Melbourne

This futuristic plaza is one of the most complex and ambitious construction projects ever undertaken in Australia, serving as Melbourne’s civic centre with cafés, restaurants, an amphitheater and several museums such as the Ian Potter Centre that showcases Australian art. There’s also a farmers market every Friday and a book market on Saturdays.

Towering 279 meters (975 ft) above ground level, Eureka Tower's Skydeck offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Melbourne, with an on-site cafe if you want to enjoy the sight for a while longer. It is the perfect place to relax after a long walk around town.

The Old Melbourne Gaol was established in 1841 and remains a fabulous insight into Melbourne’s historical past. The notorious bushranger Ned Kelly, along with dozens of others, were once executed within its walls. The night tours are spookily good. Also a great place for fans of escape rooms.

The Melbourne Aquarium contains multiple marine animal species native to the Southern Ocean and the Antarctic. One of its highlights is a 360-degree fish-bowl viewing area. If you dare, try diving with the sharks! You will also find the largest collection of seahorses and sea dragon species in the world.

This museum gives an excellent account of immigration to what today is modern Melbourne over the last 200 years, using audio and visual displays. The museum continues to explore the topic of migration via an ever-changing array of fascinating temporary exhibitions.

Sport is a very important part of Melbourne culture and Australian Sports Museum displays wonderful collections of cricket, football, Olympic Games, soccer and many other sports artefacts. This is a great place for the whole family; the younger visitors will certainly enjoy the on-site interactive games.

Funfields is located 40 kilometres north of Melbourne and is an outdoor family fun park with rides to suit all ages. Here you can enjoy limitless rides all day on all the attractions including toboggans, go karts, water slides, pony express carousel, the water playground and much, much more.

A trip along the Great Ocean Road offers magnificent views over the southern coast of Australia. The Twelve Apostles, large rocks rising out of the sea, are an especially interesting sight en route. Go on a guided tour, rent a car or a campervan to fully experience this amazing place.

The historic landmark Queen Victoria Market is also called "Vic Market" or the "Queen Vi". At this bustling inner-city market you can shop for almost everything, since it is the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. The market is truly the heart of Melbourne and well worth a visit for both locals and tourists.

The oldest single-screen theatre in Melbourne's inner suburb of St Kilda, the Astor has become a must-do for cinephiles since it first opened its doors in 1936. The classic auditorium theatre runs a program of new and classic films in 35mm, 70mm and digital formats. Come here to enjoy remastered classics, new independent movies, film festivals and special events.

Once known as the Convent of the Good Shepherd, the Convent provided refuge for vulnerable women, children and orphans. Nowadays, the convent building and formal gardens play host to events and festivals, workshops and classes, music and theatre performances, and in summer, outdoor cinema. Located on a bend of the Yarra river, the historic site features beautiful and eerie gothic spires of the convent, lush lawns, secluded courtyards and a meticulously restored formal garden. Entry is also free and the garden is open late. Have a beer or even join a team of gardening volunteers.

Melbourne’s Luna Park is a galaxy of amusements and sensations. From the jaw-dropping, eye-ball popping super thrill rides like the Pharaoh’s Curse, Metropolis and the Enterprise, to the exhilarating rides like the Spider, Twin Dragon, G Force and the Coney Island Top Drop, you’re bound to have an awesome time!