MELBOURNE: VISITOR TOP TIPS
Melbourne is one of my favourite cities to visit in the world. A beautiful vibrant city with plenty to explore, Melbourne has everything from beautiful beaches and coastal walks to cool street art in the city centre. Not to mention, the best coffee I have tasted- EVER! The rumours are true however, Melbourne is the city of four weather seasons in a day, so don’t be surprised if you walk into one of the cool alleys in the city while it’s pouring with rain and walk out to beaming sunshine. Although those living in Australia may find it cold in the Winter, for us Brits it still feels like a Spring day.
For those of you who are visiting this amazing city and don’t know where to start, I’ve put together a list of my favourite spots for you to check out. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do every time I visit. Any comments, please do feel free to pop them below.
Love Lilly xx
Healthy Breakfast/ Coffee & Juice Recommendations
Manchester Press
Healthy and delicious breakfast and to die for coffee
Location: The City
IG: @manchesterpress
mob camberwell
The most delicious & colourful acai bowls
This is a must visit for healthy brekkie & smoothies
location: camberwell
ig: @mobcamberwell
MOB CAMBERWELL
Soul Press
Incredible acai bowls
Location: Hampton
IG: @soul.press
Urban Projuice
Worth visiting for the décor, let alone the food!
Delicious smoothies and juices
Location: Albert Park
IG: @urbanprojuice
darling cafe
The most delicious breakfast, their eggs are to die for
Location: south yarra
ig: @darlingcafe
DARLING CAFE
aos coffee brewers
known for their incredible coffee, yes. but...
their poké bowls are insane too!
location: glen iris
ig: @aos.coffeebrewers
AOS COFFEE BREWERS
Dinner Recommendations
Chin Chin
Asian cuisine
Some of the most flavoursome food I’ve ever tasted in a super vibrant atmosphere
Location: The City
The only problem with this restaurant is you can't book but trust me it’s worth the wait. There is a bar downstairs where you can have snacks and drinks while you wait
IG: @chinchin
Matchi
Authentic Japanese
Location: St Kilda
IG: @matchistkilda
lucky penny
one of my favourite coffee spots in melbs
location: chapel st
ig: @luckypennychapel
Serotonin Eatery
Beautifully decorated brunch in such a cute little spot
Sustainable plant based food that tastes delicious
Location: Burnley
IG: @serotonindealer
SEROTONIN EATERY
young green food
Plant based food
Location: Fitzroy
IG: @yonggreenfood
mr hubbard
food so pretty you feel bad eating it
You have to try their teriyaki tofu bowl - it's just amazing
location: malvern, victoria
ig: @mrhubbardcafe
matcha mylkbar
Australia's first matcha cafe - and it's amazing!
location: victoria
ig: @matcha_mylkbar
MATCHA MYLKBAR
smooth_e_windsor
The must stop shop for yummy smoothies & bowls
location: chapel st, windsor
ig: @smooth_e_windsor
SMOOTH E
Hanoi Hannah
Vietnamese
Super hipster environment. Perfect for a chilled dinner
IG: @hanoihannah
Palate
Paleo restaurant
Location: Prahran
IG: @palateprahan
Bars
Vue de monde, Lui Bar
A beautiful setting over-looking the sites of Melbourne. If you’re scared of heights this one definitely isn’t for you, otherwise the beautiful setting is perfect for some chilled drinks with a view.
Location: Collins St, The City
IG: @luibar
Transport
Most of the roads in Melbourne’s city centre work on a grid system, which makes it really easy to get around. Trams are the easiest form of public transport and they are free for everyone in the city centre - isn't that amazing. To travel outside of the city centre you need to get yourself a Myki card which you can pick up at most convenience stores and top up just as you would an Oyster card in London.
Exercise
F45
F45 is super popular in Australia with one within walking distance of all the hotels I stayed in Melbourne. All classes are 45 minutes long and depending on what type of class you want to try out, you can get class descriptions and book in online. For first timer’s you can sign up for a free 7 day trial online.
Melbourne’s most scenic walk:
Brighton Beach to St Kilda Bay Trail
One of the most beautiful walks (or runs). I’m not actually sure how long this walk is, but you’re looking at about a 2 hour walk. I would recommend starting at the Brighton bathing boxes. A tourist hot spot, but must see setting along the beach front and the perfect spot to get a very Instagram-able picture. This walk gives you highlights of the beautiful bay scenery, sailing boats and the city in the distance. While on the other side of the road you can admire the beautiful mansions that feature in sections of the walk. For delicious food with a view, I would recommend eating before you set off at Brighton Beach Baths Club. A members' only club upstairs but the most delicious restaurant downstairs open to the public with a beautiful beach view. Once you reach the end of St Kilda pier you can often see the penguins that come out to play at sunset.
Roller blading St Kilda Esplanade
Once in St Kilda a really fun activity is to roller blade along the esplanade. Along the esplanade are skate shops for you to rent out your skates for a few hours and go exploring.
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk (1000 steps)
This 3km trek is a popular spot in Dandenong Ranges National Park suitable for people with an intermediate and up level of fitness. An educational and scenic route, climbing steep terrain with stop offs where plaques representing the lives of soldiers who fought and died on the real Kokoda Trail in Papua New Ginea, during World War II
To find out more information visit www.visitdandenongranges.com.au
The Tan
This is a must, whether you choose to run, walk or jog this 3.8km track around the King's Domain and beautiful Botanic Gardens. If you like running, it's an addictive route. For running sessions with specialist track and field coach, Nick Wall, you can visit his website.
And the best bit is, you can try your first session for free.
Active Melbourne City Sports
If you’re someone who wants to join a team sport, or you already know what sport you want to try out when you are in Melbourne you should definitely check out their website www.amcs.melbourne.vic.gov.au
They have everything from football to urban street cricket for you to join in with
Northside Boulders
This indoor climbing centre can be found in North Melbourne. Founded in 2014 it’s a super popular hangout for fitness enthusiasts who fancy a challenge, and also a great escape from the cold outdoors if you’re visiting Melbourne in the winter
Melboune's Beaches
Half Moon Bay
A beautiful beach further along from Brighton, this beach is perfect for those who wish to both relax and explore. Full of caves and cliffs, don’t forget your trainers if you fancy a little climb for some beautiful views. This spot is also a popular hang-out for beach parties which tend to be on the hush hush. You find out about them on the day, and rock up to a beach and caves that have been transformed into an all day, all night party in the sea. Although Melbourne is not known for its beaches like Sydney is, the most beautiful beaches, in my opinion, are Portsea and Barwon Heads.
A lot of information for you there. I really hope you enjoy your trip in Melbourne and fall in love with it like I did!
The fact it was voted the best city to live in for its 6th consecutive year running kind of says it all. Enjoy beautiful people.
