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

More events below

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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 3pm, Tue & Thur & 2nd Sat of month
92 Burke Road, Malvern

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Grainger Museum

To the best of White Hat’s knowledge, this event or location is operating as usual despite COVID-19 precautions. However, due to rapidly changing conditions, always double check with the organiser or institution before making a special trip.

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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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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