Melbourne is the kind of city that knows how to have a good time. One minute you’re sipping coffee in a hidden laneway, the next you’re watching penguins waddle ashore or cruising down a river with skyline views. That mix of culture, nature, food, and quirky experiences is exactly why travelers keep searching for fun things to do in Melbourne.
This list is your go-to guide for experiences that feel exciting, are easy to plan, and are totally worth your time. From classic must-sees to day trips that wow, you’ll find fun activities in Melbourne that work for first-timers, repeat tourists, and even locals looking for something new.
Stick around; you’re about to discover some of the most fun stuff to do in Melbourne, plus smart booking tips to make planning simple.
Cruise the Yarra River and see the city from the water
Yarra River cruise with Melbourne CBD skyline views
Seeing Melbourne from the water instantly changes your perspective. A sightseeing cruise along the Yarra River lets you relax while the you pass through the city’s contrasts, from contemporary skyscrapers to tranquil riverside greenery. It’s calm, scenic, and surprisingly fun, especially if you want a break from walking.
This experience works well for couples, families, or anyone easing into the city on their first day. You’ll spot landmarks without the crowds and get great photo angles along the way. It’s one of those fun things to do in Melbourne CBD that feels effortless but memorable.
🗓️ Best time to visit: Morning or sunset for cooler temps and softer light
🚋 How to go: Walk or tram to Southbank, then board at the river pier
Ride the Puffing Billy steam train through the Dandenongs
Puffing Billy steam train crossing a forest bridge near Melbourne
If you want something playful and nostalgic, hop on the Puffing Billy steam train. This historic ride passes through lush forests, wooden bridges, and mountain scenery just outside the city. You can sit on the open-air carriage with your legs dangling which is part of the fun.
It’s a favorite for families, but adults love it just as much. Book the Puffing Billy & Phillip Island Wildlife Day Tour; it has wildlife stops that make it one of the most complete fun attractions in Melbourne for a day trip. It’s relaxed, scenic, and totally different from city sightseeing.
🗓️ Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for cooler weather
🚍 How to go: Join a guided tour from the city for easy transport
Take a Great Ocean Road day trip for epic views
Travelers enjoying Great Ocean Road views near the Twelve Apostles
Few trips deliver wow moments like the Great Ocean Road. This iconic coastal drive packs cliffs, beaches, rainforests, and the famous Twelve Apostles into one unforgettable day. It’s big, bold, and absolutely one of the most fun things to do in Melbourne if you love nature.
You can also book the Great Ocean Road tour so you can have a guided tour that keeps things simple so you can focus on the views instead of the driving. You’ll stop at scenic lookouts, seaside towns, and photo spots that feel straight out of a movie.
🗓️ Best time to visit: Summer for longer daylight, winter for dramatic seas
🚐 How to go: Full-day tour departing from Melbourne
Float above the city on a hot air balloon flight at sunrise
Hot air balloons floating over Melbourne skyline at sunrise
A hot air balloon flight over Melbourne is one of those experiences that instantly feels special. You’ll take off just before sunrise and drift quietly above the city as the skyline, parks, and river slowly light up below. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and surprisingly calming, perfect if you want a memorable start to your day.
This experience gives you a completely different way to see the city, making it one of the most unique fun things to do in Melbourne. Floating over landmarks like the CBD and nearby suburbs gives you a new sense of scale and orientation.
Many flights end with a celebratory breakfast, which adds a relaxed, indulgent finish. If you’re celebrating something or just want to do something unforgettable, this is a standout choice.
🗓️ Best time to visit: Early morning year-round, with clearer skies in autumn and spring
🚗 How to go: Meeting points are usually in or near the CBD, with transfers often included
Take in the views from Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower
Visitors enjoying panoramic city views at Melbourne Skydeck
If you want instant wow-factor with minimal effort, head up to Melbourne Skydeck. This is the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere, and the views stretch across the city, the bay, and beyond. It’s thrilling without being overwhelming, perfect if you want something exciting that doesn’t take all day.
The Skydeck is especially fun for first-time tourists who want to get their position. It’s also a great indoor option, which makes it one of those fun attractions in Melbourne that works in any weather. Book your Melbourne Skydeck experience in advance to lock in your preferred time; this is especially helpful on weekends and cloudy days when indoor spots fill up fast.
🗓️ Best time to visit: Late afternoon or just before sunset
🚋 How to go: Tram or train to Flinders Street, then a short walk
FAQs about fun things to do in Melbourne
What are some fun indoor activities in Melbourne?
Melbourne shines even when the weather turns bad. Museums, aquariums, observation decks, and food experiences keep things exciting indoors. Many of these are included in attraction passes, making them easy to plan.
The Melbourne Klook Pass makes this even easier by bundling top indoor attractions into one flexible ticket. Instead of booking each experience separately, you can choose multiple sites at a better value and visit them at your own pace. It’s especially handy on rainy days when indoor plans become your backup and your highlight.
What are the most fun things to do in Melbourne?
The most popular choices combine city life and nature. River cruises, laneway exploring, wildlife tours, and the Great Ocean Road consistently rank high. Together, they show why people love searching for fun things to do in Melbourne.
What fun things can you do in Melbourne for first-time visitors?
If you’re a first-timer you should start with the CBD, laneways, and a Yarra River cruise. Add one day trip, like Phillip Island or the Great Ocean Road, to balance city and scenery. This mix covers the best fun attractions in Melbourne.
What fun things can you do in Melbourne in one day?
In one day, focus on the city center. Explore laneways, enjoy a river cruise, and visit a major attraction using a pass. It’s a compact way to enjoy fun things to do in Melbourne CBD.
What fun attractions in Melbourne are worth booking in advance?
Day tours like the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island usually sell out. Attraction passes are also worth booking early during peak seasons. Planning ahead locks in availability and saves time.
Time to turn your Melbourne plans into memories
Melbourne makes it easy to say yes to adventure. If you’re cruising a river, chasing coastal views, or discovering hidden laneways, there’s no shortage of moments that feel genuinely fun. Start booking early, mix city highlights with day trips, and turn your plans into memories.
Ready to go? Lock in your favorite experiences and enjoy the best fun things to do in Melbourne; the city is waiting.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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