Hi OZBers,
I am going to Melbourne with my GF for 3 days. I have already booked flight and hotel (will be staying in Melbourne CBD) so I just need recommendation on places/attractions to visit. I would also like to know if it is better to rent a car or use public transport/taxis.
TIA
The free tram is the City Circle and the free bus is the Visitors Shuttle.
All other trams and buses require a myki (A plastic "smartcard" with a relatively small upfront cost, but must add value to use or there's also this http://www.myki.com.au/About-myki/myki-visitor-pack). Given that you will only be here for three days, I'd recommend just doing touristy stuff in the city and try avoid the paid system. You will find plenty of things to do in/near the CBD that are serviced by this free tram and bus, or a bit about 1-2km extra walking outside the free transport serviced areas.
Great ideas have already been suggested, but like others have said; what are you interested in? Nature? Art? Cool bars? Foodie? Touristy attractions? Shopping?
Touristy attractions for myself and shopping for the gf
Agreed, if you're coming from Sydney, public transportation in the CBD and Inner City is amazing in comparison. You can take trams / buses / trains just about everywhere. For the CBD there is an extensive tram network that takes you from St Kilda to the top of Brunswick St (north-south), and through the CBD.
As the above post states, buy a Myki card. These prepaid transport cards cost $6 each (and expire after a really long time), and on weekends travel between Zones 1 and 2 (pretty much all of inner city + more) is capped at $3.50.
EDIT: noticed that you're from Perth. Nvm the Sydney comment
Do you recommend me to get a myki card or just use the free transport? Thanks Eivad
Bghunter, the free transport is only one tram service that takes you around the city circle. It will be enough to get you around the CBD but if you would like to explore more you (eg Brunswick St, St Kilda, etc) you will need to buy a Myki card. You can get one at a machine at most tram stops.
Also, there are plenty of other trams that run around the city circle, so if you miss the free one, you can always use your Myki card to hop on another. The $3.50 cap on weekends and two-trip cap on weekdays is great if you plan to travel around a lot in those three days.
Thanks for your suggestions Hys, landing in tullamarine
If you're staying in CBD, I wouldn't bother with a car. Public transport is relatively convenient as trams, trains etc all spreadout like a spiderweb from the CBD. Also, you won't have to worry about learning hook turns and likely annoying all the local drivers.
As for what you want to see, depends on your tastes. If you're coming from somewhere like Sydney, might have different things you'd like to see compared to someone from say, Bendigo.
A short list of places in/near CBD:
- Botanical gardens/Shrine
- Arts precinct (NGV etc)
- Fed Square
- Lygon St
- China Town
- St Kilda Beach
- Southbank & Casino
- Docklands
(Didn't see Hys's comment before I replied.. but I agree with sentiments there)
Thanks Mooboy, would visiting these places keep us occupied for 3 days?
It will really depend on you and your gf: how much you like to spend it one place and explore in detail. But, I'd say it's easily enough to fill 3 days. For example, St Kilda could be a full day in itself (brunch, shopping, luna park, walk along the beach, watch the penguins come in at dusk, dinner, drinks)… or it could be an hour - arrive, eat at a restaurant, see beach and leave…
Similar with a place like NGV: Walk in foyer, check out gift store and leave. Or check out all the free exhibitions, maybe one or the special paid events, have some coffee, etc.
And so on… but yeah.. for 3 days I'd say that could easily keep you occupied.
In relation to other posts, I'd definitely get the Myki (my apologies - huge pain in the ass to have to buy a card for a short trip). But, using that you can get to placees you can't get to with free transport (e.g. St Kilda) and the paid services are much more frequent so not spending so much time waiting to get from place to place.
out of curiosity what is your travel period ?
24-27 April
Yep, it really depends on what you want to do.
The previous two lists are great. There's lots of 'gardens' in and around the city - just a quite zoom in on the Melbourne CBD will give you them.
In addition to the ones mentioned, Albert Park lake may be worth a wonder around - quite nice, it's where they hold the grand prix.
That's most of the things near the CBD - if you are around the CBD, no need to get a car at all. Trams, and for things a little out, trains will do fine.
How far is Albert Park from the city? I'd love to go there. Free transport or payable?
You'll need a Myki card to use the tram to Albert Park Lake.
Albert park without the Grand Prix is a Golf Course, a shallow lake and a few fotball ovals. Good running track if you want to go for a jog. If you are on a holiday keep going down to St kida and visit a few restaurants/bars.
Apart from the above lists, i would like to add the following if you are going to spend most of your time in City.
