Melbourne is a city that never ceases to amaze with its plethora of activities and attractions. Here are some must-do experiences:
Enjoy rides at the Luna Park
One of the exciting things you can do in Melbourne is enjoy the fun rides and activities at the Luna Park for all the fun activities. This iconic amusement park is located just on the foreshore of St Kilda beach and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Melbourne. When you reach there you will be welcomed by a giant mouth and certainly worth taking the picture in front of it. One you are inside the park you can enjoy a lot of amazing rides and attractions like supernova, swings, coney drop, carousel, dodgems, ghost train and roller coaster that the whole family can enjoy. So if you have a family with kids then Luna Park is another place that you must visit in Melbourne.
Distance: Approximately 8 km from the Southern Cross train station
How to get there?
Beside driving you can take tram 96 to get to the Luna Park.
Yarra river sightseeing
Another exciting thing you can do in Melbourne is to go on the Yarra river cruises to experience the true charm of the city and enjoy the scenic view that you don’t see everyday. If you take the cruise downstream to port of Melbourne, you will be sailing under the popular Evan Walker bridge and Sandridge bridge, while getting a close view of some of the famous places in Melbourne including, Crown casino, aquarium, cargo port, Bolte bridge and Westgate bridge. If you take the cruise up historic Herring Island, then you can get a close view of MCG, Royal Botanic Gardens, Olympic park, Rod Laver Arena and AAMI park. You can also charter the private boat for any special celebration and family occasion.
You can also stroll along the Yarra river to see Melbourne from a different view and stop along the fine dining places to try wide variety of cuisines.
Distance: Approximately 1-2 km from the Southern Cross train station
Take a ride on a tram
Some of the major metropolitan cities around the world do not offer a tram service so if you are in Melbourne, which offers the world largest tram network, then you have to hop on to tram and experience the city in a different way.
There is also a City Circle Tram which is another way to see major attractions around the city. This heritage tram provides informative commentary on the city’s landmarks making it a fun ride as well as getting to know about the city.
Within Melbourne CBD, there is a free tram zone, so if you ride within the free tram zone then you will not have have to pay for the service. But if you travel outside the free tram zone then you will have to touch on your myki card.
Distance: Approximately 1-2 km from the Southern Cross train station
Watch movies at the IMAX
Many people who visit the city may not know about the IMAX in Melbourne but it is the one of the biggest IMAX movie theatre in the world. It has the screen size of 32 metres wide by 23 metres high and seats 450 people.
Whether you’re a film buff or just looking for an extraordinary night out, IMAX Melbourne offers an experience that is both grand and intimate. Its cutting-edge technology, rich history and commitment to community make it a standout destination in Melbourne’s vibrant cultural scene.
So next time you’re in the city, be sure to catch a film at IMAX Melbourne – it’s another experience you won’t soon forget. The curved shape of the screen, width of the theatre, earth-shattering sound and the configuration of an IMAX theatre will make you feel like you’re part of the onscreen action and provide you with no other cinematic experience like it.
It is nestled within Melbourne Museum next to Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton garden.
We recommend that you book the tickets in advance specially in school holidays so you don’t have to be disappointed to get in.
Distance: Approximately 3-4 km from the Southern Cross train station
ArtVo
One of the fun things you can do while in Melbourne is visit ArtVo to experience art through touching and interacting with the artworks, being part of the art by taking photographs in front of the 3D installations and escaping into a world of immersive ‘trick-art’ gallery.
ArtVo is a place where you can take a lot of photographs of the murals exploring the space, forest, ocean, polar ice caps, come face to face with wild animals and even scale rocky crevasses.
If you have a family with kids, you should then certainly visit ArtVo so you can step into a world of optical illusions, experience this 3D art museum in a whole new way and have fun at the same time.
ArtVo is located at the Docklands.
We recommend that you book the tickets in advance specially in school holidays so you don’t have to be disappointed to get in.
Distance: Approximately 2-3 km from the Southern Cross train station
Australian Open
It is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments held annually at Melbourne Park in Melbourne. If you are a sport lover and if you are in Melbourne around January, then you can watch the Australian Open, which is also one of the only four Grand Slam tennis events which in played in the world. Sport lovers from around the world and Australia converge in Melbourne to watch this exciting event. You can also watch the top players from around the world compete in this global event.
Melbourne Park is renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, including the iconic Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena and Margaret Court Arena. The complex also features numerous practice courts, fan zones and entertainment areas, making it a vibrant hub during the tournament.
We recommend that you book the tickets in advance.
Distance: Approximately 3-4 km from the Southern Cross train station
Melbourne Cup
If you are in Melbourne in November then you can attend the Melbourne Cup for an experience that will last a lifetime. It is a prestigious horse racing event and its very popular as “the race that stops a nation”. Although the day is about the horse racing action but the Melbourne Cup day is extremely popular for the iconic Fashions on the Field, also don’t be surprised if you spot any famous national or even international celebrity on that day. Beside that you can also enjoy live music performance and the premium hospitality and dining.
Melbourne Cup is celebrated on the first Tuesday of November but usually there are few more events/carnivals happening around that week.
Entry to the this event is by purchasing the ticket to and we recommend booking the ticket in advance.
Distance: Approximately 6-7 km from the Southern Cross train station
Hot Air Baloon
Out of all different fun ways to experience Melbourne, hot air balloon is completely unique and exciting way to view Melbourne. It is bit costly compared to other activities in Melbourne but it’s certainly a worthy affair and once in a life time adventure. You can soar above one of the most beautiful cities in the world, enjoy the breathtaking views and experience the magic of hot air ballooning.
On clear days, from the air you can catch a glimpse of Port Phillip Bay glistening in the distance, the sprawling Royal Botanic Gardens, the Yarra River winding its way through the city, the impressive Olympic park, MCG and Eureka tower. Don’t forget to bring a camera so you can capture the spectacular views and the memories.
Shop Till You Drop
Melbourne is a shopping paradise, with everything from high-end fashion boutiques to quirky vintage stores. The Bourke Street Mall is a central shopping area, while Chapel Street in South Yarra and Fitzroy’s Brunswick Street offer a mix of trendy and alternative shops. Don’t forget to explore the independent stores in Melbourne’s laneways for unique finds.
