What to do in Melbourne for 4 days?

sleet on 09/06/2017 - 12:21

Hey ozbargainers,

So this isn't as fancy as a trip to Europe or Japan but I'll be going to Melbourne for a few days (Saturday to Wednesday). I have been living under a rock and haven't been out of Sydney for 10 years or so.

I just wanted to know anything things to do, what to look out for, places to eat, sites to see, transport etc.

I'll be flying on Saturday night and staying in the Melbourne CBD and some activities planned so far:
Crown Casino
Botanical Gardens
Museum

I haven't search for places to eat yet, any recommendations too?
Thanks.

Travel

Comments

  • Agret on 09/06/2017 - 12:32
    +3

    Go on a day trip to the Yarra Valley or Great Ocean Rd, there are many tourist buses that will take you there. Yarra Valley is great for wineries and Great Ocean Rd has some nice scenery and beachside towns, should be pretty quiet this time of year.

    As far as CBD is concerned have a look on google for "Melbourne Happy Hour" and checkout some local bars :)

    In addition to Melbourne Museum you should checkout the National Gallery Victoria too, it's got some nice art in it and you can view anything except for the time limited exhibition for free.

  • BuyoTheCat on 09/06/2017 - 12:36
    +5

    you can do the 1000 steps walk in dandenong. It requires moderate fitness.
    It is less than 1000 steps

    You can get there by train.
    Catch the Belgrave line train to Upper ferntree gully stattion and a 10 min walk from the train station.

    You can also go to catch puffing billy steam train at belgrave (end of that line)

    http://puffingbilly.com.au/en/

  • holdenmg on 09/06/2017 - 12:43
    +2

    http://www.halftixmelbourne.com/

    Located at:
    Melbourne Town Hall Administration building on Swanston Street, next door to the Town Hall itself on the corner of Collins and Swanston Sts.

    http://www.halftixmelbourne.com/listings.php

  • inherentchoice on 09/06/2017 - 12:43
    +4

    Get tickets to a game at the MCG or Etihad Stadium.

    http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/browse/afl-catid-711/sports-r…

    • gimli on 11/06/2017 - 11:29

      Go to the mcg if you can

  • [Deactivated] on 09/06/2017 - 13:15
    +2

    Philip Island is nice - great for kids.

    If you're looking for fine dine, check out 'nobu' or 'Dinner' in Crown Casino

    • [Deactivated] on 09/06/2017 - 16:26

      I think the Seal Rocks boat tour is one of Vic's best attractions.

  • altomic on 09/06/2017 - 13:21
    -2

    Fly to NZ for 3 days?

  • heysoph9 on 09/06/2017 - 13:25
    +1

    Hard to work out what I would show people visiting Melbourne, I think it's very event based for me.

    Go to an event at the MCG. If it's this weekend, there's heaps of footy on, and also Brazil v Socceroos on Tuesday (50% tickets in a previous post).

    Dinner on Southbank is recommended, nice views at night and lots of places to go.

    • altomic on 09/06/2017 - 14:05
      -1

      You can walk into the MCG free for the last quarter of a forty game.

  • bluedufflecoat on 09/06/2017 - 13:42
    +3

    I think the National Gallery of Victoria is a good place to check out too. Van Gogh exhibition is on.

    https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/exhibition/van-gogh-and-the-seaso…

    • sleet on 09/06/2017 - 14:49

      Fantastic thanks!

    • kerfuffle on 09/06/2017 - 18:39
      +1

      Don't go at lunchtime. As a Sydneysider, I flew down for the Van Gogh exhibition and it took me forty minutes to buy my ticket today (arrived around midday). Was too cheap to pay the $4.50 online booking fee …

      Monet from 2013 and Degas last year was never this crazy!

      • bluedufflecoat on 14/06/2017 - 10:44
        +1

        Did you like it? I'm in the queue now. Too cheap to spend the $4.50.

        • kerfuffle on 14/06/2017 - 12:04

          I did in general but damn the people who were taking photos of Van Gogh's Self-Portrait too closely; two of my three photos had hands in them -_-

          Let me know how long you queued up for to buy your ticket

        • bluedufflecoat on 14/06/2017 - 13:02
          +1

          @kerfuffle: I think it was about 20 minutes.

