Two Day Itinerary for Melbourne

On my first trip to Australia in 2018, I was lucky enough to visit the iconic city/rock/reef trio of Sydney, Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef. But I also squeezed in a few days in Melbourne and found this to be my favourite city of the trip. It’s a cosmopolitan city full of great restaurants, theatres, art galleries and parks. Here’s my advice on how to see the best of the city in just two days.

Day 1

Start by catching the free city circle tram which will provide a guided tour of the Melbourne highlights.

Leave the tram at Carlton Gardens and walk past the impressive Royal Exhibition Building to reach the Melbourne Museum. At the museum, don’t miss exploring the ‘Melbourne story’ galleries which do an excellent job of illustrating the creation and development of Melbourne over the years (and not that many years, of course, as it was only founded in the 1830s). It’s also worth a look at the First Peoples Galleries.

Now walk back through the centre of town, exploring the arcades and laneways on the way. Melbourne is unusual in having big wide main streets with lots of small lanes and covered arcades in between them. It gives the city a real sense of personality. Take your time, wandering these arcades and laneways. When you reach the Royal Arcade, make sure to stop at the café at Koko Black – I highly recommend the chilli hot chocolate – very indulgent but delicious.

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Let your wanderings lead you to Federation Square with its futuristic buildings just opposite the old splendour of Flinders Street Station. With colourful trams trundling past, it’s the heart of Melbourne.

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Now for some art. Start by popping into the  Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia to look at some Australian art, including McCubbin’s The Pioneer and Roberts’ Shearing the Rams.

Then, after enjoying the classic art in the museum, take a look at the graffiti art for which Melbourne’s lanes are famous in Hoosier Lane just opposite.

For dinner, you will be spoiled for choice in Melbourne but I can recommend the famous Chin Chin restaurant on Flinders Lane, which serves pan-asian food and has a permanent queue outside it. Fortunately, the same food is served in the bar downstairs and so that’s a good way of avoiding a long wait. Either way, the food and drink is worth it. I loved my sweetcorn fritters with a chilli dipping sauce, followed by a tasty butter chicken with roti bread.

Day 2

Today, you can explore the area of Melbourne south of the Yarra River. If you’re interested in art, start at the NGV International art gallery. While its collections are somewhat limited, there’s still plenty to appreciate.

Leaving the gallery, walk through the Domain to the Shrine of Remembrance, which is an impressive monument to Australians lost in the first world war and later conflicts. Start underneath in the fascinating and detailed galleries chronicling Australian involvement in armed conflict from Boer Wars to Afghanistan with considerable focus on the two world wars. After the galleries, you will find a sombre shrine and sanctuary remembering the dead. Then step out onto the balcony to appreciate some wonderful views over Melbourne’s streets and gardens.

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Now spend the afternoon in the beautiful Botanic Gardens just opposite. The Terrace Café is nice if you need a break, while the gardens are lovely for strolling and relaxing, especially if the weather is nice.

Leave the gardens near the river, and then take a stroll along the Yarra River where the parkland will soon give way to the skyscrapers of the city. The river will likely be enlivened by lots of rowing teams practicing their sport.

Continue your walk along the Melbourne’s famous Southbank, a bustling promenade with bars and restaurants.

For your final evening in Melbourne, how about a nice dinner and show? Grab an early reservation at Taxi Kitchen where a window table will present you with a great view over Federation Square. The food is fantastic here, with lots of tasty choices. I particularly loved the tempura bug tails starter. After dinner, it’s time for a show. There are lots of good theatres in Melbourne. If you fancy a play, try catching the Melbourne Theatre Company at the Southbank Theatre.

Where to Stay? I loved my stay at Treasury on Collins on Queen Street in the heart of Melbourne. It’s an apartment hotel and good value for stylish, spacious and comfortable rooms.

If you have more time, take a day trip or two. There are loads of exciting places close to Melbourne to visit. How about taking a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road? Or watch cute penguins at Philip Island? Or taste Australian wine in the Yarra Valley? Which will you choose?