Crown is not in a good spot considering other options. If I were to map out an area for someone with 3 days in Melbourne, they wouldn't even venture to that area, which is just full of stock standard shopping, overpriced or average quality (for Melbourne) restaurants, and of course the casino. Yes, it isn't far from the CBD, but otherwise it borders the unremarkable Southbank and Docklands area.

Map the restaurants and coffee shops listed above, they are all a 15-25 minute walk from Crown. I don't see the upside to base yourself in that area at all, unless you are going to a conference at the convention center or an event at Etihad Stadium.

What makes Melbourne, Melbourne is not a modern casino-hotel-mall complex.