Melbourne, Australia, is a perfect destination to add to any Australian road trip. Melbourne is a hub of art and culture, with a thriving food scene and world-class museums, but still small enough that it's easy to explore on foot. If you're an outdoorsy person, there is also no shortage of incredible natural landscapes waiting for you outside the city limits.
Whether it's your first visit or your twentieth, there are plenty of fun things to do in Melbourne for families, budget travellers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With so much to see and do, we've put together the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Melbourne for your upcoming trip.
What you need to know about visiting Melbourne
Ready to begin your Australia road trip and get lost in Melbourne’s cobblestone streets, learn about its history, and explore the surrounding countryside? Here are our top tips for making the most of your visit:
Melbourne weather
While Melbourne has a reputation for its moody, cosy weather - Melbourne in fact has a varying climate depending on the season you’re visiting:
Summer (December and February): expect between 14°C and 26°C
Autumn (March and May): expect between 10°C and 21°C
Winter (June and August): expect between 6°C and 15°C
Spring (September and November): expect between 9°C and 20°C
If you want to avoid rain altogether, be sure to plan your campervan trip around the weather. Consider booking your trip outside the wetter season that runs between April and November.
The roads in Melbourne
Melbourne has an incredible road network, making it the perfect place to visit for those looking to rent a travel van to explore. Similarly to other popular cities throughout Australia, traffic can build up during peak commuting times (weekdays between 4 and 6 pm).
What to pack for visiting Melbourne
Melbourne is a city that's full of surprises. Given its varying weather and climate, it’s best to pack for your campervan trip expecting four seasons in a day. Whether you're planning on exploring the city or just relaxing by the waterfront, here are our top essentials to pack for visiting Melbourne:
A camera: You'll want to capture all the sights and sounds of this amazing city!
A water bottle: Quench your thirst as you meander around this vibrant city.
A pair of comfortable shoes: This will help you navigate all types of terrain while exploring the city.
Lots of sunscreen: The sun shines brightly in Australia, so make sure to cover up!
An empty stomach: With such a great food and coffee scene, it would be a shame to be too full to enjoy it.
Things to do in Melbourne on a budget
Melbourne is a city that is known for its exclusive boutiques, fine dining and endless cultural attractions. But there are plenty of activities that don’t require a small fortune so that you can stretch your campervan budget. We've rounded up some of the best things to do in Melbourne on a budget so you can have your cake (or coffee) and eat it too!
Degraves Street
Degraves Street is quintessential Melbourne. Soak up the very best quirky boutiques, alfresco dining and coffee in this euro-style laneway! Choose somewhere to grab a bite to eat or simply wander through (for free) for a truly magical Melbourne experience.
Image Source: Visit Victoria Content Hub
Old Melbourne Gaol
Since its closure in 1929, Old Melbourne Gaol has become a staple of Melbourne's tourist scene. Best known as the location of the hanging of the bushranger Ned Kelly, this prison has a colourful history. For just $33 per adult, you get guided access to the goal.
City Circle Tram
The City Circle Tram is a free tram operating in the inner city of Melbourne. Look out for route 35 and simply board the train anywhere along the line to explore the inner city. This is a great way to save money on a family campervan holiday.
Things to do in Melbourne with kids
Melbourne is the perfect city for families, offering a wide range of activities that are sure to keep everyone entertained. Here are some of our favourite kid-friendly attractions:
ArtVo
ArtVo is the perfect kid-friendly activity for curious little dreamers. This self-guided gallery features a range of immersive ‘trick-art’ experiences where you can capture photos of your family in out-of-this-world (and very realistic-looking) scenarios. Best of all, kids under 4 are free!
MOPA
MOPA is self-described as a “truly wondrous place for children to play, create and learn together”. MoPA, short for Museum of Play and Art, is just that! Come here to play and create a range of installations. Due to the high demand, make sure you book ahead!
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Zoo is Victoria’s leading zoo, bound to inspire animal lovers of all ages. Open every day 9 am to 5 pm, this is a perfect family-friendly day out in Melbourne.
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Things to do in Melbourne in nature
What makes this city truly special is its nature. From city park strolls to outer city adventures, here are some of our top recommendations of things to do in Melbourne in nature:
Yarra River
Yarra River is the heart and soul of Melbourne’s natural beauty. The river begins up in the Yarra Ranges and winds through Melbourne to its conclusion in Port Phillip Bay. Experience it for yourself with a stroll along the banks on foot or bike, or venture out on a cruise.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a must-see when visiting Melbourne. These once private gardens for wealthy landowners are now open to the public as a haven for recreation and escaping into nature.
