19 FREE Bucket List things to do in Melbourne, Australia

Continue reading for each of the top FREE Aussie Bucket List experiences and place that you must see when travelling to Melbourne in Victoria, Australia.

ABOUT DESTINATION

Melbourne is a must-see Aussie Bucket List destination jam-packed full of great places to explore and things to see and do. Melbourne is known for having the best coffee in the country, coupled with a bustling cafe scene. During the evenings Melbourne comes alive with many bucket list worthy restaurants and bars to visit, scattered right across this vibrant city. Melbourne also has some of Australia's most renowned sporting events throughout the year, including the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in January, the Australian Grand Prix in March, the AFL season during the cooler months, and cricket during the summer.

LOCATION

Melbourne is located on the southern coastline of Australia, in the eastern state of Victoria. Just an hours flight from Sydney, there are regular flights daily to Melbourne from most cities across Australa.

CLIMATE

Melbourne has to have the most unpredictable weather out of all of the capital cities across Australia, and is known for having four seasons in one day.

Autumn - March to May with an average daily temperature between 11 to 20 degrees. We recommend layering your clothing to cater for changing temperatures throughout the day.

Winter - June to August with an average daily temperature between 6 to 14 degrees Celsius.

Spring - September to November, Spring is the most unpredictable time of year when it comes to weather; it can be warm and sunny, then cold and windy on the same day. Temperatures generally range between 9 to 19 degrees Celsius during the spring months.

Summer - December to February with a mean daily temperature between 14 to 25 degrees. There are often heat waves above 30 degrees Celsius that can last for 3 or 4 days, before cooling back down to the low 20's.

HOW TO GET HERE

There are two main airports for travelers arriving into Melbourne; the main airport featuring both domestic and international terminals is at Tullamarine, and the smaller of the two is located south west of Melbourne CBD in Avalon.

TOP Aussie BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES

1 - Brighton Bathing Boxes

Dive into Port Phillip Bay under the watch of 82 distinctive bathing boxes, a row of uniformly proportioned wooden structures lining the foreshore at Brighton Beach.

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.

Thanks to these distinctive decorations, the boxes turn the Brighton seaside into an immediately recognisable, iconic beachscape that can transform by the hour according to season, light and colour (Visit Victoria, 2020). 

For further information and to add Brighton Bathing Boxes to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

2 - St Kilda Pier

Providing panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay, the pier is a popular destination for strolling, cycling, rollerblading and fishing. Catch a ferry to Williamstown, enjoy a snack at the kiosk or try to spot the penguins and native water rats from the breakwater. Whatever your preference, St Kilda Pier provides an unforgettable experience right in the heart of Melbourne.

St Kilda Pier's history dates back to 1853 when the St Kilda Pier and Jetty Company constructed a wooden jetty to assist the early settlers in unloading timber, building materials and firewood to St Kilda. Not long after its construction the small jetty fell victim to a stormy Port Phillip Bay and was washed away. The historic St Kilda Pier Kiosk was built in 1904 and has undergone several renovations in its time.

For further information and to add St Kilda Pier to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

3 - National Gallery of Victoria

Image credit: National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) has two magnificent galleries located a short walk apart, both with free entry to the permanent collection. NGV International houses a whole world of international art, displaying the National Gallery of Victoria's collections of European, Asian, Oceanic and American art.

Since the National Gallery of Victoria opened on St Kilda Road in 1968, the total collection has doubled in size to more than 70,000 works of art. A truly iconic Melbourne building, the gallery has been totally redesigned to house one of the most impressive collections in the Southern Hemisphere. The NGV offers an extraordinary visual arts experience with diverse temporary exhibitions, collection displays, talks, tours, programs for kids, films, late-night openings and performances. 

For further information and to add National Gallery of Victoria to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

4 - Shrine of Remembrance

Image credit: Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is a building with a soul. Opened in 1934, the Shrine is the Victorian state memorial to Australians who served in global conflicts throughout our nation’s history. Inspired by Classical architecture, the Shrine was designed and built by veterans of the First World War. Renowned for its architecture the Shrine offers a multi-layered journey rich in meaning and symbology.

