South Melbourne

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St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne
Selected for Best Things to Do in Melbourne

St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne

5.4
4.5/5
434 reviews

St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne is the cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, sitting across the street from Flinders Street Station and diagonally opposite Fed Square, guarding the busy intersection in the city center. This Neo-Gothic cathedral was designed by British architect William Butterfield and completed in 1891. Its exterior walls are built with warm-toned sandstone and limestone. The spires, completed in the early 1930s, used stone from Sydney and are slightly darker in color than the main structure. The central spire, nearly 100m high, makes the cathedral's silhouette a landmark on the local skyline. On the lawn outside the cathedral stands a bronze statue of British navigator Matthew Flinders, who led the first ship to circumnavigate Australia, and it is a common backdrop for tourists to stop and take photos. Push open the heavy wooden doors to reveal the interior, which features Butterfield's signature polychromatic Gothic style: dark bluestone stripes embedded in light-colored stone walls, floors covered with patterned tiles imported from the United Kingdom, and warm red wooden pews that echo the painted wainscoting, creating an effect that is intense yet solemn. The reredos behind the high altar is made of marble, alabaster, and Venetian glass mosaics, representing a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic decoration. The stained glass windows on both sides of the nave each tell different biblical stories and are worth slowing down to look up at. The pipe organ, crafted by renowned British organ builder Lewis, hangs above the choir stalls. The cathedral continues the English tradition of daily choral evensong. If you happen to be there at the right time, consider sitting in the back to listen. The resonance of the organ and choir under the vaulted ceiling is impressive. The cathedral has long hosted Mandarin-language gatherings and holds regular Chinese services, so Mandarin-speaking tourists are welcome to participate. Please remain quiet and turn off your flash when visiting. If a service is in progress, please listen quietly. To take a panoramic photo of the cathedral, you can walk to the side of Flinders Street Station and look back. The light and shadow on the warm-colored stone walls and spires are particularly beautiful at dusk. Stepping from the noisy street corner into the tranquil sanctuary—this contrast is exactly where its charm lies.

Melbourne · 2.1 km from South Melbourne
Hot Air Balloon Experiences in Melbourne
No. 4 of Activities in Australia

Hot Air Balloon Experiences in Melbourne

5.4

In Melbourne, experience a unique hot air balloon ride. You will soar into the sky and appreciate the unique charm of this city. Iconic Architecture and Multicultural Characteristics: As the hot air balloon slowly ascends, you can welcome the first rays of sunlight from a height of several thousand meters. The entire city gradually wakes up in the morning light. Iconic buildings such as the Eureka Skydeck and St. Paul's Cathedral come into full view. Architectural styles from different eras coexist harmoniously in this globally livable city. From high above, you can deeply appreciate the diverse cultural characteristics of this city. Unique flying conditions: Melbourne is the only city in Australia that allows hot air balloons to fly over the city center, a feature that makes Melbourne's hot air balloon tours unique worldwide. In addition, Melbourne's mild climate and stable winds also provide advantages for hot air balloon flights. Here, you can experience a smooth and safe hot air balloon flight while enjoying the charming sunrise. Long service history and complete qualifications:Melbourne's hot air balloon service has a long history, with many professional and experienced pilots and operation teams. They not only have rich flight experience, but also have professional certification from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to ensure that every flight meets the highest safety standards. Whether you are an adventurer who wants to find excitement and surprises or a traveler who desires to enjoy tranquility and beauty, you can find your own happiness and satisfaction in Melbourne's hot air balloon tour. Come and join this dream journey in the morning light and appreciate the different beauty of the sky!

