How to see the best of Australia on a short vacation to Melbourne.

We are working on our Things to Do in Australia blog series where we outline how you can see all the major Australia Highlights in a short vacation, staying in just one or two Australian cities.

We’ve shown how you can see Beaches & Aquatic Life, Wildlife, Rainforest, Outback, Food & Wine, Modern City Culture & Art and Indigenous Culture in the city of Sydney. Today we look towards the world’s most livable city, Melbourne.

Here are things you can do in Melbourne to see major Australia highlights.

Beaches & Aquatic Life

Hang out on the coast of Port Phillip Bay with the peninsula’s iconic rainbow-colored bathing boxes providing a colorful backdrop.

Up in the air we fly, zoom, zoom, a zoom a zoom zoom. The Brighton Beach boxes add so much personality and colour to Brighton Beach (just a 20 minute drive from Melbourne city centre). Built well over a century ago in response to very Victorian ideas of morality and seaside bathing, the bathing boxes remain almost unchanged. All retain classic Victorian architectural features with timber framing, weatherboards and corrugated iron roofs, though they also bear the hallmarks of individual licencees’ artistic and colourful embellishments. Captured by @leswillphoto #visitvictoria #visitmelbourne #seeaustralia

A photo posted by Melbourne (@visitmelbourne) on Apr 28, 2016 at 1:47am PDT

A short tram ride from the heart of Melbourne, you’ll find St. Kilda Beach. It’s not only a great place for a swim, but a wonderful seaside community where you’ll find great bars, restaurants, shops and even some little penguins in the rocks.

Wondering where everyone is? #stkildabeach on a hot day! @captainbaxtersk @republicaplace @encorestkilda #stkildavenues A photo posted by St Kilda Venues (@stkildavenues) on Jan 1, 2015 at 9:00pm PST

Take a day trip out to Ninety Mile Beach, one of the most natural and unspoiled beaches in the world. It is ideal for a variety of activities, from beach fishing and swimming to walking, whale and dolphin-spotting or just relaxing in the sun…

A photo posted by Nitaya Nicholson(@tayas_travels) on Nov 24, 2015 at 5:28pm PST

…maybe you’ll even spot one of these little guys.

Found this little fella on Ninety Mile Beach last week. #seal #sea #beach #sealife #paradisebeach #ninetymilebeach #victoria #victorianwildlife #australianwildlife #icu_aussies #inspiredbygippsland A photo posted by S w a n s t o n S t (@gord_19) on Jan 20, 2015 at 12:58am PST

Head to Phillip Island for a variety of beaches, from family friendly bay beaches at Cowes and Ventnor Beach to break beaches for surfing at Cape Woolamai.

Flying high in the sky with @phillipislandhelicopters – such a great way to see the Island #phillipisland #wandervictoria #seeaustralia #fromabove

A photo posted by Phillip Island (@phillipisland) on Apr 28, 2016 at 1:03am PDT

While on Phillip Island don’t miss your chance to see cute little Penguins waddle home to their burrows.

Hands up who’s excited about World Penguin Weekend this weekend! @phillipislandnp and the @penguinfdn are celebrating #worldpenguinday this year with a whole weekend of fun and educational activities on the Island. Nature Parks researchers and education rangers will be joined by an Antarctic Adventurer to lead the activities which have been designed with #familyfun in mind. Download the weekend activity schedule at www.penguins.org.au #phillipislandnature #worldpenguinweekend #phillipisland #WanderVictoria #seeaustralia #penguin #cute #nature #longweekend A photo posted by Phillip Island (@phillipisland) on Apr 21, 2016 at 12:51am PDT

Victoria is also known for its sheer cliffs and rocky shores. You don’t want to miss these beautiful rugged shores. Philip Island,…

Our rugged Island coastline. Isn’t it something!? Thanks for the pic @_katjanephoto #visitmelbourne #phillipisland #wandervictoria #weekendaway #roadtrip #sunday #seeaustralia #beach #coast #ocean #autumn #visitmelbourne A photo posted by Phillip Island (@phillipisland) on May 1, 2016 at 1:25am PDT

…The Twelve Apostles,…

  The sun sets on another stunning weekend in Victoria. Gazing at this dreamy view of the 12 Apostles along the @visitgreatoceanroad makes the Sunday night blues a little more tolerable. Photo by @dutchieslife #visitvictoria #visitmelbourne #visitgreatoceanroad #wandervictoria   A photo posted by Melbourne (@visitmelbourne) on May 15, 2016 at 1:05am PDT

…and London Bridge

The ocean, the beach, scenic lookouts and amazing rock formations – sound like a perfect wander! Victoria’s own London Bridge can be found at the most northern beach in the @officialmorningtonpeninsula National Park. Composed of sandstone, the London Bridge has been formed through weathering action of thousands of years of wind, rain and waves. Experienced and captured by @mattbradfieldphotography #wandervictoria #visitvictoria #morningtonpeninsula #visitmelbourne A photo posted by Melbourne (@visitmelbourne) on Apr 10, 2016 at 9:21pm PDT

Wildlife

Head to Healesville Sanctuary, a world-renowned spot to see Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, Healesville centers on local conservation and indigenous culture.

