For year 2023, I turn 30, one of the key milestones in life. Luckily, for this year's CNY, it falls very close to my birthday, making it a perfect time for a holiday - 3 days leave in exchange for a 9-day trip!
Since the opening of borders last year, travelling requirements have since been simplified by a lot, despite the ongoing pandemic. Covid testing and mask wearing are no longer required for many countries!
I first visited Melbourne in 2015 and I always wanted to revisit again, but always ended up visiting another country instead. Back in December 2015, it was like a grad trip + visiting my friend who was studying there. I remember staying at St Kilda, where it was just next to St Kilda Beach, sunsets here were soooo beautiful!
This time round, I found this Airbnb located at Brunswick. It is a studio space located next to the owner's house. Technically housed in the same space, but the Airbnb is entered via the back gate, and is equipped with its own bathroom and kitchen. It is really close to the tram stop, and is walking distance to Anstey Station.
My impression of Melbourne, such a chill and beautiful city. I really love exploring cafes and I really love coffee. So if you notice, my itinerary focuses more on cafes, and museums - since it's summer and I hate the heat.
Here's the 9-day itinerary at a glance:
Arrive at Melbourne Airport
Get SIM card from Optus
SkyBus to Southern Cross Station
Store luggage at train station
Cafe // Archie's All Day
Carlton Gardens, Melbourne Museum
Royal Exhibition Building
Cafe // Higher Ground
Back to Southern Cross Station, get luggage
To Brunswick, check-in to Airbnb
The Rose Street Artists' Market
Cafe // Axil Coffee Roasters
Fitzroy Gardens, Cook's Cottage
Shandong Mama (Chinese dumplings)
National Gallery of Victoria
State Library Victoria
Melbourne Central
Cafe // Instea (BBT)
DooBoo (Korean stews)
Great Ocean Road tour: - Torquay Beach - Anglesea - Eastern View Memorial Arch - Kennett River (spot koalas) - Apollo Bay - Port Campbell National Park - Twelve Apostles - Island Archway - The Razorback - Loch Ard Gorge
Back to Melbourne
McDonald's
Cafe // Lobbs
Naturipe Fruits (strawberry picking)
Cafe // Humble Rays
Cafe // INI Studio
Library at the Dock
Back to Airbnb, chill
Flakes on Sydney Road (UberEats)
Cafe // Code Black Coffee
Cafe // Bakemono Bakers
Chinese Museum
SamSam Chicken (Korean fried chicken)
Federation Square, ACMI
Flinders Street Station
Lukumades (Greek donuts)
Queen Victoria Market (Summer Night Market)
McDonald's
SamSam Chicken (Korean fried chicken)
Cafe // Black Star Pastry
Luna Park
Fat Jak's (burgers and fries)
Cafe // Market Lane Coffee
South Melbourne Market
Agathe Patisserie
Cafe // Bench Coffee Co.
Phillip Island tour: - Phillip Island Koala Reserve - Pyramid Rock - Flynns Beach - Summerland Beach - The Nobbies - Penguin Parade
Back to Melbourne
Cafe // ONA Coffee
Rippon Lea Estate
Leo's Spaghetti Bar
Melbourne Central (massage)
Barkly Square, Kmart, Woolworths
The Dojo Ramen Bar
Check-out of Airbnb
Cafe // The Hardware Societe
To Southern Cross Station, SkyBus to Airport
Arrive at Melbourne Airport
Cafe // St Ali Coffee Roasters