Hidden Gems in Melbourne (You’ve Probably Never Heard of)

Starting off our list of hidden gems in Melbourne is now a place teeming with history and charm, but which once was the largest charitable institution in the southern hemisphere.

Tucked away in Melbourne's inner suburbs, Abbotsford Convent is a sprawling 16 acre heritage site that now hosts art studios, markets, and cafes amidst lush gardens. 

Founded in 1863 by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, the Convent was built to house and help destitute women and children. To put it mildly, this place produced mixed results for those who lived under its roof, but its history is a vital part of preserving and educating people about Melbourne’s past. 

These days, it’s Australia’s largest multi-arts precinct and where you can see art exhibitions, enjoy a peaceful stroll and engage with a difficult chapter in Australian history.

I know what you’re thinking: there’s nothing “Hidden” about the Royal Arcade. Well that’s where you’re wrong! 

Step into the Royal Arcade and you'll feel like you've stumbled upon a Victorian-era secret passage. As Melbourne's oldest surviving arcade, it's a treasure trove of boutique shops and quaint cafes–and hidden gems, of course.

Keep an eye out for Gog and Magog—two giant clockwork figures who've been chiming the hours since 1892. If you’ve never heard of Gog and Magog, they’ve actually been the guardians of the City of London since the 15th century (and you’ll actually find them mentioned in both the Old Testament and The Qur’an.

If you’re looking for hidden gems in Melbourne that show you what Downton Abbey would look like Aussie-style, head over to Como House.

Built in 1847, Como House is an incredible, 19th-century time capsule. The house itself is a fusion of Australian Regency and Italianate architecture, but lurking behind the verandah doors are stately rooms, perfectly-preserved servants quarters, and even some intel on how Victorian and Edwardian Melburnians mended their undies. 

The gardens are also gorgeous (and free to visit) so bring a picnic, make a reservation to check out the rooms and learn about the fancy Armytage family who owned this piece of prime real estate for over a century.

In a world of e-books and smartphones, the Melbourne Athenaeum Library is a breath of old-world air and a gateway to a calmer, more loquacious world. 

Established in 1839, this place is easily one of the cosiest spots in the CBD and it’s home to some unreal reading nooks and an extensive collection of books. While you need a paid-for membership to do anything but look around, I’d really recommend sticking your nose inside at least once.

Captain Cook’s a controversial figure but whatever you think of him, one of the best hidden gems in Melbourne just so happens to be his parents’ house.

Yep, Cooks’ Cottage in Fitzroy Gardens actually doesn’t have much to do with James himself; he was already 27 years old when the cottage was built by his father. The house was dismantled and shipped over from Yorkshire to Australia brick-by-brick, making it (technically) the oldest building in Australia. 

Why, though? Well, Sir Russell Grimwade, an Australian chemist and botanist, gifted it to the city of Melbourne to celebrate its 100th birthday in 1934, and it’s been there ever since. 

Don't confuse Cooks’ with Sinclair's Cottage next door, named after James Sinclair, the head gardener of Fitzroy Gardens in the 1860s and '70s. 

Unfortunately, you can’t go inside either of the cottages but they’re both worth checking out if you’re in the area.

Don't judge a book by its cover, but feel free to judge this library by its stunning architecture! 

Again, you’re probably thinking: who’s this idiot? The State Library of Victoria is one of the most recognisable buildings in Melbourne–and, yes, it is, but believe me when I say there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.

Did you know, for instance, that one of the first trustees of the State Library was the judge who sentenced Ned Kelly to death? That it was designed by a man called Joseph Reed, who’d only emigrated to Melbourne a year before getting the job? 

Nah, there’s a lot more to this place than you’d expect. The library offers more than just books—though there are over two million of those–it’s always got a calendar full of workshops, talks, and activities, too.

Hope you’re not getting tired of hidden gems in Melbourne with a certain grandeur about them, this is one of my favourites. 

Rippon Lea Estate is another heritage-listed Melbourne mansion surrounded by sweeping gardens, but this one also has a tranquil lake. Incredibly, this place was one of the first in Australia to be lit by electricity (produced by its own generators, no less) and by the 1950s, a section of the property was sold to the ABC to house a new television studio. 

