Whether you have lived in Melbourne for one year, one decade or your whole life – there are some things you have to experience in the city. We have worked hard to compile the ultimate Melbourne bucket list that will have you falling in love with the city all over again, and maybe even getting a different perspective. If you endured some or all of the lockdowns in Melbourne, this is just the list to work through to get you back on the grid.
Cocktails on Bourke Street
Melbourne’s mixologists have a fine reputation in Australia, and Melbourne’s Bourke Street restaurants are home to some of the best. There are rooftop bars you can take in views of the city, or you might prefer a quiet wine bar tucked away. This is a great activity to do with a group of friends or that special someone. Be sure to make a booking, because Melbourne’s social calendar never slows down?
Sporting events
AFL is, of course, Melbourne’s sport of choice, but there are so many other sporting events that are hosted in Melbourne that you have to experience at least once. Sweating it out at the MCG while watching the cricket is an incredible pastime, and so is watching a few matches at the Australian Open. If you like your sport faster and more adventurous, you might prefer to watch the Australian Grand Prix.
Check out the breweries
Melbourne is home to some pretty incredible breweries, each of them totally unique in its style and flavour and the perfect way to get a sense of a suburb in Melbourne. Spend an afternoon sampling the beer brewed in Collingwood, Abbotsford and Richmond, all close enough to be reached on foot. If you don’t have time to see them all, then prioritise Stomping Ground Brewery and Moon Dog, as these are great spots to also get something to eat and slow down to enjoy the atmosphere. You will definitely fall in love with the Melbourne brewery scene.
Hit the markets
Melbourne takes its markets very seriously, and when you go there and witness the grandeur and cultural diversity – you will see why. Queen Victoria Markets and South Melbourne Market are probably the biggest and most premium markets, but Preston Market is also a smaller and quieter option. A fun thing to do would be to hit some markets and grab a range of food, treats and wine and enjoy your goods in a park. This is also a great way to sample cuisine you haven’t tried before, made and served by locals.
Take a tour to wine country
Ok, this is not necessarily Melbourne but it is very easy to take a tour from the city into wine country and spend the day drinking and grazing in some spectacular locations. Yarra Valley is a great place to start as there are so many wineries you can visit in close proximity to one another. There is also Coldstream Brewery and Four Pillars Gin distillery if you want to add some other notes to your day. This is a fantastic thing to do for a Christmas party, hens party, bridal shower and really any social celebration. You can get some great group accommodation or make it a romantic getaway with a cottage for two.
We hope this has inspired you to look at Melbourne in a new light and get back to chipping away at your Melbourne bucket list. Did we miss anything on our list? We would love to hear from you on what you deem the top things to do in the city and why you love it!