Set in an elevated position as the centrepiece of the sprawling park lands at the southern end of the city’s cultural precinct, the Shrine provides unrivalled, panoramic views of Melbourne. A Ray of Light traces its path across the commemorative stone every half hour as it does naturally at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month each year. Beneath the inner sanctum a labyrinth of galleries unfolds, featuring over 800 artworks, historical artefacts and the personal effects of Australians at war.

Special exhibitions and events are held throughout the year providing an ever changing experience. For a unique insight into this special place, Shrine tours are available daily from the Visitor Centre, see the Shrine of Remembrance's website for further details.

For further information and to add Shrine of Remembrance to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

5 - South Melbourne Markets

Image credit: South Melbourne Markets

South Melbourne Market opened in 1867, making it Melbourne's longest continually running market. With almost 150 stalls operated by small business owners, the market features a huge range of products including; fresh fruit and vegetables, butchers, poultry, seafood and delis, groceries and specialty foods, pet food and supplies, men's and women's fashion, footwear, accessories and children's wear, manchester and fabric, homewares and kitchenware, books and stationery, giftware and cards, restaurants, cafes, speciality coffee stores and take-away food, cakes and confectioneries, plans and flowers and much more.

The Market is just 10 minutes from Melbourne's city centre and is easily accessible by tram, bus, bike, foot or car. 

For further information and to add South Melbourne Markets to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

6 - Queen Victoria Market

Image credit: Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market is an authentic, bustling, inner-city market that has been the heart and soul of Melbourne for 140 years. Home to over 600 small businesses, it is a great place to discover fresh and specialty produce, hand-made and unique products, great coffee and food, souvenirs and clothing. S

hopping at the Market has always been one of life’s great pleasures. It is not just the abundance of fresh food, it’s the friendly banter with the traders, the vibrant and multicultural atmosphere, the special events and festivals, and the sense of belonging that comes with it.

Be sure to take the Ultimate Foodie Tour, a two-hour guided walking tour where you’ll taste the freshest produce, discover unique ingredients, learn tips and tricks for shopping and cooking, discover the Market's history and meet some of our beloved traders. Bookings are essential at qvm.com.au/tours

Queen Victoria Market is also home to the Night Market on Wednesday nights, showcasing global street food, live music and entertainment, festival bars, specialty shopping and a great Melbourne night out. The Market also offers a historic venue space with a range of indoor and outdoor spaces.

For further information and to add Queen Victoria Market to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

7 - Albert Park

Image credit: Parks Victoria

Only three kilometres from the heart of the city, Albert Park is popular for a range of activities like dog walking, jogging, cycling, sailing and rowing. Apart from the lake itself, other attractions include sporting facilities, ovals, playgrounds, restaurants and a five kilometres of walking and running track. Enjoy a barbecue or picnic with the family. Hire a boat and explore the lake. Walk, cycle or jog around the track, past green lawns and playing fields. Enjoy watching the colourful sailboats on the lake and take in the magnificent views of the city skyline.

Sporting facilities include a golf driving range, gymnasium and the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Parking fees apply to all car parks and kerbside parking spaces within Albert Park. Time restrictions and ticket requirements are shown on parking signs within the park. Tickets must be displayed prominently on the dashboard to avoid parking fines.

Aussie Bucket List, along with Parks Victoria, acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters. 

For further information and to add Albert Park to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

8 - Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 Steps)

Image credit: Visit Victoria

March your way up the steep, 1000 step-climb of the Kokoda Walk and experience a tiny sense of the exhaustion felt by the Australian soldiers following the Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea in World War II.

Observe the plaques depicting the lives of those who fought and died on the trail during the Kokoda campaign in 1942.

Along the way see tree ferns, and manna gum and blackwood towards the top of the hill.

This walk is not recommended for those with medical conditions that restrict physical activity. The walk is very steep.

For further information and to add Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 Steps) to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

9 - State Library Victoria

Image credit: State Library Victoria

One of the world's great libraries, the State Library of Victoria is the state's premier reference and research library and a gateway to the world's information. The Library houses items that showcase Victoria's cultural life, past and present, and makes them available to the community through a range of services, exhibitions and cultural programs.

The State Library of Victoria was founded in 1854, largely through the efforts of a number of prominent Melbourne citizens such as Sir Redmond Barry and Lieutenant-Governor Charles Joseph La Trobe, the vision for the original library was ambitious - to contain the 'best of everything' and become 'a great emporium of learning and philosophy, of literature, science, and art'.

