Top 10 Melbourne Traveler
Top 10 Attractions in Melbourne
10. Captain Cook’s Cottage
Visit the Fitzroy Gardens to marvel at Australia’s oldest building, even though it was deconstructed brick by brick and transported here from England in 1934 (even the ivy was cut and replanted!). Captain Cook's home contains interpretations about his travels, 18th-century antiques, and even appropriately dressed volunteers. His parents built this Top 10 Melbourne attraction, likely representing a centuries-old passive-aggressive suggestion to get out of their basement. Entry fee $6.50, open daily 9 AM - 5 PM.
9. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
If you came to Melbourne for a religious experience, you’ve found it. “The G” (you’re welcome) is home to Australian Rules Football and boasts a resume that includes the 1956 Olympic Games and 2006 Commonwealth Games. Join the 100,023 other fans in worship and catch a cricket game in summer or football game in winter. Don’t worry if you have no idea what you’re doing - just scream a lot and you’ll fit right in.
8. National Gallery of Victoria
This Top 10 Melbourne landmark is Australia’s oldest art gallery, and also the most awesome due to its splash-worthy waterfall entrance and stained glass ceiling. Plus, entrance is free! Traveling exhibitions may have a long wait so prepare accordingly. Be sure to sit in the back gardens and admire the sculptured bodies you don’t have as you nom your Vegemite sandwich. Open daily 10 AM - 5 PM with special exhibition hours.
7. Federation Square
Fed Square appears to be as equally loved and hated as Chicago’s gigantic silver reflective bean thing that tourists love and locals hate. Ultra-modern and ultra-weird, this funky building hosts more than 2,000 events per year - both indoors (like a giant inflatable baby experience), and outdoors (something more normal like free juggling classes). Top 10 Melbourne Tip: it’s the largest free WiFi site on the continent. Open 24/7/365.
6. Eureka Skydeck 88
The highest skydeck in the southern hemisphere offers an unparalleled view of this bustling city. This Top 10 Melbourne landmark offers the opportunity to stand in a protruding glass box and question why you’re doing that. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset for a stunning view, plus the enveloping darkness can help you forget your paralyzing fear of heights. $19.50 for entry. Open 10 AM - 10 PM with the last entry at 9:30 PM.
5. St. Kilda Beach
This Top Ten Melbourne attraction is a calming seaside escape offering a respite from the urban crawl with ample opportunities for jogging, walking, strolling along the pier, or indulging in the variety of cakes and coffees offered nearby. At the very least, there is always people-judging. Top 10 Melbourne Tip: Visit on a Sunday to experience the local crafts market!
4. Shrine of Remembrance
Dedicated to the Australian service members and veterans of all global wars, this Shrine contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and offers a spectacular view of the city and the bay. Guided (free at 11am and 2pm) and self-guided tours are available. Every half hour, a commemorative ray of light shines across the sanctuary, and an eternal flame burns for all who lost their lives. From here, you can begin your amble among the Botanical Gardens to fully reflect on the shrine’s history and purpose. Open daily 10 AM - 5 PM.
3. Melbourne Zoo
Not like your normal zoo, this Top Ten Melbourne attraction is basically a self-contained outback safari experience. Come see the kangaroos, emus, wombats, and koalas that you really came to Australia for and secretly fear/want to own. Stroll along the Orang-utan boardwalk, sweat your face off in the Butterfly Exhibit, then cool off in the Wild Sea among the penguins and seals - you will be more than emused! Visit in the summer to participate in the Twilights concert series! Open daily 9 AM - 5 PM.
2. Great Ocean Road
Take a tour of one of the world’s most famous coastlines via mini coach, helicopter, your own car, a llama, whatever just get there. This Top 10 Melbourne attraction lets you experience rainforests, koala and swamp wallaby viewings, Gibsons Steps cliff formations, and one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the Twelve Apostles in Port Campbell National Park. A number of tour companies offer a variety of packages, but seriously if you find one that includes a llama, let us know.
1. Royal Botanic Gardens
A true ugly duckling story, this Top 10 Melbourne landmark has been transformed from murky swamp to stunning oasis. These 96 acres are home to over 10,000 native and exotic species, and offer a perfect opportunity for oohing and aahing with inspiration, or moaning and groaning that you couldn’t even keep a single fern alive. Open weekdays 9 AM - 5 PM and weekends 9:30 AM - 5 PM. Top 10 Tip: stop by for a moonlight picnic and cinema beginning at 8:30 PM in the summers!