July 30, 2025, 6:30 am | Read time: 8 minutes
Coffee lovers crave it, sports enthusiasts adorn every outdoor space, and culture enthusiasts need days, if not weeks, to work through their must-see list. And then there’s plenty of exciting nature. Melbourne in the Australian state of Victoria is the relaxed and perpetually cheerful sister of Sydney in New South Wales–and for many, it’s even more worth seeing and living in. TRAVELBOOK author Anna Wengel has compiled a love list of things Melbourne visitors absolutely must do and see.
Drink Coffee
Yes, I mean this tip quite seriously. Except for a single exception (in Brooklyn, New York), I’ve never had better coffee anywhere in the world than in Melbourne. The best, by the way, is at Café Green Refectory in the Brunswick district. Almost as great is the coffee at The Providore in Deepdene. And in other parts of the city, the coffee was almost always outstanding. That’s why I agree with the Melburnians who claim their city is THE coffee capital par excellence. And we’re not alone in this opinion. The travel booking site “Booking.com” named the coffee in Victoria’s capital, according to the “Herald Sun,” the best in the world.
All the tips and inspiration from this article are also available to listen to in the following podcast episode of In 5 Minuten um die Welt–narrated by TRAVELBOOK author Anna Wengel:
Brunswick and Brunswick Street
Stylish hipsters stroll through Brunswick and the eponymous street in the Fitzroy district, past charming Victorian and Edwardian buildings, through various second-hand and first-hand shops, and by numerous coffee houses, restaurants, and bars. Tourists quickly draw comparisons to Berlin here. More about Brunswick, Brunswick Street, and Brunswick, Brunswick Street and St. Kilda.
Cultural Site St. Kilda
In the mood for stylish hippie culture? Don’t miss St. Kilda. The city beach and its surrounding streets attract them all: acrobatic fire dancers, lovers of good drum circles, and more. Not far from the iconic beach, you’ll find trendy bars and restaurants with equally hip crowds, as well as the long-established and now clearly iconic Luna Park.
Also interesting: The best tips for a vacation in Australia
William Ricketts Sanctuary and Mount Dandenong
It’s a bit eerie up on Mount Dandenong, especially when you visit the William Ricketts Sanctuary. The outdoor gallery, located on Melbourne’s city mountain, is home to sculptures inspired by Aboriginal people, watching visitors from all around.
The unique gallery is situated on Melbourne’s city mountain, which is worth a visit on its own. The road winds up the mountain, lined with dense bush and enveloped in the distinctive scent of eucalyptus. Once at the top, you can see the city’s skyline from Burkes Lookout and experience a brilliantly glowing sea of lights on the horizon in the evening.
Mornington Peninsula
The witch-shoe-shaped Mornington Peninsula is still partly part of Greater Melbourne and should definitely be at least a day trip destination. Several beautiful beaches and countless walking opportunities are here, as well as small, charming towns. A favorite spot is clearly Arthurs Seat. From the mountain, you can look out over the peninsula and Port Philip Bay and, in good weather, see the distant skyline of Melbourne. Many couples and other lovers of kitschy natural romance head to the viewpoint for sunset.
Also interesting: The best tips for a vacation in Australia
If you’re already there, you should also check out the rest of the Mornington Peninsula. In the southern part of the peninsula, you’ll find a must-see beach highlight with a lovely forest walking trail: Bushranger’s Bay Rock Pool and Walking Track. There are also plenty of kangaroos to see. The elegant Sorrento is also a beautiful destination, as are the fishing villages along the coast.
And if you have a bit more time, continue on to Wilsons Promontory National Park–an incredibly beautiful natural oasis just a few hours from the city.
Explore City Beaches
Speaking of beaches, those on the Mornington Peninsula and around are very beautiful, but Melbourne also has several nice beaches close to the city, such as Elwood Beach, Brighton Beach with its iconic colorful houses, and Half Moon Bay. They may not be as famous, but they offer a lovely escape close to the city.
