Things to do in Melbourne and Geelong – for students

From wonderful cafes, restaurants and bars to leafy parks, sporting facilities and world-class culture, there’s no shortage of things to do, see and explore in Melbourne and Geelong.  

If you’re considering studying at one of Deakin University’s three campuses in Victoria, good news – there are so many things for Melbourne and Geelong students to do and experience outside of university and study hours. 

Whether you’re looking to plan for summer break, next weekend or just your weekday evenings, here are some of the best things to see, explore, discover and do in Geelong and Melbourne. 

Things to do in Melbourne, Victoria 

Melbourne is a city that rivals some of the world’s best – and you don’t need to take our word for it. Victoria’s capital and largest city has been named the 4th most liveable city in the world for 2024, one of the top 5 best student cities of 2025 and 2024’s 14th best city for culture. So, what keeps us top of these prestigious lists?  One undeniable reason – there’s so much to do in our great city.  

From well-known tourist spots to secret histories, from the inner city to the suburbs around Deakin University’s Burwood Campus and beyond, there are so many things for students to do in Melbourne. 

Touristy things to do in Melbourne 

Topping our list of things to do in Melbourne as a student – visit the touristy spots. Imagine visiting Paris without eyeing the Eiffel Tower, or Rome without catching the Colosseum – you’d avoid the crowds, but you’d miss some serious history.  

If you’re studying in Melbourne and you’ve come from rural Victoria, interstate or overseas, consider stopping by a few of Melbourne’s tourist things to do and see:

• Catch a game at the MCG: The Melbourne Cricket Ground (commonly known as the MCG) isn’t just one of Melbourne’s great sporting stadiums – it’s up there with the best in the world. With a capacity of over 100,000 and home to two of Australia’s favourite sports (Australian rules football and cricket), it’s one of the best things to do as a student in Melbourne, Victoria. Even if you can’t, though, it’s worth taking a tour of the ‘G’s Museum.
• Stroll around the Royal Botanic Gardens: On a sunny day, join the crowds at the leafy Royal Botanic Gardens – a real centrepiece of Melbourne. Just a stone’s throw from the CBD, you’ll find an enormous cactus garden, the unique Guilfoyle’s Volcano (an 18th century volcano-shaped decorative garden) and a lush gully of native ferns. If all the walking is too much, consider a gentle trip on an English-style punt (a type of boat) across the lake.
• Melbourne Skydeck: There’s only one way to see all of Melbourne in a single day – visit the Melbourne Skydeck. At 88 floors up, the southern hemisphere’s highest observation deck takes in views of the city and its surrounds, giving you a full understanding of the scale of Melbourne and the huge diversity of its architecture and surrounding landscape. 

Things to do at night in Melbourne 

The city’s reputation for nightlife is unparalleled and, if you’re looking for things to do at night in Melbourne, you won’t be disappointed. 

With a hugely diverse, multicultural population, it’s definitely worth exploring the city’s food scene. Around Chinatown and Elizabeth Streets in the CBD you’ll find some of the city’s best Chinese food as well as a huge amount of Korean, Thai and Japanese eateries. 

If you’re looking to explore Melbourne’s famous bar scene, start with classic cocktail bars like Caretaker’s Cottage or Eau De Vie in the CBD. You’ll also find a wide range of breweries in the inner suburbs (like Molly Rose in Collingwood and Bodriggy Brewing in Abbotsford) and near Deakin’s Burwood campus (New Northcote Brewhouse). 

Melbourne is also famed for its live music scene, and you’ll find bands lighting up the stage just about every night of the week. In the city, the long running Cherry Bar is a grungy favourite, while venues like Northcote Social Club (in Northcote) and the Corner Hotel (Richmond) are iconic places to see the best music from here and abroad. 

Looking for more nighttime things to do as a student in Melbourne? See why pub trivia is a local hit! 

