Every Sunday at 4.45pm, the Shrine holds a Last Post Service which commemorates a different moment from Australia’s military history from the First World War through to today.
This weekly, family-friendly event is a 15-minute ceremony that takes place outside on the Shrine forecourt and includes bugle calls and bagpipers, Shrine Guard in historic uniform, wreath-laying, a recital of the Ode, and lowering of the flags.
The Last Post Service is a meaningful way to end a day at the Shrine or a day out in Melbourne.
La Trobe's Cottage was the original home of Victoria's first Lt. Governor, Charles Joseph La Trobe, from 1839 to 1854.
Described by a visitor in 1852 as 'small but elegantly furnished and standing in spacious grounds', La Trobe’s Cottage is now a vital part of Victoria’s history. The cottage was made from prefabricated materials brought from England to be the home of La Trobe, his wife Sophie and their children.
As Melbourne’s oldest surviving building, the restored cottage replicates the original prefabricated structure and contains items belonging to La Trobe along with artefacts from the earliest time of Victoria’s settlement.
Combined Tours of La Trobe's Cottage and Government House are also available on select Mondays. The tours provide a tangible link between the pre-gold rush and the legendary Marvellous Melbourne eras, granting a fascinating insight into the city's origins.
Shrine Kids provides a fantastic opportunity for indoor and outdoor play, allowing young imaginations to take flight as they uncover the Shrine's rich history.
Shrine Kids is a free self-guided program for families with primary school-aged children. Four different activity cards provide a starting point for fresh perspectives of the Shrine. Children are asked to locate key sites and creatively respond to a range of questions related to different aspects of the Shrine.
Borrow an Explorer Kit from the Information Desk as the perfect accessory for fact-finding around the Shrine.
Make your next visit to the Shrine a memorable one for the whole family.
The Shrine of Remembrance is Victoria's national war memorial, built in 1934 to honour First World War veterans and now commemorating all Australians who have served.
Recognised as Australia's leading cultural tourism destination, the Shrine offers a moving and immersive visitor experience.
Step inside to explore the Galleries of Remembrance, home to over 800 artefacts, including an original Gallipoli landing boat and personal stories of Australians in war and peacekeeping. Discover the Sanctuary's classical interior, where Ray of Light demonstrations occur every half hour. From the Balcony, take in breathtaking views of Melbourne and the surrounding memorial gardens.
Families can embark on a Shrine scavenger hunt with free Shrine Kids activity cards.
Experience the Last Post Service every Sunday at 4.45 pm, featuring buglers, bagpipers, and the Shrine Guard in historic uniform.
Free entry. Open daily. Guided tours run hourly (except 1pm).
Gold Winner: Cultural Tourism, 2024 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
Attracting over two million visitors annually, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria in Melbourne is a treasured part of cultural life and a valuable asset to the city. With stunning vistas, tranquil lakes and diverse plant collections, the gardens are a place of continual discovery and delight.
Enjoy a First Peoples led Aboriginal Heritage Walk, a ride on The Explorer bus or Punting on The Lake, all set against a beautiful backdrop and just moments from the city.
These beautiful gardens are home to amazing and diverse plant collections such as camellias, rainforest flora, succulents and cacti, roses, Californian species, herbs, perennials, cycads and plants from Southern China. Guilfoyle's Volcano offers fabulous city skyline views, a precinct to explore, and a natural sanctuary for native wildlife.
The children's garden has everything that children could want to help them discover the natural world, with plant tunnels that they can crawl through, rocks that they can climb and a bamboo forest in which they can hide.
Visitors can unwind at the Terrace café, The Observatory all day dining venue or find botanical-inspired souvenirs and gifts at the Gardens Shop. The Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne hold seasonal plant sales twice a year, see their website for further details.
During summer, the lawns come alive with outdoor cinema, live music, theatre performances and exhibitions.
The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) plays an inspirational and critical role in investing in the creative, artistic and wider communities, leading the cultural conversation and setting the agenda for contemporary art.
