Grab your bae or pack the fam and explore the best views of Melbourne city to inspire your next date night or picnic brunch.
Alright, I know. Melbourne will never amount to the picturesque beauty that is Sydney. That’s a given. I even admit it as a die-hard Melbournian, although it hurts me to my core. We just fail at harbours and making waterfronts look pretty.
I mean, we tried with Docklands and utterly failed at it. We even tried to lure people to Melbourne’s version of ‘Darling Harbour’ by erecting the Melbourne Star, but that thing literally had a melt down.
But, nevertheless, Melbourne can be beautiful in its own right – if you know where to look. I like to think we’re somewhat of a Berlin – not the most aesthetically pleasing at all times, but in turn, we ooze cool. Nah mean?
When viewed from some of the best lookouts in Melbourne, I think she is quite the lovely dame.
Looking to explore more of Melbourne? Take a look below.
10 MUST-DO Attractions & Activities in Melbourne
But first, take a look at our video to get inspiration for 2019 Melbourne New Year’s Eve fireworks viewing spots.
Best Views of Melbourne: CBD Area
Where do you kick off your search for Melbourne’s best views? Why, in the city, of course. The CBD area provides numerous vantage points to get some killer views of the towering skyscrapers from up close.
1. The Bolte Bridge, Docklands
Okay, you can’t exactly access the bridge on foot, and I really wouldn’t condone it, so you’re just gonna have to snap a quick shot whilst driving over it in the car. The closest you can get to the Bolte Bridge is by walking up Victoria Harbour Promenade in Docklands (opposite side to New Quay), past Library at The Dock, and get a snapshot there from one of the piers.
If you’re visiting this corner of the Melbourne CBD, you may as well make it a day outing and check out all the spectacles that Docklands has to offer, including a spin on the Melbourne Star for a stunning (sadly not free) view of the city and surrounds.
However, if you’re super determined to get a shot from beneath the bridge, then jump on the scenic Docklands and Port Melbourne River Cruise to admire the cityscape from the water.
Location: Access via River Esplanade pedestrian walk.
Want to go on a river cruise? Soak in the city views from the water on one of these top-rated tours where you can admire the Melbourne skyline.
✰ 2-hour Melbourne River Cruise
See Melbourne’s best sights and catch some rays from the comforts of a ferry.
✰ Melbourne Evening Dinner & Drinks Cruise
Take your date on a truly unique experience onboard a cruising restaurant with a 4-course dinner and drinks.
✰ Yarra River Moonlight Kayak Tour
Paddle through scenic waterways and view the Melbourne skyline at sunset, topped with a memorable on-water dining experience.
✰ Rent an Electric Boat on the Yarra River
Captain your own boat with a group of friends and explore Melbourne’s sights from the Yarra River.
2. Shrine of Remembrance
A museum, a landmark and an observation deck packed into one completely free attraction in Melbourne. Yes, entry to the Shrine of Remembrance nestled in the Melbourne Gardens won’t cost you a damn thang.
Head down when Melbourne weather isn’t PMS’ing and roam the dimly lit corridors of the crypts, read up on Australia’s involvement in the World Wars, make a dash for the terrace to soak in views of the Melbourne CBD and take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm daily
Location: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
3. Restrooms at Sofitel Hotel Melbourne
AKA the 5-star loo on the 35th floor with a breathtaking view. You can handle your personal business, ponder the meaning of life and admire a sky high view of inner city Melbourne all in one sitting (Ha, get it?). Okay, bad joke. I can keep those coming all day.
From the dunny, you can pin point half a dozen of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks – the MCG, State Parliament, Fitzroy Gardens and the Treasury, to name a few. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Dandenong Ranges. Pretty bloody impressive for a free toilet view, right?
The best part? It’s completely socially acceptable to walk into the Sofitel Hotel in Melbourne on a mission to ‘use’ the bathrooms on the 35th floor. They’re open to the general public.
If you’re after a panoramic view of Melbourne, you’re better off paying the Eureka Skydeck a visit where you can view the entire Melbourne landscape from 285m up high, and soak in a 360° bird’s eye view through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: 25 Collins St, Melbourne
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4. 8th Floor at The Arts Centre
Welcome to the Eiffel Tower of Melbourne. Well, not really. Probably not even close. But nevertheless, you can soak in a quiet, close-up view of the Melbourne CBD skyline from beneath the spire. But shhh.. don’t go telling everyone about this place. For now, it’s still a hidden little gem that not many are aware of and the chances of snagging the place to yourself remain high.
Walk into The Arts Centre and take the lift up to the 8th floor (no ticket required), turn left and head towards the balcony and you’ll be graced with a sight to behold. Thanks to KidTown Melbourne for this awesome tip.
Opening hours: 7:30am – 8pm (Monday to Friday) | 8:30am – 8pm (Saturdays) | 10am – 5pm (Sundays)
Location: 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
5. Birrarung Marr
If you’re a Melbournian, you would’ve set foot inside Birrarung Marr at some stage for a concert or some kind of foodie or cultural event. It would be completely un-Melbournian of you if you haven’t. The city would probably disown you.
