Top 20 Things to do in Melbourne
No. 16 Port Phillip Bay
One of the top 20 things to do in Melbourne is to visit the city of Port Phillip. It has excellent beaches, great shopping, cafes, restaurants, parks and galleries. The eastern side of Port Phillip Bay is called Mornington Peninsula. This is Melbourne’s favourite beach and ocean playground. The peninsula was also the point of first settlement in Victoria. From there get yourself on the Queenscliff Ferry for a 40 minute trip across the bay. An hour’s drive through Geelong will complete a full circuit of the Bay.
No. 17 The National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) was founded in 1861. It is the oldest and the largest public art gallery in Australia. The NGV is currently divided between two locations. The main one is part of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct of Southbank, the NGV International. NGV International looks after an extensive collection of art work from all over world. The Ian Potter Centre or NGV Australia is in Federation Square. It makes up the rest of the National Gallery. Its focus is on Indigenous and non-Indigenous art.
National Gallery?
You might be wondering why the National Gallery is based in Victoria. You might also be wondering why the National Gallery isn’t situated in Canberra. After all isn’t Canberra Australia’s Capital? The answer is history. The National Gallery of Victoria was founded when there was no official Australia. Victoria was a self-governing British colony.
What’s in a Name?
The National Gallery of Victoria is much older than the National Gallery in Canberra. To quote the Premier of Victoria:
“We won’t be renaming the National Gallery of Victoria. It has a great tradition. It is the biggest and best gallery in the country and it’s one of the biggest and best in the world.” So there!
The National Gallery of Victoria
No. 18 Royal Park
The massive Royal Park comprises of 180 hectares of parklands. It is hard to believe you are still in Melbourne. The CBD is only 2k’s from Melbourne’s biggest park. The Royal Park is home to Melbourne Zoo. The park also has numerous sports ovals and sporting fields. Trams and trains run through Royal Park and it has its own station.
No. 19 Royal Park Wetlands – Watch the Birdie
From the Royal Park Wetlands boardwalks you can expect to see a wide variety of water birds. Park visitors are able to observe the birds in action. You may be able to identify some of the more frequent visitors from the images displayed on the signs. If you walk to the hilly area beside the wetland you may see birds rarely seen this close to Melbourne.
No. 20 Queen Victoria Market
130 year old Queen Victoria Market is Victoria’s premier open-air market. The market is probably best known for its huge variety of fresh produce. Almost half of the Queen Victoria Market sells food including fruit, veg and delicatessen products.
Sundays at the Queen Victoria Market
The other half of the Queen Victoria Market sells just about everything other than food. Sundays is the best day to visit for families. Queen Street is closed and converted into an outdoor cafe area. Here you should find numerous family friendly activities including children’s rides.
If this is your first visit – Hi! Follow the links below and above for the beginning of the top 20 things to do in Melbourne. That way you’ll find out about more top events and attractions. If you have a comment or suggestion to make please don’t hesitate to make it.