Fun Things To Do In & Around Melbourne

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Melbourne – the bustling and vibrant capital of Victoria – has gained its fame as a hub for food lovers, art enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers alike. If you have heard whispers of this swoon-worthy city and want to experience it for yourself, there is no better way than by embarking on a campervan adventure. Whether you are looking to immerse yourself in the city's charm, explore its surrounding wonders, or are simply passing through on a longer Australia road trip, a campervan offers a one-stop shop way to experience all that Melbourne has to offer. 

To help you plan your upcoming Melbourne adventure, we have put together a list of the best attractions and fun things to do in and around Melbourne. From iconic landmarks in Melbourne's CBD, like Queen Victoria Market and the Melbourne Skydeck, to hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes nearby, including the Mornington Peninsula and the Great Ocean Road. In short– if you are looking to make your Australia road trip outrageously fun and simply unforgettable – we've got you covered.

Oysters Family at the beach Salad

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Fun things to do in Melbourne

Melbourne is an incredibly fun city. Boasting a vibrant cultural scene, world-class dining, iconic landmarks, and a buzzing nightlife – there are almost endless options of things to see and do. Here are some of our top picks of fun things to do in Melbourne. 

 

St Kilda Beach

Located just a stone's throw away from Melbourne's city centre, St Kilda Beach is a beloved coastal retreat that offers golden sands, picturesque views, and a vibrant atmosphere. Home to the iconic Luna Park, colourful beach huts and a buzzing atmosphere, St Kilda Beach is one of the must-visit Melbourne attractions in the CBD for anyone travelling to Melbourne. Park your campervan nearby and spend the day soaking up the gentle Victorian sun, dipping your toes in these coastal waters, sampling the food from the beachside cafes and restaurants and grabbing a selfie with the colourful beach huts.

 

Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market is a historic and vibrant marketplace in Melbourne and a well-known haven for food enthusiasts. With an impressive selection of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and tempting treats, it offers an unbeatable culinary experience - making it one of the must-visit Melbourne attractions in the CBD for foodies. If that wasn’t enough – the market also hosts a number of other miscellaneous stalls, including vintage clothing as well as other unique trinkets and treasures. 

Trying to decide when to plan your visit? The markets are open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6am to 3pm, Saturday 6am to 4pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm, there is also a seasonal night market every week on a Wednesday that runs from 5pm till 10pm.

 

Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne is a picturesque oasis spanning 38 hectares, that offers a range of themed gardens, ornamental lakes, and peaceful picnic spots. This is the perfect tranquil escape from the city and a brilliant sport for a campervan picnic while enjoying views of the Melbourne skyline.

 

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Yarra River

The Yarra River is an iconic Melbourne waterway. Experience life like a local with a leisurely stroll along the banks, or – if you are looking for something a little more adventurous – hire a paddleboard kayaking or join a river cruise.  There are endless opportunities to experience the Yarra's natural beauty. Whichever you choose, this beloved Melbourne landmark is a must-do on any Melbourne itinerary. 

 

Melbourne Zoo

Melbourne Zoo is a captivating wildlife wonderland home to both native Australian animals and exotic animals. From majestic lions and playful elephant calves to curious penguins, cuddly koalas and colourful birds. Whether you prefer to marvel at the animal exhibits or explore the interactive experiences, educational programs, and conservation initiatives, Melbourne Zoo delivers fun for all ages! 

 

Melbourne Skydeck

Perched atop the iconic Eureka Tower, Melbourne Skydeck offers a breathtaking experience that takes you to new heights. As the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere, its staggering 300-metre-high perch provides unparalleled panoramic views of the city and beyond. 

Here you can step out into the Skydeck's glass-walled observation deck and marvel at the stunning vistas, from the sprawling cityscape to the glistening waters of Port Phillip Bay. For thrill-seekers, "The Edge" experience allows you to step into a glass cube that extends out from the building, giving you the sensation of floating above the city. With interactive displays, informative guides, and a sky-high perspective, Melbourne Skydeck offers a truly unforgettable way to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of Melbourne City’s skyline.

 

Fun things to do around Melbourne

While Melbourne CBD gets a lot of hype, there are endless fun things to do around Melbourne in the surrounding regions. With your Britz campervan in toe, you can easily take advantage of this proximity and explore all the great things to do in such easy reach of Melbourne. 

 

Great Ocean Road

Melbourne gives you access to one of Australia's most iconic road trips – the Great Ocean Road. Winding along the stunning southern coast of Victoria, this scenic drive stretches for a whooping 243 kilometres and offers breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and the mighty Southern Ocean. As you traverse this picturesque route, you'll encounter world-famous attractions like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the Great Otway National Park. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural surroundings, take in the crashing waves, and capture unforgettable moments at every turn. Park your campervan at one of the many caravan parks on the way and spend your days exploring the incredible surroundings and sampling the local seafood.

Top tip: If you need help planning your route, check out our full guide to this region with our Great Ocean Road travel itinerary.

