Ever thought of travelling down under? Australia is a vast, beautiful and diverse country which has something to suit every type of traveller. If you’re planning your next holiday want to try somewhere new, Australia is a stunning place to start. Many people fall in love with the country so much that they want to emigrate. Consequently, I’ve come up with 10 must-see places in Melbourne to help convince you! Of course, there are many more but on one trip this might be all that you can handle.
10 Must-See Places in Melbourne, Australia
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria—Melbourne Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens is all about conserving plants through biodiversity and studying habitats. As a result, they help save rare planets from becoming extinct. You’ll be able to see some stunning flowers, plants and trees all in one place. As well as see how the gardens conducts its conservation program!
Shrine of Remembrance
One of the largest war memorials in Australia, this memorial was built to commemorate and remember all the men and women whose lives were lost during World War 1. Annual services are held on Anzac Day (the 25th of April) and Remembrance Day (November 11th).
Oriental Teahouse
If you want to experience the ancient teahouse of Shanghai without travelling there, then this restaurant will offer a new and unique experience. After all, you can enjoy traditional tea from China and amazing food. What’s not to love?
City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram was built in 1994 and circles the entirety of Melbourne. It’s a zero-fare tram and will take you around Melbourne past attractions and sites of interest. In fact, this is a good attraction to hit up when you need a break from walking!
Port Campbell National Park
This 4300-acre national park is based in southwestern Victoria. It consists of stunning cliffs which overlook islets, gorges and rock stacks. If you are an explorer by nature and a keen photographer, this place has to be one of your must-see places in Melbourne. It’s a breath-taking sight and well worth traveling for. You may even get some great Instagram snaps while you’re there!
National Gallery of Victoria
Founded in 1861, this is Australia’s oldest, largest and most popular museum. If you want to experience some culture on your trip to Oz, then this museum is a great place to spend a day out with the family. This museum is full to the brim of art created by the Indigenous race in Australia, the Aboriginals. Full of artifacts, art and even more modern works—this is an impressive place to visit if you want to experience more of the history of the country.
State Library of Victoria
This stunning architecture was erected in 1854. It holds over 2 million books and 16,000 serials. Furthermore, it even has diaries of the city’s founders within its walls. The main focus of the library is the Dome which sits in the centre of the building. The impressive space holds over a million books and has space for 600 readers.
Melbourne Zoo
The Melbourne Zoo is modelled on London Zoo, and is the oldest in Australia. The zoo contains over 320 species from within Australia and around the globe. Some of the main attractions you’ll be able to see at the zoo are:
- Asian Elephants: 5 Asian elephants are currently at the zoo—3 adults and 2 babies
- Butterfly House: a greenhouse dome for tropical butterflies
- Orangutan Sanctuary
- Asian rainforest: Sumatran tigers, Oriental small-clawed otters and two small aviaries for Asian birds
- Australian Outback: showcasing the indigenous species of Australia, it features kangaroos, emus, wombats, koalas, echidnas, lace monitors and a variety of small bird aviaries
- Lion Gorge: male lions born in 2000 live here, along with a separate enclosure for African Hunting Dogs
- Wild Sea: seals, little penguins, Australian pelicans and fiddler rays
- Reptile House
- African rainforest: the home of the Zoo’s Gorillas
- Treetop apes and monkeys: white-cheeked gibbons, black-handed spider monkeys, black-capped capuchins, black-and-white colobus, and common tree shrews
Melbourne Museum
The largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere, this is Australia’s biggest natural history museum. It includes a science and life gallery containing dinosaur bones and fossils; the history of Melbourne; evolution gallery explaining Darwin’s theory; Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre exploring Aboriginals in more detail; and plenty more. It is a diverse museum which may require a few trips to view everything inside. However, this sight can be one of many must-see places in Melbourne. After all, you may have to go back a couple of times to see it all.
Eureka Skydeck 88
This 975 ft skyscraper in the middle of Melbourne is a sight to behold. Designed and built from 2002-2006, the Eureka tower is the tallest structure in Melbourne. As of 2016 it is the 15th tallest residential building in the world. The main draw is the observation deck which takes up the entire 88th floor of the tower. You’ll be able to stand on the deck and see for miles across the whole of Melbourne, taking in the stunning scenes.
What are your must-see places in Melbourne? Tweet to me and let me know!
This ‘Must-See Places in Melbourne’ post was contributed to The Lady-like Leopard.