Sightseeing by tram on Melbourne’s best public transport routes

15.10.2024 - 17:13 / lonelyplanet.com

Oct 15, 2024 • 8 min read

There are few things more fun than traveling by tram, with its delightful mix of retro style and budget-friendly practicality. In Melbourne, Australia, riding a local icon is one of the best ways to explore a sprawling metropolis famed for its food and culture. 

Melbourne has the largest light rail network in the world, with 24 tram routes crisscrossing the city. To get you started, here are three self-guided tours by tram, each highlighting the city's best cultural attractions alongside spots to eat and drink along the way. 

While these tours could be done in about an hour without stops, it’s best to budget a full day so you can explore at a leisurely pace. Stop numbers are listed as they’re prominently marked at tram stops, and can help you track your progress when sighted from a tram. Buy a Myki card for $6, add $10.60 per day to cover the daily fare cap, and you’re good to go.

Distance: 13.9 kilometers (8.6 miles)

This tram tour takes you from bayside St Kilda through Melbourne’s downtown core (known as the Central Business District or “CBD”) into the cool residential districts of the inner north. Visiting some of Melbourne’s biggest public institutions, it takes in culture, food and specialty shopping. 

Stop 139: Acland Street

Tram 96 begins its journey from the colorful Acland Street shopping strip, best known for the tantalizing window displays of its celebrated cake shops. If you’re hungry, have a meal at vegetarian cafe Sister of Soul, then enjoy dessert at Europa. After fuelling up for your adventure, hop aboard the tram at its terminus, then enjoy the view as it passes famous historic funfair Luna Park.

Stop 127: South Melbourne

Jump off here for South Melbourne Market, which has operated at this location since 1867. Treat your tastebuds with a pastry from the French patisserie Agathé, a flat white from Padre Coffee, or a “dimmy” from South Melbourne Market Dim Sims; these deep-fried snacks are popular across Melbourne.

Stop 124A: Casino/MCEC

If you’re still hungry (is it possible?), you have lots of choices here: turn left for the restaurants of South Wharf, right for eateries facing the Yarra River. A good choice for a drink is Boatbuilders Yard, followed by the current digital art show at The Lume.

Stop 5: Bourke Street Mall

Tram 96 threads the center of Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD), giving access to major department stores, independent fashion and food outlets, and popular shopping hub Emporium Melbourne. For hidden-away laneway magic seek out Hareruya Pantry, which sells inventive Japanese-styled gelati using ingredients such as matcha and yuzu.

Stop 11: Melbourne Museum

Stroll through the attractive Carlton Gardens past the World Heritage-listed