Melbourne is such an interesting city! It is the perfect place for a quick city break, with a long list of things that you can choose from to entertain you while you are there. Situated on the Yarra River, the capital city is a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity. Bars, plazas, restaurants, cafes, theatres, museums, galleries,
SkyBus from Tullamarine Airport
Melbourne has an airport to city service called Skybus. This service makes getting from the airport to the city as easy as a walk in the park. You can buy your tickets online before you go, and then just show the QR code on your phone when boarding the bus. The Melbourne City Express Service between Tullamarine Airport and Southern Cross Station leaves every 10 minutes. The bus has free wi-fi on board, with plenty of luggage racks for suitcases. The trip usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Travelodge Docklands
On my last visit to Melbourne I stayed at the Travelodge in Docklands. I found this location to be very convenient as it was close to Southern Cross Station, and I could just get off the SkyBus at the station, take the escalators upstairs, and walk across the pedestrian overpass to get to the hotel.
To get to the trams from the hotel, you have two close options. You can go back to Spencer Street, where you came out of the
I’ll definitely be staying at Travelodge Docklands again next time I’m in Melbourne.
48 Hours in Melbourne
For your visit, make sure to get a
For a short city-break or a weekend stop, there will always be more in Melbourne than you will be able to see and do. I like that this just gives me reasons to go back again!
Here’s an example of how you can spend 48 hours in Melbourne.
South Melbourne Markets
If you’re in town on a Market day – take the 96 tram down to stop 127 and visit the South Melbourne Markets.
These markets have a combined fresh produce and eatery section, along with your more typical market stall offerings such as homewares, toys, watches and phone cases, candles, handbags, jewellery, accessories, and so on. You can easily spend a few hours here.
Royal Exhibition Building – a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Take the Tram route 86 or tram route 96 to the corner of Nicholson and Gertrude Streets, which is outside the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum. There are tours of the building that usually start at
The tickets are $10, but there’s a small booking fee added. The building has been restored and a guide brings the building to life with stories of its history. You can read about my trip to the Royal Exhibition Building in this post.
After your tour, take some time to walk around in the Carlton Gardens, which were designed by the same architect who did the Royal Exhibition Building.
City Circle Tram
A free heritage tram circulates the city on a loop and takes you around the edges of the city. All the stops along the way link with other tram services, and you can hop on or hop off as many times as you like.
Eat out at one of the many restaurants
It seems to me that Melbourne has more than its fair share of delicious restaurants to eat at. I honestly don’t know how the locals choose where to go. Maybe they never have to – they just pick a different restaurant every time they eat out?? Anyway, you will be spoilt for choice when you are there. My favourite places to go and see the restaurants are Lygon St and Lonsdale St in the city, Albert Park and St Kilda are a short tram ride away from the city.
Try some yum-cha at Southbank in a restaurant overlooking the Yarra River – you can even have Gluten-Free Yum Cha in Melbourne!
Visit the Arts Centre Melbourne
The state theatre is part of the complex and is an underground theatre, with one of the largest stages in the world, which hosts regular performances throughout the year. You can take a tour of the complex or see an actual performance such as a musical, opera, ballet or classical music concert.
Search for some fabulous Street Art in Melbourne
The city of Melbourne has recognised the attraction of the creativity of street art for both local and overseas visitors. For this
Discover Laneways and Covered Arcades
The main streets in Melbourne are intersected by laneways and covered arcades. You will discover a lot of character in these places, so be sure to take a detour from the main roads.
You can read more about these in detail in this post – Melbourne Laneways and Covered Arcades
Take a walk around and admire the beauty of the unique buildings
Architecture in Melbourne is both impressive and diverse, and that makes for an interesting walk. So next time you have 48 hours in Melbourne, take some time to actually look at those buildings you are walking past. The following photos are a few examples of Melbourne’s interesting architectural styles.
Go to the top of the Eureka Tower
The top of the building is gold plated, just because. At the top of the 297m tower, there is an observation deck called the Eureka Skydeck which has incredible views out over the city of Melbourne.
Walk along the Yarra River
The banks of the river have been developed into an attractive social space with paved walkways, and bridges across the river. Restaurants abound and it is a great place to spend time on a lovely day.
Do some world class shopping
There’s a shopping experience to suit everyone in Melbourne. From markets to designer boutiques, Melbourne has it all in abundance. Try Swanston Street for a “less touristy” shopping excursion.
Until next time
That should keep you busy for at least 48 hours in Melbourne. Enjoy your visit!
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