17 Unique Adventures Only Locals Know About in Melbourne

Melbourne is a city of culture, coffee and magical adventures. Most tourists are already familiar with renowned sightseeing spots like Federation Square, the Great Ocean Road, Melbourne Zoo and Queen Victoria Market.

But for those in search of a more authentic and local experience, it’s time to check out great spots Melbournians love and frequent regularly. Whether you’re planning on having a romantic getaway, shopping and dining or exploring the undiscovered, here are some off-the-beaten-track things to do in Melbourne.

1. Munch on the World’s Best Croissants

Touted as “the world’s best” by a New York Times writer, the Lune Croissanterie is a bakery beloved by locals. Crafted with precision in a climate-controlled glass lab, the croissanterie churns out a variety of croissants, cruffins (croissant muffin hybrid) and kouign amann (multi-layered butter cake) daily.

However, its cult status means that you might have to get in line early and brave the long queues as everything is usually sold out by noon. But fret not, Fraser Place Melbourne is just an 11-min walk away - you'll be there in no time.

2. Picnic amongst giant sculptures

Another local activity you can indulge in during your stay in the city is having a picnic at the sprawling sculpture gardens of the Heide Museum of Modern Art just a 20-minute drive from the heart of the CBD.

Spanning 15 acres, there’s plenty of room for families, children and even your furry, four-legged friends. You can find a spot near the river Yarra on one side or admire the museum building from the other side.

For the full, authentic Aussie experience, pick up local snacks like Tim Tams, Lamingtons (sponge cake covered in chocolate or berry sauce and coconut flakes) or the nostalgic Cheezels for your picnic.

3. Beat the heat with a gelato

The best scoops in the city are found at Pidapipo, whose owner Lisa Valmorbida actually graduated from a gelato university in Italy. We recommend you try the Bacip or banana milk gelato or the Nutella fountains. The gelato is made Italian style – an authentic treat for hot and even cold days.

4. Try a dim sim with over 60 years of history

Not to be confused with dim sum, dim sim (dimmies, for short) are something of an Australian mainstay.  A variant of the traditional Chinese dumpling, they are served either fried or steamed, these large, round, cricket ball-sized parcels are stuffed with meat or cabbage and spices and enjoyed with a drizzle of soy sauce and chilli.

Hit up South Melbourne Market Dim Sim, a local favourite since 1949 for a taste of dimmies, or if you’re not ready to wait in line, then pick up frozen dim sims from local supermarket Woolworths.

5. Dive in or strike a pose at Brighton Beach

The famous beach, which is a 30-min car ride away from Fraser Place Melbourne, is best visited from around noon. You can relax and enjoy a swim or read a book while waiting for the sunset. Particularly breathtaking from here, Brighton Beach offers a panoramic view of the setting sun over Port Philip Bay.

Feeling adventurous? You can also head out to catch some waves on a surfboard. Don’t leave without snapping some photos with the iconic colourful bathing boxes that line the beach.

6. Have a drink (or two!) with a view

The Rooftop Bar is the most popular site for locals for some time now, and for a very good reason – the view is spectacular. Melbournians never get tired of looking at their city’s lights while sipping on a cocktail. Just a ten-minute walk away from Fraser Place Melbourne, you can freely let your hair down for some late-night drinks here without worrying about your commute home after. Or if you prefer to stay in, the prime location of the serviced residence offers guests on its rooftop terrace a splendid view of the city with space to wine and dine.

7. Experience the local music scene

There’s no better way to be introduced to the Melbourne music scene than at Revolver Upstairs.  Located in the Prahran suburb, the nightclub has been a hit in the city since it opened in 1997. The vibrant colours of the place, cool DJs, art shows, live bands, and restaurants make this spot irresistible. Just don’t forget to buy tickets for the gig you want to see or make a booking before you visit.

