Oceania (Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific) - Melbourne for 2.5 days in August - suggested sights?

Hi,

I will be in Melbourne for some quick R&R from August 13th until August 16th. What would be the "do not miss" items on my itinerary?

I can rent a car though public transportation accessible options are cool too.

My main interests are
- photography of unique architecture, buildings, landscapes etc.,
- food, anything unique to the area or local culture
- nature - scenic drives (more photography options)
- wineries, wine tours

I'm staying at the IC Rialto if that makes a difference.

Thank you! I'm so looking forward to this quick trip :)

Cheers!

Your post is very timely! I'm headed to Melbourne that same weekend (out 8/11 on UA863/870 and in 8/16 on UA840/870), staying at the Park Hyatt. I plan to rent a car for some wine tasting in Yarra Valley. Not sure what else I will do because I haven't studied my "Rough Guide Melbourne" yet.

ok - well - melbourne is a good choice for all the things you want to do!

There will undoubtedly be lots of other suggestions but for starters I would hop on the City Circle Tram - its for tourists and its free - circles the whole city taking you past some of the main places of interest.

I would also hop off the tram at the State Parliament and see if they have any tours running on the day you are there (or check in advance on the internet).

Then head to the Bourke Street Mall - lots of little laneways off there with little cafes.

As for food, Melbourne has the best in Australia. China Town (in the City) - go to a place called Hu Tong for the best chinese dumplings outside of China. There is also Vietnamese on Victoria Street (a short tram ride out of the city).

For italian go to Lydon Street (another short tram ride away).

Shopping is on Chapel Street (also by tram).

Also visit Crown Casino - some good restaurants in there (not in the food court though - you will need to go inside the casino).

Wineries and things are not my speciality - others will have suggestions.

What price point for food? Melbourne is one of the 3 best food cities in the world so there is a lot to choose from. Anything from $1000 for dinner for 2 (and worth the price) to $10. Fresh food with good flavour, often surprising. From US standpoint I find tomatoes, oysters, milk, butter and lamb to be outstanding with different and better flavour.

MEL has retained a lot of old buidlings including some stunning ones built from gold rush days when Melbourne was one of the richest cities in the world (a bit like San Francisco without the fire and earthquake that destroyed so many of their old buildings). Much more interesting architecture than in Sydney, for example, and some stunning photo opportunities if you have a good eye. Very much a walking city.

Go have a drink at Madame Brussels to see some classic Melbourne (on Bourke near Parliament), or eat at Cookies on Swanston (a Thai restaurant with food that defies description as well as a stunning wine list and decor -- very historic; be sure to climb up to the roof for the roof-top cinema). There are hundreds of such gems in Melbourne .... most never seen by tourists. It is a city for living in rather than visiting, and doesn't give up its charms easily.

Aside from the City Circle Tram, there is also a tourist shuttle which goes a little further afield than the tram. It takes about an 1 1/2 to do the circuit non-stop. Or, you can hop on/off anywhere on the line and they run about 20 minutes apart. http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Gettingaroundthecity/Visitorassistance/Pages/TouristShuttleRoute.aspx

As I recall, the University had some really wonderful older buildings that might be of interest to you in terms of architecture.

For people with an iPhone/Touch, you can download a free app called "Melbourne Spot On." It might give you some other ideas for sightseeing (and you don't need internet access once you download the app)

Have fun!

DD

I will be in Melbourne for some quick R&R from August 13th until August 16th.You are welcome to join AFFer's and FTer's for Melbourne drinks and dinner - 14th Aug 2010 (http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/meetings-and-social-events/melbourne-drinks-dinner-14th-aug-23978.html)
I propose that August 14 be the next Melbourne drinks – a Saturday (gasp!) with a slightly different format. 3 different restaurants with 3 totally differing cooking styles.
(Some folk have a different handle on FT and AFF)

Thanks for the great suggestions LHR/MEL/Europe FF, number_6 and Daringdoo!

I'm glad MEL seems to be every bit as exciting as I had anticipated and hoped - I shall have a very enjoyable time, I'm sure.

I'm going to look up all the spots you mentioned and try to come up with a plan of action to see and taste as much as possible!

