Melbourne is a fairly flat city, but our city skyline definitely is not. It’s growing taller every year and every year it’s a new sight to behold. Luckily, there are a number of vantage points and lookouts in and around the city where early-morning adventurers, day-trippers and late-night cats can go to take in the stunning views.
However, if you’re looking to get out of the city, check out some of Victoria’s top road trip destinations or some of the state’s most accessible yet wonderful waterfalls.
1. Birrarung Marr, City
Look back from a walk along the north bank of the Yarra River towards the city and you will find these spectacular views of Southbank. Keep walking along and exploring the inner-city park, you should be able to find yourself some more stunning views of the city.
📍Birrarung Marr, Melbourne VIC 3004
2. Shrine of Remembrance, Kings Domain
The Shrine is Melbourne’s home to the memory of all Australians who have served in the many wars we have fought. Wander through its solemn halls and up to the balcony for a breathtaking view of Melbourne across the green lawns of Kings Domain.
📍Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3001
3. Albert Park Lake, Albert Park
The flat expanse of water that is Albert Park Lake makes for perfect views of Melbourne’s skyline. The swans also help make for phenomenal photos too.
📍Albert Park Lake, Albert Park VIC 3206
4. Royal Park, Parkville
The hill by the Royal Park Nature playground makes for a terrific vantage point for views of the city with plenty of greenery around to contrast the concrete jungle in the distance. Not too far away, the Native Grasslands Circle in Royal Park (just behind the Royal Children’s Hospital) also offers great views of the city as you are seemingly on an equal level field to the city. Depending on the day and the time, you just might be able to hear the animals at the Melbourne Zoo as well.
📍Royal Park, Parkville VIC 3052
5. The 100 Steps of Federation, Altona Meadows
A visit to Truganina Park is a must if you’re looking for Melbourne’s best skyline views as a trip up The 100 Steps of Federation will lead you to the highest point of land between the city and the You Yangs.
📍Andrew Park Dr, Altona Meadows VIC 3028
6. Point Ormond Lookout, Elwood
Found at Elwood Beach, Point Ormond is a popular spot along the bay for photographers chasing sunset-drenched views of the city. Make it one of your favourites as well if you’re keen on watching the world go by.
📍29A Ormond Esplanade, Elwood VIC 3184
7. Ruckers Hill, Northcote
If you happen to be in the northern suburbs and are keen on a wicked view of the city without having to go far, then Ruckers Hill in Northcote is your go-to (between Union and Clarke Street).
📍Clarke Street/High Street, Northcote VIC 3070
8. Gem Pier, Williamstown
Williamstown is home to the city’s earliest maritime history and one of the region’s most-utilised piers in Port Phillip Bay. Gem Pier has also got some of the best scenic views of the city as well as BBQ and picnic facilities as well as a playground nearby.
📍1 Syme St, Williamstown VIC 3016
9. Sandridge Lookout, Port Melbourne
The Sandridge Lookout in Port Melbourne affords visitors shelter from the sun, wind and rain while at the same time providing them with excellent elevated views of the Melbourne skyline across the bay.
📍White Reserve, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
10. Wurundjeri Spur Lookout, Kew
This part of Melbourne is deceptively close to the city and the elevated vantage point of the Wurundjeri Spur Lookout will have you feeling like an urban koala as one Trip Advisor comment has noted. You will also get sweeping views across the Yarra River, Dights Falls and the northern suburbs as well.
📍Wurundjeri Spur Lookout, Yarra Blvd, Kew VIC 3101
11. Wills Street, Kew
For a suburban lookout of the city, look no further than Kew’s Wills Street which lines up quite perfectly with the city’s skyline.
📍Wills Street, Kew VIC 3101
12. Mount Ridley, Craigieburn
Further out, Craigieburn’s Mount Ridley lookout has the goods although you’re going to need a clear day and some good eyesight (read camera equipment) for those special shots. Nonetheless, seeing the city twinkle in the distance is a favourite of ours.
📍Mount Ridley Lookout, 90 Mt Ridley Rd, Mickleham VIC 3064
13. Burkes Lookout, Mount Dandenong
The Dandenongs have quite a few lookouts. Like with Mount Ridley, you’re going to need a close-to-perfect day to see scintillating views of the city from Burkes Lookout. But at night, with the suburbs all lit up and the indistinguishable glow of the city further afield, we think it’s one you just need to check out for yourself.
📍Burkes Lookout, Osprey Road, Mount Dandenong VIC 3767
14. Anderson Park, Hawthorn
Pack a picnic, bring your dog and soak in the sights at Anderson Park. This green haven is filled with wide-open spaces and spectacular views. Like many other spots on this list, it’s exceptionally popular on New Year’s Eve because it’s a prime spot to see the fireworks.
📍5 Anderson Rd, Hawthorn East VIC 3123
15. Green Point, Brighton
Bayside throws up plenty of spectacular lookouts on the coast and this patch of paradise in Brighton is no different. Green Point also serves up views of the iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes.
📍Green Point, Brighton VIC 3186