Things to do in Melbourne for self travelers

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.

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.

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.

This self-guided audio walking tour introduces central Melbourne through its history, street art, grand civic buildings, and riverfront energy. It suits first-time visitors who want a clear route and a lively sense of the city’s character, from gold-rush ambition to modern creativity. You begin at the Old Treasury Building, where a stately 19th-century facade sets the tone for Melbourne’s early story. From there, the route threads through Hosier Lane’s paint-splashed walls, rises toward the Melbourne Skydeck for a dramatic look across the skyline, and returns to the busy cultural hub of Fed Square and the famous clocks and dome of Flinders Street Station. The walk then continues through Bourke Street Mall, the ornate Block Arcade, Chinatown Melbourne, Old Melbourne Gaol, State Library Victoria, Parliament of Victoria, and AC/DC Lane. The tour ends by the Yarra River, where the city opens out into water, bridges, and promenades. Along the way, you will encounter bluestone streets, mosaic floors, grand columns, lantern-strung lanes, and some of Melbourne’s most recognizable public spaces. Memorable highlights include seeing bold graffiti up close, stepping past elegant Victorian architecture, standing beneath the library’s landmark dome, and finishing with the river that helps shape the city’s daily rhythm.

This self-guided audio walking tour explores central Melbourne through its grand civic buildings, hidden laneways, historic shopping arcades, and sporting landmarks. It suits first-time visitors, city lovers, and travelers curious about how Melbourne blends Victorian heritage with bold modern culture. Your route begins at Parliament of Victoria, where tall columns and broad steps set a stately tone, then passes the elegant Old Treasury Building. From there, you follow Collins Street’s historic facades, slip into the color and spray-painted walls of Hosier Lane, and arrive at the open plaza of Federation Square. The walk continues to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, then back toward the city center by Flinders Street Station, Degraves Street, the Block Arcade, Royal Arcade, Bourke Street Mall, and Chinatown Melbourne. Later, you reach the domed calm of State Library Victoria and catch the mood of the Yarra River before finishing at Old Melbourne Gaol, one of the city’s most haunting historic sites. Along the way, the most memorable moments include seeing Parliament’s colonnade, standing beneath Flinders Street Station’s famous clocks, looking up at glass-roofed arcades, soaking in Chinatown’s energy, and ending among the bluestone cells and grim stories of the old gaol.

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.

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!

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.