Melbourne

National Gallery of Victoria

NGV International

The premier venue for international fine art exhibitions in Melbourne, with a permanent collection and international collections. A must-see for art lovers.

Wed-Mon 10AM-5PM, except Christmas Day and Good Fri; 1PM on ANZAC Day · Free for the permanent collection · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible

Shrine of Remembrance

War memorial in classical style opened in 1934. The memorial was designed so that the sun would shine on the word LOVE at 11AM on 11 November. Exhibition galleries under the memorial were added in 2014. A Last Post Service is held here every Sunday at 4.45pm to commemorate an important event in Australia's military history.

daily 10AM - 5PM (last entry 4:30PM), closed Christmas Day and Good Fri · free

State Library of Victoria

Built in stages beginning in 1854, it has an impressive classical revival façade. Includes a good newspaper reading room, genealogy room and an art collection, as well as the fantastic La Trobe Reading Room and its huge dome. Bushranger Ned Kelly's armour is stored permanently on display, along with a variety of galleries and exhibitions. Internet terminals are provided for research only, not email, and usually need to be booked because of high demand. Coin-operated lockers are available just off the lobby, where large bags must be deposited before entry. Free Wi-Fi and guided tours are also available.

Mon-Wed 10AM-9PM, Thu-Sun 10AM-6PM, except public holidays · Free · Wi-Fi

The Ian Potter Centre

NGV Australia

Houses over 25,000 works of only Australian art, including paintings, sculptures, photography and fashion. Famous artists such as Frederick McCubbin and Sidney Nolan are on display, along with a fine collection of Indigenous art.

Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM, except Christmas Day and Good Fri; 1PM on ANZAC Day · Free for the permanent collection · Free entry

Australian Centre for the Moving Image

ACMI

A museum, gallery and collection of cinemas dedicated to film, TV, video games, new media and art, both old and new. Regularly holds a number of interesting exhibitions.

Daily 10AM-5PM, except Christmas Day · General entry free; charges apply for exhibitions · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible

Grainger Museum

A small but fascinating autobiographical museum on the university's western side. Documents the life and times of Percy Grainger, a Victorian concert pianist who achieved international fame and success. In addition to the Grainger collection, there is a broad variety of items relating to music.

Sun-Fri 12-4pm · Free, tours $5 · Wi-Fi · Limited wheelchair access

Melbourne Town Hall

Built in 1870, the city's town hall is grand and historic. 1 hour tours allow visitors to see the ornate Council chambers, the richly-carved Grand Organ and sit in the Lord Mayor's chair. Bookings recommended.

Tours: Mon-Fri 11AM and 1PM · Free

Hawthorn Town Hall

Hawthorn Arts Centre

Built in 1890, this grand town hall showcases Second Empire-style architecture. It now functions as an arts and community hub with galleries and a performing arts centre.

Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat Sun 11AM-4PM · Free

Royal Botanic Gardens

Recognised as one of the world’s finest botanic gardens, with over 10,000 species and 50,000 individual plants in the 38 hectare gardens.

Daily 7:30AM to sunset · Free

Hosier Lane

If you want to sample street art, head for this little lane full of ever-evolving, colourful graffiti from end to end.

24/7 · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible

Monash University Museum of Art

Monash University is one of the major tertiary institutions in Melbourne.

Tu-Fr 10:00-17:00; Sa 12:00-17:00; Su closed; Mo "by appointment" · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible

Old Treasury Building and Gold Museum

Built in 1858 by a 19-year-old architect, it was the city’s first Italian Renaissance building and many consider that its elegance has not been surpassed by anything in Melbourne since. Contains displays on the history of Melbourne as well as the history of gold in Victoria, including the original gold vaults. Fun activities for children, including the chance to earn a novelty gold licence. The expansive Treasury Gardens behind the building are also worth a visit.

Sun-Fri 10AM-4PM, closed Good Fri, Christmas and Boxing Day · Free · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible

Italian Museum

Museo Italiano

Recounts the history of the tens of thousands of Italian migrants that came to Melbourne following World War II, including the impact that they've had on Australian culture. Also details the story of the Lygon Street precinct and how it has developed over time. Includes a number of permanent and rotating exhibitions.

Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 12-5PM · Free entry

Brunswick Town Hall and Counihan Gallery

The historic Brunswick Town Hall contains the Brunswick Library branch of the Merri-bek City Council library, and the Counihan Gallery, a contemporary art space with changing exhibitions.

