The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA to its friends) is housed in one of the city's greatest pieces of modern architecture - a collection of rusted angles that recalls an abandoned battleship or a desert dune. Inside, sophisticated multimedia installations vie for your attention. The curator's eye is sharp and the program changes regularly.

Drop in to the former residence of the Armytage family who, for a century, owned this colonial mansion overlooking the Yarra. Built between 1840 and 1959, the home has been faithfully restored. Set in extensive grounds, including a croquet lawn and lush flower walks, you'll appreciate what it was to be a well-known society grazing family.

A 21st-century civic hub, this vast, architecturally confronting sandstone, glass and steel box of tricks arouses a love-it-or-hate-it reaction from Melburnians and visitors alike. Stocked with a plethora of cafes, restaurants and retail outlets, Federation Square flexes more than a little cultural muscle.

The famous laughing face of Luna Park has been a symbol of St Kilda since 1912. This amusement park has some great attractions, including the heritage-listed roller coaster (the only one of its kind operating in the world) and a beautifully crafted carousel. There are also dodgem cars, a ferris wheel, a ghost train and a pirate ship.