Planning a day out to another city can be a challenging task. Your time is limited, and you can only see certain things. Besides, it’s meant to be a nice day out, rather than a marathon, so you don’t want to get home exhausted either. Things are even more complicated when it comes to a big city like Melbourne. The more you want to see, the more time you need. Therefore, it might be a good idea to go for a full weekend or perhaps plan more days in Australia’s cultural capital. That’s not always the case though.
These being said, let’s go through a few tips and tricks to organise your day by the book. Not sure where to go for a day trip in Melbourne? Here’s everything you need to know to make as much as possible out of this experience.
Tips to Organise the Perfect Day Trip in Melbourne
Let’s see a few useful tips and tricks to make sure your day trip in Melbourne won’t disappoint.
How You Travel Matters
Unsure where to go for a day trip in Melbourne? Well, think about how you’re planning to get there first. Melbourne presents different experiences depending on your choice of transport, so it’s worth weighing these options ahead of time. If you use your own car, your options are more varied because you can move around, but also bring a few things back. For example, you could go on a shopping trip. You won’t have to spend the whole day carrying heavy bags because you can just dump everything in your car. You could shop for clothes or maybe some cool designer plants Australia, you never know.
On the other hand, if you use public transportation, shopping big can be difficult. It’s mainly the issue of having to carry bags all around Melbourne. Sure, you could get a few small bits here and there, but you’ll have to limit yourself if you want to enjoy the day.
Public transportation has its benefits too, since you won’t need to spend a lot of time looking or parking. Plus, you get to relax and watch the city go by between destinations.
Set Your Priorities Straight
When you’re not sure where to go for a day trip in Melbourne, chances are you’ll have to determine what you want to see. Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, so there are plenty of museums and galleries to visit, not to mention those that also sell art. But then, if you’re not into culture, you can still explore shopping districts, nature attractions, entertainment venues and places to eat and drink.
Some people visit Melbourne for a shopping day. Others do it for nature exploration or sports. Then, there are also people who only visit to eat and drink all day. You can also plan hiking in the Dandenong Ranges, catching an AFL game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground or indulging in the city’s vibrant café culture. What you prefer to see should be a starting point in your plan.
Who Do You Travel With?
Who you travel with is just as important. If you travel alone, you’d better have a plan, so you don’t end up wandering around without a purpose. If you’re with a partner, it’s perfect to leave a bit of room for exploring. If you travel with kids, you won’t be able to spend the whole day in Melbourne. They’ll get tired and annoyed fast. Besides, you’ll need to include some activities for them as well. In fact, they should find interest in pretty much everything you do.
Plan the Day Out with Breaks
No matter how good you are with plans, make sure you leave room for unexpected situations. Plan the day briefly, but leave plenty of room for transportation, occasional stops here and there or perhaps a meal if you suddenly feel hungry. Planning every minute of your day won’t work out, as you’ll be more concerned about being on time with everything. In other words, you won’t be able to enjoy every moment. Now that you know how to get ready, here’s what to do if you are not sure where to go for a
day trip in Melbourne.
Start by Fueling Yourself
First of all, you’ll need some fuel. Once in Melbourne, you’ll need to sit for a bit and organise yourself. What’s the best way to do it? A caffeine kick in the morning, of course.
There are plenty of cafés in Melbourne. Many of them offer some sort of breakfast too. They’re usually light so that you could have a sandwich or some pastry. If you decide to start your Melbourne adventure in the city center, you’ll find a café on every
corner. Some nice options include Little Rogue, Brick Lane, Patricia Coffee Brewers or Roule Galette, just to name a few. These spots are perfect for a quick stop or a relaxed sit-down. It also depends on your mood and schedule. More famous names include Dukes Coffee Roasters, Market Lane Coffee, Lune Croissanterie or Agathe Patisserie Petite.
The Cultural Exploration
Ready to go? It would be a shame to spend a day in Melbourne without visiting any cultural attractions. No matter what you’re into, chances are you’ll find something interesting to enhance your experience. Art can embrace more forms and be modern or classic. For example, you can locate Hosier Lane in Melbourne and take a walk around. You’ll find a plethora of photogenic places due to the colorful street art in the area. On the other hand, if you’re into something more classical, check out the National Gallery or Victoria or the State Library.
The State Library is famous for its reading room, which has a massive dome. It’s one of the best places to add some cool pictures to your social media profiles, not to mention becoming familiar with the local history.
Other interesting places to visit include:
- Melbourne Museum for natural history, science or indigenous cultures. There’s also a dinosaur skeleton on display.
- Scienceworks introduces you to technology and science in what used to be a power station.