  #mate #kangaroo #healesvillesanctuary #holdinghands #nature #australia #melbourne #finally #downunder #travel #greatday #awesome   A photo posted by Maurits Leeflang (@m.w.leeflang) on Jan 17, 2016 at 10:07pm PST

Just 45 minutes outside of Melbourne, see the wildlife in the wild. The national parks near Melbourne have a surprising diversity of wildlife: Kangaroos, Koalas, Emus, Swamp Wallabies, Cockatoos, Parrots, Galahs and more!

Minki #ballaratwildlifepark #koala #photooftheweek A photo posted by Ballarat Wildlife Park (@ballaratwp) on Jul 8, 2013 at 12:52am PDT

Rainforest

While Victoria isn’t the #1 destination for rainforest tourism, you can find rainforest just an hour outside Melbourne in the Yarra State Forest. Walk through myrtle beech rainforest to the Ada Tree, a giant mountain ash that is one of Victoria’s largest trees and also one of the largest known flowering trees in the world on the Ada Tree Rainforest Walk.

  Boardwalk pleasures #bush #sundaystroll #ferns #boardwalk   A photo posted by Ben Barter (@bsa_goldie) on Feb 14, 2016 at 2:41am PST

Outback

For a little outback adventure near Melbourne, head to the You Yangs, distinctive granite peaks that rise from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne and Geelong.

Hiking in the Young Yangs to Flinders Peak A photo posted by Phil (@ptravill) on Nov 21, 2015 at 2:07pm PST

Food & Wine

With a stay in Melbourne, you’ve hit the jackpot in amazing food & wine! Melbourne’s eclectic dining scene offers a wide array of the world’s great cuisines. Enjoy a wonderful dinner on the water with the Spirit of Melbourne.

  Jogging along the banks of the Yarra and came across this “The spirit of Melbourne” (a river cruising restaurant boat) docked by the Yarra. #cityofmelbourne #yarrariver #eurikatower #southbank #strolling #spiritofmelbourne   A photo posted by Rཔи ϋ Qμιякч Ćłενєг (@katakhaeosmic) on May 24, 2015 at 11:29pm PDT

Head to Coda for sleek Asian/French cuisine.

Hot from the wok – sizzling Pixian prawns with king brown mushroom and lotus root @adamdsylvachef A photo posted by Coda (@codamelbourne) on May 8, 2015 at 12:04am PDT

Dine high in the sky at Vue de Monde.

It begins #goodbeerweek #brewvscru A photo posted by Injera Rufus (@injera) on May 13, 2016 at 6:30pm PDT

Grab a bite and some of that famous Melbourne brew at a local café.

Brunch spread . P: @yx_yxyxyx . #operator25 #itbrewmymind #melbourne #melbournecafe #zomatoaus #breakfastinmelbourne #brunchinmelbourne #melbournebrunch #cafeinmelbourne #food #foodporn #yum #instafood #yummy #amazing #instagood #photooftheday #sweet #lunch #breakfast #fresh #tasty #foodie #delish #delicious #eating #foodpic #foodpics #eat A photo posted by Operator25 (@operator25cafe) on Jan 18, 2016 at 3:44pm PST

Find a hidden gem in Melbourne’s Laneways. This tour is sure to unveil some local favorites.

Checking out the social media opportunities in Sydney and Melbourne this weekend. Can’t help but get distracted here! #melbournefood #lanewaysofmelbourne #socialmediamanager A photo posted by Enhance Social Media (@enhancesocialmedia) on Feb 27, 2016 at 10:19pm PST

Head to Yarra Valley on this amazing tour for Australian wine tasting.

The view from @jamcohelicopters on Saturday in the #yarravalley. Ballooning, helicopters … vintage aeroplanes … we can keep your feet off the ground out here whatever pace you prefer! @globalballooningaustralia #valleyviews #yarravalleywinery #yarravalleylife #tourism #tourismvictoria #flight A photo posted by Yarra Valley (@yarra_valley) on Oct 11, 2015 at 5:34pm PDT

Modern City Culture & Art

Melbourne is well known for its public art. All you have to do is walk through the city streets, laneways and squares to get a good dose of art. From guerrilla street art…

On my travels to that same appointment #hadtostopandtakeapic #onmytravels #Ilovemelbourne #steetart A photo posted by Eve Alexiadis (@missevea) on Feb 11, 2015 at 2:19am PST

…to public installations.