Fun and free things to do in Melbourne 

Whether you’re on a budget or just looking for some cheap and cheerful activities, there are plenty of fun and free things to do in Melbourne for students. In no particular order, here are our top 5 ways to spend time in the city without spending a cent: 

1. Take a self-guided walking tour
2. Check out some of the city’s free museums – including the NGV International, Australian Music Vault and ACMI
3. Jump on the city circle tram
4. Explore the iconic artwork of Melbourne famous laneways, including Hozier Lane
5. See the bats at Yarra Bend Park – up to 50,000 roost in the trees around the Yarra

Cheap things to do in Melbourne as an international student 

If you’re looking to get the best out of your time as an overseas visitor but don’t want to spend much money, there are plenty of cheap things for international students to do in Melbourne.  

Start with visiting one of the city’s famous cafes. By now, the world knows Melbourne’s reputation as a coffee-obsessed city and while a full brunch might not be dirt cheap, it’s still very affordable to grab a well-brewed coffee and enjoy the city’s cafe culture. Whether you’re near campus in Burwood or exploring the inner city, you’ll find some amazing coffee. 

Another thing to keep in mind – students in Melbourne can often find things to do using student concessions. It means that you can often get access to film screenings, museum entry, drinks deals and meals for cheaper than the sticker price. When in doubt, just ask! 

Things to do in Geelong 

They call it the city of Greater Geelong and it’s getting greater all the time. Perched on Corio Bay, Geelong is Victoria’s second biggest city, and it’s only getting bigger and better.  

While there are a million things for Melbourne students to do, for those studying at Deakin University’s Geelong Waterfront or Waurn Ponds campuses, there’s a wonderful world of activities, nightlife, food and outdoor fun to explore.  

Ready to make the most of your time at Deakin University? Here are our recommendations for things to see and do in Geelong: 

Things to do in Geelong for free 

A day or night on the town doesn’t have to cost you anything at all – as long as you know where to look. Here are a few of our favourite free things to do in Geelong: 

•  Explore Eastern Beach: In the summertime, the sparkling water of Corio Bay is hard to ignore. When the weather is warm, we’d recommend heading down to Eastern Beach and taking a dip in the bay – you’ll even find floating islands and diving towers, if you’re so inclined. Even if the weather is cold, though, the Eastern Beach precinct is a beautiful place to have a picnic and explore the Geelong foreshore. 
• Cycle the Bellarine Rail Trail: This is only free if you already have a bike (or can borrow one) but, if you do, it’s well worth your time. The trail runs for 35km between South Geelong and Queenscliff and is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Geelong and the Peninsula. 
• Visit the You Yangs: Not too far from the centre of Geelong you’ll find an area that rises above the rest – the You Yangs. These ancient granite peaks are crisscrossed with bike and walking trails, are home to a wide variety of local plants and animals and, at the very top, there’s a stunning view of Geelong and the bay to savour.

Things to do in Geelong at night 

Just about any of the things students can do in Melbourne, you can do in Geelong too. With so many things to do in Geelong at night, now is a great time to be living in the city as a student!  

If you’re looking for a great meal, you’ll find plenty of choice just by strolling along Ryrie Street or Little Malop – but we’ve curated things a little more.  

For a Geelong classic (and for fans of classic Southern American fried food), pay a visit to the Hot Chicken Project – a long-running staple. If you’re a fan of Mexican, noted Geelong chef Aaron Turner’s fire-powered Tacos y Liquor is all you’ll need. And for a truly Geelong-style meal, Sailors Rest is a bayside option that is perfect in summer – especially outside. 

For a drink, you’ll find some great locally brewed beer at the Little Creatures brewery in South Geelong, or the Geelong outpost of Torquay’s Bells Beach Brewing. The city’s cocktail culture is alive and thriving – see for yourself at 18th Amendment – while the Geelong Cellar Door is a fabulous spot to try the region’s famed cool climate wine. For some late-night dancing, it has to be the famous Lamby’s. 

Share your recommendations for things students can do in Melbourne 

There you have it – Geelong and Melbourne are nearly overflowing with great things for students to do. If you’re studying at Deakin University – whether in Melbourne at the Burwood campus, or at either of Geelong’s campuses – we definitely recommend getting out and about and making the most of your time in these cities.