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Melbourne is all about variety – so whatever your interests, Melbourne has an attraction for you. Discover where you can go to learn more about Melbourne’s art and culture, history and sport – as well as some great fun activities for families to enjoy.
Iconic Melbourne
Go on a truly Melburnian adventure at these city icons.
City Circle Tram
A free, informative and convenient way to get around central Melbourne. Catch the tram at any of the specially marked stops on Flinders, Spencer, La Trobe or Spring streets or along Harbour Esplanade. (G5).
Ph: 13 16 38.
Cooks’ Cottage
The home of Captain James Cook’s parents. The cottage, built in Yorkshire, England in 1755 and transported to Melbourne in 1933, is the only 18th century building in Melbourne. Fitzroy Gardens, Wellington Parade, East Melbourne.
(J4). Ph: 9419 4677.
Eureka Skydeck 88
Take in some awe-inspiring views of Melbourne from the highest public viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere. Level 88, Eureka Tower, 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank. (F6). Ph: 9693 8888.
Old Melbourne Gaol
Get a sense of life behind bars during the 19th century. Infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly, was one of 135 prisoners hanged at this historical gaol. Russell Street. (G2). Ph: 9663 7228.
Queen Victoria Market
Shoppers can find everything from fruit and vegetables to gourmet foods, fashion and general merchandise at this Melbourne institution. Elizabeth and Franklin streets. (E2). Ph: 9320 5822.
Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance is Victoria’s memorial to the service and sacrifice of its men and women in times of conflict and war. Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra. (H8). Ph: 9654 8415.
State Library of Victoria
One of Australia’s oldest cultural institutions. Visit an exhibition, delve into the library’s vast resources, or simply admire the magnificently restored heritage spaces. 328 Swanston Street. (F3). Ph: 8664 7000.
Southern Star observation wheel
The striking 120-metre-high observation wheel is located just a few minutes from the city centre. The Southern Star observation wheel
is temporarily closed for maintenance and will re-open late 2009. Ground Floor, 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands. (A3) Ph: 8688 9688.
Take a tour
Below are just a sample of the tours the city has to offer. Bookings are essential for most tours. Contact the venues for more information.
Federation Square guided tour
Learn more about Melbourne’s beloved Federation Square, including its unique architecture, development history, attractions and how it became the cultural and events hub for the city. Corner Flinders and Swanston streets. (G5, H5). Ph: 9928 0096.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) tour
Take a tour of the hallowed turf revered by players and followers of both football and cricket. The MCG is Australia’s largest and most popular stadium. Brunton Avenue, Richmond. (J5). Ph: 9657 8879.
River cruises
Choose from scenic cruises, St Kilda penguin trips, ferries to Williamstown, water taxis and more. Southgate information booth, Southbank. (G6).
Parliament of Victoria tour
Constructed at the height of the Victorian gold rush, Parliament House has one of the most lavish interiors of any public building in Australia. Spring Street. (H3). Ph: 9651 8568.
Melbourne’s Golden Mile Heritage Trail
Walk ‘Marvellous Melbourne’ and find out how the discovery of gold shaped our city. Guided tours depart daily from Federation Square or purchase a self-guided tour booklet. (G5). Ph: 9928 0096.
Rod Laver Arena tour
Melbourne Park Go behind the scenes at one of the world’s busiest sports and entertainment venues, home to the Australian Open tennis tournament. Batman Avenue. (I6). Ph: 9286 1600.
Royal Exhibition Building tour
Discover the history and beauty of the magnificently restored 129-year old Royal Exhibition Building, Australia’s first World Heritage-listed building. Nicholson Street, Carlton. (H1) Ph. 13 11 02.
Etihad Stadium tour
How long does it take to close the roof? How do AFL players prepare for a match? Enter the inner sanctum of this impressive stadium and all will be revealed. 740 Bourke Street, Docklands. (C5). Ph: 8625 7277.
The Arts Centre tour
Beneath the iconic spire of the Arts Centre, discover the secrets of state-of-theart theatre design, and learn more about the history and architecture of this striking venue. 100 St Kilda Road. (G6). Ph: 9281 8000.
Museums and exhibitions
Get to know Melbourne’s historic past – and find out more about the Melbourne of today.
Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
ACMI is a state-of the-art centre dedicated to film, television, games, new media and art in all its forms. Federation Square. (G5). Ph: 8663 2200.
Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre
Victorian Indigenous culture is rich, diverse and unlike anywhere else in Australia. Discover Indigenous Melbourne at the Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre. 295 King Street. (D4). Ph: 8622 2600.
National Sports Museum
Located on two levels of the MCG’s Olympic Stand, this museum is home to more than 3,500 items from Australia’s rich sporting history. Melbourne Cricket Ground.