- ACMI is a must for everyone who loves movies and cinematography in general.
- Old Melbourne Gaol used to be a notorious prison for criminals. It’s now a museum offering a glimpse into the country’s colonial past.
- Australian Sports Museum revolves around more sports, but is mainly focused on cricket.
- Victoria Police Museum may sound boring, but it has a series of interesting artefacts and some really cool stories.
Keep in mind that you’ll need a couple of hours for each of these museums if you truly want to check everything on site. Therefore, you may not be able to see all of them in one go. Again, set your priorities before even going to Melbourne to make the most of your cultural exploration.
Markets and Nature
Once you’re done with the cultural side, it’s time to explore the local markets and perhaps get a taste of nature. Keep in mind that most markets are open until the afternoon. So, timing is important and these markets will ensure you experience a well-rounded slice of Melbourne life. If you’re following this plan, make sure you get to Melbourne early. Have a quick coffee and
breakfast, explore a museum or two (without really taking your time) and get to local markets while it’s still early.
When it comes to markets, you’ll find small places around the central area of Melbourne as well, not to mention small local businesses. However, for a more authentic feel, you need to check out the iconic Queen Victoria Market. Ideally, you should be there around lunchtime. Running since 1878, this place has fresh bread, local produce, deli specialties, all sorts of delights and so on. There are many small local businesses selling everything, from bratwurst and fish to doughnuts and borek. Eat there, get some snacks, explore small local shops for souvenirs and so on. You can easily spend a few hours there, yet you should do things in a bit of a rush when not sure where to go for a day trip in Melbourne. There are too many things to see and do, so you want a bit of everything.
Once you’re done eating and looking around, it’s time to get your digestion going. Find the Royal Botanic Gardens and go walking. You could probably spend a whole day there. After all, there are more than 8,500 different species of plants to discover.
The area is excellent for a quick walk in nature to recharge your batteries. And if you need another caffeine kick, check out The Observatory and sit down for a bit. This place offers a cozy environment to relax.
Evening Entertainment
By this time, you’re probably tired already, yet Melbourne still has a lot to offer. And if you think about it, it’s pointless to visit such a place without going back home knackered. Food is one of the things Melbourne is famous for. If you’re looking for quick and tasty meals, head to Chinatown and explore a wide variety of meals. Dumplings are extraordinary. Every single place has something to offer, but ShanDong MaMa and HuTong Dumpling Bar are famous. Apart from dumplings, the streets are lined with vendors and small eateries serving diverse Asian cuisines.
If you’re not into street food, how about some fine dining? There are countless restaurants in Melbourne. If you visit during the weekend, make sure to have a reservation. Here are some reputable names:
- Vue de Monde
- Gimlet at Cavendish House
- Supernormal
- Flower Drum
Of course, your budget plays a significant role here. If you’re not ready to spend a lot, you can also find middle-range restaurants with a big offering. No matter what kind of food you prefer, there’s something for everyone there. While you can have drinks at local restaurants too, there are also bars and nightclubs for a unique experience, let alone rooftop places like HER Bar or Siglo. These venues offer stunning city views alongside a wide array of cocktails and creative drinks. Obviously, if you drove to
Melbourne, cocktail bars will have a more limited offer but many places offer excellent non-alcoholic options.
‘Visiting Melbourne for a Shopping Experience
Shopping districts are some of the things Melbourne is famous for. The central area has lots of options. If you’re after something posh and sophisticated, check out Collins Street, which hosts beautiful buildings that would remind you of Paris. Shopping in this
area feels glamorous and will take hours.
Emporium Melbourne is also central. It’s more popular for local Australian designers and iconic brands, rather than international names. Again, you could spend a full day there. Some top Australian brands include Sass & Bide, Bassike or Aesop, known for their quality and unique designs. If you want something even more unique, hang around small streets in the central area and
you’ll find stunning boutiques that you’ve never heard of.
If shopping is the main purpose of your day trip and you’re not sure where to go for a day trip in Melbourne, check out High Street in Armadale too, which is just out of the central area. It’s mostly popular for less known boutiques. Then, Chapel Street is the longest shopping strip in Melbourne. On the other hand, Braeside has some interesting places to shop around too, especially if you’re after home stuff. You could see large things in person, then order them at home, so you don’t have to carry everything yourself.
For example, you’ll find unique shops for furniture or even designer plants. This area is perfect for those looking to decorate their homes with statement pieces or rare botanical finds. Bottom line, if you’re not sure where to go for a day trip in Melbourne, the good news is you’ll find something no matter what you want. From cultural experience and street exploration to shopping and nature, anyone can find something.
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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