Hop onto the free City Circle Tram
Melbourne’s free City Circle Trams are a great way to get around town, conveniently stopping right out the front of Melbourne Central YHA hostel. Travel through the city as the driver shares great tips and historical knowledge of the area while you see Melbourne CBD's famous sights and sounds.
Tour Melbourne's Street Art Laneways
Tucked between bohemian style cafes and boutique specialty stores Melbourne’s inner city proudly canvasses some of the world’s best street art. Go and visit famous hidden treasures such as Union Lane which is a few steps away from Bourke Street Mall. See the eclectic variety of street art that has been produced by young artists as well as famous world renowned names. Other great spots to check out that are only walking distance from Melbourne Central YHA hostel include Hosier Lane, Finaly Avenue, Degraves Street and Centre Place.
Discover many of Melbourne’s art galleries
Melbourne is home to a thriving art scene and has more than 100 galleries to explore.
Visit The National Gallery of Victoria and see its permanent collection that holds some of Australia’s greatest artworks. When entering the building remember to look up, one of the largest glass ceilings in the world welcomes you to the gallery. Just a short walk from Melbourne Central YHA hostel in Federation Square is the iconic Ian Potter Centre. With its famous geometric exterior, the Ian Potter Centre is a must-see in Melbourne and has a full calendar of contemporary art exhibitions held throughout the year.
For more gallery hopping adventures, visit Flinders Lane which is home to a number of private art galleries that display emerging artists. Remember to search online to get the latest news on what’s on - art exhibition openings occur often and make for a great cheap night out.
Explore Melbourne’s many markets near the hostel
Melburnians love a good market! In almost every neighbourhood in Melbourne you can find markets selling local produce, handmade crafts, local designer labels and vintage fashion treasures. Discover souvenirs for friends and family that aren’t your typical keyrings, magnets and t-shirts.
If you only have time for one Melbourne market, then make it the Queen Victoria Markets, which is the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Great food and cool Melbourne vibes. Enjoy the live music and excellent people-watching.
Experience fabulous destinations outside of Melbourne
There are so many things to see and do near Melbourne. Have an up close and intimate encounter with Australian wildlife, be exhilarated by one of the world’s great ocean coastal drives, hike-through spectacular ancient mountain ranges, eat superb food and wine from the local region. Melbourne’s nearby destinations have so much to offer to all travellers from backpackers, locals, young and old.
Visit the natural landscape of Philip Island and get up close to penguins, koalas, emus, wombats and kangaroos. Stay at Philip Island YHA backpackers hostel and enjoy the purpose-built, award-winning facilities. It has comfortable living spaces which include modern lounges, gourmet-style kitchen space, large balconies and a rooftop deck. Visit Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island and Mornington Peninsula 2 Day Tour and Phillip Island Penguin 1 Day Tour from Melbourne for special deals available to YHA members and guests.
The Great Ocean Road is located on the south-west coast of Victoria and is home to the famous 12 Apostles. See with your own eyes the large limestone rocks that stand high above the waves detached from the 243 km long Great Ocean Road cliff-face. Stay at Apollo Bay Eco YHA which is the perfect hostel for your road trip. Enjoy activities such as Kayaking with seals, swimming, surfing and bush walking nearby the hostel. There are a few tours with special deals available for YHA members and guests – see Great Ocean Road 2 Day Tour or Great Ocean Road 1 Day Reverse Tour.
Discover the Grampians with its dramatic peaks, panoramic views and ancient rugged volcanic landscape. Make your way up to the peak of extinct volcano Mount Rouse and be exhilarated by the surrounding views of The Grampians National Park. The Grampians is also home to several surrounding small towns which are a must visit for any food and wine lover. Stay at Grampians Eco YHA backpackers hostel where there is cosy wood fire heaters, a pool table and wild kangaroos that venture all the way up to the hostel. Short on time? Try the Grampians National Park 1 Day Tour instead.
Relax in the picturesque Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens
Located near Melbourne Central YHA hostel and sitting on the South Bank of the Yarra River, the Royal Botanic Garden is one of the world’s finest gardens and attracts more than 1.5 million people per year. Enjoy a walk through the peaceful gardens. There is a mix of native and exotic vegetation of over 10,000 individual species in the collection. Relax by the pond and beautifully manicured gardens, hire a bike or go on a guided boat ride.