Oh, I think I'll steer clear of the $1000 dinner - I might be able to swing that about once in my life and I will save that for a more momentous occasion - perhaps right back here in MEL.

Thanks again :)

Oh, what an awesome suggestion!!! I think I just might take you up on this offer depending on my final schedule and itinerary!!!

Thank you Mwenenzi :cool:

You are welcome to join AFFer's and FTer's for Melbourne drinks and dinner - 14th Aug 2010 (http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/meetings-and-social-events/melbourne-drinks-dinner-14th-aug-23978.html)
I propose that August 14 be the next Melbourne drinks – a Saturday (gasp!) with a slightly different format. 3 different restaurants with 3 totally differing cooking styles.
(Some folk have a different handle on FT and AFF)

I'm glad MEL seems to be every bit as exciting as I had anticipated and hoped - I shall have a very enjoyable time, I'm sure.



Ahhh, errr, well I guess our state tourism board must be doing good things then!

But Melbourne is really not an 'exciting place' in terms of buzz (which Sydney clearly has if only for an handful of minor attractions such as the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, the harbour itself and... um... yeah well that's about it :D)

but what melbourne lacks interms of visual impact it gains with its food, diverse cultures and coffee. I would not be getting 'excited' per se over a visit to Melbourne if you want to see sights. Or experience the buzz of a thriving tourist city - it's not a Rome, Paris or New york!

haha, fair enough!!! But no, what excites me about Melbourne is indeed what you (and others) have mentioned about the culture and history of the city. And it seems to be a lovely walking city... I like that very much!!!

My goal is not to hit up nightlife and "big ticket" tourist attractions... I very much prefer a cozy, up close experience with smaller crowds... makes the experience more personal and memorable - this is truly what excites me about this trip :)

That, and the food options you (and others) have mentioned - I'm eager to try them out!!!

Once again, thank you all for your great suggestions and responses!

Cheers :)



Ahhh, errr, well I guess our state tourism board must be doing good things then!

But Melbourne is really not an 'exciting place' in terms of buzz (which Sydney clearly has if only for an handful of minor attractions such as the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, the harbour itself and... um... yeah well that's about it :D)

but what melbourne lacks interms of visual impact it gains with its food, diverse cultures and coffee. I would not be getting 'excited' per se over a visit to Melbourne if you want to see sights. Or experience the buzz of a thriving tourist city - it's not a Rome, Paris or New york!

haha, fair enough!!! But no, what excites me about Melbourne is indeed what you (and others) have mentioned about the culture and history of the city. And it seems to be a lovely walking city... I like that very much!!!
I don't want to rain on your parade too much, but please remember that August is mid-winter here, which in Melbourne usually translates to rain, wind, and near-zero (Celsius) temperatures. You may luck out and get clear, sunny days, but I certainly wouldn't count on it.

Weather today in Melbourne was high of 13C and low of 7C (so in the 50sF). Probably warmer by 3-5C by mid-August. Some would call that ideal weather, esp. for touring. What Melbourne does have is "4 seasons in a day" with weather that can change quickly and sharply (for better or worse).

Melbourne is a great city if you know people or are able to seek out the small places on your own. The neighbourhoods are very walkable and the trams are great (going surprisingly long distances). I was astonished at the scope and vitality of nightlife in Melbourne now (it used to be a sleepy city 2 decades ago -- now it can be more fun than Manhattan, LA or SF). Quite a party town, whatever your predilections.

Good points about the weather - I'll pack accordingly! As long as it isn't raining incessantly, I'll not let it dampen my spirit :) I can deal with the cold (lived in the Northeastern US for 17 years) but yes, rain can be a downer!!!

Keeping my fingers crossed and once again, thanks to everyone!!!

Ahhh, errr, well I guess our state tourism board must be doing good things then!


I visited Melbourne first time in early July for 4 days, was quite impressed how tourist friendly the city is. The tourist office near the Federation Square provides lots of information/maps and staffed with helpful people to answer questions. There is a free tourist shuttle (hop-on/hop-off) and City Circle Tram (route 35) to take tourist around the high lights of the city. The city is clean and all people I've interacted were very nice. Really enjoy the short visit there.

