A day in Melbourne for around $30
By Jodie Croker
Melbourne will prove to any visitor that some of the best things in life are literally for free. Spend a day in Melbourne, twice voted the world’s most liveable city, and see why we love to call it home.
8am
The best way to travel around Melbourne CBD is either on foot or by tram. The city is designed to make navigation easy, even for the most geographically challenged. Pick up an all-day-zone-one public transport ticket for $7 and this will be your best investment from start to finish of your budget day out.
First stop would have to be the Queen Victoria Markets for a fresh breakfast and a leisurely browse. Follow your nose when buying your coffee. Spoilt for choice, Coffea on Elizabeth Street is best for a caffeine fix, it's not the cheapest, but it's the best at the market. The Deli, at stall 94-96, you must try the legendary Turkish borek pastry, stuffed with either spicy lamb or potato, for under $3. That's breakfast, pull up a pew and watch the wonderful market world roll by with its pulse and energy, always entertaining. A full belly and coffee in hand, wander the aisles, sampling fresh fruit, cheese cuts and even a tipple of wine. Buy a ciabatta roll from Andrew's Bread Stall (stall 29-30), a couple slices tasty local cheddar from Bill's Farm (stall 17-18) and a 70-cent organic Fuji apple from Garden Organics. Maybe a handful of baby spinach, too. Pop that is your bag, this is for your lunch, GST free, this morning is coming in under $10. Queen Victoria Market, Elizabeth and Victoria streets, North Melbourne, 9320 5822
10am
Time for some cultural tourism at the State Library on Swanston Street. Explore the current exhibitions and immerse yourself in a world of art, books, history and culture. Get a snapshot of Melbourne history and culture and admire the stunning architecture that houses all this history and creation.
State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, city, 8664 7000
11am
Take any tram down Swanston Street and you will certainly find yourself at the iconic Federation Square. On any given day there is action in the Australian made piazza. Street performers, live music, passing protests and people-watching are usually available on the agenda. Wander down to ACMI the Australian Centre for Moving Image always displaying fascinating facts and features.
ACMI, Federation Square, 8663 2200
Midday
Time to take some photos. Grab a snap at Federation Square. Jump on the stairs of the landmark Flinders Street station and admire or ogle at the street buskers, wander across the Yarra River bridge, stop and take in the views in both directions. A photo with the spill of Southbanks restaurants and attractions as the backdrop or the other direction, squeeze in the Ferris Wheel and famous MCG. A few paces down and you are underneath Melbourne’s mini Eiffel Tower at The Arts Centre. Capture some history and pose with the ponies and their period carriages before they trot past back to their stations in Swanston Street.
1.30pm
It’s Lunch time, catch the number 8 tram around the corner to the Botanic Gardens and wander the flora and fauna delight that borders the city. A tranquil setting, with native plants and flowers, rotundas for shelter and birds to watch as you tuck into your fresh lunch from the markets.
If the weather isn’t leaning towards outdoor activities then head to Mag Nation. It's a newsagent but they encourage you to sit around all afternoon reading their magazines. Buy a coffee and get comfy in one of the couch upstairs and troll through the latest local or international mag or three, until the rain moves on.. and you are in Melbourne, it will move on.
Mag Nation, 88 Elizabeth Street, city, 9663 6091
4:00pm
Catch the 96 from Bourke Street to Acland St in St Kilda and grab and ice cream from Seven Apples on Acland Street and take a stroll towards Luna Park and the Beach. Plenty more photo opportunities while you kick off your shoes and let the sand run through your toes and the refreshing sea water lap at your ankles.
