What Are the Fun Activities to Do in Melbourne?

Melbourne, with its rich mix of cultures, is often hailed as one of the globe's most habitable cities. Head over to this lively city at the tip of Port Phillip bay, and it's clear to see its appeal. Melbourne is Australia's second-biggest city, and there's a distinct European touch to it. Its grand Victorian architecture speaks of its prosperous Gold Rush era, and the tree-canopied streets and myriad quaint alleyways make wandering around particularly delightful.

Have a Breather at the Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne, located just 11 minutes from lyf Collingwood Melbourne, are amongst the best you'll find anywhere. Set up in 1846, they are split over two sites: Melbourne and Cranbourne.

The bit in Melbourne is nestled in a lovely green space just south of the Yarra River, a stone's throw from the city centre. Spread over 38 hectares, they house more than 10,000 types of plants from all corners of the world.

Being a top tourist spot in the city, there's no shortage of places to stay nearby. If you're after Melbourne co-living, you're bound to find something that suits you.

Get Your Art Fix at the National Gallery of Victoria

Melbourne is big on culture, and the National Gallery of Victoria is right at the top of its game. Not only is it the oldest public art gallery down under, but it's also the busiest. With two spots in the city, there are over 70,000 pieces from Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and the Americas to look at.

The international pieces are at the St Kilda Road place, which has been around since 1968. One of its standout spots is The Great Hall – where you're actually told to plonk down on the floor and have a look at the vibrant stained-glass ceiling.

Get Cultured up at Southbank & South Wharf

Fancy a bit of culture? Southbank is where you should be.

Right on the Yarra River and just a quick walk from Flinders Street Station, this picturesque area is brimming with shops, coffee joints, and all sorts of cultural treats. It's a great place for a riverside walk, whatever the weather.

If you're pondering what to get up to in Melbourne when the sun's gone down, this place is amazing – especially around South Wharf. Old storage sheds have been spruced up into great nightlife spots. It's quite the scene at night, with the city lights shimmering in the river.

Explore the Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building

Just a quick tram hop from the city centre, the Melbourne Museum sits surrounded by lush parks and gardens. This swanky, custom-made museum is packed with all sorts from society and culture to science and the big wide world.

Top picks include the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre; a look into Phar Lap, Australia's top-notch racehorse; and the Kids' Gallery with hands-on stuff to keep the little ones busy. Fancy a walk in the woods or meeting a full-sized dino? You are going to find it.

Next door, you have the Royal Exhibition Building. Knocked up in 1880 for Melbourne's International Exhibition, it was also where they had the first Aussie Commonwealth Parliament bash in 1901.

You can get a guided tour most days, and they still use the place for shows and special gigs.

Take a Spin on the City Circle Tram

Want to see Melbourne in local style? Jump on the City Circle Tram. The tram lets you see the best parts of the city centre and Docklands without spending a cent.

The tram will take you past some of Melbourne's old-timey gems like the Parliament House, Old Treasury Building, Princess Theatre, and the Windsor Hotel. And if you fancy a wander around places like Federation Square, just hop off. These trams come around every 12 minutes and doing the full loop takes about 50 minutes.