From the colourful street art at Hosier Lane to the Botanic Gardens and all the way to the little penguins at St Kilda Pier during sunset, you could lose yourself for days among Melbourne’s most iconic sites and photo spots. Like with most popular spots you would want to be there early in the day to have the best chance of less people possibly photobombing you, but sometimes that is not always possible and considering it is a big and buzzing city you have to work with what you’ve got, especially whatever amount of time you have to play with in your itinerary.
So, without further ado, here are the 13 most instagrammable places that you should definitely include in your itinerary.
Carlton Gardens and Royal Exhibition Building
What really helps elevate a city to the top of my list is its wide open green spaces (AKA- PARKS). Carlton Gardens located just off of Victoria Street is a great spot for a stroll, a picnic and of course to get some great photos! You have your choice of spots along the many pathways, in between the trees, on the cute park benches and also the wonderful Royal Exhibition Building as well with the little water fountain out the front.
Street Art (Hosier Lane)
This is a city that is full of pops of colour and lots of little alleyways, some with a super grunge aesthetic to them which I kinda like. Hosier lane is probable the most well known spot for street art in Melbourne, but if you have a bit of extra time you can also check out ACDC lane, Croft Alley and Duckboard Place…all very walkable and within a short distance of each other).
LaTrobe Reading room @ State Library of Victoria
Play around with different angles and levels…there are different viewpoints using the staircases or lift to access these.
Flinders Street Station
Located on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets in the CBD, Flinders Street Station is the oldest and busiest railway station in Australia. You can get some good shots at the entrance (very early in the morning or at least at non peak time during the day) or even from across the road (on Flinders Street looking back towards the station entrance).
Federation Square
A focus point for art and culture, Federation Square is an example of abstract modern architecture and a spot to hold outdoor events. You can play around with the different sides of the buildings , the steps and the big sign that spells ‘Fed Square’. Located on the Corner of Flinders and Swanston Street (just directly opposite the entrance to Flinders Street Station).
Southbank
Take a stroll along the south side of the river past the all the wonderful restaurants, shops and bars. You can get lots of different pictures here both along the promenade on either side of the Bridge above (St Kilda Road) or from the Road looking down towards everything.
Shrine of Remembrance
Opened in 1934 and used today as a monument and landmark to commemorate those who have served our country you can get some great pictures here both on the staircase leading up to it with the Shrine in the background and also looking back towards the city skyline in the distance.
Botanic Gardens
Located along the south of the Yarra River , you could get lost in here all day among the lush greenery and array of interesting flowers and plants, all of which make a great backdrop for photos. There is also a lily pond and some lovely palm trees. I was not able to squeeze in anytime here on my last trip so I included some lovely photos taken by @cassiethehag.
Docklands
This was an unexpected little gem and was great to head over from the CBD to an area I wasn’t really familiar with. While you are here you could also check out the views of the city from above on the Melbourne Star (which is the Aussie version of the London Eye, but just a little bit smaller). To get to this location type in ‘Library at the Dock’ into google maps.
St Kilda Beach and Pier
A popular spot for swimming, strolling, cycling or fishing the beach and pier at St Kilda offers panoramic views back towards the city. If you are there around sunset/early evening you may be lucky enough to spot one of the little penguins amongst the rocks that come out at that time of day. On my recent trip down there I was not able to get some photos at the Pier due to construction and a triathlon event, so these are from previous occasions.
Luna Park
A trip down to St Kilda isn’t complete without stopping by and getting a picture at the famous Luna Park entrance with the old roller coaster above!
Brighton Bathing Boxes
With 82 of them all lined up and screaming COLOUR, the bathing boxes at Brighton are definitely a great spot for photos. There are so many cool ones to choose from.
And that’s a wrap! All the best photo spots for your trip to Melbourne. Also, HOT TIP… if you are needing to refuel before or after your adventures I recommend Brunch at either Degraves Street in the CBD or Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. For Lunch or Dinner you could check out St Kilda, Southbank, Chinatown or Lygon Street.
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