St.Kilda Beach-Melbourne

1. Spend a day at St.Kilda Beach: A vibrant spot for young Melbournians, St.Kilda has a great range of open air bars and  restaurants some with live music to enjoy a summer meal. If your traveling with kids, Luna Park Fun Fair is a blast of fun, with the Big Dipper and a variety of other entertainment activities. The beach is also a haven over the summer months to take a dip, perfect for swimming and talking a stroll along the beach with the sand between your toes. Getting to St.Kilda takes about 15 mins on the tram from the city. Tram numbers 16, 79, 96 and 112 from the city will get you to St.Kilda.

2. Queen Victoria Market: Open since 1887 and known for providing the best fresh produce to locals in thriving market place. The Queen Victoria Market is a must see from both a historical point of view and it is a great place to pick up some treasured Aussie souvenirs. During the  summer time there is also the Suzuki night market open from 5.30-10pm on Wednesdays, with live music shows and some fabulous food stalls with cuisine from all over the world, it is a real multicultural display of Melbourne.

3. Parks &  Gardens: If your looking to relax or take a picnic Melbourne has some fantastic parks and gardens.  Here is a list for you to check out: Royal Botanic Gardens, Queen Victoria Gardens, Alexander Gardens, Flagstaff Gardens, Birrarung Marr, Fawkner Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, Carlton Gardens,  Kings Domain, and the  Treasury Gardens.

4. Federation Square & Flinders Street Station: The center piece of Melbourne, where all the main action happens. On one side of the street you have the historical beauty of Flinders Street Station, built in 1910 and on the other you have Federation Square a modern architectural master piece with great open spaces, bars, restaurants and galleries. Also check out the Melbourne visitor center down stairs, they will be able to help you out with any information you need regarding Melbourne day tours and other activities in the city.

5. Have a coffee on Lygon Street: The Italian heart of Melbourne, a great place for pasta, coffee and a great time out. Always a buzz with people being only 1km from Bourke street, you will find bars, restaurants  and some great ice cream places.

6. Go Shopping on Chapel Street: The shopping strip from any womens dreams, Chapel street is the trendy part of town to hang out. You will find all the well known brand shops along here, and if you want to see the latest movies the Jam Factory is the spot. At night time the bars fill up and there is just as much entertainment going on in the streets with guys showing their fancy cars, as there is inside the bars. A great night spot for a good time out and a great day spot for the ladies to shop till their heart is content.

7. City Circle Tram: The brown old style tram is a great journey through the city, giving a Melbourne history lesson along the way. Free to hop on and off as you please and it will circle continuously around to pick you back up again. A great way to learn about the city and see the major land marks.

8. Take a day trip out of the city: The surrounding regions of Melbourne are beautiful, and provide a very unique Australian experience compared to the city. Trips can be taken over one day or even two days depending on what your are looking for. The Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island Penguin Parade, Yarra Valley Wineries and Australian Native animals on show at Heaslville, Puffing Billy in the Dandynong ranges, Wilsons Promontory National Park, and the Grampians National Park are just a few to mention.

Eureka Sky Deck-Melbourne

9. Crown Casio and Eureka Sky Deck: On the south bank promenade there is a lot of fun to be had, during the day and at night. The Eureka Sky deck is Melbourne tallest building at a whopping 984.3ft or 300m, is a great vantage point to see the city either by night or day. Just up the banks a little further is the Crown Casino Entertainment Complex, filled with restaurants, bars, cinemas, clubs, a hotel, and of course the casino. Also on the hour, you will see a spectacular display of flames along the banks of the river which light up the night sky.

10. Bourke Street mall: During the Christmas/summer time the Bourke street mall is a favoured shopping spot for the kids and adults alike. The Myer Christmas windows are something not to be missed and the street is aligned with Christmas decorations giving it a very merry feel. Not to mention that there are some great shops and restaurants around the CBD too. Also be sure to head up Swanston street to check out the State Library of Victoria, a beautiful heritage listed building.

Enjoy your time in the city and be sure to make the most of the time off from watching the cricket. If you have anything to add to the list feel free to add them in the comments section for all to enjoy. Look forward to hearing about your journeys and if you take any awesome pictures feel free  to add them to our Tour Australia Facebook page.

Things to do in Melbourne when your not watching the Ashes