Melbourne is often celebrated for its outdoor spaces and sporting events, but it has indoor activities galore – great for those cold or rainy days. From exploring the vast collections at the National Gallery of Victoria to learning and having fun at the Australian Sports Museum, there are plenty of places to go in Melbourne to turn a drab day into a winner!
What to do in Melbourne indoors?
#1 Visit the National Gallery of Victoria
If you’re an art buff, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is one of the best places to go in Melbourne! It’s actually the oldest public gallery in Australia (1861) and attracts more visitors than any other gallery in the country. It spans two buildings that are around one kilometre apart, NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. The former focuses on the global collection of arts, while NGV Australia is named after businessman and philanthropist Sir Ian Potter and is dedicated to Australian art.
The international building on St Kilda Road is known for its Great Hall, where visitors can lie on the floor and gaze at the stained-glass ceiling. This gallery hosts over 40 exhibitions annually, featuring everything from international shows to local art, fashion, design, and historical exhibitions exclusive to Melbourne. A recent highlight was the Egyptian exhibition, Pharaoh. It showcased ancient artefacts and remnants that provided a deep dive into Egypt’s storied past.
Whether you’re interested in classical art, Indigenous works or contemporary creative movements, exploring NGV is among the best indoor activities in Melbourne.
#2 Discover the Melbourne Immigration Museum
This museum is housed in the historic Old Customs House and provides an insightful look into the migration experiences that have shaped the region. Walking through its halls, you’ll see exhibits that recount the varied experiences of immigrants who have come to Australia seeking new beginnings. These stories span the scope of human emotion and experience, reflecting the trials and triumphs faced by those starting anew in a foreign land.
The museum connects these personal accounts to the larger narrative of Melbourne’s development. By exploring this collection, you can better understand how the city has been moulded by its various immigrant populations. The result is the colourful multicultural hub it is today. Visiting here is a chance to see how migration influences and enriches Melbourne’s cultural and social landscape.
#3 Take a ride on the Puffing Billy
An indoor and outdoor activity rolled into one, Puffing Billy is one of Melbourne’s beloved heritage steam railways. And it’s favourite among locals and tourists alike! It takes you on a journey through the Dandenong Ranges, just an hour east of Melbourne.
The railway dates back to the early 1900s and was initially used to transport goods and passengers through this mountainous region. Today, it serves as a preserved railway, offering riders a peek into the past through restored steam locomotives and historic carriages.
The journey starts at Belgrave Station and winds through forests and fern gullies. The train chugs along historic tracks and also over old wooden bridges, providing views of the surrounding landscape. One of the highlights is passing over the iconic Monbulk Creek Trestle Bridge.
You can hop off at various stops, like Menzies Creek or Emerald Lake Park, to enjoy a picnic or admire nature’s beauty. The train is mainly used during warmer months but runs all year round.
#4 Escape the heat at O’Brien Icehouse Melbourne
O’Brien Icehouse Melbourne offers a range of ice-related activities suitable for anyone interested in skating, regardless of skill level. It’s a place to go in Melbourne for a casual skate along to music, or to sharpen your skills at a Skate School. For those interested in sports, watching an ice hockey game in one of the well-equipped arenas can be loads of fun. The facility maintains a comfortable temperature throughout (16 degrees Celsius), so visitors can enjoy their time on the ice without feeling like they’re freezing! It’s a top spot to cool off and have a good time.
#5 Discover SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
Looking for places to go in Melbourne for indoor activities the kids will love? Explore Australia’s rich and varied marine life at SEA LIFE – without getting wet!
The aquarium is divided into several zones dedicated to different aquatic environments. For example, you can walk through the Oceanarium, where a 360-degree tunnel surrounds you, and sharks, rays and tropical fish swim around you. You’ll almost feel like you’re on the ocean floor! Another highlight is the Penguin Playground; watch the endearing antics of King and Gentoo penguins as they waddle around and slide into the water.
SEA LIFE Melbourne also focuses on conservation efforts. It has breeding programs for threatened species and works on habitat protection and sustainable fisheries. This educational aspect is woven into its exhibits, sharing insights into what can be done to protect these amazing creatures.
#6 Shop at Melbourne Central Shopping Centre
Melbourne Central is one of the places to go in Melbourne for some retail therapy in the heart of the city. It’s easily accessible by public transport and tram too. (This is handy, because parking isn’t cheap!) The centre itself is built around the historic Coop’s Shot Tower, which is enclosed by a massive glass dome. This iconic structure gives Melbourne Central a character blending the past with the present. Inside, you can explore diverse shops. Expect a mix of famous international brands and local boutiques, from fashion and beauty products to tech gadgets.
Aside from shopping, Melbourne Central has dining options galore. You can hit the food court to grab a bite between shopping sprees, or have a proper sit-down meal, with an exciting range of cuisines to choose from.
#7 Get the creative juices flowing at ArtVo
Australia’s first 3D ‘trick-art’ gallery is another great indoor spot to visit in Melbourne, especially with kids. It features an interactive gallery with over 11 themed zones where you can actually touch and interact with the art. It’s designed to be hands-on so that you can take pictures as you go.
Children will find the interactive elements of the gallery totally engaging as they see how the art transforms when captured in photos. It’s interesting to watch how posing in different ways creates fun and surprising effects in the resulting snapshots.
This is one of the best places to go in Melbourne when it’s raining. It’s close to town but also has other shopping, dining and entertainment options in Docklands for afterwards.
#8 Have a ball at Ballers Clubhouse
Ballers Clubhouse in Chinatown is a playground for adults, and the biggest licensed venue in the CBD of Melbourne. It combines club, bar and restaurant with a giant games room vibe for a great night out. Aside from dozens of beer taps, Ballers is home to shuffleboard courts, ping pong tables, a VR Playhouse and darts. There’s also private function spaces and much more, set across 2,500 square metres.
The popularity of this social club is evident in its recent expansion to Adelaide, with other centres rumoured to open elsewhere in Australia in the future.
#9 Find educational fun at Scienceworks Melbourne
Scienceworks is another go-to spot if you want to see how things work or have a fun day indoors in Melbourne. It’s interactive, so everyone from kids to adults can get hands-on experience with different aspects of science. There’s also a Planetarium where you can sit back and watch shows about space and the stars. It’s a bit like travelling across the cosmos without leaving your seat! The Scienceworks blend of education and entertainment ensures a fun and informative visit for all.
#10 Join interactive exhibits at the Australian Sports Museum
The Australian Sports Museum is located at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). It’s one of the best places to go in Melbourne to see how sport is celebrated in Australia. The museum uses cutting-edge technology to create immersive experiences that cover a wide range of sports, from cricket and Australian Football to sports at the Olympic Games.
Walking through the venue, you can explore the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, which honours the country’s top athletes. There’s also the Victorian Racing Gallery, digging into the region’s rich history of horse racing. And head to the Game On! area to try your hand at various sports simulations.
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