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Discover Local in Melbourne - EN

Cricket is a very popular sport in Australia, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, commonly known as the MCG, has hosted hundreds of international matches over its lifetime. And it’s not just about cricket. The MCG has been home to AFL grand finals, World Cup soccer (football) qualifying games and even the Olympics! Not to mention huge concerts by big acts such as The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Ed Sheeran. Book a tour of the MCG to see where the magic happens, with special access to many parts of the stadium, including the cricketers’ viewing areas, player changing rooms and the prestigious MCC Long Room. There’s also the chance to walk along the boundary line and out onto the field itself to soak up what it would be like for your favourite cricketers. Choose the premium option for access to the Australian Sports Museum, located within the grounds.

Take a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Just a short drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a hot spot for world-class winemaking with over 70 wineries spread across beautiful hills and bushland. Cool-climate wines are the specialty here, from Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to Pinot Noir and Shiraz. Food is a big deal too, with winery restaurants offering premium dishes made with fresh and seasonal local produce. The Yarra Valley region is close enough for a day trip, and there’s plenty to pack in while you’re there. Book a package tour from Melbourne and everything will be taken care of – cellar door experiences with wine tasting and cheese boards, a group lunch, and return transport. A self-drive tour of your own is also a great idea, for total freedom on which incredible wineries to visit – if you can get them down to a shortlist, that is!

Winery tour in the Yarra Valley

The Melbourne Skydeck is unrivalled – it’s actually the highest viewing deck of its kind in the entire Southern Hemisphere, even beating Sydney Tower to that title. Don’t miss a go in the Edge – a glass cube that sticks out over the city (look down, if you dare). There’s also an innovative 6D theatre with a popular virtual reality experience. Melbourne Skydeck is great for everyone, from solo travellers to families, with food and drinks available on-site at Bar 88. Couples can book a romantic dinner at the Eureka 89 restaurant, where tasting menus are served against the backdrop of the shimmering city lights. 

The Skydeck is open every day – check the opening times ahead of your visit. Tickets are generally cheaper if you book online prior to visiting.

See the city from above at Melbourne Skydeck

Set in a charming little space in Preston, Kinja Lerrk sells beautifully made homewares, clothes, books and gifts that honour and celebrate Aboriginal culture. This is a great place to pick up a piece of locally made artwork, with the store selling prints of paintings depicting Australian animals, plants and wildlife. Along with the artists’ own work, they stock interesting items from a vast range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brands, including traditional bush food products such as teas, sauces and spices. Shopping here allows you to find a unique souvenir to take home, and support the local community at the same time. To visit the Kinja Lerrk store in person, it’s about a 30-minute drive from the Melbourne CBD to Preston, in the city’s north.

Visit Aboriginal art store, Kinya Lerrk & Co

Melbourne Zoo is home to a wide variety of native species living in Australian bushland enclosures. Here, it’s easy to get up close to kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, emus and wombats, to name a few. You might even spot a quokka, a cheeky little marsupial only found in Western Australia. Along with Aussie animals, you’ll also find a vast range of familiar faces, such as elephants, giraffes, big cats and gorillas. Zookeepers give regular talks on animals like baboons, seals and meerkats, and you can book a special up-close experience to meet a Sumatran Tiger or go into a koala exhibit. Remember to respect the animals – no touching or flash photography! From the city centre, Melbourne Zoo is easily reached in about 20 minutes via Tram 58, bus route 505 or train service (Upfield Line).

Animal encounters at Melbourne Zoo

This interesting tour is a great way to become acquainted with the history of Australia’s First Peoples and their connection to the land and plants of this area. You’ll be led by a First Peoples guide who will share their knowledge with you, from cultural stories and historical facts to insider information about the native plants all around you in the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk lasts 1.5 hours and departs from the Visitor Centre in the gardens. Bookings are essential. Private tours for groups are also available. The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne are just a short walk or tram ride from Flinders Street station in the city centre.

Discover Local in Melbourne - EN

Winery tour in the Yarra Valley

Aboriginal cultural walk in the Botanic Gardens

Visit Aboriginal art store, Kinya Lerrk & Co

Animal encounters at Melbourne Zoo

Take a tour of the Melbourne Cricket Ground

See the city from above at Melbourne Skydeck