The Library's collection goes well beyond books. It holds thousands of significant items reflecting Victoria's cultural and social heritage, including historical documents such as John Batman's journal, unique objects such as Ned Kelly's armour, and paintings such as William Strutt's Black Thursday, February 6th, 1851. The balconies encircling the beautiful Domed Reading Room have now been transformed into exhibition areas.  

For further information and to add the State Library Victoria to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

10 - Masons Falls

Image credit: Parks Victoria

Masons Falls is located within the stunning Kinglake National Park. Located close to Masons Falls is the Masons Falls Picnic Area. Enjoy a picnic under the towering gums and beautiful natural surroundings. A large sheltered area, free gas barbeques, plenty of tables and toilet facilities make it the perfect spot for social gatherings.

From the Picnic Area there are several short walks, including one that leads to the spectacular Masons Falls lookout

For further information and to add Masons Falls to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

11 - The Organ Pipes

Image credit: Park Victoria

Park your car on top of an old volcano and take a walk into the river valley to the awesome stone columns that give this park its name. The Organ Pipes hang on a cliff face over picturesque Jackson Creek. Bring a picnic and enjoy the serenity.

The Organ Pipes National Park is located at the eastern-most edge of one of the world’s largest ancient volcanic lava flows, stretching 350 kilometres from the edge of Melbourne to the western border of Victoria.

A leisurely stroll down the hill leads to the iconic Organ Pipes, Rosette Rock which resembles the spokes of a giant wheel, and Tessellated Pavement, a mosaic-like basalt outcrop.

Towering above charming Jacksons Creek, the impressive basalt columns that resemble organ pipes were formed about a million years ago when huge quantities of molten lava were ejected from volcanoes near what is now Sunbury and flowed over the Keilor Plains. These plains are fairly flat except where streams such as Jacksons Creek have cut deep valleys over the years.

Organ Pipes National Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri People. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Wurundjeri Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country.

Organ Pipes National Park is just off the Calder Freeway about 20km north-west of Melbourne.

For further information and to add The Organ Pipes to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

12 - Mornington Peninsula Beach Boxes

Image credit: Visit Mornington Peninsula

Mills Beach is a picturesque stretch of golden beach that has wonderful native vegetation and is populated by some of the famous Mornington Peninsula Beach Boxes. Shallow water makes it ideal for swimming and paddle boarding.

Located one kilometre north of Mornington Pier, just off the Esplanade, there is a grassy picnic area, a stone sea wall and a bridge over Tanti Creek and a small carpark.

For further information and to add the Mornington Peninsula Beach Boxes to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

13 - Cape Schanck

Image credit: Visit Victoria

Cape Schanck is a must-see natural bucket list attraction located on the Mornington Peninsula, south-east of Melbourne, Victoria. See some of the best coastal scenery near Melbourne when you follow the Bushrangers Bay Nature Walk (allow two hours). Take a walk to the tip of Cape Schanck and see Pulpit Rock and spectacular basalt cliffs. Enjoy your lunch at The Pines Picnic Area, where there are electric barbecues. Observe marine life in the rock pools.

The Cape Schanck Lighthouse has served shipping since 1859. It was built from dressed limestone and sandstone and is significant because the original mechanisms are still in place. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

For further information and to add Cape Schanck to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

14 - RAAF Museum

Image credit: RAAF Museum

The RAAF Museum is home to Australia's largest collection of memorabilia and aircraft relating to the rich history of the Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Australian Air Force. The Museum has something to interest all members of the family, from children to grandparents, as they showcase the role of the Royal Australian Air Force from World War I to present day. Browse through the Museum's state of the art heritage gallery and see flying demonstrations hosted by their pilots. You can also go behind the scenes and see the restoration experts at work.

Flying demonstrations operate regularly (weather permitting) as part of the Interactive Flying Program. See the museums website for opening times and further information.

For further information and to add the RAAF Museum to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

16 - You Yangs Regional Park

Image credit: Parks Victoria

The distinctive granite peaks of the You Yangs rise from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne and Geelong. The You Yangs is a fantastic park for mountain biking. It has two mountain biking areas with over 50 kilometres of exciting trails catering for riders of all ages and ability. The park is also popular for its magnificent views, birdlife and for bushwalks and picnics.

Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.  

