Attractions In Melbourne CBD
Most attractions in Melbourne CBD is within the Free Tram Zone, which means that you do not need to use your myki card when you are travelling in this area. Myki is the transportation card which can be used on trains, trams and buses in Melbourne.
Melbourne CBD is quite walkable, and the attractions are located close to each other. However, saving your energy is always a good idea especially when it is FREE!
1. State Library Victoria
Established in 1854 as the Melbourne Public Library, State Library Victoria is Australia’s oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world. The library is a magnificent 19th-century building with some of the city’s most beautiful heritage interiors.
A special highlight is the La Trobe Reading Room, with its majestic octagonal domed ceiling. It was featured by popular shows such as MasterChef Australia (season 11 episode 13) and South Korean variety show Running Man (2014).
We visited the library on a weekday afternoon and it was packed with readers and students. Shhhh, don’t disturb them! I suggest you spend a couple of hours in this lovely library to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere by reading a book or seeing the fascinating exhibitions.
Attractions nearby: Queen Victoria Market, Old Melbourne Gaol, Yarra River
2. Royal Arcade & Block Arcade
The Royal Arcade is a historic shopping arcade in Melbourne CBD opened in 1870. It is the oldest surviving arcade in Australia, known for its elegant light-filled interior, and the large carved mythic figures of Gog and Magog flanking the southern entry.
Opposite the Royal Arcade is Melbourne’s other historic arcade, the Block Arcade. It is one of Melbourne’s most richly decorated interior spaces, replete with mosaic tiled flooring, glass canopy, wrought iron and carved stone finishes.
After a nice walk, you can enjoy a slice of cake at Hopetoun Tea Rooms. The Tea Rooms has been operating at Block Arcade since 1892. With the charming atmosphere, fancy teaware and premium cakes, you can have a taste of the old Melbourne. Alternatively, you can have a cup of chocolate at the famous chocolatier Koko Black’s flagship store in Royal Arcade.
Update: The Hopetoun Tea Rooms is closed since March 2020. It will reopen at Bourke Street soon.
3. Hosier Lane
Do take the chance to admire the street art that has made the Melbourne urban art scene known across the globe at Hosier Lane. The lane is located opposite the entrance of the Atrium at Federation Square on Flinders Street. After exploring the street art created by local and international artists, you can have a nice meal at the surrounding restaurants. We had dinner at the Spanish restaurant, MoVida. If you want to dine there at a peak dining hour, I suggest you make a reservation. The atmosphere was great and I had a good time with my friends there.
Attractions nearby: Federation Square & St. Paul’s Cathedral
Attractions Outside Melbourne CBD
4. Brighton Bathing Boxes
When you arrive Brighton Beach, you can see 82 distinctive and colourful bathing boxes lining the seaside.
Built in the 1860s to preserve the morality and dignity of swimmers, the bathing boxes have retained the classic Victorian architectural features – timber framing, weatherboards and corrugated iron roofs, with individual licencees’ artistic and colourful decorations.
Nowadays, other than being an iconic tourist attraction, these wooden structures also offer owners a great place to enjoy beach time and store their stuffs. Many people swim and walk their dogs in Brighton Beach but I personally think that the beach is quite rocky.
How to get there:
Take a train from the city to Middle Brighton Station on the Sandringham line. The station is closer to the Brighton Bathing Boxes than the Brighton Beach station. From the station, it’s a 15 minutes walk to the beach.
5. St Kilda Beach
St Kilda is a 20-minute ride from Melbourne CBD on tram no. 16 or 96. With a lot of interesting attractions, you can spend a whole day here!
Getting off at Stop No. 138, you can see the Luna Park, a historic amusement park. The entry fee is AU$5 and you have to pay additional fees for rides. I did not go in, but I think the park is suitable for family visitors. There are a lot of restaurants, cake shops and cafes around Fitzroy Street and Acland Street. If you visit St Kilda on Sunday, you can find a range of authentic Australian arts and crafts at St Kilda Esplanade Market from 10am to 5pm.
The highlight is at St Kilda breakwater wildlife area. You can visit little penguins by the St Kilda breakwater every night after sunset. The breakwater is located at the end of the St Kilda pier after the “Penguins and Rakali live here” notice. After sunset, the penguins will come from the sea. You may see them standing on the rocks or even crossing the top of the breakwater. The best viewing time is said to be 30 minutes after sunset, but it is also the most crowded time. Photography is permitted but do not use flash lights as it may hurt the penguins! Also, it is quite windy especially after sunset. You may want to bring a jacket with you.
Comparing with Phillip Island
Phillip Island’s Penguin Parade is another popular place for penguin lovers. The island is 90 minutes away from Melbourne and the entry ticket is quite expensive. However, there are a lot more penguins than St Kilda and the surrounding area is well developed for tourists. Since no photography is permitted at the Penguin Parade, the photo shown above is downloaded from the Phillip Island Natural Parks’ online gallery.
Other than the Parade, you can get in touch with other wildlife animals, play water and motorsports on Phillip Island. If you are looking for an amazing spectacle, Phillip Island will be the best choice. If you have limited time or budget, St Kilda is a good alternative.
How to get to Phillip Island:
Even there is public transportation, it is quite complicated and time-consuming. Therefore, we joined a local tour.