Quirky and Unusual Things to Do in Melbourne and Victoria
Victoria is full of wonderfully weird, quirky and unexpected places to visit. From dining in a train carriage perched on a rooftop to exploring underground tunnels, wandering through enormous cactus gardens or discovering a building that looks like a giant koala, there are plenty of unusual experiences to enjoy.
Some attractions are fascinating reminders of Victoria's history, while others are deliberately eccentric, creative or just plain strange. Whether you're looking for an unusual family outing, an interesting weekend activity or a memorable stop on a road trip, this guide features some of the most distinctive experiences across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
The attractions include both free and paid activities. Some have age restrictions, require advance bookings or operate only at certain times of the year.
Quirky and Unusual Experiences in Melbourne
Easey's Train Carriage Restaurant (Collingwood)
Ever fancied eating a hamburger inside a train carriage sitting on top of a building? Easey's has three former Melbourne suburban train carriages perched on a rooftop, creating one of the city's most unusual dining experiences. The interior combines railway nostalgia, graffiti and a menu of burgers and other American-style food. Book ahead if you want to sit inside one of the carriages.Coop's Shot Tower Museum (Melbourne CBD)
Standing inside Melbourne Central shopping centre is a remarkable 50-metre-high brick tower surrounded by an enormous glass cone. Built in 1889-90, the tower was once used to manufacture lead shot by dropping molten lead from a great height into water. A small museum explains its fascinating industrial history. While you're there, look for the giant Marionette Watch nearby.Pentridge Prison Tours (Coburg)
Explore the imposing bluestone buildings of one of Australia's most notorious former prisons. Guided tours take visitors through historic cells, exercise yards and other areas while revealing stories of inmates, escapes and prison life. Family-friendly historical tours and more confronting experiences are available, along with atmospheric night tours for older visitors.ArtVo (Docklands)
Step into enormous three-dimensional optical illusion artworks where visitors become part of the picture. Unlike a traditional art gallery, touching the artwork and posing for photographs is encouraged. You might appear to be balancing above a dangerous drop, escaping from an enormous creature or entering a completely different world.Merri Creek Labyrinth and Wishing Tree (Clifton Hill)
Hidden beside Merri Creek is an unusual seven-circuit labyrinth constructed from bluestones. Follow the winding path towards the centre before retracing your steps. The peaceful setting also features a nearby wishing tree. This is a free activity and an unexpected discovery in an otherwise ordinary stretch of Melbourne parkland.Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park (South Yarra)
Discover an island hiding in the middle of the Yarra River, complete with walking tracks, picnic areas and extraordinary environmental sculptures. Artworks made from stone, timber and other natural materials are scattered throughout the landscape. Reaching the island is part of the adventure, with a small passenger punt operating on selected days during summer.Lyon Housemuseum and Gallery (Kew)
This remarkable combination of private residence and contemporary art museum challenges the idea of what a home or gallery should look like. The architecturally striking buildings contain contemporary artworks, installations and exhibitions. The original Housemuseum is accessible through specially arranged tours, while the adjoining galleries have a regular exhibition program.Heavenly Queen Temple (Footscray)
Beside the Maribyrnong River is an extraordinary Chinese temple precinct with traditional architecture, decorative roofs and an imposing statue of Mazu, the Heavenly Queen. Dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess and protector of sailors, the temple provides a fascinating glimpse into Chinese religious and cultural traditions. Visitors should respect its role as an active place of worship.Yarra Bend Flying Fox Colony (Kew)
Thousands of grey-headed flying foxes roost in trees beside the Yarra River at Yarra Bend Park. During the day, visitors can see these remarkable mammals hanging upside down, grooming and occasionally squabbling. The spectacle becomes particularly impressive around sunset when flying foxes begin leaving the colony to search for food. Numbers vary seasonally.MANIAX Axe Throwing (Melbourne CBD)
Try something completely different by learning to throw axes at wooden targets under supervision. Sessions include safety instructions and coaching before participants test their accuracy. It is an unusual activity for groups and older participants, with minimum age and booking requirements applying. It provides an alternative to the usual bowling, mini golf or escape room outing.The Smash Room (Keilor East)
Put on protective equipment, grab a bat or other provided tool and smash a collection of breakable objects inside a specially designed room. It's a deliberately unconventional entertainment experience where breaking things is actually encouraged. Age restrictions apply, and it is not an activity for young children.Quirky and Unusual Experiences in Regional Victoria
