Top 5 attractions to visit while traveling to Melbourne

1. The Melbourne Visitor Centre

The Melbourne Visitor Centre (MVC) is located at Federation Square, opposite Flinders Street Station.  Along with face to face visitor information on Melbourne and Victoria, the centre offers:

• free brochures and maps
• guides on events and what’s on
• public transport information and myki Visitor Packs
• Best of Victoria – accommodation and tour booking service
• Best of Souvenirs – quality Melbourne souvenirs and gifts
• discounted theatre tickets from Halftix (March only)

2. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

Home to thousands of aquatic animals, including one of Australia’s largest Saltwater Crocodiles, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium takes you on an interactive adventure from the depths of the ocean to the icy waters of Antarctica.

The stunning Croc Lair Exhibit is just one of the 12 new zones of discovery at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, where you can wonder at the world’s only display of Elephant Sharks in Bay of Rays, be mesmerised as you experience a rainbow of colours at Seahorse Pier and marvel at the majestic King and cheeky Gentoo penguins in Penguin Playground.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium boasts seven spectacular spaces to choose from, including the enchanting Fish Bowl and Upper deck, featuring stunning views across the Yarra and Melbourne’s city skyline. Whether it’s a wedding, children’s birthday party, cocktail or corporate function, the aquarium boasts magical marine spaces for the most intimate or extravagant event!

3. Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market is much more than the city’s fresh-food shopping mecca – it’s a historic landmark, a tourist attraction and a Melbourne institution.

Spread over several city blocks, with more than 600 retailers, Vic Market is a true reflection of Melbourne’s cosmopolitan makeup. Shoppers can find everything from fruit and vegetables to local and imported gourmet foods, fashion and general merchandise.

The market is made up of the Deli Hall, for artisan cheeses, dressed meats and take-away food; the Meat Hall; Fruit & Veg, with seasonal produce throughout the year; and Organics, specialising in organic fresh produce, meat, coffee and wine. Shops and stalls selling souvenirs, fashion and crafts can be found in Victoria and Elizabeth streets, the F Shed laneway and String Bean Alley.

4. Melbourne Zoo

Over 250 species from around the world can be found in the beautifully landscaped settings of Melbourne Zoo, just five minutes from the city centre.

Stroll through lush Asian and African rainforests, Australian bushland and even underwater! Walk where tigers roam and monkeys swing from tree to tree. See eye-to-eye with Orang-utans in their special elevated exhibit, explore the Trail of Elephants, then head down the bush track to see unique Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wombats and emus. Submerge yourself in their underwater world to see Victoria’s iconic Little Penguins and Australian Fur Seals.

Zoo keeper talks and feeding times are a great opportunity for visitors to find out more about the fascinating world of wildlife and the conservation programs Melbourne Zoo supports.

Children under 16 years of age receive free entry every weekend, during Victorian Government school holidays and on Victorian public holidays.

5. The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel

The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, located in Melbourne’s waterfront precinct of Docklands, takes visitors on a 30-minute ride in fully enclosed glass cabins and offers extraordinary bird’s-eye views of the city and surrounds, including Port Phillip Bay and as far away as Mount Macedon and the Dandenong Ranges.

Set your camera to landscape and take in views of up to 40 kilometres away during the day, or slow down the shutter speed in the evening to snap the city’s night lights and see the observation wheel lighting up Melbourne’s skyline.