(J5). Ph: 9657 8879.
NGV International
See touring exhibitions and the gallery’s breathtaking collection from Europe, Asia, America and Oceania. NGV International is a truly iconic Melbourne building. 180 St Kilda Road. (G6). Ph: 8620 2222.
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Take in the country’s most comprehensive display of Australian art, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous art, from European settlement to the present day. Federation Square. (H5). Ph: 8620 2222.
Melbourne Museum
Explore life as we know it today – and as it once was – at the Melbourne Museum. Discover Victoria’s unique natural environment, diverse cultures, history and icons. Nicholson Street, Carlton. (H1). Ph: 13 11 02.
Champions – Australian Racing Museum and Hall of Fame Champions celebrates the exciting world of thoroughbred racing and its role in Australian cultural and sporting heritage. Federation Square. (G5). Ph: 1300 139 407.
City Museum at Old Treasury Melbourne
Visit the City Museum for an ideal Melbourne orientation. Discover the people and events that helped shape Melbourne from its colonial settlement to the present day. Spring Street. (H4). Ph: 9651 2233.
Chinese Museum
Part of Melbourne’s modern Chinatown, this museum offers exhibitions and heritage tours that explain the history and culture of Australia’s Chinese community. 22 Cohen Place. (G3). Ph: 9662 2888.
Immigration Museum
A vibrant and inclusive living cultural centre that explores Australia’s immigration history, from the 1800s to the present day. 400 Flinders Street. (F5). Ph: 9927 2700.
Hellenic Museum
View items from classical Antiquity and the Greek-Christian Byzantine period as well as items documenting the Greek migration to Australia, South America and Eastern Asia. 280 William Street. (E4).
Ph: 8615 9016.
Hands-on activities for all ages
ArtPlay
An exciting arts centre where children can unleash their creativity and imagination with guidance from professional artists. ArtPlay runs weekend and holiday workshops. Bookings are essential. Birrarung Marr, next to Federation Square. (H5). Ph: 9664 7900.
City Library
Along with diverse library services in a range of languages, enjoy a welcoming gallery space with regular exhibitions, musical performances and more. 253 Flinders Lane. (G5).
Ph: 9658 9500.
Galactic Circus and M9 Laser Skirmish
An interactive theme park offering the latest and greatest in electronic games. Crown Entertainment Complex, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank. (E6). Ph: 132 695.
The Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden
The Children’s Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne is a magical place for children to discover the world of plants. It’s full of interesting and interactive places to play and explore. Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra. (South of J8). Ph: 9252 2300.
IMAX Theatre
With crystal clear images that are ten times larger than traditional cinema formats, the IMAX experience enthrals audiences. Rathdowne Street, Carlton. (H1). Ph: 9663 5454.
Kingpin Bowling
Enjoy ten pin bowling at the Crown Entertainment Complex, 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank. (E6). Ph:132 695.
Spin Bowling
Melbourne’s newest bowling lounge. Melbourne Central, Level 3, 211 La Trobe Street. (F3). Ph: 9694 1230.
Strike QV
Another city spot for ten pin bowling. QV Complex, Corner Little Lonsdale and Swanston streets. (F3). Ph: 1300 787 453.
Melbourne Aquarium
Melbourne Aquarium is an amazing underwater world. Explore four thrilling levels of aquatic adventure. Highlights include Antarctica, the 2.2 million litre Oceanarium and daily live shark feeds. Corner King and Flinders streets. (E6). Ph: 9923 5999.
Melbourne City Baths
Visit this unique, heritage-listed building and swim in the largest swimming pool in the central city or exercise to your hearts content in its state of- the-art gymnasium. 420 Swanston Street. (F2). Ph: 9663 5888.
Melbourne Zoo
Experience the wonder and diversity of the world’s wildlife with a walk through the award winning Melbourne Zoo. Featuring more than 300 animal species. Elliott Avenue, Parkville. (North of E1). Ph: 9285 9300.
Flight Experience
Learn to fly a plane in a flight simulator that is about as close as it gets to the real thing. QV retail precinct, Shop 9, Level 2, QV Square, Corner Swanston and Lonsdale streets. (G3). For ages 12 years and above. Ph: 9650 0737.
Explore these Melbourne landmarks and discover a multitude of activities:
• Docklands(B5)
• Federation Square (G5,H5)
• Southbank (G6)
• Crown Entertainment Complex (E6)
• Royal Botanic Gardens (J8)
For more information
• Visit the Melbourne Visitor Centre at Federation Square, located on the corner of Swanston and Flinders streets
• Visit the Melbourne Visitor Booth in the Bourke Street Mall
• Call City of Melbourne on 9658 9658