48 Hours in Melbourne, Australia
This article was originally written in conjunction with Pilir Travel.
Sprawling cityscape, lush greenery, a global culinary scene and an Indigenous past, there’s more to Melbourne than meets the eye, and we’re here to guide you through everything you can uncover in just 48 hours.
DAY ONE
MORNING: Croissants and Laneways
Is there a better way to start the day than with pastries baked to scientific perfection? Well, you’ll find out at Lune Croissanterie where sweet and savoury croissants, cruffins and more seek to satisfy your morning hunger pangs.
Once you’ve dusted off a flaky, golden breakfast treat, take the time to meander through a number of the colourful laneways that truly showcase Melbourne’s creative edge. From Blender Lane and Centre Place to Croft Alley and AC/DC Lane, you’ll witness the very essence of culture and community that keeps the city’s CBD thriving - a network of laneways brought to life through street art, quaint shops, buzzing cafes and a little bit of rock ’n’ roll.
LUNCH: A Royal Picnic
Pay a visit to Melbourne’s lush oasis, where you can witness the kaleidoscope of colours and textures that make up the 8,500+ species of plants at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
But, before you head over there, be sure to pick up the Pick Up Picnic Pack you definitely pre-ordered ahead of time from Migrant Coffee! Filled with New York-style bagels and an array of ingredients to fill them with, you’ll have everything you need for the perfect al fresco lunch - including products for a cheeky Mimosa or two.
AFTERNOON: Uncover Aboriginal Culture
Experience the cultural nuances that make Melbourne, and Australia, one of a kind by delving into the country’s Indigenous past. Wander through Birrarung Marr, an urban park once Aboriginal land that now features design elements and art installations celebrating Aboriginal culture, or marvel at ancient artefacts housed within the Koorie Heritage Trust as you connect with Indigenous culture and people.
DINNER: Modern Aboriginal Bites
To fully connect with a culture, you must also sample its food! Functioning as both restaurant and social enterprise, Melbourne’s Charcoal Lane offers native Australian flavours inspired by the country’s Indigenous past, in addition to helping young Aboriginal people get a head start in the hospitality industry. Tuck into their contemporary menu - which celebrates seasonal, local produce - from a Slow-Cooked Wallaby Shank and Confit Tasmanian Muttonbird Mousse to an Emu Fillet Crepinette and other such culturally-inspired plates.
SLEEP: Opposite Lush Urban Parkland
People, place, sustainability - just three of the many core values that drives United Places to the top of our hotel list! With a commitment to ensuring minimal impact on the environment, their ethical and sustainable practices, coupled with their luxurious suites, makes for an unforgettable night in Melbourne.
DAY TWO
EARLY MORNING: Responsible Coffee and a Whimsical Walk
Stop by local cafe-roasters Seven Seeds for a boost from one of the most responsible brews in town. Here, you’ll see exactly what goes towards the producers of both their single origin and blended coffees thanks to the brand’s pure sense of traceability. Plus, they have some killer breakfast offerings - try the Chilli Scram with eggs on roti bread accompanied by fresh herbs, crispy onion, coriander and mint oil.
After breakfast, it’s time to work up a sweat while exploring a vast and whimsical haven just a short distance from Melbourne city itself: the Dandenong Ranges. Gaze upon mystical sculptures at William Ricketts Sanctuary, ride Puffing Billy the steam train, flit through the fern glades, or try to conquer the Thousand Steps - we believe in you.
LUNCH: A Traditional Working Market
While most might stop off at the SkyHigh Mount for a birds-eye-view of the surrounding area, we recommend heading back into society and mingling with the local traders at Dandenong Market. At over 150 years old, and with over 200 vendors, there’s a plethora of global culinary delights to devour. Bite into a Curry Roll from Piqnic Hut, grab a slice of pizza from the Picnic Boys, order up a tray of freshly shucked oysters from MC Quality Seafood’s oyster bar, or do all of the above because you deserve to treat yourself.
AFTERNOON: Vineyards and Cheese Boards
Just a one-hour drive northeast of Melbourne is a region renowned for its vineyards - Yarra Valley. Don’t just go to any cellar door though, enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting at Badger Creek Blueberry Winery, where they make everything from fortified and sparkling to barrel-aged and moscato wines…all made from 100% blueberries! Take a seat in their relaxed and casual space, order up a paddle and graze on some platters filled with cheese, jams and other local produce.
DINNER: Tantalising Tapas
For your last supper in Melbourne, venture towards MoVida for an evening filled with Spanish flair. Tucked away down the graffiti-laden Hosier Lane, indulge in an intimate evening of tapas and sharing plates, featuring everything from fresh ceviche to jamón ibérico…and a tipple or two.