Melbourne Layover Guide (MEL)

Highlights of Melbourne 2-Hour River Cruise

Travel down the Yarra River on an easy going cruise to see sights such as the Docklands Crown Entertainment Complex and Government House. You can even sunbathe on the sundeck. The tour has on-board commentary that offers insights into Melbourne’s fascinating history. Cruise past beautiful buildings, skyscrapers, bars and parks. Highlights of the cruise include the Docklands Crown Entertainment Complex, West Gate Bridge, Melbourne Convention, Princes Bridge, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Government House, Olympic Park, Herring Island, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Victorian Arts Center and National Tennis Center. » book this tour

Melbourne Eureka Skydeck

On the 88th floor you will find the Eureka Skydeck 88. This vantage point gives you the most stunning panoramic views of the Dandenong ranges during the day and the dazzling views of the Melbourne skyline by night. For the bravehearted, there is the opportunity to venture the “Edge Experience.” This platform is made of a glass cube protrudes 3 meters out from the side of the building. With glass walls, ceiling, and floor, this is the only intimidating but also thrilling! » book this tour

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Tour

Meet the guide at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds for this behind the scenes tour of one of the world famous cricket grounds. Visit exclusive parts of the stadium with a guide who is a member of the Melbourne Cricket Club. The tour features the famous MCC Long Room, MCC Library, MCG Tapestry, Player changing rooms and many more interesting corners of the stadium. The City Terrace has amazing views of Melbourne’s skyline. » book this tour

Melbourne Aquarium

Melbourne’s 2.2 million litre Oceanarium is one place you must visit at least once in a lifetime. You can take a deep plunge into the colorful bright sea and enjoy the moments of encounter with the creatures therein! One gets the opportunity to explore and the cerulean worlds like Antarctica and view live sharks. You could surprisingly encounter a Sandbar Whaler Shark, a King Penguin, Freshwater Sawfish and a Gentoo Penguin. Just to mention a few.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes 18 minutes to get here by taxi and almost an hour by bus.

Yarra Valley

A one-hour drive from Melbourne lands you in Yarra Valley for a great getaway whether you are alone or with family, friends or a loved one. You will be amazed at the beauty of nature in all its glory. Breweries and wineries among other attractions can be located here. You can have a wine tour, try out excellent food at the restaurants here, explore the wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary you could simply decide to have a picnic at one of the beautiful parks and to top it up you could enjoy a soothing spa session here.

Time required: 3 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes almost 40 minutes to get here by taxi.

Luna Park

This is a 100-year amusement park where one can have unending fun in the second largest metropolis in Australia. Luna Park is the ultimate destination for fun lovers who are enchanted with rides and games and other attractions. The amusement park most certainly has something for everyone. Encounter electrifying experiences like rides like Twin Dragon, Coney Island Top Drop and the countless roller coasters. Entry to Luna Park is absolutely free unless you intend to have rides. You cannot miss such an opportunity.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It takes about 45 minutes to reach here by taxi or 30 minutes by bus.

Brighton Beach

Melbourne is blessed with the beautiful Brighton beach. Over here, you can live right at the edge of the waves in quaint beach huts while enjoying the time of your life. There are barbeque facilities along the beach and you most certainly cannot miss them. Brighton beach also offers you fun-filled activities like yachting, cycling, boating and windsurfing.

Time required: 3 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes 30 minutes to get here by taxi or almost 50 minutes by bus.

Fitzroy

This is an artistic and trendy neighbourhood known for its bohemian vibes. This is where young workers enjoy themselves and students considering the presence of exceptional bars and restaurants with good food. Over here, you’ll find street art dotted around the area in an eye-catching manner, as well as galleries in some of its terraced houses. You could tour here at night and have the time of your life.

Time required: 2 hours or more.

Airport to here: You’ll reach here in less than 20 minutes by taxi and about 30 minutes by bus.

Eureka Tower

The Eureka Tower was named in recognition of The Eureka Stockade, the 1854 rebellion of prospectors in the Victorian goldfields, the structure stands 91 stories above ground in the heart of Southbank. The gold crown and gold-plated windows of the skyscraper add to the theme and sparkles when the sun reflects on the top of the building. Awe-inspiring is The Edge, a glass cube that slides out three meters from the building for vertigo-free visitors.

Time required: An hour.

Airport to here: You can get here in 20 minutes by taxi or 40 minutes by bus.

Federation Square

To commemorate a hundred years of Federation, the Federation Square was opened in 2002. The Square wasn’t entirely welcomed by the people of the city as some hated it while others loved it. It has however become an integral part of the city and a wonderful place for tourists to start their sightseeing and have a great time. Many events are held here annually and one can be assured of entertainment.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: It usually takes about 20 minutes to get here by taxi or by the recommended bus via the southern cross in 30 minutes.

National Gallery of Victoria

Being the oldest public art gallery in Australia, the National Gallery of Victoria holds over 70,000 works of art in two different locations in the city. The international collection is housed in the St. Kilda Road building, opened in 1968 and was later renovated in 2003. This building is renowned in the city, and visitors are encouraged to lie on the floor and gaze at the colorful stained glass ceiling.

Time required: An hour.

Airport to here: It usually takes 20 minutes to get here by taxi or 50 minutes by bus.