- HIGHLIGHTS
- Southbank
- Shrine of Remembrance
- Sports Precinct
- Parliament House
- Royal Exhibition Building
- Queen Victoria Market
- 14km (loop)
- Bike paths and roads with bike lanes. Some hills heading to the north of the city.
- City Cruiser, E-Bike, Mountain or Road Bike
Melbourne’s status as a ‘bike city’ is improving every year. The city is constantly adding more bike lanes, and protected bike lanes. This route will take you along bike paths at Southbank, Kings Domain (Shrine of Remembrance) and the sports precinct. Heading north, you can ride up beside Fitzroy Gardens, and take the less busy city streets to Parliament, Royal Exhibition Building and the Queen Victoria Market. For further reference on Melbourne’s cycling lanes and routes, click here. If you are not so sure about heading out on to the roads by yourself, why not join our City Tour and be led around by one of our knowledgeable local guides.
HIGHLIGHTS
Southbank
Southbank is Melbourne’s river promenade, stretching from the Victorian Arts Centre on St. Kilda Rd to the end of Crown Casino at Clarendon St. It’s here you’ll get Melbourne’s ‘European city’ vibes, as cyclists and pedestrians share a path lined with bars, restaurants and street performers.
Shrine of Remembrance
Located on St. Kilda Rd, and not far from the Royal Botanical Gardens, is Victoria’s greatest monument. The Shrine of Remembrance was originally built to remember the 19,000 Victorian lives lost in the 1st World War. Today it stands as a memorial to all wars in which Victorians both served and died. While you’re here, climb the stairs to the balcony and take in the magnificent views of Melbourne. Shrine tours are held daily at 11am and 12.45pm.
Sports Precinct
Melbourne’s magnificent sports precinct, located a stone’s throw away from the Yarra River, is where you’ll find our most important religious site, the Melbourne Cricket Ground! Also here is the world famous Melbourne Park and Rod Laver Arena, home to the Australian Open tennis every January.
Parliament House & Royal Exhibition Building
At the top end of the Melbourne CBD there are many historical buildings worth checking out. At the intersection of Bourke and Spring St is the grand building of the Victorian Parliament, tours run daily when parliament is not sitting. Further to the north at Carlton Gardens is the Royal Exhibition Building. Built for the World Fair in 1880, this impressive building was also home to the first sitting of Australia’s Federal Parliament in 1901.
Queen Victoria Market
The ‘Queen Vic’ is the city’s largest market. Since 1878, this bustling site has been providing Melbournians with the freshest local fruit and vegetables, as well as meat, seafood and much more. The market’s Food Hall is particularly popular and for good reason, stocking an excellent range of continental cheeses, meats and fresh bread. It’s also the place to go for souvenirs – the market houses vendors selling quintessential Aussie products like akubra hats, ugg boots and stubby holders! The market is closed Mondays and Wednesdays. Check opening times here.