Australia · East Melbourne
Parliament of Victoria
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in East Melbourne

Parliament of Victoria

5.4
4.2/5
91 reviews

Parliament of Victoria stands proudly on a hill at the eastern end of Melbourne, facing Bourke Street. Walking east to the end of the street, the facade, composed of a stone colonnade and wide steps, is a highly recognizable city image of Melbourne. The building was first constructed in 1855 during the gold rush, initially built for the Parliament of the Colony of Victoria. The chambers for both houses, the library, Queen's Hall, and the vestibule were completed in stages over the following decades, making it one of the most imposing 19th-century public buildings in Australia. Interestingly, it was never completed according to the original design—the planned dome was shelved due to the economic depression of the 1890s, and the cast-iron ceiling of the vestibule was originally a temporary choice before the dome was built, yet it has been in use for over a hundred years. Before the Federation of Australia was established in 1901 and the capital city of Canberra was built, the Federal Parliament operated here for 26 years, making Melbourne the political center of the nation for a time. Many major events in the early days of the Federation, including the declaration of war in World War I in 1914, took place within these halls. During the same period, the Parliament of Victoria was temporarily housed in the Royal Exhibition Building, only moving back after the Federal Parliament relocated to Canberra in 1927. When visiting, don't miss a few details: the floor of the vestibule is covered with colorful tiles fired by the Minton pottery factory in the United Kingdom, with the British Royal Coat of Arms in the center, surrounded by maxims from the Book of Proverbs. The Legislative Council chamber features a red color scheme, echoing the tradition of the House of Lords in the United Kingdom. At the end of the gold-leaf decorated hall, above the chair reserved for the King or Governor, hangs a canopy gifted by the British government, carved with the lion representing England and the unicorn representing Scotland. The Legislative Assembly, on the other hand, is a shade of green that follows the tradition of the House of Commons in the United Kingdom.

East Melbourne · 2.9 km from South Melbourne
St Patrick's Cathedral
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in East Melbourne

St Patrick's Cathedral

5.3
4.5/5
236 reviews

St Patrick's Cathedral is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne, located on the eastern side of Melbourne's city center, adjacent to Fitzroy Gardens. The cathedral was consecrated and opened in 1897, but its 3 Gothic Revival spires were not completed until 1939, coinciding with the centenary of the Catholic Church's mission in the region. The spires were built taller than the original design, and the central spire, over 100m high, has since become a prominent landmark on the Melbourne skyline. The entire building is constructed of bluestone, with a deep gray, almost black, facade that is textured and imposing. At sunrise and sunset, the slanting sunlight gilds the exterior walls, making it a perfect spot for photography. The approach to the cathedral is a sight in itself: the central axis of the nearly 100m-long path is a water channel that cascades down steps, forming a series of small artificial waterfalls. Bible verses are inscribed on the stone slabs at the bottom, and the path is lined with hedges. At the end of the path is a circular basin, with a round bronze plate embedded in the center featuring a cross and mythical beast patterns. Nearby is a semi-tilted "big bowl" fountain, with bubbling water flowing into a square pool below. On the stone slab in front of the pool is an inscription of a famous verse from the Gospel of John: "Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst." In front of the cathedral stand 2 statues—Saint Catherine and Saint Francis, who is looking upward. The interior of the cathedral follows a traditional Latin cross layout. Passing through the arched aisle from the main entrance, you will see the nearly 30m-high pointed vaulted ceiling supported by 2 rows of thick stone pillars. The central section of the vault resembles an inverted ship's hull, with the ridge line like a ship's keel, creating a unique aesthetic. The stained glass windows on both sides shimmer with brilliant colors in the light. At 1 end of the main hall is the high altar and liturgical area, while a massive pipe organ hangs in the gallery at the other end. The icons and plaques on the walls record the history of the Archbishops of Melbourne, whose remains are interred in the crypt beneath the cathedral. Mass is sometimes held inside the cathedral, and you may occasionally encounter a choir singing, their voices echoing beautifully under the high vaulted ceiling.

