Thinking of doing an internship in Australia? Melbourne should be at the top of your list. Known as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is a vibrant, youthful, and artistic city with a rich mix of history, innovation, and global influences. For international interns looking to immerse themselves in local culture while gaining professional experience, Melbourne offers the perfect backdrop.
Whether you're into art, music, food, theater, or simply soaking up new experiences, this guide covers the top things to do in Melbourne that you won’t want to miss.
Why Melbourne Is Perfect for Interns.
Melbourne isn’t just a great place to work - it’s a city that feeds your soul and mind. Here's why:
- It’s the live music capital of Australia with the highest concentration of live music venues.
- Home to the world’s highest number of cafes and restaurants per person.
- Boasts five international-standard sporting facilities, more than any other city.
- It has a thriving multicultural population, including the largest Greek and Italian communities outside their home countries.
- Melbourne is known for innovation: it’s where Vegemite was invented and the world’s first LGBTQ radio station was born.
- It’s packed with fascinating trivia! Did you know it was once called Batmania?
1. Dive Into Melbourne’s Famous Café Culture.
Melbourne’s love affair with coffee is legendary. With more cafes per capita than anywhere else in the world, the city has perfected the art of espresso. Each neighborhood offers its own spin, from hidden laneway espresso bars to Scandinavian-style brunch havens. Interns will love the café scene not just for the caffeine, but as a hub for networking, working remotely, or unwinding.
2. Discover Melbourne From Above at Eureka Skydeck.
Get your bearings and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Eureka Skydeck, located in the tallest residential building in the world. Day or night, the view is unforgettable, making it a perfect spot for first-timers in the city.
3. Wander Through the Royal Botanic Gardens.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are a lush, peaceful escape right in the heart of the city. Perfect for a post-work stroll, weekend picnic, or even catching an outdoor movie at the popular Moonlight Cinema during summer.
4. See Street Art on Hosier Lane.
One of Melbourne’s most Instagrammable spots, Hosier Lane is famous for its ever-changing street art murals. It's a living canvas that showcases the city’s bold, expressive, and rebellious art scene. Bring your camera - it’s a must-see for art lovers and creatives.
5. Sample Global Cuisine.
Melbourne’s food culture is as diverse as its population. With strong Italian, Greek, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, and Middle Eastern communities, interns can taste the world without leaving the city. Explore neighborhood gems in Carlton’s Little Italy, Richmond’s Vietnamese precinct, and Chinatown.
6. Explore Melbourne’s Top Cultural & Artistic Spaces.
If you're drawn to the arts, Melbourne has you covered with a variety of world-class venues:
- The Astor Theater: An iconic Art Deco cinema showing classics and cult favorites on 70mm film.
- National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): Australia's oldest public art museum, home to over 70,000 works.
- Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA): Cutting-edge exhibitions in a stunning architect-designed building.
- Gertrude Contemporary: A hub for emerging local and international contemporary artists.
- Metropolis Bookstore: A unique bookstore filled with rare titles on design, fashion, photography, and pop culture.
7. Embrace the Live Music Scene.
Live music is part of Melbourne’s DNA. Interns should make time for these unforgettable venues:
- Cherry Bar: A gritty, passionate venue with a cult following, supporting local talent and international acts.
- The Toff in Town: An elegant music and dining venue, famous for its vintage train carriage booth seating.
- Shadow Electric: An outdoor summer venue for both film and music lovers, perfect for enjoying the city’s nightlife under the stars.
8. Attend a Sporting Event.
Melbourne is sports-mad. Whether it’s AFL (Australian Football League) at the MCG, tennis at the Australian Open, or cricket, catching a game here is a rite of passage. Even if you’re not a sports fan, the energy is infectious and the experience is truly Australian.
9. Visit the Collingwood Children’s Farm.
Need a break from the city bustle? Head to Collingwood Children’s Farm within Abbotsford Convent - a charming mix of farm life, wildflowers, and delicious food at The Farm Café. It’s a great way to reconnect with nature without leaving the metro area.
10. Catch Independent Theater at La Mama.
Experience the roots of Australian theater at La Mama, modeled after New York’s off-off-Broadway scene. It’s the place to see bold, original, and contemporary works from local playwrights and performers.
Melbourne is an experience. From its street art and indie theaters to its buzzing music venues and café-lined laneways, this is a place where culture thrives. For interns looking to grow professionally and personally, Melbourne offers a unique blend of global opportunity and local charm.
