22 Attractive Tourist Spots in Melbourne: A City Where Art and Nature Come Together

Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria, located in the southeastern part of Australia. It is the second largest city in Australia, following Sydney. Melbourne is a city that blends art, nature, fashion, and more, and many of Australia's artists live here.
Melbourne has been named the "Most Livable City in the World" four times, with a relaxed and easygoing lifestyle becoming its established image.
What are the many attractions that captivate people in this city? This article summarizes some of the highlights of Melbourne.

1. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne is home to over tens of thousands of plant species collected from across Australia. The vast and beautiful landscape offers changing views with each season, ensuring enjoyment no matter when you visit.
You can also observe more than 50 species of wild birds, and the sounds of their songs fill the garden, creating a peaceful atmosphere. With many benches and lush grass, the garden offers a great place to relax and connect with nature, making it an ideal spot to unwind from the fatigue of travel.

2. National Gallery of Victoria

Opened in 1861, the National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest public art museum in Australia. Located in the heart of Victoria's art district, it is a convenient and highly recommended tourist spot.
The museum houses a collection of around 70,000 pieces of art from around the world, offering plenty to see and enjoy. It is a symbolic art institution of Melbourne, and the building itself is a work of art.
Inside the museum, there is a shop selling art books, stationery, and various souvenirs, so you can pick up a unique Melbourne gift.

3. Eureka Tower Skydeck 88

Eureka Tower, with the highest observation deck in Melbourne, stands at approximately 300 meters tall, comparable to the Tokyo Tower.
One of the highlights of this tower is the Skydeck, located at 280 meters, offering a panoramic view of Melbourne. Additionally, there is a thrilling attraction called "The Edge," a fully glass-encased platform that extends outside the tower, giving you a clear view straight down beneath your feet. It's a thrilling experience that will leave you with a sense of awe and vertigo.
The tower also features a terrace where you can feel the air at 300 meters above ground. It's an opportunity to experience how the atmosphere differs from the ground level. Definitely a unique experience to try!

4. Dandenong Ranges

Located about an hour from the center of Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges is a hilly area filled with lush green nature.
If traveling by public transport, you’ll need to transfer buses and then walk to the SkyHigh observation deck located near the summit. From here, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Melbourne's cityscape. There are also restaurants and cafes, perfect for a break.
The surrounding area includes national parks and small villages full of charm. The village of Olinda, located on the slopes of the mountain, has a European-style townscape with quaint cafes and gift shops that are perfect for a little shopping. It's a great place to look for souvenirs.

5. Degraves Street

Degraves Street is lined with open-air cafes where many Australians enjoy their coffee. The tables and chairs are closely arranged, creating a charming atmosphere that represents Melbourne's unique vibe.
With cafes on both sides of the street, it’s hard to choose which one to enter. Each cafe is stylish, and the delicious aroma of coffee fills the air, making it easy to enjoy any of them.
The cafe street has a different atmosphere in the morning, afternoon, and evening, so why not visit multiple times to experience its changing charm?

6. Phillip Island Penguin Parade

The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is an incredibly cute tourist spot. The sight of little penguins waddling from the sea to land in a parade-like formation captivates visitors from around the world. Their adorable walk and determined survival in the harsh natural environment are a must-see.
The Penguin Parade has been a popular tourist attraction since the 1920s, and today, it is well-protected as a sanctuary for the penguins, ensuring their natural habitat is preserved.

The best time to visit is between December and February, when penguin chicks appear. The fluffy chicks are especially cute. To see the parade, you will need to purchase an entry ticket, so be sure to get one!

7. St. Patrick's Cathedral

Built over 80 years, St. Patrick's Cathedral began construction in 1848 and was completed in 1939. It is the largest Gothic architecture in Australia, influenced by Puritan ideals.
Inside the church, sunlight shines beautifully through the stained-glass windows, creating a serene atmosphere. Even from a distance, the cathedral is stunning, with its 103-meter-high tower being an iconic landmark of Melbourne. At night, the cathedral is illuminated, captivating visitors with its graceful glow.