East Melbourne · 3.1 km from South Melbourne
Cooks' Cottage
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Fitzroy

Cooks' Cottage

5.3
4.2/5
232 reviews

Cooks' Cottage is located in Fitzroy Gardens, adjacent to Melbourne's city center. It is a two-story, ivy-covered stone house. In a city like Melbourne, dominated by Victorian-era architecture, a genuine 18th-century English stone house is quite rare. The cottage originally stood in the village of Great Ayton in Yorkshire, England, and was built by Captain Cook's parents. By the time the cottage was completed, Cook had already left home for many years to seek his fortune and did not live there for long, likely only visiting his parents briefly when he returned home. Later, he led the "Endeavour" on a voyage to the South Pacific, surveyed the coast of New Zealand, sailed north along the east coast of Australia to survey it, and claimed this coastline for the United Kingdom. This nautical history is the very reason the cottage was moved to Melbourne. In 1933, Melbourne businessman Sir Russell Grimwade bought the cottage as a gift for the people of Victoria to celebrate Melbourne's centenary. It was numbered piece by piece, dismantled, packed, and shipped here, with even the ivy vines from the walls brought along, and it was reconstructed in its original form in Fitzroy Gardens in 1934. Today, the cottage is surrounded by a small English garden enclosed by neatly trimmed hedges, and the initials of Captain Cook's parents are carved into the stone lintel above the door. The interior is furnished to reflect the lifestyle of an 18th-century English country family, with antique items such as bed curtains, candlesticks, spinning wheels, and stoves that evoke the atmosphere of an ordinary working family. A bronze statue of Captain Cook stands by the path, wearing a tricorn hat and holding a telescope as he gazes into the distance, often attracting tourists to stop and take photos. The eye-catching red mailbox nearby is also very popular; you can buy a postcard at the adjacent shop, drop it in, and have it marked with the cottage's exclusive commemorative postmark when it is mailed. After visiting the cottage, you might want to stay a little longer in Fitzroy Gardens. Hidden among the tree-lined paths shaded by ancient trees are a conservatory, a Fairy Tree, and a Tudor-style model village, offering a charming English countryside atmosphere.

East Melbourne · 2.8 km from South Melbourne
Fitzroy Gardens
No. 11 of Spring Outings in Australia

Fitzroy Gardens

5.1
4.6/5
129 reviews

Fitzroy Gardens is a Victorian-style garden adjacent to Melbourne's city center. Established as a public garden in the mid-19th century, it features tree-lined avenues of English elms and expansive, flat lawns. Interestingly, when viewed from above, the crisscrossing paths outline a pattern resembling the British Union Jack, a detail that is much talked about in the garden. The Cooks' Cottage in the garden is not to be missed: the cottage was originally the residence of British explorer Captain Cook's parents in Yorkshire, built about 80 years before Melbourne was founded. In 1934, it was dismantled, packed, and shipped across the ocean to Melbourne, where it was reconstructed in its original form. The nearby Tudor Village model was created by retired Englishman Edgar Wilson; it features thatched cottages, a church, a school, a barn, and a stream, miniaturizing the appearance of a Kentish village during the Tudor dynasty. The Spanish Mission-style conservatory is filled with flowers all year round, with floral displays changing themes according to the season; the "Fairy Tree," carved by sculptor Ola Cohn, is covered with figures of fairies, koalas, kangaroos, and more, making it a treasure hunt spot for children. Small animals like parrots and possums are often seen in the garden, and it is very pleasant to sunbathe or have a picnic on the lawns. St. Patrick's Cathedral is not far from the garden and can be visited together. Many tourists just take a photo in front of the cottage and leave in a hurry; in fact, taking a slow stroll along the paths is the best way to appreciate the full charm of this English-style garden.

East Melbourne · 3 km from South Melbourne

Experiences you can't miss in South Melbourne

Featured Food & drink in South Melbourne

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Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne
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4.9/5
· 145 reviews· 1.6k booked
Duration: 4.8 hrs
English
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32 consecutive positive reviews
FromSEK 844.00
Melbourne Puffing Billy Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley Winery English Day Tour in Australia
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FromSEK 1,318.00
1-day tour of Yarra Valley winery in Melbourne with lunch, wine tasting and cheese sampling
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FromSEK 2,343.00
Australia Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Food and Wine day tour (includes multiple famous wineries and lunch)
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FromSEK 2,343.00
Melbourne Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges wine tasting + gourmet food + Healesville 1-day tour with hotel transfer
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4.8/5
· 4 reviews
Duration: 4.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
92 travelers saved
FromSEK 1,209.00

