Melbourne is coastal capital of the state of Victoria, and it boasts a plethora of attractive sights and iconic landmarks. It is also one of the most liveable cities!

Head over to the Arts Precinct before relaxing by the vibrantly coloured flowers in the garden or have a romantic stroll and dinner by the Yarra River.

As Australia’s second most-populous urban metropolitan, the city of Melbourne is a dynamic and exciting city to explore that is filled with distinctive quirks for every visitor to explore. Here are 10 Things To Do And Places To Explore In Melbourne.

#1 SPEND THE DAY AT QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET

One of the most iconic landmarks in Melbourne is Queen Victoria Market. Filled with stalls selling the freshest produce from seafood to red meats and vegetables, Queen Victoria Market boasts seven hectares of space and has been around since 1878!

Start your day right in one of the world’s best coffee cities by heading over to the market early in the morning for a cup of coffee and some freshly baked goods. For lunch, consider ordering some freshly shucked oysters and gawk at the diversity of crustacean sold here.

Check out the incredibly cheap and juicy seasonal fruits and vegetables before purchasing some handmade soaps or scented candles.

During the Summer and Winter, Queen Victoria Market also holds weekly Night Markets on Wednesdays so do a quick check online before making your way down.

Queen Victoria Market
Queen St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tues & Thu: 6am – 2pm
Fri: 6am – 5pm
Sat: 6am – 3pm
Sun: 9am – 4pm
(Closed on Monday and Wednesday)
Nearest Tram Station: Queen Victoria Market

#2 GET CULTURED AT THE STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA

The State Library Victoria has been standing tall with its majestic Victorian and neoclassical architecture since 1854 as Australia’s oldest public library.

The State Library Victoria is currently under redevelopment but the numerous exhibits and the La Trobe Reading Room that holds the magnificent domed ceiling are still open to the public.

Don’t miss out on your chance to gawk at the awe-inspiring interior of the library while taking in the serene atmosphere as students huddle over their notebooks.

State Library Victoria
328 Swanston St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon to Thu: 10am – 9pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Tram Station: Melbourne Central Station/State Library of Victoria

#3 VISIT THE ICONIC FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY STATION & FEDERATION SQUARE

Flinders Street Railway Station’s main building was completed in 1909 and is a cultural landmark in Melbourne with its distinct dome and the row of clocks over the arched entrance. This station also serves the entire metropolitan rail network, making it Melbourne’s busiest train station and even Australia’s busiest railway station.

The station is also accountable for two of Melbourne’s busiest pedestrian crossings. Cross over one of them to visit Federation Square; where arts, culture and public events converge in metropolitan Melbourne.

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is a must check out at Federation Square, particularly if you are a fan of film photography or simply interested in the history of video and photography.

Flinders St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Nearest Tram Station: Flinders Street Station

Photo Credit: National Gallery of Victoria

#4 FIND NEW ARTISTIC FAVOURITES AT NATIONAL GALLERY OF VICTORIA (NGV)

Founded in 1861, the National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s oldest, largest and most visited art museum. Its main building situated on Southbank features an extensive collection of international and local artists’ artwork and exhibitions.

NGV boasts 70,000 works that span across thousands of years for visitors to admire and learn from, we could think of no better place to spend a relaxing day getting cultured.

180 St Kilda Rd
Melbourne VIC 3006
Daily: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Tram Station: Arts Precinct/St Kilda Road

#5 TAKE A RELAXING STROLL ALONG THE YARRA RIVER

The historically and culturally rich Yarra River stretches across the Royal Botanic Gardens and Melbourne CBD area. Have a romantic dinner right by the Yarra River at Southbank with the towering skyscrapers making for a magnificent urban skyline.

Photo Credit: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

#6 HAVE A PICNIC AT ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS VICTORIA

Situated on the South Side of the Yarra River, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria stretches across 36 hectares of space. Relax your eyes on the hulking trees, lush lawns and vibrantly coloured flowers while taking a stroll down the river and lakes.

Over the summer, there is also a romantic outdoor cinema that screens movies at night as well so you can watch your favourite films under the cover of the stars.

Birdwood Ave
South Yarra VIC 3141
Daily: 7.30am – 7.30pm
Nearest Tram Station: Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Rd

#7 VIEW ALL OF MELBOURNE AT EUREKA SKYDECK

One of the best ways to go sightseeing in Melbourne is to visit the very top of the Eureka Tower at Eureka Skydeck. As Australia’s second-tallest building, the Eureka Tower overlooks the city of Melbourne at a height of 297.3 metres!

The Eureka Skydeck is perched on the 88th floor of the building and provides a bird’s eye view of the entire CBD area, and even beyond to the towns and mountains surrounding the city. You will get to see a panoramic view of Melbourne’s most iconic attractions and landmarks within just a number of steps.

7 Riverside Quay
Southbank VIC 3006
Tel: +61 3 9693 8888
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Tram Station: Arts Precinct/St Kilda Road

Photo Credit: St Kilda Penguins

#8 GO PENGUIN SPOTTING AT ST KILDA BEACH

Located just south of Melbourne CBD is the city’s most famous beach, St Kilda Beach. Stretching across a length of 700 metres, this beach is typically the most packed around summer time where locals are out sunbathing and splashing around in the water.

