The Best of Melbourne in Three Days

You know that saying, “It’s five o’clock somewhere?”  Well, it’s springtime, somewhere.  That’s right, it’s easy to forget.  While those of us in the U.S. and the U.K. are buttoning up for winter, the happy residents of   down under are celebrating the arrival of spring.

October and November temperatures averaging about 70 °F (21 °C)  during the day and about 50 °F (10 °C) at night.  What better excuse do you need to book a holiday or vacation to Melbourne,  the city with the title “Most Livable City In the World?”

While a city of four million and all that it offers is impossible to experience in just a few days, we’ve put together a few of our favorites to make a three day visit into a cultural feast.  It’s worth planning any trip in advance and we can’t recommend this enough with Melbourne. Planning your travel ahead of time will help you scope out the best deals, map out the places you want to visit and most importantly, figure out your accommodation. Staying around Melbourne CBD means that you’re in the heart of the action, close to award winning restaurants, shopping districts and within reach of all modes of public transport.

 

Day One:  The Shopping

Well, of course a girl is going to put shopping at the top of the list.  What did you expect?  And there’s a ton to choose from.  Here’s three to tease you a bit.

• The Block Arcade.  “The heritage shopping experience in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD & part of the Golden Mile heritage walk. The Block Arcade is the “place to shop and be seen”.  Enough said.
• Third Drawer Down.  Third Drawer Down is a collection of shops with a gallery or museum flavor.  They sell all sorts of eccentric or hard to find objects, as well as more tradition wares from all over the world.
• The Metropolis Bookstore.  It’s been described as an “oasis with a quirky book selection to suit any taste.”  Perfect addition to an espresso or glass of wine to unwind at the end of your shopping day.

 

 

Day Two:  The Sights

Having had your fill of delightful shopping on day one, it’s time to shift from consumer to a lady of culture and environment.  There’s no shortage of either in Melbourne.  You can start with these selections.

• City Circle Tram.  It’s a very big city.  Why not get a perspective of the whole of it and see some of the sights along the way?  Reminiscent of the San Francisco trolley cars, the trams give a wonder view of it all.  And, what’s more, for the most part they are free.  Nice bonus, and a little redemption for the previous day’s spending.
• National Gallery of Victoria.  Fondly known as the NGV,  your first impression will be the inspiring architecture, but then prepare for a stunning and varied array of objets d’art.  And of course you won’t want to  miss the Indigenous Art Collection, which is worthy of your visit on its own.
• Royal Botanical Gardens.  Whether you catch one of their many tours or wander on your own, you’ll want to stay forever in what many consider the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world.  If you’re there during the warm months, the gardens  host  the Moonlight Cinema and theatre performances.

 

Day Three:  The Wine

After a day of shopping and a day taking in the sights, it’s time to relax and unwind.    And Australia is famous for wines that will help you do just that.  Your escape to Melbourne won’t be complete without an escape  to  Yarra Valley for indulgent food and wine.

Yarra Valley is home to 300 vineyards and 160 wineries.  My favorite way to experience it?  On a chauffeured   Yarra Valley wine tour that allows you to fully indulge in the offerings.

And THAT is called a perfect end to three awesome days in Melbourne!

 

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