Melbourne is Australia’s foodie and cultural capital with stacks of art, cafes, museums and shopping to indulge and plenty of places to make sure you’ve got your camera at the ready! Make sure to save this list for your trip to the city and make your friends and followers envious of your Melbourne getaway.
1. Victoria State Library
Whilst this list is not in any particular order, if there was an order, the Victoria State Library would be right at the top. The La Trobe reading room is one of the most beautiful reading rooms in all of the world and so students in the city are super lucky to be able to study in this gorgeous space. The La Trobe room is reminiscent of the Radcliffe Camera in Oxford mixed with the decor of the Boston Public Library’s iconic Bates Hall. Make your way right up to the top and take a (quiet) photo of this stunning room.
2. Hosier Lane
Melbourne is famous for its art. Not just the masters and the classics but also its gritty street art. And none is more iconic than Hosier Lane. As you turn into the lane, you’re met with a cacophony of colour, imagery and words which is ever changing. The challenge is to find your favourite section to capture!
3. Brighton Bathing Boxes
The bustling beach suburb of Brighton is famous for its cheery bathing boxes which make a really fun shot for your feed. There’s a great selection on offer here from bright rainbow colours to really artistic dolphins and the classic VW Camper Van. The Bathing Boxes are a great option for a carousel post so pick your favourites and share them all!
4. Flinders Street Station
The Melbourne trams are a useful way to get around the city and right in the very heart of the CBD they’re free to ride and rest those weary feet after a day exploring. The most perfect location to capture a passing tram if you can is right outside Flinders Street Station which is one of the city’s central transport hubs. The Art Nouveau dome is its stand out feature and there are plenty of angles to capture the station from.
5. Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are many locals favourite place in Melbourne, especially in summer when plenty of people arrive with a picnic to enjoy in the grounds. The city is relatively unusual in Australia because it does tend to get all four seasons and so the Botanic Gardens are a great place to see the colours of the seasons change from one to the next. You can even go punting on the Ornamental Lake for alternative way to see the gardens.
6. NGV
The NGV (or National Gallery of Victoria if you want to say its full name!) needs to be on your Melbourne itinerary if you love art. The gallery itself is very Instagrammable with its straight lines and building waterfall. Head inside to enjoy artwork from the likes of Dali and Degas to Rodin and Monet as well as many incredible Australian artists.
7. Royal Exhibition Building
In the heart of Carlton Gardens in the Royal Exhibition Building which is a World Heritage listed site and one of the most impressive buildings in Melbourne. It was built for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880 and remained an icon of the city ever since. Sadly on my visit, access to the front stairs wasn’t possible due to clear up from the Melbourne Flower Show but that’s the best spot to get an Insta shot from!
8. Duckboard Place
Another of Melbourne’s most famous street art spots is Duckboard Place which has a massive mural on one of the walls which makes it ideal to photograph. At one end you’ll find AC/DC lane which is another well known street art laneway.
9. Block Arcade
The Block Arcade was once a hub for the well to do of Melbourne and a popular weekend activity was to take a walk around ‘the block’ to make sure you were seen in your newest gear. Today it’s one of the most historic parts of the CBD with stunning architecture and styles to admire. You can take a picture and then stop for some tea at the iconic 1892 Tea Rooms.
10. Queen Victoria Market
The Queen Victoria Market is the biggest market in the Southern Hemisphere which means its an epic place to hang out and explore in Melbourne. If you’re planning a picnic then come and pick up everything you need here or treat yourself to food truck goodies.
You absolutely can’t leave without trying the hot jam doughnuts from the American Doughnut Kitchen which nearly always has massive lines queuing they’re that good!
11. The Langham
As soon as you step in the doors of The Langham in Melbourne you need to be ready with your camera as it has one of the grandest hotel entrance halls you’ll see!
If you stay here then make sure to get a room with a river / skyline view because this is an epic vantage point to capture the city from. Fill up with their delicious Afternoon Tea (on a Friday, indulge in the super cute Paddington Afternoon Tea which is even more perfect for your Insta feed).
12. Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy Gardens is another great place for a walk, a picnic and to photograph for your Insta feed. Create a carousel post of all the cute little spots in the garden from the fairy tree to Cook’s Cottage and from the beautiful Conservatory to the model Tudor Village. It’s like wondering through a funky fairytale story!
13. Royal Arcade
The other Arcade to feature on this list is the Royal Arcade which has a stylish black and white tiled floor. It is Australia’s oldest arcade and was designed in the Italianate style with touches of French and English influence which makes it feel more European in overall feel. Stroll through and capture your favourite details as well as the symmetrical look down.
14. Degraves Street
Melbourne is all about its laneway culture with delicious food and drinks hidden along these narrow alleyways. Degraves Street is the epitome of the laneways and makes for a fun shot that captures it all. With tables set out in the middle of the street to dine like you’re in Europe, the bustle and the street signs. The only thing that’s missing from a photo is the inviting smells that make your taste buds tingle 😉
15. Luna Park
Luna Park is a theme park in the St Kilda area of Melbourne with lots of thrills and rides for the whole family to enjoy on an afternoon out. It also makes for a pretty hectic Instagram photo with its crazy clown head which you walk through to get into the park.
16. Yarra River
The famous Yarra River is an icon of Melbourne and winds its way through the city centre. The city owes its beginning to the river as this is where Melbourne was established in 1835 but for thousands of years prior was inhabited by Aboriginal Australians. Princes Bridge is the best place to capture a view of the Melbourne skyline with the Yarra River splitting the city in two parts. Make sure to come during the day, at sunrise and night to experience every aspect of Melbourne. Last year I enjoyed a four course dinner cruise along the Yarra which was so much fun – book your tickets here.
Take a look at my other Melbourne content for more inspiration for your break to the city!
Cat x