Top solo traveller things to do in Melbourne – uncover the nuances of a global city on your own terms

Begin your solo adventures in the capital city of the State of Victoria, Australia by making plans to head to Eureka Skydeck from where a bird’s eye view of Melbourne can be captured in no uncertain manner. Positioned at 7 Riverside Quay, Level 88, Southbank 3000, Eureka Skydeck is home to an array of floor-to-ceiling windows through which a slew of awe-inspiring scenes will greet you. Better yet, make your way to Level 88 which as at the time of writing boasts the world’s only Edge Experience which is a glass cube that juts out 3 meters from the building. Once here, you can toy with the thought of peering down before swiftly moving your gaze in the direction of skyscrapers, parks and a maze of streets & lanes that snake their way through Melbourne.

Fancy being introduced to Australia’s oldest museum dedicated to public art? Well then look forward to an enriching and insightful outing where you will have the best seat in the house to comb through a collection comprising well over 70,00 exhibits. Established in 1861, the National Gallery is divided into two sections. Namely, NGV International is found on St. Kilda Road and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia which can be reached by travelling to Federation Square. While the finest international art is housed inside the former, the latter contains a rich array of local art that speaks volumes about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. Thus, by visiting the said attraction, you will be well on your way towards learning an invaluable part of Australian culture.

Branching out over 7 hectares and over 2 city blocks is Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market which can be accessed by touring the Central Business District. Found under half an hour from Avani Melbourne Box Hill Residences which is a well-appointed Box Hill hotel to check into, Queen Victoria Market which is fondly referred to as ‘Queen Vic’ or ‘The Vic’ is considered the biggest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. The marketplace is a magnet for multi-cultural vibes, events, and festivals and specifically, presents opportunities to get your hands on the freshest produce in the city. The 2-hour Ultimate Foodie Tour is an absolute must where you will learn the finer points of cooking, and shopping as well as be in prime position to uncover the history of this cultural gem which has a history of over 140 years.

Divided into 4 equally charming and inviting worlds, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium will be your best friend in the event you seek to be one with the pleasures of the ocean. Get up, close and personal with magnificent sharks, playful penguins as well as a vast collection of tropical fish when at the Aquarium which continues to gather momentum as one of the city’s most cherished landmarks. Featuring animal feeds, interactive animal experiences and diver presentations, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is both exciting and educational and can be found on the corner of King Street and Flinders Street, on the Yarra River and opposite the Crown Entertainment Complex.

Although, associated with a storied and dark history to get your head around, the famed Old Melbourne Gaol which held some of Melbourne’s most notorious criminals from 1845 up until its closure in 1924 is one of the city’s popular stopovers. Book a day tour and have locals narrate accounts of Ned Kelly and Squizzy Taylor who remain among the prison’s infamous inmates. However, for the daring at heart, perhaps, the Hangman’s Night Tour will be of greater benefit where you will be toured through every corner of the Gaol and fed spine-tingling tales straight out of the gallows.