Ultimate Travel Guide: 48 Hours in Melbourne, Victoria

Gold Coast is the only happening city in Australia? Melbourne will prove otherwise.

Day one

Morning

Yarra Valley, located just an hour’s drive from Melbourne, is an invaluable asset to the Victorian state. Housing a galore of delectable food, gorgeous scenery and alluring culture. You’ll be pining for a return trip the moment you set foot on its rich soil.

A satisfying brunch selection awaits you at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery cafe. Tuck into a generous portion of Eggs Benedict or indulge in some crispy waffles topped with a gargantuan ball of luscious ice cream, while admiring the picturesque scenery of grass fields and towering trees. Then, immerse yourself in the world of chocolate by witnessing first-hand the intriguing workings of their famous chocolate factory. Of course, your eyes aren’t the only ones in for a treat. You’ll be spoilt for choice at their spacious comfy store boasting an array of mouthwatering chocolate products, from creamy assorted truffles to decadent chocolate bars.

With your sweet tooth cravings satiated, you’re ready for some good wine. Get intoxicated by the alluring atmosphere at Domaine Chandon, one of Melbourne’s finest winemaking homes. From magnificent rows of wooden barrels to grandiose machines accompanied by interactive screens displaying comprehensive details of their time-honoured production techniques, this is the place to be if you’re interested in the process of winemaking. Sip on an array of meticulously crafted wine concoctions at their wine-tasting bar while admiring the outdoor landscape of luscious grapevines.

Nothing goes better with wine than cheese, which you’ll find in abundance at Yarra Valley Dairy. This 100-year-old milking shed houses a stunning array of premium artisan cheeses, from earthy Persian Fetta to buttery goat cheese. Did we mention that they offer free samples? If you thought that was all, your eyes will be stoked to know that the shed overlooks a picturesque view of the lush greenery of Yarra Valley.

Afternoon

Scenic views and tranquil atmospheres are indubitably alluring, but there’s something equally captivating about the vibrant city life. It’s now time to head to the city of Melbourne where you’ll be greeted with grand architecture, distinctive culture and buzzing activities.

You should be feeling slightly peckish by now, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Hustle your way through the crowds at the famous Queen Victoria Market, which boasts of a food halls dishing out sumptuous fare and outdoor markets selling fresh produce. From freshly baked breads to tasty salads, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The alluring interior of the Queen Victoria Market makes this the ultimate tourist hotspot.

End the afternoon by gawking at some loud street art. Graffiti has never been more attractive than when carried out by the liberal artists of Melbourne. Take a walk down any random street or through a quiet alleyway and you’re bound to chance upon vibrantly spray-painted walls showcasing an aesthetic mess of miscellaneous graphics. You can count on the iconic venues of Hosier Lane and Caledonian Lane to be the perfect backdrop for your Instagram pictures.

Night

Now, quick question: ever heard of a building inside of a building? Yes, it exists. Witness it for yourself at the iconic Melbourne Central, which houses the spectacular Coop’s Shot Tower, the former tallest building in Melbourne’s CBD (before Melbourne Central wormed its way to the top). This incredible sight isn’t the only thing they have to offer. Engage in some cathartic retail therapy at this shopping mall, which offers an abundance of clothing and beauty stores. You’ll be able to catch some dinner here as well.

Day 2

Up for a good road trip? Embark on an enthralling adventure along the Great Ocean Road, where you’ll be greeted with majestic views of tremendous sapphire oceans and glorious golden landforms. Although this trip will eat up your entire day, we promise it’s worth every second.

Morning

Before you hit the road, you need to take care of your stomach first. Why not go for an early breakfast at The Kettle Black? This gorgeous cafe with a delicious minimalistic interior offers a ravishing brunch selection, from toasts to muesli bowls. However, take it from us – get their Hotcakes. You’ll be in awe at the first bite of this monstrously huge ornate pancake stack drowning in maple syrup, adorned with edible flower petals, buckwheat grains, berries, nuts and a glorious mountain of ricotta cream cheese.

Afternoon

Thanks to the three-hour drive to the Great Ocean Road, it’ll be around noon by the time you reach the Cora Lynn Cascades. Gaze at the intoxicating majesty of the waterfalls – the flow of rushing water over disorderly stairs of shale ledges – they will have you begging to stay for a minute longer when it’s time to move on to the next stop.

Your stomach should be growling for lunch by now. Make a pit stop at Apollo Bay Seafood Cafe, which offers good ol’ Australian fish & chips and seafood platters featuring an assortment of fresh seafood.

Don’t get too carried away by the food – it’s now time to continue your road trip! Your next stop: The Otways. From lush rainforests to dramatic cliffs, The Great Otway National Park promises a line-up of nature’s most stunning performances. Indulge your senses on the Otway Fly Tree Top Walk or settle for a serene stroll through the fern-filled Maits Rest. The ceaseless wonders and indescribable beauty of The Otways will render you speechless.

It’s nearing nighttime, and there’s nothing quite like the bewitching view of the sun inching into disappearance beneath the beach horizon, its rays diminishing with every second. End the afternoon at Bay of Islands, which will rob your breath with its incredible view. The harmony between surreal vibrant blue waters and rocky landforms creates a glorious scenic experience that Google Images can never replicate. You have to witness this astounding view for yourself.

Night

What better way to end the day than with a hearty dinner feast? Hit up the Great Ocean Road’s Brewhouse for an impeccable time of dining and drinking. Dig into chargrilled beef ribs or crispy Atlantic salmon fillets which promise to be of the highest quality. Once you’ve had your fill, you can then take a slow therapeutic drive back to the city while basking in the fresh golden memories of the past trip.

Lim Han

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Marie France Asia, women's magazine