10 Unique Experiences You Can Only Have in Melbourne
From cultural events such as the AFL Grand Final, the Melbourne Cup and Moomba to attractions such as Sovereign Hill, Puffing Billy, and the Penguin Parade, Melbourne is packed with exclusive experiences. Here are 10 unique things to do in Melbourne.
Moomba
Dating back to 1955, Moomba is Australia’s largest free community festival, attracting over a million people each year across the Labour Day long weekend in March. Celebrating Melbourne’s diversity and traditions, Moomba features a variety of events including the Moomba parade, the crowning of the Moomba Monarchs, a carnival, fireworks, live music and the birdman rally.
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
AFL Grand Final
Held every year at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on the last Saturday in September or the first Saturday in October, the AFL Grand Final is the most momentous game in the season as it determines the Premiership champion. A parade has been held in Melbourne on the Friday before the game since 1977 and in 2015 the day was declared a public holiday. The game itself attracts 110,000 spectators with a further 3.3 million home viewers.
Puffing Billy
Train Station
Rap Jumping
Building
Rap Jumping
Founded and commercialised in 1989, Rap Jumping is an advanced form of freestyle rope work and forward abseiling which involves running down a seven-storey building face first. In addition to the original Rap Jumping experience, the company offers Intro to Abseil for beginners, Night Rap Jumping and a VIP Ultimate Experience.
Rap Jumping 334 City Road Southbank, VIC Australia + 61 1300 780 266
Something to brag about | Courtesy Rap Jumping
Royal Melbourne Show
Royal Melbourne Show
Organised annually by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria the Royal Melbourne Show has been delighting Melbournians since 1848. The show not only showcases the agricultural industry but also features blue ribbon competitions, amusement, arts, and crafts, pop up restaurants, and a variety of pavilions. The Royal Melbourne Show is also famous for its wide selection of show bags.
Royal Melbourne Show 2016, Melbourne Showgrounds Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale, VIC, Australia
Grab a show bag or two | Courtesy The Royal Melbourne Show
Sovereign Hill
Museum
Themed bars
Bar
Themed bars
From Cold War Germany at Berlin Bar to vintage arcades at Bartronica, Melbourne is renowned for its unique array of quirky, themed bars. Other favourites include IceBar in Fitzroy, 29th Apartment in St Kilda, The Croft Institute in Croft Alley, Storyville on Lonsdale Street and Madame Brussels on Bourke Street.
IceBar, 319 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
Drinks with a difference | Courtesy IceBar
Penguin Parade
Penguin Parade
‘Take a waddle on the wild side’ at Phillip Island’s world-famous Penguin Parade; the only commercial venue in the world where people can see penguins in their natural environment. Explore the interactive displays at visitor’s centre before watching Little Penguins wobble up Summerland beach and into their burrows each day at sunset.
Penguin Parade at Philip Island, 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerlands, Victoria, Australia +61 035951 2800
Watch the penguins | Courtesy Penguin Parade
Luna Park
Amusement Park, Park
Luna Park
While Luna Park is found in both Sydney and Melbourne, the St Kilda amusement park was the first to be built in Australia and features the Scenic Railway – the oldest continually operating roller coaster in the world, which dates back to 1912. It’s also one of only three roller coasters in the world with a brakeman who stands in the middle of the train. Other attractions include the Carousel, the Ghost Train, the Spider, Twin Dragon, and The Pharaoh’s Curse.
18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC Australia +61 3 9525 5033
Melbourne Cup
Known as the race that stops a nation, the Emirates Melbourne Cup is run on the first Tuesday in November at Flemington Race Course. The most-anticipated race of the Spring Racing Carnival, the Melbourne Cup is the ‘richest two-mile handicap’ thoroughbred horse race and is celebrated in Victoria with a public holiday.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
