Last Updated on October 16, 2025 by Sam
From picturesque park lookouts to lively rooftop bars, there are plenty of brilliant viewpoints in Melbourne. Whether you’re soaking in skyline vistas from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck or cruising along the Yarra River, it’s easy to find amazing vantage points of this vibrant Australian city. Having lived in the city, one of our top Melbourne travel tips is to enjoy the fabulous free viewpoints, but for more natural scenery, don’t miss the spectacular lookouts on the nearby Great Ocean Road. Discover the best viewpoints in the CBD and inner suburbs with this guide to the best views in Melbourne.
Best Viewpoints and Views in Melbourne
Best Views of Melbourne CBD
Shrine of Remembrance Balcony
The Shrine of Remembrance is one of the largest war memorials in Australia, located in Melbourne’s Kings Domain parklands. Originally built to honour those from Victoria who served in World War I, it’s since become a memorial to all Australians who have served in war.
As well as offering insight into the country’s military past, the Shrine features an upstairs balcony with sweeping views of Melbourne CBD. From here, the skyline appears to rise out of the surrounding parklands.
The Shrine of Remembrance is free to visit, but donations are appreciated. Less than a 30-minute walk from Fed Square, its historical significance and wonderful Melbourne views make it well worth a visit.
Opening Hours
Open daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Last entry at 4:30 PM.
Melbourne Skydeck
At nearly 300 metres tall, the Melbourne Skydeck in the Eureka Tower unsurprisingly offers some of the best views of Melbourne. It’s the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere and provides spectacular views of the CBD, Flinders Street Station, Yarra River, MCG, and beyond.
The observation deck’s floor-to-ceiling windows give uninterrupted city views, but for a more thrilling perspective, step out onto The Edge, a glass cube suspended high above the city.
Arrive around 30–60 minutes before sunset to watch the city transform as golden hour fades and the lights come on. As of 2025, general admission to the Melbourne Skydeck costs $39 AUD per person, but add-ons like The Edge cost extra.
Click here to book your Skydeck experience through the Get Your Guide website!
Opening Hours
Open daily, typically from midday–9:00 PM from April to October (last entry 8:30 PM) and midday–10:00 PM from November to March (last entry 9:30 PM).
Norris Reserve Lookout
The Norris Reserve Viewpoint in Yarra Bend Park offers a stunning view of the Melbourne skyline. Despite the impressive panorama, it’s not particularly well known, so you might even have this spot all to yourself.
There’s a bench at the viewpoint, so you can sit and take in the fantastic vistas for as long as you like. We recommend walking through Yarra Bend Park and making your way up to the lookout, but there’s parking directly next to the viewpoint if you don’t fancy a walk.
Visit around sunset to enjoy one of the best views of Melbourne at night with the city lights twinkling in the distance.
Hamer Hall Balcony
Just across the Yarra River from Flinders Street Station, Hamer Hall offers more than just world-class performances. The venue is an iconic landmark, and its outdoor balcony provides some of the best up-close views of Melbourne’s CBD.
Easily accessible from St Kilda Road, the balcony is free to access and can be visited at any time of day. Simply head up the stairs to the balcony to soak up brilliant views of the skyline from across the Yarra.
Sightseeing Cruises on the Yarra River
Sightseeing cruises along the Yarra River offer a relaxing way to get a different perspective of Melbourne. Enjoy views of the city’s skyscrapers as you sail past iconic landmarks like the Eureka Tower and Flinders Street Station.
It’s an easy way to see some of Melbourne’s top sights, and some cruises even have the option for dinner and drinks on board. Prices start at around $35 AUD per person, making it a great value way to discover this vibrant city.
Best Rooftop Bar Views in Melbourne
Naked For Satan
Naked For Satan is one of the most popular bars in Fitzroy, and its rooftop boasts one of the best views of Melbourne’s skyline. The buzzing rooftop area, known simply as Naked Upstairs, is a favourite hangout of Melburnians and visitors alike.
Try to grab a table on the outdoor terrace for the views, but you might have to wait during peak hours (especially on weekends). Outdoor tables can’t be reserved, but if you arrive around opening time at midday, you should be able to grab lunch and a drink with one of the best rooftop restaurant views in Melbourne.
Opening Hours
Monday–Thursday, midday–midnight.
Friday–Saturday, midday–1:00 AM.
Sunday, midday–7:00 PM.
Rooftop Bar
For some of the best views in Melbourne CBD, head to Rooftop Bar on Swanston Street. Located on the top floor of Curtin House, the bar is surrounded by the city’s skyscrapers and high-rises.
The railings slightly obstruct the views, but the drinks are pretty affordable considering the prime location. It’s a particularly great spot for a drink on a sunny day, thanks to its lively atmosphere and epic city backdrop.
Opening Hours
Open daily, midday–1:00 AM.
Best Views in St Kilda
Point Ormond Lookout
The Point Ormond Lookout in St Kilda provides wonderful views of the city skyline and along the coast of Port Phillip Bay. It’s particularly picturesque at sunset, but no matter what time you visit, you’ll get lovely views of Melbourne.
The lookout point is marked by a white beacon and is accessible by following the Bay Trail through the Point Ormond Reserve and then walking up a small hill. There are even public barbecues if you want to cook dinner to enjoy with the view.
St Kilda Pier
The St Kilda Pier is a highlight of any Melbourne itinerary. Although it’s most famous for its cute resident penguins, the pier also has brilliant views of the skyline beyond the yachts of the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron.
It’s an excellent spot to watch sunrise and sunset in Melbourne, but you can enjoy the wonderful views at any time of day. It’s around a half-hour walk from the Point Ormond Lookout, so you can easily visit two of Melbourne’s best viewpoints in quick succession.
Plan your visit for sunset to watch the penguins return from out at sea and take in one of the top views in Melbourne at night as the city lights come on.
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