Dom’s 3-Day Guide to…. Melbourne

Welcome to my first post of ‘Dom’s 3 Day Guide to’ series. As the title suggests I thought I would dedicate my first post to one of my favourite cities, Melbourne. I’ve never been an itinerary freak so throughout this series I am going to give you a rough guide that will be easy to integrate with whatever plans you already may have. It will also include my top suggestions for food and accommodation, regardless of the budget!

I love Melbourne. Some may disagree but it’s hard to look past a city that has been voted ‘ The Worlds Most Liveable City’ year after year! Each year the city is host to over a million international visitors, and with the potential of being one of them, I’m guessing this is one of the main reasons you’re reading this, right? And whilst I would suggest more than 3 days in Melbourne, sometimes time is of the essence so, away we go!

Day 1

So you’ve arrived and you’re eager to get out and explore, better yet I’m going to start you off with something that isn’t even going to cost you a dollar! Catch the tram from Flinders St up to the Queen Vic Market. You’ll be within the ‘free tram zone’ so just hop on and within 5 minutes you’ll be at your destination. Explore the market and when you’re ready to start walking straight down the way you just came. Why you might ask? Because that’s how you’re really going to get a proper feel of this city. Head south down Elizabeth Street, take your time, open your senses and just take it all in. An added extra bonus is that Melbourne is renowned for its graffiti. Keep an eye out for these laneways as you’re walking the streets, think of it as a free art museum! My main suggestions would be; Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, Centre Place, and Croft Alley.

After a spot of lunch and sticking within the CBD and surrounding suburbs, this afternoon's activities aren’t going to cost you a penny either, but I hope you’ve still got your walking boots on! Starting at Flinders St Station head across the river and my suggestion would be to head towards the botanical gardens, via The Shrine of Remembrance. If too much walking isn’t quite your cup of tea then head towards Brighton (accessible by train or tram). This beachfront suburb is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon. In the summer the beach is certainly the place to be, however, if its slightly cooler weather Brighton Baths Health Club is a great spot overlooking the water to unwind.

Day 2

Grab a coffee and a bite to eat from one of the hundreds of independent cafes, and you’re ready for day 2. Today is for the wine lovers out there! Surrounding Melbourne you will find some of Australia’s best vineyards. Today I’m suggesting you head down to Red Hill, situated on the Mornington Peninsula. To get there jump on a train from Flinders St Station to Frankston (50 minutes Approx) and then hail a taxi or an Uber for the remaining stretch (20 minutes Approx). One of the better-known wineries would be Point Leo Estate. It’s home to a stunning setting overlooking the Bay, with its very own sculpture park. The wine is lovely however you do pay a premium because of its location. My No1 suggestion would be T’Gallant, right in the center of the Red Hill region. T’Gallant has some spectacular wines on offer for a very good price. They also serve up some really delicious homemade pizzas! (Bottle of wine and a big pizza for $30 is a very good deal!)

If wine isn’t your thing then heading down the peninsula is still a great option. However, if you aren’t going for the wine then renting a vehicle would most definitely be your best bet. This means you can explore all around, places such as; Port Sea, Sorrento, Cape Shank, and Flinders, to name a few.

Also down that way is the Peninsula Hot Springs. A stunning spa and natural hot spring set into the hillside of Rye, of which you could spend hours!

Day 3

So depending on which day you’re visiting, but assuming it’s the weekend; I would highly recommend an early start by heading to the South Melbourne market. It has everything you could ask for with many places to try and taste lots of delicious food! Providing you are coming from the CBD then by foot, this will take you down along Southbank that is a great little walk in the mornings.

After you have spent the morning there, you now have a choice for this afternoon. For all you sports fans out there, the MCG tour is well worth it in my opinion. A look around the impressive 100,000 capacity stadium and you can even put your skills to the test at its interactive sports museum. If sport isn’t quite your thing, then Melbourne is home to many a museum, and there isn’t one I’d recommend more than ‘The National Gallery of Victoria’. It is home to some amazing pieces of art and is always exhibiting work from some of the world’s finest artists. Plus what makes it even better… IT’S FREE!

If Museums aren’t your thing then to the beach it is! Although slightly lacking in the beach department compared to some of the stunning beaches in Australia, Melbourne still has its fair share. As you may have already checked out Brighton (which would be my number one pick) Closer to the city you can check out St Kilda.

BONUS: Further a field

Okay, so this may be cheating a little, but hey, I’m just trying to help! If you do have slightly more time in Australia, and Melbourne in general, then I would highly recommend venturing out of the city and even its suburbs to explore the beautiful coastlines of southern Victoria. Most, if not all of you would have heard about the Great Ocean Road. It starts in a place called Torquay, only an hour or so drives, south/south-west of the city. The Great Ocean Road really doesn’t take as much time as people may first think. Although just shy of 250km, realistically you can get it done in 2-3 days. You can even do day trips which take you to places along the road such as Bells Beach and the world famous 12 Apostles.

I loved the Great Ocean Road, however, there is a place I loved even more, and that’s Wilsons Promontory. ‘The Prom’ is located down the opposite peninsula to the Great Ocean Road, just shy of 3 hours south-east of the city. With a number of hiking trails, picturesque beaches and stunning look-outs (check out Mount Oberon for some epic views), you can’t fault it one bit. I camped in the Oberon Bay campground but if you go to http://parkweb.vic.gov.au then you can take a look at all the spots available.

By Night

Like many other cities, Melbourne comes even more alive at night. Without going into too much depth, here are my suggestions on some fun things to do when the sun sets.

Holey Moley! - Located in the CBD, this fun, crazy golf-themed bar is a great way to start the evening. This 27-hole course, located over 2 levels never fails to disappoint don’t fret, you will stay well hydrated.
Eureka! -For some amazing views of the city and its suburbs check out the Eureka Sky Deck. Located on South Bank it’s the best places to get those birds-eye views of the city. It closes at 10pm, so you have plenty of time to get to the top, I would suggest ascending just before sunset to get the best of both light and dark! (1 hour)
Splash the Cash!
Melbourne is home to one of the most successful and largest entertainment complex’s’ in the southern hemisphere. Crown has everything from shops to restaurants and of course its Casino. If a bit of a spin of the roulette wheel is your thing then this is the place for you! (1-4 hours depending on how much money you want to lose)
Chapel St – The top recommendation from most Melbournian’s for a great night out. Chapel is host to many bars and restaurants so it is very much a place to can start your night but also end it. It usually gets busy in the restaurants around 5-6pm and then starts getting lively in the bars around 10-11pm. My top pick for Chapel would have to be ‘The Lucky Coq’, a great spot for a boogie and they serve $4 pizza, bargain!

Where to stay:

£££ - Crown Towers – Located on Southbank, Crown Towers would certainly be for that special occasion stay! Surrounded by many restaurants and bars, and even having a number of its own in its vast complex. With a stay here you should only expect the very best and that’s what you’ll get!

££ - Melbourne Parkview Hotel – Located a short trams ride from the CBD, this place has that luxury feel without the crazy price tag! If excellent service and a comfy night sleep are what you’re after, without being fussed about being too central then Parkview is perfect!

£ - Nomads Melbourne – This hostel is located on A’Beckett St, just a short walk from Melbourne Central (make sure it’s not Nomads in St Kilda!). This is perfect for any backpacker; it’s clean, spacious (would recommend the 6-bed dorms) and is a great place to meet fellow travellers alike!