Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital and whether you intend to or not, you will find art and beauty on every corner. The colourful and diverse city caters well to tourists with no shortage of places to visit in Melbourne and fun things to do in Melbourne.
As we all come to terms with travel in Australia, in a new ‘Covid normal’ world, we have plenty of suggestions of what to do in Melbourne simply because it’s a must-visit destination on any Australia trip. We've compiled a list of some of our favourite 'must do's' in the city for your next stay with us.
1. State Victoria Library - About a 10 minute stroll up Swanston Street from Hotel Collins Melbourne you can find this old beauty. You don’t need to read a book to enjoy this place because the architecture alone is beautiful. Start by heading to the top to look over one of the reading rooms then work your way down checking out the free exhibits on each floor.
Image via State Library of Victoria
2. City Circle Tram - An excellent way to see the city, to get around the city, and to learn about fun facts of the city is the City Circle Tram. It runs in a circle around the city telling you what is at each stop and what other trams to catch to other hot spots in the city. Look for the old colonial style trams just 100m from our Hotels entrance (they’re burgundy) and hop on.
3. Royal Botanic Gardens - Locals love this garden and with good reason, it’s stunning! A short 15 minute walk from the Hotel will find you surrounded by some of the most beautiful grounds. Local’s love to run around ‘the tan’ (which is the exterior) for a challenging run, but as visitors one can easily spend an afternoon roaming the grounds and seeing al the the beautiful local flora and fauna. 4. Shrine of Remembrance - Not far from the Royal Botanic Gardens is a War memorial originally built for those who served in WWI. Heading inside is chilling, but it is a special place to remember all Australian’s who fought to keep our country free. From the top of the steps, you can catch a wonderful unblocked view of the city.
Image Source: Visit Melbourne
5. Walking tour of the city - You can enjoy a 3-hour walking tour of Melbourne. You’ll learn more about the city’s history and then enjoy the best laneways and sites. There are tours every day. Please make sure to check this site (link: to ensure times haven’t changed.
(NB: while free, you are encouraged to tip/donate at the completion.
6. National Gallery of Victoria - Do you love Art? The National Gallery is absolutely free where you can explore modern art and pieces of history from across the world. They always have a terrific breakaway
Image via National Gallery of Victoria
7. Ian Potter Centre - This is a short 3 minute walk from our lovely Hotel and is completely free, located in Federation Square. It is here is where you can find both Indigenous and non-Indigenous art from the colonial period to today and understand a bit about the history of Australia.
8. ACMI - The Australian Centre for Moving Image showcases both Australian and international screen content and has just been refurbished with fresh content. A great one to do with the whole family.
9. Fireballs - Whether you have kids, or you are just a big kid at heart, everyone loves the fireballs. After a cosy dinner, take a stroll down to the Yarra River and watch the world’s largest fireballs shoot up into the sky. You’ll be able to feel the heat you’re so close. It happens nightly normally on the hour but check with our concierge if you want to know more.
10. Fairy Penguins - You don’t need to go to Phillip Island to see the penguins…Catch the Number 12 tram from the Corner of Swanston Street and Collins Street towards St Kilda (around 25 minutes) and head to the St Kilda pier for sunset and watch as these tiny penguins make their way back home.
Award-winning image by Tobias Baumgaertner