If you’re ready to change up your getaway, ditch the typical tourist path and explore the off-the-beaten-path Melbourne spots. From out-of-sight galleries to niche museums and historic laneways, there are plenty of hidden gems in Melbourne to scope out. So, book your room at View Melbourne and get ready for our insider’s guide to Melbourne!

Blender Studios

Distance from hotel: 15-minute drive

Smack-bang in the heart of Melbourne, Blender Studios is a thriving hub boasting a community of over 24 resident artists. The best part is that they’re willing to share their space and talent through immersive laneway tours, hands-on workshops, and exhibitions. From street art and graffiti to murals and sculptures, there’s something for everyone. Plus, their Melbourne Street Tours remain the only street art tour in Australia run by street artists themselves.

Anna Schwartz Gallery

Distance from hotel: 12-minute drive

Anna Schwartz Gallery

Anna Schwartz Gallery isn’t your average gallery – it’s a funky bubble of contemporary art in Melbourne. Since 1986, Anna Schwartz has curated cutting-edge artworks from around the globe, featuring the talents of both emerging and established artists. 

With over thirty artists on board, the gallery is always buzzing with innovative projects that shake up the art scene, making it a must-visit cultural hotspot in Melbourne.

Buxton Contemporary

Distance from hotel: 8-minute drive

Buxton Contemporary

For off-the-beaten-path Melbourne vibes, a stroll through Southbank will lead you to Buxton Contemporary – a real hidden gem curated by the legendary art collector, Michael Buxton. Since 2018, the gallery has supported Australian contemporary artists and sparked conversations through its dynamic program of solo and thematic exhibitions, artist commissions, publishing, and learning initiatives, connecting contemporary art to new audiences. So, if you’re chasing offbeat galleries in Melbourne, this one has to make the list.

Linden New Art

Distance from hotel: 8-minute drive

Tucked away in a grand Victorian mansion in St Kilda, Linden New Art is your go-to Melbourne gallery for checking out contemporary art from mid-career artists. With new exhibitions popping up every eight weeks, there’s always something fresh and exciting to discover within its walls. Plus, it’s just a short tram ride from your St Kilda hotel accommodation – so it’s easy to swing by and get inspired.

Queen Victoria Gardens Lake Waterfall

Distance from hotel: 9-minute drive

Lake Waterfall

Hidden within Melbourne’s bustling cityscape are secret gardens waiting to be discovered. Just a hop, skip, and jump from Flinders Street Station is Queen Victoria Gardens. It’s here where you’ll find the iconic floral clock and historic rotunda. But the real hidden gem is the peaceful Lake Waterfall, tucked away on the south side of the ornamental lake. It’s the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a picnic basket and rug.

The Chinese Museum

Distance from hotel: 15-minute drive

The Chinese Museum

Ever fancied a closer look into the history of Melbourne’s Chinatown? Then, The Chinese Museum is for you. Simply take a short stroll through Lonsdale or Little Bourke Streets and prepare for an oriental journey through the bustling laneway. Take local tours where friendly guides make history come alive. And when hunger strikes after all that exploring, stick around for an authentic Yum Cha lunch. Trust us – you won’t be disappointed.

Australian Sports Museum

Distance from hotel: 12-minute drive

Australian Sports Museum

If you’re a sports enthusiast, the Australian Sports Museum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a must-visit attraction. From reliving iconic sporting moments to hearing stories from sporting legends, and even chasing your own sports dreams in Game On, there’s something to satisfy every fan. Race through the Australian Football Gallery, Sporting Nation Gallery, Cricket Gallery, and more – because whatever your vision of Australian sport, you’ll find it at the Australian Sports Museum.

Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)

Distance from hotel: 14-minute drive

Welcome to ACMI, the ultimate playground for digital culture and art lovers. Based in Melbourne’s Fed Square, ACMI is where film, TV, video games and digital art merge for an epic time out. Check out the Story of the Moving Image with everything from classic cinema to the latest in virtual reality. ACMI celebrates the wonder and influence of one of the world’s most popular art forms across its calendar of exhibitions, screenings, and festivals. It’s one hidden gem that cannot be missed.

Melbourne’s Historic Laneways

Distance from hotel to Hosier Lane: 12-minute drive

Distance from hotel to Centre Place: 15-minute drive

Explore the laneways of Melbourne, starting with the lesser-known gems like Hosier Lane and Centre Place. These inner city nooks are bursting with street art, creating a cool backdrop for your stroll. As you wander, pop into the hip and cosy cafes and boutique shops tucked away in these laneways for a speciality coffee or some unique vintage finds. 

From offbeat galleries to historic laneways, we’ve uncovered some of the city’s best-kept secrets. The only thing left to do is book your stay at View Melbourne. Conveniently located near St Kilda, it’s the ideal base to replenish your creative spark!