 

Image: Visit Victoria

 

Phillip Island 

Nestled off the coast of Victoria, Phillip Island seamlessly blends natural beauty with unforgettable wildlife encounters. With its pristine beaches, rugged coastlines, and breathtaking vistas, it offers a serene escape from the bustling city. Explore the island's hidden gems from the iconic Penguin Parade–where countless adorable little penguins waddle ashore– all the way to the Koala Conservation Centre. 

The island is also the perfect place to witness the magnificent fur seals at Seal Rocks or catch the exhilarating antics of Australian wildlife at the Wildlife Coast Cruises. With a vibrant food and wine scene, charming seaside villages, and a calendar full of events, this beloved island is the perfect spot to park up your campervan for a few days. 

 

Yarra Valley

A short one-hour drive from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley beckons visitors with its picturesque landscapes, vineyard-dotted hills, and world-class wineries. This renowned wine region is a paradise for wine lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Explore the cellar doors and indulge in tastings of exceptional cool-climate wines, from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir. Not a wine drinker? No problem. This region is rich with gourmet dining experiences, artisanal produce markets, scenic hot air balloon rides, and breathtaking natural beauty. An absolute no-brainer addition to any Victoria and Melbourne campervan itinerary. 

 

Mornington Peninsula

Nestled on the southeastern coast of Victoria and just an hour's drive from Melbourne CBD, the Mornington Peninsula is a coastal haven. Overflowing with pristine beaches, charming seaside towns, and rejuvenating hot springs. this region is perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. Here you can enjoy leisurely coastal walks, scenic drives to world-class wineries, feast on fresh local produce and indulge in the therapeutic mineral water of the Peninsula Hot Springs. With an abundance of outdoor activities, art galleries, gourmet eateries, and breathtaking coastal landscapes, the Mornington Peninsula invites you to unwind, rejuvenate, and discover the perfect blend of natural beauty and relaxation. 

Top tip: Looking for more ideas on how to spend your getaway? Check out our tips for glamping and camping in Mornington Peninsula. 

 

Sovereign Hill

If you have ever been curious to learn more about the fascinating era of Australia's 1850s gold rush– step into the living museum at Sovereign Hill, located in Ballarat, Victoria. Step back in time and relive the excitement and challenges faced by gold miners as you wander through the streets of an authentically recreated 19th-century gold mining town with costumed characters who bring the past to life. Here you can pan for real gold, explore underground mines, and witness demonstrations of this era’s traditional trades. 

 

Where to stay in and around Melbourne 

In addition to easy travel, exploring Melbourne in a campervan means that you can take advantage of cost-effective campervan accommodation. Here are a few recommendations for places to park your campervan in Melbourne. 

 

Big4 Melbourne Holiday Park

Only 9kms out of the CBD, Big4 Melbourne Holiday Park offers a city front experience, all while feeling like you are escaping it all. With all the amenities you'd expect from an award-winning holiday park as well as a heated pool and spa and an adventure playground, it has everything you need and more! 

Cost: Prices start at around $70 a night for a powered campervan site. 

 

Crystal Brook Tourist Park

Crystal Brook Tourist Park is peacefully nestled in the leafy suburb of Doncaster – just 45 minutes from the CBD. With gorgeous classic Victorian bushland sites, the park offers a wonderful base to explore Melbourne and its surroundings. Here guests have access to wonderful facilities, including a fully equipped camp kitchen and modern amenities block. 

Cost: Starting at only $40 a night for a powered campervan site, it proudly boasts being Melbourne’s best value for your holiday dollar. 

 

Halls Gap Caravan Park

Take a hike to the Grampians National Park and settle into the gorgeous Halls Gap Caravan Park. This park offers incredible views of the national park from your site as well as easy access to a wide variety of hiking trails and other outdoor experiences. After a long day of exploring, you can enjoy the fantastic on-site facilities, including the cosy woodfired lounge room, heated pools, private bathrooms, as well as multiple different play areas and equipment for the kids. 

Cost: Powered sites start at around $45 a night.

 

Apollo Bay Holiday Park

Park up on the Great Ocean Road, under 200m from the beach at Apollo Bay Holiday Park. Apollo Bay offers a great place to park up in the middle of your Great Ocean Road drive. Apollo Bay Holiday Park offers visitors great facilities, including modern amity blocks, a fully equipped camp kitchen and a heated pool. If that wasn’t enough, it is also just a stone's throw from the ocean and walking distance from the centre of Apollo Bay itself. 

Cost: For updated pricing, make sure to head over to Apollo Bay Holiday Park’s website. 

 

Image: Visit Victoria

 

See more of Victoria with one of our itineraries

If you are planning a campervan trip around Victoria and are looking for more inspiration on where to take your Britz campervan check out some of our top Victoria travel itineraries for ideas: 

Check out these fun Melbourne attractions with Britz

Ready to check out these fun Melbourne attractions on your very own campervan adventure? You can book your Britz campervan online and then pick it up from any Britz branch before starting your journey. For more travel tips for van travel and other travel guides, such as how to budget for a campervan road trip, check out the Britz blog for more information.

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