Melbourne, Australia is one of the most cultural, hip, picturesque, and mysterious cities in the southern hemisphere. This eye-catching city is often known and recognized for its passionate sports fans, aboriginal heritage, spectacular coastline and Australian history and art, but is also a well-kept secret for surprising discoveries and hidden gems. Discover buildings and alleyways decked out in colorful local street art that speckle city corners as you’re strolling through the streets. While there’s nothing like experiencing the energy of a new city on foot, visitors to the cultural capital of Australia have the unique opportunity to view the cityscape from a kayak. Or, if turning a morning walk into a shopping and bargaining adventure suits you, then Queen Victoria Market is a great stop for open-air shopping. To refresh your senses, Melbourne boasts one of the world’s most beautifully designed botanic gardens, where you can take in the sights and aromas of countless Australian flora. And for an evening of spirits and surprises, the city is home to many hidden bars. So hidden, in fact, that they truly capture the meaning of an underground nightlife scene. As you will read, Melbourne is full of rare attractions and adventures, and must be fully experienced from different vantage points.

When traveling to a city, color and designs along the sides of buildings is often seen as graffiti: something covering up and distracting from beautiful, intricate urban architecture. In Melbourne, however, the vibrant street art not only accentuates the city’s lively culture, it has become a destination in and of itself. The intricate designs draw countless visitors who crowd around the metropolitan artworks like an impressionist painting in a coveted museum. Hosier Lane, in particular, is a central hub of alleyway artwork. Visitors flock to see the paintings, a special treat due to the ever-changing nature of the district, where older works of art are painted over by a different artist with a varying aesthetic on a regular basis. This allows for fresh, creative expression to be consistently strewn across the city walls to keep people coming back for more. The temporary nature of each individual work of art makes this area a frequented spot for locals, as well. If wandering the alleys of Federation Square in search of street art seems too daunting or time consuming, a Melbourne Street Art Tour will showcase many breathtaking pieces, led by top Melbourne street artists themselves, which gives tourists the inside perspective on the technique and meaning behind the art. If that wasn’t enough to make the tour worthwhile, the tour ends with an experience much like that of an art gallery opening: with wine, beer, and lively conversation at a Melbourne artist’s studio.

After roaming around Melbourne on foot in search of a colorful gem, you can give your feet a break by taking in Melbourne’s beautiful cityscape from a different perspective: from the water. The water-level view of the city from the serene setting of a kayak allows for a whole new outlook. Participants begin with a safety review and paddling lesson, then the adventurers begin to head downriver and toward the heart of the city, while passing underneath the famous Princes Bridge. Kayakers have the opportunity to paddle on the beautiful Yarra River to the South Wharf, the Docklands, and all the way to Yarra’s Edge Marina. Tourists can also experience an evening kayaking tour, where they can actually dine in style on the water before departing in their kayak. Then they set out to experience Melbourne landmarks lit up in the night sky, while being led by a professional tour guide. Kayakers are delighted to experience Melbourne from the outside looking in during this active and exhilarating water adventure.

Once back on dry land, a great way to immerse yourself in the culture of the city is to visit the Queen Victoria Market. Known as the largest open-air market on the continent, this market offers everything from crafts and clothing, to farm fresh produce and stall after stall of gourmet food. Commonly referred to as “Vic Market” or “Queen Vic,” tourists find Queen Victoria Market to be a focal point of local culture. Though it’s a draw for visitors to Melbourne, the market is packed with locals from all walks of life trying to find the best deal on breads, seafood, produce, cheese, and fresh meats, especially on Friday mornings. Shopping can be tiresome, so luckily Queen Victoria Market offers many stands that serve up breakfast and lunch options, so visitors to the market can refuel. The food stands serve food from around the globe, and if you’re lucky enough to be there on a summer night, you can catch the market in its extended hours and take part in the festivities with a glass of wine and eclectic live music. Whether your visit to the market is to grab a meal, stock up on healthy snacks during your stay, or to find a unique souvenir to bring home, there’s an abundance of options at Queen Victoria Market, but it’s important to remember the kind of popularity that bargains can attract, and to be prepared for a busy and energetic shopping experience.

For a sense of serenity away from the energy of the city, travelers in Melbourne can experience nature at its finest with a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens. These world-renowned gardens were designed with both local flora and global gardens in mind. The gardens extend along the Yarra River, and are a wonderful attraction for anyone with a green thumb, or for those who love the sights and aromas of exotic plants. For anyone interested in more of an interactive experience, the gardens offer stargazing, observatory tours, and evening performances in the summer months. For an extra dose of adventure, visitors can make their way over to the Guilfoyle’s Volcano, located in the southeast corner of the gardens. The volcano is a historic reservoir that has breathtaking city views from its viewing platforms. Taking in the fresh air among a vast variety of horticulture, such as succulents, cacti, and herbs, is a wonderful reprieve from the commotion of downtown Melbourne.

For travelers lucky enough to experience Melbourne’s natural beauty and artsy city culture, nothing tops off a trip to this Australian city quite like a night out at a hidden bar. The underground nightlife culture in Melbourne is incomparable, and truly has to be experienced firsthand. In a similar vein as finding beautiful and artful designs off the beaten path, the most loved hidden bars can be found off of mundane city alleyways. Hihou, which means “secret treasure” in Japanese, is a bar that you have to seek out, because it’s not something you’ll stumble upon when wandering the city. Those in the mood for a cocktail must ring a bell at an unmarked door to find their way into Hihou, and can enjoy their beverage in a low-lit, cozy bar. For a different flavor in Melbourne hidden bar culture, you can head over to The Alchemist. This bar is so secretive it’s easy to pass right by it without even noticing. This throwback bar is one of a kind, and can prove it by its décor, which ranges from antique apothecary items to romantic satin curtains. Melbourne’s secret evening hotspots are the perfect nightcap to your visit, and will likely be the setting for a memorable evening.

Melbourne’s flare for surprise can be found in every crevice of this Australian city. The experience of spending time there is authentic in its artistic discoveries; views of the city from the water at sunset, people-watching while tasting local delicacies, seeing Melbourne’s native flowers in bloom, and chatting with locals at the hidden watering hole. This stunning city is full of surprises waiting for any bold traveler who’s ready to discover Melbourne’s unique charm.