The Most Fun Things to Do in Melbourne, Australia

By Justyn Harrison November 12th

Bored at home or planning a trip? We’re giving you the very best things to do straight from the locals at our Melbourne-based HQ. We know time (and money) is precious, so we’ve made sure to include free, low-cost, and can’t-miss activities that are absolutely worth the splurge.

We’ll add a 🚊 emoji to destinations you can easily reach within 30 minutes of the Melbourne CBD via public transport.

Play and learn at ACMI 🚊

ACMI is Australia’s Museum of Moving Images — think video games, art, and film all in one. Located in Fed Square near Flinders Street Station, it’s home to both free and ticketed immersive experiences where you can play, touch, and learn about the world’s best films, games, and art.

Get up close to animals at Melbourne Zoo 🚊 or Werribee Zoo

See native Australian wildlife up close — feed kangaroos, spot koalas, and experience wildlife across 247 hectares at two of Melbourne’s best zoos.

You can also visit Melbourne Zoo on a weekday to avoid crowds or explore Werribee’s open-air trails for a taste of the Southern Hemisphere’s unique wildlife.

Feature	Melbourne Zoo	Werribee Zoo
Kangaroo Feeding	Paid experience: “Kangaroo Experience”	Included in general admission via the Australian Trail
Location	Parkville, Melbourne (city centre)	Werribee, 32 km south-west of Melbourne
Safari Bus Tour	Not available	Included in general admission; 40-minute guided tour through open plains

Witness showstopping art at the NGV 🚊

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is one of the most visited galleries in the world. Home to free and ticketed global exhibitions, it’s a must-see Victorian landmark. A brand-new Cartier exhibition featuring over 300 objects opens in 2026.

Pro Tip

Skip the general admission ticket and book NGV Friday Nights instead. For a few dollars more, you’ll get access to live music, bars, and unlimited entry to current exhibitions.

Picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens or Iconic Melbourne gardens 🚊

Enjoy a picnic or leisurely stroll through some of Melbourne’s best green spaces: The Royal Botanic Gardens, Carlton Gardens, and King’s Domain.

Want to level it up? Try a mystery picnic (companies like AmazingCo offer great ones). You’ll solve clues on your phone that lead you to local cafes and artisan stores to collect delicious picnic treats before ending at a beautiful picnic spot in iconic locations like the Yarra River.

Get started now with our form

Get connected

Enjoy Melbourne’s famous street art 🚊

Take a walking tour through the laneways of the City of Melbourne, home to world-famous street art that’s colourful, bold, and always changing. From Fitzroy to Docklands, every wall tells a story (and makes for the perfect Instagram backdrop).

Step back in time on a history or ghost tour 🚊

Visit the Old Melbourne Gaol, where Ned Kelly was held, or explore Melbourne Museum in Carlton for a deep dive into Victorian history. For something spooky, book a ghost tour through the State Library or around Federation Square.

Sports, views & more!

Catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or head to the Melbourne Skydeck for panoramic city views. Love the outdoors? Try kayaking along the Yarra River, or visit Brighton Beach, St Kilda, or Southbank for a day of sea breeze and skyline views.

Day trips & beyond

Take a guided tour or full-day trip down the Great Ocean Road, wander through the Dandenong Ranges, or sip wine in the Yarra Valley. Prefer city sights? Stop by SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium (also known as Melbourne Aquarium) or the Shrine of Remembrance for something both relaxing and meaningful.

Where to eat, drink & relax

From the Block Arcade’s elegant shops to South Yarra’s trendy cafes, Melbourne is made for foodies. Don’t miss the buzzing energy of Queen Victoria Market or an open-air evening along Southbank.

Psssst, Bahn-Mis are a Vietnamese staple that has a booming culture in and around Melbourne, and outside of Vietnam, Melbourne is one of the top spots to grab one! Let’s be frank, here are our favs:

HeartBaker (Flinders Ln, Melbourne)

Phuoc Hung/Hung’s Bakery (Victoria St, Richmond)

Nhu Lan Bakery (Hopkins St, Footscray)

Bonus Classics

Ride the historic rollercoaster at Luna Park in St Kilda, take a guided tour of Flinders Street Station, or relax at Fed Square while planning your next move.

Was this page helpful?