Places to visit in Melbourne

90 people recommend, 11 warn against itvia r/melbourne, X

Many visitors praise the exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria, and many say the kids' spaces suit children well. Several visitors mention crowds and slow queuing, and several find the plaques small, badly placed or hard to read. Several visitors say general entry is budget-friendly while paid exhibitions cost extra, and another doubts a child would stay interested in a special show. Most visitors still recommend it overall, though one visitor finds the paid show pricey and would not recommend it.

66 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/melbourne, X, r/AskAnAustralian

Most visitors recommend Melbourne Museum, and many say its children's area and toddler play spaces suit young kids, while several single out its dinosaur displays. Many visitors note the children's area needs a booked timed slot, several visitors say mornings right after opening are quieter, and two advise avoiding school holidays. Caveats include one visitor who finds it unremarkable, one who found the after-dark sessions less calm than hoped, and one who says an immersive dinosaur exhibit can scare young children.

61 people recommend, 9 warn against itvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Most visitors recommend Queen Victoria Market, and many say the produce is high quality and good value. Many enjoy the lively atmosphere, and a couple recommend the hot jam doughnuts. On the downside, a few visitors find it pricey, several say it feels touristy, and a few find it busy, with a couple suggesting an early or weekday visit.

60 people recommendvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Many visitors recommend a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, and several call the gardens nice or gorgeous. A few visitors point to the children's garden for young kids, though one visitor notes it closes over winter. One visitor suggests a picnic on a fine day, and another advises arriving early before the heat builds up. A commenter mentions a ride-on garden tour that suits different mobility needs, and a further visitor notes some slopes along the paths.

60 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian, X

Many visitors recommend the State Library in the CBD, and many single out its children's area as a good spot for young kids. A few visitors point to the reading room, several mention the Ned Kelly armour, and a few visitors find it quiet for the city centre. One visitor notes it is budget-friendly to wander in, though a few hold cautionary or mixed views.

54 people recommend, 20 warn against itvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian, X

Overall the verdict leans positive, with several visitors calling it fantastic or excellent and a couple of visitors saying keepers run enrichment and training sessions with the seals. A couple of visitors also point to snow leopard enclosures that sit out of public view, and one visitor says the keeper talks are informative. The main caveats: many visitors find the seal area outdated, grim or depressing, several say space is limited for the animals, and one visitor warns it gets packed during school holidays.

32 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Most visitors recommend South Melbourne Market, and several visitors single out the seafood, with one describing freshly shucked oysters eaten on stools and another fish bought from fishmongers and eaten on the spot. A couple of visitors describe the grab-and-go food as upmarket, and one visitor found the quality excellent, though one visitor is not convinced it lives up to the premium look. Price and crowds are the main drawbacks: a few visitors find it pricey, a few visitors say it gets busy and suggest arriving early, and one visitor feels it has shifted toward a lifestyle destination. A few visitors point to Preston for better-value shopping.

28 people recommendvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Most visitors recommend ACMI, and many say entry to the main exhibits is budget-friendly, while several describe the displays as interactive. Several visitors single out the moving image history gallery, and many say it suits children, including toddlers and tech-minded kids. Caveats: a couple of visitors note that featured exhibitions are pricey, and one visitor feels it is less geared to very young children than museums with dedicated play areas.

27 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian, r/australia

Most visitors recommend Werribee Open Range Zoo, and several rate its safari bus tour highly for getting near giraffes and other animals. One visitor linked to a disability program finds it easy to get around, and the same visitor points to accessible toilets and food choices. On the downside, two say more time is needed, a couple would rather go to Melbourne Zoo, and for native animals one says it falls short while another suggests Healesville. One visitor says Werribee is the only zoo they would visit, and they are uncomfortable with that, citing animal welfare concerns.

23 people recommendvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Visitors recommend Preston Market, and many call it good value, while one visitor calls it the most underrated market in Melbourne. Several visitors praise the food variety and food scene, a couple single out the meat and fish, and a few suggest timing visits to catch clearance stock. Two visitors are mixed: one finds it cheaper than farmers markets but not better quality, while the other finds it slightly pricier than Queen Victoria Market but better quality. One visitor also notes that certain stalls are pricier.

20 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Most visitors recommend Federation Square as a sight to fit into a CBD day, and many list it alongside other stops. A couple of visitors point to ACMI and a couple more mention festive trees and seasonal displays, one visitor mentions areas to relax, and another says the set-up looks good at night. A few visitors are less convinced: one visitor feels it works more as an exhibition and market space than a gathering place, another feels it comes close to the outdoor resting spots the CBD lacks but has reservations, and one more recalls an earlier Swanston Street square as more enjoyable than Fed Square.

18 people recommendvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Most visitors recommend the MCG overall, and many recommend the stadium tour. One visitor says the history makes it worth doing even if you are not a sports fan, and many visitors also suggest catching a live Aussie rules game. A couple of visitors praise the big-crowd atmosphere, though one visitor notes match nights will be very busy. Caveats include one visitor who says a live game beats the tour, another who calls the ground just another stadium, one who would only go if a match were on, and one who notes a spring trip could leave a stretch with no matches.

