Aside from the incredible coffee, delectable food and gourmet cocktails, Melbourne is filled with a number of unusual activities and places to see. Whether you've been to Melbourne once, or many times, here are 10 unusual things to do in Melbourne to make it a memorable experience.
Enjoy the sweeping view across the city skyline from Ruckers Hill in Northcote. Just 7km from Melbourne's CBD, Northcote is filled with historic homes, giving you true insight to a local's perspective. Stay: Love the inner north? Taking in the incredible view from Northcote doesn't have to be a one off, stay at Mantra Bell City for a more residential Melbourne experience.
Image via: Luster Lai
Get out of the city and spend the day at Steavenson Falls, just under two hours from Melbourne. Once you arrive, take a short 700-metre walk to one of Victoria's highest waterfalls.
The State Library of Victoria's daily 2pm free tour will take you through the hidden surprises that it holds closely. You don't need to be a book worm for this one, with historical stories, ghosts and paper planes all part of the mix.
Stay: Mantra on the Park – 6 minute walk away
You can't go to Melbourne without experiencing its iconic laneways covered with street art, a fundamental part of the city. Tours are run by street artists themselves, with local knowledge of the hidden, underground treasures. Instead of just walking by like every other tourist, discover the real stories behind the art.
Image via: Melbourne Street Tours
While trams are an iconic part of Melbourne's CBD, so is dining. Combine them both together you'll have the ultimate Melbourne experience – The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. Diners will enjoy a seasonal menu as the tram cruises through the city streets of Melbourne.
Image via: Colonial Restaurant Facebook
When the weather decides to play nice, take the train out to St Kilda. Whether it's the hip vibe, community gardens, beach strip or gourmet dining that brings you to St Kilda, you can be assured that hours will pass quickly here. Our tip is to hire some rollerblades and cruise along the foreshore.
Stay: Not ready to leave St Kilda? Why not spend a few nights at Mantra St Kilda Road perfectly placing you between St Kilda and Melbourne's main attractions.
Melbourne's cultural scene is strong, so while you're in town make sure you catch a performance at the theatre.
Image via: That's Melbourne
Open from 7:30am every day of the year, the garden highlights include a variety of lakes, discovery walks, sculptures and Guilfoyle's Volcano - built to store water for the botanic gardens.
Stay: Mantra Southbank, Melbourne – Just five minutes by foot, will lead you to the gardens.
Image via: Visit Melbourne
Get your Insta-worthy image at the 82 distinctive bathing boxes along Brighton Beach. Their Victorian architectural features transform the area into a bright seaside experience.
If going behind the scenes is your kind of thing, join in on the live studio audience for a variety of TV shows. Lights, camera, action is all happening in South Melbourne for you to experience.
Whether it's a city stay or coastal getaway, we've got your hotel in Melbourne covered. Find out more here.