Best of tram route 57

Hop on board the 57 tram to experience the best of Melbourne. From bustling food markets to leafy inner-city parks, this jam-packed itinerary has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to shop up a storm or wine and dine at iconic eateries, it’s all just a few stops away on tram route 57.

Get your shopping fix at Bourke Street Mall in the heart of the city. Step into foodie heaven at Melbourne’s historic Queen Vic Market. Pause for coffee in one of North Melbourne’s cafe institutions. Or get out into nature and enjoy a stroll through Royal Park. All of this and more awaits you on a Melbourne exploration aboard the Number 57 tram.

Stop 3 – Bourke Street Mall

Kick things off in the heart of Melbourne’s city centre at Bourke Street Mall. Shop ’til you drop at the big department stores or wander through the heritage-listed Royal Arcade to discover popular boutiques, cafes and specialty stores.

Street art lovers will find solace away from the hustle and bustle of Bourke Street Mall down Union Lane. The walls of this narrow walkway are bursting with colourful and intricate artworks, giving you a glimpse into Melbourne’s vibrant street art scene.

Feeling a little peckish after all that shopping and exploring? Head to Chinatown on Little Bourke Street to feast on yum cha and dumplings. Or for something a little fancier, choose from renowned dining spots like Tipo 00, Palermo and Aru.

Stop 7 – Queen Victoria Market

Next, it’s onto Queen Vic Market – a Melbourne institution for more than 140 years and a must-visit destination for any foodies out there. This bustling inner-city market houses over 600 small businesses, ranging from souvenirs and clothing to specialty produce and fresh flowers. 

Get your caffeine fix at Market Lane Coffee in the Dairy Produce Hall, scoff seriously tasty sausages from Bratwurst Shop & Co (also in the Dairy Hall) or grab a bag of hot jam doughnuts fresh from the American Doughnut Kitchen van.

Stop 12 – North Melbourne Town Hall

Leave the buzz of the market behind and head for North Melbourne, an artistic hub known for its amazing bars, cafes and arty spaces. As the tram gets to the top of Victoria Street and turns into Errol Street, look out across the hilltop that was once home to an enormous Tudor Gothic asylum. The Melbourne Benevolent Asylum was the first permanent structure in today’s North Melbourne before its demolishment in 1911.

Disembark at Stop 12 and pop into North Melbourne Town Hall to check out Arts House, a contemporary performing arts hub. Meander down Victoria Street to shop for vinyl at Heartland Records or fuel up in one of the many buzzing cafes along Errol Street.

Stop 20 – Melrose Street / Flemington Road

Hop back onto tram 57 as it heads towards Flemington, then alight at Stop 20 for a relaxing stroll through Royal Park. This sprawling public park is the largest open space in the City of Melbourne, home to native vegetation and towering eucalyptus trees. As you explore the park, keep an eye out for a variety of birdlife, including rosellas, robins and birds of prey.

If you’re exploring Melbourne with your little ones, Royal Park is the perfect place to get outside and burn off some energy. Let them loose on the nature playground for immersive playtime or head to the top of the park’s grassy hills and have endless fun rolling down.

Stop 25 – Wellington Street / Racecourse Road

After a stroll through leafy Royal Park, you’ll no doubt have worked up an appetite. Back on board tram route 57, head for Racecourse Road (Stop 25), where an array of authentic Asian eateries await you. Savour vibrant Malaysian cuisine at Laksa King, slurp delicious Vietnamese noodle soup at Pho House, or fill up on golden fried dumplings at I Love Dumplings.

Stop 41 – Maribyrnong Park

Jump off the tram at Stop 41 and wrap up your day of exploration with a leisurely walk along the Maribyrnong River. Cross the Raleigh Road Bridge and join the Maribyrnong River Trail towards Pipemakers Park to explore the historic buildings, sprawling wetlands and the Living Museum of the West.

Fancy a bite to eat or an afternoon tipple? Head to The Boathouse – a modern Mediterranean-inspired restaurant perched perfectly on the banks of the Maribyrnong River. Tuck into tasty wood-fired pizzas and cocktails while soaking up the peaceful riverside scenery.