8. Bury your nose in a late-night read

Need a good read at the late hour? Look, buy, browse and even smell the books at the Readings Carlton bookshop till as late as 11pm. Aside from featuring a vast assortment of books, the bookstore also makes it a point to help and support local authors with prizes. Staff here are friendly and helpful and are always on hand to give you useful recommendations on what to read next. They also have other outlets across the city, including one in the very Instagrammable State Library Victoria.

9. Visit a Melbournian beer garden and food truck park

Once an old car factory, Welcome to Thornbury is now a popular beer garden with a rotating schedule of food trucks. The first permanent bar and food truck stop in Melbourne, it is also dog-friendly, making it a hit with the locals.

The park, which is a 20-min drive from Fraser Place Melbourne, opens Tuesdays to Sundays from afternoon till late – perfect for after-work gatherings or simply winding down for the night. 

10. Work your brains at a pub

A pub might be one of the most unlikely places for a quiz, but that’s exactly how it’s done in Melbourne. These fun trivia nights at some of the clubs in the city feature questions on everything from British comedies to alien conspiracy theories. Moreover, you can test your general knowledge with a cold beer and a plate of fish sticks on the side.

If you’re game, in the CBD there’s The Mitre Tavern, holding the record for Melbourne’s longest and continuously running trivia night. For fans of the silver screen, here’s an option for you: Cinema Nova hosts a trivia night at their bar on Tuesdays where you stand a chance to win movie tickets, DVDs and even books!

11. Check out quirky street art and graffiti

Melbourne’s also known for its eye-catching street art, and there’s something around every corner to appreciate. Popular pieces include Cow Up a Tree at the Docklands precinct, which is a play on Sir William Dobell’s papier mache cows from World War II; Gog and Magog, the mythical giants atop Gaunt’s Clock at the Royal Arcade in Melbourne’s CBD, and The Fairies Tree in Fitzroy Gardens, a whimsical carved tree trunk by Ola Cohn featuring a menagerie of creatures like gnomes, dwarves and fairies amidst koalas, donkeys and other Australian wildlife. 

12. Catch a live comedy show

The home of Melbourne’s longest-running, weekly improv comedy show, The Big Hoo Ha is definitely one of the things you must do in Melbourne. The high-octane improv show happens every Friday night and is filled with killer punchlines and one-liners that’ll have you doubled over in stitches. 

13. Go on a secret bar crawl

Melbourne is home to tons of secret bars and hidden underground watering holes that you absolutely have to explore. Go on a DIY crawl to savour pints, cocktails and other amazing tipples at secret bars like Bar Margaux, Eau De Vie, Loch and Key and more, or sign up for a Drinking History Tour to learn cool facts about the hidden bar scene in Melbourne. 

14.Check out a century-old theme park

Luna Park (above) is a Melbourne mainstay that locals love. From gentle rides that dip and sway (the children will love this!) to adrenaline-pumping rides for grown-ups and fun rides for families, there’s plenty to find at this Coney Island-style theme park. Luna Park is also Melbourne’s oldest theme park, dating back at least 100 years. 

15. Heat things up at a hot spring

Did you know Melbourne is home to some stunning hot springs? Enjoy a hot dip at places like Mornington Peninsula Hot Spring, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa or Alba Thermal Springs & Spa.

16. Stay on a farm

Bringing the kids on holiday with you? Why not spend a day at the farm? At Animal Land Children’s Farm – just a 30-minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD – kids can try milking cows, riding on a pony or tractor, and even plant new trees and seedlings for future visitors. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the farm. 

17. Escape to a winery in Melbourne

If you’re on a trip with friends, consider visiting a winery in Melbourne. There are several close to Melbourne –  including Merricks Creek, Rob Dolan Wines and the Paringa Estate Winery – all perfect for enjoying the day with a crisp glass of vino in hand. 

Looking for serviced apartments in Melbourne? Refresh and recharge in comfort and luxury at Fraser Place Melbourne. Tucked away in a charming lane within Melbourne’s CBD, these fully furnished serviced apartments offer a premium address within easy reach of dining, entertainment and retail options.