed to have proposed to his wife, Jessie Gibbon. Over the years, the house survived the Great Depression and family financial ruin, before being passed through to the Armytage family to endure wartime and 95 years of family dynasty. In 1959, Como House and Garden entered the protection of the National Trust.
Although the House only admits visitors booked in groups of 15 people of more, guided tours are free and allow access to the picturesque gardens after viewing the house.
Practical Info:
Guided tours through Como House run for about 45 minutes. Private functions can also be booked in the house and garden.
Como Historic House and Garden is on the corner of Lechlade Avenue and Williams Road in South Yarra. Get there by walking 15 minutes or taking a tram along Toorak Road from South Yarra Train Station.
On a fine day, visitors may wish to take a picnic and wander a few minutes down the road to Como Recreational Park, or visit the specialty shops, cafes and restaurants in nearby Toorak Village.
Como Historic House and Garden is on the corner of Lechlade Avenue and Williams Road in South Yarra. Get there by walking 15 minutes or taking a tram along Toorak Road from South Yarra Train Station.
On a fine day, visitors may wish to take a picnic and wander a few minutes down the road to Como Recreational Park, or visit the specialty shops, cafes and restaurants in nearby Toorak Village.
Address: Williams Rd, South Yarra, Victoria 3141, Australia
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-4pm
From $ 70
Flagstaff Gardens
Established atop a hill in central Melbourne in 1862, Flagstaff Gardens is the city’s oldest park. Covering 18 acres, on a nice day you’ll see plenty of office workers lounging on the lawns during their lunch breaks. And given the park’s location next door to Queen Victoria Market, a picnic made up of goods from the nearby food stalls is a popular option.
Named after a flagstaff that was erected in 1840 to signal ships into Melbourne port, as you wander through the park you’ll see sculptures and memorial statues, flower and rose beds, leafy eucalyptus, paths lined with avenues of elms for shade, and Moreton Fig trees native to eastern Australia. Look out for local wildlife, including possums, too.
And in the northern corner, you’ll see the local bowling lawn and, for sporty types, along the William Street side of Flagstaff Gardens there are tennis courts which also double as volleyball, handball, and netball courts. Just next to the courts, the electric barbecues are especially busy come summertime. And for a fine example of Melbourne’s extravagant buildings built during the boom years of the Victorian Gold Rush, check out the Melbourne Mint building. Built in 1862 in the Renaissance revival style, it’s just across the street from Flagstaff Gardens and is now home to the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.
Practical Info
The closest station to Flagstaff Gardens is Flagstaff railway station, at the southeast corner of the park.
Address: West Melbourne, Victoria 3003, Australia
From $ 51
Albert Park
Best known as the home of Formula 1 Grand Prix in March each year, Melbourne’s Albert Park is also a leafy inner-city retreat with a swan-filled lake, sports venues, playgrounds and a skyline view.
Only three kilometers from the city center, Albert Park is crown land that stretches more than 188 hectares into the south of Melbourne, making it a popular place for runners, dog-walkers and those in need of some fresh, green space.
There are three main picnic areas to enjoy in Albert Park, all with picnic shelters, electric barbecues, shady trees, toilets and tables. From Aquatic Drive, you can take a stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, enjoy fine service and a steak at The Point restaurant, and watch sail boats tack across the lake.
Sports lovers can enjoy the public golf course within Albert Park, try their hand at sailing from the boat shed or take a dip at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. For those less energetic, perhaps try a coffee from the kiosk and relaxing to the sound of song birds in the parkland wilderness.
Only three kilometers from the city center, Albert Park is crown land that stretches more than 188 hectares into the south of Melbourne, making it a popular place for runners, dog-walkers and those in need of some fresh, green space.
There are three main picnic areas to enjoy in Albert Park, all with picnic shelters, electric barbecues, shady trees, toilets and tables. From Aquatic Drive, you can take a stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, enjoy fine service and a steak at The Point restaurant, and watch sail boats tack across the lake.
