Sydney is a city automatically popping up in our mind as we hear about Australia, since it’s the state’s most populous city, but do you know what comes after Sydney in Australia? Yes, it’s Melbourne. Melbourne is the capital of the Australian state of Victoria and the second most populous city in Australia after Sydney.

Melbourne is often referred to as Australia’s garden city, since there’s an abundance of parks and gardens throughout the city, with various common and rare plant species amidst the landscape vistas, pedestrian pathways, and three-lined avenues. Melbourne’s parks are considered the best public parks in all Australia’s major cities. Besides, some national parks: Mornington Peninsula National Park, Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park, and Dandenong Ranges National Park are dispersed around the urban area of Melbourne.

In tourism, Melbourne is the second most-visited destination in Australia, after Sydney. Melbourne Zoo, Aquarium, Museum, and the city’s parks and gardens are some popular attractions which have invited millions of local and international tourists around the year. They also visit Melbourne for its diverse culinary scene; Italian and Greek restaurants are popular dining destinations of the city. It also hosts the most well-known food festival, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, usually taking place during early autumn. Melbourne is a city that never ceases to amaze. Let our suggestions guide you on your journey of exploration.

Operational hours: 9.30 am to 5 pm daily

The most famous family-oriented attraction in Melbourne, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium allows you to get up close and personal with various incredible marine creatures, participate in the animals’ feeding shows, and engage in touch-and-feel discovery rockpools. You can also interact with the colony of sub-antarctic penguins with Penguin Passport tickets.

Operational hours: 9 am to 5 pm daily

Melbourne Zoo is one of Australia’s best-known and a home to over 320 species of animals: lions, koalas, penguins, kangaroos, and more. Greet the tigers and monkeys roaming around their cages designed like the luxuriant Asian and African rainforests; and meet the majestic king of the jungle, Lion George. Then, take some time to listen to the keepers’ insightful talks and presentations about animals–this is a place combining entertainment with valuable knowledge.

Now you’ll get historic and natural adventures at once with Puffing Billy and Wildlife Tour from Melbourne. With this package, you can enjoy a nostalgic journey on the historic steam train, Puffing Billy; wind through the green Dandenong Ranges, and encounter native Australian wildlife: koalas, kangaroos, and emus. You also won’t miss a chance to take a sip of a traditional Devonshire Tea in the Sassafras Village, accompanied by freshly-baked scones with jam and cream.

Join us for a seamless tour of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems with the Great Ocean Road Day Tour. This half-day adventure will take you to the historic Split Point Lighthouse, Great Ocean Road Memorial Arch for a great photo-taking, charming town of Lorne, Kennett River, the coastal views of Apollo Bay, Twelve Apostles, and Loch Ard Gorge–all the city’s natural wonders in one convenient package.

For those traveling to Melbourne between June to August during winter, consider the tour package of Lake Mountain Snow, Waterfall, and Chocolate Day Tour from Melbourne on Traveloka. You’ll have an exploration through one of the world’s top wine regions, Yarra Valley, 3-hour play around snow, visit to one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls, Steavenson Falls in Marysville, then a taste buds treatment at Yarra Valley Chocolate Shop and Ice Cream Factory. While the temperature is cold, take a sip of hot chocolate before ticking off all the tour’s itinerary.

Operational hours: 9 am to 6 pm daily

This would be kids’ paradise in Melbourne, offering a wide range of fun for the whole family. In LEGOLAND Discovery Center Melbourne, you can enjoy exciting LEGO-themed rides and attractions, like Kingdom Quest and Merlin’s Apprentice, explore a fascinating miniature replica of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, and experience a captivating adventure of LEGO movies in the 4D cinema with special effects of wind, rain, and snow.

Experience the charm of Melbourne’s waterfront with our Melbourne River Cruises! Hop on a cruise that will transport you to captivating sights of the city’s Ports and Docklands, where you’ll learn about Melbourne’s maritime past and present; as well as the luxuriant river gardens adorning the breathtaking waterways of Melbourne. Along the Yarra River, create a romantic evening with your significant other or friends.

Operational hours: 10 am to 4.30 pm daily

Operated by Museums Victoria, Scienceworks Melbourne is a science museum offering ever-changing exhibitions, programs, and shows for curious minds of all ages. Participate in a cosmic journey to the galaxies, stars, and beyond at Melbourne Planetarium, as well as gain a deeper understanding about science through the cutting-edge technologies and robotics–this place is all about science experience disguised as fun!

Don’t you know that you can have a tour through incredible gardens in Melbourne? Book Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Tour on Traveloka. Skip the hustle and bustle of the metropolis by getting into the Sensory Garden, amazing Guilfoyle’s Volcano Garden to see the iconic water reservoir, and Ornamental Lake’s boat ride. With this tour, you’ll delve deeper into the diverse history of Australian indigenous and the country’s key endemic plants.

