Day 01: Melbourne City Tour

Finally arrived at Melbourne after a long 7 hours flight at about 7:30AM local time (the country is 2 hours ahead of Singapore). Located in Victoria state (south-east of Australia), Melbourne is the second most populous city in the country with a population of 4,245,345 (as of June 2012). Did you know that Melbourne was the temporary capital of Australia between 1901 and 1927 before Canberra became the capital in 1927. This city is also known as the cultural capital of Australia with its extensive architecture, museums, galleries, and theatres. 

DFS at Melbourne Airport. 
Be sure to grab a copy of the Melbourne Official Visitor Guide before you leave the airport. Lots of useful information and hidden discount deals in the guide!

The city's autumn breeze greeted and welcomed us! 
***
The SkyBus take you to and from Melbourne Airport and City (Southern Cross Station). This 20 minutes direct service is conveniently available for 24/7 (including public holidays), each adult ticket is available at AUD17 (one-way)/ AUD28 (return). Not exactly very cheap for a bus ride but there is no cheaper way to get to the city other than this. This is the cheapest way!

If you intend to take a cab, the estimated taxi fare for the same route will be AUD41.53Calculation by Taxi Fare CalculatorHow scarily expensive it is! No wonder this city is ranked among the world's top 20 most expensive cities. Talking about taxi, do you know that for all taxi trips (between 10PM and 5PM) in Melbourne are prepaid (regardless of the taxi company) i.e. you will have to pay the estimated fare to the driver and the exact fare will be calculated at the destination. Interesting.

Anyway, you can purchase your SkyBus tickets in advance online or over at the ticketing counter. Not to worry that you can't find the booth, there is a very big signage to lead you to there!

***
Grabbed a quick bite from Pie Face over at Southern Cross Station. Read a lot of good reviews about Pie Face prior to the trip. Not too bad, worth giving it a try! Not exactly very cheap though. Each pie cost about AUD5 onwards. Spot the prince's face below! That's the kind of face you get when you realised a packet of tomato sauce costs you AUD0.55!

***
After our quick bite and we were ready to explore the Melbourne's famous tramway system! It has been operating on Melbourne's streets for more than 150 years, is the largest outside Europe and the fourth largest in the world! It stretches along 244km of track and has 450 trams. Impressive isn't?

You will need a myki card (same concept as our Singapore's EZ-link Card or the Hong Kong's Octopus Card) to use the public transports (trains, trams and buses). We bought our myki cards (AUD20 each) from the the 7-Eleven convenience store right over at SkyBus terminal.

If you still have no idea of what tram to take, an tram journey planner is available online here.

***
Cosmopolitan Hotel Melbourne. Located in St Kilda, that is about 10 minutes drives off the heart of Melbourne. For the price of AUD90/ night, it comes with complimentary WiFi and parking. Our room was not ready for check-in so we deposited our luggage over at the counter (no extra charges needed) and off we went for our Melbourne City Tour! 

Random street shot while walking towards our first stop from our hotel. Loved the blue sky! 
***
First stop was the icon of St Kilda - Melbourne's Luna Park, located just minutes away from our hotel. Established since 1912, the world's oldest amusement park under private management, this amusement park celebrated its first century birthday just last December. Entry to the park is free but the 20 rides require you to purchase a ticket. Such a pity that we didn't get a chance to enter this historic park, it was closed when we were there.

***
Right next to the park is Palais Theatre. A former cinema, now functioning exclusively as a concert venue. It is the largest seated theatre in Australia! 

Loved the architecture!
***
Next to that is St Kilda Esplanade Art & Craft Market, opens every Sunday morning till evening. It's a long stretch of over 150 stalls that offers a variety of unique handcrafted gifts and souvenirs, buy directly from the artisans that created them.

***
It's pretty easy to navigate yourself in the city, all you need is the city's map which can be found in the Melbourne Official Visitor Guide that I mentioned earlier in this post or download a copy of the city's map online here. Otherwise, I believe your smartphone can do the job as well.

***
Flagstaff Gardens, the oldest park in Melbourne (established in 1862),  is notable for their archeological, horticultural, horticultural, historical and social significance to the history of Melbourne. The garden is now one of the most visited and widely used parks in the city by nearby office workers and tourists. People are having picnic, reading a book or just chilling at the park. Also witnessed an interesting sport, known as bike polo, at the multipurpose court at the one end of the park.

Loved the autumn leaves! 
***
Queens Victoria Market, officially opened on 20 March 1878, is the largest (7 hectares) open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. A major historic landmark, a popular tourist attraction and an shopping institution in Melbourne. There are almost thousand traders in the market sell everything (from exotic Australian fruit and vegetables and local and imported gourmet foods, meat, fish and poultry to lots of other products like hardware, manchester, clothing and authentic Australian artefacts and souvenirs).