8. The Great Ocean Road

Known as one of the most beautiful roads in Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road stretches along the coast of Victoria. It took 16 years of manual labor to complete this stunning road.
The cobalt-blue sea and lush green forests are right next to you, offering dynamic and breathtaking views. The refreshing feeling of driving along this open road is incomparable. In addition to the natural scenery, the road provides quintessential Australian sights, such as kangaroos freely hopping, which is rare to see in Japan.
This tourist spot has also been featured in many famous commercials and music videos, making it even more exciting to visit.

The Twelve Apostles

The Twelve Apostles, named after the 12 apostles of Christ, are limestone pillars that have been shaped by the sea currents and winds from Antarctica. Located along the Great Ocean Road in the Port Campbell National Park, the dramatic sight of these rock formations is a must-see.
The limestone columns were once connected to the mainland, but over the past 10 to 20 million years, they have eroded, and the pillars now stand around 45 meters high. Due to the harsh natural environment, the pillars continue to erode by about 2 cm each year, and many have fallen into the sea over time. Witness this precious and stunning view.

The Loch Ard Gorge

The Loch Ard Gorge, also in the Port Campbell National Park, is a historical site where the British ship Loch Ard was wrecked in 1878. This spot is known as "the tragic site" due to the many ships that were lost here during storms, claiming numerous lives.
It is shaped like an entrance to the sea, and when you pass through it, a vast ocean opens up before you. As you listen to the waves, you may wish to take a moment to honor the tragic events that occurred here.

9. Chinatown

Melbourne's Chinatown is a bustling area filled with energy, frequented daily by both locals and tourists. It’s not only home to a variety of restaurants but also boasts shopping malls, unique shops, and museums, making it a captivating spot for sightseeing.
Although it’s called Chinatown, it offers more than just Chinese restaurants; there are also eateries serving other Asian cuisines, so you can enjoy authentic flavors from various parts of Asia.

10. State Library of Victoria

The State Library of Victoria is a unique fusion of a library and an art museum, with an interior that is so lavish it’s hard to believe entry is free. It offers public access to computers, and it features areas for chess, a talking area, and various event spaces—making it much more than just a library.
The upper dome area houses exhibition spaces for a refreshing change of pace. Outdoors, there’s a grassy area where you can relax, and nearby supermarkets offer lunch options, so you can enjoy a meal while sitting on the grass and taking in the atmosphere of the city.

11. Melbourne Zoo

Located with easy access from Melbourne's city center, Melbourne Zoo is home to over 250 species of animals living in spacious and natural environments. The zoo is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a soothing and enjoyable spot for visitors.
One of the highlights is the Asian Elephant enclosure, which recreates an authentic Asian village atmosphere, making it feel as though you’re far from Melbourne. Visitors can also encounter iconic Australian animals like koalas, kangaroos, as well as tigers and monkeys.
The zoo also hosts feeding shows, which are a popular attraction where you may get to see animals in ways you wouldn’t normally expect. Be sure to check them out!

12. Grampians National Park

Grampians National Park is the largest park in Victoria, covering a vast area of approximately 170,000 hectares. Some parts of the park are inaccessible without proper equipment, making it ideal for adventurers.
The park is a fantastic destination for bushwalking and rock climbing, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s also rich in nature, with over 970 species of wild plants and more than 200 species of birds. Besides smaller wildlife, you may also spot wild kangaroos and deer, providing a great chance to experience diverse wildlife.

13. Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum offers a comprehensive view of Melbourne’s traditional culture and natural environment. Exhibits include minerals, animal specimens, and displays about volcanic activity, offering a wide variety of perspectives for visitors.
The main highlight of the museum is the dinosaur exhibit, where life-like dinosaur models move, providing an incredibly thrilling experience. Many children and tourists are captivated by the spectacle.
Additionally, there is a park with playground equipment behind the museum, making it a perfect spot for families to spend the day.

14. St Kilda Beach

St Kilda Beach is a short 20-minute drive from Melbourne’s city center, offering a beautiful urban beach experience. The stunning beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, lunch, and relaxation, attracting both tourists and locals alike.
Surrounding the beach, you'll find cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal with a view of the sea. You’ll also notice Aussie professionals in suits enjoying drinks in the afternoon, creating an iconic Australian atmosphere.
Additionally, there are cute shops selling accessories and souvenirs, perfect for some shopping during your visit.

