Melbourne’s skyline catches you off guard in the best way. Whether you’re a local who’s been told you don’t appreciate your own city enough or a visitor eager to capture Melbourne skyline photos, these are the top places to visit for unforgettable views.
The Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine is not only a place to pay respects; it also promises one of the best views of the skyline in town. If you go up to the balcony, you’ll be able to see all the way down St Kilda Road to the CBD without anything obstructing your view.
The symmetry is beautiful: trees line the avenue, trams glide by, and towers soar up like they’re standing to attention. It’s one of the most unique places where the past and present of Melbourne come together in one picture. Surrounded by all this vast beauty, you’ll feel small – but in the best possible way.
Mornington Peninsula
Okay, this one is a bit of a drive, but it’s worth your time and money. The Mornington Peninsula affords you sweeping views of Melbourne across Port Phillip Bay. You can see the skyscrapers on the horizon on a clear day, which look like Lego blocks.
A photo tip: go to Arthurs Seat for the best view. Bring refreshments and be a little patient; the light changes swiftly here, and you’ll want to stay on for the magic hour.
Some hotels even set up trips to the Mornington Peninsula for their guests. Mornington Peninsula is about 45 minutes from PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne, one of the four-star hotels near Monash Clayton.
Ruckers Hill, Northcote
If you have friends who live in the north, you may land on Ruckers Hill without even knowing it. The view from the top of this enormous hill on High Street is spectacular. It feels like the city’s been plopped at the end of the road, nicely framed by the old shopfronts and tram tracks.
The whole street seems to glow at sunset, when the skyline lights up in shades of orange and pink. Get a drink from one of Northcote’s many bars or pubs, then walk about and take it all in the best cheap date idea ever!
St Kilda Pier
St. Kilda Pier is famous for a reason: it’s home to seagulls, penguins, and one of the best sunset skyline views you’ll ever see. From here, the city looks like a floating island across the lake.
To take the best pictures, go in the late afternoon and stay until the sun goes down. The reflection off the bay is amazing. Be careful, though: the wind can be a tad strong, and a stray wave could hit you when you least expect it.
Burkes Lookout, Mount Dandenong
Go up to Burkes Lookout in the Dandenongs if you want to feel like you’re holding Melbourne in the palm of your hands. It’s a bit of a hike, but the view is worth the pain you may feel in your legs. When the sky is clear, the city skyline looks as though it’s been drawn on the horizon with a pencil.
The city looks much prettier at night, when the skyline sparkles beautifully. If you want to feel all snug and cosy, bring a thermos of tea or a bottle of wine, and don’t forget your jacket – it gets rather cold up there.
Princes Bridge
Sometimes the nicest views are right under your nose. You can get that postcard picture of Melbourne from Princes Bridge, which is right in the midst of the city. If you stand in front of Flinders Street Station and stare towards the river, the Yarra, the Southbank buildings, and the city lights reflecting in the water will all look amazing. If you’re already in town, it’s easy to do.
Melbourne Skydeck
Sometimes you just want the big, obvious view, and Melbourne Skydeck offers you exactly that. It’s the highest place in the Southern Hemisphere where people can enjoy gorgeous views. If you dare, step out onto the glass cube it will make you feel like you’re floating over the city.
The view of the skyline from here is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Everything looks tiny and toy-like, yet somehow more real.
Go at night for the best experience and the pictures. When the city lights are on, you’ll realise why Melbourne is called the most liveable city in the world.
