Melbourne Guide

A Guide To Melbourne’s Most Instagrammable Spots

Spice up your feed and explore Melbourne's most insta worthy spots around town

A Guide To Melbourne’s Most Instagrammable Spots

Whether your Instagram aesthetic is multi-colour brunches, gritty graffiti, or serene nature shots, Melbourne is an absolute goldmine for stunning photos.

In this guide, we’re going to show you through Melbourne’s most instagrammable spots, from iconic Melbourne buildings to it’s famous cafe scene, parks and hidden insider spots.

The CBD alone has a huge number of instagrammable locations, with entire lane ways dedicated to street art situated next door to Victorian era architecture, and of course the natural beauty of the winding Yarra River.

Feel free to jump to a particular section in our table of contents, otherwise let’s dive in!

Chapter 1

Melbourne’s Most Iconic Instagram Spots

1. The Block & Royal Arcades

Located right next door to Melbourne’s Bourke St, these two arcades will suck you into a world of historic luxury.

Built in the late 1800’s, these photogenic spots have an added bonus of leading you past the adorable Hopetoun Tearooms, AKA the best window display of cakes in the city!

If you’re a fan of old-world charm, high ceilings, sweeping arches and decorative tiling, these central arcades will fulfil all your instagram dreams.

2. The National Gallery of Victoria

3. State Library of Victoria

Australia’s oldest public library is also one of its most popular and Instagrammable destinations, and it’s not hard to see why!

Follow the signs to the LaTrobe Reading Room where you’ll find four stories of white walled library topped by an enormous domed ceiling. Head upstairs to snap a birds-eye image of the octagonal space, peppered with tiny green lamps below. Be aware, this is a working library and often filled with students, so get in early for the best shot!

4. Eureka Skydeck

If you’re looking for the best instagrammable shot of Melbourne city, nothing can beat Southbank’s Eureka Skydeck.

Open from 10am-10pm every day, Skydeck boasts some of the most spectacular views in Australia, with a floor-to-ceiling, 360 degree view of the city almost 300 metres in the sky – the highest in the southern hemisphere!

There are 30 viewfinders around the Skydeck, allowing you to see some of Melbourne’s favourite landmarks and further afield, including Port Phillip Bay and the Dandenong Ranges.

5. Flinders Street Station

This is probably the most popular instagram spot in Melbourne city as everyone has to pass through here at some point! Flinders St Station is perhaps the most recognisable building in the CBD with over 100,000 people passing through everyday.

The heritage building is a cultural icon of Melbourne and is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city. You’ll find it on every postcard, fridge magnet and t-shirt and why not snap your own image for your ‘gram.

Do be aware that Flinders St is extremely busy! So watch out for cars, trams and pedestrians!

6. The Yarra River

Snaking through the CBD is the iconic Yarra River, which offers a multitude of stunning photo opportunities.

Crown Casino puts on an incredible fire show each night, making for a truly spectacular shot of the river!

Ponyfish Island is another brilliant option, for closer shots of the Yarra. This tiny bar brings you right down to river level for a gorgeous angle of Melbourne’s Iconic Princes Bridge and Flinders Street Station, or yourself with a drink in hand!

Or head towards Botanic Gardens for a more peaceful tree lined shot of the river.

Chapter 2

Melbourne’s Best Instagrammable Cafes & Restaurants

7. Higher Ground (CBD)

This cafe-restaurant hybrid has been an instagram hot spot since it’s opening, and if you take on look at the interior, you’ll see why this is one of Melbourne’s most popular instagrammable cafe spots. The vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls make for a very unique interior space.

The cafe is housed in an 1890’s former power station, and has six connected dining areas that wrap around the perimeter of the original building. The lush greenery and stylish aesthetic is what instagram dreams are made of!

8. Golden Fleece Hotel (South Melbourne)

Dubbed ‘Santorini’ in Melbourne, this gorgeous venue will have you dreaming of the islands. With a delicious cocktail menu and a Mediterranean menu to match, this location is perfect for a event, a weekend catch-up or a cheeky date night drink with your boo.

There are endless instagrammable photo opportunities in this fun and flirty space, plus you can head up to the open rooftop bar for some stunning views of the sunset!

9. Chuckle Park Bar (CBD)

Potentially the cosiest outdoor space in the city, Chuckle Park is an itsy bitsy laneway bar that punches far beyond its weight in the instagram world.

Lanterns? Check. Flowers? Check. A bar inside a silver caravan? Big check.

Aside from the delicious cocktails, this charming bar will get you some instagram worthy shots & make you look like a Melbourne local.

10. The Kettle Black (South Melbourne)

Vintage meets modern minimalist in this chic South Melbourne brunch spot. The cafe is split between a converted Victorian terrace house, and the glass panelled base of a contemporary apartment building.

Outdoors or indoors, you’ll find ample instagrammable photo ops at every corner, plus a hearty modern Melbourne brunch to refuel!

11. Yakimono (CBD)

Think futuristic Tokyo in the heart of Melbourne’s city.  Yakimono is a bustling Japanese restaurant decked out in pink, green & purple neons. Get a front row seat of all the action, with chefs flame grilling your food in front for all to see. With a unique menu with nods to traditional Japanese cuisine, Yakimono will engage all your senses for a energy fueled night.

A perfect reason to get dressed up as the venue and food look on point with lots of insta opportunities.