18 people recommendvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian, X

Many visitors recommend Fitzroy Gardens, with a few pointing to the hot house and a couple suggesting a walk through the grounds. Several visitors call it nice, lovely, beautiful, or wonderful, and one visitor finds the miniature Tudor village cute; that same visitor calls the gardens small. Another visitor found the hot house closed on their visit, and one visitor mentions a little cafe at the Flinders Street end.

18 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Most visitors recommend Scienceworks, and many say it suits young children, with a children's area for babies and young kids, an outdoor playground and planetarium shows. One visitor says it has more for older children and suits little ones less, and another feels it could be a bit too advanced for toddlers. A commenter finds the playroom fun but the exhibits unsuitable for that age. A few visitors say it is reachable by train, while one visitor finds it hard to reach by public transport and a further commenter is unsure how easy that is.

15 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Visitors recommend Collingwood Children's Farm, and several say it suits toddlers and young children well. One visitor mentions animals to pat. Several describe riverside walks and bike rides along the Yarra that take in the farm.

14 people recommendvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Visitors recommend Carlton Gardens, and many name it among the inner-city parks and green spaces worth a visit. A few visitors suggest walking through it or up to it from Southbank or Fitzroy, and a couple of visitors suggest it for greenery and a relaxing outdoor break. One visitor suggests an autumn outing, and another suggests a night visit to see wildlife.

14 people recommendvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Many visitors recommend the Shrine of Remembrance as a central-city stop, and a few highlight the city views from its top. A few visitors mention the gardens around it, one visitor found it very peaceful on a past trip, and another says it is within walking distance of the city. A couple of visitors suggest going in the morning, but only two visitors describe their own visits.

14 people recommendvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Many visitors recommend a walk along the Yarra at Southbank. Many also point to the nearby NGV gallery. A couple of visitors suggest going in the evening for the Crown Casino flames, and one adds that people-watching from waterfront bars is enjoyable. A couple of visitors find the DFO shopping underwhelming.

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Many visitors recommend the Immigration Museum as a stop on a Melbourne itinerary. A few visitors who went say they loved it, enjoyed an exhibition there, or were moved by it. One visitor says it is more interesting than pleasant to visit, and another visitor calls it okay but not suited to young children.

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Many visitors recommend Eureka Skydeck for the city views from the observation deck, and one visitor points to a glass cube that moves out for a see-through look down. One visitor says the skyline is not especially exciting from up there and would prefer a balloon ride. Another visitor suggests arriving shortly before sunset to see the city by day, at dusk and after dark.

13 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Many visitors recommend Dandenong Market, and many say it is budget-friendly, with one noting it is especially so on Sundays. A few also praise the food, including fresh produce, and one singles out the Afghani dishes and a broad range of options. A few visitors like the atmosphere, but one notes it gets busy and chaotic at times, though they see that as part of the appeal. One visitor describes it as a solid family day out.

13 people recommendvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Visitors recommend Yarra Bend Park, and several highlight its riverside walking and running trails along the Yarra. A couple say the river setting feels quiet and removed from the city, and several single out the flying-fox colony as a highlight. One visitor notes the freeway is audible in places.

11 people recommendvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Many visitors recommend the nature playground beside the Royal Children's Hospital, and one visitor ranks it among the finest playgrounds in the city. Two visitors point to quiet, tucked-away spots in the park, and two visitors suggest walks, including a loop past wetlands and skink habitat. One visitor also says the big open section behind the hospital is good for sunsets.

11 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Most visitors lean toward recommending Luna Park, and a few highlight its rides, with one singling out the old roller coaster. A couple of visitors suggest it for young children, two note it runs year-round, and one mentions it as a photo spot. A few visitors find it underwhelming or hit-or-miss, one says the visit is over quickly, and one notes the coaster has mostly not been running during recent maintenance. Another visitor calls the coaster fun but a bit rickety.

10 people recommendvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Many visitors recommend the Old Melbourne Gaol, and several list it alongside other city sites such as the State Library. Two visitors call it cool, and another says it is a good fit for history fans. One visitor says the death masks and their stories can be unsettling.

9 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/melbourne

Most visitors recommend Footscray Market, and many describe it as budget-friendly. Several point to its fresh fruit, vegetables and meat, though one visitor says it has become pricey. Another visitor finds the meat very poor and the fruit and vegetables only middling, and one visitor finds it a bit smaller with less range.

8 people recommendvia r/melbourne, X, r/AskAnAustralian

Many visitors recommend Heide Museum of Modern Art as a worthwhile art stop. A couple of visitors highlight the sculpture park and gardens, and one visitor notes that getting there by public transport takes a bit of time.

8 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Many visitors say the penguins on the St Kilda pier are worth seeing, and one notes you can reach the pier without a tour and, when penguins are out, watch without booking. Booking is the catch: two visitors say tickets are booked out for months ahead, and a couple of visitors note the viewing itself also requires a booking. One visitor recalls the new pier being wheelchair accessible but suggests checking first, and one visitor who spent years living nearby says they never spotted any penguins there.

