Things to do in Melbourne for self travelers

Explore Melbourne, a city bursting with culture and energy, with this engaging in-app audio tour! Your guide is a knowledgeable gap year taker who will impart to you the city's most attractive locations and activities. The tour starts at the Queen Victoria Market, where you will experience the chaotic world of different nationalities and taste local foods from all over the world. After that, enjoy the peaceful Carlton Gardens, their elegant green lawns, and the Royal Exhibition Building from the Victorian era. You can visit the Melbourne Museum if you so wish and learn more about Australia: explore the indigenous Aboriginal culture, the geological history, and a collection of rare books stored in the Museum Library. Farther on the way, you'll find yourself in Chinatown to learn about the connection between Asia and Australia and taste Oriental cuisine. Continuing the adventure, you'll explore the artsy centre of the city: the Hosier Lane with its Street Art Gallery and the AC/DC Lane dedicated to the most famous Australian hard rock band. You are invited to take a tram to St Kilda to reach our final destinations. Walking around this popular bohemian suburb, you'll discover fascinating facts about its history. Prepare to witness the iconic Luna Park opened in 1912, and ride the world's oldest rollercoaster. The tour ends in St Kilda Beach, so you will stroll along the promenade, enjoying the ocean views. A nice end to the day, isn't it?

Explore the depths of Australia's oceans as you walk inside a 2.2 million liter Oceanarium. See giant stingrays, massive sharks, and hundreds of multi-coloured marine creatures swim past at SEA LIFE Melbourne! Get your hands wet and touch beautiful sea stars and shark eggs in the interactive Discovery Rockpools. It's a hands-on learning experience for kids getting to know the precious life beneath our waves.

Treat the kids to a double dose of fun with a combo ticket for two of Melbourne's top family attractions. Plunge into the deep and meet a range of amazing marine creatures at SEA LIFE Melbourne, then enjoy the perfect blend of exciting interactive rides, imagination, and creative fun at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre, where everything is awesome!

Metartworld is the world’s largest indoor scrap metal art gallery and a Guinness World Record holder. The gallery displays unique artworks by international artists with metal statues handcrafted from scrap metal and recycled materials. Each piece involves detailed crafting and polishing. The space aims to evoke childhood memories and is suitable for all ages, including fans of anime, movies, animals, the military, cars, motorcycles, and princesses. The artworks are interactive – enjoy taking pictures, touching, holding, sitting, riding, and even driving them. Also, try the Interactive Painting Experience in the Art Lab, where art and technology combine. This space is designed for children to explore new ways of creative expression. For an even more immersive experience, you can purchase a game card onsite to enjoy Melbourne’s first premier VR Theme Park.

Just a short trip from central Melbourne, come and smell the flowers in bloom at Rippon Lea Estate. This is the stunning site of a heritage-listed historic house filled with exquisite furniture and decor of its original era. Take a leisurely wander around acres of peaceful green space. Enjoy a picnic lunch under a centuries-old tree, or leave the kids to explore the interactive Shaun the Sheep exhibit while you treat yourself to a refreshing drink in the shade.

A trip to Scienceworks not only provides a safe environment for the little ones to explore but also gives you answers to questions you have taken for granted as an adult. It is never too late to learn about the world! In a single visit, guests have the chance to learn about the machines that once fueled the city.

Located in the Old Customs House on the banks of the Yarra River, the Immigration Museum is perfectly situated to transport you back to the days of Victorian trade. By teaming up with vibrant locals and creative minds, the museum acts as a conversation starter with an empathetic focus on Australia’s migration history, identity, citizenship, and community. Dive headfirst into a treasure trove of riveting collections, immersive exhibitions, and educational events, all under one roof.

Located inside Australia's leading shopping centre, Chadstone – The Fashion Capital, LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre is the ultimate indoor LEGO® playground with more than two million bricks. Visitors can enjoy MINILAND Melbourne, featuring iconic buildings and landmarks, and a number of LEGO-themed zones for the kids and their families including an interactive LEGO laser ride, a Merlin’s Apprentice ride, and a 4D cinema!

Explore Luna Park Melbourne, located in St Kilda, and enjoy a day of unlimited rides and fun. Ride roller coasters, spin on the teacups, and enjoy classic carnival treats in this amusement park, which has been a favorite for fun-seekers since 1912.

Ride the Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenong Ranges and travel along a 24km track from Belgrave to Gembrook. See the rainforest, fern gullies, and tall Mountain Ash trees. Feel the wind in your hair on the open carriage and hear about the local area through on-board commentary. This trip suits children, parents, grandparents, and railway fans.