Library: Mon-Thu 10AM-8PM, Fri 10AM-6pm, Sat 9AM-4PM, Sun 1-5PM; gallery: Wed-Sat 11AM-5PM and Sun 1-5PM · Free

CERES Community Environment Park

A place for community-based learning and action for environmental benefit, social justice, economic satisfaction, cultural enrichment and spiritual nurturing. Some of its facilities include an organic grocery open 9-5 every day with free live music on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, a permaculture nursery and an organic cafe. There's a visitor centre and regular workshops, a nature play area and an energy park displaying ways of harnessing natural power. There's much more: download CERES' "Chook" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or visit their website for much more info.

Park open during daylight hours, check website for hours of different sections · No entry fee, donations accepted · Free entry

Camberwell Sunday Market

A beloved local market and an institution in Melbourne, the Camberwell Sunday Market is perfect for those searching for vintage treasures, antiques, artisan crafts, and unique souvenirs. With over 370 stalls, it’s a bustling spot where you can find everything from second-hand books and clothing to handcrafted jewelry and collectibles. Proceeds support local charities, making it a great place to shop for a cause.

Sun 7AM-12:30PM · Free

Arts Centre's Sunday Market

Every Sunday, the small park between Hamer Hall and Arts Centre Melbourne is filled with stalls that sell arts and crafts locally made by the sellers. The place is animated with live performance at noon.

Sun 10AM-4PM · Free

Como House

House built in 1847 and gardens, run by the National Trust.

Gardens: Mon-Sat, Sun; House only on pre-booked tours on Sat Sun · House tour $15 · Free entry · Built 1847

Yarra Bend Park

3 km from the CBD, Yarra Bend Park is a vast expanse of bushland and parkland along the Yarra River. Visitors can enjoy walking and cycling trails, boathouses, and picnic areas amidst natural beauty.

Free

Abbotsford Convent

This site is host to a number of historic buildings which were originally home to sisters from a Christian religious order. Traditionally associated with community service, the convent now houses a variety of community organisations, including restaurants, bars and two art galleries. Many visitors simply enjoy the ambience of the grounds and soak up the building's history. Guided social history tours run every Sunday at 2PM for $15/person, but must be booked. There are also occasional markets and rotating exhibitions.

7:30AM-10PM daily · Free entry

Ian Potter Museum of Art

The Potter

Houses and displays the university's wide collection of artworks, from classical antiquity to the contemporary, of Australia and European origin. Temporary exhibitions of other artefacts and artworks are regularly hosted.

Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 12-5PM · Free

Incinerator Gallery

Interesting gallery with exhibitions, art history talks, adult art courses, and workshops.

Tue-Sun 11AM-4PM · Free

Victoria Police Museum

Displays with over 150 years of stories and of crime, justice, courage and forensic techniques. Includes some of the famous Kelly Gang's armour, the burnt out car used in the Russell Street Police HQ bombing and various records about famous gangland figures. Regular free exhibitions are on display.

Mon-Fri 10AM-4PM · Free

Loreto John York Park

If you've grabbed some cheap takeaway food and want to watch the trams sail by, or maybe if you have some children who need to let off some steam, this small park might be the perfect place. Named after the first Maltese-Australian to serve as Mayor of any Australian city, this park has a playground and an accessible water fountain.

Free

ANZ Banking Museum

Housed in the late-19th century Gothic Revival ANZ Bank building, it walks through the history of Australian banking from Indigenous bartering economies to finance of the future.

Mon-Fri 10AM-3PM except public holidays · Free · Free entry

Collingwood Children's Farm

Perched on the banks of the Yarra River, the attraction's aim is to provide a traditional country farm experience for city-dwellers. A perennial favourite with kids, the farm allows visitors to unwind in the peaceful setting whilst interacting with a variety of farm animals. Cow milking is held daily at 10AM and 4PM, and visitors can also cuddle animals such as guinea pigs, lambs and goats. A café is on-site, and a lively farmer's market is held on the second Saturday morning of each month.

9:15AM-4:30PM · $10 adults, $5 children/concessions, $20 families (2A+4C) · Free entry

Warrandyte State Park

Known for its natural beauty along the Yarra River, this park has scenic walking trails, picnic spots, and swimming areas. It’s ideal for those wanting a nature escape close to the city.

Free

Scots Church

Gothic church built in 1873, the first Presbyterian house of worship in the city.

Mon-Fri 11AM-2:30PM; Sun visits only for Mass services · Free

Koorie Heritage Trust

Showcases contemporary art from Victorian First Peoples.

Daily 10AM-5PM · Free · Free entry

Crown Entertainment Complex

A Las Vegas-style gambling palace (including the Crown Casino), also containing restaurants, upmarket boutiques, nightclubs, two hotel towers, a cinema complex and floorshows.

24hr daily, closed 4AM-noon Christmas Day, Good Fri, and Anzac Day. · Free