Sports lovers can enjoy the public golf course within Albert Park, try their hand at sailing from the boat shed or take a dip at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. For those less energetic, perhaps try a coffee from the kiosk and relaxing to the sound of song birds in the parkland wilderness.
Practical Info:
Find Albert Park on Albert Road, stretching between South Melbourne and St Kilda. Pay-and-display parking is available at the park; just check the signs for prices and time limits. You can also use Melbourne’s much-loved tram system to get to Albert Park from the city in about 15 minutes. Tram number 1 leaves from Swanson Street. Tram number 112 leaves from Collins Street, and from Albert Park, continues down to Fitzroy and St Kilda. If you’re interested in window shopping and urban adventures after your park visit, try nearby Bridport Street and Victoria Avenue.
Address: Australia
From $ 88
Churchill Island Heritage Farm
Clinging to Phillip Island by a single bridge, the tiny Churchill Island is one of Melbourne’s most unique attractions - a scenic patchwork of farmlands, heritage gardens and wetlands, where time appears to have stood still. Despite encompassing a mere 57 hectares, the small island boasts a significant history, as one of the first agricultural developments of European settlers back in the 18th century.
Today, the historic farmhouses and lands have been preserved as the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, a working farm where visitors can discover pioneer farming techniques and learn about the island’s long history. Visitors can follow the walking trails around the island, watch traditional activities like cow milking, blacksmithing, sheep shearing and working dog demonstrations, peek into the cottages and outhouses to gain an understanding of the lives of the early settlers, and even purchase local produce at the monthly farmers market or gift shop.
Practical Info
The Churchill Island Heritage Farm is located on Churchill Island, around 130km south of Melbourne, and is open daily from 10am-5pm. Adult admission at the time of writing is AU $12.25.
Address: 246 Samuel Amess Drive, Churchill Island, Victoria, Australia
Hours: Daily, 10am-5pm
Admission: AU $12.25
From $ 124
Dominique Portet Winery
Tucked into the serene and picturesque Yarra Valley of Victoria, the Dominique Portet Winery is renowned for its deep roots in French soil — Bordeaux to be exact. The art of winemaking has been passed down through the Portet lineage from 18th century France; a father and son duo (ninth and 10th generation) run this winery with experience that spans around the world. The modest space boasts an array of wines in a comfortable, Mediterranean-style setting. Get lost among the sprawling vines, or relax with a glass surrounded by oak barrels at Dominique Portet. Enjoy tastings from the cellar door, learn more about the Portet history and culture with a vintage tour, or stay for a leisurely lunch overlooking the valley.
Practical Info
Dominique Portet Winery is located about an hour away by car from Melbourne’s city center, at 870 Maroondah Highway in Yarra Valley. Visit daily, from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. for tastings and tours.
Address: 870 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream VIC 3770, Australia
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. for tastings and tours
From $ 593
A Maze'N Things
Set amid the natural wonders and wildlife reserves of Phillip Island, A Maze'N Things offers a fun alternative for a family day out. The small-scale theme park is packed with interactive exhibitions and activities, including mind-bending illusions, a gigantic maze, a minigolf course, and plenty of games, puzzles, and challenges to keep all ages entertained.
The Basics
Admission to A Maze'N Things includes entrance to its Magic Manor, Puzzle Island, Illusion Rooms, and the Maze, while tours from Melbourne often combine a visit with attractions like the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory or the evening Penguin Parade. Additional ticketed activities include the 19-hole Maxi Mini Golf course and the SkyTrail high-ropes adventure course.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A Maze'N Things is suitable for all ages, but there are age restrictions on some activities and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- On-site facilities include a café, picnic and barbecue area, gift shop, and playground.
- The Maze takes an average of 45 minutes to complete, but plan up to three hours to enjoy all the park’s activities.
- Some of the park’s attractions are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
A Maze’N Things is located on the main Phillip Island Road, between the Rusty Water Brewery and Phillip Island Adventure Resort. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Melbourne city center and just a 10-minute drive from Phillip Island attractions such as Seal Rocks and the Penguin Parade.