We were looking forward to some nice fruits but sadly autumn isn't the season for our favourite berries. The strawberries we saw were even more expensive than Singapore. Anyway, if you are interested you can check what is being produced in the different season on their website here

***
The rest of the afternoon was spent catching up with some sleep in the hotel, too drained from the 7 hours flight.. That's our Petite Room (known as Small Double Room on Booking.com) for the first two nights. Our room is indeed petite we can hardly have space to walk after we open up our luggage. Anyhow, other than that everything was good. Definitely recommendable! 

***
First night's dinner was settled after our nap at the 24-hour McDonald near to our hotel.

---
Information you might be interested in:

SkyBus
http://www.skybus.com.au

Southern Cross Station
99 Spencer Street
Docklands VIC 3008, Australia

Yarra Trams
To find out more about the Melbourne's extensive tram network, Journey Planner, Tram Tracker etc..
http://www.yarratrams.com.au

Melbourne City Map
Available for download:
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/AboutMelbourne/CityMaps/Pages/CityMaps.aspx

Cosmopolitan Hotel Melbourne
2-8 Carlisle Street
St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
http://www.8hotels.com/melbourne-hotels/cosmopolitan-hotel/
TripAdvisor Reviews

Melbourne's Luna Park
Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
http://www.lunapark.com.au

Palais Theatre
Lower Esplanade, St Kilda
St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia
http://www.palaistheatre.net.au

St Kilda Esplanade Market
Upper Esplanade, St Kilda
Located between Fitzroy Street and Acland Street,
beside Luna Park in St Kilda
Opens every Sunday, 10AM - 5PM
http://www.stkildamarket.com

Flagstaff Gardens
309-311 William Street
West Melbourne, VIC 3003, Australia

Queens Victoria Market
Cnr of Victoria St and Elizabeth Street
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Closed on Monday and Wednesday 
http://www.qvm.com.au/

26 comments:

  1. Actually i Searched Blogs For melbourne taxi, and got your post. I really enjoyed your post. Its really a nice post. You both looking too good.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Really wonderful site,good images,Thanks for sharing this wonderful information, for more info click here

    ReplyDelete
  3. Amazing Images Thanks for posting keep it up Dear.
    Executive Cars

    ReplyDelete

  4. This is the one of the best and informatic blogspot i ever seen.thanks for such a nice and unique content with many tips , ideas and guide to other traveler.Thanks again
    Taxi Melbourne | Taxi Melbourne airport

    ReplyDelete
  5. There is no doubt! Melbourne is a wonderful city and most of the tourist will like to visit the city. Couple of Melbourne place images shared is looking awesome. I have enjoyed spending time on it.

    Book Heathrow airport taxi service for easy transportation

    ReplyDelete
  6. Easy cab booking at http://www.callmelbourneairportcab.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have read your blog it is very helpful for me. I want to say thanks to you. I have bookmark your site for future updates.
    switzerland taxi

    ReplyDelete
  8. Really nice style and design and excellent content , nothing at all else we need : D. Best Vacation Rentals

    ReplyDelete
  9. budget travel experience platform, offering a broad range of technology travel booking options. Across 1000 most visited cities and include services in accommodations, restaurants, attractions, nightlife, tours, special day experiences, extreme sports, things to do and ensuring travellers feel local when exploring new places, this is a one stop travel solution targeting the budget traveller.
    activities in

    ReplyDelete
  10. Buy primark manchester opening times! Official store website information. UK Shoppers browse Primark's Catalogue, locations & 2017 clothing for Men, Women & Children.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Amazing city to visit, thanks for sharing this wonderful travel experience with us, Golden Triangle Tour 4 Nights 5 Days is best tour package for india visit.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Years ago, I set out on a mammoth, nine month adventure that took me .... Mostoutdoor backpacks are top-loaders (which is annoying, but oh ... best waterproof daypack for hiking

    ReplyDelete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for sharing this nice trip post for travellers and tourists. They would definitely like it and get good information from it.
    Luton airport parking

    ReplyDelete
  15. You can also find remote rental villa hideaways for those who are just looking for a bit of peace and quiet. If you lead a hectic life in the city and your dream is one surrounded in silence, then you should head off to one of the many remote holiday rental villas which you will truly find to your liking. Villas for rent in Cyprus