For further information and to add the You Yangs to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

17 - The Bay Trail (Safety Beach to Portsea)

Image credit: Visit Mornington Peninsula

The 30km Mornington Peninsula Bay Trail extends along the Port Phillip coast from Safety Beach to Portsea. This shared pathway offer walkers and cyclists great views as it winds its way along the foreshore reserve and is flanked by the beautiful sandy bay beaches and clear waters of Port Phillip. The township of Dromana was proclaimed in 1861 and was well established as a seaside resort by 1881. It’s not hard to imagine the pier busy with steamships taking holiday makers and produce to and from Melbourne.

The gravelled wide pathway offers an easy walk along the Dromana coast to the rocky cutting of Anthonys Nose - where Arthurs Seat falls steeply into the sea. The path continues through the boat ramp car park and then through the campsites and foreshore reserve through McCrae and past the tallest lighthouse in Port Phillip. It continues to wind through the tall banksia and tea tree with campsites on one side and the beach on the other to the pier at Rosebud (named after a shipwreck!)

On through the foreshore of Capel Sound with more campsites to the town of Rye where, at the base of the aptly named Whitecliffs, is an historic lime kiln that tells the story of how local limestone was mined and turned into lime to help create many of the buildings in Melbourne. Through the Moonah trees and back to the foreshore of Blairgowrie, past the picturesque yacht club marina to Sullivan Bay and the Collins First Settlement site. It was here in 1803 the first official European settlement of Victoria was established. From here it’s on to Sorrento and up the hill behind the pier where the tram tracks built in 1889 for the Sorrento Tramway Company can still be seen.

On through the Sorrento Park with its incredible playground and diverging a bit to take in part of the Sorrento Portsea Artists Trail known as Millionaires Walk between Lentell Avenue and Point King Road. Finish up and refresh at a favourite ‘watering hole’ in Portsea village.

For further information and to add The Bay Trail (Safety Beach to Portsea) to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

18 - Arthurs Seat to Kings Falls Walk

Image credit: Visit Mornington Peninsula

Rising above the Mornington Peninsula, Arthurs Seat is the most familiar of all Port Phillip Bay landscape features. Its 314-metre summit, reached by road or on foot, gives spectacular views of the bay and Port Phillip Heads. On a clear day the view extends as far as the city skyline, the You Yangs and Mount Macedon.

This track starts in the Seawinds Garden featuring William Rickets sculptures, major lookouts, and the Seawinds Nursery Volunteer's indigenous garden. Follow the Two Bays Trail to the south until it intercepts the Kings Falls Track at Waterfall Gully Road. You can further extend this walk by including the pleasant one hour circuit walk around Kings Falls, or as part of the longer 26km Two Bays Trail.

For further information and to add Arthurs Seat to Kings Falls Walk to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

19 - Two Bays Walking Track (Dromana to Cape Schanck)

Image credit: Visit Morning Peninsula

The Two Bays Walking Track is one of the longest continuous walking track on the Mornington Peninsula. It stretches 26km through a diverse range of Mornington Peninsula landscape. The whole walk can be completed in a day for walking enthusiasts, or split up into multiple smaller walks for those who want to enjoy it in smaller sections.

The Two Bays Walking Track is identified by a circular symbol displaying a Blue Wren, which can be seen on signage along the track. Start in McCrae on Point Nepean Road and walk up the steep staircase to the top of the cliff and onto Latrobe Parade. Follow the road over the freeway and into Bunurong Track. This is the start of the Arthurs Seat State Park. The winding track climbs the hillside to Seawinds Garden. The track continues past the adjoining Kings Falls Track and leaves the State Park at Waterfall Gully Road. The track continues through local streets and a small reserve to Browns Road Follow the blue wren symbols on the power poles within this section to navigate.

The track then crosses Browns Road into Hyslops Road where it joins the Mornington Peninsula National Park section known as Greens Bush. Crossing small creeks and walking alongside Main Creek the track then crosses Boneo Road and passes Bushrangers Bay on its way to Cape Schanck.

For further information and to add Two Bays Walking Track (Dromana to Cape Schanck) to your Aussie Bucket List, see HERE.

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We hope that you are able to tick as much of Melbourne, Victoria off your Aussie Bucket List soon! Feel free to browse our other blog posts for further inspiration on travelling Australia.

Written by Samantha Raine - Aussie Bucket List Founder & Travel Writer

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