ACCA has a long and celebrated history of investing in, nurturing and propelling the careers of contemporary artists by supporting them to make new, risk-taking and experimental work that challenges thinking, encourages new perspectives, and connects and resonates with diverse communities.
ACCA develops exhibitions exploring the ideas and work of significant artists from around the world, commissions ambitious new works by local and international artists, and delivers a range of curatorial, educational and public programs including talks, lectures, symposia, performances, screenings, music and events.
Housed in one of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings on Sturt Street in the Melbourne Arts Precinct, ACCA is a short tram ride or 10 minute walk from Flinders Street Station.
Please visit the website for the latest information on exhibitions and events.
Buxton Contemporary opened in 2018 at the University of Melbourne’s art school, the Victorian College of the Arts. Designed by renowned architect Fender Katsalidis, the museum is located in the heart of the Melbourne arts precinct where it provides a creative forum through which the University engages local, national and international audiences with the best of contemporary Australian and international art.
Buxton Contemporary is the result of a landmark gift to the University by the art collector Michael Buxton. In 1995 Michael founded the Michael Buxton Collection with the aim of developing a museum quality collection of contemporary Australian art.
In 2014, in one of the most significant acts of cultural philanthropy in Australian history, Michael and Janet Buxton donated the Collection to the University of Melbourne, along with funds to build and partially endow a new museum in which to house it. Buxton Contemporary uses the Michael Buxton Collection as a foundation and inspiration for exhibitions, performance, research, teaching and publishing.
The team respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Eastern Kulin nation, the traditional owners of the land on which Buxton Contemporary is situated.
Admission to Buxton Contemporary is free. Now showing Tony Clark: Unsculpted.
The National Gallery of Victoria has two magnificent galleries located a short walk apart, both with free entry to the permanent collection.
NGV International houses a whole world of international art, displaying the National Gallery of Victoria's collections of European, Asian, Oceanic and American art. Since the National Gallery of Victoria opened in St Kilda Road in 1968, the total collection has doubled in size to more than 70,000 works of art. A truly iconic Melbourne building, the gallery has been totally redesigned to house one of the most impressive collections in the Southern Hemisphere.
The NGV offers an extraordinary visual arts experience with diverse temporary exhibitions, Collection displays, talks, tours, programs for kids, films, late-night openings and performances.
Melbourne Park is Victoria's live events epicentre. A place where people come together to share experiences, make lifelong memories and enjoy the best in live sports, music and entertainment.
Located on the doorstep of Melbourne's Central Business District, Melbourne Park spans 40 hectares, home to six world class venues – Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, John Cain Arena, Margaret Court Arena, Centrepiece and Kia Arena – and plays host to Australia's most iconic sport and entertainment events, from global sporting spectacles like the Australian Open, to family events, headline entertainment, up-and-coming local artists and domestic and international sporting fixtures across five sporting codes.
Melbourne Park hosts over 3.8 million visitors across 500 events each year.
For further information, visit the Melbourne Park website.
The Robin Boyd Foundation is the custodian of the legacy of Australian modernist architect, author, critic, and public educator Robin Boyd and the iconic Walsh Street house he designed, built and inhabited.
The Foundation is committed to advocating Boyd's belief that good design can improve people's lives and their world.
Their guided tours and events provide public access to the Walsh Street House Museum, an exemplar of modernist residential architecture.
The Foundation is also known for its architectural walking tours, speaker series, film screenings, open days, and digital tours that activate awareness, amplify voices and increase architecture and design participation.
Since 2013 SWOP has been a leader in the Australian fashion resale space.
SWOP sells a curated, seasonal selection of second-hand pieces that have been exchanged for cash or store credit.
They offer an expertly curated collection of pre-loved designer and vintage clothing. With regular Instagram sale stories, plus a dynamic eCommerce store, you can browse freely interstate or worldwide.
Each SWOP store in Australia is unique and tailored to each city; no two stores are the same.
The Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) is Arts Centre Melbourne's newest venue.
Unveiling treasured objects from circus, dance, music, opera, theatre and popular entertainment, the Australian Museum of Performing Arts brings untold stories of the stage to life through major exhibitions. The museum will showcase highlights from Australia's extraordinary performing arts history, found in the Australian Performing Arts Collection, and the very best from international museums and galleries. Every exhibition is a love letter to the performing arts.