Relax in Parks and Gardens
Australia’s nature is exciting because it’s wild, lush, and full of unique wildlife like kangaroos, wombats, and more. Even in the city center, you’ll find proper greenery: the Royal Botanic Gardens is an idyll with around 12,000 plant species. Many kangaroos live in the nearby parks, especially in the Royal Park.
Even in the city center, you can find proper greenery: the Royal Botanic Gardens is an idyll with around 12,000 plant species. Another interesting spot: 7 things you should see and do on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula
Play and Watch Sports
Melbourne is a hub for numerous sports. The city has hosted many events, including the 1956 Summer Olympics. Be sure to catch at least one sporting event during your stay–the excitement of the sports-loving locals is worth it. And if you’re like me and not very into sports, the atmosphere alone is worth experiencing.
Also interesting: Is a miner’s ghost haunting Australia’s glowworm tunnel?
Piano Bar
If you’re in the mood for a stylish hippie culture, you shouldn’t miss St. Kilda. The city beach and the surrounding streets attract them all: acrobatic fire dancers, lovers of good drum circles, boho stylists, trend-crazy fashionistas, backpackers, and barefoot dreadlock wearers without bras. Not far from the iconic beach, you’ll find trendy bars and restaurants with a similarly hip crowd, as well as the long-established and now clearly iconic Luna Park.
Piano Bar
The Piano Bar is a must-visit. With local legend pianist Matt Ganim at the keys, you can request almost any song, and he’ll not only play it but sing it too. A great atmosphere is always guaranteed.
Melbourne Skyline
Speaking of beaches: those on the Mornington Peninsula and around are very beautiful, but Melbourne also has several nice beaches near the city, such as Elwood Beach, Brighton Beach with its iconic colorful houses, or Half Moon Bay. They may not be as famous, but they offer a lovely escape close to the city.
Relax in Parks and Gardens
Australia’s nature is exciting because it’s wild and lush and full of almost exclusively native animal species like kangaroos, wombats, and more. And even in the city center, you’ll find proper greenery: the Royal Botanic Gardens is an idyll with around 12,000 plant species. Another place to find plenty of kangaroos is the nearby Royal Park.
Even in the city center, you’ll find proper greenery: the Royal Botanic Gardens is an idyll with around 12,000 plant species. Another place to find plenty of kangaroos is the nearby Royal Park.
Play and Watch Sports
Melbourne is a hub for numerous sports, from Australian rules football to cricket. The city is home to many sports events, including the Australian Open and the Melbourne Cup. Be sure to catch at least one sporting event during your stay–the excitement of the local fans is worth experiencing.
Also interesting: Is a miner’s ghost haunting Australia’s glowworm tunnel?
Piano Bar
A hidden gem for a Thursday night out: the Murmur Piano Bar in Warburton Lane in the city center. It looks and feels like the piano bars I imagine from Billy Joel’s time–and it features local legend Matt Ganim on the piano. The pianist can not only play (almost) any song request, but he also sings it. A great atmosphere is always guaranteed.
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Skyline Lookout and Arts Center
At the Melbourne View Point at Hamer Hall in Southbank, you get a beautiful view of the city. It’s especially lovely in the evening when Melbourne’s downtown buildings are illuminated in many colors. And while you’re there, head around the corner to the Arts Center and catch an opera or a concert by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
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Leaving Melbourne
Once you’ve seen all these (and more) things, it’s time to leave Melbourne. Because not only is the city exciting, but its surroundings are even more spectacular. You’ve already seen the picturesque Mornington Peninsula and Wilsons Prom in southeastern Melbourne, now head southwest. Start with the relaxed surf hotspots in and around Geelong and Torquay and popular beaches like Torquay Surf Beach and Bells Beach. Once you’ve experienced the Australian surfer life, continue on the impressive Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles. Read more about how exciting the cliffs are and why there are only eight of the stone giants left here.
Other great cities in Australia worth visiting can be found here: 7 Cities in Australia You Must Visit
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