Getting Lost in Melbourne One Short Stay at a Time
Whether it be drinking a life-changing hot chocolate in an old arcade or finding street art in an unexpected place, unique surprises lie in every corner throughout Melbourne. It's the city that taught The Lost Bilby to get lost, and a place I always struggle leaving. With that said, here's what I’ve uncovered while visiting Melbourne’s top attractions one short stay at a time.
What to Pack for a Short City Stay
Melbourne's trendy atmosphere makes it tempting to pack style over practicality. Although I have overpacked for many of my trips, I suggest taking a carry-on for a short stay. A blog article will be released in the coming weeks about how to pack a carry-on bag for a short, chilli stay. For now, here are two packing tips for your trip to Melbourne.
Use UNIQLO Heat Tech thermals (not affiliated) to transform summer outfits into clothing suitable for cold days.
Try not to use the extendable space in your bag, as you will want to bring food home from Melbourne, and will need this space later.
Arriving in Melbourne
After a two-hour flight from Brisbane, board the Skybus to the city centre. The airport isn't located near the CBD, so taking an Uber or taxi to your hotel will be an expensive option. Costing around $40 return, the Skybus will drop you off at Southern Cross Station. Most central hotels can be accessed on foot from here, so there is no need for additional transport unless you've overpacked.
Accommodation
You could stay anywhere in Melbourne and still come across street art or a trendy cafe. However, staying near Bourke Street Mall will put you in an excellent position for getting lost in Melbourne. If you are on a budget, stay at Mercure Welcome, a basic hotel located near Postal Lane and the mall.
For luxury, stay right on Bourke Street Mall among the bustling shops at Pullman Melbourne City Centre. Or, if you're looking for a comfortable place to sleep but can't afford a fancy hotel, stay at Novotel Melbourne on Collins, located next to the Block Arcade.
Block Place
How to Get Around Melbourne
By Walking
As someone who lives in a city, I know that using public transport is the best way to navigate a metropolitan area. I'm also well aware of how stressful using public transport can be. For this reason, I suggest walking as much as possible in Melbourne. While walking might take longer, you'll be able to discover Brick Lane or Bench Coffee Company, places you would miss on a bus or tram.
By Tram
If it's too hot or raining, use Apple Maps to help you navigate Melbourne's trams. If you plan to visit attractions outside the city centre's free tram zone, you will need a Myki card to pay for tickets. These cards can be purchased at a 7-Eleven or public transport hub.
By Car
Being a city, the traffic in the CBD is intense throughout most of the day. So, using Uber or a taxi sometimes takes longer than walking or taking a tram. You will also quickly realise that finding a suitable Uber pick up spot can take longer than drinking a magic coffee at Degrave Nespresso.
“Learning to get lost has become second nature to me since my first trip to Melbourne in 2020. However, locals have confirmed that taking a wrong turn or two is the best way to uncover Melbourne.”
Royal Arcade
Melbourne’s Top Attractions
Royal Arcade
Built in 1869, this arcade is filled with jewellery stores, cute gift shops and cafes. While there are many places to buy a good almond croissant, I suggest saving your appetite for Agathe Patisserie. Gewurzhaus Spice House is also located here, selling everything from a bolognese spice to hot chocolate powder and spiced pumpkin rubs. Known as Australia's oldest arcade, the architecture alone makes visiting Royal Arcade worth it.
Worthwhile Stops in Royal Arcade
Pastries at Agathe Patteserie
Gewurzhaus Spice House
Easy to find public toilets
Block Arcade
Yet another place to find a scrumptious treat in an old arcade, Block Arcade is located within a few minutes on foot from the Royal Arcade. While you will struggle to walk past Hopeton Tea Room's window display of cakes, I recommend going straight to Coal River Farm.
Originating from Tasmania, you can't leave without a hot chocolate and three cheese toastie from this shop; it will change your life. The chocolate tour by Chocoholic Tours also begins here, something I think anyone with a sweet tooth should book.
Worthwhile Stops in Block Arcade
Drink hot chocolate from Coal River Farm
Browse beauty products in Essensorie
Block Arcade
Hosier and Duckboard Lane
There are hundreds of laneways in Melbourne, but Hosier Lane and Duckboard Lane are my favourites. Unless you're visiting on a cold, rainy weekday like I did recently, these laneways can get crowded. Regardless, you should still visit Hozier or Duckboard Lane to become surrounded entirely by graffiti art. These laneways are not connected, but are both located close to each other on Collins Street.