12. AU 79 (Abbotsford)

Hidden inside a dark exterior is one of the most vibrant spaces around this inner suburb of Melbourne!

Au79 is a jungle of indoor plants, with vibrant pops of colour, a beautiful watercolour mural and a peek into their coffee roasting chamber. If you want a change from the white, pink, gold and green palette, head outside to discover artwork on the outer red brick walls.

Chapter 3

Melbourne’s Most Instagrammable Architecture

13. St Kilda’s Luna Park

St Kilda’s iconic Luna Park has been in constant operation since 1912, and the amusement park is an absolutely ideal Instagram spot for fun and bubbly photos!

The most attention grabbing spot is the famous mouth entrance, which is just brimming with colour. Use Luna Park as a base to explore St Kilda even further – if you head down to the pier there are many more potential Instagrammable spots waiting for you!

14. Federation Square

Right in the heart of Melbourne CBD is Federation Square, an incredibly unique arts hub that houses three major museums and is constantly playing host to a new event or festival.

To see the true centrepiece you’ll need to head inside the Atrium, a towering gallery of glass and steel, which is often used for exhibitions and markets. The stunning windows mean you can play with natural light and shadow, or just get some incredibly futuristic looking photos!

15. Brighton Beach Boxes

These multicoloured bathing boxes have been an iconic part of Brighton Beach since the early 1900’s, and with 82 individually painted structures to choose from, you are sure to find an instagrammable spot to suit your feed!

Brighton is a little further out from the CBD, but easily accessible via train, bring some bathers and turn it into a beach day. Don’t be surprised if it gets busy at this multicoloured beach spot!

16. RMIT Design Hub

RMIT University is home to some of Melbourne’s most daring architecture, but the Design Hub is our favourite spot in Melbourne for an instagrammable architecture photo shoot.

The hub is impossible to miss as you head up Swanston St. It’s whole exterior is made up of thousands of solar energy disks that harnesses the sun’s energy to run the building, meaning the design hub is both instagram and eco friendly!

17. Peter MacCallum Cancer Center

Just next door to the University of Melbourne sits the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, a research facility newly opened in Melbourne with a gorgeous futuristic interior.

The central indoor area has been designed with white walls swirling up twelve levels to the skylights on the roof. The building also lights up purple at night time, and is a hidden gem that forces you to look up!

18. Melbourne School of Design

Hidden at the historic core of the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus is the Melbourne School of Design, a treasure trove for lovers of intriguing architecture.

The entrance on one side is built around a heritage facade, opening into a looming steel and glass structure. An urban playground that is free for you to explore it’s nooks and crannies. The perfect instagram spot if you’re looking for architecture & design.

Chapter 4

Melbourne’s Most Instagrammable Nature Spots

19. Royal Botanic Gardens

Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens covers an enormous area next to the Yarra River with trees, lawns, lakes, and a huge variety of flora & fauna in it’s beautiful lush photogenic gardens, the perfect spot for nature lovers.

Springtime is an explosion of colour that will fill your feed with floral shots, but you can find instagrammable spots here at any time of the year.

20. Albert Park Lake

Only 3km from the heart of Melbourne, Albert Park Lake is a favourite spot for joggers and dog walkers, but is also a natural scenic space with fantastic views of the city.

On the eastern side you’ll find a fabulous row of palm trees leading your eyeline towards the skyscrapers on the horizon. Sunrise and sunset will give you the best photos of this spot!

21. East Warburton Redwood Forrest

The Warburton Redwood Forrest is a little drive away from town but definitely worth a visit, the dark undergrowth underneath giant redwoods makes for truly stunning Instagram shots.

The trees have been planted in perfect rows, giving photographers a huge scope to explore this magical forest. There is also an ever changing number of artworks spotted through the area, so grab your camera and start exploring!

22. Dandenong Ranges

If quaint gardens, magical forests and adorable towns make you buzz with excitement, the Dandenong Ranges are the perfect photography day trip.

An easy hour drive away from the city, the Dandenongs are a lush haven of peaceful nature, filled with flowers and greenery that will quickly flood your feed with a natural feel. Two of our favourite spots are the Warratina Lavender Farm, and the iconic Puffing Billy steam train in Belgrave!

23. Great Ocean Road

From surf chic to rainforest magic, the Great Ocean Road makes for a spectacular road trip. With hundreds of instagrammable photo opportunities along the way that range from cliffs to beaches and even waterfalls!

While the 12 Apostles are the most popular tourist spot, you’ll find incredible coastal photos all along the route. The Great Otway National Park is also definitely worth a visit for nature lovers – find unparalleled ocean views, waterfalls, adorable rainforest animals and much more!

24. Wilsons Promontory

Victoria’s largest coastal wilderness area is sure to leave you in awe! The national park is 3 hours drive from the city, and is essentially the most southern point in mainland Australia.

The reserve is a labyrinth of walking trails where countless native Australian animals take shelter. You’ll never run out of backdrops here, as the area contains everything from tranquil rivers, to secluded beaches, and granite mountaintops and quiet fern covered gullies.

Melbourne is a city that’s constantly evolving, with new photo spots popping up all the time. If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy spot to snap a picture, you’ll never be short of options in this city.

Keep your eyes peeled for graffiti walls, quirky laneways and beautiful parks – Melbourne has it all! So get out there and start snapping some photos – we can’t wait to see them.

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Guide To Melbourne's Most Instagrammable Locations