Some more places I think might be interesting for OP for photograph opportunities: Fitzroy Garden, Dockland (depend on the weather, was not very lively when I was there), Royal Botanic Gardens. I was temping to go the Phillip Island to see the small penguins but didn't have much water repellent clothings so didn't make it. Heard it is a very scenic drive to go down there.

I enjoy the good quality of food in Melbourne. Don't missed the Queen Victoria Market for all kinds of fresh produces, live chickens, sea food... There was a very long line of people try to get donuts from a donut truck, must be very good but didn't have time for the line. Also like hot chocolate at Lindt cafe in CBC, not as rich as Angelina in Paris but just as good for me.

Enjoy your trip:)

If you're seriously into photography, I also suggest a visit to the Camera Museum @ Michael's Camera & Video on Elizabeth St in the city.

Lindt cafe doesn't make the "top 3" chocolate cafe list in Melbourne despite being quite good (and the best in Sydney, for example). Melbourne is that competitive! Even for a difficult and specialized area like chocolate. The 3 best are Ganache (Chapel St/Toorak Rd), Koko Black (several locations, all good) and Schokolade (Wantirna). When I lived in Manhattan I would fly to Brussels to buy chocolate from Neuhaus there (much better than the Neuhaus store in NYC), and I find Melbourne chocolate to be equally stellar. Ganache is my favourite (worth flying into MEL for).

Great! Thanks for the information. Will take a note and try out Ganache next time in Melbourne.

Some great suggestions above. I spent the first 25 years of my life in Sydney but have now firmly come around to the benefits that Melbourne has over Sydney (food; culture; ease of walking everywhere; public transport (albeit only within inner-mid city)).

Here is a like to a site which can tell you more about visiting the City: http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Whatson/tours/ground/Pages/ground.aspx

The Deck of Secrets cards are also a great resource: http://www.deckofsecrets.com/

number_6 is on the money with the recommendation for a drink at Madame Brussels. Be sure to say hello to the proprietor, Miss Pearls. Another great cocktail bar (for late night) is New Gold Mountain. The mixologist will create custom cocktails for you (and you can name them for fun).

Hu Tong definitely for great shao long bau and daan daan mien (spicy noodles). Good dim sum to be found at Shark Fin House. Good Japanese with a most gracious host at Kenzan. I highly recommend Cumulus Inc in Flinders Lane (no reservations place - turn up as a party of one and ask to be seated at the counter overlooking the kitchen. The food is amazing. For cheap, cheerful and nourishing you can have good pho at Mekong on Swanston Street - a plate of rice paper or spring rolls, a large bowl of pho and a drink will set you back less than A$20 (less if you drink the free tea!).

Queen Victoria Market is foodie heaven and a great place for photographs - you will be very inspired there.

I like the Immigration Museum. Not huge but very informative and well put together displays. The Museum of Melbourne is also good and an easy walk from town up through Exhibition Gardens. Do take the opportunity to walk around the gardens such as Treasury and Exhibition, and also the Botanic Gardens.

Take the tram up to Brunswick Street (or walk - it isn't far) and walk up and down it. It has quirky shops and plenty of places to stop for lunch. For a slightly gritter experience, do the same a few blocks down on Smith Street.

It will be very easy to fill in 2.5 days in Melbourne wandering around and unlocking some of its secrets.

Great!! I think I should have enough to keep me thoroughly occupied!!!

Thanks wendySFO, shillard, Chakie and number_6 - I'll post up a link with my photos once I return. Also, most probably meeting up for a tour of the Yarra Valley wineries with fellow Bay area FTer mikew99 who is also traveling to MEL on the exact same dates as I.

Great!! I think I should have enough to keep me thoroughly occupied!!!