1. Fireballs display at Casio ( http://www.melbourne-city-guide.com/crown-casino.html)
2. Tour of MCG
3. Eureka Towers (http://www.eurekaskydeck.com.au/) or Rialto Towers to view Melbourne from top
4. Docklands
5. Dinner in City circle Tram
If you're staying in the CBD, don't get a car - use PT or taxis if you're heading further out. Apps such as Tram Hunter & Train Trapper are very handy - both on Android and IOS I think.
Unsure where you're coming from, but Melbourne is full of small & rooftop bars, many of which are hard to find - Google is your friend.
Two people have said Lygon Street. Wow, no offence but really? Lygon street is a shadow of it's former self. Just 1 entry in Urbanspoon's top 40 mediumly priced restaurants & 3 in the cheap eats, and two of those are desert/ice creameries.
If you're after food, then there's plenty of better options - start with Urbanspoon.
i can't remember which one but everytime i head down, i've been taken to brunetti http://www.brunetti.com.au/ by different melbournians.
Lygon St as a suggestion is probably more because it's a very touristy thing to do. Most restaurants on the street are average (not bad), but off the top of my head, I'd recommend D.O.C. (if you can get a seat!) and the new Brunetti. However, both places are at the "start" of the precinct. Maybe take an evening stroll back towards the city/hotel to walk off dessert or top up with gelati? Lygon St is not serviced by the free tram or bus though.
Thanks flowaus, I will be flying from perth
I apologize for replying late as I was at work. Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I will be flying from Perth.
As this will be our first time there, we would be visiting tourist attractions and obviously shopping for the gf. I wouldnt bother travelling far if there are enough places/attractions in and around CBD for 3 days.
Also, please suggest me transportation options to/from melbourne tullamarine airport to the hotel (Citigate Melbourne).
Once again, I appreciate your valuable suggestions
Take shuttle bus from Airport to southern cross station which would cost around $17 per person. From southern cross you need to walk for atleast 15 mins to reach citigate. So better take Taxi would cost you around 60$.
Seems like its better to get a taxi from the airport to the hotel for a few dollars more
The Skybus has a shuttle service that will drop you off near your hotel. Check out the Skybus website for details. Cheaper than a taxi.
Check out http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/93787 , this is from a person who went to citigate for the jacobs creek mystery flights. There is a free shuttle bus that drops you round the corner from citigate
Thanks maximum, I will check on that
where is your accommodation in the CBD? I've got a very simular trip, GF and all (hopefully we aren't sharing), and need to research on a cheapish place to stay over the weekend in early june. Is there any areas that i should be aiming for/avoiding?
CITIGATE - Its infront of Flinder Street station if im not wrong.
You are right, its '270 Flinders Street' to be exact
Checkout some of the little european cafe's in the laneways between flinders st and little collins st. Cool places for lunch or morning tea.
I will be staying in Citigate Melbourne. I looked up on TripAdvisor for the reviews and rates for this hotel
We went to Melbourne just after New Year and stayed in Little Collins Street. Near the crossing of Little Collins Street and the road where the town hall is(help wanted please). There is a place that sells half price tickets to shows and attractions. You can only buy them on the day,of the show. We went too Dracula's, we saw a great show and had a nice meal for around $50 each. Its worth checking out as they may have something that you would like to see, and it's always better at half price.
Melbourne Town Hall is in Swanston Street. There is a kiosk in the Bourke Street Mall (outside of Myers) that may sell half price tickets.
Thanks for your help. The place that I'm writing about is definitely near the crossing of Little Collins Street and Swanston Street. It would be 50 metres from the crossing on the left hand side of the road walking towards Flinders Street station. I also live in WA and found Melbourne a great place for a holiday.
Clicked link, was not disapointed :P
Beware that ANZAC Day in the CBD will be full of veterans, bands and boy scouts holding banners for the Anzac parade down Swanston st, Shops will be closed.
Bargain Wise, I recommend:
Smith St Collingwood. This is one of the original outlet areas from before they built DFO centres. Either side of the street has a range of fashion and sport outlet shops. The Nike one used to be great but it has closed down. Catch a tram fom the top end of Collins St (near Parliament House), I cant remember the number but look on the victrip website where you put in your location and destination and it will work out which tram to catch. Stay on the tram along Smith St until you see the Adidas outlet shop.
There are DFO shops at South Wharf, just along the river from the convention centre and also at Southern Cross station on Spencer St. Personally i dont mind Sth Wharf but the one at the station often has vacant shops and I dont think i have ever bought anything there.