Fancy to interact with adorable native furry friends? Try out Penguin Parade Phillip Island Tour from Melbourne. This one-day trip will allow you to encounter the world’s smallest penguins, enjoy the breathtaking sunset at the Penguin Parade with spectacular coastal views from Summerland Beach, and explore the Nobbies Center at Seal Rocks to admire the cliff top views and penguin burrows. Soak yourself up in the diverse appeals of nature and wildlife, but relaxing on the beach while breathing in the ocean air is also great!

Enjoy a picnic like any other with Mystery Picnic in Dandenong Ranges. Have fun with your friends or families solving curated clues and riddles to fill up your empty basket with various picnic gourmets as you get closer to your picnic spot! You can even have your own dietary requirements at no additional costs, including gluten free and vegan. Then, make the most of your mystery picnic by visiting local artisan food vendors selling cheeses, meats, fruits, and crackers.

Reserve Healesville Sanctuary and Phillip Island Wildlife Guided Tour to explore the coastal views of Phillip Island and have an incredible meet-up with Australian endemic koalas, kangaroos, and penguins. You also have to stroll along the famous Nobbies boardwalk while seeing numerous seals resting on the spectacular Sea Rock. Want to take it easy? Just relax at the beach enjoying the adorable Phillip Island penguins.

Another water exploration in Melbourne is here! Not with a cruise, now, you’ll sail along the Yarra River by a kayak. Paddle past Victoria Harbor, Bolte Bridge, Seafarers Precinct, and Southbank during this 25-hour adventure. With Moonlight City Sightseeing Kayak Experience in Melbourne, you’ll take advantage of the remarkable sunset and witness the city come to life through the city’s most important river.

Seeking a stress-free adventure in Melbourne city? Melbourne City Discovery Tour is the answer. Unleash Melbourne’s rich history and lively culture of numerous top landmarks throughout the city: Paris End of Collin Street, Old Treasury Buildings and Parliament House, St. Patrick Cathedral, and National Gallery of Victoria. You’ll also have a visit to Queen Victoria Market for souvenir and craft shopping and adoring panoramic city views from Eureka Skydeck.

Create a romantic and celebratory dinner by the iconic waters of Victoria with Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise. Served by the Spirit of Melbourne Cruising Restaurant, savor a delicious 4-course menu with beverages on a 3-hour river cruise while gazing out the panoramic windows for jaw-dropping waterfront views unfolding before your eyes. Wait for the city’s mesmerizing display of lights after sunset!

Are you a biker? Now, you can navigate Melbourne’s bay and beachside by bike. Melbourne Bayside Bike Tour offers you the beauty of urban villages and beautiful beaches through the bike paths. Pedal along the Brighton Beach Station, visit St. Kilda Botanical Gardens, Acland Street, Luna Park, and the colorful Brighton Bathing Boxes. Enjoy the fresh seaside breeze while occasionally stopping for refreshments during this 3-hour guided bike tour.

Now, for an adventure to Yarra Valley, secure the Traveloka package of Yarra Valley Winery Tour with Wine, Gin, Cider, and Cheese. As the package’s name implies, you can personalize your tour by choosing over 100 different vineyards, breweries, chocolate, cheese, and distilleries–all is at your own disposal! Enjoy scenic views of Yarra Valley while considering visiting the world-class wineries producing award-winning wines or satiating your taste buds with exquisite chocolates.

After experiencing the city of Melbourne from the waterway, you also have a chance to admire the cityscape via air. Hot Air Balloon Flight Experience in Melbourne allows you to drift gracefully above the city’s top sights: Flinders Street Station, the world-known Albert Park Formula 1 Track, Federation Square, Melbourne’s Central Business District, and Yarra River. Remember to always get your camera ready as you soar over Melbourne’s urban beauties.

Want to hear about the urban legends of Melbourne? Get your tickets for Hidden Bars and Creepy Tales Melbourne Walking Tour. Take part in the exciting tour to explore the city’s best hidden bars, secret laneways, and creepy tales. You’ll get around from the northern and eastern part of the city for the most interesting places while getting a sip of the city’s finest beer, wine, and cocktail; and follow the creepy tales of the guided storytelling about a wartime serial killer, Jack the Ripper!

Explore more of Melbourne’s hidden laneways on a walking tour with Melbourne Lanes and Arcades Walking Tour on Traveloka. Participate in a 3-hour fascinating tour with an English-speaking local tour guide to discover local designers and specialty retailers in the heart of the city. You can also range over the laneways you may have heard about and have a wonderful taste of chocolate in the city’s finest chocolate salons.

Melbourne offers endless discoveries. Now that you’re already well-informed about what to list on your itinerary, reserve your flights, accommodations, and travel activity tickets via Traveloka now. It's a one-stop shop for all your travel bookings, featuring flexible booking options with easy reschedule and refund, as well as secure and convenient payment in currency most suited to your needs. Book today!