Melbourne hosts an incredible blend of rich cultural history and new-age trends. It’s a city where world-class street art and hidden boutiques wait around every corner, making it a truly captivating destination to explore. To help guide you through your journey, we’re delving into the best things to do in Melbourne, from the city's traditional landmarks and heritage sites to the freshest Melbourne restaurants and the most immersive wildlife encounters.
Exploring the Heart of the Garden City
To get a feel for Melbourne’s character, a visit to Queen Victoria Market offers a lively introduction. As the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s a place where local life unfolds among its many stalls. On our Treasures of Australia tour, many guests choose to spend some time here, browsing produce, crafts and local specialities.
A Walk on the Wild Side
One of the most memorable ways to spend a day from Melbourne is on our Puffing Billy Steam Train & Penguin Day Tour, combining heritage rail travel with some of Australia’s most distinctive wildlife. Travel aboard the iconic Puffing Billy steam train through the forested landscapes of the Dandenong Ranges, before continuing to Phillip Island’s dramatic coastline, where The Nobbies offer sweeping ocean views. As evening approaches, the experience concludes with the Penguin Parade, as little penguins return to shore at dusk. This is a wonderful option for those with a free day during our Essential Australia itinerary.
Iconic Day Trips and Coastal Wonders
Beyond the city lights, the top things to do in Melbourne often involve a journey along the Great Ocean Road route. This dramatic coastline features the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles and the sheltered sands of Loch Ard Gorge. On our Very Best of Australia tour, we have an optional excursion available to travel this world-famous route, ensuring you reach the most spectacular vantage points for the ocean views that define this rugged edge of the continent.
Wildlife Encounters at Dusk
To the east of the city lies Philip Island, home to the world-famous Philip Island penguins. Each evening at dusk, hundreds of Little Penguins emerge from the surf to waddle across the sand toward their burrows. While the standard viewing platforms are excellent, the Phillip Island Penguin Plus Parade excursion, which provides a more intimate perspective from a premium vantage point. This popular Freedom Day option is available on several itineraries, including our Highlights of Australia & New Zealand tour.
A Masterclass in Modern Dining
The search for the best restaurants in Melbourne is a rewarding pursuit, as the city’s palate is famously diverse. While the grand dining rooms of the CBD remain elegant, the current trend leans towards innovative, produce-driven concepts in refurbished heritage spaces. Given the popularity of the following establishments, securing a reservation several weeks in advance is highly recommended.
Melbourne’s Unique Culinary Signature
The true essence of Melbourne’s food culture is often found in the unique specialities that have become local institutions. To experience the Victorian capital like a true Melburnian, you must seek out a ‘Magic’ coffee. Unique to the city, this consists of a double ristretto topped with silky steamed milk and served in a smaller five-ounce cup for a more concentrated flavour. Other essential treats include the hot jam doughnuts from the vintage van at Queen Victoria Market and the world-renowned croissants from Lune in Fitzroy, celebrated for their extraordinary, buttery layers.
Discover Melbourne with a Distant Journeys Tour
From the hidden gems of the city's laneways to the rugged beauty of the Victorian coast, Melbourne offers an endless array of experiences. Our award-winning escorted Australia tours are designed to showcase the very best of Australia, ensuring every detail - from centrally located hotels to expert-led sightseeing - is handled with care.
First published 28/04/2026
