Melbourne Australia Attractions and Activities

Things to do Melbourne can be interesting for all people in your family. Melbourne Australia has an abundance of activities to do outside, historical and cultural things to see, unusual and beautiful art to investigate and also has entertainment in which to participate. There is something that will suit all member in your party.

You can easily get around Melbourne on the many transportation systems in the city. One form of transportation is the City Circle tram that goes by almost every attraction in Melbourne. You can hop on a tram for a professional tour or go on a boat on the Yarra River for a tour on water. You can see all the city has to offer on a tour and then decide what you would like to do or see and investigate a little further.

If you enjoy shopping you will want to see an outdoor market that is prevalent in the city of Melbourne. Oakleigh is the home of the the Oakleigh Rotary Sunday Market that takes place every Sunday. Shop for all types of food, flea market finds and antiques. All money made at this market goes to projects done in the community. South Yarra is where one of the most long standing produce markets is stationed called Prahran Market. Queen Victoria Market is in Melbourne on the corner of Victoria and Elizabeth Streets and offers many different items in Melbourne's largest outdoor market. The South Melbourne Market has been in business for over 130 years at the corner of Coventry and Cecil and this is a covered market where you will not get wet if it rains. St. Kilda Esplanade is an arts and crafts market that is right on the beach. Another arts and crafts market that has over 150 vendors is the Victorian Arts Centre Market located in the area called Southbank. Williamstown Market is a great place to visit if you are near Commonwealth Reserve.

There are several buildings that have historical tours and some of these sites are World Heritage approved. The Royal Exhibition Building is one of them. The domed building was built in 1880 for the Great Exhibition and is still stands. It used to be the home of the 1901 Parliament and was made a World Heritage Location in 2004. The inside is restored and is now used for presenting art and cultural exhibitions and trade shows. It is surrounded by Carlton Gardens, a popular site for barbecues and picnics. The gardens have rows of trees, formal beds, fountains, and small lakes.

The Melbourne Museum is located on the northern border of the garden and is something no one should miss while visiting Melbourne. Walk the Dinosaur Walk to see the ancient skeletons of dinosaurs. The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Center presents all things about the original people of Australia. You will see the history of Melbourne from the 1800's until the present in the exhibition called the Melbourne Story. See native insects in the exhibition called Bugs Alive and go to the Forest Gallery. Children 3 to 8 years will love the Children's gallery where everything can be touched and examined. See a movie at the IMAX Theater next to the museum that shows movies each day. The museum offers a guided tour of the Royal Exhibition Building and the Carlton Gardens. Visit this museum from 10 am to 5 pm every day.

The Old Melbourne Gaol Crime and Justice Center is another historical building that should not be missed as it is one of the oldest edifices in town. This was Melbourne's first jail where many people where hanged for their crimes and 136 prisoners were held. Tours are held during the day but the night tours are some of the best and scariest. Take a tour by candlelight if you dare. The jail is open 9:30 am to 5 pm with night tours scheduled four times during the week.

Outdoor activities abound in Melbourne because of all the parks, the river, beaches, and bay. You can travel a heritage trail on foot or on bicycle either in town or on the Yarra River. You can rent canoes or kayaks and paddle down the river to an area that seems like you are in the bushland. Hot air balloons will take you on a ride above the city. Fishing is a great activity in Port Phillip Bay where you can charter a boat to take you out and catch snapper and other local fish. If you play golf you can take your pick of several courses near the south east side of the town. Horse trails and rental of horses is possible about 30 minutes from the center of town. Then there are the beaches where you can sit back and relax in the sun or windsurf.

Melbourne is just filled with many different things to do. You can take a historical tour, check out the art in the area, take part in some activities outside or shop in some of the most interesting markets around. Melbourne is also known for the great cuisine and wonderful nightlife as well. You will never get bored in this city.