National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne

National GeographicOct 20

Explore the Cultural Riches of Melbourne

From Downtown to the beloved Great Ocean Road, the Australian city is more beautiful and easier to get around than ever before.

hosts NGV Triennial from mid-December 2026 to mid-April 2027

15 things in this story

SkybusPlaceshuttle service from Melbourne Airport
Hosier LaneSightLocated on the CBD's southern edge, it extends between Flinders Street and Flinders Lane, and opens opposite the Atrium…
National Gallery of VictoriaGalleryhosts NGV Triennial from mid-December 2026 to mid-April 2027
Great Ocean RoadTrail150-mile stretch west of Melbourne, hopscotches between surf towns
Royal Botanical GardensSightEstablished in 1846, a year-round social hub
Moonlight CinemaPlaceoutdoor cinema in Royal Botanical Gardens during summer
LightscapeFestivalneon light art in Royal Botanical Gardens during winter
Aboriginal Heritage WalkPlacelearn about pre-colonial past and forage for native plants
Flinders LaneNeighborhoodThe laneway runs east–west from Spring Street to Spencer Street in-between Flinders and Collins streets.
Degraves StreetNeighborhoodIt is a short, narrow laneway that runs north–south from Flinders Street to Flinders Lane and is situated in-between…
Meyers PlaceNeighborhoodhas great wine bars and steakhouses
Guildford LaneNeighborhoodlined with artisanal doughnut shops and cafés
Melbourne MagicRestaurantoff-menu double ristretto coffee
Twelve ApostlesSightseries of jagged stacks erupting from the sea
12 Apostles Hot Springs and ResortHotelsoon to welcome visitors

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Lonely PlanetSep 10

19 of the Best Free Things to Do in Melbourne

There are countless ways to spend your time in Melbourne – from time in nature to live music and the arts – and, often, these activities are totally free.

Impressive international artworks, stained-glass atrium, water wall.

25 things in this story

Queen Victoria MarketMarketStar attraction for fresh produce, crafts, and food.
Royal Botanic GardensGarden38-hectare green space with themed areas and a lake.
Koorie Heritage TrustMuseumExhibitions on traditional custodians and contemporary Koorie culture.
Hosier LaneSightStart of a maze of laneways with street art.
Luna ParkTheme parkIconic amusement park with creaky rides.
National Gallery of VictoriaGalleryImpressive international artworks, stained-glass atrium, water wall.
Ian Potter CentreMuseumHouses the Australian collection, including Aboriginal art.
Federation SquareSightHosts holiday festivals, tai chi, urban garden, cultural experiences.
ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)MuseumInteractive history of film and TV, Neighbours nostalgia.
Australian Centre for Contemporary ArtGalleryArchitectural gem with a revolving exhibition calendar.
Rose Street Artists' MarketMarketLocated in Fitzroy for Melbourne creativity.
Night Market at Victoria MarketMarketOffers hawker-style food and live music.
Collingwood Children's FarmZooOffers a rural idyll in the city.
Shrine of RemembranceMuseumIt was built to honour the men and women of Victoria who served in World War I, but now functions as a memorial to all…
Acland StreetNeighborhoodKnown for pavement cafes and old-school European cake shops.
St Kilda Adventure PlaygroundPlaceA treat for kids of all ages.
City Circle TramPlaceHeritage trams loop around the city and Docklands.
Block ArcadeTrailConstructed between 1891 and 1893, it is considered one of the late Victorian era's finest shopping arcades and ranks…
Nicholas BuildingSightDesigned by architect Harry Norris and completed in 1926, it is the grandest…
Flinders Lane precinctNeighborhood
Camberwell MarketMarket
Farmers' Market at Abbotsford ConventMarket
St Kilda BeachSight
Flinders Street Railway StationTrain station
ANZ's gothic headquartersSight

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

National Gallery of Victoria

In the coverage2 stories

Explore the Cultural Riches of Melbourne

19 of the Best Free Things to Do in Melbourne