When to Get There
Open daily year-round, A Maze’N Things is busiest in peak season (December and January) and during school holidays. The SkyTrail is open daily throughout January, but the rest of the year it opens only on weekends.
Family Fun at A Maze’N Things
Tackling a gigantic open-air 3-D maze, zooming down the LookOut! slide, clambering through the treetops on the SkyTrail, and playing a round of minigolf are just some of the activities on offer at A Maze’N Things. In the Illusion Rooms, you can make people disappear, see water flowing uphill, defy gravity, and get shrunk. On Puzzle Island, experience a Mirror Maze, ride a flying boogie board, or try to balance in a rotating room; and in the Magic Manor, see a flying chandelier, test your nerves in the scare rooms, and try out magic tricks.
Address: 1805 Phillip Island Road, Cowes, Australia
Admission: $44 for adults, $29.50 for children
From $ 25
Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre
This world-class destination, 100 percent owned and operated by Australia’s Aboriginal people, is nestled into the scenic backdrop of the continent’s own unique indigenous flora and fauna. Visitors agree that the incredible architecture, pristine grounds and knowledgeable staff make Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Center one of Victoria’s top destinations.
Travelers can tour ancient rock art while they learn about the traditions of one of Australian’s oldest people. Interesting exhibits explore the chronological history of native cultures and the boomerang training ground, where families can test out their newly purchased toys, provides visitors with a truly memorable experience.
Practical Info
The Aboriginal Cultural Center is located at 277 Grampians Road in Halls Gap, Victoria. It’s open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Guided tours range from $70 to $140.
Address: 277 Grampians Road, Halls Gap, Victoria, Australia
Admission: $70-140
From $ 100
Flemington Racecourse
Melbourne’s historic racecourse has been the city’s premier horse racing venue since it first opened in 1840 and plays an important role in the history and identity of Melbourne and its people.
A hive of activity during Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival in November each year, Flemington Racecourse (or ‘Flemington’ as it is more commonly called) is best known as the venue for the Melbourne Cup, the city’s internationally renowned horse race that attracts over 100,000 visitors each year and is the world’s richest turf race.
Owned and run by the VRC (Victoria Racing Club), Flemington hosts racing events throughout the year and is recognised by the Victoria Heritage List as the most significant racing heritage site in Australia.
Situated on the Maribyrnong River, Flemington has clear views of the city skyline and a rose garden that is believed to be the biggest in the southern hemisphere. There is a heritage center and a shop onsite and walking tours are available daily during business hours.
Flemington Racecourse is located 6km northwest of the CBD on Epsom Road. The No. 57 tram (departing Elizabeth Street) provides the most direct access to the racecourse.
A hive of activity during Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival in November each year, Flemington Racecourse (or ‘Flemington’ as it is more commonly called) is best known as the venue for the Melbourne Cup, the city’s internationally renowned horse race that attracts over 100,000 visitors each year and is the world’s richest turf race.
Owned and run by the VRC (Victoria Racing Club), Flemington hosts racing events throughout the year and is recognised by the Victoria Heritage List as the most significant racing heritage site in Australia.
Situated on the Maribyrnong River, Flemington has clear views of the city skyline and a rose garden that is believed to be the biggest in the southern hemisphere. There is a heritage center and a shop onsite and walking tours are available daily during business hours.
Flemington Racecourse is located 6km northwest of the CBD on Epsom Road. The No. 57 tram (departing Elizabeth Street) provides the most direct access to the racecourse.
Address: Australia
From $ 27
AAMI Park
With a bold profile of gleaming triangular panels in a unique bioframe
roof, it’s no surprise that Melbourne’s AAMI Park has quickly become an
iconic sporting stadium.
Located only one kilometre from the city centre, between the sweeping Yarra River and the internationally-loved MCG, AAMI Park is Melbourne’s premier medium-sized soccer, rugby union and rugby league venue.
