So many exciting things to do and places to visit in Melbourne - we can but touch on a sampler of top picks.

Melbourne is a vibrant city - the sidewalks are filled with people - window-shopping, wandering through the many alleyways in the central city, dining along the banks of the Yarra River and enjoying the serene nature of the many parks and gardens.

The regions surrounding Melbourne provide the perfect escape for a day or two and offer a variety of new experiences.

History, wildlife, museums. fine Australian cuisine and wine, sporting events, festivals, and more. You'll find yourself in Melbourne on one of our Australia package tours.

Our Top Picks for Melbourne's Best Things to Do:

• The Melbourne Tram - a ride on the complementary city tram provides an excellent introduction to the city. Be sure to pick up the schedule of stops when you're on board to plan where you'd like to hop off. The tram runs in a continuous loop around the city - perfect for getting on and off wherever you want.
• Queen Victoria Market - a visit to the market is worth a bit of a walk from the tram stop. Stop by to rub elbows with Melburnians, sample a huge variety of tasty delights and shop for great bargains. The market is open 5 days a week, closed on Monday and Wednesday.
• River Cruising - relax and enjoy the sights with an entertaining commentary as you drift along Melbourne's waterways.

• The Olde Melbourne Goal - until this prison closed in 1929, it housed Victoria's most hardened criminals, including the infamous bushranger Ned Kelly.
• Koorie Heritage Trust - located in the central Melbourne, the Koorie Heritage Trust offers guided walking tours of Flagstaff Gardens and tours of the Trust, with a permanent exhibition of Koorie culture and galleries of contemporary art work.
• Melbourne Cricket Ground - one of the two most important cricket grounds in the world, combine a visit to the National Sports Museum with a tour of the MCG. The Museum includes two 3D theater presentations and an interactive game to experience the thrill of participation.

• Eureka Tower - test your nerve in Southbank on "The Edge" - a glass cube that projects out from the 88th floor for spectacular views over the city. The enclosed Skydeck 88 provides a tamer spot for great views.

Choose one of our Australia package deals - and discover Melbourne

• Melbourne Escape - Nature, Wildlife and Culture
• Melbourne to Adelaide - the Great Ocean Road

• Altmann and Cherny - journey back through history with a short video on the discovery of Australia's precious gemstone, the opal, in South Australia in 1849; learn what's hot in current style and value with a visit to the "Harrods" of Australia for Australian opal jewelry.
• Aussie Rules Football - in only 4 hours you can become an "expert" on Aussie Rules by learning the moves, bumps and brawls from a local host at a winter game.
• Tjanabi - join a walking tour of Melbourne, including a stop at the Ian Potter Gallery, with an Aboriginal guide for stories of Melbourne's indigenous history. End your tour with a gourmet lunch or dinner at Tjanabi for a fusion of fresh Victorian produce and native Australian flavors. Or give a go to their cooking class - great fun and a not-to-be-found elsewhere experience!
• Melbourne Museum - the largest museum complex in the southern hemisphere. Be sure to see the Forest Gallery, a living interpretation of the tall temperate forests and the Bunjilaka section devoted to the Koorie culture and history. Adjacent to the Museum, the World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens is a monument to 19th century industrial culture. Guided tours are availabile.
• Royal Botanical Gardens - one of many formal gardens in Melbourne, the Royal Botanical Gardens cover over 90 acres with more than 12,000 different plant species. Stroll through any of the gardens - or picnic on the lawn - for a getaway from the city's hustle.

• Melbourne Crime Tours - over 4 hours, you'll discover some of Melbourne's most violent confrontations, while exploring many of the city's landmarks - this is definitely a unique way to see the city. The tour ends at the Melbourne Goal's City Watch House for your opportunity to put yourself in a criminal's shoes.
• Bicycle Tours - hop on a bicycle to travel through Melbourne with the wind in your hair. On a Melbourne bike tour you'll explore the coolest streets, parks, shops, cafes and hidden alleyways at a leisurely pace with an entertaining local guide. This is a great way to see the city and get your bearings for future exploring - up close and personal.