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Top 10 attractions in Melbourne

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Penguin Parade
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Gippsland

Penguin Parade

8.5
4.3/5
200 reviews
The penguin parade is located at Summerland Beach on the southwestern tip of Phillip Island, serving as the signature attraction of Phillip Island Nature Park. It occurs daily around sunset: groups of little blue penguins return ashore on the waves after a day of foraging at sea, first gathering in shallow waters and peering around before waddling across the beach along fixed routes to their dune burrows. Spectators can observe this natural "mini parade" up close from viewing stands and boardwalks, often with penguins passing just steps away. The island is home to tens of thousands of little blue penguins. With blue feathers on their backs and snow-white bellies, they stand just over 30 cm tall and weigh approx. one kg when fully grown. Their round bodies and waddling gait make them utterly endearing. They spend their days foraging at sea and return to their nests in groups after dusk, following nearly identical round-trip routes between the ocean and their burrows generation after generation. On-site, you can hear their overlapping calls. There are a few points to note when observing: The eyes of little penguins are highly sensitive to light, so cameras or video recorders are not allowed on site, and quiet waiting is necessary to avoid disturbing them; after sunset, the seaside becomes windy and chilly, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring warm outerwear and arrive early to wait for the penguins to come ashore. This spectacle occurs year-round, with the southern hemisphere's spring and summer seasons (approximately August to February each year) coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin shore arrivals and nest activity become more frequent, typically creating livelier scenes. △ The little penguins leave the island to forage at sea during the day and return to their coastal nests in groups to rest at night. △ These little penguins are the smallest in the world, not only tiny in size but also very timid. Please avoid using flash to prevent irritating their eyes. △ The Penguin Parade can be observed year-round, with warmer weather from September to January coinciding with the breeding season, when penguin activity becomes more frequent, making it an ideal time for viewing.Summerlands · 78.7 km from Melbourne
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
Melbourne Skydeck
2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Melbourne Skydeck

8.1
4.6/5
758 reviews
Melbourne Skydeck, the Eureka Skydeck 88, is located on the 88th floor, is 285 meters above the ground. With a direct elevator, you can overlook the entire city of Melbourne, 360 degrees, in a few seconds. There is a viewfinder for accurate observation of important landmarks throughout Melbourne. There is also a glass cube called The Edge that extends out of the edge of the building, and extremely exciting to stand up and look downstairs. △ Enjoy the sunset over Melbourne city △ Feel the exciting Edge experienceSouthbank · 1.1 km from downtown
Sovereign Hill
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Goldfields

Sovereign Hill

7.8
4.6/5
588 reviews
Sovereign Hill is a living museum that presents the story of Ballarat as a gold rush boomtown. It covers 30,000 square metres of open space including a township with a gold panning area, underground mines, costumed characters, coach rides and 1850s shops, trades, schools and dwellings. △ Traveling back to the gold rush era of the 1850s △ Observe confection demonstration up close △ Listen to the story of the Redcoat SoldiersAustralia · Golden Point
Phillip Island
2026 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes

Phillip Island

7.4
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 · 78 km from Melbourne
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 · 2.3 km 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 · 522m from downtown
Hosier Ln
No. 15 of Best Things to Do in Melbourne

Hosier Ln

6.3
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 · 581m from downtown
Old Melbourne Gaol
No. 16 of Best Things to Do in Melbourne

Old Melbourne Gaol

6.2
4.2/5
117 reviews
Many tourists are intrigued by the history of the Old Melbourne Gaol. Victoria's oldest surviving prison, which operated from 1845 until 1924, is now one of Australia's most famous museums and attractions. Known to harbor Australia's most violent and notorious criminals, including Australian convict and folk hero Ned Kelly. With most of the original architecture untouched, a tour of the historical prison gives guests a bone-chilling experience. Check out the unique souvenirs and memorabilia at the gift shop, or take a candlelight tour of the prison at your own risk!Melbourne · 720m 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 · 1.4 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Melbourne

Featured Cultural experiences in Melbourne

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Plaza Premium Lounge VIP lounge service at Melbourne Airport
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Old Melbourne Gaol: Entry Ticket
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FromNZD 47.29
Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Day Tour [Premium Group | Hotel Transfers]
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FromNZD 247.38
Melbourne Immigration Museum: Entry Ticket
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FromNZD 18.68
Mosaic Art Classes Melbourne: Turkish Lamp Workshop
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Duration: 150 mins
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FromNZD 100.59