15. Flinders Street Railway Station

Flinders Street Station is a major terminal used by around 250,000 people daily. It is a central hub for trains heading to the suburbs of Melbourne, making it a busy and vital station. Inside the station, there is an underground shopping area called Campbell Arcade.
The station was completed in 1854, making it the first railway station in Australia. Today, it remains an important gateway to the city. The Edwardian-style exterior of the building is charming and often photographed by visitors.
Additionally, Flinders Street Station appears in the famous Studio Ghibli film Kiki's Delivery Service, so movie fans should definitely check it out.

16. Queen Victoria Market

Founded in 1878, Queen Victoria Market is a historic and popular tourist destination, attracting over 10 million visitors annually. Covering an area 1.5 times the size of Tokyo Dome, the market is home to over 1,000 shops.
This vibrant marketplace offers fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and fish, serving as the local kitchen for Melburnians. It’s also a great place to shop for souvenirs at relatively affordable prices.
The market’s lively atmosphere is enhanced by the cheerful Australian vendors. Be sure to interact with the locals while enjoying your shopping experience.

17. Block Arcade

The Block Arcade, built in 1891, is a historic shopping arcade with beautiful marble mosaics and Art Nouveau decorations and carvings. The interior retains many original features, giving visitors the feeling of stepping back in time.
Inside the arcade, you'll find cafes and shops, perfect for a leisurely visit. It’s also a great spot to pick up unique souvenirs.
In the past, shopping at the Block Arcade was considered a status symbol among Melbourne’s upper class, making it an interesting place to imagine life in the late 19th century.

18. Peninsula Hot Springs

It may be surprising to find hot springs in Australia, but you can enjoy them in Melbourne. Peninsula Hot Springs was created by an owner who fell in love with Japanese hot springs and researched spas from over 30 countries. The owner discovered a hot spring source 637 meters below the Mornington Peninsula, which flows at around 50°C, providing a true natural hot spring experience.
The facility offers a range of services, including outdoor baths, spas, massages, and esthetic treatments. There are also cafes and restaurants on-site, perfect for taking a relaxing break. If you’re missing a good bath while traveling, this is the ideal place to unwind.

19. Old Melbourne Gaol

Built in the 19th century, the Old Melbourne Gaol offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with many cells open for viewing, showcasing displays from that era. Visitors can learn about the shocking history of the prison, including torture devices, death masks of prisoners, and stories of individuals wrongly executed.
Australia no longer practices the death penalty, making the gaol an important historical site. One of the most striking features is the execution platform where public hangings once took place. Visitors can experience what it was like and learn about the methods used.

20. Street Art Lanes

Melbourne is known for its vibrant street art scene, and the city’s wall art is a true representation of its artistic spirit. The streets are adorned with large murals, graffiti, and artworks, making it an exciting and colorful spot for visitors.
Many people enjoy taking photos against these urban canvases, and if you're lucky, you may even encounter an artist at work. Local students also visit this area for field trips, which is a testament to the artistic value of the space.

21. Fitzroy Gardens

The Fitzroy Gardens is a beautiful green space filled with vibrant flowers, offering a picturesque and tranquil escape in the heart of Melbourne. The gardens have an elegant atmosphere that feels almost like stepping into a fairy tale.
The pathways in the park are lined with charming Union Jack patterns, and it's a popular spot for visitors to relax, take photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. During lunchtime, you’ll see students and office workers, and in the evenings, it’s a favorite spot for joggers and people on leisurely walks. If you need a break from sightseeing, this is a perfect place to unwind.

22. Como House

Built in 1847, Como House was once a residence for Melbourne's upper class. This house is a fine example of Italian architecture and is a popular tourist attraction. Today, it is protected by the National Trust and is no longer a private residence.
Inside, you'll find furniture and decor from the era, offering a glimpse into how the elite lived. The beautiful gardens, including flowerbeds, lawns, and fountains, are also a must-see. To visit, you need to book a tour in advance, so be sure to check availability.

Summary of Melbourne’s Charming Attractions

Melbourne has a unique charm compared to other Australian resort destinations. Unlike many other cities, Melbourne experiences distinct seasons, allowing visitors to enjoy different landscapes and events throughout the year.
Known as a "student city," Melbourne is welcoming and friendly to international visitors, making it an excellent destination for those new to traveling abroad. We highly recommend a visit to Melbourne.