Pioneers (1904) by Frederick McCubbin at the Ian Potter Centre NGVA (see No.1 below) Click here to buy this print

1. The Ian Potter Centre (or the National Gallery of Victoria - Australian Collection) at Federation Square provides a superb overview of Australian art. As well as containing important works by most major Australian artists since European settlement it also has a fine collection of Aboriginal art from before that time. While you are they take note of the contemporary architecture of the gallery which blends modern engineering with century-old recycled materials.

For anyone interested in classic cars, White Hat can recommend the Fox Classic Car Collection as a 'must visit'. It is open on Tuesdays (Feb to Nov). More information at The White Hat Guide to the Fox Classic Carr Collection.

3. The Queen Victoria  Market is closed on a Monday and Wednesday so White Hat suggests you take advantage of Tuesdays to visit one of Melbourne's most popular destinations. It is a large covered market selling fresh produce and general goods and has been central to Melbourne's life for over a century. Alternatively you can search out another Tuesday market. You can find a comprehensive list of Tuesday markets at The White Hat Guide to Tuesday Markets in Melbourne
4. You could start the day with free Tai Chi classes at Federation Square. These sessions are suitable both for newcomers or experienced practitioners.
5. Australia has a large Greek population; in fact it is the largest Greek city in the world outside of Greece. The Hellenic Museum showcases some of the contributions of Greek people towards Australia as well as featuring small exhibitions of Greek antiquities. It is all housed in the Former Royal Mint Building which is a fine example of 19th century architecture.
6. Take a leisurely wander through the Flagstaff Gardens in the midst of the city buildings. During summer you may find free concerts or free painting classes taking place. During winter you can sit and ponder the rich vein of history this place represents in the development of Melbourne. More information at The White Hat Guide to the Flagstaff Gardens.
7. Tuesday nights offer the opportunity of half price skating at the Icehouse where you need not feel embarrassed at bumbling around amongst the professionals.
8. Tuesday also offers a chance to catch up on some movies on the cheap. Many cinemas offer cheap or half price tickets on a Tuesday. Currently (May 2011) you may find Hoyts offering $11 tickets and Greater Union $8 tickets. Some pizza chains and DVD hire places also offer special prices on a Tuesday so it is worth checking them out.
9. The Block Arcade is a wonderful place to wander through and soak up the sumptuous atmosphere of up-market shopping a century ago. However it is a living building and you can get a look behind the scenes on a guided tour.
10. Melbourne comes alive at the weekend with a myriad of outdoor craft markets, but there are few during the week. One exception is the Altona Beach Market which is about 30 minutes by train from the city.
11. Melbourne's lanes & alleys give it a distinctive flavour with lots of caf�s, galleries, designer studios and graffiti art hidden away from the main streets. Why not investigate?
12. Melbourne is a flat city which means the views from our tallest buildings go on for miles as well as providing a more detailed overview of the city and inner suburbs. White Hat can recommend a vest to the viewing platforms at the Eureka Tower.
13. Take a free tour through Melbourne Town Hall and and view its impressive chambers and view the wonderful pipe organ close up.
14. During summer enjoy rooftop cinema under the sky on top of a city building. There are regular screenings on the rooftop of Curtin House.
15. Take the kids to Story Time at the Polly Woodside. Let them her tall tales about pirates and life on the high seas.
16. Take a tour of Docklands Stadium.
17. If you are looking for something relaxing or romantic, every Tuesday during Spring Autumn and Summer there is an afternoon harp concert in the Royal Botanic Gardens. For more details see The White Hat Guide to the Harp.
18. Jazz lovers may be interested to visit the Victorian Jazz Archives in Wantirna.
19. Visit the Duldig Studio in Malvern and learn how two artists fleeing the Nazi's made an important contribution to Australian life
20. And finally, if it's raining then you could have a look at The White Hat Guide to 50 Things to do on a Rainy Day in Melbourne.

Some forthcoming events on a Tuesday in Melbourne

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Baz Luhrmann’s film comes to life on stage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and - above all - love.

tue to Sun, until 4th February 2024
Regent Theatre, 191 Collins St, Melbourne

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More events below

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Melbourne Horror Film Society

The Melbourne Horror Film Society holds its traditional screenings on the last Tuesday of every month at LongPlay in Fitzroy North. There are typically a few extra, special night's that pop up throughout the year, and you can find the information for each of our events on the MHFS website.

Memberships are required to attend these screenings and are available to purchase on the night. Mini memberships give you access to 3 screenings for just $15. Full memberships cover you for 12 screenings and will set you back $50.

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The Phantom of the Opera

Opera Australia presents one of the most successful musicals of all time, in Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of The Opera to Melbourne.

Featuring well-known numbers such as Music of the Night, Think of Me, All I Ask of You and, of course the title song, Masquerade.

Full details and booking information at the Opera Australia website.

Tue to Sun, until 18th February 2023
Arts Centre Melbourne

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Free Tour of Federation Square

Free Tour of Federation Square. No need to book, just turn up on time at the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags in the Swanston Street Forecourt. ..

Free .. 11am, Monday to Saturday .. Federation Square

Free Comedy at the Lido, Camberwell

A regular comedy night in the in the intimate Lido Jazz Room features some of Melbourne's brightest stand-up comedy talent every Tuesday. Because the venue is small it is required that you register for your free ticket here.

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Free entry, donations appreciated. .. starting 7.30pm, Tuesdays .. 675 Glenferrie Rd, Hawthorn

Top Hat Tuesdays

If you are looking for something different to do on the first Tuesday of the month White Hat suggests you might investigate some magic in Chinatown. Top Hat Tuesdays are a celebration of the magical arts, showcasing the best of Melbourne’s local and travelling magicians. Every month, you can come and experience a night of magic and mystery. Doors open 7pm, show from 7.30 to 9pm. When the final curtain draws at Top Hat Tuesdays, it’s time to share the limelight with your friends, with the venue transforming into an open-mic karaoke bar, so if you don’t want the fun to end, hang around for a Tom Jones rendition or two. ..

Cost: $12.50 pre-sale tickets online, or $15 at door .. 1st Tuesday of month .. Level 2 / 2 Coverlid Place, Chinatown, Melbourne

Selected attractions open on certain Tuesdays in Melbourne

Duldig Studio museum + sculpture garden

An artists' house museum - the former home and artists' studio of sculptor Karl Duldig (1902-1986) and his wife - artist and inventor Slawa Duldig née Horowitz (c1902-1975). Both artists fled the Nazis and ended up making a significant contribution to Australian life. You can read more about their remarkable background and the studio at Duldig Studio >>

1pm to 4pm, Tue & Thur & 2nd Sat of month
92 Burke Road, Malvern

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Grainger Museum

Built by arguably Australia's finest musician, Percy Grainger, to house his collection of music-related instruments, scores and other items associated with his life and career. more info > >

13 Royal Parade, Parkville

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Heide Museum of Modern Art

The Heide Museum of Modern Art is a gallery, sculpture park and museum of important art and artists from Melbourne and beyond. White Hat recommends that anyone interested in Australian art, particularly that of the Heidelberg School, should pay a visit to this important site. More details at Heide Museum of Modern Art >>

10am to 5pm Tue to Fri; noon to 5pm Sat/Sun /Public Holidays
7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen

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Old Treasury Building

One of Australia's finest Victorian era buildings. It is open to teh public on Wednesdays and Sundays and features fine displays related to Melbourne history. More info >>

10am to 4pm, Sunday to Friday
Cnr Spring St & Collins St, Melbourne

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