1. Explore Hosier Lane Street Art. Melbourne is well-known for its graffiti along the arcades and laneways, situated in the CBD, Hosier Lane Street Art is usually noticeable, inviting attention instead of staying unseen.
2. Check out the colourful bathing boxes at Brighton Beach. Needed a new profile picture? Lots of photo opportunities here. Come and snap you next profile-worthy photo against these iconic colourful bathing boxes at Brighton Beach. It is also the best sunrise and sunset spots in Melbourne. Take a long walk along the beach and end the day right by watching the sun goes down.
3. Be awed at Pink Salt Water Lake in Westgate Park. What? There’s pink lake in Melbourne?! Well yes, you heard me right! Forget about the Pink Lake in Western Australia, Victoria has its very own pink lake. The colour effect is amazing, it is a natural phenomenon and commonly in pink during summer months. Situated right under Westgate Bridge, it is worth a quick stop to snap a few shots and get on your way.
4. Explore East Warburton Redwood Forest. A hidden gem situated in East Warburton, you can find incredibly huge and tall California Redwood trees which planted in rows here. They were planted for experimental purposes however the access is unregulated. You will feel dwarfed by the towering trees as you wind your way through the rainforest.
5. Take a walk in the Dandenong Ranges National Park. There are numerous walking trails in the Dandenong and vary in difficulties. Obtain a detailed map to plan out the areas to explore before entering the park. Refuel yourself at Miss Marple's Tearoom that offers the best scones, served with its homemade raspberry jam and freshly whipped cream.
6. Take a panoramic photo of the city skyline at Mount Dandenong Observatory Lookout. Thereafter, you can enjoy a fancy dining experience at SkyHigh Mt Dandenong.
7. Catch up with nature at Wilsons Promontory National Park. Wilsons Promontory also known as The Prom, located in the South Gippsland region of Victoria. Get a taste of a great Aussie bush-camp experience at Tidal River Campground.
8. Feeling on top of the world at Mount Oberon Summit. The hike up to the top of Mount Oberon is approximately two hours (return), starting from Telegraph Saddle Carpark. You will be rewarded with a superb view over Tidal River, the coast and offshore islands. The weather here can change from a calm to storm at anytime and it can be very cold and windy even during summer months. Don’t give up though, you will thank me later! I can’t even put into words how mind-blowing this hike was. Majestic. Breathtaking. Surreal.
9. Take a walk along Squeaky Beach. Squeaky Beach is unique because of its fine white sands, making a squeaking sound underfoot, living up its name.
10. Catch the sunset at Whisky Bay Beach. Whisky Bay Beach has a similar rock formation to the orange-lichen-encrusted rocks in Bay of Fires, Tasmania - showing off its colour as the sun sets.
11. Get around Melbourne like a local by bike. A great and healthy way to experience the adventures in the nature and admire the beauty of the city has to offer. Hire a bike from Rentabike @ Federation Square or use one of the share bikes found around the city. The Hobson Bay Coastal Trail is approximately 23kms long, allow you to discover unusual attractions and hidden spots in Melbourne. The trail is easily navigated and clearly signposted, passes through Williamstown Foreshore, Williamstown Beach, Jawbone Marine Sanctuary, Kororoit Creek, Cheetham Wetlands and ends at Altona Dog Beach. Thereafter, catch the train back from Altona Station to Flinders Street Station. (Bikes can be carried freely on the metropolitan trains.) I shall let the photos do the talking. Prepare to have your mind blown by the epic sceneries along the way.
12. Challenge yourself with Fort Nepean Walk. Discover the associations with early settlement, quarantine and defence as well as enjoy stunning views of Port Phillip Bay and Bass Strait, this walk is approximately 7km (return), starting from Gunners Carpark. Alternatively, you can hire a bike from Point Nepean Information Centre or catch a Point Nepean Shuttle Service. Quick facts - the first shots fired by Australia in both World War I and World War II were fired from here.
13. Put the Grampians National Park on your bucket list. Grampians National Park is definitely one of the destinations you wouldn’t want to miss, with many scenic walks to offer which allows you to explore its mountain ranges and its natural beauty.
14. Chilling at The Balconies. Formerly known as the Jaws of Death, relatively easy walk (2km return) from the Reed Lookout Carpark that offers a spectacular view over Victoria Valley.
15. Challenge yourself up Mount William. Mount William also known as Mount Duwil is the highest point within the Grampians National Park. It is a steep and strenuous climb (3.6km return) from Mt William Carpark to the summit, however you will be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of the mountain ranges that will leave you gasping in awe. Note: It is often covered in a blanket of snow during winter months.
16. Admire the Mackenzie Falls. Starting from the Mackenzie Falls Carpark, it is approximately 2km return walk to the bottom of the falls. It is important to wear the appropriate footwear as the rocks do get slippery when wet.
