Places You Must Visit In Melbourne

Here are the insider tips from our team at College Square on Swanston - the top 9 places you should not miss if you are in Melbourne.

1. Melbourne Museum, IMAX 3D & Royal Exhibition Building

Location: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton (15-minute walk from 800 Swanston St)

For those history geeks, the Melbourne Museum is only a short walk away and offers interesting pieces from times long ago as well as scientific breakthroughs. IMAX is a cinema that specializes in 3D films for those looking for a more life-like experience at the cinemas. The Royal Exhibition Building is where a number of events are run throughout the year. Anything from art fairs to food festivals.

2. Melbourne Central, Bourke St Mall, Emporium & QV (10 minute Tram ride)

For those looking to spend if you jump on a tram and head towards the city, you will find some of the best shopping in Melbourne. Melbourne Central offers modern casual clothing brands such as JD Sports, Nike and Platypus. Emporium offers a more boutique shopping with places like Gucci & the secret sneaker store.

3. Immigration Museum (400 Flinders St Melbourne 3000)

A 25-minute tram ride away from the immigration museum offers and interesting look into the 9 million immigrants that have made their way to Australia since 1788. The museum offers countless stories of survival and incredible one-of-a-kind artifacts you won’t see elsewhere.

4. Melbourne Cricket Ground & The National Sports Museum

A 30-minute tram and walk away from College square and you will find yourself at the home of sport. The Melbourne cricket ground or MCG / “G” for short is the heartbeat of Australian sporting glory. The ground itself can hold over 100,000 spectators and is where you’ll be able to watch Australian Rules Football (AFL) during the winter months or watch the cricket during the summer. For the off days, you can visit the national sports museum located at the “G” as well. This shows the interesting history and development of Australian sport, including the evolution of the AFL.

5. Victoria Market

If you are after fresh produce or looking for some good bargains head down to the Queen Victoria Market on Queen St. It is only a 15-minute walk from College Square on Swanston and offers an array of fresh and exotic foods as well as cheap essentials.

6. Melbourne ZOO

A 20 minute walk away animal lovers will be excited to visit the Melbourne ZOO. It offers unique experiences such as a night at the zoo or even a birthday party there. The ZOO offers a look into animals unique to Australia for those looking to expand their knowledge on Australian animals.

7. Art Streets In Melbourne

All the Instagram lovers looking for the perfect background you MUST explore the various little laneways throughout Melbourne with beautiful street art on the walls. The main streets that you must see are Hosier Lane, Caledonian Lane, Duckboard Place, Union Land & Rutledge Lane.

8. The National Art Gallery

Melbourne holds Australia’s oldest public gallery and boasts over 70,000 works of art. The gallery is separated into two locations meaning you may need to visit it over 2 days. The majority of the international collection can be found at the St Kilda Road location which is known for its great hall decorated with beautifully coloured panes of glass in a mosaic style. The second location can be found at federation square formally known as the Ian Potter Gallery. This hosts a prestigious collection Indigenous artworks which give an insight into a time prior to white settlers as well as the impact of them.

9. Melbourne Aquarium

Australia is known for having one of the great wonders of the world being the Great Barrier Reef. Unfortunately, this beautiful place is in Queensland but not to worry as the Melbourne aquarium provides an in-depth look into the reef. The Aquarium also has one of the largest saltwater crocodiles Pinjarra, as well as the cute and cuddly penguins of Antarctica, make this place a must-see.