Featured Day tours in South Melbourne

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[Affordable Price for Tomorrow] Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Phillip Island & Penguin Island Day Trip
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4.9/5
· 1.6k reviews· 17.6k booked
Duration: 7 hrs
English
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77 consecutive positive reviews
FromSEK 1,007.00
Optional Mercedes-Benz 499] Melbourne Puffing Billy Railway + Penguin Parade Phillip Island 1-day tour
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4.8/5
· 1.2k reviews· 16k booked
Duration: 6 hrs
English
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94.8% of travelers recommend
FromSEK 889.00
Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade one-day tour
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4.7/5
· 289 reviews· 1.7k booked
Duration: 6.1 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
93.4% of travelers recommend
FromSEK 1,171.00
Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Penguin Island Day Tour [Visit two popular attractions in one day]
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4.6/5
· 189 reviews· 3k booked
Duration: 3.5 hrs
English
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90.5% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 1,421.00SEK 1,496
Great Ocean Road Classic Sunset Day-Tour [English & Chinese speaking driver/guide & popular spots & air-conditioned bus] in Melbourne
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4.7/5
· 213 reviews· 952 booked
Duration: 8.8 hrs
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29 consecutive positive reviews
FromSEK 454.00
Melbourne Puffing Billy steam train classic tour with transfer - optional Chinese/English driver guide
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4.6/5
· 10 reviews· 484 booked
Duration: 1.4 hrs
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5% off
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FromSEK 1,186.00SEK 1,249
Melbourne Brighton Bathing Boxes + Phillip Island 1-day tour, Chinese/English package optional
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4.6/5
· 23 reviews· 317 booked
Duration: 14 hrs
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132 travelers saved
FromSEK 1,068.00

Featured Spa & wellness in South Melbourne

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Admission ticket to Peninsula Hot Springs in Australia [Unlimited enjoyment of 50 bathing experiences]
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5.0/5
· 1 review· 32 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
English
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FromSEK 629.00
Peninsula Hot Springs: Entry Ticket with Bath House
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4.8/5
· 12 reviews
Duration: 5 hrs
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FromSEK 546.00
Luxury Hot Springs in Mornington Peninsula
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Duration: 3 hrs
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FromSEK 646.00
Mornington Peninsula: Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
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Duration: 1 day
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FromSEK 680.00
Mornington Peninsula: Hot Springs and Body Clay Ritual
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Duration: 4 hrs
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FromSEK 680.00
Fingal: Peninsula Hot Springs Entry with Lunch Credit
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Duration: 4 hrs
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FromSEK 748.00
Peninsula Hot Springs: Fire, Ice, and Bathe
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Duration: 45 mins
English
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FromSEK 681.00
1-day round-trip tour to Peninsula Hot Springs from Melbourne
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23 booked
Duration: 8.3 hrs
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FromSEK 1,364.00

Featured Culture & history in South Melbourne

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Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges Day Tour [Premium Group | Hotel Transfers]
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FromSEK 1,372.00
[Go West Tours]Great Ocean Road DayTour fromMelbourne|EnglishGuide|Max24|16Languages Audio
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 32 booked
Duration: 5.2 hrs
English
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FromSEK 1,081.00
Old Melbourne Gaol: Entry Ticket
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FromSEK 259.00
Geelong Audio Tour: Maritime Marvels and Heritage Highlights of Geelong
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
Filipino
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20% off
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FromSEK 71.00SEK 89
Melbourne Immigration Museum: Entry Ticket
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FromSEK 102.00
Melbourne: Skydeck Experience Packages
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FromSEK 402.00
Melbourne: Hidden Bars & Creepy Tales Walking Tour
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5.0/5
· 15 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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FromSEK 443.00

Free things to do in South Melbourne

What travelers say about South Melbourne

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Anonymous userJune 9, 2026
4.0
The legoland discovery is small, but my son still can enjoy there more than 4hours.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Melbourne

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飞飞翔的鱼123July 13, 2023
5.0
St. Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne was built in 1880. This Gothic church features pointed arches and flying buttresses, as if telling a series of historical stories. The cross-ribbed spires inside are like God's fingers, which can pluck the strings of people's hearts with a gentle wave. Here, it seems that we can hear the voice from the depths of history and feel the power of faith. Standing in front of St. Paul's Cathedral, we seem to be able to hear the voice from the depths of history and feel the power of faith. It's like standing on the top of a mountain, as if we can touch the sky closest to God.

