Melbourne Travel Forum

I only have a day, what are the highlights of Melbourne that should not be missed? Thanks.

I am not sure of your interests or what day of the week you will be there. But I will suggest a few things.
There is a free tram that circles the inner city (it is painted a different colour from the other trams - a sort of maroony brown) and that orients you a bit.
I love the two art galleries they have - one at Federation Square which is for australian art - and another one close by just across the yarra river in what locals call the arts precinct.
You can go up the Rialto Tower and look out over the city. I think it costs a few dollars to do that. I haven't done it myself hating heights, but my son liked it.
The market at St Kilda is amusing but that is only on a Sunday. If you happen to be there on a Sunday then you can take the ferry over to Williamstown and have a break in one of their many cafes.
Me, I would give the Queen Victoria markets a miss - i think they are great for locals to buy cheese and fruit and stuff like that. But their other stuff is mostly cheap junk.
There is also a moving image museum in Federation Square which held our attention for an hour or two.
The old Melbourne Jail - close to the city centre - where they hanged Ned kelly fascinated me - and creeped me out.

Adding to the suggestions, depending on your interests...

I would surely walk along the Yarra River from Federation Square/Flinders Street Station to Rod Laver Arena.

If you are interested in sport this walk leads you to the Olympic Grounds and stadiums of 1956, and some additions, including the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) where you can get a guided tour.

I also find it interesting to have a look at the Formula 1 course which is a 15 min walk from a tram stop on the way to St. Kilda.

You could cruise the Yarra River, see the urban little blue penguins (book at Visitor Centre at Fed Square). I also like the Botanic Garden which is not far from the city centre.

A great building you should not miss is the train station Melbourne Central in Swanston Street. It encloses the historic Shot Tower under a glass atrium, really spectacular. It is now home of a shopping centre.

Definitely the old Melbourne Gaol - heaps of atmosphere, and if you take the time to read the info as you look around you gain a good insight into Melbourne's history. I also loved the free City Circle tram - helped me to get my bearings before I explored the city on foot. St Kilda was a highlight for me and I spent half a day there enjoying the Sunday market and the beach, but I had several days to play with.

If your chasing a view of Melbourne then this will be very cool.



http://www.eurekaskydeck.com.au/


Col

All great suggestions. I always tell visitors to Melbourne to visit Captain Cook's cottage in Fitzroy Gardens. You can get off the Circle Circle tram at the intersection of Flinders and Spring Streets and walk from there.

If you are still in Melbourne after sunset the gas jets along the Promenade outside Crown Casino are set off on the hour. There are good views of the city skyline from the Southbank area and the jets are entertaining to watch.

Another vote for the city circle free tram and add to the already large list - Royal Botanical Gardens - one of the best in the world - and nearby is the Shrine of Rememberance (pyramid shaped building). From the top deck is a view of the city that you don't get from the Rialto or Eureka and better still its free.

If you're in Melb for the evening then Brunswick Street would be the place to head to for a meal.

I liked St Kilda and of course the markets.