Liveried in burgundy and green with gold trim, the heritage City Circle Tram chugs around central Melbourne passing major landmarks like Docklands, Parliament House and “the grand old dame” Princess Theatre. The free service operates in a circular route and even comes with audio commentary.
Explore Melbourne’s maze of charming cobblestoned alleyways and arcades on a 1.5-mile trail that starts at Flinders Street Stations and weaves its way along caffeine-fueled Degraves Street, street-art filled Hosier Lane, shopping mecca Bourke Street Mall, and ends at Federation Square.
Lace up your hiking boots for Australia’s Great Ocean Walk. This 62-mile multiday hike passes along dramatic coastline and remote beaches between Apollo Bay and the iconic 12 Apostles.
A bucket list experience, Attica’s celebrated tasting menu is inspired by native Australian ingredients made using European techniques.
A lively Asian restaurant on Flinders Lane that often has lines out the door – because the food really is that good.
Brunching is a Melbourne institution, and Cumulus Inc.’s comprehensive breakfast selection is a hit with the locals.
This longtime favorite exudes luxury and offers sweeping views of the Yarra River and city from its Southbank location.
Located on buzzing, colorful Flinders Lane in the heart of the city, all the funky yet luxe W hallmarks are here.
Set in the heart of Carlton in Little Italy (as it’s known to locals), this boutique hotel is quintessentially Melbourne with a seriously uber hip vibe.
Sleep on the roof of an inner-city parking structure in one of six funky 1970s airstreams at Notel. All trailers come with a free mini bar and one even has a hot tub!
See the city from the sky on a tranquil hot air balloon ride with views of the Yarra River – champagne breakfast included, of course.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival (staged during March and April) is one of the largest comedy showcases in the world and features stand-up, cabaret, theater, street performance and more, with venues located across the city.
St Kilda is home to a colony of around 1400 little penguins; catch a glimpse of them every day just after sunset at the end of the pier.
Walk among the skeletons of 17 prehistoric animals, explore the amazing world of insects and spiders, browse more than 300 miniature models, and watch a movie on the largest cinema screens in the world.
For some old-fashioned family fun, take the kids to one of the world’s oldest amusement parks – located on the waterfront at St Kilda. It has 20 different rides and attractions including a rollercoaster, bumper cars, a dragon ship pendulum and a 105-foot tower swing.
Be sure to make time for a trip down to St Kilda Melbourne’s beachside neighborhood and home to a host of excellent waterfront drinking and dining options. An hour from the city center, the Mornington Peninsula boasts beaches, wineries and quaint towns.