Docklands also has a range of oulet-like shops and a Costco, bit hit and miss anytime I've been there.
CBD Tourist wise there are some cool walking tours. There is one that does ghost tours of the old Melbourne Gaol and another one that goes around the various high end chocolate shops.
these might help…
free/cheap stuff:
http://www.halftixmelbourne.com
http://www.arts.vic.gov.au/Arts_in_Victoria/Features/Cheap_A…
http://kewnlc.org.au/upload/Sparechange-v3.pdf
general what's on / what to do info:
http://www.whitehat.com.au/melbourne.asp
http://thethousands.com.au/melbourne
http://www.au.timeout.com/melbourne
http://www.broadsheet.com.au/melbourne
http://www.playmelbourne.com.au
http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
Best thing to do in Melbourne is catch a plane to Sydney.
JOKING! I love Melbourne, I promise!
I am doing exactly that. I will be flying to Sydney after Melbourne. I have got my mates in Sydney so I am not too worried about it as they will be showing me around
Melbourne zoo? I found it easily the best zoo on the east coast of Australia.
I am overwhelmed by the number of responses, I didnt expect so many. It proves that ozbargain is not just a bargain site but a community with knowledgeable and helpful members. Thanks Ozbargain, proud to be a member.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Now, I feel like I know a lot about Melbourne, thanks to the people who contributed.
Try a night of afl footy, atmosphere at a game at the mcg is pretty cool.
Someone doesn't like football.
Is it worth renting a car and driving along the great ocean road? I will be in Melbourne for 4 days
It's a 2 day trip, I drive it every 4 weeks, and I don't stop for the sights… You would leave Melb 8am and either stay in Warrnambool when you get there around 5pm or drive back to melb, which would take 3-4hr if you have the energy. It's nice to do, on a good day it's awesome. Helicopter flights at the apostles are exxy, but worth it too.
For a person who has never been to Melbourne before, would you guys recommend I do the Great Ocean Drive or just stay and explore the city? I only have 4 days, 3 nights…
Stay in city. Definitely
Is there any place you would recommend where I can explore nature? It has to be relatively close to the city centre (2 hours max)
Stay in city. Definitely
+1
Is there any place you would recommend where I can explore nature? It has to be relatively close to the city centre (2 hours max)
Olinda
http://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/piecesofvictoria/july_2010/ind…
http://www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Yarra-Valley-and-Danden…
Dandenong Ranges
http://www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Yarra-Valley-and-Danden…
New tree top adventure experience in Dandenong Ranges
http://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/piecesofvictoria/june_2010/ind…
Olinda Tea House opens in Dandenong Ranges
http://www.tourism.vic.gov.au/piecesofvictoria/september_201…
how helpful is it to disagree with @berger, @voteoften and i by negging us without explanation?
as someone who holidays in lorne, i would never drive there for just one night, yes to two but preferably at least three
I did not neg your comment. Get off it. Maybe someone else negged it. I can not tell because it appears neutral with no votes.
sorry i think you misread my comment - i was saying that someone had negged all 3 of us - you, me and @berger
i don't doubt that you didn't neg me :)
I was wondering the same with all the neg votes.
Off to do the Great Ocean Road this week. Yay.
Good suggestion. I know nothing aboutt footy,but I learnt some choice words off the over80 year old "ladies" sitting next to me. Very good atmosphere. Think a night game would be even better.
Take her to harbour town if she likes shopping :P And you won't really need to hire a car ever. The public transport is really, really good.
I find DFO South Wharf far superior.
I haven't been there yet, but to be honest Perth's harbour town is much better than Melbourne's so I wouldn't be surprised
Definitely buy a Myki card. Don't miss cool things and don't wear yourself out for pointless walking just to get somewhere for the sake of a couple of bucks. You don't want to wear your GF out with walking.
Try Naked for Satan. A Pintxos bar. http://www.nakedforsatan.com.au/ One of the trams will take you straight there. That area on Brunswick street is really cool as well. Nothing like it in Perth. NFS has their pintxos for $1 during weekdays and on most weeknights. They are $2 other times. Magnificently preseted you will fill up for about what one indifferently served and poorly executed sandwicjh would cost in Perth. (I know this because I live in Perth and visit Melbourne a few times a year. It feels like you are in Bali, pricewise.)