17. Watch the gorgeous sunset from Boronia Peak. This 6.6km return walk begins from Tandara Road Carpark is rather easy at first, however the climb soon becomes much trickier as the trail becomes rocky. Persevere and you will be rewarded with majestic view of Lake Fyans and the glorious sunset over Fyans Valley.
18. Make friends with kangaroos. Just don’t punch them
19. Get ready to have your mind blown at Blue Lake. I am aware that Blue Lake is not in Victoria, but it is located just within the border of South Australia and just a two hours drive from the Grampians. They say, do it from the gram. So why not?!
20. Explore the key highlights of Great Ocean Road. Drive along this scenic routes and take it the highlights: Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Arch and The Grotto.
21. Walk through Royal Arcade. It is a Parisian-style shopping arcade, located within the heart of the city with entrances on Bourke Street Mall, Little Collins and Elizabeth Street. Stop by at Hopetoun Tea Rooms for an amazing high tea session. Be warned, the place is often packed and the queue is very long.
22. Indulge in Melbourne-style coffee. Head to Market Lane Coffee for an excellent cup of coffee.
23. Grab brunch in one of the laneway cafes. My top recommendations are Operator 25, Hash Specialty Coffee & Roaster, Manchester Press, Hardware Societe and Affogato.
24. Drinks with a view. Take in the view from Rooftop Bar with a drink in your hand.
25. Relax yourself at Peninsula Hot Springs. The hilltop pool is the best kept secret at Peninsula Hot Springs. Don’t say i didn’t tell you.
26. Visit the Cape Schanck Lighthouse.
27. Do the Cape Schanck Boardwalk.
28. Take a quiet stroll around Lake Daylesford. It is a peaceful and lovely place to be in your bucket list if you are visiting Daylesford.
29. Strawberry picking at Naturipe Fruits. Fruit-picking is definitely one of the experiences not to be missed in Victoria. Grab a bucket, pick fresh, have fun!
30. Visit Docklands.
31. Take a ride on Melbourne Star Observation Wheel. Formerly known as Southern Star, Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is the fourth largest wheel in the world, offering an impressive view over the Docklands Harbour and surrounds no matter day or night.
32. Burn a hole in your pocket at DFO South Wharf Outlet. Who can resist a massive fashion bargain?
33. Take the oldest wooden roller coaster at Luna Park. The roller coaster is the highlight in the amusement park.
34. Discover State Library of Victoria’s unique history.
35. Watch penguins for free. It is not necessary to purchase tickets to see penguins at Phillip Island, you get to watch penguins return to shore at dusk for FREE at St Kilda Pier. Make sure you put red cellophane over your torches or phone lights as the penguins are disturbed by white light.
36. Take a stroll around Fitzroy Gardens. The park is well-known for its floral displays, statues, fountains and structures, not forgetting Captain Cook’s Cottage - the oldest building in Australia.
37. Fresh food shopping at Queen Victoria Market.
38. Park a blanket for a picnic in Royal Botanical Gardens. A haven of peace in the heart of hustle bustle city. Take a walk around the gardens and pay a tribute to those who fought and died for our freedoms at Shrine of Remembrance.
39. Admire the architecture of Flinders Street Station. You can hop on a city circle tram here and take in the highlights along the city circuit.
40. Walk along Yarra River. Check out events at Federation Square or join a Melbourne City Cruise or score a view of the entire city at Eureka Skydeck or amaze yourself with Gas Brigades or try your luck in Crown Casino or dine in at one of the restaurants/bars located on the banks of Yarra River. You decide.
41. Wander through Carlton Gardens. You will get heaps of photo opportunities here with Royal Exhibition Building as the backdrop.
43. Feed your tummy at Melbourne’s Little Italy. You can find plenty of Italian restaurants along Lygon Street. Pasta, wood oven pizzas, cheese, you name it. Don’t forget to stop by at Il Dolce Freddo for the best gelato.
44. Have some Doughnut Time. Try out their signature doughnut filled with Nutella, dusted with cinnamon sugar - Love At First Bite that everyone is talking about.
45. Grab the best burgers in town. My top recommendations are Betty's Burgers, 8bit. and Mr Burger.
46. Glamping under the star in the city. Camping? Let’s do it in style at St. Jeromes Hotel!
47. Watch the sun rise over Melbourne from hot-air balloon. Tick off your bucket list with this unforgettable once in a lifetime experience.
48. Go on a Yarra Valley Wine Tour.
49. Build a snowman at Mount Baw Baw. The snow season begins from June till late September. You can enjoy various activities here, i.e. skiing, snowboarding, or even throwing a snowball. Do make your booking in advance, if you are keen to go on a Howling Husky Sled Dog Tours.
50. Do the Tim Tam Slam. It’s basically means biting off the corner of Tim Tam and using it as a straw to slurp up a cup of hot beverages. Let's do it in the Australian way!
Leave a comment down below if you’ve done all or about to cross things off the lists!