Thanks wendySFO, shillard, Chakie and number_6 - I'll post up a link with my photos once I return. Also, most probably meeting up for a tour of the Yarra Valley wineries with fellow Bay area FTer mikew99 who is also traveling to MEL on the exact same dates as I.

bnarayan1511

Please write a trip report, I am following you two weeks after :)

Your post is very timely! I'm headed to Melbourne that same weekend (out 8/11 on UA863/870 and in 8/16 on UA840/870), staying at the Park Hyatt. I plan to rent a car for some wine tasting in Yarra Valley. Not sure what else I will do because I haven't studied my "Rough Guide Melbourne" yet.

I am out the the 12 back on the 16th and also staying at the Park Hyatt. Plus we'll be on UA840 together

PM and maybe we can get a beverage

And thanks to all that posted for others, we'll be using a lot of your work

How do we join up for this?

You are welcome to join AFFer's and FTer's for Melbourne drinks and dinner - 14th Aug 2010
I propose that August 14 be the next Melbourne drinks – a Saturday (gasp!) with a slightly different format. 3 different restaurants with 3 totally differing cooking styles.
(Some folk have a different handle on FT and AFF)

Cheers

bnarayan1511

Please write a trip report, I am following you two weeks after :)

Great idea!!! I will - and will post a link :)

Yesterday (Friday), arrived into MEL and got a ride to my hotel thanks to fellow FTer mikew99. Got my first exposure to the Melbourne Hook Turn!!! :eek:

Spent all day walking around - Melbourne is delightful to walk around and the weather was perfect, even the gloominess, since direct sunlight is no good for photography.

Photos are here http://www.flickr.com/photos/bnarayan1511/sets/72157624591078883/

These are raw uploads, not yet post processed, organized, rotated or captioned - but feel free to review if you wish :)

Friday, here is a summary of what I accomplished (about 6 hours total)
- Flinders Street Station
- St. Paul's Cathedral
- Art Centre
- National Gallery
- Queen Victoria Gardens
- Bourke St Shopping
- Parliament
- Madame Brussels (this was a pain to find but I was persistent - and it was so worth it :)
- Snacking at several restaurants (Chinese, Singaporean, Malaysian, Indian)

Saturday agenda: Winery tour in the Yarra Valley - stay tuned!

Day 2 was at Yarra Valley during the day. Here's my itinerary for Day 2;

- Sunrise at the docklands/breakfast riverside
- De Bortoli Vineyards
- Fergusson Vineyards
- Yering Station Vineyards (lunch here)
- Rochford Vineyards
- Coldstream Hills Vineyards

That evening, I ventured into Chinatown and ate dumplings at Hu Tong, as recommended!!! Fantastic, loved the display window where you can see the chefs prepare the dumplings!!!

Day 3
- Breakfast at Queen Victoria market (Colour of Ground)
- Hang out at Victoria market
- Chinatown/Greek precint/Bourke Street laneways and arcades
- Lunch at Shanghai Dumpling House
- Cake and Tea at Hopetoun Tea Rooms (Block Arcade)
- More laneways - Union La, AC/DC La etc.
- Drinks at Sofitel 35th floor cocktail lounge
- Eureka 88 observation deck and the Edge
- Dinner at The Deck (Southgate)

A wonderful trip, and weather co-operated for almost 100% of the time. The day was as perfect as it can get for the trip to the Yarra Valley.

Thank you everybody for all the fantastic suggestions and tips... I can honestly say I've fallen hopelessly in love with Melbourne... and the people of Melbourne are possibly the most delightful on the planet! I cannot wait to return :)

Trip report and more photos to come.

Back to Melbourne for a short stay, visited Ganache for the hot chocolate not once but twice.

I planed to visit Ganache at the Chapel St/Toorack Rd and looked it up on the map once I arrived at Melbourne.

The next morning I went out for breakfast near my hotel without anything particular in mind and saw the Ganache's sign on Collins street by accident. I was puzzled as I didn't expect to see one on Collins street. I went inside, talked to the guy at the counter and found out it is a brand new store, just a week old and just a few steps from Lindt :p I had a hot chocolate and almond crossant there. Hot chocolate is good, but not hot enough. The crossant was excellent.

I also went to the Ganache original store next day. The hot chocolate there was just right! Both stores have pretty much the same deco and offer the same menu. Will definitely go back next time in Melbourne. Now it is even more convenient for a store at CBD area.