    ReplyDelete
  16. WELCOME TO CONSUMER LOAN FIRM .......... Are you a businessman or a woman? Are you in any financial mess or do you need funds to start your own business? Do you need a loan to start a small-scale pleasant and medium business? Do you have a low credit score and are you finding it difficult to obtain equity loan from local banks and other financial institutes? Our loans are well insured for maximum security is our priority, Our main goal is to help you get the services you deserve, Our program is the fastest way to get what you need in a snap. Reduce your payments to ease the pressure on your monthly expenses. Gain flexibility with which you can use for any purpose - holiday, education, for exclusive purchases We offer a wide range of financial services, which includes: Business Planning, Commercial and Financial Development, Properties and Mortgages, Debt Consolidation Loans , Private Loans, Home Refinancing Loans with low interest rate at 2% per annul for individuals, companies. WE OFFER ALL TYPE OF LOANS, APPLY TODAY FOR AVAILABLE LOANS. Please contact us via email for more information: (consumerloanfirm@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
  17. GET RICH WITH BLANK ATM CARD ... Whatsapp: +18033921735

    I want to testify about Dark Web blank atm cards which can withdraw money from any atm machines around the world. I was very poor before and have no job. I saw so many testimony about how Dark Web hackers send them the atm blank card and use it to collect money in any atm machine and become rich. ( darkwebblankatmcard@gmail.com ) I email them also and they sent me the blank atm card. I have use it to get 90,000 dollars. withdraw the maximum of 5,000 USD daily. Dark Web is giving out the card just to help the poor. Hack and take money directly from any atm machine vault with the use of atm programmed card which runs in automatic mode.

    Email: darkwebblankatmcard@gmail.com
    Text & Call or WhatsApp: +18033921735

    ReplyDelete
  18. Are you in need of Urgent Loan Here no collateral required all problem regarding Loan is solve between a short period of time and duration more than 20 years what are you waiting for apply now and solve your problem or start a business with Loan paying of various bills I think you have come to the right place just 2% interest rate. Contact Us Via.email: abdullahibrahimlender@gmail.com
    whatspp Number +918929490461
    Mr Abdullah Ibrahim

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello
    We are professional traders, earning on forex and binary for investors weekly, will love to tell you all more about our investment platform where you can invest funds as little as $200 and start earning $2500 weekly, alot of people has benefited from this investment offer before and during this convid-19 virus, if you passing through financial difficulties due to this coronavirus and you need help paying bills simply choose a suitable investment plan for yourself and start making profit weekly

    $500 to earn $5,000 in 7 days
    $1000 to earn $10000 in 7 days
    $5000 to earn $50000 in 7 days

    To Start your investment now contact Via whatsapp: (+12166263236)
    email: carlose78910@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. If you are looking for more information about flat rate locksmith Las Vegas check that right away. where is greenland

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for sharing the best information and suggestions, it is very nice and very useful to us. I appreciate the work that you have shared in this post. Keep sharing these types of articles here.
    things to do in melbourne blog

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hello
    We are professional traders, earning on forex and binary for investors weekly, will love to tell you all more about our investment platform where you can invest funds as little as $200 and start earning $2500 weekly, alot of people has benefited from this investment offer before and during this convid-19 virus, if you passing through financial difficulties due to this coronavirus and you need help paying bills simply choose a suitable investment plan for yourself and start making profit weekly

    $500 to earn $5,000 in 7 days
    $1000 to earn $10000 in 7 days
    $5000 to earn $50000 in 7 days

    To Start your investment now contact Via whatsapp: (+12166263236)
    email: carlose78910@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've been reluctant in purchasing this blank ATM card I heard about online because everything seems too good to be true, but I was convinced & shocked when my friend at my place of work got the card from Dark Web & we both confirmed it really works, without delay I gave it a go. Ever since then I've been withdrawing $5000 daily from the card & the money has been in my own account. So glad I gave it a try at last and this card has really changed my life financially without getting caught, it really & truly works though its illegal but made me rich!! If you need this card from Dark Web then call / WhatsApp: +1 5204929188 now to get yours . Thank you .

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks a lot for your help on this. I look forward to reading more articles from you!
    Maxi Taxi
    Maxi Cab booking

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks a lot for your help on this. I look forward to reading more articles from you!
    Taxi Maxi Melbourne

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hello everyone,

    I will tell you a secret of getting rich on bitcoin investment “a wise person should have money in their head , but not in the heart.. Everyday is a day of new decisions. Its your choice to be rich or to be poor & keep struggling, start making larger funds in 7 days with a legit & pro trader like us, Investment plans are open now with a minimum investment of $200 you can earn $2,000 in 7 days, Contact us on whatsapp +14234516435 or email: tradewithluiscarlos@gmail.com


    Invest $200 earn $2,000
    Invest $500 earn $5,000
    Invest $700 earn $7,000
    Invest $1,000 earn $10,000
    Invest $2,000 earn $20,000
    Invest $5,000 earn $50,000
    Invest $7,000 earn $70,000
    Invest $10,000 earn $100,000


    Do not miss this clear opportunity to achieve your financial freedom, those who are not ready to invest now are not ready to retire early, do not depend on a single source of income, let us trade for you today and start making profit for you. Contact us on whatsapp +14234516435 or email: tradewithluiscarlos@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

We would love to hear from you!