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Sherbrooke Forest
Tucked in the Dandenong Ranges National Park, just an hour from the heart of Melbourne, is the immersive Sherbrooke Forest. This is the perfect place to marvel at the Mountain Ash, tree ferns, waterfalls, and lose yourself in the tranquillity of the rainforest.
Things to do in Melbourne in Spring
Melbourne is a city that loves spring. The weather is mild, the days are longer, and the entire city comes alive. These are the top things to do in Spring:
See blooming flowers at Queen Victoria Gardens
Queen Victoria Gardens are the perfect place for a spring walk or picnic. Created in honour of Queen Victoria (may she rest in peace), this garden features several flower displays that are at their most vivid in the spring!
See an AFL game
Starting in the 1850s, when the sport was born, AFL has been culturally ingrained into Melbourne. It would be a shame not to go to an AFL game to experience the comradery and ambience of a live game for yourself.
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Go to the Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Melbourne International Jazz Festival is a world-class festival held annually since October 1998. For ten days, this city uncovers its jazzy underbelly as it brings together some of the best and biggest names in Jazz.
Things to do in Melbourne in Summer
Melbourne is a great place to visit in any season, but it's especially beautiful in summer. We recommend checking out these must-see sites for the best things to do in Melbourne in Summer!
Try surfing
Australia has a number of incredible surf spots. While Australia is known for its stunning white beaches and pumping waves, it can be a little challenging for a beginner. If that's you, be sure to head to the sheltered perfect waves of urban surf park and experience surfing in a safe, beginner-friendly environment.
Go to the Christmas Festival
Late in November, Melbourne gets in the festive spirit with the Christmas Festival. Enjoy decorated streets, light displays, Santa's workshop and more at this iconic Christmas celebration.
See the Australian Open
The Australian Open is a right of passage when visiting Melbourne. Grab a ticket and celebrate the start of the season at this iconic annual tennis tournament.
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Things to do in Melbourne in Autumn
Grab your cosiest Autumn attire and watch as the city transforms into a haze of reds and yellows. As one of the top places to visit in Autumn in Australia, there are plenty of top things to do in Melbourne during autumn:
Wine and dine at the Melbourne Food And Wine Festival
Melbourne Food And Wine Festival is a celebration of what Melbourne does best. Grab your tickets and feast on the very best cuisine and wine this region has to offer!
Go to the Melbourne Fashion Festival
Gather with a collective of artists, fashion lovers and creatives at the Melbourne Fashion Festival. Soak up the vibrancy of Australia’s most loved designers and stylists at this ten-day event.
Walk to Steavenson Falls
Experience one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls at Steavenson Falls. With an easy 700-metre walk to the falls, it's great for the whole family.
Things to do in Melbourne in Winter
When the dark and rainy season sets in, this city delivers unique experiences to fight the winter blues. This makes it one of the best places to visit in Australia in winter. These are our top things to do in Melbourne during winter:
Experience the Winter Night Markets
Winter Night Markets bring together the best brewers, distillers, entertainers, foodies and artisans for the ultimate winter market. If you’re in town between the 1st of June to the 31st of August, don’t miss this event!
Visit a hot spring spa
What better way to warm up in winter than a day at the hot springs? Peninsula Hot Springs is a coastal oasis tucked away on the Mornington Peninsula. With a range of hot springs, cold rooms and saunas, this is the ultimate way to unwind in the cool months. This is easily one of the top 10 things to do in Melbourne, Australia!
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Hit the slopes
A trip to Melbourne in winter would be incomplete without a trip to the nearby slopes. What better way to do it than with a campervan hire from Melbourne. With top Australian ski resorts like Hotham, Falls Creek and Mount Buller within a few hour's drive, you have plenty to choose from.
Want to book your own trip to Melbourne?
Melbourne is an eclectic hub of culture, dining and natural beauty. Plus, with the Victorian highlands and Great Ocean Road right at your doorstep (easily one of the best road trips in Victoria), Melbourne is the perfect addition to a longer Australian road trip for families, budget explorers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Image Source: Visit Victoria Content Hub 
Image Source: Visit Victoria Content Hub 
Image Source: Visit Victoria Content Hub 
Image Source: Visit Victoria Content Hub 
Image Source: Visit Victoria Content Hub Image Source: Visit Victoria Content Hub 
Image Source: Visit Victoria Content Hub