Things you can only do in the city

There's only one place in the world where you can find all of these secret spots and rare Melbourne experiences.

Sip a pint of Guinness in Victoria’s smallest pub

This aptly named spot was once a caretaker’s cottage, now it’s one of the world’s best bars. Tucked away behind a church on Little Lonsdale Street you’ll find Caretaker’s Cottage. The intimate bar is run by some of the city’s best bartenders, known for their expertly crafted cocktails and milk punch. It’s also one of the best places to grab a perfect pour of Guinness. Perch up in the window and enjoy tunes from the eclectic record collection.

Visit a museum dedicated to screen time

A happy place for cinephiles, TV buffs and gamers alike. ACMI celebrates screen culture past and present. Explore the program of film festivals, one-off screenings and immersive exhibitions. Then get behind the camera at ACMI’s free exhibition, The Story of the Moving Image. There’s more than a century of movie history to explore. And you can get hands-on at this fun cinema showcase, with animation and sound effects to play with.

Sleep in a vintage Airstream caravan 

Why settle for a regular hotel when you can sleep in a vintage Airstream caravan on a city rooftop? HOTEL NO takes glamping to glorious new heights. Perched atop a car-park rooftop, the sleek vans have everything you’d wish for. They’re fitted out with a queen bed, heating and a ready-to-raid minibar, not to mention a pretty spectacular view. 

See Australia’s only production of Beetlejuice the Musical 

Beetlejuice is bringing his wicked ways to Melbourne! The eight-time Tony Award-nominated hit Beetlejuice The Musical will play a limited season, exclusively at the Regent Theatre. It’s freaky, funny and stars the brilliant Eddie Perfect channeling the afterlife antics of Beetlejuice. Tim Burton would be proud! And yes, we can confirm the iconic Day-O song makes an appearance. 

Learn about Aboriginal history on a city walking tour 

Delve into the city’s fascinating Aboriginal heritage on the guided Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk. Learn about the history of the Birrarung, which means river of mists, and discover how the land has changed over time. You’ll also see incredible large-scale art installations. The tour returns to the Koorie Heritage Trust where Aboriginal tools and artifacts are displayed. Think boomerangs, possum-skin cloaks, shields and more. 

Visit a gallery frozen in the 19th century

Multi-award-winning, critically acclaimed and held at an undisclosed East Melbourne location. The Johnston Collection is quite literally a hidden gem. The home’s maze of rooms are filled top to bottom with all that’s gilded and antique. Think chequerboard floors, glittering chandeliers and portraits of ruffle-necked figures. The special house museum hosts exhibitions and events year-round.

See the oldest novel in the world

Did you know the first ever published novel in the world is housed in one of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks? Head to the State Library of Victoria’s free World of the Book exhibition to see 300 historic books and literary treasures. For more rare tomes, take a tour of the MCG. Sport and literature make an unlikely pair above the hallowed turf. The light-filled ‘members-only’ library holds a 400-year old French dictionary containing the first ever reference to cricket. 

Live like a pirate in a century-old building

To get your pirate on, heave ho to the heritage listed Mission to Seafarers and test your pipes at a free sea shanty sing-along session. These ever popular sessions are the ultimate way to blow off some steam, pirate-style. They run every Thursday, so dust off that eye patch and head on down for a pint and an evening of old timey music.