This branch of the National Gallery of Victoria has exhibits of international art. Its permanent collection includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens and Tintoretto as well as a collection of Egyptian artefacts. It also hosts a world-class programme of temporary exhibits.
NGV International
Eureka Tower & Eureka Skydeck
When it was constructed in 2006 Melbourne’s tallest building claimed to be the world’s tallest residential building. The Q1 in Surfers Paradise also claimed this title (Eureka Tower’s roof is higher than the Q1, but the Q1 is taller if measured to the top of its spire). The 297m-high (38m taller than the Trump World Tower in New York), 91-storey Eureka Tower has an observation deck on the 88th floor with stunning views of Melbourne, which is the highest public observation point in the southern hemisphere. The Edge is a unique feature of the tower (with an additional $12 admission charge); this is a glass cube that projects three metres outside the building – with you in it – allowing you to see the city through the glass floor.
Free entry with the iVenture Melbourne card
Free entry to the Eureka Skydeck with the iVenture Card Melbourne sightseeing passRoyal Exhibition Building
Built in 1879 for the International Exhibition of 1880, this exhibition centre is an architectural masterpiece; the concrete dome over the main hall was modelled on Brunelleschi’s cathedral in Florence. It is one of the world’s oldest exhibition pavilions and is Australia’s first non-Aboriginal cultural site to be classified as a World Heritage Site. The exterior is more impressive than the interior, partially due to its setting within the Carlton Gardens.
Queen Victoria Market
With more than 1100 stalls, the Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a great place to stock up on fresh food at bargain prices, and there is a huge flea market on weekends. The hot jam doughnut van is also worth a visit.
On Wednesday nights Nov–Feb there is a night market with an emphasis on gourmet street food stalls.
Parliament House
This imposing building served as the home of Australia’s parliament from 1901 till 1927 after which time it has been home to the Victorian state parliament. There are guided tours when parliament is not sitting, and you may sit in on parliament when it is in session.
Old Melbourne Gaol
Built in 1841, this prison has a history of 104 hangings including that of the infamous Ned Kelly in 1880. Displays include Kelly’s armour, his guns and his death mask.
Free entry with the iVenture Melbourne card
Free entry to the Old Melbourne Gaol with the iVenture Card Melbourne sightseeing passMelbourne Museum
Situated behind the Royal Exhibition Buildings, Australia’s largest museum contains some excellent exhibits with a good selection on local and natural history. The museum contains a lot of new exhibits and is divided along different themes with Australian history, Aboriginal and Pacific Island culture, science and natural history. Highlights include Australia’s first – and the world’s fourth – computer (with a massive 2KB RAM) plus a set from the TV show Neighbours. The complex also houses an IMAX theatre.
Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
Melbourne’s impressive new aquarium is home to a variety of marine life and features transparent tunnels allowing you to be surrounded by fish in the 2.2 million-litre oceanarium.
Free entry with the iVenture Melbourne card
Free entry to the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium with the iVenture Card Melbourne sightseeing passImmigration Museum
This fascinating museum recalls the journeys of thousands of migrants and their contribution to Australia.
Flinders Street Station
Flinders Street Station is the hub of Melbourne’s suburban rail network and for many years has been Melbourne’s major landmark. The clocks on the corner of this ornate station have been the favourite meeting place for generations of Melburnians.
V/line trains to Bairnsdale and the Latrobe Valley depart from here, but all other V/line rail services depart from Southern Cross Station.