Featured Food & drink in Melbourne

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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
· 115 reviews· 1.4k booked
Duration: 4.8 hrs
English
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97.4% of travelers recommend
FromNZD 133.45
Wine Tasting in the heart of the Yarra Valley - Small Group Full-Day Tour
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Duration: 24 hrs
English
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FromNZD 419.82
Melbourne Puffing Billy Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley Winery English Day Tour in Australia
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FromNZD 237.72
Melbourne classic dinner cruise experience
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Duration: 3 hrs
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FromNZD 275.57
Must-do in Melbourne | Yarra River city cruise & dinner
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Duration: 3 hrs
English
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FromNZD 318.60
1-day tour of Yarra Valley winery in Melbourne with lunch, wine tasting and cheese sampling
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Duration: 6.9 hrs
English
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FromNZD 422.54
Yarra Valley Winery Tour with Lunch
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Duration: 24 hrs
English
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FromNZD 271.88

Featured Spa & wellness in Melbourne

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Peninsula Hot Springs: Entry Ticket with Bath House
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5.0/5
· 9 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
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FromNZD 94.58NZD 99.56
1-day round-trip tour to Peninsula Hot Springs from Melbourne
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Duration: 8.3 hrs
English
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FromNZD 246.04
Mornington Peninsula: Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
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Duration: 1 day
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5% off
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FromNZD 118.39NZD 124.63
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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FromNZD 118.39NZD 124.63
Peninsula Hot Springs: Fire, Ice, and Bathe
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Duration: 45 mins
English
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromNZD 118.39NZD 124.63
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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FromNZD 223.77NZD 235.55
Mornington Peninsula Small Group Wine & Hot Springs with Lunch
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4.6/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
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FromNZD 336.60

Featured Outdoor experiences 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
· 1.4k reviews· 16.5k booked
Duration: 7 hrs
English
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100 consecutive positive reviews
FromNZD 176.24
[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
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89 consecutive positive reviews
FromNZD 37.18
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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95.9% of travelers recommend
FromNZD 45.20
Mercedes-Benz CNY 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
FromNZD 192.29
Melbourne Brighton Beach Boxes/Zoo + Penguin Island one-day tour with Chinese/English Option available
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4.6/5
· 16 reviews· 307 booked
Duration: 14 hrs
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FromNZD 192.55
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
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93.7% of travelers recommend
FromNZD 214.56
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· 981 booked
Duration: 8.8 hrs
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27 consecutive positive reviews
FromNZD 83.06
Melbourne Great Ocean Road skydiving [high-altitude ocean view skydiving/free skydiving certificate]
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4.6/5
· 16 reviews· 167 booked
Duration: 1 hr
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FromNZD 478.70

Free things to do in Melbourne

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What travelers say about Melbourne

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_FB***61October 1, 2026
5.0
Loved watching a group of little penguins head home! It was so sweet seeing them waddle and shake their tails

Penguin Parade

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MandadadadaMay 30, 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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Avinash KhanapurMarch 22, 2026
4.0
I have completed summit of various tallest buildings and observatory decks. However Eureka Towers lacks the punch or experience and assuming that I was never designed from a commercial aspects. However being jn CBD, it does offer some spectacular views and photographic opportunities. But challenge always remains that Wearher should support u. The GenZ experiences like EDGE and VR are there but can be much better. Felt they are not value for money.

Melbourne Skydeck

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M10***60October 4, 2026
5.0
You can experience riding a mine cart down the mine shaft, with a 45-minute guided tour, which is quite a novel experience. Overall, it's pretty good! However, considering the two-hour drive and ticket price, the value for money isn't very high, so it's not a must-see attraction. If you're short on time, you can skip it; if you have more time, it's still a great option!

Sovereign Hill

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谢颖华October 24, 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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蝴蝶飞了November 25, 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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lucialuoFebruary 4, 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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JourneyyymeMay 25, 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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小岛乱子January 29, 2026
5.0
It feels like stepping onto a movie set, with a unique sense of time travel. Especially for movie buffs, it's a must-see when visiting Melbourne. If you're staying in the city center, it's within walking distance. A top choice for independent travelers.

Old Melbourne Gaol

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多多猪December 5, 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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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Melbourne?

Don't miss these attractions in Melbourne: Penguin Parade, Carlton Gardens, and Melbourne Skydeck. If you like Cultural experiences, try Plaza Premium Lounge VIP lounge service at Melbourne Airport. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne.

You can give Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne and Wine Tasting in the heart of the Yarra Valley - Small Group Full-Day Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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