Murtoa Stick Shed (Murtoa)
Step inside one of Australia's most extraordinary agricultural buildings. Constructed in 1941 during the Second World War, the enormous grain storage shed is supported by more than 560 timber poles, creating the appearance of a vast indoor forest. At approximately 260 metres long, it is an unforgettable sight and one of Victoria's most unusual heritage attractions.Cactus Country (Strathmerton)
Discover an extraordinary desert landscape in northern Victoria. Thousands of cacti and succulents from around the world grow throughout extensive themed gardens, with walking trails passing between towering plants and unusual shapes. Some areas resemble landscapes from Mexico or the American Southwest, making this a very different garden experience.The Giant Koala (Dadswells Bridge)
Standing beside the Western Highway is an enormous 14-metre-high koala that is almost impossible to miss. The giant fibreglass and bronze-coloured structure is one of Victoria's best-known Big Things and makes an entertaining photo stop during a road trip between Melbourne and the Grampians.Dow's Pharmacy (Chiltern)
Travel back in time inside an authentic nineteenth-century pharmacy. The historic business closed in 1968, leaving behind thousands of original items including medicine bottles, pharmaceutical equipment, packaging and shop fittings. The remarkably preserved collection offers an unusual insight into how medicines were prepared and sold in earlier times.J Ward Museum (Ararat)
Originally built as a gaol in 1861, this imposing building later became part of the Ararat Asylum. Guided tours explore the cells, courtyards and displays while recounting stories of imprisonment and psychiatric care in earlier times. Some of the history is confronting, making this more suitable for older children and adults.Aradale Ghost Tours (Ararat)
Explore the corridors and rooms of the former Aradale Mental Hospital on a guided tour combining institutional history, atmospheric buildings and ghost stories. The imposing former asylum has a complex history, and some tours include unsettling accounts and paranormal themes. Check age restrictions and available tour options before booking.Seppelt Underground Cellar Tour (Great Western)
Beneath the Seppelt winery lies an extraordinary network of hand-excavated underground tunnels known as The Drives. Developed from the nineteenth century onwards, the extensive passages were created to store wine at a consistent temperature. Guided tours reveal the history of these remarkable underground cellars and the people who constructed them.Kelpie Walking Trail (Casterton)
Casterton celebrates its connection with the origins of the Australian Kelpie through a trail of unusual dog-themed sculptures. Follow the artworks around the town and discover stories of the famous working dog breed. The trail is an entertaining way to combine local history, public art and a walk through a regional Victorian town.Pink Lake (Dimboola)
Just off the Western Highway is a salt lake that can display extraordinary shades of pink. The colour is produced by pigments associated with salt-loving microorganisms, and its intensity varies with seasonal conditions and water levels. When conditions are right, the lake creates a striking and unusual landscape.Budj Bim National Park (Macarthur)
Explore the landscape of an ancient volcano, including a crater lake, lava canals, caves and unusual rock formations. The volcanic landscape forms part of the culturally significant Country of the Gunditjmara people. Walks reveal features created by historic lava flows, while the surrounding forests provide opportunities to observe wildlife.Victoria's Big Things
Why settle for ordinary roadside attractions when you can photograph enormous objects scattered around Victoria? Highlights include the Giant Koala at Dadswells Bridge, the Big Wine Bottle water tower at Rutherglen and many other oversized landmarks. Exploring these quirky creations can become a road trip adventure in itself.Discover Unusual Regional Public Art
Regional Victoria is full of unexpected sculptures, murals and artistic installations. Some celebrate local history and industries, while others are deliberately whimsical. A good example is Casterton's collection of Kelpie sculptures, which turns a walk around town into a discovery trail.Planning Your Visit
Some of Victoria's quirkiest attractions operate differently from conventional tourist destinations. Historic properties may open on selected days, guided tours may have limited places, and outdoor experiences can be affected by weather or seasonal conditions.
Before you go:
- Check opening hours, seasonal access and tour availability.
- Book ahead for guided tours, axe throwing, smash rooms and other activities with limited capacity.
- Check minimum age requirements, especially for ghost tours, prison tours and experiences involving potentially hazardous equipment.
- Wear suitable clothing and footwear for underground tours, outdoor walks and historic buildings.
- Allow extra travelling time for regional attractions, particularly those located away from major towns.
- Respect cultural sites, places of worship, heritage buildings and natural environments.