        • kerfuffle on 14/06/2017 - 13:14

          @bluedufflecoat: Hahaha yeah that's how I took mine too but people were going RIGHT UP to the portrait and cropping the frame out (hence the hands in my photos).

          Did you like the exhibition? Was it crowded?

        • bluedufflecoat on 14/06/2017 - 13:53
          +1

          @kerfuffle: yes it was very interesting. He seemed like a very troubled guy.

          It was definitely quite busy today too. Lots of old people getting concession entry today I think.

        • kerfuffle on 14/06/2017 - 13:58

          @bluedufflecoat: Yeah that's why I no longer go on Wednesday ahahaha

  • r0k on 09/06/2017 - 15:40
    +1

    Highly recommend hiring a bike and riding it around Melbourne CBD or down towards Brighton Beach for those famous instagramed coloured houses.
    City also has heaps of bikeshare locations: http://www.melbournebikeshare.com.au/

    • bluedufflecoat on 09/06/2017 - 16:26
      +1

      bit cold to go bike riding…and to the beach!

  • hasselbladsnapper on 09/06/2017 - 15:55
    +4

    Try the St Kilda Sunday market on most of the day. This market has lots of arts and crafts and some real nice items are available. Take a tram from the city, the market is located along the seafront… you can also visit vibrant Ackland street from there.

  • foxmulder on 09/06/2017 - 16:00
    +5

    Victoria market and China Town.

  • Banksy122 on 09/06/2017 - 16:14
    +1

    I recently had my honeymoon in Melbourne. I would recommend going to Dracula's for a show and dinner.
    The zoo is also great but will take the entire day up.
    If you love cats, you could visit the Cat Cafe as well.

    Big boy BBQ is great place to eat if you are an American BBQ fan

  • cupcake on 09/06/2017 - 16:18
    +2

    A day tour along Great Ocean Road. They do all the driving so it's great.

    • plasmoske on 10/06/2017 - 13:25
      +1

      I've been there via driving by myself and via day tour bus.

      Driving by yourself, you can see anything you want and stay as long as you want, but the driving can become extremely boring/tiring especially with traffic.

      You also need to do research on the way to get there, restaurants to eat at, petrol station locations, popular spots, and time management…

      Went on a day tour bus with my missus, yeah it's great. They bring you to all the popular places, with allocated time so you come, see, go and next stop. You relax all day, browse on your phone all day if you want, take photos at some spots, have a short walk and eat dinner on the way back. You also get good commentary - depending on your tour guide.

      Was pretty good overall.

      • GaryQ on 10/06/2017 - 21:45

        Except nothing beats throwing the Jaguar into some sharp corners and throwing sparks off the chassis

      • LightningMcQueen on 18/04/2018 - 19:34

        Can you recommend some good tour operators? Thanks.

        • plasmoske on 18/04/2018 - 21:01
          +1

          I've been on a couple of Go West tours. Overall had a pretty good experience.

  • sleet on 09/06/2017 - 16:55

    I've been hearing a lot about this Great Ocean Road so I'll definitely add that to the list! Thanks guys.

    • cupcake on 09/06/2017 - 17:07

      Just dress warm!! Puffy jacket for sure.

  • kerfuffle on 09/06/2017 - 18:41
    +2

    Queen Victoria Markets. Love the atmosphere there

    • Aussie Smurfette on 10/06/2017 - 09:52

      A definite must do!

    • sleet on 10/06/2017 - 11:28

      Is that like Sydney's paddy's markets ?

      • kerfuffle on 10/06/2017 - 11:30
        +2

        Cleaner in my opinion (assuming we're talking about the one in Haymarket)

  • try2bhelpful on 09/06/2017 - 18:43
    +3

    Go to Lune for croissants - Rose St Fitzroy. Go on Monday after 8:00 am. You don't want to go on the weekend as the queues are out the door. If you want to try on the weekend then go after 10 am.

