There are so many things to do in Melbourne and the surrounding areas. From a hot-air balloon ride over the city at sunrise, to sampling wines in the Yarra Valley, or joining the masses at an AFL game at the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground, there’s an activity catering to every interest. Read on to discover some of our picks of the best outdoor Melbourne activities – and then get amongst it!
#1 Experience nature in the Royal Botanic Gardens
Be sure to add the Royal Botanic Gardens to your checklist of Melbourne activities. Featuring over 12,000 plant species and a haven for native wildlife, the Gardens are located in the middle of the city. You can use this historic space for a good walk, or find a quiet spot in the large grounds to relax. Other things to do here include enjoying a picnic by the Ornamental Lake, strolling the half-kilometre Australian Rainforest Walk, and spending time in the National Herbarium and Old Melbourne Observatory. Outside of winter, you can also hop on a boat for some Punting on the Lake. Forgot to pack a picnic? Head to Jardin Tan in the Gardens for a Vietnamese lunch.
#2 Ride a hot-air balloon at sunrise
Hot-air balloons aren’t just for getting a unique perspective of the countryside. They fly over the city, too! If you can get up at the very early hour required (the meet-up time for flights is often an hour and a half before sunrise), the experience is well worth it. Floating over the city in the early light feels nothing short of surreal. Where you start, travel and land in your balloon depends on the day’s conditions, but one thing is certain. You’ll see some favourite Melbourne spots from up above or potentially discover new ones.
If you’re up for an early adventure, Global Ballooning will be one of your most memorable Melbourne activities during your stay in the Victorian capital. It’s a chance to appreciate the city in a new way, enveloped by the quiet and calm of early morning.
#3 Engage with animals at Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo is right outside the Central Business District – only a few kilometres, in fact – with a ton of animals to observe at close quarters. It’s near enough to the city to make it an easy trip on any day. You can chill in the butterfly room, check out the colourful birds in the aviary, hear the roar of lions, and walk through the Trail of the Elephants to get to know the elephant family. There’s always something happening at the zoo, too, including keeper talks and zoo high teas.
Oh, and if you’re up for an adventure, you can book a Roar ‘n’ Snore. This is a sleepover at the zoo, where you camp in the historic elephant exhibit. The zoo provides a variety of experiences, offering different ways to spend the day and learn about all kinds of animals. This is one of the Melbourne activities that’s suitable for families, friends or even a solo trip.
#4 Plan a day trip to the Yarra Valley
Looking for things to do in Melbourne that will take you in to the countryside? The Yarra Valley is just an hour from the CBD and is Victoria’s premier wine region, with rolling green hills, lush vineyards and old farmhouses. On weekends, the cellar doors of well-known wineries open, and many winery restaurants have become popular dining spots. Top choices include TarraWarra Estate, Maddens Rise and Rochford Wines. And for a perfect pairing, don’t forget to try some cheese from Yarra Valley Dairy. Another highlight of the Yarra Valley is trying one of the free tastings at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.
#5 Watch an AFL game at the MCG
Victoria’s love for Australian Rules Football started at the Melbourne Cricket Ground– or, more simply, “The G”. And it is the top spot in the state to catch all the on-field action. Watching a game of AFL (Australian Football League – the nationwide Aussie Rules competition) is always a fun time, regardless of the team you’re supporting. Dress warmly, grab a pie and a beer, and get ready to cheer, yell a bit of banter at the umpires, and enjoy the kids playing on the field at halftime.
The AFLW is the women’s league of the AFL. It’s played from August to November each year and is growing in strength and popularity. Whether you’re watching the men or women compete, this live sport experience is one of the top Melbourne activities.
#6 See the penguins at Phillip Island
Phillip Island, about a two-hour drive from Melbourne, draws around 3.5 million visitors each year. The island has a range of activities that cater to different interests – everything from a chocolate factory to wildlife parks where you can see native animals. One of the highlight attractions is the nightly penguin parade where you can watch hundreds of little penguins make their way from the ocean to their homes in the sand dunes after a day of fishing.
The island is also a hotspot for motorsport enthusiasts, especially during the spring when the Motorcycle Grand Prix takes place. Throughout the year, you can take boat trips to Seal Rock and during whale season there are longer outings to see whales, seals and the occasional dolphin!
#7 Discover the Pink Lake
Westgate Park, on the outskirts of Port Melbourne, showcases a pink hue each summer. This bizarre colouration started in the summer of 2012 and has recurred annually. It results from a mix of high temperatures, specific algae, ample sunlight and scarce rainfall.
As the water evaporates during the peak of summer heat, the pink shade at Westgate Park becomes even more noticeable. Importantly, this transformation does not disturb the local birds, who continue to frequent the lake’s surroundings, showcasing the park’s ecological balance. If you’re in the area during this season, it’s an interesting phenomenon to notice and a slightly unusual things to do in Melbourne!
#8 Kayak along the Yarra River
Looking for Melbourne activities that give you a fresh angle on the city? A kayak trip through the downtown area might be just the thing. Kayak Melbourne provides a chance to paddle through the city’s heart. It’s also a top way to view the skyline, which looks especially striking during sunset.
A highlight of Kayak Melbourne’s offerings is the Moonlight Kayak Tour. This lasts about two and a half hours and is designed to be accessible to everyone. You don’t need any prior kayaking experience to join in. It’s a safe and inclusive way to embrace the city lights at night from the river.
#9 Take a historical drinking tour
If you’re looking for different Melbourne activities and thinking about a traditional walking tour or a pub crawl, how about combining the two! The team at Drinking History Tours blend learning and socialising. On their unique tour, you’ll visit major landmarks like Federation Square, the Forum and the MCG, and you’ll also explore places like AC/DC Lane, the Old Treasury Building, and Chinatown.
This tour includes stops at three bars where you’ll get a taste of the local scene. Move from one landmark to another, you’ll hear about aspects of Melbourne’s history, including stories of unsolved mysteries and the city’s former red-light districts.
There’s also something new in the pipeline – a version of the tour focusing on wine, which could be a great option if you’re more into grapes than hops!
The company offers a wide range of tours, so even if this one doesn’t seem like your cup of… beer, there are plenty of other experiences to show off what Melbourne has to offer.
#10 Stroll Melbourne’s Degraves Street
While you’re wandering through the city, be sure to stroll down Degraves Street. This area connects Flinders Lane and Flinders Street, and is reminiscent of the cool back lanes of Paris. It’s also a prime spot to experience Melbourne’s café culture.
Grab a seat at one of the many cafés and enjoy a spot of outdoor dining, or just relax with a glass of red wine and feel the city buzz around you. While you’re there, try to visit Il Papiro. It’s a shop specialising in artisan stationery where you can find crafted items perfect for a gift or a treat for yourself.
Before leaving, stop by Pidapipo for a scoop of homemade gelato. It’s a favourite thing to do in Melbourne among locals and visitors alike, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. This is a fab way to cap off your visit to one of the city’s most beloved streets!
Now that you’ve heard about some cool things to do in Melbourne, read about a few of the best neighbourhoods to set up home.
