The cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne wows with its stunning architecture, famous café scene, and natural wonders such as the Yarra River. At Melbourne, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re on the hunt for famous landmarks to photograph or simply just want to take in the laid-back ambience that’s just perfect for a leisurely vacation.
But with so much to do and see, creating your Melbourne itinerary can get pretty overwhelming, especially if you have a shorter trip ahead of you. To make planning easier for you, we’ve listed down some of the must-visit landmarks in Melbourne you just can’t miss. Read on below:
1. Federation Square
Federation Square is a must-visit in Melbourne for its unique architecture! (Credit: John Torcasio | Unsplash)
Federation Square is one of the most popular Melbourne CBD landmarks due to its unique design, which uses materials like sandstone, zinc, and glass to form triangular grids. And while the architecture is its main draw, there’s plenty of other things to do here as well, such as dining, watching sports and movies for free at the outdoor cinema, or even walking along Yarra River.
Klook tip: See more of the best landmarks in the area with this guided tour of Melbourne CBD and Brighton Beaches, which takes you to Chinatown, Queen Victoria Market, Captain Cook’s Cottage, and more.
2. Melbourne Cricket Ground
Make sure to catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground!
One of the biggest sports stadiums in the world, Melbourne Cricket Ground should definitely be on any sports aficionado’s itinerary. Here, you can catch a game at any time of the year, whether it’s football in winter, cricket in summer, and even the annual Australian Open every January.
But there’s plenty to do here, even if you’re not into sports. Try joining an MCG Tour in Melbourne, the only way to explore behind-the-scenes, to walk through the arena and see where the athletes play. You can also walk along the Yarra River or Birrarung Marr nearby, which showcases sculptures and artworks celebrating Victoria’s Aboriginal culture.
3. Melbourne Skydeck
Take in picturesque views of the city from the top of the Melbourne Skydeck.
No trip to Melbourne would be complete without seeing its iconic skyline, and the best place to do so is at Melbourne Skydeck. Offering 360-degree bird's eye views of the city, you’ll be able to see famous landmarks in Melbourne such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Federation Square, Yarra River, and even all the way out to the Dandenong Ranges on a clear day.
Klook tip: For the best views of the city, we recommend visiting an hour or two before sunset. This way, you can see Melbourne in the daylight, catch the sunset, and enjoy the city skyline as it lights up at night.
4. Flinders Street Station
Flinders Street Station is definitely a must-visit for any Melbourne itinerary!
One of the most famous landmarks in Melbourne, Flinders Street Station is an essential stop for first-timers in the city. Its distinctive dome and baroque facade make it a popular spot for taking photos, especially when it's lit up at night. During your visit, spend some time exploring the art installations inside, before you go shopping and dining at the nearby Royal Arcade.
5. Royal Exhibition Building
Check out the four architectural styles used in Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building (Credit: Dylan Lu | Unsplash)
The first World Heritage-listed building in the country, Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building features different architectural styles like Byzantine, Romanesque, Lombardic, and Italian Renaissance, giving it a one-of-a-kind design that stands out.
One of the most famous historical sites in Melbourne, tourists flock here to take photos outside, before heading inside to explore the expansive galleries. It also hosts trade shows, fairs, and various community events throughout the year, so it’s a great place to visit if you’re looking to try a variety of local experiences.
Klook tip: We recommend visiting the Royal Exhibition Building and its galleries as soon as they open, before you head out to the Carlton Gardens just outside to see local wildlife and even enjoy a leisurely picnic for lunch if weather permits.
Experience the best of Melbourne with Klook!
Now that you know which landmarks in Melbourne to add to your itinerary, all that’s left to do is to finish packing your bags and get ready for your trip. Make sure to book travel essentials ahead of time, such as your Australia eSIM and your accommodations in Melbourne. Have a great trip!
FAQs about must-visit landmarks in Melbourne
1. What is the most iconic landmark in Melbourne?
Flinders Street Station and its distinct yellow facade and green dome is the most iconic landmark in Melbourne. Other key landmarks in the city include the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Royal Exhibition Building, and the Melbourne Skydeck.
2. What are famous places to visit in Melbourne?
Some of the most famous places to visit in Melbourne for sightseeing include Flinders Street Station, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Queen Victoria Market, the Royal Exhibition Building, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Neighborhoods such as Melbourne CBD and Fitzroy are also key stops if you want to experience the local cafe and brunch scenes. For nightlife, we recommend dropping by South Yarra, Prahran, and Chinatown.
3. What are the top 3 landmarks in Melbourne?
The top 3 landmarks in Melbourne are:
• Flinders Street Station: famous for its green dome and baroque design, as well as the nearby arcades for shopping and dining.
• Melbourne Skydeck: a must-visit for uninterrupted, bird’s eye views of the city.
• Carlton Gardens: located just outside the Royal Exhibition Building, it’s perfect for admiring local wildlife and a picnic in good weather.
4. What are three man-made landmarks in Melbourne?
Famous man-made landmarks in Melbourne include:
• Flinders Street Station: Australia's oldest train station, known for its iconic yellow facade and green dome.
• Federation Square: One of the busiest Melbourne CBD landmarks due to its unique design attractions such as an outdoor venue for free movies and concerts.
• Shrine of Remembrance: A memorial that honors Australians who served in armed conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
5. What must I see in Melbourne?
Must-sees in Melbourne include Flinders Street Station and Federation Square for architecture, Melbourne Skydeck for picturesque views of the city, and the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for its sports history. We recommend a visit to Queen Victoria Market to sample local produce as well, and maybe even find a couple of cool souvenirs such as leather goods and indigenous art.
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.