AAMI Park’s star teams include the National Rugby League's Melbourne Storm, Melbourne’s Super Rugby team, the Melbourne Rebels, and soccer’s A-League teams, the Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart.
The stadium has a capacity of more than 30,000 spectators and boasts a popular roof design that offers seating cover and a notable lack of pillars and walls obstructing the view.
Recognizing the unique value of this Melbourne attraction, in 2012 AAMI Park was awarded the World’s Most Iconic and Culturally Significant Stadium by the Stadium World Congress.
Located only one kilometre from the city centre, between the sweeping Yarra River and the internationally-loved MCG, AAMI Park is Melbourne’s premier medium-sized soccer, rugby union and rugby league venue.
AAMI Park’s star teams include the National Rugby League's Melbourne Storm, Melbourne’s Super Rugby team, the Melbourne Rebels, and soccer’s A-League teams, the Melbourne Victory and Melbourne Heart.
The stadium has a capacity of more than 30,000 spectators and boasts a popular roof design that offers seating cover and a notable lack of pillars and walls obstructing the view.
Recognizing the unique value of this Melbourne attraction, in 2012 AAMI Park was awarded the World’s Most Iconic and Culturally Significant Stadium by the Stadium World Congress.
Practical Info
AAMI Park is within the Melbourne and Olympic Parks precinct, and has been designed with easy and frequent connection to Melbourne trains, trams and buses.
Trams from Flinders Street and Richmond Stations stop at AAMI Park Stop 7D. Richmond Station, Jolimont Station and Flinders Street train stations are within walking distance to AAMI Park. Buses link between the city and the sports precinct. Visitors can also walk from Federation Square in the city, along the Yarra River.
Onsite car parking is limited and fees apply. Event days are more expensive than non-event days.
Trams from Flinders Street and Richmond Stations stop at AAMI Park Stop 7D. Richmond Station, Jolimont Station and Flinders Street train stations are within walking distance to AAMI Park. Buses link between the city and the sports precinct. Visitors can also walk from Federation Square in the city, along the Yarra River.
Onsite car parking is limited and fees apply. Event days are more expensive than non-event days.
Address: Olympic Blvd, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
Hours: Check website for event times.
Admission: Depends on event
From $ 89
Crown Casino
Covering a significant portion of Melbourne’s Southbank, Crown Casino is an entertainment complex with three hotels, spas, a cinema, a casino, and a number of bars and restaurants that overlook the Yarra River. The fun never ends at the casino, which is open 24 hours and welcomes guests with a dazzling water jet and fire show.
The Basics
The Crown Entertainment Complex is the crown jewel of Melbourne’s city center. It features a number of upscale fashion brands such as Prada and Louis Vuitton as well as famous restaurants like Nobu, Rockpool, and Bistro Guillaume. Take an adventurous kayak tour along the Yarra River to get a glimpse of the Crown and the rest of the Melbourne skyline. For a more relaxing journey, hop on a sightseeing cruise to discover the best of Melbourne from Federation Square through the Docklands to the Port of Melbourne.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Crown Casino is a must-visit for casino lovers and party animals, as it boasts some of the best bars, restaurants, and views of Melbourne.
- Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to enter the Crown Casino gaming and gambling areas.
- The Crown complex also offers a number of wheelchair-accessible facilities, including some restrooms, parking bays, gaming areas, and eateries.
How to Get There
The Crown Casino is located on the Southbank Promenade, just across the Yarra River from Flinders Street Station. Visitors can take a number of trams and trains to Flinders Street and walk across Queens or Princes Bridge to access the complex. Trams 12, 58, 96, and 109 also leave guests right in front of the casino. There’s also a parking facility available for those who would like to drive.
When to Get There
The casino is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with the exception of Christmas Day, Good Friday, and Anzac Day. For those who love gastronomy, the Crown Casino hosts a number of events during the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival held every March. Chinese New Year and the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival are also lively times to visit.
