Australia · Oceania

Discover Melbourne with Rafeek

Melbourne is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Victoria and the second-most populous city in Australia.

Seeing Melbourne without the story is only half the trip

The problem

Group tours run on someone else's clock, printed signs say too little, and searching for context on your phone pulls you out of the moment. Most travellers leave Melbourne with photos but no sense of what they actually saw.

How Rafeek fixes it

Rafeek is a personal audio guide in your pocket. Press play at each landmark in Melbourne, listen at your own pace, and keep your eyes on the place instead of a screen. Guides work offline, so no roaming or signal worries.

What you'll discover in Melbourne

32 landmarks with their own audio guide — tap any one to read what you'll hear.

ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)

A unique museum dedicated to the world of film, television, video games, and digital art. Located in Federation Square, ACMI offers interactive exhibitions, film screenings, and educational programs.

Arts Centre Melbourne

A major performing arts venue located on the Yarra River, easily recognizable by its iconic spire. It hosts a wide range of performances, including ballet, opera, theatre, and concerts, across its various stages.

Block Arcade

A heritage shopping arcade renowned for its stunning Victorian architecture, featuring a glass canopy and intricate mosaic-tile flooring. It houses a collection of boutique shops and traditional tea rooms.

Brighton Beach

Famous for its 82 iconic and brightly coloured bathing boxes, this beach is a popular spot for photography and swimming. It offers fantastic, postcard-perfect views back towards the Melbourne city skyline.

Cooks' Cottage

The historic family home of Captain James Cook's parents, transported brick by brick from Yorkshire, England. Located in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens, it offers a glimpse into 18th-century English life.

Degraves Street

A quintessential Melbourne laneway with a distinct Parisian feel, famous for its bustling cafe culture. Lined with eateries offering alfresco dining, it's the perfect spot to grab a coffee and watch the city go by.

Eureka Skydeck

An observation deck on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. For thrill-seekers, 'The Edge' is a glass cube that projects out from the building, suspending you almost 300 meters high.

Federation Square

A modern and unique public space in the heart of Melbourne, known for its bold, deconstructivist architecture. It hosts major cultural attractions, world-class events, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

Fitzroy Gardens

One of Melbourne's most historic and beautiful gardens, laid out in a classic Victorian-era style. The gardens are home to Cooks' Cottage, a conservatory, and avenues of majestic English elm trees.

Flinders Street Station

Melbourne's most iconic railway station, famous for its distinctive Edwardian Baroque architecture and the clocks under its main dome. It serves as a major transport hub and a popular meeting point for locals.

Heide Museum of Modern Art

A unique cultural institution set on a former artists' colony, combining indoor galleries with a large sculpture park. It showcases modern and contemporary Australian art in a beautiful, natural setting.

Hosier Lane

A world-renowned laneway celebrated for its vibrant and ever-changing street art. This bluestone alley is a prime example of Melbourne's urban art culture, attracting artists and visitors from around the globe.

Immigration Museum

Housed in the beautifully restored Old Customs House, this museum explores the stories of people who have migrated to Victoria. It provides a moving and insightful look into the diverse journeys that have shaped the state.

Luna Park Melbourne

A historic amusement park in St Kilda, famous for its iconic 'Mr. Moon' entrance. It features the Great Scenic Railway, the world's oldest continually operating roller coaster, alongside other classic rides.

Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

An iconic Australian sports stadium and the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It hosts major cricket and Australian Rules Football matches and offers behind-the-scenes tours and the Australian Sports Museum.

Melbourne Museum

Located in the Carlton Gardens, this is the largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere. It showcases Australian social history, Indigenous cultures, science, and the environment through dynamic and interactive exhibits.

Melbourne Zoo

Australia's oldest zoo, set within lush gardens just minutes from the city center. It is home to over 320 species from around the world, with a focus on conservation and creating immersive, naturalistic habitats.

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Australia's oldest and most visited art museum, split across two sites: NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre. It houses a vast and diverse collection of Australian and international art, spanning centuries and cultures.

Old Melbourne Gaol

A former 19th-century prison, now a museum that provides a chilling insight into crime and justice in early Melbourne. It is most famous as the site of the execution of bushranger Ned Kelly.

Parliament House

The seat of the Parliament of Victoria, this is one of Australia's oldest and most architecturally distinguished public buildings. Visitors can take free guided tours to admire its grand 19th-century design and learn about its history.

Queen Victoria Market

The largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, operating since 1878. It's a vibrant and bustling hub for fresh produce, gourmet foods, souvenirs, and clothing, offering a true taste of Melbourne life.

Rippon Lea Estate

A grand 19th-century mansion and garden estate managed by the National Trust. It provides a fascinating look into the opulent lifestyle of Melbourne's wealthy elite, with beautiful gardens, a lake, and a fernery.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

A stunning inner-city oasis featuring over 8,500 plant species from around the world. These expansive gardens are perfect for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or exploring diverse plant collections and tranquil lakes.

Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a magnificent 19th-century exhibition hall. The surrounding Carlton Gardens are a beautifully preserved example of Victorian landscape design, offering a peaceful retreat in the city.

Scienceworks

An interactive science and technology museum that makes learning fun for all ages. It features hands-on exhibits, a high-tech planetarium, and the electrifying Lightning Room show.

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

A popular attraction on the banks of the Yarra River, home to thousands of aquatic creatures. It features several distinct habitats, including a massive oceanarium where you can see sharks and rays.

Shrine of Remembrance

Victoria's national war memorial, built to honor all Australians who have served in armed conflicts. Visitors can explore the galleries and ascend to the balcony for one of the best panoramic views of Melbourne.

South Melbourne Market

A beloved local market that has been operating since 1867, known for its vibrant atmosphere and high-quality goods. It's a fantastic place to find fresh produce, gourmet delicacies, and unique gifts.

St Kilda Beach

Melbourne's most famous beach, featuring a long pier, a palm-lined boardwalk, and views of the city skyline. It's a popular spot for swimming and watersports, and home to a colony of little penguins at dusk.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

A towering example of Gothic Revival architecture and the largest church building in Australia. This Roman Catholic cathedral is celebrated for its stunning stained glass, towering spires, and serene atmosphere.

St. Paul's Cathedral

A beautiful Anglican cathedral built in the Gothic Revival style, located at the bustling intersection opposite Flinders Street Station. It is known for its magnificent pipe organ, intricate architecture, and peaceful interior.

State Library Victoria

A major cultural institution and architectural landmark established in 1854. Its magnificent domed La Trobe Reading Room is a highlight, and the library houses a vast collection of books and historical artifacts.

How Rafeek works in Melbourne

Download Rafeek

Get the app on iOS or Android and pick your destination.

Choose a guide

Browse the landmarks nearby and choose the ones you want.

Press play and walk

Listen as you go, at your own pace, online or offline.

About Melbourne

Melbourne is the capital and most populous city of the Australian state of Victoria and the second-most populous city in Australia. The city's name generally refers to a 9,993-square-kilometre (3,858 sq mi) area, comprising an urban agglomeration of 31 local government areas. The name is also used specifically to refer to the local government area, also named the City of Melbourne led by Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, whose administrative area is centred on the Melbourne central business district and some immediate surrounds.