7 people recommendvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Visitors recommend the Ian Potter Gallery at Federation Square, and several suggest visiting it alongside the NGV. A couple of visitors say entry is free, and one visitor finds its exhibitions interesting. One visitor points to its distinctive architecture, another feels it is overlooked within the NGV, and one visitor who spends time with children in the city lists it among favourite spots for kids.

7 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Many visitors recommend the Royal Exhibition Building. A couple of visitors note it sits beside Melbourne Museum, a short tram ride from the city, while two others suggest a rooftop tour, though one visitor notes it may not always be open. One visitor highlights the dome promenade as a good walk for history fans.

7 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/melbourne

Many visitors recommend it, and three say they run there, with one noting that side routes make it easy to add distance to a run. Another suggests the swans could be lovely to see, and one visitor calls the lakeside track very nice but finds the road loop tight and busy with construction. Other drawbacks: one visitor finds the park average and not worth extra travel, another calls parking there ridiculous, and another says it gets dark when empty.

7 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/melbourne

Many visitors recommend Prahran Market, and several see it as upscale. One praises its hard-to-find items, and another praises its special food. Two visitors find it pricey, and one says the quality is excellent. One visitor doesn't see it as good value, so budget shoppers may want to compare other markets.

6 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Many visitors recommend Point Ormond, a coastal lookout, and several suggest walking out to it. One visitor calls the walk along the beach from Brighton lively, and two visitors suggest catching the sunset from the lookout. One of those two advises checking the weather first.

6 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Several visitors recommend the Abbotsford Convent, with one suggesting a bike ride up the Yarra to reach it as part of a day out. Another suggests walking around the site, and a further visitor gives it as their first suggestion for historic places. One visitor calls it pleasant to visit, and another pairs it with a farmers market on a weekend.

6 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Many visitors recommend Zero Latency's Docklands VR arena, and two of them say non-gamers have a good time there too. A couple of visitors suggest it as a group outing, one visitor says a friend's kids enjoyed it, and one notes the company has several locations.

5 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Visitors recommend ArtPlay on Birrarung Marr, and a few suggest it for kids. One visitor calls the playground excellent but not especially unique. One commenter suggests checking what is on before going.

5 people recommendvia r/melbourne, r/AskAnAustralian

Several visitors recommend the Yarra Trail, and a few say it works on foot as well as by bike. A commenter finds the Ivanhoe to Eltham stretch far better than the section toward the city, while a couple of visitors flag limited lighting. The one mixed view calls it a good trail, and one cyclist who rides this route most often finds it decent overall.

5 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Most visitors recommend the Fairfield Boathouse, and a couple of them suggest rowing or hiring a boat. One visitor says it is always pleasant. Another visitor notes that getting there is a trek.

5 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Many visitors recommend CERES Community Environment Park in Brunswick, and one suggests it for families. One visitor mentions chickens, a cat and a cafe there, and another says it hosts kids' days and planting activities. A few visitors describe it as a spot to wander.

5 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Many visitors recommend Parliament House, and several point to its tours. One commenter says the guides are good at explaining the background and suggests a weekday visit, while another finds the tour interesting. Another suggests walking past to see a protest, and one visitor notes tours run on days when MPs are not in session.

5 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Visitors recommend Werribee Mansion in Werribee Park, and a couple of them suggest pairing it with a visit to Werribee Zoo. One visitor lists it among western Melbourne places near the city that get little attention. One visitor notes it can take half a day or more once travel is included.

5 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Many visitors recommend St Paul's Cathedral, and one includes it in a suggested day-one walking route. One visitor calls it magnificent and says the public can go inside for a look, while another suggests sitting in a pew as a lunchtime spot to meditate. A further visitor recommends attending Choral Evensong, saying it has no religious requirements and an outstanding choir.

5 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Many visitors recommend the Melbourne Central clock, and two call it special. A few say its show runs on the hour, and one visitor thinks it's a great pick for young children. Another suggests a short tram ride from Myer to reach it, with QV Square nearby so the little ones can move around.

5 people recommendvia r/melbourne

Visitors recommend Rose Street Artists' Market in Fitzroy. One visitor who has been there says it is consistently excellent. A commenter singles it out for its artistic stalls and cooler feel, and a couple of visitors call it a cool spot or say they love it. A separate remark from the same visitor notes it leans toward crafts rather than food, and rates those very highly.

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/melbourne

Many visitors suggest Jells Park, though several of those are just a name in a list of suggestions. One visitor describes a lakeside walk with plenty of birdwatching and wildlife, and another visitor with a toddler lists it among their favourite playgrounds. The only caution comes from one visitor who rode the Dandenong Creek Trail and found the stretch through Jells Park their least favourite, as pedestrians step into the path on a bike.

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/melbourne

Many visitors recommend Camberwell Market, and two say Sunday mornings are good for clothes. One visitor says locals attend too, not just tourists, and another says its mix has stayed much the same for decades. The main caveat comes from one visitor who had a stall there and found selling not worth the effort.