Skip to main content

Places worth discovering

Things to Do

Find attractions, experiences and places to visit. Events remain the best way to see what is happening on a particular date.

Looking for a dated event? Explore Events

821 places

Explore local places

Ziebell's Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Ziebell's Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden

Ziebell's Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden is a unique attraction located in Thomastown's Westgarthtown Pioneer Precinct – a hidden gem amongst modern homes. Originally owned by Christian and Sophia Ziebell, the farmhouse was built during the 1850s by the Ziebell family using local bluestone and typical German design. Surrounded by a barn, smoke house, bathhouse and beautifully maintained cottage garden the museum tells a fascinating story of the journey German and Wendish families made to Australia to establish dairy farms north of Melbourne. Visitors are transported to a time when Thomastown was known as Westgarthtown, Edgars Creek ran through open pasture and immigration was by tall ship. The neighbouring reserve, Lutheran Church and historic Cemetery create further interest for tourists and locals alike.

Thomastown VIC

5.5 km away

View place
Greenvale Reservoir Park
Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Greenvale Reservoir Park

The grassy slopes of the park are popular with large groups for picnics and games. Trails wind through the park, offering glimpses of native birdlife and views of the water. The park offers over 53 hectares for visitors to take in, explore and enjoy. Features include walking paths, large open spaces, picnic facilities and free gas barbecues. You can enjoy the peaceful surrounds and the tranquil views of the reservoir or simply relax under a tree and enjoy a sunny afternoon. The sound of birds and the breeze through the trees provides a relaxing change to the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. One of the features of the park is 'Brodies Lakes'. This series of three ponds is ideal for observing birdlife and incorporating other wetland activities. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Greenvale VIC

7.0 km away

View place
Woodlands Historic Park

National Parks and Reserves

Woodlands Historic Park

Woodlands Historic Park provides a fascinating glimpse of the landscapes and wildlife seen by European settlers in the 1840s. The park has a 150-year old homestead, Indigenous canoe trees, native woodland and grassland. Wander through the fenced 'Back Paddock' and see kangaroos, birds and other wildlife. The sight of large groups of wild kangaroos in their Australian bush habitat is a magnificent, never-to-be forgotten experience. Many walking trails are available through Woodlands Historic Park. You can combine a pleasant walk in the Australian bush with the opportunity to see scores of eastern grey kangaroos bounding across the sweeping grasslands of Woodlands Historic Park, together with plenty of other Australian native wildlife. Before you go - Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Greenvale VIC

7.0 km away

View place
URBNSURF

Amusement and Theme Parks

URBNSURF Melbourne

URBNSURF Melbourne is Australia's first urban surfing park, delivering authentic experiences for guests of all ages and abilities, located just minutes from Melbourne Airport's terminals and a short drive from the Melbourne CBD. Within the park's crystal-clear surfing lagoon (similar in size to the MCG), up to 600 perfect, ocean-like surfing waves are created every hour - from gentle, rolling whitewater waves for learners and beginners, through to steep, barrelling waves that will challenge even the most experienced surfers. URBNSURF Melbourne offers one hour surf sessions for 'freesurfing', and structured one hour and 45 minute surf lessons. All-day spectator passes are also available. In addition to the surfing action, URBNSURF Melbourne features a Surf Academy, offering tailored coaching, training and wellness activities; a Surf Rental centre, offering the latest boards, wetsuits and equipment for hire; heated changerooms, showers and lockers to store valuables; an on-site surf shop, Lagoon Supply Co; lagoonside amenities including hot tubs, day beds, beach-style cabanas and landscaped spaces; regular festivals, parties and events. The park's licensed cafe and restaurant, Three Blue Ducks Melbourne, is offering delicious, locally-sourced food and beverages for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Tullamarine VIC

7.2 km away

View place
A vibrant destination for shopping, dining, adventure and unforgettable experiences.
Image credit: Essendon Fields

Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Essendon Fields

Discover where Melbourne takes off. With more than a century of innovation behind it, Essendon Fields is a vibrant destination in Melbourne's northwest where excitement, flavour and adventure come together. It's not just an airport - it's a place to explore, indulge and make a day [or weekend] of it. Come for the shopping, stay for the experiences. Snap up unbeatable finds at DFO Essendon, stock up on premium produce at LaManna, or settle in for a memorable meal with family and friends at favourites like Mr McCracken, Basq and Friction. Thrill‑seekers can fly high at iFLY Melbourne, bounce into fun at Bounce, or take off on unforgettable air‑based adventures departing right from Essendon Fields - from breathtaking helicopter flights over the 12 Apostles, to indulgent lunch escapes in the Yarra Valley, or skyline views of Melbourne's CBD. Thinking bigger? Browse over 20 leading auto brands all in one convenient location, then wind down in comfort at the onsite Hyatt Place Melbourne Essendon Fields. Whether you're here for a few hours or a full stay, Essendon Fields makes it effortless to shop, dine, play and escape - all in one destination. Plan your visit and see where the day takes you.

