It’s always difficult to know which attractions to take in when travelling to a new destination, but the challenge is amplified ten-fold when travelling in a group.
If you’re after a few great activity ideas that are ideal for small or large groups, here are a few of Melbourne favourites that are well worth considering.
- Stroll down Southbank
If you’ve ever seen one of those iconic pictures of Melbourne which takes in the Yarra River with its heritage bridges and skyscraper-lined river banks, you’ll be able to enjoy it in the flesh while taking a stroll down Southbank.
With countless bars and restaurants, you’ll likely also encounter some of Melbourne’s famous street entertainers or buskers while taking in the beautiful backdrop of Melbourne’s CBD.
- Soak in the views from the Eureka Skydeck
Want uninterrupted 360° views of Melbourne and its surrounds? Head to the Eureka Skydeck on Melbourne’s Southbank to take in some of the most impressive views around.
There’s also something for the adrenaline junkies amongst the group with Eureka’s ‘The Edge’ experience, where you’ll be suspended almost 300 meters above Melbourne from a cube made entirely from glass—the walls, the roof and even the floor!
- Catch a match at the MCG
Melbourne is known as Australia’s sporting capital, so it only makes sense that you take in a sporting match of some description while there.
While there are plenty of stadiums offering a variety of sporting attractions, the MCG is by far the most iconic of the lot. Hosting ALF matches throughout the winter months and cricket matches throughout the summer months, there’s sure to be something happening no matter what time of year you’re there.
- Organise a beach day
Australia is known for its beautiful beaches, and while you’ll need to drive a little way out of Melbourne to find a surf beach, you can still enjoy some time spent waterside at some of the more sheltered beaches scattered around Port Phillip Bay.
If you’re based in the CBD, check out Port Melbourne, St Kilda or Elwood Beaches. If you’re based in the west, head to Williamstown or Altona Beach, or if you’re further east, the entire eastern coast of the bay is dotted with beaches right down to the end of the Mornington Peninsula.
- Hit up a theme park
Luna Park in St Kilda is in a central location which is easy to access and delivers a taste of an old-school carnival-style theme park with a few relatively tame rides, games and attractions.
Alternatively, Gumbaya theme park in Melbourne is sure to have something to please every member of the group with carnival rides, a wildlife sanctuary trail and a fully-fledged water park. You can even hire a private cabana and make a day of it!
- Check out the local markets
Who doesn’t love a market while on holidays? Markets are a great way to get an idea of the personality of a place, while seeing a range of unique and interesting products made by local artisans and enjoying a bite to eat from a trendy food truck or stall.
Queen Victoria Market on Queen Street is Melbourne’s most well-known market which is home to plenty of fresh produce, food and speciality retailers. If you’re there at the right time of year, you might even be able to take in one of their impressive night market sessions.
Alternatively, some other great markets that are worth considering include the St Kilda Esplanade Market, the South Melbourne Market, the Camberwell Sunday Market or the Farmers Market at Collingwood Children’s Farm.
- Head on a wine tour of the Yarra Valley
Victoria is home to plenty of excellent wine producers and the Yarra Valley wine region is a great destination that’s within easy reach of Melbourne where you can sample some of what’s on offer while taking in the beautiful countryside.
There are plenty of tour operators that will happily collect your group from the Melbourne CBD or another location and take you to tour the various wineries and cellar doors throughout the region, possibly also stopping at places like the famed Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery or one of the many excellent restaurants you’ll find in the area.