7pm
Dinner time. The 109 tram from Collins Street to Victoria Street, Richmond, the street of cheap eats! Plenty of hidden gems to choose from with sometimes just a door on the street that leads diners up to a bustling restaurant that feels like you have randomly landed somewhere in Vietnam. The bargain meal is the $6 pho at Thy Thy 2, a big bowl of beef stock, beef, noodles, lime, herbs and chilli and a complementary thermos of tea. Another option to consider is a doner kebab at none other than the institution of authentic Turkish food, Alasya Bakery. Catch the 19 from Elizabeth Street along Royal Parade with views of the parklands and Deco housing and trundle up the eclectic Sydney Road. A fresh doner kebab will cost you $10 and will surely fill the gap for the evening. Thy Thy 2, 116 Victoria Street, Richmond, 9428 5914. Alasya, 555 Sydney Road, Brunswisk 9387 0713
9pm
The night spot that never fails is Brunswick’s very own Night Cat. A favourite amongst locals and tourists you will witness what can happen in Melbourne after dark. Always fully loaded with live music and great crowds a boogie down is in order. Catch the 112 to Brunswick Street, get off at Johnston Street and look for the people spilling out the building that seems to be rocking back n forth to the beats blasting out from within. Buy yourself a local beer, it may tip you over the $30 mark but you've earned it. 137 – 141 Johnston Street. Fitzroy 3065..
An extraordinary day awaits you in Melbourne for $300..
9am
Coffee is urgent. A major day is ahead of you so get things moving with a coffee from the tiny but sturdy Degraves Espresso in the iconic Degraves Street. Bustling from 9am, you will enjoy the chaos of this tiny street all made more tolerable with a takeaway caffeine hit to start the heart. Jump on the 75 tram just at the end of Degraves and Flinders street and head out to Richmond. The destination is OST, a new café style spot that embodies the cool of Melbourne. Friendly staff, beats from around the world and the reputation for Melbourne’s best morning nosh. Locals flock to OST for the one pan brekkie, a cast iron fry pan loaded with bacon, fried eggs, chorizo, kipfler potato, mushroom and potato served with a slice of Noisette sourdough $17.50. Wash it down with a bloody Mary dosed with horseradish and celery for a spicy $12.00. Tram, brekkie and beverages come in at $40.00.
Degraves Espresso, 23 Degraves Street, CBD 9654 1245
OST 306 Bridge Rd, Richmond 9429 6724
10:30
After a breakfast of that calibre it would be suggested to wander back down Bridge Road. The array of shops and discount warehouses offering up loads of bargains will make the eyes bulge as much as the tummy. Heading back to the CBD, cut through the luscious green fairytale that is Fitzroy Gardens. So perfect in appearance this could pass for a digitally rendered paradise in the middle of metropolitan madness.
11:30
Next destination is the National Gallery of Victoria on St Kilda Road. Exhibitions are seasonal but consistently impressive no matter your preference. Only the best of the best are shown here with past exhibitions including the Dali, Monet and Van Gogh. Guaranteed to knock you arty socks off, entry is $25 on average.
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) St Kilda Road, Ph 8620 2222
1:30
Let’s do lunch. Directly out the front of the gallery jump on the number 16 tram to Fitzroy Street and hop off at stop number 133. Seek out the new addition to the burgeoning restaurant scene, Golden Fields. Creator Andrew McConnell has done it again with his third instalment on Melbourne’s culinary chart. Shared plates are the focus and wines are available by the carafe so you can pace yourself for the evening ahead.
Dishes of note are the shredded chicken, sesame paste, house-made cold rice noodles, chilli oil ($15), New England lobster roll, hot buttered bun, cold poached crayfish, watercress & Kewpie ($15), Duckfish, avocado, fresh horseradish & dried sea lettuce ($12). Keep it light but substantial and top it off with a carafe of 2010 Jose the Rose, Yarra Valley, Aus $36. Lunch with love for around $80
Golden Fields, 157 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda Ph 9525 4488
2:30pm
Let the lunch settle with a wander down Fitzroy Street all the way to where the beach lines the esplanade. The action is all around you here at Melbourne beachside dwelling, St Kilda. Passing by all types and shapes you find yourself at Luna Park. Enter the world of carnival madness and jaw-dropping super thrill rides with an unlimited pass for $41.95. Luna Park 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda Phone 9525 5033
5:30pm
Tram it back to the city on the 16 and jump off at Southbank. Wander down past all the early diners loading up the restaurants along the riverside. Head towards the Eureka building, you cant miss it, it’s the tallest building in the Southern hemisphere. A ticket to the best view in town is a tiny 17.50. The Skydeck shows you the best of this gorgeous city for as far as the eye can see. Grab a photo of the high altitude adventure and savour the moment forever. Sky high experience in the memory bank and on paper for under $30.
