Visiting Melbourne for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do

Admire Melbourne’s green spaces and sleek skyscrapers from the water during a cruise on the Yarra River. Choose between a sightseeing cruise with sparkling wine or coffee, or opt to drive the vessel yourself with boat rental. 

Melbourne is famous throughout Australia for its street art scene, which spans political statements to kaleidoscopic murals. The best way to discover both well-known and hidden art is on a walking tour that covers Hosier Lane and Caledonian Lane in the Central Business District. 

The route taken by the historic Puffing Billy steam train is considered one of the most scenic in Australia. The open-air train takes you past rugged bushlands and ancient woodlands, and a round-trip ride to the first station can be limited to a few hours, making it ideal for time-pressed travelers. 

No trip to the state of Victoria would be complete without a day trip along the Great Ocean Road, home to the world-famous 12 Apostles rock formations. Taking a tour leaves the driving and navigation to someone else and allows you to spend more time admiring the scenery. 

Get panoramic views of Melbourne in its entirety from the Eureka Skydeck 88, home to the Edge and Vertigo—two exhilarating experiences not for the fainthearted. The wait time to get in can exceed one hour, so book skip-the-line admission to save time. 

The brightly colored bathing cabanas of Brighton Beach offer some of Melbourne’s best photo ops. Combine your visit with a trip to Phillip Island, home of the Penguin Parade, to maximize your time outside of the city center.