From coastal drives and iconic wildlife to world-class wine and vibrant city streets, Victoria offers something for every kind of traveler. Whether you're planning a quick getaway from Melbourne or a full state-wide road trip, here are five must-do experiences to help you explore the best of Victoria.
1. Explore Melbourne’s Laneways and Creative Culture
Known for its street art, café scene, and indie boutiques, Melbourne’s laneways are full of personality and perfect for urban explorers.
Hosier Lane: Melbourne’s most famous street art laneway, Hosier Lane is an ever-evolving open-air gallery splashed with bold murals, graffiti, and political commentary — a true symbol of the city’s creative spirit. It’s a must-visit for photographers and art lovers, with new works appearing overnight and layers of paint telling the stories of past and present.
Degraves Street: Tucked between Flinders Street Station and Collins Street, Degraves is Melbourne’s café culture in its purest form — tiny bistros, heritage buildings, and the unmistakable hum of a perfect flat white being brewed. Its intimate laneway charm and bustling brunch spots make it a quintessential stop for any first-time visitor or coffee lover.
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): The NGV impresses with its striking architecture and rotating lineup of world-class free exhibitions, from Indigenous art to cutting-edge international installations. Don’t miss the Great Hall with its stained-glass ceiling — a peaceful space where visitors often lay back to take in the kaleidoscopic view.
2. Visit the Markets
Queen Victoria Market: A Melbourne institution since the 19th century, Queen Vic Market is a sensory feast of fresh produce, sizzling hot food, handmade crafts, and quirky souvenirs. Its historic sheds, lively atmosphere, and multicultural flavours make it more than just a market — it's a cultural experience.
South Melbourne Market: A beloved local favourite, South Melbourne Market is known for its fresh seafood (especially the famous dim sims), boutique fashion stalls, and cosy, community feel. With undercover laneways and friendly stallholders, it’s perfect for a relaxed weekend browse, rain or shine.
Rose Street Artists’ Market: Located in the heart of Fitzroy, this market is Melbourne’s go-to for one-of-a-kind art, design, and handmade treasures direct from local creatives. It's where you’ll find everything from screen prints and ceramics to indie fashion — all sold by the artists themselves in a backyard-style setting
Prahran Market: Specialising in premium produce, artisan cheeses, and gourmet ingredients, Prahran Market is a foodie haven tucked just off Chapel Street. Its strong focus on sustainability and high-end food culture makes it a go-to for chefs, home cooks, and anyone chasing Melbourne’s best olives, organic meats, or small-batch treats.
Camberwell Sunday Market: Held every Sunday in the Camberwell shopping precinct, this iconic open-air market is a treasure trove of vintage fashion, second-hand books, antiques, and quirky collectibles. What makes it truly special is the thrill of the hunt — every stall feels like a potential goldmine, whether you’re after retro denim, rare vinyl, or an unexpected find that sparks nostalgia.
3. Go on a hike or a relaxing stroll
If you're craving some nature without leaving the city too far behind, these hikes around Melbourne deliver stunning views, fresh air, and a little adventure — no overnight gear required.
Yarra Bend Park (Fairfield to Studley Park Loop): Just 10 minutes from the CBD, this riverside trail winds through bushland, past quirky boathouses and massive colonies of fruit bats. It’s peaceful, accessible, and ideal for spotting native birds or catching golden hour.
Olinda Falls Trail (Dandenong Ranges): This fern-filled walk is short and shady, leading to a tranquil waterfall nestled in the hills. Go early for misty forest vibes and fewer crowds.
The Tan Track (Royal Botanic Gardens): A crowd favourite, this park is popular as a fitness loop, with lots of locals on a weekend morning. It's the perfect spot to check out Australia's beautiful vegetation, and it's right next to the CBD too.
1000 Steps (Kokoda Track Memorial Walk): Located in the Dandenong Ranges, this is a short but steep hike that takes you to an impressive viewing spot where you can overlook the city.
4. Watch a Sporting Event
If you're into sports, Melbourne is the city for you — it’s known as Australia’s sporting capital for a reason. Here’s a mix of iconic events and active experiences to get your adrenaline fix or cheer from the stands:
Catch an AFL Game at the MCG: Nothing beats the roar of the crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during footy season — even if you don’t understand the rules, the energy is wild.
Watch the Australian Open (January): World-class tennis, summer vibes, and electric night matches — this is one of the best times to be in Melbourne.
Go to the Melbourne Cup (November): Australia’s biggest horse racing event is about fashion, fun, and a city-wide public holiday.
Attend a Big Bash League Cricket Match (Summer): Fast-paced, colourful, family-friendly — and often cheaper than traditional cricket matches.
Check out Formula 1 at Albert Park (March): The Grand Prix is loud, fast, and a massive four-day festival even for non-F1 fans.
5. Hit the Beach
Despite its colder weather, Melbourne has some of the greatest and most underrated beaches. If you're staying in Melbourne and want to head to the ocean, there are some great city-side spots that are easy to reach and offer different vibes.
St. Kilda Beach: Melbourne's most iconic beach has just recently redeveloped St Kilda Pier, featuring a striking 450m curved walkway and tiered seating, offering visitors panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne Skyline. Visit this beach to experience European summer Down Under!
Elwood Beach: A more laid-back alternative to St Kilda, Elwood is great for swimming, picnics, and beach volleyball. It’s popular with locals, especially families and runners.
Brighton Beach: Famous for its colourful bathing boxes and panoramic views of the city skyline. The beach itself is calm and clean — good for a swim and Instagram-friendly snaps.
Sandringham Beach: Further down the Bayside stretch, this one’s more relaxed with scenic cliffs and walking trails. Good spot for snorkelling or a peaceful swim. Be sure to check out Edward Street Beach and Black Rock while you're there.
Whether you're chasing salty breezes, epic footy moments, lush bushwalks, or local creative gems, Melbourne serves it all up with style. It's a city that wears many hats — beachside chill, cultural cool, sporty spirit, and a taste for the unexpected. So whatever you're into, there's always something new to explore (and a souvenir worth bringing home). Ready to discover your Melbourne moment?
