buzz

Hi, any Melbournites got some advice on things to do and see in Melbourne? I'll only have a day and a half, so it would have to be in the city centre or easy to get to. I'm thinking more along the lines of interesting areas rather than big attractions like museums or galleries - I'd like to have a look around the laneways for instance. Also any recommendations for good places to eat would be great. We are a couple in our early 40s, no kids.
Thanks!

ozzieeagle

Depending on what time you start... Young and Jacksons upstairs go and see Chloe, sit by a window and take in the sights, it almost epitomises Melbourne in my opinion that view and the feel you get from there.

Cross to fed square, it may or may not hold your attention for long.. There is a small museum at Fed square. Cross the bridge, you can wander into the art centre if you wish, but you may feel like walking and not using up 3 hours or more of your time.

Walk down by the river on the opposite side of Flinders St Station along Southbank and take a slow walk ducking in and out of the Southbank centre, lots of restaurants and newish shops but a lovely vista... Then you get to Crown, thats worth a walk through just for the assault on the senses it gives one, If you enter via the hotel, you wander through a fantastic atrium with a really good light display and waterfall. That is once you've passed the Ferraris and Lambo's etc.

Come out cross back over the Bridge and catch the City Circle Tram, which is free and gives you a running commentary along the way. Head for the laneways around Hardware lane etc, a great place to eat, Duck up and down the many laneways around there as they have many specialist little shops.

Then off to the Emporium to see the latest in high end CBD shopping. Your close to China town by the time you get here, so have another wander just in case Chinese food is you bag.

That should take a few days rather than 1.5 Especially if you go to the Art Center.

Best part of Melbourne are it's inner burbs though, and you probably dont have time for that.


Have fun

buzz

Thanks so much for that reply, some great ideas, and exactly along the lines I was thinking of. Think I might have to come back for another weekend sometime though

Buzzy--Bee

As Far as laneways go, there are loads of really great ones, and the best ones are found by accident when you're looking for something else.

Have a look at Degraves street and Hardware lane for two of the most famous ones. Also you can download a laneways tour which is self guided and is an excellent way to see most of central Melbourne.

BB

buzz

Thanks for the tip about the laneways tour.

commonwealth

and fitzroy gardens + state library if you have a couple of hours to spare

fish.01

Yes if in state library make sure you go up to the reading room.

OzTennis

Queen Victoria Market Queen Victoria Market
Walk along the Yarra - Southbank to Swan St bridge and back
Block Arcade Welcome to the Block Arcade

Beoz

Not exactly Melbourne, but one weekend I hired a car and did the Great Ocean Road drive. Truly amazing. Made it back on Sunday night easily for flight.

buzz

Thanks very much for all the replies - loads of good ideas there.
Unfortunately no time for the Great Ocean Road, so will have to save that for another time.
Any more recommendations for old, traditional feel pubs in the city centre? (Other than Young and Jackons that Ozzieeagle mentioned). Living in Brisbane I miss a 'proper' pub

papilon

Young & Jackson not really a proper pub more like tourist central. I actually don't think there are any proper old school Melbourne Hotel pubs left in the CBD anymore.
On your second day I would highly recommend going down to South Melbourne Market, much better than that crappy Queen Vic tat market, grab a bite to eat and then a wonder should reveal some nice Victorian pubs. Most have had a reno but that is not a bad thing. If you have time you are not far from St Kilda, nice stroll down to the seafront and a walk out onto the pier. Great views of the city. Back over the road and time for a coffee and cake on Ackland st in one of the eastern european cake shops. I go to Monarch as it looks like it hasn't changed in 30 years. Then hop on a tram back to CBD.

Buzzy--Bee

There's the Mitre Tavern - Home

and the Sherlock Holmes - The Sherlock Holmes Inn | Beer, Food, Spirits | Basement 415 Collins Street Melbourne

BB

ozzieeagle

Must be the romantic in me, but everytime I've taken people up to YandJ's i've managed to get a window seat, and a decent draught craft beer and love to watch the people crossing the main intersection and sitting on the Flinders St steps and meeting people,, and think I wonder If Neville Shute witnessed this. Those Flinders St steps are the Melbourne equiv of Piccadilly to my mind at least. I'm talking about the 2nd floor of course.

Thats what I get from it.

bcworld

More of a weekday than a weekend place, no?

BadgeIsBack

Well if he didn't it wouldn't be the end of the world!