Essendon Fields VIC

7.8 km away

View place
French Furniture Moonee Ponds Antiques Showroom In Airport West
Image credit: Moonee Ponds Antiques

Shopping and Markets

Moonee Ponds Antiques

Moonee Ponds Antiques is a long established family business with over 40 years experience buying and selling antiques. They offer personal service, great stock and value for money. They are dealers in French provincial furniture and decor, with a large stock of quality French antique tables, commodes, sideboards, hallstands. They also stock Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco furniture, collectibles and china. The main location in Airport West is a 1300 square meter open plan showroom with all the latest and greatest stock on display. Interstate buyers are most welcome. They have a number of reliable and cost effective carriers and can organize Australia Wide Delivery.

Airport West VIC

8.0 km away

View place
Chapter Place Weddings and Events at Pentridge

Entertainment Venues

Chapter Place Weddings and Events at Pentridge

Chapter Place offers couples an enchanting setting of history and innovation. It boasts an immersive wedding experience unlike any other, with chic wedding settings, delicious, authentic menus, and outstanding service. For a modern twist on a 170-year-old castle, Chapter Place is the wedding venue for you. With a range of beautiful indoor and outdoor wedding settings, you'll be spoilt for choice. Their idyllic Reflection Garden boasts a tranquil atmosphere, majestic gardens, and iconic bluestone wall surrounds. Chapter Place's Chapel is complete with glorious high ceilings and exquisite arched windows — perfect for a timeless indoor ceremony. Whether you're after a lively alfresco reception or an unforgettable ballroom experience — Chapter Place has you covered. If you wish to treat your guests to a night of superb culinary experiences, you'll adore Chapter Place's refined, seasonal menus boasting authentic food and wine offerings. Each meal and beverage tells a tale of a local Victorian producer pouring their heart and soul into their work. The talented chefs can also tailor-design a menu to further suit your needs. With a range of fantastic wedding packages to choose from and assistance from Chapter Place's dedicated wedding planner — you won't have to worry about a thing!

Coburg VIC

8.1 km away

View place
DFO Essendon

Shopping and Markets

DFO Essendon

DFO Essendon is a single level outlet shopping centre, located approximately 14 kilometres north of Melbourne's city centre in the Essendon Fields precinct. The centre comprises more than 105 outlet retailers including Coach, Aje, Polo Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, PUMA and Bonds Outlet. The adjacent Homemaker Hub comprises over 20 large format stores, including JB Hi-Fi Home and Chemist Warehouse.

Essendon Fields VIC

8.2 km away

View place
Child smiles mid-flight

Sports and Recreation Facilities

iFLY Melbourne Indoor Skydiving

iFLY Melbourne Indoor Skydiving lets you experience the sensation of freefall without jumping from a plane. In a state‑of‑the‑art glass wind tunnel at Essendon Fields, you'll float on a cushion of air with guidance from expert instructors. Safe and fun for ages three to 103, indoor skydiving is perfect for families, birthday parties, school holidays or team‑building events. No experience is needed and all training and gear are provided on site. From first‑time flyers seeking adventure to return flyers and even pro flyers, iFLY Melbourne caters to all skill levels, with packages designed for fun, progression and coaching. Located just 20 minutes from Melbourne city centre with easy parking and transport links.