Eureka Skydeck 88 7 Riverside Quay Southbank 9693 8888
7:00 pm
A typical trait of Melbourne is to put restaurants, bar or shops in places no one else deemed doable. Ponyfish Island is a classic example of Melbourne minds and a must try when walking back from Eureka across the bridge that houses it into the CBD. The Yarra River never seemed so close until you are sitting sipping on a beverage bopping your head to the generous beats of the Pony.
7:30
Tram or walk your way back into Collins Street and head for The Comedy Club. Melbourne is on the international map when it comes to our funny guys and gals and often on the bill will be a mix of globe trotting gagsters. Tickets are $40 for dinner and a show.
The Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St Melbourne. Ph 9650 6668
10:00pm
Whether the show was funny or infuriating, it’s time for a drink and a strong one at that to get the night rolling out into the wee hours. Catch the 112 from Collins out to Brunswick Street all the way to the end. It’s worth the ride to find Polly, the spot when it comes to finely fused elixirs. They are legally allowed to stock Absinthe.. need we say more. 401 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy 9417 0880
Midnight
It is probably time to get back to the hotel and if you are feeling peckish then go no further than the rooftop garden bar, Siglo. Serving the Supper Clubs menu from the level below this is the best rooftop dwelling in Melbourne. Consider a non alcoholic night cap in the form of their gooey Croque Monsier. There is nothing quite like jamming that down after a long day with its soothing effects equal to a warm cup of milk and honey. This night time soother and belly warmer is $15 and well worth cleaning your wallet for before putting a heavy head to pillow.
Siglo. Level 3, 161 Spring Street, CBD, Ph 96540811
A 5 star experience for $3000
Seems that budget isn’t an issue today… Melbourne glitters with options for the next 24 hours.
7am
Start the day early so you don’t miss the chance to breathe in Melbourne whilst skimming through the sky in a hot air balloon. Balloon Sunrise is the best in the game when it comes to the exhilarating experience of ballooning. Balloon Sunrise Gold Ticket includes a 5-star gourmet champagne breakfast in the absolute luxury of the Langham Hotel. The pilot will collect you from your hotel and whisk you down to the home base to let you see them firing up the huge balloons in the crisp morning air. Up, up, up and away you will float into the morning sky as the sunlight slides across Melbourne. There really is no other way to see this city in all its beauty. Let the adrenalin settle as you tuck into the gourmet breakfast and you are ready to cease the day. $375 well spent.
Balloon Sunrise Ph: +61 3 9735 0288
10am
Sounds a little decadent but consider arranging a driver for most of the day to ensure you don’t waste too much time getting to and from destinations. Justify it by classifying it as extensive scenic sightseeing. Silver Line Limo Service will be at your beck and call for $75 per hour or a flat rate can be negotiated for the day approx $600.
Silver Line Limo Service Ph: 9460 1890
10:30
First stop for your trusty chauffeur is the St Kilda Sea Baths. Take the scenic route along the Esplanade until you are at Spa Dreamtime. Winner of Best Day SPA Australasia by SpaAsia, Spa offers an urban oasis where you can escape and re-discover inner health and wellbeing. The water front facility combines all the comforts of a 5 star retreat, making St Kilda Spa Dreamtime the ideal location for the ultimate relaxation and panoramic views of Port Philliop Bay. Book in for an hour treatment to get your glow going for the rest of the day. Treatments range from $110 - $280 for the hour.