Worthwhile Stops Nearby
Explore AC/DC Lane, connected to Duckboard Lane
Have lunch at nearby Supernormal
“While I was planning to eat at Supernormal, a fantastic Japanese restaurant, Melbourne’s laneways took me in a different direction. As I walked from Hosier Lane, I came across Heartbaker Bun Mee, Duke’s Coffee Roaster and Koco Black Chocolate within minutes, leaving me with no room for lunch. ”
Fitzroy Gardens
If the crowds become too much, visit Fitzroy Gardens in East Melbourne. The City Botanic Gardens are equally beautiful, but I prefer Fitzroy Gardens for the magic you feel walking past trees that look like they house a fairy or two. You can also find Captain Cook's Cottage here, which was an interesting find while lost among the foliage. While you will need to walk for around 15 minutes, you should head to Smith Street for lunch instead of eating at the expensive garden cafe.
Worthwhile Stops Nearby
Bedgood and Company, a good cafe located opposite the garden’s entrance
Cooks Cottage
Walk to Smith Street after your garden visit
Melbourne Zoo
From lions to cockatoos, Melbourne Zoo is where animal lovers should spend a day. You can take a tram directly from Melbourne's CBD; however, Melbourne Zoo is not located in the free tram zone. If you've got the budget and a spare night, you can sleep at the zoo by booking the Roar and Snore experience. Even though I haven't done this at Melbourne Zoo, I have at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, and it's an experience I know you will never forget.
Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy
A suburb where history meets bold street art and boutique shopping, you won't regret visiting Fitzroy. I visited this suburb to escape the footy crowds during my recent stay, and only wish I had allowed for an entire day to explore its streets and the nearby Collingwood.
Whether you're looking for a record shop, op shop or somewhere to buy a stylish outfit, you'll find it here. Foodies should consider a tour through the streets of Fitzroy and Collingwood, as there are many mouth-watering places to dine, including Lune Croissanterie. If you're feeling energetic, it takes around 25 minutes to walk to Fitzroy's Gertrude Street from the CBD.
Worthwhile Stops in Fitzroy
The Emporium
Filled with everything from Gorman to Country Road and views of the historic Shot Tower, the Emporium is a haven for big brand shopping on bad weather days. I always love spending a few hours here after brunch on Degrave Street or Hardware Lane. You won't find funky stores like Essensorie or Clementines in this shopping centre. So, get lost in the laneways instead of the Emporium if you are looking for unique gifts and op shops. With Bourke Street Mall's bustling shops close by, this really is a great area for shopaholics.
Worthwhile Stops Nearby
Fitzroy
Queen Victoria Markets
Accessible via a free tram or a 15-minute walk from the CBD, these large markets are popular among tourists. Although the array of food here is impressive, I find that most stalls are filled with tacky knick-knacks and souvenirs. Stalls are constantly changing, so you might find a good shop I haven't seen yet.
If these markets are high on your Melbourne bucket list, prioritise the food and drink sections. Or, book a walking tour throughout Queen Victoria Markets to ensure you visit only the best stalls. The Queen’s Food Hall was a particular highlight for me, especially after eating Turkish Pide and smoked cheddar from a local deli.
Worthwhile Stops Nearby
The Corner Larder
Spanish paella at El Rinco
Docklands
When I first visited Docklands, I was surprised by the range of attractions located in the District Docklands Shopping Centre. You can go from shopping in H&M to learning how to ice skate in Obrien's Icehouse to exploring Artvo, an art gallery that seems alive. Even though the Melbourne Star is under construction until 2026, I'll never forget riding in a private gondola in the southern hemisphere's largest observation wheel.
Harbour Esplanade is also located nearby, the perfect spot for a seafood lunch or walk along the water. South Wharf, another waterfront suburb, might rival Docklands because it is known for outlet shopping. However, visiting Docklands is still worthwhile for those looking for a fun morning or afternoon outside of the city.
“Having visited the Great Ocean Road in Summer, I didn’t expect freezing cold winds when arriving at the 12 Apostles. Thankfully, my tour guide gave me a wind-proof jacket, but I still almost froze to death.”
Day Tripping to The Great Ocean Road
Known as the scenic drive filled with pristine beaches and the 12 Apostles, the Great Ocean Road is a bucket list destination for many. Locals will tell you not to bother with a day trip from Melbourne, as the Great Ocean Road is too far away. This area certainly deserves more than a day, but the scenery I saw during a reverse full-day tour was worth the long hours I spent on a bus.
If you aren't interested in a 12-hour tour mostly spent driving, consider the Yarra Valley or Phillip Island, which are much closer to Melbourne. If this isn't a problem for you, consider booking the reverse tour by Great Ocean Road Tours.
Staying for only a few nights in Melbourne won't allow you to do everything. However, the memories you make in this city will likely stay with you forever thanks to its quirkiness. From Bourke Street Mall, the 12 Apostles, and everything in between, it doesn't take long to fall in love with Melbourne.