Essendon Fields VIC

8.3 km away

View place
Living Legends: The International Home of Rest for Champion Horses
Image credit: Bronwen Healy

Amusement and Theme Parks

Living Legends: The International Home of Rest for Champion Horses

Melbourne Airport's closest tourist attraction - historic homestead and gardens, coffee shop, retired champion racehorses surrounded by parklands with over 1,000 wild kangaroos and over 100 species of Australian native birds. Living Legends is a multi-awarded visitor destination and has been voted the People's Choice for Best Victorian Tourism Experience at the RACV Victorian Tourism Awards. At Living Legends, you can meet and mingle with retired champion racehorses such as Apache Cat, Silent Witness and Melbourne Cup winners Brew, Efficient, Prince Of Penzance, Twilight Payment and Almandin. Enjoy Devonshire Tea or coffee in the Woodlands Historic Homestead, smell the roses in the heritage gardens; walk, run, climb or ride your bikes in the surrounding 1,500 acres of bushland complete with kangaroos and abundant native birdlife. Bring a picnic basket, plan a day trip - it's a place where people of all ages can relax and enjoy interacting with the legends in beautiful parklands. Located six minutes door to door from Melbourne Airport with free parking. Please visit their website for information on their public tours of horses. Ideal for layovers with local pick up, tour booking and fully catered formal and informal function packages available. An ideal destination for all ages - schools, service clubs, and community groups.

Greenvale VIC

9.8 km away

View place
Islamic Museum of Australia
Image credit: Islamic Museum of Australia

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Islamic Museum of Australia

The Islamic Museum of Australia highlights the arts, culture and contributions of Muslims in Australia and abroad through the display of art and historical objects. The Museum is located just 10 kilometres outside Melbourne's city centre in the inner northern suburb of Thornbury. This stunning contemporary building backs onto the leafy Merri Creek Trail. The onsite cafe serves delicious breakfasts and lunches. The Museum holds regular events, screenings, lectures, exhibition openings and workshops. Visit the website or join the mailing list for the latest museum news and events. The Museum features five permanent galleries and a visiting exhibition gallery. The Islamic Museum of Australia collects, preserves and showcases original art pieces which reflect the Museum's vision of sharing the Australian Muslim experience. These include unique objects, information and other crafts sourced from Australia and around the Muslim world, as well as an exciting collection of contemporary art by Australian Muslim artists.

Thornbury VIC

10 km away

View place
Meditation centre

Spas and Retreats

Kadampa Meditation Centre Melbourne

For nearly 20 years, Kadampa Meditation Centre has been offering meditation classes across Melbourne. Their beautiful new home is at Nightingale Wurru Wurru Biik in Brunswick - a vibrant and thriving hub in the heart of the community. Combining thoughtful design with a calm, welcoming atmosphere, this new space offers a modern-day oasis for finding inner peace. Open to everyone and easily accessible by public transport, it's the perfect place to pause, connect, and recharge. They offer a quiet place for unguided meditation from Monday to Friday. Come along to their free midday guided meditation classes on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. They also host regular weekly classes on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and midday Wednesday and Thursday. Visit the Kadampa Meditation Centre Melbourne website for class timings and topics. Their upcoming weekly topics include Comfortable with Yourself: Unlocking Self-Esteem and Genuine Confidence, and the Seven Keys for Spiritual Success. Everyone is welcome. Concession available

Brunswick VIC

11 km away

View place
Gertrude Contemporary

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Gertrude Contemporary

Gertrude is Australia's leading incubator of contemporary art. Respected nationally and internationally, Gertrude has proven its impact for over 40 years shaping the careers of Australia's most celebrated artists. As a non-commercial and independent space, Gertrude offers artists freedom for risk-taking, innovation and ambition. Its artistic program – including its studio and exhibition program – is unique in its equal emphasis on the production and presentation of contemporary art. This enables it to back great artists to explore new ideas and present risk-taking work at pivotal points in their careers. Gertrude gives audiences unique insight into the creative development of artists. Its audiences engage with risk-taking, formative moments that define artist careers.

Preston VIC

11 km away

View place
The Smash Room Melbourne
Image credit: The Smash Room Melbourne

Entertainment Venues

The Smash Room experience Melbourne

The Smash Room is Melbourne's newest and most exciting entertainment venue that's loads of fun for all ages. Visitors have the ability to smash things like televisions, and PlayStations, in a safe and clean environment. The Smash Room is also the only venue in Australia that allows groups of people in a Smash Room at once. Great for date nights, groups of friends, birthday parties, work functions, and more. UV Glow in the Dark table tennis and Arcade Gaming are just some of the other fun activities offered at The Smash Room. Two conveniently located sites in Melbourne (Keilor and Moorabbin) make this the perfect entertainment solution for any event, activity, gathering, or day out. Ages 13 and up.

