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Are you planning to start or spend some time on your road trip in Melbourne? Making sure that you see and enjoy everything Melbourne has to offer during your limited time on a road trip can be challenging, but it doesn’t need to be. With some strategic planning and research, you can ensure that you see the main sites and enjoy some hidden gems that locals typically keep to themselves! Today, we have four of the best hidden gems for you to explore and see if you can add these to your itinerary.
Queen Victoria markets
Located on Queen Street, Melbourne, Queen Victoria markets are the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon sampling local foods, drinks, and picking up the perfect gift or souvenir to remember your trip by. The markets have been operating since 1878, so you can expect a well-oiled machine upon arrival.
There are numerous stalls to choose from, allowing you to easily spend hours there, taking in the sights and sampling fresh food and coffee. The options available on the market will vary depending on the time of year you visit, but you can always expect a selection of food and drinks. During the winter months, the market transforms into a Christmas market, and we recommend arriving early, as it can become quite busy. During the summer, there are night markets that run on Wednesday nights, which can be a little more lively!
The markets are ideal for solo travellers, couples, and families, offering a variety of food, entertainment, and numerous shopping opportunities.
Pentridge Prison
If your trip to Melbourne takes you to Coburg, make sure you visit Pentridge Prison. It is one of the most famous prisons in Australia, known to have held some of the most violent offenders in Australia, like Chopper Reed and Ned Kelly. The prison opened in 1851 and operated for 147 years, boasting a rich history and possibly the ghosts of past prisoners.
You will need to travel 30 minutes outside of Melbourne to enjoy this activity, but it’s worth it, especially as you can make it a day trip! The prison offers tours throughout the day at reasonable prices, making it the perfect road trip activity. If you are feeling brave, you can complete your tour in the evening, with an age restriction of 16 and over to enter. When touring the prison, keep in mind that it is supposed to be spooky, with 44 bodies buried on site; you may very well see a ghost or two!
Old Melbourne Gaol
Following the prison, you can also visit the Old Melbourne Gaol, which used to be where Australia’s most dangerous criminals were executed. Located in Melbourne, it has now evolved to become a heritage-listed museum, where you can see where executions were performed and even get your mugshots taken!
There is an eeriness to the Gaol, but you will find yourself hooked and wanting to learn more! There is plenty of history to learn about on your tour, including the imprisonment of Ned Kelly, who was later executed in 1880 at 25 years old. Tours of the Old Melbourne Gaol run through the day and night, allowing you to decide if you want the extra rush of adrenaline with an after-dark tour!
Hosier Lane
If you are looking to stretch your legs, then Hosier Lane is the perfect activity for you while you are in Melbourne. Hosier Lane is renowned for its urban art, providing a platform for artists to express their creativity through street art. In the 1990s, it became a hub for street art, with its walls adorned with the work of local artists. You don’t need to pay to enjoy any of this art either, making it the ideal activity when your budget starts to dwindle.
Make sure to allow plenty of time to enjoy all the art on offer, accompanied by a hot coffee, and your camera at the ready!
Popular attractions to enjoy in Melbourne
Now that you know what hidden gems to explore in and around Melbourne, let us show you the popular attractions that we also think you should make time for. These attractions can be very busy, especially during peak times, so keep this in mind if you need to book tickets for any of the following:
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
- City circle tram
- Melbourne skydeck
- National Gallery of Victoria
- Melbourne Cricket Ground
- Melbourne zoo
Plan your campervan road trip in Melbourne today
With your itinerary of activities planned, it’s now time to book your campervan hire and complete the rest of your planning. Whether you are starting your journey in Melbourne or passing through, we recommend using Travellers Autobarn for your campervan hire. They have offices all across Australia, making it easy for you to pick up and drop off your campervan without worrying about lengthy diversions on your road trip. Check out their campervan hire rates in Melbourne to book your campervan today