10 Underrated things to do and discover around Melbourne, Australia
G’day in the Garden City
Think Melbourne and you’re probably imagining its vibrant neighbourhood cafes or the iconic Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road. While these are no doubt must-visits in the coastal capital of Australia’s state of Victoria, there’s plenty else to discover around the city and its outskirts.
I learnt this first-hand after returning to The Garden State recently, during which I got to explore a food and wine festival and uncover its gems through the eyes of locals. Whether it’s your first holiday in Melbourne or you’re visiting friends and family here for the umpteenth time, add these underrated experiences to your bucket list for an amazing trip! Thank me later.
1. IMMERSE IN DIGITAL ART AT THE LUME MELBOURNE
View this post on Instagram
Melbourne is world-renowned for its arts and culture scene, and one can easily spend an entire day perusing its museums and galleries. One stop that I thoroughly enjoyed is The Lume Melbourne, the world’s largest digital art gallery. Located in Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), the gallery had just started showcasing the Leonardo Da Vinci—500 Years of Genius exhibition at the time of my visit. It features the iconic Renaissance artist’s masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, The Last Supper and the Vitruvian Man; as well as original pages from his precious Codex Atlanticus notebook and 40 ‘machine inventions’ on loan from Rome’s Museo Leonardo da Vinci.
For more information or to book tickets, click here.
2. EXPLORE THE FITZROY NEIGHBOURHOOD
If your idea of travelling involves wandering the streets of a neighbourhood and soaking in the local lifestyle, make Fitzroy your location of choice. This lively suburb is known among locals as Melbourne’s artsy, eclectic heart—where you’ll find an array of thrift shops, vibrant bars and cafes, independent retailers, and cool street art. While you’re here, don’t forget to drop by Lune to indulge in “Melbourne’s best croissants.” Although the croissanterie can be found in several locations around the city, the Fitzroy address is home to “The Cube”—a glass-encased show space giving visitors a glimpse of the magic that goes on behind the creation of its world-famous pastries.
3. DINE AT SOME OF MELBOURNE’S BEST RESTAURANTS
Sure, Melbourne is renowned for its coffee culture and cafe scene; but there’s a number of restaurants that are worth the splurge if you’re looking to satisfy your gourmet palate. One popular cocktail bar and restaurant to make reservations at is Gimlet, helmed by prolific chef and restaurateur Andrew McConnell. It goes without saying that its namesake cocktail is the go-to order from the bar, although you’re welcome to take your pick of wines, spirits or other non-alcoholic options. Meanwhile, the rotating food menu offers a range of appetisers, entrees, mains and desserts based on the best ingredients of the season.
Then there’s Victoria by Farmer’s Daughters, which champions the produce, people and places of the state of Victoria. Located in Fed Square at the heart of the city, this riverside restaurant offers an a la carte menu and a provenance menu that reflects the seasonal availability of ingredients. My table opted for the latter, featuring dishes like heirloom zucchini and smoked Portarlington mussels that earned approving nods from everyone.
Another establishment that I highly recommend from my trip is the two-hatted modern Chinese restaurant, Lee Ho Fook. For the uninitiated, Australia uses a “hat” system in lieu of stars—with two hats representing a restaurant that has “food quite out of the ordinary” and is “worth a stop on the way”. The restaurant’s setting is tasteful yet unpretentious with a rustic charm, given its obscure location on the upper floor of a Melbournian alleyway. Interestingly, chef-owner Victor Liong’s Malaysian Chinese descent is inflected in his cooking, as I noticed in the five-course set I had. Highlights include Raw Hiramasa Kingfish and Prawn Toast served with sea urchin.
4. GO FOR A WALKING TOUR AROUND THE CITY
View this post on Instagram
You may have heard of popular tourist spots like Hosier Lane, Presgrave Street, and Royal Arcade. However, there’s more to these places than meets the eye. For instance, did you know that the historical Block Arcade takes its name from the practice of “doing the block” (read: to dress fashionably and promenade along the section of Collins Street between Elizabeth and Swanston streets)? No? Then take this as your sign to book a walking tour and hear from a local about these storied locations.
Book a walking tour here.
5. SHOP AT THE LOCAL MARKETS
For a country that takes pride in its local produce, you can bet that markets in Australia are well worth a visit. The South Melbourne Market is one prime example. Established in 1867, it is known as Melbourne’s longest continually running market and serves as the quintessential place for locals to do their grocery runs. Featuring almost 150 stalls operated by small business owners, the curated market offers a wide variety of products including butchers, poultry, seafood and delis, pet supplies, apparel, footwear, accessories, homeware, books and stationery, restaurants, cafes, speciality coffee stores, flowers, and so much more.
Find more information about the market here.
6. BOOK A MUSSEL BOAT TOUR IN PORTARLINGTON
View this post on Instagram
If you enjoy seafood—particularly mussels—then this is one experience you should not miss. Plan a day trip (or a weekender, if you prefer) to Portarlington and enjoy its fresh supply or better yet, book yourself a mussel boat tour to learn more about the mussel farming process. Portarlington Mussel Tours offers a range of tours that will take you a journey on the glistening waters of Port Philip Bay, where you’ll get to taste freshly shucked mussels and oysters, sip on Bellarine wine, learn from cooking demonstrations, and enjoy a front row seat to the mussel farming process—all from the comfort of a beautifully refurbished vessel.
