The Ultimate Melbourne Bucket List

So, you've made it to Melbourne. First of all, congratulations! Whether you've just stepped off the plane with two suitcases and a mild identity crisis, or you've been here for a few months already, there's one thing you'll quickly realise: there is always something to do in Melbourne.

It's one of those cities that somehow manages to feel like a big city and a small town all at once. One minute you're sipping coffee in a hidden laneway, and the next you're at the beach watching the sunset with new friends.

To help you make the most of your Working Holiday adventure, we've put together the ultimate Melbourne bucket list.

Wander Through Hosier Lane

You can't come to Melbourne and not visit Hosier Lane. The street art changes constantly, so every visit feels a little different.

It's touristy, yes, but it's touristy for a reason. Grab a coffee nearby and spend some time wandering through the surrounding laneways too.

Tip: Go early in the morning if you want photos without hundreds of other people in the background.

Watch the Sunset at St Kilda Beach

There is something special about a Melbourne sunset at St Kilda.

Grab fish and chips, sit on the beach and watch the sky turn pink and orange.

If you're lucky, you might even spot the famous little penguins that come out around the breakwater at dusk.

Do the Great Ocean Road

This is an absolute Working Holiday rite of passage.

Whether you hire a car, jump on a tour or do it with friends you've met in Australia, the Great Ocean Road is genuinely stunning.

Bucket list stops include:

• The Twelve Apostles

• Loch Ard Gorge

• Bells Beach

• Lorne

• Apollo Bay

If possible, make it an overnight trip rather than trying to squeeze it all into one day.

Have a Picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens

One of the best free things to do in Melbourne.

Grab snacks from the supermarket, bring a blanket and spend an afternoon relaxing in the gardens.

This is also a lovely spot if you're feeling a little homesick and need a quiet escape from the city.

Explore Brighton Beach Boxes

Yes, they're very Instagram-worthy.

No, they're not technically worth spending an entire day at.

But they are definitely worth a visit, especially if you've got friends or family visiting from home.

Combine it with a beach day and brunch nearby.

Get Lost in Melbourne's Laneways

Melbourne's laneways are part of what makes the city feel so unique.

Spend an afternoon wandering around places like:

• Centre Place

• Degraves Street

• Hardware Lane

• AC/DC Lane

You'll find hidden bars, tiny cafés and some of the best food spots in the city.

Go to Queen Victoria Market

If you're trying to save money while living in Melbourne, Queen Vic Market can become your best friend.

You can pick up fresh fruit and veg, souvenirs, pastries and sometimes some incredible bargains.

The night markets during summer and winter are also well worth visiting.

Watch a Sporting Event

Even if you're not massively into sport, experiencing Melbourne's sports culture is something else.

Try to tick at least one of these off:

• AFL match at the MCG

• Australian Open tennis

• Cricket at the MCG

• Formula 1 Grand Prix

You'll quickly realise Australians take sport very seriously.

Take a Day Trip to the Yarra Valley

If you fancy a break from the city, head out to the Yarra Valley.

It's famous for wineries, beautiful scenery and long, lazy afternoons.

Perfect for birthdays, girls' trips or when your parents come to visit.

Catch the Free City Tram

One thing people love about Melbourne is the Free Tram Zone in the CBD.

It's incredibly handy when you're first finding your feet in the city.

Just remember that once you leave the Free Tram Zone, you'll need a Myki card.

Yes, many of us have learned that one the hard way.

Visit Luna Park

The giant smiling face at the entrance is a bit terrifying, but Luna Park is an iconic Melbourne experience.

Even if you don't go on every ride, it's worth visiting for the atmosphere.

Do a Rooftop Bar Crawl

Melbourne has some amazing rooftop bars.

Spend an afternoon or evening hopping between a few with friends.

It's one of those things that makes you stop and think, I actually live here now.

Visit the State Library

It sounds a bit random, but the State Library of Victoria is genuinely beautiful.

The famous dome reading room is one of the most photographed spots in Melbourne.

Plus, it's a great place to escape on rainy days.

Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop

Melbourne sunsets hit differently.

Find a rooftop bar, grab a drink and watch the city light up.

These are often the moments you'll remember most from your Working Holiday.

Go on a Weekend Trip Along the Mornington Peninsula

A favourite among locals and backpackers alike.

You can:

• Visit wineries

• Relax at the beach

• Explore cute coastal towns

• Visit the Peninsula Hot Springs

Perfect for a girls' weekend.

Have a Proper Melbourne Coffee

Even if you don't drink coffee, you'll quickly learn that Melbourne people are very passionate about it.

Ordering a coffee here can feel like learning another language.

Flat white, long black, magic...

You'll soon become one of those people recommending cafés to everyone who visits.

Visit Fitzroy and Brunswick

These suburbs are full of character.

Think vintage shops, independent cafés, live music and colourful streets.

They're great areas to explore when you want to experience a different side of Melbourne.

See the Penguins at Phillip Island

A little further out, but definitely worth the trip.

Watching hundreds of tiny penguins waddle up the beach is surprisingly adorable.

Go to a Food Market

Melbourne's food scene is incredible.

Try:

• South Melbourne Market

• Queen Victoria Market

• Grazeland

• Local weekend markets

Come hungry.

Watch a Movie at an Outdoor Cinema

During summer, Melbourne has several outdoor cinemas.

Watching a film under the stars with snacks and friends is one of those classic Australian experiences.

Spend a Day Doing Absolutely Nothing at the Beach

Sometimes the best memories aren't the big trips.

Some of the best days on a Working Holiday are simply sitting at St Kilda or Brighton Beach with friends, eating supermarket snacks and chatting for hours.

The Ultimate Bucket List Challenge

Before you leave Melbourne, try to tick off:

☐ Watch a sunset at St Kilda

☐ Visit all the major markets

☐ See an AFL game

☐ Do the Great Ocean Road

☐ Explore Melbourne's laneways

☐ Visit the Yarra Valley

☐ Take a weekend trip with friends

☐ Make memories with people from all over the world

Because honestly, the places are amazing, but it's the people you meet along the way that often become the best part of living here.

Melbourne can feel overwhelming at first. It can also feel lonely sometimes, especially when you're missing home or trying to build a new routine.

But give it time.

One coffee date, one day trip and one spontaneous "fancy coming for a drink?" at a time, and before you know it, Melbourne starts to feel a little bit like home.