Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne — so many iconic cities to visit in Australia, so little time. As a first-time traveler, picking the destination that checks off all the boxes can be daunting. A bustling city like Sydney would serve as a great tourist-centered experience, but what about for those who want to feel a little more connected to Australia’s roots?

The second most populated city, Melbourne is perfect for history buffs and curious travelers alike. With plenty of popular tourist attractions that make it universally enjoyable for any visitor, the city also is overflowing with opportunity to learn about the origins of Australia’s history and culture. Striking the perfect balance between informative and entertaining, these five attractions are a sure way to make the most of Melbourne. 

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Considered one of Melbourne’s major architectural landmarks, the church drew immense design inspiration from the grand cathedrals in Europe. Featuring a remarkable combination of elements from the Gothic Revival and the Decorated Gothic eras, St. Paul’s Cathedral is sure to impress any visitor with its uncontained beauty.

Paying homage to its religious roots, the church is built on the site where the first public Christian service took place in 1835, with construction wrapping up in 1891. The infamous spires weren’t part of the original design and were later added on in the 20^th century. At the time of its construction, the central spire known as the Moorhouse Spire, stood at 312 feet tall, making St. Paul’s the tallest structure in central Melbourne. Visitors do have the opportunity to take a free, self-guided tour of the cathedral to see the beautiful architecture for themselves. Historical artifacts and educational signage line the perimeter of the church, providing travelers the opportunity to learn more about the church and the city of Melbourne.

Ian Potter Centre

The art museum, part of the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is the world’s first major gallery dedicated solely to Australian art. The Ian Potter Centre houses 20 galleries which showcase a variety of art forms including paintings, sculptures, photography, fashion and Indigenous art.

The Joseph Brown Collection is also worthy of mention. This collection tells the story of a Polish immigrant who greatly influenced Australia’s artistic culture through his advocacy for both forgotten and modern artists. Brown ultimately donated most of his collection to NGV which stands as the largest art donation ever made to a public gallery in Australia. The art center is perfect for all travelers, especially those who are looking for an interactive and educational self-paced activity.

Koorie Heritage Trust

Conveniently right next door to the Ian Potter Centre, the Koorie Heritage Trust is an organization that aims to promote and preserve the oral histories of the First Peoples of Australia. Here, visitors have plenty of opportunities to learn this group’s unique history through art shows and other displayed artifacts.

For a more interactive experience, travelers can take a guided walking tour of the Yarra River. Led by a knowledgeable Cultural Experiences guide, this 60-minute tour speaks on the history of Melbourne and its significance to the First People as well as the Yarra River. However, the best part may just come at the end, when the guide plays the Didgeridoo — an Aboriginal wind instrument — in live time for the group.

Bells Beach

Australia wouldn’t be Australia if it wasn’t known for one thing — surfing! Considered the surf capital of the country and located a little over an hour outside of Melbourne, Bells Beach is an iconic spot for any traveler. Part of the longest running event in competitive surfing, the beach is a famous stop along the World Surf League Championship tour. The competition takes place in April every year so visitors who time their travels right may just be able to witness some of the best surfers in the world catch a wave or two.

Not only is the beach notorious for hosting the tour, it’s also the home of the international brand Rip Curl. Founded in 1969 by two friends, Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer, Rip Curl might be a familiar name even for those who aren’t avid surfers. Don’t worry — the brand designs everything from surfboards and wetsuits to clothing and swimwear so visitors who stop into the local store in town can be sure to find something that fits their fancy.

Great Ocean Road

Part of the Australian National Heritage list, this 150-mile stretch of road certainly does not fall short in activities to do and sights to see. With construction beginning in 1919 by soldiers who had returned home from World War I, the road features numerous statues honoring these individuals, making it the world’s largest war memorial. Other prominent landmarks include the Twelve Apostles rock formation (one of the most sought-after destinations in Australia), the Split Point Lighthouse and the Memorial Arch.

Great Ocean Road’s versatility makes it a great location for a day trip as it combines history, famous landmarks and delicious food spots along the way. Visitors can easily personalize this experience by picking and choosing spots they want to see with the ability to head back into the city at any time.