St Kilda Sea Baths 10-18 Jacka Blvd, St Kilda Ph 03 9525 3288
Midday
Driving back towards the CBD, take a detour through the Botanic Gardens past the landmark Rod Laver Arena and the new AAMI Soccer stadium across the Yarra River and you are heading back towards the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
Stroll down to the departure pontoon for your scheduled cruise on a Venetian gondola. Each Gondola is opulently appointed with upholstered velvet seats, plush cushions, warm rugs and a fold over canopy to keep you warm and dry if the weather is cool. The Celebration package for $330 includes a 1 hour gondola cruise, a bottle of Chandon quality champagne, a delicious cheese and antipasto platter to share and a choice of gift - a gift wrapped box of delicious handmade chocolates, a beautiful flower bouquet or a body pamper pack. You'll glide past all the main attractions - the Exhibition Centre, Aquarium, Southbank and Crown Casino, Flinders Street Station, Federation Square and the tranquil Alexandra Gardens.
Venice on the Yarra Ph: 9399 1991
2:30
You may be stuffed full of food already but you cant go past The Windsor. Afternoon Tea at The Windsor is on the ‘To Do’ list of any visitor to Melbourne. The Windsor is Australia’s most loved and recognised grand hotel. Built in 1883 during the Victorian era and pre-dating other notable hotels such as The Savoy, Waldorf Astoria, Ritz Paris and The Plaza Hotel, it set a benchmark for style, elegance, sophistication and charm which remains ever present today. Step back in time in the royal-esque dining room where afternoon tea is served to your table on three-tiered silver stands and consists of freshly baked scones with jam and cream, exquisite pastries and finger sandwiches. Upon arrival you will receive a glass of sparkling wine, whilst freshly brewed tea and coffee is brought to your table throughout the afternoon. $59
The Windsor, 111 Spring Street., CBD Ph. 9633 6004
3:30
Head down Collins Street, the Paris end of Melbourne’s luxury retail precinct. Browse the brands of Prada, Armani, Longchamp and Louis Vuitton. Purchases can become the responsibility of the driver leaving you to enjoy the shopping whole heartedly. Maybe a purchase to wear to the stage show tonight!
5:30
Dinner at Vue De Monde. The signature restaurant of Melbourne created by Shannon Bennett. He holds the title of master chef and is an equal enterprenuer. Relocating his established dining destination to the towering Rialto due to further demand this culinary journey will impress even the most experienced palate. A la carte or go all out for the ultimate experience, the Gastronomes Menu is the top level menu incorporating several premium ingredients and is priced at $250 per person.
7:45
Lucky your driver is waiting to whisk you off to Collins Street to rush through to your A-reserve seat for the highly anticipated season of Love Never Dies at The Regent Theatre.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, is widely regarded as the single most successful piece of entertainment in history. Now, the story of the Phantom continues in a brand new musical production, LOVE NEVER DIES. This will be the first new Australian production of an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical in nearly 20 years. In LOVE NEVER DIES, one of the world’s greatest love stories continues.
The Regent, 191 Collins St, Melbourne Theatre Call TICKETMASTER 1300 111 011
10:30pm
Time to stretch the legs. The driver is no longer needed and has delivered your days shopping and excess baggage back to the hotel. You are feeling inspired by the show and wander the streets of Melbourne in search of a suitable cocktail. 1806 located on Spice Market is your next destination. Grab a seat at the lavish bar and soak up the international theme of Spice Market is sort of India-meets-Morocco-meets-China meets glamour. A glass of Belle Epoque champagne is in order for
Midnight until…
Enter the world of Baroq House, Melbourne’s exclusive mansion that houses the most desired parties after dark. The extravegent surrounds set the scene for a night out that even your imagination would feel intimidated by. Secure yourself a seat in the Dom Perignon Room by purchasing a bottle of 1992 Dom Pérignon OEnothèque Champagne at a well-worth it price of $680. This bottle gives you the key to Baroq House. The room full of fillies and beauty, the dance floor sways and the bottles pop. Start and end the night as you please, the options are endless and the doors don’t close til 5am.
Baroq House, 2 Drewery Lane, Melbourne Ph 8080 5820
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