With its iconic spire, Arts Centre Melbourne is both an architectural and cultural landmark in Melbourne. It is the flagship of the performing arts in the state of Victoria and the focal point of the cultural precinct in Melbourne.
Housing an array of venues including the Theatres Building (under spire), Hamer Hall and Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Arts Centre Melbourne is Australia's largest and busiest performing arts venue, staging more than 1000 performances and public events each year.
Showcasing the best of performing arts for over 40 years, it is host and partner to companies such as Opera Australia, the Australian Ballet, Melbourne Theatre Company, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Victorian Opera, Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance Theatre.
A visit doesn't stop at the stage. Discover the Australian Museum of Performing Arts, the Australian Performing Arts Collection, the Australian Music Vault, guided venue tours and many dining options.
The Australian Music Vault is a free exhibition showcasing the Australian music story, interactive and digital experiences, iconic objects from the Australian Performing Arts Collection.
Explore the musical influences on the Australian 'sound', see costumes worn by international stars and unlock the stories of hip hop in Australia.
The exhibition includes a highly interactive digital experience allowing visitors to listen to interviews with musicians, promoters and behind-the-scenes people sharing their stories within the engagement zones.
To make sure that you have an enjoyable and safe experience there have been some adjustments including QR code contact tracing.
Located in the heart of the city, Melbourne Skydeck captures everything that is special about Melbourne and beyond.
Featuring the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck, the Melbourne Skydeck experience dazzles, entertains and informs through its spectacular and ever-changing views, and state-of-the-art virtual and augmented reality technology.
The multi-million-dollar Voyager Theatre is the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere taking guests on a voyage of discovery through Melbourne and Victoria in glorious Super high definition 8K video with 6D sensory immersion.
Conclude your experience at Bar 88 with a delicious array of drinks and snacks.
This is Melbourne, on another level.
Find beautiful, unique gifts with a purpose at the ACMI Shop. Dedicated to screen culture, the ACMI shop stocks exclusive ranges by local artists and sustainably-sourced, superbly-made products that make it a museum gift shop with a difference.
You can find a great range of books, curiosities, apparel, cards and gifts here, as well as an array of ACMI publications and merchandise. If you or your loved ones are devoted to film, television and pop culture, videogames, art or design - you'll find the perfect gift waiting to be discovered.
Set alongside the Yarra River in Melbourne's vibrant Southbank precinct, Crown is Melbourne's premier entertainment venue. Attracting over 18 million visitors each year, Crown Melbourne offers a brilliant combination of luxury, warm service and non-stop excitement.
Crown is home to three iconic hotels surrounded by restaurants, shopping, entertainment, opulent day spa, and the excitement of the casino. Experience the unsurpassed opulence of Crown Towers, the contemporary luxury of Crown Metropol, or the relaxed style of Crown Promenade.
The central location, impeccable service and flawless attention to detail make every stay memorable. Wind down at the world-renowned Crown Spa, take time out by the pool, indulge in some shopping at Crown's collection of leading international and Australian designers or just enjoy the city skyline and river views from the comfort of your room.
Boasting over 40 restaurants, cafes and bars, cinemas, Kingpin, interactive amusement arcade plus a live entertainment theatre and two nightclubs.
Holey Moley Crown Melbourne have brought the sweetest mini golf experience to Crown Melbourne. If you've ever harboured dreams of being Happy Gilmore, now's your chance.
With 18 themed holes, over two courses, you're in for the craziest round of mini golf you've ever played.
Feelin' thirsty? Lay back, relax and count your wins at the poolside Caddyshack. With their deluxe cocktail bar and gourmet food offerings, they've got you covered.
ACMI is the national museum of screen culture. You can explore the world of movies, television, videogames and art, daily, in the heart of Melbourne's City Centre.
Open 364 days a year, ACMI is the most visited museum of its kind in the world. It provides an immersive, fun-filled day out for all ages.
