Federation Square – Skip the main plaza and head to the hidden rooftop for stunning cathedral views and fewer tourists.

Royal Botanic Gardens – Enter through the lesser-known Observatory Gate to start with the Aboriginal Heritage Walk and avoid the crowds.

Queen Victoria Market – Come at 2 PM on Tuesdays for the best markdown deals when vendors are wrapping up their trading day.

Hosier Lane – Visit at sunrise when street artists are often starting new pieces and you’ll have the lane almost to yourself.

National Gallery of Victoria – The hidden water wall entrance at the back has no queues and leads straight to the Australian collection.

State Library Victoria – Book a free tour of the dome’s upper levels for access to areas most visitors never see.

Brighton Beach Boxes – Walk past the first cluster of boxes to number 85, where you’ll find the most photogenic angles without other tourists.

Block Arcade – Visit Collins Street Larder inside for locals-only cheese tastings in Melbourne’s grandest Victorian arcade.

Shrine of Remembrance – Climb to the normally overlooked balcony level at sunset for the city’s best golden hour views.

Flinders Street Station – Skip the front steps photo and instead head to Platform 1 to see the original 1910 railway clocks still in operation.