Across the street from Federation Square, you will see Movido and Movido next door. Try to get in. The tapas are cheap relative to perth and so beautiful you may wish to take photos. Walk down the lane where these two places are situated. You will see another laneway shooting off of the first laneway to the left. Go left and follow this side lane around. It will meet back up with the main laneway. I've been on a ghost tour and a crime tour (both with group buy vouchers) and both took us here. This offshoot is in the heart of the city, yet invisible. No witnesses. Lots of bad stuff has gone on down there. There is also some really cook graffiti in these lanes.
At the top end of Collins street, near parliament house, there is a Mexican restaurant called Mamasita. Go there. They only take bookings for groups. Go ridiculously early to avoid the unacceptable line. Buy a mexican corn on the cob. Then order the corn side dish with Epazote herb. Those are two things you will have difficulty finding in Perth, although on place is allegedly selling the street corn.
Go to the Queen Vic market. Buy cheese. Walk around the "wet" section.
Go to the shanghai dumpling house on Little Bourke Street in China Town. It is incredibly cheap and reasonably good. Corkage $2 per drinker. There is a Vintage cellars down near the target centre.
Also on little bourke, you will see a juice shop with an orange shop front. Asian teas and the like. They sell asian snacks in smallish quantities that are ready to eat. chicken feet, tripe, duck tongues, etc. All cooked and in snacking sized portions. I recommend the duck tongues. Eat them within about 36 hours or they get slimy.
Oh yes. Group buy vouchers are still widely available in Melbourne, unlike perth. check out allthedeals.com.au for melbourne deals. The restaurants, bars and attractions are all (relative to perth) happy to take them and ususlly can get you in when you want. I have never had a problem.
go to the South Whalf DFO for cheap clothing, shoes ect..
Chadstone shopping center with free shuttle from the city?
There is a free shopping shuttle from fed square. Not sure if it is Doncaster or chadstone. For such a short trip, I wouldn't bother.
If your gf is a serious shopper and you're not that keen yourself I recommend booking her on a shopping tour http://www.outletshoppingtours.com.au/ I went on one last year and it was great! They mainly stopped at girly fashion places but we were let loose in Swan St Richmond and Smith St Collingwood to do our own thing for a while. Its a bit pricey but the host & bus are invaluable as you can shop up a storm and not have to carry anything. They do go to out of the way places that even I as a local didnt know about. It leaves from the cnr of Russell St/Flinders St which is only a couple of blocks from your hotel.
I would also recommend any of the DFO centres http://dfo.com.au/home/ Essendon and Moorabbin are a bit out of the city but definately worth a taxi ride if you both go or the one at South Warf has enough shops to empty your wallet.
If she is into cheap Japanese products a trip to Daiso http://www.daisostore.com.au/melbourne.html is a lot of fun. Everything is just $2.80 and there are over 200,000 products to chose from.
Have fun in Melbourne!
Hi. I was there just 3 weeks ago. Tip: Visit the Visitor Centre. Grab a Visitor Pack MYKI card and included with that card are some discount vouchers as well.
Discount entries for Eureka Skydeck, Aquarium and a few others.
I found the Myki card useful as the free city circle tram only runs till 6pm Mon - Wed. Other days, it runs till 9pm.
Hope this helps.
Thanks everyone for your input, this has definitely helped me in organizing my trip
lol, who negged this? he's just saying thanks…
Really? Haha… Thanks for your + vote
Have just come back last night after 3 days in Melbourne with Mum and sister. Skybus is $28 return. When you get to Station in Melbourne go to the Hotel transfer bus which is free and takes you to your hotel. We mainly caught city circle tram (one every 12 minutes), they run 10am to 9pm Thurs Frid Sat and 10am to 6pm other days or city explorer bus (one every 30 minutes)they run from 930am to 430pm. You can hop on and off when you like. The bus has a good map and tells you about the 13 stops. We also did the A and B river cruise which was $29 per person. We stayed near Chinatown where the food is fantastic. Melbourne Central is a big shopping centre. Also it is very cold in mornings and evenings so take light jacket everywhere. It rained one day and sunny the other two. So it depends on weather to what you do. If it is raining go to Queen Victoria markets, museums, shopping etc and if it is sunny go to parks, cruise etc.
The Hotel transfers only take you to the main hotels in the CBD?
VHA shuttle is better. Takes you direct to your hotel, no transferring at southern cross. Very good service, although you have to walk a bit further when you land at MEL.
same here .. but i've been many times .. :D
where are you landing? avalon or tullarmarine(melbourne) ?
NOTES
- Do NOT book a car if you're planning only to stay in Melb CBD .. I booked one and left it in the car park for 2 days