When there’s no event on inside Birrarung Marr park, it’s a great spot to hang out and soak in some rays while gazing at the sparkling cityscape.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: Opposite Flinders St Station, Melbourne
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Best Melbourne Lookouts: North
Venture north of the Melbourne CBD and immerse yourself in the city’s hipster culture. Discover scenic views from rooftop bars, eateries and the streets.
6. Ruckers Hill, Northcote
Don’t miss this view of Melbourne if you happen to be hanging in the northern suburbs. Park your car, take a leisurely stroll down busy High Street, and you’ll find a stunning view of the city between Union and Clarke St.
This venue is also one of the top locations to watch Melbourne New Year’s Eve firework displays without being caught in the centre of the city in a mosh pit of partygoers.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: High Street, Northcote (stop between Union Street and Clarke Street)
7. Naked in the Sky, Brunswick
No. I’m not implying that you get naked and drift into the sky to catch a view of Melbourne. I’m not that much of a creep.
Naked in the Sky is actually one of the most raved-about rooftop bars in Melbourne. You’ll find this local gem on the of Fitzroy – this is where you can combo up a Spanish-inspired Tapas menu with a tantalising selection of cocktails, and at the same time, soak in a mint view of the Melbourne skyline over the inner city rooftops. Wow, now that’s a winning combination.
Opening hours: 12pm – midnight (Sunday to Thursday) | 12pm – 1am (Friday & Saturday)
Location: 285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
8. Easey’s, Collingwood
What. You’ve never had burgers and milkshakes from the inside of a converted train carriage that sits on the rooftop of a building before? Gosh, here I thought that was mainstream.
Welcome to Melbourne, folks. Easey’s is the epitome of Melbourne culture – burgers, coffee, milkshakes and a killer view of the skyline. To top it off, these twin train carriages are mounted to the top of a building and provide some of the best views of Melbourne city, which you can admire while scoffing down a juicy cheeseburger.
Okay, so technically, it’s not entirely a free view of Melbourne, but it’s free if you go and eat their food. That counts, right?
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm (Sunday to Thursday) | 11am – 11pm (Friday & Saturday)
Location: 3/48 Easey St, Collingwood
9. Royal Park Nature Playground, Parkville
Pack snacks, drinks, maybe a cheeky wine in a brown bag and kids (if you have them) and make your way to this awesome spot on the outskirts of Melbourne CBD to admire a view of the sweeping city skyline from atop a hill.
If you have kids, then the amazing adventure playground is a total bonus because little ones will be completely preoccupied with the copious number of slides, ropes and fountains, while parents can enjoy a romantic sunset over the city.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: Flemington Rd & Gatehouse Street, Parkville
Experience unique ways of seeing Melbourne views. Take a look at these once-in-a-lifetime ideas.
✰ Hot Air Balloon Flight over Melbourne City
Watch the sunrise over the horizon while floating over Melbourne’s stunning cityscape.
✰ City & Garden Tour in Horse-Drawn Carriage
See Melbourne’s best sights on a magnificent carriage drawn by beautiful percheron horses.
✰ Melbourne City Tandem Skydive
Take the adrenalin-inducing route of seeing Melbourne’s skyline by jumping out of a plane & free-falling.
Melbourne Skyline Views: East
The eastern suburbs of Melbourne are home to some of the best Melbourne views from mountainous vantage points, lush parks and rolling green hills.
10. Burkes Lookout, Mount Dandenong
If you’ve been driving up to Sky High at Mount Dandenong – you’ve been doing it wrong. Sorry. Burke Lookout’s Melbourne city view is accessible completely free of charge.
As magnificent as the view of Melbourne city from this lookout is, it can be real tricky spotting the speck in the distance that is the CBD. Go on a slightly overcast or hazy day and you’ll probably see nothing.
Now don’t go spreading the news like wildfire – this spot is a little bit of a local secret (at least I like to think so) and slightly off the beaten track, so there’s potentially a little bit of bush bashing involved.
TIP: Drop by on a clear night for glittery views of Melbourne city – it’s even more dazzling and romantic at night if you can shotgun a quiet spot for yourself.
If you’re looking for a spot to impress your hot date – look no further. I was whisked off to this spot by my now husband on one of our earlier dates when he was trying to win all the brownie points (which he totally did btw).
This quiet spot is the cliché of all romantic movies, just don’t expect to drive your car to the mountain’s edge because that’s not gonna happen.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: Access via Ridge Road, Mount Dandenong, towards Sky High. Turn into parking lot at the Television Station (massive antennas, you can’t miss them).
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11. Wills Street, Kew
Psst.. This is a local secret. Sorta. We’ve been here on numerous occasions to walk our dog and admire the sun set behind Melbourne’s city scape – it’s actually the perfect romantic date spot (as the photo below suggests). But, if you do need more inspiration for date locations, take a look at Top 5 Winter Dates in Melbourne for Under $50.
