Melbourne's Best Kept Secrets

Shepard Fairey Hosier Melbourne
Shepard Fairey Hosier Melbourne | © TigTab / WikiCommons

Melbourne is quite well-known for its hidden things; whether that be concealed bars, secret cafes, quirky museums, or undiscovered attractions. Fortunately, we’re here to uncover some of the most underrated things you need to do in the city. From bars that look like science laboratories to the best place for plane viewing, here are Melbourne’s best kept secrets.

Up close and personal to planes

Near Melbourne Airport, there’s a designated Aircraft Viewing Area. Located at the intersection of Oaklands and Sunbury Road, you are directly in the path of planes taking off and landing. Because you are close to the airport boundary, the planes are just metres above your head. Hence this is most definitely a loud – but nonetheless underrated – thing to do in Melbourne for travel and plane lovers.
Aircraft Viewing Area, Oaklands Road, Bulla, VIC, Australia

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

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

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

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
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

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.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Spot Qantas planes arriving in Melbourne

Step into SisterWorks

Shop

SisterWorks is a non-profit organisation that evolved from a group founded by Luz Restrepo, when she arrived in Australia as a Colombian political refugee in 2010. It helps women migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers become settled and financially independent in Australia. The SisterWorks store in Richmond stocks handmade wares from 88 different women. By purchasing a product, you are directly helping a migrant family. Some of the items for sale include scarfs, food products, children’s toys, jewellery, and greeting cards.

Cocktail time at The Croft Institute

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Contemporary

The Croft Institute
© The Croft Institute

The Croft Institute is literally located down a dark, graffiti-covered alley in Melbourne’s Chinatown. The ground floor bar is fitted out to resemble a science laboratory, with a large collection of test tubes, beakers, and Bunsen burners. The first floor are the toilets, which are also decorated in an odd fashion. Finally, the second floor was a former gymnasium, but is now a dance floor with a real turf bar. The Croft Institute is the place to visit for custom cocktails.

Check out a new concept at Lyon Housemuseum

Museum

No, that isn’t a typo. Lyon Housemuseum is a Melbourne innovation, where ‘museum and living are brought together in a single building’. It’s believed to be the world’s first purpose-built residence and museum that’s open to the public for pre-booked tours and selected events. Lyon Housemuseum was designed by Corbett Lyon, an architect and collector who coined the term housemuseum. Artwork and artefacts from some of Australia’s leading contemporary artists are juxtaposed against the house’s domestic furnishings.

Be wowed at Wunderkammer

Shop, Museum

Butterflies
© StockSnap / Pixabay

Wunderkammer comes from the German word for cabinet of curiosities. People would display collected oddities inside a glass cabinet, and the tradition is still followed today. Wunderkammer in Melbourne has a lot of rare and unusual products for sale, including scientific and medical instruments, taxidermy animals, shells and animal teeth, butterflies, minerals, anatomical models, medical books, and fossils. If you’re looking for an odd gift or souvenir, check out Wunderkammer.

Join a studio audience

Some people don’t realise that they can join the studio audience of one of the many TV shows that film in Melbourne. It’s a fun and free thing to do in the city, especially if you watch that particular show. Visit the Pope TV Facebook page for up-to-date information on what is filming. Some of the programs you could be a part of include The Project, Have You Been Paying Attention?, The AFL Footy Show, The Weekly with Charlie Pickering, Rockwiz, and Millionaire Hot Seat.

Have a punt

Yarra River cruises are quite popular in Melbourne. But what many people don’t know is that you can also cruise on a wooden punt in Melbourne. Punting on the Lake takes guests on a scenic journey on the Ornamental Lake in Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. The professional punters act as tour guides as well, informing visitors about the garden’s wildlife, plants, and history. You can do evening, sunset, and high tea punt packages, too.
Punting on the Lake, Gate A, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Punting on the Lake

Behold The Break Room

Have you ever wanted to unleash your fury and smash some plates? Well, you can do just that at The Break Room. The concept is not simply about violence, but ‘harnessing those destructive tendencies in a controlled and fun way’. Visitors are dressed in safety gear and led into a break room with crockery and a baseball bat, where they can do what they want in a specified amount of time. It’s a cathartic stress reliever, and perhaps the best kept secret in Melbourne.

The Break Room, 29 Budd Street, Collingwood, VIC, Australia

Head to Heide for modern art and markets

Museum

Heide Museum of Modern Art was established in 1934, but became a public museum and garden in 1981. Its external architecture, sculpture park, and beautiful gardens outside are just as significant as the contemporary art exhibitions displayed inside. Heide is dedicated to promoting the work of living contemporary artists. Heide Museum of Modern Art also hosts a Makers’ Market the second Saturday of every month, in collaboration with the Rose Street Artists’ Market. Stallholders sell art, design, jewellery, and other handmade goods.

Choose your poison at Jimmy Watson's

Restaurant, Wine Bar, Contemporary

Located on Melbourne’s infamous Lygon Street, there is more than meets the eye at Jimmy Watson’s. Firstly, the restaurant and wine bar is a Melbourne institution, which was established in 1935. But then there’s stairs leading to the Wolf’s Lair, a cosy and comfortable rooftop bar. Between these two concepts is The Courtyard, a leafy oasis with heaters come winter. Finally, there’s the newest member of the Jimmy Watson’s family, Thin Red Line. The new bar is located upstairs as well, and has its own private entrance. So, which will you choose?

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

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!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article