Located in Fed Square, ACMI offers exhibitions, cinemas, and an incredible gift shop with unique and exclusive wares by local artists and a focus on film, television, videogames and art.
As the home of Melbourne's best and most popular film festivals, great Australian and international cinema, an annual calendar of talks and workshops, as well as the very best in contemporary art and screen culture.
Discover The Story of the Moving Image exhibition and journey through the past, present and future of the moving image through interactive experiences, digital innovation and captivating stories.
Discover great cinema in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. With the only human projectionist in the CBD and handpicked film by ACMI curators, ACMI takes movie watching to the next level. Enjoy award contenders, festival favourites and films from around the world, with new screenings daily.
Explore new discoveries and rare screenings you won't find anywhere else, with state-of-the-art sound, comfortable seats and a cinema experience like no other.
Browse the program today.
The City Circle Tram service provides a free and convenient way to get around central Melbourne. Tourists, shoppers, families and city workers can use the City Circle Tram to travel to major attractions, restaurants, shops and city events.
An audio commentary provides details of city landmarks and major attractions such as the Melbourne Museum, Flinders Street Station, Docklands precinct, Federation Square, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Princess Theatre and the Queen Victoria Market.
The City Circle route is serviced by heritage W class trams. The City Circle operates in a clockwise direction, with the service taking approximately 60 minutes to complete a loop. You can enjoy this tram as a 'hop on - hop off' service, with the added bonus of travelling aboard traditional Melbourne transportation. Tourists can spend all day on a City Circle Tram!
Information leaflets, including an 'easy to understand' map of the city are available on board each City Circle Tram.
To catch the free City Circle Tram service (route number 35), simply board the tram at any of the specially marked stops on the route. See the Public Transport Victoria website link for more details.
South Melbourne Market opened in 1867, making it Melbourne's longest continually running market.
With almost 150 stalls operated by small business owners, the market features a huge range of products including; fresh fruit and vegetables, butchers, poultry, seafood and delis, groceries and specialty foods, pet food and supplies, men's and women's fashion, footwear, accessories and children's wear, homewares and kitchenware, books and stationery, giftware and cards, restaurants, cafes, speciality coffee stores and take-away food, cakes and confectioneries, plants and flowers and much more.
The Market is just 10 minutes from Melbourne's city centre and is easily accessible by tram, bus, bike, foot or car.
The Koorie Heritage Trust (KHT) is a stand-alone Australian First Peoples arts and cultural centre located in the cultural heart of Narrm (Melbourne). It serves as a powerful space for both learning and reconciliation, deeply connected to the history and culture of the First Peoples of South East Australia.
Founded in 1985, KHT works tirelessly to ensure the rich cultural heritage, history and knowledge systems of Victorian First Peoples are valued, celebrated and an active part of society, while also encouraging the next generation to engage with and sustain these vital traditions.
KHT offers a range of immersive experiences, such as guided Aboriginal Cultural Walking Tours. These tours uncover the hidden histories and stories of Narrm. Led by a First Peoples guide, the tours provide a unique opportunity to touch and hold replica artifacts, while learning about their cultural significance.
In addition, KHT showcases an annual temporary exhibition program that offers unique insights into the richness and diversity of Victorian First Peoples art featuring both emerging and established artists, as well as regular changeover of exhibitions from its permanent Collections of historic and contemporary Victorian First Peoples art and cultural belongings.
KHT also runs an extensive range of public programs, further enriching the community's connection to Koorie culture.
Board one of the many river craft at Southgate or Princes Walk or travel along the Yarra in your own boat to visit attractions such as Melbourne Park for the Australian Tennis Open, the Royal Botanical Gardens and Herring Island Park. The Yarra River is now the undisputed social heart of marvellous Melbourne.
A Melbourne icon, the river is the focus for numerous spectacular events including the famous Moomba festival, rowing regattas, the Melbourne Festival and Dragon Boat Festivals.
The Yarra River offers a multitude of picturesque settings. The banks of the river have a number of barbecue and picnic facilities, fishing platforms and jetties. In addition, there are trails and paths which cater for cyclists, walkers and joggers.
Before you go
Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website.
Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.
