Best things to do in Melbourne

People in Melbourne love their footy, and going to an AFL football match at the MCG is a right of passage to most. Just a short tram or train ride from the city centre, the MCG has an electric atmosphere when the stadium is packed. The roar of the fans will give you goosebumps and by the end of the game, you'll be cheering along with the crowd.

What better way to see the beautiful, lush forests of the Dandenong ranges than taking a ride on the historic Puffing Billy steam train. Beginning in Belgrave, 40km's from Melbournes' CBD, the two hour ride winds through ferny gullies, over streams and between enormous mountain ash Gumtree's that will take your breath away. My tip is to pack a picnic to enjoy at the final stop in Gembrook, where you can relax in the crisp mountain air.

Satisfy your inner thrill seeker by seeing Melbourne from the ultimate view point: the Eureka Skydeck. High up in the towering Eureka building at South Bank, you'll find this glass enclosed observation deck on the 88th floor. It juts out right over the city offering spectacular scenery and envy inducing selfie opportunities.

Packing a picnic and basking in the radiance of the Botanical Gardens is a must do on a visit to Melbourne. The gardens boast a beautiful lake with vista views and, after you've tucked into your sandwiches you can stroll around a range of plant-worlds including a rose gardens, ferneries, a cactus garden and conservatory. There are several cafe's on site and plenty of unusual and beautiful plants to discover.

Great tours available every day by really interesting local experts. If you're into Australian history this is a really cool spot. This is where Ned Kelly was hung, and interestingly enough, where my dad was held overnight in the 70s for encouraging a crowd to run away and hide instead of recognizing their conscription.

Williamstown is a picturesque and historical waterfront precinct in Western Melbourne. You can take a relaxing stroll along Nelson Place where there are many notable maritime and Victorian buildings. Take your pick of parks along the waters edge at the marina, explore the rocky foreshores or visit the sandy beach for a fish and chip break. I love fish and chips at sunset in Williamstown, the seagulls will be happy to see you too!

Experience the cutting edge of contemporary art at Australia's flagship contemporary art museum. The angular, rust coloured building located a short tram ride from the city centre and is the place to catch up on the newest in international and Australian art.

Walk beyond the iconic water wall of the NGV's main entrance and discover international and Australian artwork in the heart of the city. Being Australia's largest and oldest art museum, the collection is sure to impress, housing everything from indigenous art and artefacts to impressionist paintings, modern and colonial Australian art as well as internationally renowned temporary exhibits.

Directly opposite the dome of Flinders Street Station, Federation Square is the city central location for a range of Melbourne city's free events. Sports matches and concerts are broadcast on it's giant TV screen, community exhibitions and performances play out on it's main stage and it's ringed with cafe's, bars and museums like the NGV Australia and the Centre for the Moving Image.

This underground museum located at Federation Square in the city centre is the definitive place to discover Australian and international film, television and media culture and art. Catch a flick at one of it's state of the art cinema's or be wowed by its entertaining and engaging exhibitions of video, sound interactive and screen based installations.

Slap bang in the middle of the lush Carlton Gardens, Melbourne Museum's collection of natural and social historical artefacts will delight and ignite the brains of the young and old. With Melbourne-centric exhibitions as well as a menagerie of taxidermied animals and beautifully displayed insects, this huge Museum will have you seeing the city and the world at large in a new way.

Every evening at sunset St Kilda's little Fairy Penguins swim back to their homes in the rocky breakwater. It is a beautiful sight and a reminder of the abundance of wildlife in this part of the world. Volunteer guides are at the site on evenings in Summer and can answer your questions about the adorable Penguins.

Little Italy in Melbourne can be found on the bustling strip in Carlton where numerous Italian restaurants offering pizza, pasta and al fresco dining fill the tree lined street. Testament to Australia's multicultural population, the thriving and dynamic food strip is a must-taste on your visit to Melbourne.

Luna Park is one of the crowning jewels of the cosmopolitan, seaside suburb of St Kilda. The iconic Scenic Railway rollercoaster clatters along the boundaries of the beloved theme park and from it's peaks you can take in 360 degree views of the St Kilda's waterfront and historic architecture. But be warned the rollercoaster is not for the faint at heart, it's one wild ride.

Get up early, pack your camera and head down to this historic pier. Over half of it is nothing but a collection of hundreds of decaying wooden support pillars. As the sun emerges from the Port Phillip Bay horizon it casts a mystifying color against the pillars, and your chance to shoot your own National Geographic competition entry.

It's packed with tourists but who doesn't like a stroll along a waterfront. There's bars and cafes galore, a casino, buskers and numerous glorious parks. You can take a cruise or simply watch teams of rowers paddle by. And when you are done just hop on a tram back to your hotel.

Victorian's take their AFL very seriously (emphasis on the 'very'). Even if you're not a die-hard footy fan, an AFL game at The G is a must while you're in Melbourne. The atmosphere is electric, and the passion for the sport has to be seen to be believed. So, pick a team, don their colours, brush up on the rules, and get ready to scream "BALL!" at every opportunity...

This cobble stone laneway and arcade is packed with some of the most Melbourne boutiques, bars and café's. In the unique clothing and shoe shops you'll find the secret to dressing like a stylish Melbournian and when you're all shopped out, pop into the many café's and bars for a coffee or a glass of wine. You can't miss the famous Degraves Café that has outdoor seating perfect for people watching.

The Arts Centre the place to see international and Australian music, opera, ballet, theatre and musicals. Theres bound to be something right up your alley in it's packed programme, with seasonal festivals showcasing world class talent. You'll even find something for the kids as well as special exhibitions at this beloved performing arts venue.

This Melbourne institution has been open for more than 60 years and it's character and charm add volumes to the quirky heart of the city centre. With a changing daily menu written on a humble blackboard, you can pop in for a quick meal of simple Italian fare, or stand at the bar for espresso and a chat with the regulars.

This mural is adored by locals and was painted by the legendary New York artist Keith Haring in 1984 on the wall of a former technical college. The building is now an arts precinct and the mural is a heritage listed must see when exploring the diverse suburb of Collingwood.