After sharing my trip to the Eureka Skydeck last week, and how much I enjoyed playing tourist in my own city, I thought I’d share my top tourist destinations in Melbourne!
Now, I’m a millennial, and I am unafraid of saying how much I love a listicle. Favourite 7 this, Best 11 that, there is just something easy and fun about them. So, here we go-
My Top 8 tourist destinations in Melbourne
Puffing BillyThis historic steam engine will take you on a journey through the magnificent Dandenong Ranges. Winding through the temperate rainforest, the train runs on its original mountain tracks just East of Melbourne. I remember the first time I ever visited Puffing Billy, and more than ten years later I still love it. This century old steamer will take you back in time as you chug past lush ferns and native gums. For a wholesome day of fun be sure to hope aboard for a leisurely ride.
Puffing Billy chugging along its original tracks.Queen Victoria Market
The weather is starting to warm up and that means it’s time for the Summer Night Markets. Enjoy delicious street eats and live entertainment, local merchants and delicious drinks. Sip on freshly made cocktails as you soak in the warm evening air. If you’re more of a traditionalist, the huge market is open 6am – 3pm Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wander through the produce traders, where the air is filled with the sweet aroma of fresh fruit. Stop by speciality stores to collect unique souvenirs, clothes, and art.
Queen Victoria Market is located on the outskirts of Melbourne's CBD.Sovereign Hill
Discover a time before television, cars and ATMs. Sovereign Hill is an outdoor museum bringing Ballarat’s gold mining history to life. Pan for real gold in the stream and watch as elegantly dressed ladies and gents show off their newly found wealth. Walking down Main Street, pop into stores to see bakers, confectioners, black smiths and candle makers honing their craft. Jump aboard a horse and cart for a ride around town before venturing underground to explore the mines below. Sovereign Hill will take you back to the excitement of the Victorian Gold Rush in 1850s.
Sovereign Hill is home to over forty horses, you can enjoy horse and cart rides daily.Phillip Island
Phillip Island is internationally known for its incredible nightly penguin parade. Each night as the sun sets, hundreds of little penguins waddle up the coast to their dens on the shores of Phillip Island. Though the penguins are the highlight of many trips to Phillip Island, that’s not all seaside location has to offer! Visit koala in their natural habitat at the Maru Koala and Animal Park and view migrating seal colonies at the Nobbies rock formations. Enjoy a walk along surf beach Woolamai Beach. Watch as locals catch waves in the water and dip your feet in the cool shallow water.
Each night the little penguins return from the sea and march up the beach at Phillip Island.Royal Botanic Gardens
One of my favorite things to do in each city I visit is to head to the Botanic Gardens. They’re usually free and show you so much about the place you are in. Victoria’s Royal Botanic Gardens extend over two locations and are dedicated to conservation. The gardens ethos focuses on the importance of plants in enriching and sustaining life on Earth. Situated in the heart of Melbourne, the gardens contain over 8,5000 plant species from around the world, with a special focus on rare and endangered native Australian plants. Wandering the gardens is a fantastic way to spend a free afternoon in the city.
Explore native Australian plants in the Royal Botanic Gardens.MCG and Olympic Park
The MCG is Melbourne’s most recognisable sporting complex. The heart of Australian Cricket, the Melbourne Cricket Ground has grown to be a key feature in Melbournians sporting culture. Concerts, Australian Football games, Olympic Games and World Cup qualifiers have all occurred here since it was built in 1853. As one of the biggest stadiums in the world it has become well known for the ‘roar’ you can hear erupting from its open top during sporting events. If possible, attend an AFL match at the G’, the atmosphere is unlike any other sporting experience you’ve ever had!
To host so many different sports and events, the MCG has to constantly swap in cricket pitches, goal posts and portable stages onto the field.Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is the worlds largest war memorial. Built by returned servicemen after the first World War. Winding alongside Victoria’s coastline the road showcases some of the state’s best beaches, seaside towns and natural formations. Spend a day visiting the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the London Bridge. Fill your lungs with fresh sea air and feel the sea breeze running through your hair. The Great Ocean Road is home to some of the best localities. Enjoy fresh baked goods, great coffee and treats. I’ve always had a liking for the famous Apollo Bay Bakery scallop pie. Fresh scallops, creamy curry, golden pastry- what isn’t to love!
See the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road!Yarra Valley
The perfect place to relax for a day and drink some quality wine. Escape the bustling city and lose yourself in the rolling hills of the Yarra Valley. Visit the Chocolaterie to satisfy your sweet tooth. Or spend your day skipping between boutique wineries on the hunt for your favorite glass of Yarra Valley nectar.
The Yarra Valley is known for its white wine, particularly Chardonnay.Melbourne is a fantastic city, and I am so lucky to call this place my home. No matter where you find yourself you're sure to be taken on a sensory journey that you'll always remember.
You can visit many of these city locations on our Melbourne Tours, visit the 12 Apostles on Great Ocean Road Tours, or explore the wineries on Yarra Valley Wine Tours.
These, and many more great getaways are available through Last Minute Day Tours, check out their website for more!
This post was originally posted on https://lastminutedaytoursaustralia.wordpress.com/2019/11/15/my-all-time-favourite-places-in-melbourne/