I’d really recommend you take the guided tour here and if you have time, check out the grounds too.

Fancy a geological wonder just a stone's throw from the city? Of course you do! 

Organ Pipes National Park showcases stunning basalt columns that resemble—you guessed it—organ pipes! Formed by ancient volcanic activity, this hidden gem in Melbourne's outskirts is perfect for a picnic or a leisurely hike. 

Oh, and it goes without saying that pictures taken here will feel right at home as some of your most-liked on Instagram.

If you’re looking for hidden gems in Melbourne that allow you to get up close and personal with Australia's unique wildlife, head to Healesville Sanctuary. 

Nestled in the Yarra Valley, this conservation park is home to koalas, kangaroos, and even the elusive platypus. 

You can enjoy interactive experiences like the "Spirits of the Sky" bird show or even participate in animal feeding sessions if you’re up for it, but for me it’s enough just to be here and see these amazing creatures in person.

Yes, you read that right—Bin Chicken Island! 

Now, not all hidden gems in Melbourne are places that you’d actually want to visit, but if you want a chuckle and a unique bird-watching experience (and a great story the next time someone asks what you’ve been up to), keep reading. 

This quirky spot on the Yarra River is a haven for the much-maligned Australian white ibis, affectionately dubbed "bin chickens." 

While it might not be everyone's idea of paradise, it's definitely unique and while the locals of Coburg have complained about the smell, noise and behaviour of these beastly birds, they’re here to stay.

P.S: If you’re ever in need of a laugh, look up the Google reviews at this place. Hilarious and bizarre in equal measure, but be warned: there’s a lot of sarcasm hidden in those comments.

Melbourne’s a pretty progressive city and renowned for its innovation and love of the arts and culture, but surprisingly, there are very few monuments dedicated to women around here.

Of course, that’s not a uniquely Melbourne problem, but I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon this place. 

Nestled within the King's Domain, the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Garden is a tranquil oasis dedicated to the women “pioneers” of Victoria. It’s got a nice reflective pool and serene landscaping, and there’s some fascinating back story to its inception that you can read about.

If you’re looking for hidden gems in Melbourne that’ll appeal to kids or the part of you that still hopes magic is real, check this out. 

This whimsical carved tree stump features enchanting illustrations of fairies, dwarfs, and other magical creatures and was designed by Bendigo artist Ola Cohn and dedicated to the children of Melbourne. 

The longer you look at it the more details you find and honestly, I just think it’s a very cute addition to Melb’s landmarks.

Don't worry, this volcano is dormant—very dormant! 

If you’re looking for hidden gems in Melbourne that deliver panoramic views and excotic plants, this is for you- 

Guilfoyle’s Volcano in the Royal Botanic Gardens is a restored water reservoir transformed into a stunning landscape feature. If you’re into succulents or want to get some inspo for native plants to put in your backyard then you’ll find it here, but mostly it’s a great place to go for a walk and get some killer views of the city.

ACDC might have formed in Sydney but the street that commemorates them is right here in Melbourne–and we’re pretty proud about that. 

Melbourne is famous for being Australia’s arts and culture capital so, it makes sense that the honour of honouring one of our nation’s most famous bands was given to us (just kidding, kinda). 

This laneway is plastered with electrifying street art and is one of the few places in the city where street artists can legally showcase their work without a permit, so there’s always something new to see down here.

Speaking of street art, we can’t forget Hosier Lane. After all, if street art is your jam, Hosier Lane is the whole jar of Vegemite. 

Renowned for its ever-changing graffiti and murals, this laneway is a vibrant canvas showcasing Melbourne's urban art scene. As one of the city's most colourful hidden gems, it's Instagram heaven—just watch out for photobombers!

Last but not least, probably where I’d consider to be the biggest hub of hidden gems in Melbourne CBD: Chinatown. 

Aside from the incredible flavours and festivities of Melbourne’s Chinatown, this district is rich in history and culture dating back to the gold rush days. 

It’s absolutely chockers with interesting places (this is where legendary dim sims were invented, after all), hidden bars, festivals and, much, much more.