    Go to Nyala in Brunswick St. It is BYO and the food is African. Have the mixed entree, mixed meat and mixed vegetable platters - gives you a good cross section of food. Good value.

    • bluedufflecoat on 09/06/2017 - 18:54

      They stock lune croissants at the kettle black. Don't have to queue out in the cold if you're there early for breakfast.

      • try2bhelpful on 09/06/2017 - 18:59

        If you go after 8:00 on Monday you probably won't need to queue in the cold either. We go, a lot, and that is the best time we've found. Haven't been to Kettle Black but I would, presume, they don't have the full range of Lune. The current favourites are the Cheese and Gruyere, the Popcorn, and the Almond. However, if you are lucky they will have the Chocolate Rough on Monday and that is a real treat.

  • whyisave on 09/06/2017 - 21:41
    +5

    1 day: Great Ocean Road trip

    1 day: just in Melbourne city (riding the free tourist tram), Queen Victoria Markets, Crown Casino, Botanical gardens, St. Kilda beach area, Brunswick street

    1 day: Philip Island (and see penguins return back from the sea)

    1 day: museum day

    • sleet on 09/06/2017 - 22:31

      Haha thanks. This is great actually

      • whyisave on 09/06/2017 - 23:10

        mix & match, as you like, but that's pretty much, how your days could be spent.

  • sharkyoz on 10/06/2017 - 08:13
    +1

    if you like sports, a must see is the sports museum located at the MCG, and the tour of the ground gives some good insights into how the ground is run

  • chrisburnett on 10/06/2017 - 08:17
    +4

    The restaurant tram is the best thing I've ever done in Melbourne, and I live here. The later seating includes all liquor and it's good stuff. Beer, wines, spirits and liqueurs. That and a four course meal that is magnificent while you cruise around the city and out to the beach. Looks like the orient express inside.

  • sleet on 10/06/2017 - 08:21

    I love my tennis but I think i'll save it for another trip to the aussie open.

  • giftcardinspector on 10/06/2017 - 09:06

    If you like sushi, Sushi Hotaru in the city.
    amazing
    Feel like a night out, head to chapel street, my favorite restaurant is there. Tokyo Tina

    • kerfuffle on 10/06/2017 - 10:26
      +2

      You can get Sushi Hotaru in Sydney …

  • Aussie Smurfette on 10/06/2017 - 09:56
    +1

    Red tram which is free around the Melbourne square on Saturday night,and you can get off where you want to explore. The old Melbourne Gaol is on the tram route and is worth a visit.
    Food, Lygon st is a must, and can also be accessed on the free tram route.
    Melbourne is the food capital of Australia you definitely won't go hungry 😋

  • JoyVee on 10/06/2017 - 18:19

    Look at half tix special day tours . Considerable discounts. Have to buy day prior or morning of afternoon half day Melbourne tour. Last time I used it, sometime ago, all payments were in cash. Guess that may have changed. Perhaps someone can confirm.Great coach tour to Grampians. Also Phillip Island and another along GOD. depends on availability.

    • kerfuffle on 11/06/2017 - 12:03

      Extended hours this week! Opens like 8 a.m. tomorrow until 9 p.m. or something like that

  • nekro on 11/06/2017 - 12:20

    Eureka Skydeck.. just a shot walk from Crown Casino.. great views of the city and beyond

  • 1mmy1mmy on 11/06/2017 - 13:54
    +1

    Recommended food in CBD:

    The 24 hr Ramen place called Shujinko
    Home made soba at Shimbashi
    The Waiter's Club for cheap and cheerful Italian
    Pelligrinis (same as above)
    Hutong for DELICIOUS dumplings
    Bar Lourinhã for tapas
    Chin Chin but be ready to line up
    Sakura for sushi (the one near Melbourne Central)
    Hello Jose for tacos (actually North Melbourne but close to Queen Vic markets)

    If you are planning to head out of the CBD and want recommendations just let me know:)

    • sleet on 11/06/2017 - 20:49

      Thanks so much, really appreciate it

      Are you able to recommend 2 moderately priced places to eat?
      And around 3-4 cheaper eats as well?

      Any cuisine is good as long as it's nice.