The Gas Brigades of Crown
In one of Melbourne’s coolest shows, eight towers along Southbank shoot large fireballs into the sky along the Yarra River’s bustling promenade. Once the sun sets, the fireball show begins, every hour on the hour. It’s free to watch, and not to be missed.
Address: Yarra Promenade, Southbank, Melbourne 3000, Australia
Hours: Open daily
From $ 19
Block Arcade
The Block Arcade is a heritage-shopping arcade that was built in the late 1800s. Restored to its original glory, the arcade still features its original mosaic tiled flooring, glass canopied ceiling and wrought iron and carved stone finishes.
In conjunction with Melbourne’s Royal Arcade, The Block Arcade forms part of the city’s Golden Mile heritage walk that cuts through the center of the CBD and offers a unique shopping experience.
Much loved shops within the arcade include the popular Hopetoun Tea Rooms (Melbourne’s original spot for high tea and still home to the city’s most drool-worthy window display!), Dafel Dolls & Bears toy shop and Haigh’s Chocolates.
You can enter The Block Arcade from its official entrance on Collins Street or via Elizabeth Street (west) or the pedestrian laneway off Little Collins Street.
In conjunction with Melbourne’s Royal Arcade, The Block Arcade forms part of the city’s Golden Mile heritage walk that cuts through the center of the CBD and offers a unique shopping experience.
Much loved shops within the arcade include the popular Hopetoun Tea Rooms (Melbourne’s original spot for high tea and still home to the city’s most drool-worthy window display!), Dafel Dolls & Bears toy shop and Haigh’s Chocolates.
You can enter The Block Arcade from its official entrance on Collins Street or via Elizabeth Street (west) or the pedestrian laneway off Little Collins Street.
Address: Shop 23/282 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
From $ 51
Flinders Street Station
Flinders Street Station is Melbourne’s most historic train station and a major transportation hub. Built in 1854, the station still features remnants of the past like the large clock on the facade, stained glass windows, and old-school flip displays for train departures. The station allows travelers to shuttle between the outer suburbs and the heart of Melbourne with ease.
The Basics
Flinders Street Station proudly stands as a reminder of the past in the middle of Melbourne. A majority of city walking tours commence here (or at the iconic Federation Square across the street). Explore Melbourne’s hidden gems, including nearby Degrabest Street, or take a step back in time with a historic tour to learn more about the station and city’s past. For those who want a more in-depth overview of Melbourne, consider booking a private tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Flinders Street Railway Station is a must-visit for those interested in Melbourne’s history.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the station and on every platform.
- The station features wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and phones. There are also tactile paths for those with impaired vision.
How to Get There
Every train, and virtually tram, in Melbourne stops at Flinders Street Station, making it the most important transportation hub in the city. The station stretches for a few blocks from Swanston Street to Elizabeth Street, and is easily walkable from the main streets of Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD). The station is located directly across from Federation Square, the city’s main meeting point.
When to Get There
Thousands of commuters flood the station every day for work, so visit outside of rush hour to avoid excessive crowds.
Flinders Street Station in the Past
With its iconic yellow facade and green dome, the station was built to be used for more than just transportation. The upper floors of the complex feature an abandoned ballroom with space for 400 guests, a now-neglected gymnasium, as well as a childcare facility used by mothers who were visiting the city. After the railroad romance ended in the mid-20th century, these facilities were closed off to the public
Address: Corner Flinders and Swanston Streets, Melbourne 3000, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 20
Creswick Woollen Mills
There was once a time when wool-spinning mills were prevalent throughout Australia, and sheep were clustered in rural paddocks stretching far out into the hills. Today, however, the wool spinning industry is in rapid decline, which is all the more reason that Creswick Woollen Mills is an important Victoria highlight. The mill, in fact, is the lone remaining mill of its kind found anywhere in Australia, and alpacas provide the fiber for scarves, sweaters, socks, and shawls. When visiting the mill, tour the exhibit “A Very Fine Yarn,” which allows you to follow the wool making process from growth through harvest and production, and is one of the only places in Australia to watch manufacturing as it happens.