St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne

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徐徐霞客RrAugust 26, 2022
5.0
Australia's Federation Square is the largest square in the country and the most popular square for citizens. It also hosts various activities during major festivals and is very popular.

Fed Square

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姜如意June 28, 2020
4.0
This is a Victorian-era building preserved in Melbourne. It has long corridors, tall columns, and many decorations on the capitals and footings. The entire building adopts a Gothic style and is very gorgeous and majestic.

Parliament of Victoria

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SoghepardoJuly 6, 2026
5.0
St Kilda Beach is a relaxing spot with beautiful sunsets, a lively atmosphere, and scenic coastal views. Great to visit.

St Kilda beach

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水儿DorisDecember 19, 2019
5.0
St. Patrick's Cathedral is located in the city of Melbourne, in the garden at the intersection of Gisborne St and Cathedral PI in Melbourne. It is the largest and tallest Catholic church in Melbourne and the Southern Hemisphere. This Gothic-style cathedral was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Catholic Church in Victoria (Melbourne is the capital of Victoria) and was designed by the famous British architect William Wardle in 1863. The church was officially opened in October 1897, but the three spires of the church were not completed until 1939, which took more than 90 years. The spire is 105.8 meters high and the church is 92.25 meters deep. The cathedral is built of bluestone, with undulating and concave exterior walls, dark gray and black in color, solemn and majestic, magnificent and eye-catching, fully demonstrating the architectural style of the Renaissance.

St Patrick's Cathedral

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yangduoduo17November 1, 2020
5.0
This beautiful two-storey cottage in the middle of an Australian city park is very unusual and well worth a visit. Imported from Yorkshire, it has been lovingly restored and gives a glimpse into 17th century English life, with the kitchen garden and ivy said to have been brought from Yorkshire. The knowledgeable volunteers were happy to answer questions and provide information. There were racks of costumes to try on and we saw many people enjoying trying them on that day.

Cooks' Cottage

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多多October 29, 2020
4.0
Melbourne is surrounded by gardens in all directions, with the ocean to the south. There are Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, Treasury Gardens, Botanical Gardens and Flagstaff Gardens. It is a great place to explore and walk through. It is always crowded with visitors enjoying the atmosphere and the fresh air brought by the magnificent trees and plants. The beautiful gardens are the icing on the cake for Melbourne's central business district. The vast lawns and lush trees make exploring Melbourne a great pleasure. They make a lovely backdrop for historical buildings such as the Old Treasury City Museum, Cook's Cottage and more.

Fitzroy Gardens

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小小呆60August 23, 2020
3.0
This park and amusement park are the collective childhood memories of all Melbourne people. Today, this park also attracts a large number of tourists. It is a very retro park. I like it very much. It seems to be the one on TV.

Luna Park Melbourne

Trip Moments in South Melbourne

Frequently asked questions

You can give Affordable and relaxing - 1-day tour to Puffing Billy Railway and Yarra Valley & Dandenongs Ranges winery in Melbourne and Melbourne Puffing Billy Train + Redwood Forest + Yarra Valley Winery English Day Tour in Australia a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include [Affordable Price for Tomorrow] Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train + Phillip Island & Penguin Island Day Trip, Optional Mercedes-Benz 499] Melbourne Puffing Billy Railway + Penguin Parade Phillip Island 1-day tour, and Melbourne Puffing Billy Steam Train & Phillip Island Penguin Parade one-day tour. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of November 8, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in South Melbourne is around SEK 454 – SEK 1,421. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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