It’s also a hot spot for viewing Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, so if you’re looking for a place to view them from afar this year, make sure you head down early, pack a picnic blanket, some food, and snag a good spot.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: Access via Wills Street, Kew (turn right into the carpark at the end of the street, you’ll see a park – that’s where it is)
12. Yarra Bend Park, Clifton Hill
Our personal favourite (okay, I’ve said that many times now, haven’t I?) and the best view of Melbourne from within a park award goes to Yarra Bend Park. We rang in 2019 in this beautiful spot and watched the fireworks from the side of a green hill munching on watermelons and devouring a cheese board.
This Melbourne lookout is not only perfect for picnics, but it’s also a great spot for families to come and enjoy the BBQ facilities, skate park and adventure playground.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: Clifton Hill / Fairfield (entry via Ramsden St, Clifton Hill)
Discover unique ways of seeing the Melbourne cityscape:
Melbourne City Views: South
If you’re a fan of the beach (who isn’t?), then the southside is the place for you to discover some of the best views in Melbourne from scenic piers to breathtaking coastal walks.
13. Brighton Pier, Brighton
Hands down, my absolute favourite view of the Melbourne city scape from afar.
Stroll along the Bay Trail, buy some ice cream from the Kiosk, or even better – do it the Aussie way and grab Fish and Chips from the shops on the Esplanade and wander down the pier until you reach the rocks at the very end. That’s the picture perfect view of Melbourne. Thank me later.
Munch away on your Fish and Chips and watch the sun set in the horizon. How’s the serenity?
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: Access via St Kilda Street, Brighton. Paid parking available in front of the Royal Brighton Yacht Club.
Note: This is not the same location as the Brighton Beach Boxes. Route your GPS to the Royal Brighton Yacht Club where you’ll find the pier.
14. Albert Park Lake, Albert Park
Home to the Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park Lake is an amazing spot to run a lap of the circuit and immerse yourself in the beautiful views of the park and the Melbourne city skyline.
Pack a picnic, hire a paddle boat or stop for brunch at Carousel Cafe and sip on a Flat White whilst taking in the dazzling view of the most liveable city in the world. This is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Melbourne.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Location: 22 Aughtie Drive, Albert Park VIC 3205 (enter via Lakeside Drive)
Melbourne Skyline Views: West
Welcome to the wild, wild west. Melbourne’s western suburbs really are a little wilder, rougher and more industrial. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have any smashing views of Melbourne city – you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
15. Gem Pier, Williamstown
It’s not just the eastside that holds the best views of Melbourne, the West has some notable vantage points as well. Not many, but we can’t exclude them entirely, hey?
Catch the train, drive, or even jump on a Melbourne City Ferry Cruise to Gem Pier in Williamstown where you can spend the day exploring the western front of Port Phillip Bay.
Oh, and this is also where you’ll find this neat little view of Melbourne city – if you look past all the factories, cargo ships, containers, and the general industrial revolution that is the westside.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Getting here: Access via The Strand coastal drive in Williamstown
Best Views of Melbourne: The Wrap Up
Melbourne’s a stunner when the weather is not PMSing. Melbourne is not known to have a kind weather God. In fact, she can be the mother of all b***s if you catch her on a bad streak. So, make sure to catch these Melbourne viewing spots on a good day to get the most out of your experience.
All in all, these are only the places I have come across, but I’m certain there are heaps more. If you know of one, please do share. The citizens of Melbourne will love you for it.
Until then, happy date night’ing!
Got questions about these Melbourne lookouts?
Feel free to ask in the comments below.
Discover more of Melbourne and its surrounds:
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16 comments
I’ve seen some great pics of Kew, always wanted to go! I’ve actually never been to Australia, hopefully one day!
My mom is going to Australia in a few weeks. She’s not taking me, but I’ll get over it 🙂 I’ll definitely share this with her. Thank you so much!
A great guide – have you seen the grand prix?
i havent seen what melbourne looks like before, thanks for sharing these !
Thanks for the helpful tips! My favorite view is the one from the mountain, I love being up high and viewing a city from afar like that!
I haven’t been to Melbourne yet, but will definitely be tucking this article in my back pocket for later. I love that all the places you listed are free! I think my favorite view (at least judging from your photos) would be the Brighton Pier one. Plus you won me over with the prospects of pizza 😉
That’s a great post! Every time I travel somewhere i always look for the best views of the city! Definetly will come back to your post when i make my way to australia one day!
That’s a great post! Every time I travel somewhere i always look for the best views of the city! Definetly will come back to your post when i make my way to australia one day!
Melbourne is on my bucket list! Definitely saving this for when I finally go! 🙂
Been using your recommendation as a guide! I appreciate it lots since I’ll be there next month with a toddler 🙂
So glad I stumbled across this!! It’s EXACTLY what I was looking for…the best view without paying $$$ for a fancy cocktail or dinner to get it! Gonna check out a few this weekend 🙂
Cheers for reading! Hope you had an awesome weekend checking some of these spots out!
Thanks for the recommendations! This spot is beautiful – I’d never heard of it!
Hi Tina, how about the one in your photo where you are standing and looking at yhe skyline.. will you also share the location please.. pretty please!
Hi there! Thanks so much for dropping by. The view is from Ruckers Hill, Northcote, which is in the article 🙂