ChiefNWA

Day 1 July 24 -
10:30AM free walking tour of the CBD, lasts 2.5-3 hours.
Lunch somewhere in the CBD.
Use the tram and get off at various stops/sights.
Dinner at the Railway Club Hotel.

These are not consecutive days, we're in Auckland for 3 days in between these dates.

Day 2 July 28 -
I have this day open. We're considering renting a car and driving a portion of the Great Ocean Road assuming weather isn't poor. This would be July 28th so the dead of winter. Rental hours are 7:30AM to 6PM with no after hours return (can't do next day as we fly out early that morning from MEL). Is it worth renting and driving to Twelve Apostles (and stop at the other sights, albeit not very long)?

We're in our 20s so we're fairly adventurous and use to fast-paced trips but even with that in mind I'm still second guessing myself as to whether it's worth the time for the GOR this time.



Edit -
This is what I came up with really quick.
Depart at 8AM from Melbourne CBD
5 minute stop at Memorial Arch for picture
Arrive at Great Otway National Park at 11:15AM
45 minute walk Mait Rest Rain Forest
Depart by Noon
Arrive at Twelve Apostles/Gibson Steps at 1:05PM
5 minute drive to Loch Ard Gorge
Depart LAG by 2PM
Skip London Bridge, arrive Melbourne CBD at 5PM (Google showed some red getting into MEL but at the time it is morning in MEL, not sure on afternooon traffic)

In other words, I'm even more skeptical with this now as that included no food/rest breaks nor did it take into account any unforseen traffic getting in/out of Melbourne.

CPMaverick

Oh, please don't drive to the edge of the GOR if you only have a day in Melbourne. Especially in winter.

The first 90 minutes of that drive is terribly boring. And the weather will likely be poor, even if it is not raining it will be windy and cold. Traffic will be stressful on the way back especially if you have any delays and have to get there by 6.

If you fancy Australian Wildlife, and want to drive somewhere, you might consider Healesville Sanctuary. The drive to there is lovely. If you want a beach photo-op, take the train to Brighton Beach. Or stay in Melbourne and visit Fitzroy, Abbotsford Convent, St. Kilda, Prahran/Windsor or other areas you missed in your day in the CBD.

I don't have time to post a better list, and you haven't really expressed what things you are interested in. But check out any Melbourne thread. It's a fantastic city that you could easily spend a week exploring. Stay in Melbourne or close by and enjoy it.

ChiefNWA

Sort of what I figured. I'm sure I'll return to MEL at some point so I'll save the GOR for a different season and more time.

JClasstraveller

If I had 1 day in Melbourne I'd stay around the CBD, do the Melbourne Museum in Carlton/Fitzroy and eat and drink my way around.

The museum is 300m away from one of my favourite restaurants Cutler & Co. 😀

ChiefNWA

I've technically got two days albeit split up over the week (Sunday and Thursday). I have decided to stay in the city those days and just split up some of the activities and avoid renting a car completely.

I've actually seen Cutler and Co come up on a few lists for places to eat so sounds good to me!

bensyd

Good choice.^

ryanbryan

As someone who is used to fast-paced travelling myself, the 12 Apostles would be a long day, but if you really want to see them, I say go for it. I love Melbourne, but it's more of a "nice city to be in" not a city full of things to interest an international tourist. Australians talk it up big time, but I would take your advice from other international tourists as to whether it's worthwhile or not. Perhaps many will say it is, but personally, if natural beauty is what you're into, don't be talked out of it.

bensyd

Australians don't. Victorians, and more specifically Melburnians, do.

ChiefNWA

I wouldn't really classify myself the same way an international tourist would in the sense that I don't really run around with a selfie stick to all the foursquare photo locations I can find lol. I'm a photographer so it seems both the city and Twelve Apostles would be great, albeit the Twelve Apostles would be better at sunset (which the rental car would prevent me form seeing).

I'm planning on hitting a museum or two the second day at this point and probably going to fill the void with some decent restaurants for lunch and dinner the two days as well. I do enjoy a nice city, but at the same time I enjoy seeing nature every once in a while.

ryanbryan

Eheheh too true. Never ask a local for a travel recommendation for their own city. You're never spending enough time there according to them. Mind you, I always tell people you can do everything in CBR in a day :-)

Makes sense. Enjoy Melbourne!

JClasstraveller

If you're into food, I'd recommend Maha for Sunday lunch on July 24. It's in the CBD and is exceptional Middle Eastern flavours. They have a 4 course lunch for about $75/80 per head. Or Cumulus Inc but no bookings and queues can be horrendous.

If after something cheaper I'd head to Fitzroy or Collingwood to get really good cafe food around the $25 mark. Or do the Cutler & Co 4 course Sunday lunch at about $75/80 per head.

Melbourne is a great eating city. And I'm from Sydney!

Annalisa12

Just wondering what the attraction is for eating at the Railway Club Hotel?

Guvner067

Steaks are the best going around.

ConradS

If you are even a bit of a sports lover Hawthorn are playing Richmond at the MCG on the afternoon of the 24/7. If you can get tickets they are normally quite cheap. A match at the MCG is a great experience for any visitor

Annalisa12

Used to live in Albert Park. Never heard of this hotel in Port Melbourne.