Melbourne is a great place to study, live, and explore. There are endless things to do in Melbourne and countless activities that can be tried. The lively student community in Melbourne makes the city a place worth exploring. If you are also a student living in this dynamic Australian city, then there are many places that you can visit and several experiences you can have. In this blog, we are going to cover some of the top things to do in Melbourne for international students. So, let’s get started!
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Things to do in Melbourne
From food to interesting tourist attractions, there are plenty of things that you can do in Melbourne. So, without any delay, let’s explore some diverse and interesting things to do in Melbourne for the student community!
Top Sights in Melbourne
Some of the top sights in Melbourne include the National Gallery of Modern Art, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Queen Victoria Market, and Melbourne Zoo. All of these places are located close to the centre of the city and see a major footfall of visitors throughout the year. Some of the other fantastic places to visit in Melbourne include the gorgeous Yarra Valley, where you can visit vineyards, cow pastures, and see wildlife.
Places to Eat in Melbourne
You can visit from your student housing in Melbourne to this famous Chinatown to try some delicious food. The area is known as one of the most unique and fun student hangout spots in the city. You’ll get to try different Asian cuisines here and some fantastic street food. Another remarkable place for food is the popular Lygon Street. Do try Salt and Pepper Calamari, Chicken Parma, and the famous Spag Bol at any of the famous restaurants in Lygon Street.
Also Read: Check out some Interesting Facts about Melbourne
Shopping
No matter where you are, shopping is something that is counted as a must-do thing in a new city. For students, shopping means not just updating one’s wardrobe but also buying things like room decor items, kitchen essentials, etc. Whenever you feel it’s time to make yourself feel special, you can head out to shopping districts in Melbourne.
Treat yourself by buying new clothes, enjoy with your friends by playing games like pool and bowling, or even try a new cuisine at a mall. Some famous malls for a wholesome shopping experience are Melbourne Central, Emporium Melbourne, and Strand Melbourne.
Outdoor Activities
If you are simply looking for outdoor activities in Melbourne, then there is also something for you. You can visit Luna Park, Melbourne’s oldest amusement park, to experience different rides inside the park. The city also has multiple nature spots for nature lovers, like gardens, parks, etc. Melbourne is known as the ‘garden city of Australia’, and there are many famous parks in Australia that are in Melbourne, including Fitzroy Gardens.
Some other fun outdoor activities which you can do here, which will surely be a point of conversation in your student accommodation in Australia include visiting Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium for an immersive experience of discovering aquatic life and Healesville Sanctuary to see Australia’s unique wildlife.
Visiting Historical Places
There are many interesting historical sites in Melbourne, such as the Flinders Street Railway Station and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Flinders Street Railway Station is a famous landmark of the city and features a popular green copper dome, clocks, and towers.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican Church that serves as a peaceful place of worship. The church also serves as an official residence of the Archbishop of Melbourne.
Further Read: If you are planning to move to Melbourne, then you must know the basic Australian Etiquette and Culture
Enjoy Nature in Melbourne
Outdoor activities are not just about some physical recreation, but they also involve spending time in nature. So if you are looking for a break from screens and assignments? Nature in Melbourne is closer than you think. Here are some of the places that you can consider for a nature time.
| Nature Spot | Why It’s Great | Student Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Botanic Gardens | Peaceful, scenic walks | Ideal for reading or yoga |
| Yarra River Walks | Great for cycling or jogging | Rent a bike with friends |
| Carlton Gardens | Lush green lawns and historic buildings | Study under a tree or have a picnic |
| Albert Park Lake | Views of the skyline + birdwatching | Free parking on weekends |
Student Tip: Grab some friends, pack homemade sandwiches, and picnic your stress away.
Discover Student-Friendly Events & Festivals in Melbourne
Melbourne hosts events all year round, and many of them are student-budget-friendly (or free!). Here we have mentioned some of the student-friendly events that you can visit with your friends to enjoy the culture of Melbourne.
- Lygon Street Festa – If you love pasta and Italian vibes, don’t miss this one.
- Moomba Festival – Free live music, food trucks, and river activities every March.
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival – Laugh your heart out with student tickets.
- White Night – A stunning overnight city light and arts event.
From exploring hidden laneways to enjoying scenic gardens and buzzing festivals, Melbourne has something for everyone. As a student, you’ll never run out of free, fun, and memorable things to do in this vibrant city.
FAQs on Things to Do in Melbourne
Melbourne is known for its excellent academic scene, stunning architecture, and vibrant artistic heritage.
International students can go visit Melbourne’s famous Chinatown or even partake in outdoor activities like visiting Healesville Sanctuary to see Australia’s diverse wildlife.
If you are a shopaholic, then you visit Melbourne’s malls like the famous Melbourne Central. For food, there’s Chinatown, and for adventure, there is Luna Park.
To experience Melbourne’s nightlife, you can head straight to clubs and bars including Bar Ampere, Heartbreaker, La Di Da, and Revolver Upstairs.
The National Gallery of Modern Art, Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Queen Victoria Market, and Melbourne Zoo are the top attractions in Melbourne for young adults.
Popular student hangout spots include Degraves Street, Southbank, Docklands, and Lygon Street. Libraries and city gardens also offer relaxing, study-friendly spaces.
Visit markets, go hiking in the Dandenong Ranges, enjoy a beach day at Brighton, explore local festivals, or take a day trip along the Great Ocean Road.
Use the Myki card for buses, trams, and trains. The Free Tram Zone lets you travel for free within Melbourne’s central area is perfect for exploring.
You can visit museums, art galleries, shopping malls, escape rooms, or catch a movie. The NGV and ACMI are great for art and tech lovers.
Yes! Melbourne hosts Moomba Festival, White Night, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and seasonal night markets, fun, vibrant events that students love to attend.
This blog was all about the things to do in Melbourne for international students. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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