      • 1mmy1mmy on 13/06/2017 - 19:53
        +1

        Apart from Bar Lourinha, Chin Chin and Sakura they are all moderately priced or cheap depending on how much you eat and what you consider moderately priced.

        I think all the rest would be under $20pp without drinks, with the possible exclusion of Hutong and Hello Jose but that depends on how much you eat/how hungry you are! There's also a good laksa place on Elizabeth St near the markets but I can't remember the name. There are two Malaysian places near each other - the one I recommend is further away from market and doesn't have an upstairs.

        Cheap cheap food on the go - I recommend the Borek at the markets, lord of the fries, Mr Burger, Don Don or CJs lunchbar (the last two are Korean), burek place on Elizabeth St near the market. If you want a cafe near the city there's a place called Seven Seeds in North Melbourne. It's near the uni, very busy, hipster etc. Otherwise excellent coffee can be found on little Bourke St (turn left off Swanston Street and it is probably the first cafe - very small, light wood).

        Hope you have an amazing time!!

        • kerfuffle on 14/06/2017 - 19:36

          Lord of the Fries has made it to Sydney now, even in western Sydney 🙌

  • tyvod on 11/06/2017 - 14:06
    +2

    I don't think there are many 'exciting' places to see in the city. If you have a free time in the city, have a look at Parliament House free tour and maybe Sofitel toilet on 35th for free view of Melbourne since its just next to the parliament.
    I suggest you to go to Great Ocean Road for 12 Apostles (staying one night there is also a good option) and Philip Island for Penguins. My two favourite places in Victoria.
    For places to eat in the CBD:
    -Longrain - Thai Fusion $$
    -Hakata Gensuke Ramen Professionals - Ramen
    -Rice Paper Scissors - Asian fusion + cocktails
    -Chin Chin - Asian fusion + cocktails
    -Italian restaurants around Lygon St. My favourites are Criniti's and Cafe Correto.
    -And if you ever happen to be in Hawksburn area, Hobba for brunch and Bistro Thierry (French $$$) or Subi Q (Korean) or Fratellino (Italian) for dinner.

    • kerfuffle on 14/06/2017 - 17:30

      You can get Criniti's in Sydney …

      Tempted to check out your toilet tip next time I'm in Melbourne!

  • sleet on 11/06/2017 - 19:57

    Thanks foe the food recommendation guys. There are so many restaurants. Bit of an assault and very hard to choose.

    Picked one and the food was definitely better than sydney

    • kerfuffle on 14/06/2017 - 17:30

      So what did you end up doing in Melbourne? :)

      • sleet on 14/06/2017 - 19:33
        +1

        Hey there. Just wanted to say thanks to you and all those who posted. Overall it was a good trip.

        Saturday night was having dinner at Chinatown and hitting the clubs.
        Day 1. Queen Victoria Markets, WWII Shine of Remembrance (Amazing, my personal highlight), Sunday Markets and Royal Botanical Gardens.
        Day 2. Brunch and Melbourne Museum, loved it. Went to Crown Casino at night for dinner and some fun.
        Day 3. Shopping Emporium, Chinatown, visited both Cathedrals and St. Kilda beach.
        Day 4. Brunch and Eureka sky tower before our arvo flight.

        The transport system in the CBD is fantastic. Makes a lot of sense and very easy to get around, faster than Sydney.

        Didn't do any sporting events or Phillip Island/Great Ocean Drive. Will save that for next time

        • kerfuffle on 14/06/2017 - 19:37

          What, no NGV? :P

          Free tram zone FTW ahahaha

        • sleet on 14/06/2017 - 22:07
          +1

          @kerfuffle:
          Oh yeah NGV today. Rushed it a bit though haha

  • Tasmaniac on 15/06/2017 - 06:46

    My go to when visiting any new city is to hire a bicycle and cruise around.
    Enjoy your trip :).

  • Cheaplikethebird on 15/06/2017 - 11:28

    If you like Japanese food go check out a place called Izakaya den. Damn that place is good."

    EDIT: If you do make sure to try the Kingfisher Sashimi and the Ox Tongue.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join