Keilor East VIC

11 km away

View place
Honey Lane Urban Farm at CERES Bruswick
Image credit: CERES

Parks and Gardens

CERES Park

Discover CERES Community Environment Park. In the heart of Brunswick East, CERES is a Melbourne icon - a community-built park where nature, culture and creativity come together. Families love the adventure playground, winding garden paths and friendly farm animals. On weekends the park comes alive with live music, seasonal food and a relaxed community vibe. Makers' markets pop up throughout the year, and there's always exciting seasonal events happening. You can grab a coffee or lunch at the Merri Café, wander through the Nursery to find native and edible plants, or join a hands-on workshop to learn everything from gardening to cheese-making. For over forty years, this former rubbish tip has been transformed by community effort into a thriving green village - a place that shows what's possible when people care for the earth and each other. Come for an hour or stay the day, CERES is one of Melbourne's most unique experiences. See upcoming events on their What's On page.

Brunswick East VIC

11 km away

View place
Clothing The Gaps

Shopping and Markets

Clothing The Gaps

Clothing The Gaps is a certified Aboriginal business, social enterprise and B-Corp on Wurundjeri Country in the thriving suburb of Brunswick, located in Melbourne's inner north. The store space is a must-visit destination to support local Aboriginal business and learn more about the conversations happening in Aboriginal Communities in Australia. The store space is guided by signage that enables people to purchase a conversation starter that is right for them through the 'Ally Friendly' and 'Mob Only' signage. Visitors are treated to in-store activations and roaming art pieces while they shop a range of products from accessories, clothing, stationary and homewares. Don't miss the 'Locally Made' collection of Australian Made Ethical Clothing Australia accredited 100% Melbourne-made merch too.

Brunswick VIC

11 km away

View place
The Jazzlab
Image credit: The Jazzlab

Entertainment Venues

The Jazzlab Bennetts Lane Jazz Club

The Jazzlab's mantra is to dedicate itself to promoting and developing live jazz as an art form. Located at the quintessential setting on the corner of a dead end lane way in the inner city Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, the Jazzlab was opened by Michael Tortoni on April 7 2017. Michael's dedication to the presentation of live music performance had lead him to direct and support Bennett's Lane Jazz Club since its inception until his departure in mid-2015. Michael now continues to direct that passion and commitment into his new jazz club. The Jazzlab has surpassed all expectations, with 25 years' experience, Michael was able to transport all the best features of Bennetts Lane to create the ultimate live concert club with excellent lines of sight for its 216 capacity. Host to the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, and is instrumental in presenting residencies for developing recording material, and curating educational programs for live recording studies. Open seven nights a week, The Jazzlab is the best destination in Melbourne to hear top quality live jazz performances from the cutting edge and avant garde, to the classics and standards that made the art form great. The Jazzlab will soon open a new second performance space, which will present multiple performances each evening and accommodate a wider diversity of original Australian jazz projects.

Brunswick VIC

11 km away

View place
Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre

Entertainment Venues

Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre

The Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre proudly curates its own performance program, a vibrant showcase of music, theatre, dance, comedy and children's entertainment. Designed to reflect the heart of our community, the program features a balance of touring artists, emerging voices and beloved local performers. Each season invites audiences of all ages to experience the joy of live performance and the power of storytelling on stage. With two purpose-built theatres and a range of flexible event and function spaces, the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre hosts everything from major touring productions, to festivals, to community performances, exhibitions, workshops, conferences and private celebrations. They provide opportunities for local artists, young people and emerging voices to grow, experiment and share their work. Through collaboration, mentorship and community partnerships, they help creativity take root and flourish. They believe creativity is for everyone. It sparks imagination, brings people together and helps communities thrive. That is why they are committed to being inclusive, accessible and welcoming to all, embracing people of all cultures, backgrounds, ages and abilities. Their diverse community is one of their greatest strengths, and they work to reflect that diversity in their programming, partnerships and the events they support.

South Morang VIC

11 km away

View place
Our team of qualified horticulturalists are on hand to help gardeners of all levels.
Image credit: CERES

Shopping and Markets

CERES Nursery

A must-visit for plant lovers, CERES Nursery specialises in edible and native plants. Their team of horticulturalists and volunteers propagate certified organic seedlings, including rare and heirloom varieties you won't find anywhere else - like more than 25 types of heirloom tomatoes. Alongside a lush range of indoor plants, from monsteras to fiddle-leaf figs, you'll find beautiful handmade goods from local makers and artists. Think pottery, products made with plants, garden accessories and thoughtful gifts that showcase the creativity of the local area. Their extensive bookstore covers permaculture, garden design, Indigenous knowledge, cooking and children's titles. The friendly staff are always on hand with expert, practical advice for gardeners of all levels. Set in the heart of CERES' vibrant park, farms and gardens, it's the perfect place to spend the day: enjoy lunch at the café, explore the grounds or let the kids play on the famous Terra Wonder adventure playground.

