City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne blends culture, food, art, sports and coastal beauty into one unforgettable city along the Tasman Sea. Victoria’s capital city offers street art, murals and modern squares filled with art galleries, shops and cafés. Whether you love cafés, ocean views or world-class museums, you’ll find plenty to explore from boat slips for rent near me, private boat dock rentals or local marinas.
Queen Victoria Market
If you’re looking for fresh ingredients for dinner at a private boat lift rental, the Queen Victoria Market is the place to find produce, seafood, gourmet foods, artisan products and souvenirs. Visitors can sample regional cheeses, fresh seafood, multicultural street food and handmade treats while exploring the bustling stalls.
Established around 1878, and spread across several open-air sheds, it’s one of the largest open-air markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Beyond food, the market features clothing, crafts, gifts and night markets with live entertainment and festivals, making it a favorite destination for both tourists and locals.
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens, established in the mid-19th century, is a peaceful escape close to the city. It's a beautiful showcase of global plant collections, themed gardens, rolling lawns, walking trails and lakeside picnic spots. Visitors can stroll along scenic paths, learn about native flor or join guided tours that highlight unique ecosystems. The tranquil Fern Gully and picturesque Guilfoyle’s Volcano are must-see features.
National Gallery of Victoria
Australia’s oldest public art museum, the National Gallery of Victoria is Australia’s oldest and most visited public art museum. It’s home to an exceptional collection spanning centuries and featuring European masterpieces, Asian art, Indigenous works and cutting-edge contemporary pieces.
The iconic waterwall entrance at NGV International on St Kilda Road sets the stage for immersive galleries and rotating exhibitions that draw global attention. Nearby, the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square focuses on Australian art and design.
Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
Meet penguins, sharks, rays and other marine creatures up close at the immersive SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Situated along the Yarra River, the aquarium features immersive exhibits including the Penguin Playground, Coral Atoll and the dramatic Shark Walk, where visitors can view sharks and rays swimming beneath their feet.
Interactive experiences offer chances to learn about conservation, ocean habitats and endangered species. Highlights include playful gentoo and king penguins, colorful reef fish and fascinating jellyfish displays. Educational talks, feeding sessions and themed zones make the visit engaging for all ages to visit from private boat slip rentals.
Melbourne Museum
Discover natural history, Indigenous culture, science exhibits and interactive spaces in one of Australia’s most engaging museums, the Melbourne Museum. Located in Carlton Gardens, it features engaging galleries that explore everything from prehistoric creatures and geology to human culture and modern innovation. Highlights include the famed Dinosaur Walk, the dynamic Forest Gallery and the fascinating Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, which shares First Nations histories and stories.
Melbourne Skydeck
Soar to one of the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation platforms at the Melbourne Skydeck. Located in the Eureka Tower, it offers sweeping 360-degree views of the city, mountain ranges and Port Phillip Bay from the 88th floor location.
One of the most thrilling features is The Edge, a glass cube that extends from the building, giving guests a dramatic look straight down. Interactive displays help you identify landmarks, while sunset and nighttime visits provide dazzling city lights.