Grab a box of fish and chips or make your way down to any one of the numerous cafes surrounding the beach. Do not miss out on the chance to spot fairy penguins at the pier as well! The best time to spot them is after sunset where the penguins come back to shore after a day of hunting for fish, so grab a good viewing spot before the crowd comes in.

Photo Credit: Luna Park Melbourne

#9 SEEK ADVENTURES AND THRILLING RIDES AT LUNA PARK MELBOURNE

Located right by St Kilda beach, Luna Park Melbourne is a historic amusement park with thrilling rides and tasty food for the whole family to have an enjoyable time together. The amusement park is only open on weekends and public holidays, so it might get crowded but do not let that deter you!

From vintage and classic rides to more exciting and adventurous ones, there are rides for both the children and adults at the park, making for a perfect family-friendly day out.

18 Lower Esplanade
St Kilda VIC 3182
Tel: +61 3 9525 5033
Sat & Sun: 11am – 6pm
Nearest Tram Station: Luna Park/Cavell Street

#10 LEARN ABOUT MELBOURNE’S HISTORY AT ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING

The construction of the Royal Exhibition Building completed in 1880 and has proudly withstood the test of time. It was host to the opening of the first Parliament of Australia in 1901 and is one of the few remaining major 19th-century exhibition buildings in the world.

As the first building in Australia to receive the award of UNESCO World Heritage, the Royal Exhibition Building now hosts numerous exhibitions and events. From dog shows to tattoo exhibitions and even garden shows, this iconic building is a representative of Victoria’s past and present.

9 Nicholson St
Carlton VIC 3053
Nearest Tram Station: Gertrude St/Nicholson Station

A popular area for day trips and its many natural sights, Yarra Valley is home to many vineyards and orchards. Perfect for a day outdoors with your family, this area offers a plethora of activities and sights to check out.

From wine tastings for the working adult, a chocolate paradise with free tastings for the children, and numerous spots to surround yourself in the wonders of nature; Yarra Valley is great for those looking for a short get away from their hectic lives in the city.

WINE TASTINGS

Yarra Valley is home to a temperate climate that makes it a perfect location for winemaking. Proving this, the area has several award-winning vineyards and wineries, particularly specialising in chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wine.

Check out the many vineyards located at Yarra Valley, try a few of their wines, pair them with a scrumptious cheese platter and kick back while taking in the picturesque view of the lush greenery surrounding you.

Photo Credit: Four Pillars Gin

FOUR PILLARS GIN

Four Pillars Gin is highly decorated by numerous prestigious international competitions for their gin. Incredibly passionate about the products they offer, their spirit’s purity holds at 93.5% alcohol body volume.

Head over to their distillery in Healesville for a tasting to try their botanically flavoured gin at just A$10 per person.

2a Lilydale Road, Healesville
VIC 3777, Australia
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 5.30pm
Fri & Sat: 10.30am – 9pm
Tasting Bench closes at 5.15pm daily.

Photo Credit: Instagram

WARBURTON RAINFOREST GALLERY

Take a relaxing hike at the Warburton Rainforest Gallery, where the towering trees exude an enchanting mysticism due to their ancient old age. This stunning habitat has an elevated platform for visitors to admire just how tall the magnificent trees are.

A short and breezy walk through this majestic rainforest will cleanse your mind and soul with their minty fresh eucalyptus scent and green-filled treetops.

Acheron Way
Warburton VIC 3799, Australia
Daily: Open 24 Hours

Photo Credit: Instagram

MAROONDAH RESERVOIR PARK

Featuring vibrantly coloured gardens filled with beautiful native flora and fauna, Maroondah Reservoir Park is a serene getaway that is a popular picnic spot; particularly during the warmer seasons.

Overlooking the peaceful reservoir and the numerous tree-covered mountains, Maroondah Reservoir Park is a charming and scenic location to check out if you simply want an easy stroll while being surrounded by nature.

Maroondah Hwy
Healesville VIC 3777, Australia
Daily: 8am – 6pm

Photo Credit: Cherryhill Orchards

SEASONAL FRUIT PICKING

Yarra Valley is also home to countless orchards with sweet peaches, plump cherries, huge strawberries and many more. Take the golden opportunity to pick your own fruit, fill your basket to the brim and eat it right under the tree that it grew on.

Since fruit picking is seasonal, do take note that only certain fruits in Yarra Valley are available for picking during the period of your visit. Check out what’s in season with this guide.

Photo Credit: Instagram

YARRA VALLEY CHOCOLATERIE AND ICE CREAMERY

Indulge yourself with sinfully fudgy brownies, decadent truffled chocolates and velvety ice creams at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. Watch as the chocolate is tempered and handled by skilled hands at their chocolaterie, and stock up on their addictive cocoa treats.

This chocolate heaven offers free tastings and even has a stunning view that makes for great pictures in their backyard.

