Often regarded as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne has emerged as the go-to destination for art, culture and nightlife down under. Tucked in Oz’s underbelly, this charming city is complemented by beautiful architecture and a wealth of fascinating visitor attractions — making it the perfect place to visit on an exciting Australian cruise break.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting Melbourne, our handy guide can help you make the most of your time in the city however limited that may be. With a list of places to eat and things to see and do, you can get the most out of every hour spent exploring the streets of Melbourne.
See
Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance serves as the National War Memorial of Victoria and is dedicated to all those who have served in armed conflict. With its imposing shape and size, the shrine is as impressive as it is moving; a must-see on any visit to Melbourne.
Old Melbourne Gaol
Equal parts informative and entertaining, the Old Melbourne Gaol is a former jail turned visitor attraction first opened in 1945. Inside this curious old building, visitors can explore the original prison architecture and find out what life was like on the wrong side of the cell doors.
Degraves Street
Degraves Street is arguably Melbourne’s prettiest and most charming street; a flagstone warren flanked by quaint restaurants, cafés, and bars. Named after 19th-century merchants, Degraves Street is famed for its historic architecture and complete lack of vehicles.
Do
Take a Ride on the City Circle Tram
Not only is Melbourne’s City Circle Tram a great way to get around the city, but it’s also free to use — making it perfect for those holidaying on a shoestring budget. Traversing Melbourne’s city centre, this historic tramway is a convenient and easy way to see many of the city’s most popular tourist attractions.
Enjoy Some Retail Therapy in The Block Arcade
Founded in the Victorian era, The Block Arcade is the crème de la crème of Melbourne’s shopping districts. Dubbed a ‘heritage shopping arcade’, this impressive building offers over a mile of undercover shopping and is home to an array of high-end retail outlets.
Sightsee Atop Eureka Skydeck 88
Want to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Melbourne? Then head to Melbourne’s Southbank precinct and scale the Eureka Tower — a 298-metre skyscraper that’s one of the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. For a small fee, you can head to the scraper’s viewing platform, from which you can enjoy a 360° panorama across the city.
Eat
The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
No trip to Melbourne would be complete without paying a visit to one of the city’s unique dining venue — The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Located on an original Melbourne tram, this quaint eatery serves up an eclectic mix of dishes amid stunningly authentic surroundings.
Straits Café
Should you get peckish during your trip to Melbourne, one of the best places to satisfy your hunger with a light bite is the Straits Café. Located mere steps from the city’s waterfront, this chic café offers a menu of simple seasonal dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Lil Nomnoms
Need to eat and run? Track down the Lil Nomnoms street food van, and tuck into a delicious portion of authentic Vietnamese inspired street food. Because the vendor parks up at different parts of the city every day, you’ll need to track its movements via social media. Trust us though — it’s well worth the effort.
Interested in visiting Melbourne as part of a larger cruise itinerary? Visit the Cruise1st website, where you’ll find a complete range of upcoming cruise breaks in Australia. Alternatively, give our customer service team a call on 1300 857 345, and they’ll be happy to help you.