#melbourne #australia #art #architecture #publicart #sculpture #lips #modern #riverfront #city A photo posted by stevetatham (@stevetatham) on Dec 3, 2015 at 12:27am PST

Melbourne’s thriving art scene supports over 100 art galleries – both large and small. Head to Flinders Lane to see private galleries and public street art.

#art A photo posted by (@exceedinglyaverage) on May 15, 2015 at 3:21am PDT

Speaking of Federation Square… this famous spot hosts over 2000 events each year! It buzzes with cultural festivals, exhibitions, event launches, performances, forums, films, concerts and fashion shows. There’s sure to be something hopping at Fed Square whenever you visit.

Couple of icons, here… Flinders Street Station, Eureka Skydeck, Federation Square, the @CityOfMelbourne Visitor Centre – it’s all pretty easy! Photos, captions and overall thoughts from @regularsteven this week for the #FedSquareTakeover. It’s been alright :) Thanks @FederationSquare for the opportunity! #visitMelbourne #seeAustralia #Melbourne A photo posted by Federation Square (@federationsquare) on Apr 23, 2016 at 2:06am PDT

Wander around Swanston Street & St Kilda Road to find much of Melbourne’s notable architectural sites.

The photographer in me is drawn to this building every time I visit Melbourne. Architecture built to last! #tram #visitmelbourne #australia #architecture A photo posted by Rob Alexander (@rdalexander_14) on May 24, 2016 at 12:40am PDT

Indigenous Culture

You can find some very interesting Indigenous experiences right in the heart of Melbourne. Visit the Koorie Heritage Trust.

Today was the first of our monthly Friday weaving workshops with Donna Blackall. What a great afternoon of learning, chatting & making! The March workshop is full but there are still places in the April session. Book via: http://www.trybooking.com/Booking/BookingEventSummary.aspx?eid=178336 #weaving #koorieheritagetrust A photo posted by Koorie Heritage Trust Inc (@koorie_heritage_trust_inc) on Feb 4, 2016 at 10:42pm PST

Stop by the multi-award-winning Bunjilaka at the Melbourne Museum.

Turtle Country, 1000 Turtles by the Gallery Kaiela artists in Nitet Yapeneyepuk Gather Together A photo posted by @leulieshraghi on Jul 9, 2015 at 8:48am PDT

For a real treat, take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Flowering Friday this week is a hybrid Waratah, Telopea speciosissima x T. oreades. One of the parent species, T. speciosissima (New South Wales Waratah), is endemic to New South Wales and is also their floral emblem. The common name of ‘Waratah’ is derived from the Aboriginal language of the Eora people, the original inhabitants of the Sydney basin. Most populations of this plant are small due to often being located near urban developments. It is now largely protected within National Parks and conservation reserves in the Sydney region. The other parent species, T. oreades (Gippsland Waratah) is native to the shady wet forests of far eastern Victoria and southern NSW. This hybrid was created to combine the spectacular flowers of the NSW species with the superior shade tolerance of the Gippsland species. The flower heads generally develop over winter and then swell in spring before opening to reveal the inflorescence so this one currently growing at Melbourne Gardens is a rare treat. Try to find it along Oak Lawn! #royalbotanicgardensvic #FloweringFriday #melbourne A photo posted by Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (@royalbotanicgardensvic) on Apr 14, 2016 at 7:21pm PDT

Are you ready to start planning your trip to Australia? Whether you are traveling for 1 week or 3 months, we can help you make your trip worthwhile.

Also See:
Things to do in Australia | A Sydney Vacation with All the Australian Highlights

Coming Soon:
Things to do in Australia | A Brisbane Vacation with All the Australian Highlights
Things to do in Australia | A Adelaide Vacation with All the Australian Highlights
Things to do in Australia | A Cairns Vacation with All The Australian Highlights
Things to do in Australia | A Perth Vacation with All the Australian Highlights.

Barossa Valley, NSW

When are the celebrations?
Throughout the month of May

Calling all wine lovers! If you are a wine connoisseur, then planning your Australia vacation in the month of May is a very smart move! May is Aussie Wine month, the country’s biggest celebration of Australian wine! Australia has more than 60 award winning wine regions that produce dozens of different wine varieties and styles. The Aussie wine month celebrations throughout May highlight the diversity of the Aussie culture and “puts the fun into exploring the country’s finest wine and food.”

Highlights of this incredible month long celebration include: more than 150 wine-related events throughout Australia including festivals, vineyard concerts, blend-your-own-wine classes, bicycle tours of wine regions, degustation dinners, and more. Plus, all month free-pop up tastings are taking place in Sydney’s business district, and many restaurants across the country are exclusively offering Australian wine in honor of the celebration. View the spotlight events below:

To find out more information on the details and times of these events and more visit: https://www.wineaustralia.com/

For help planning your Australia vacation, contact us, we’d love to help you!