35 Old Healesville Rd
Yarra Glen VIC 3775, Australia
Daily: 9am – 5pm

Photo Credit: Instagram

KINGLAKE NATIONAL PARK

A natural paradise with plenty of greenery for a relaxing day surrounded by Australia’s native flora, Kinglake National Park boasts well-maintained walking tracks and numerous scenic picnic spots.

Do not miss out on viewing the waterfall located within this national park as well for its breathtaking beauty.

Kinglake West
VIC 3757, Australia
Daily: Open 24 Hours

Photo Credit: Instagram

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE

The best way to take in all of Yarra Valley’s breathtaking views, book a hot air balloon ride! Lose yourself in the magnificent bird’s eye view of the incredible winery region’s vineyards and lovely orchards.

You’ll also be able to take in the awe-inspiring mountainous views and the scenic Yarra River!

YERING STATION FARMERS MARKET

Held on every third Sunday of each month, the Yering Station Farmers Market features a wide selection of locally grown and sourced products. Check out the organic loaves of bread, handmade jams, rich bars of fudge, and many more!

38 Melba Hwy
Yarra Glen VIC 3775, Australia
Sun: 9am – 2pm
Every third Sunday of the month.

PAMPER YOURSELF AT A DAY SPA

Treat yourself to a day of ultimate relaxation with a massage and facial spa. Hidden away in amongst the vineyards is Natskin Day Spa Yarra Valley, which offers a retreat away from the buzz of the city with a serene spot that is perfect for unwinding amongst nature.

1309 Melba Hwy
Yarra Valley VIC 3775, Australia
Tel: +61 3 9730 2866
Mon to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri: 10am – 7pm
Sat: 9am – 7pm
Sun: 10am – 5pm

Photo Credit: Instagram

HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY

Healesville Sanctuary is home to numerous native Australian wildlife animals including koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, platypus and dingos.

With a countless number of highlights planned throughout the day, visitors will have endless opportunities to get up close to the animals and learn about how they are taken care of at the sanctuary!

Badger Creek Rd
Badger Creek VIC 3777, Australia
Tel: +61 1300 966 784
Daily: 9am – 5pm

With all the festivities going on, there is really no better time to travel than the last few months of the year.

Aside from all the exciting activities to do such as spending a white Christmas in Korea or Japan, you also get to enjoy the cool temperature climates in certain countries during winter. Yes, that means you get to escape the humid weather in Singapore!

If you are running out of ideas on where your next holiday site should be, we came up with 6 Best Year-End Travel Destinations and some tips on what you can expect there.

#1 TOKYO

As the capital of Japan, Tokyo is anything but lacklustre. From their incredible food culture and outstanding fashion statements to amazingly friendly and polite citizens, and even world-class toilets, we really think it is impossible to not fall in love with that place!

Go for an onsen experience, indulge in cheap yakitori and explore Harajuku’s Takeshita Street—these are some of the many highlights you can find in Tokyo.

#2 SEOUL

Seoul is a cosmopolitan city that has retained parts of its history; there are tall and modern skyscrapers located just beside ancient palaces at one location. Whether you are into the bustling city life or culture experiences, there is plenty to look out for in Seoul.

The cool kids will want to be seen at Common Ground, Onion and Daelim Changgo Gallery CO:LUMN. For food enthusiasts who wish to taste authentic Korean street food and fresh seafood, there is no better place than Gwangjang Market and Noryangjin Fish Market.

#3 TAIPEI

Taipei may just be one of our favourite cities in Southeast Asia. There are so many street snacks to try, museums to visit, night markets to roam around at and most importantly, plenty of karaoke studios to unleash your inner Beyoncé.

There are several spots we will always return to when we visit Taipei—Rao He Night Market, Shida Night Market, Fujin Street and Yongkang Street. If you need more reasons to convince you to visit Taipei (we wonder why?), have a look 25 Reasons Why We Love Taipei.

#4 HONG KONG

Everyone knows Hong Kong is dim sum heaven. And even if you are not into dim sum, there are also many cha chaan teng that serve comfort food at affordable prices. One hipster neighbourhood we strongly recommend visiting is Sheung Wan, where you can find a myriad of local traditional teahouses and swanky fusion restaurants.

One of the best night time activities in Hong Kong is to visit a rooftop bar where you can take in the scenic skyline while enjoying a tipple or two.

#5 HANOI

Hanoi is an underrated travel destination that should be included in your travel plans. The capital of Vietnam is famous for its chaotic two-century-old Old Quarter and is the ideal gateway to other must-see Vietnamese attractions such as UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay and the gorgeous Sapa Valley.

Tight on budget? Consider going for a backpacking trip to Hanoi!

#6 MELBOURNE

Those who enjoy cafe hopping in Singapore will absolutely fall in love with the cafes in Melbourne. The standards are set high and you can only expect the best quality when it comes to coffee and food. Take a look at our comprehensive guide on 41 Best Cafes In Melbourne To Visit.

Food and activities in Melbourne may not be cheap but do not be put off by the price tags first because you can always choose to visit these 10 Iconic Attractions In Melbourne For Free. In fact, you can also stay at these gorgeous Airbnb apartments for under S$150 per night.