Brunswick East VIC

11 km away

View place
Maribyrnong Valley Parklands
Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Maribyrnong Valley Parklands

Just a short drive from the heart of the city is the Maribyrnong Valley Parklands featuring Brimbank Park and Horseshoe Bend Farm. The parklands offer ideal settings for picnics, walks along the extensive network of trails, fishing, canoeing and bird watching, all set within peaceful parklands surrounded by prolific birdlife. Note: Horseshoe Bend Farm is not open to visitors. Horseshoe Bend Farm is a popular destination for visitors of all ages. During the week it is regularly occupied by young families, play groups, primary schools and older recreation groups. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Keilor VIC

12 km away

View place
Counihan Gallery
Image credit: Janelle Low

Galleries, Museums and Collections

Counihan Gallery

The Counihan Gallery is Merri-bek City Council's free public gallery located in the heart of Brunswick, on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country. The Counihan Gallery opened in 1999 and is named in honour of the Australian artist and activist Noel Counihan (1913-1986), who was a champion of social justice and a vocal supporter of free speech. The exhibition program reflects the commitment to political activism, sustainability, and creative expression. The Counihan Gallery acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waterways in the area known as Merri-bek. They recognise their continuous connection to culture, community and Country and embrace their traditional and contemporary cultural and creative expression. They pay their respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and to all First Nations people who are part of the community today.

Brunswick VIC

12 km away

View place
Brimbank Park
Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Brimbank Park

The Brimbank Park playscape is a haven for creative play. Children and their families will be inspired to connect with nature as they play. The playscape is designed for children of all abilities to play, explore and socialise in the outdoors. Brimbank Park is also part of Parks Victoria's Autism Friendly Visits initiative, find out more on their website. Walk or cycle along the extensive network of trails. With over 10 kilometres of tracks in Brimbank Park and the Maribyrnong River Trail, you're bound to find a walk that's right for you. There are several picnic areas in Brimbank Park. Gas barbecues, shelters and picnic tables are available free of charge. If picnics aren't your style, stop by Lumbar and Co for your caffeine fix, a sweet treat or a delicious healthy lunch. Brimbank Park is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape in the traditional Country of the Wurundjeri Peoples. Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. Before your visit, please check the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website for updated changes of conditions and familiarise yourself with important bushfire safety information to ensure your experience is safe and enjoyable. For information about fires, Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans visit Emergency Victoria's website.

Keilor East VIC

12 km away

View place
Maribyrnong River
Image credit: Parks Victoria

National Parks and Reserves

Maribyrnong River

The Maribyrnong River, which begins on the slopes of Mount Macedon and flows to Port Phillip, has played a major role in the occupation and development of western Victoria. Aboriginal tribes have frequented its banks for at least 40,000 years. These waters provide good canoeing and three ponding points have been designed to enable children and adults to discover the delights of catching fish with a hand net. The park has barbecues, picnic tables and shelters, and a shared cycle/walking path starts in the park and continues on to Footscray. Parklands on either side of the river include Maribyrnong Park and Fairbairn Park where there are boat landings and picnic facilities. Bicycle tracks follow its banks, crossing the river via pedestrian bridges at several points. Many people use these trails to get to Brimbank Park or Pipemakers Park. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Maribyrnong VIC

13 km away

View place
Strike Bowling Highpoint

Amusement and Theme Parks

Strike Bowling Highpoint

Located in Highpoint Shopping Centre's casual dining and urban entertainment complex in Melbourne’s West, Strike Highpoint is not a normal bowling alley, It has raised the bar when it comes to entertainment in the city. Home to 10 bowling lanes, an amazing laser tag arena, pool tables, private karaoke rooms and three exciting escape rooms! Strike Highpoint is the ultimate place for a fab night out.

Maribyrnong VIC

13 km away

View place

What is happening now?

Search dated events, markets, live music, sport and community activities.

Explore Events

Planning by place?

Use Things to Do for attractions and experiences that are not tied to one event date.