You can see the alpacas from the viewing deck and feel their luxurious wool, and even have the chance to feed the alpacas as they eat right out of your hand.
Practical Info
Tours of the Creswick Woollen Mill are offered daily at 11am, noon, 1pm, and 2pm, and cost $15 for adults. Each adult admission includes up to three children for free, and the admission fee can be used as a rebate on purchases of $50 or more.
Address: Railway Parade, Creswick VIC 3363, Australia
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Admission: $15
From $ 1
Brighton Beach
Charming and picturesque, Brighton Beach is a cove on Port Phillip Bay that is adored for its rainbow bathing boxes and views of Melbourne city skyline.
There is classic coastal feel to Brighton Beach, with its bayside cafes, boardwalk, yacht club, boutique shopping and two cinemas nearby. The cove is protected from southerly winds and patrolled by Surf Lifesavers, making it a safe place to swim if you can brave the water temperature.
Along Dendy Street beach, the bathing boxes have earned tourism icon status, offering a splash of colour against the white sandy shore, and giving the cove a European feel. There are 82 coveted bathing boxes in total, built to heritage standards with weatherboard and timber, and owned by local residents.
There is classic coastal feel to Brighton Beach, with its bayside cafes, boardwalk, yacht club, boutique shopping and two cinemas nearby. The cove is protected from southerly winds and patrolled by Surf Lifesavers, making it a safe place to swim if you can brave the water temperature.
Along Dendy Street beach, the bathing boxes have earned tourism icon status, offering a splash of colour against the white sandy shore, and giving the cove a European feel. There are 82 coveted bathing boxes in total, built to heritage standards with weatherboard and timber, and owned by local residents.
Practical Info:
Brighton Beach is a convenient coastal getaway for residents and visitors, located only 11km from central Melbourne, along the south-east edge of Port Phillip Bay. Public trams, trains and buses run from central Melbourne to Brighton Beach; buses 216 and 219 and trains on the Sandringham line are popular options.
Free parking available at Brighton Beach but arrive early to secure a spot. There is also paid parking costing $4 per hour. For a photo opportunity, park a little south at Green Point and follow the walking paths around the coastal point into Brighton to catch a view of the bathing boxes with the city skyline in the background.
Free parking available at Brighton Beach but arrive early to secure a spot. There is also paid parking costing $4 per hour. For a photo opportunity, park a little south at Green Point and follow the walking paths around the coastal point into Brighton to catch a view of the bathing boxes with the city skyline in the background.
Address: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
From $ 72
Collins Street
Melbourne’s grandest avenue, Collins Street is known for being a hub for prestigious boutiques and designer stores, theaters, global bank headquarters, high-end hotels and restaurants.
Running for a mile between Elizabeth and King Street, Collins Street is the traditional main street of the city. On a visit, start at the east end, or “Paris end,” so named for its lavish Victorian-era buildings, erected in the 1880s when Melbourne grew recklessly during the Victorian gold rush.
Collins Street has long been Melbourne’s center of financial activities. Some of the banks are housed in Victorian gothic builds nicknamed “Cathedrals of Commerce,” while others are in shining glass skyscrapers, some of which are Australia’s tallest, like 101 Collins Street. It’s worth seeing the late 19th century Old Stock Exchange, which looks straight out of Venice, and the ANZ Gothic Bank — all gold leaf ceilings and grand ceilings on the inside.
On Collins Street you’ll also find flagship branches for the likes of Prada, Armani, Tiffany & Co, and Longchamp. There are also a number of shopping malls along the street, including Collins Place, the Block Arcade, and Georges on Collins.
Collins Street is also home to the Athenaeum and Regent theatres, which put on international productions throughout the year, and it’s also known for its impressive 19th century churches: Collins Street Baptist Church, St Michael's Uniting Church, and Scot's Presbyterian Church.
Practical Info
Trams 48, 109 and 112 all run down Collins Street.
Address: Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
From $ 41