For more information or to book a tour, click here.
7. FOLLOW THE GREAT VICTORIAN BATHING TRAIL TO MORNINGTON PENINSULA
There’s nothing quite like a spa day to soothe the soul, especially when the spa in question combines nature-based well-being experiences with baths, nature walks; yoga and mindfulness experiences; as well as gourmet food and wine. Don’t just take my word for it—hop on the 900km-long Great Victorian Bathing Trail and experience it for yourself. The route connects hot springs, mineral springs, and sea baths across the southern coastline of Victoria.
I highly recommend Alba Thermal Springs & Spa in Mornington Peninsula, one of the newer wellness destinations on the trail that promises to pamper you from head to toe. Alternatively, check out its neighbouring Peninsula Hot Springs, a lush sanctuary boasting over 70 globally inspired bathing and wellness experiences.
8. ENJOY A MEAL ABOARD THE Q TRAIN
View this post on Instagram
Ever tried dining on a moving restaurant? The Q Train allows you to do just that en route from Drysdale to Queenscliff and back on the Bellarine Peninsula, while showcasing some of the best produce from the towns of Geelong, Bellarine and the Otways. There are five dining carriages and two bars on the Q Train, with the option of Q Class or First Class dining. I experienced the former, entailing a three-hour journey on the historic Bellarine Railway, inclusive of a pre-departure bubbly and five-course degustation menu on board. My favourite part was the ’gram-worthy views of the local farms and wildlife, protected wetlands and Swan Bay along the way!
For more information or to book a table, click here.
9. INDULGE IN A WINE TASTING SESSION AT YARRA VALLEY
Lauded as the oldest wine region of Victoria, Yarra Valley is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. Featuring over 80 vineyards, it is best known for producing Chardonnay, sparkling wine and Pinot Noir. You can get to Yarra Valley by car, bus, train or a private tour which will likely include a few different wineries. I stopped by St Huberts, one of the first wineries in the region. The vineyard boasts an innovative cellar door experience and daily wine tastings, with a small selection of local cheese and charcuterie to complement the experience.
On the other hand, non-drinkers can make a trip to Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. Here, you can indulge in chocolate and ice cream tastings, then choose from over 250 different chocolate varieties and gifts to bring home.
BONUS: STAY AT RE’EM HOTEL, HELEN & JOEY’S ESTATE
Although day trips from Melbourne are popular, it’s worth staying at Yarra Valley for the scenic rolling hills alone. (It’s probably a wise idea too, if you’re planning on a full day or more of wine tasting.) I spent a night at Re’em Hotel on Helen & Joey’s Estate and was blown away, so it definitely deserves a spot on this list.
The hotel has 16 boutique rooms, each offering panoramic views of the estate’s vineyards via a private balcony or garden patio. All rooms are equipped with a plush king bed and bathrooms complete with the biggest bathtubs I have ever seen (that can probably fit a small family of four); artisanal olive-oil bath products; and bespoke wine glass holders that add a touch of luxury. Plus, I fondly remember Re’em Restaurant for serving one of the best meals I had on the trip, so a reservation here comes highly recommended.
For more information or to book a stay, click here.
10. VISIT A LOCAL DISTILLERY
Aside from its wines, Melbourne is also home to a number of world-renowned craft beers, ciders and spirits. One you may have heard of is Four Pillars Gin, Australia’s number one craft spirit. What better way to savour this award-winning gin than through a tasting at the Four Pillars Distillery? Located in Healesville, Yarra Valley, about an hour’s drive from the Melbourne CBD, the Distillery Door is open seven days a week for a tasting of the Four Pillars range or gin-based cocktails from the bar.
If you prefer rum, check out JimmyRum, the first craft rum distillery in Mornington Peninsula. Located in the suburb of Dromana, the distillery offers a range of rum and cane spirits, pre-mixed cans, and bottled cocktails and mixers that visitors can try over a tasting session. There’s also a bar with over 30 cocktails on the menu, alongside a seasonal menu featuring local peninsula producers—perfect for friends and family to come together and have a good time.
Getting to Melbourne
Malaysia Airlines offers direct flights to and from Melbourne twice daily, from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia to Melbourne International, Australia. Each flight takes approximately eight hours on an Airbus 330-300, with the option to fly in Economy or Business.
As this was a long-haul trip, I had the luxury of flying in Business Class which offers comfortable, spacious seats with a full-reclining bed; up to 50kg of checked bag allowance; two pieces of 7kg cabin bag allowance; priority privileges; and lounge access. Moreover, I was able to stay refreshed during the journey with exclusive amenities from Aspinal of London, while indulging in a selection of gourmet meals and beverages (alcohol included) during the flight. Thanks to these services, I’m pleased to report little to no jet lag from the journey!
One final pro tip: Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are considered the best times to visit Melbourne, as the weather is generally cooler and more pleasant. Happy travels!
For more travel guides, click here.
| SHARE THE STORY | |
| Explore More |
