With my final essays submitted and my return flight back to America quickly approaching, I have started reflecting on the four months I have spent in this city. While it’s bittersweet to think about saying goodbye to this place and its people, sharing my favorite things to do in the city feels like a fitting farewell. In May, I had both friends and family in town. So unintentionally, I compiled some Melbourne must-dos to share:
Eats
Go get dinner on the Yarra River. Make a booking, just in case! Many restaurants have a steak or chicken parma deal on weekday nights that includes a main, chips, and salad. Then, after dinner, take a stroll along the riverbank and enjoy Melbourne at night.
Enjoy Melbourne’s world-renowned coffee culture! Great coffee (or matcha) is practically on every corner (or laneway). I have been loving Good Measure in Carlton–it’s near uni! Their signature Mont Blanc is a must-have: filter coffee and sweet cream topped with orange zest and nutmeg.
Check out a bakery. Lune and Bakemono Bakers are two famous places I really enjoyed. But even lesser-known cafes generally have lovely desserts. When a friend from Griffith Uni (Gold Coast) visited me, she and I went to a laneway café where I got a maple-bacon pastry. So good!
Make sure to visit one of Melbourne’s many wonderful rooftop restaurants and bars. These spots have great views of the city skyline!
Hidden laneway bakery (featuring bacon scroll!)
Walking Tour
Developed for visitors by yours truly, you can hit a lot of Melbourne on the following route. Just wear sneakers!
- Eat breakfast in South Melbourne. There are many cute restaurants around. You can also check out the South Melb Market to eat and/or shop.
- Walk to the Shrine of Remembrance. It is a great place to see the city and near our next stop!
- Enter the Royal Botanical Gardens and wander. There’s so much to see! I like walking to The Terrace restaurant inside the park. There’s a beautiful lake here where you can sip a coffee and watch people punt on the water.
- Walk to the National Gallery of Victoria. Make sure to take the stunning path by the river! Entry to the National Gallery is free, except for special exhibitions. Make sure to see the Salon.
- Next, cross the Yarra River to Flinders Street Station. It’s a beautiful building! If you like to capture the moment (like I do), use the famous photobooth. Coins only!
- Need a snack? Grab a sweet treat on Degraves Street.
- Make your way to AC/DC and Hosier Lane, two iconic laneways for street art and graffiti.
- Walk up (or take the tram–it’s free within a certain zone) to Melbourne Central. You can shop here if you wish!
- Walk across the street to the State Library of Victoria. It’s free and absolutely breathtaking.
- Grab some food, maybe at Queen Victoria Market. Queen Vic not only has food stalls, but great souvenirs!
View from the Yarra River
The State Library of Victoria
Activities
Footy game
Victoria, namely Melbourne, loves the Australian Football League (AFL). Many people here are diehard fans, so going to a game at Melbourne Cricket Grounds (MCG) or Marvel Stadium is a must do. The environment is electric and that’s coming from someone who goes to an SEC school! Pick your team wisely–and early. Following your team closely is great way to start conversations with Aussies.
Footy game
See a show
Melbourne offers many live performances. I loved going to a play at the Southbank Theatre with my mom in May. I’ve also been to fun comedy shows. Take advantage of Melb’s vibrant arts scene!
Day Trips
Great Ocean Road
The Twelve Apostles alone makes the trip worth it. Along the way, you’ll likely see beautiful beachside towns, Australian fauna (like koalas and kangaroos), and a rainforest. Although expensive, taking a helicopter tour is a great way to experience the Twelve Apostles.
View from the Twelve Apostles
Phillip Island/Puffing Billy
This combined tour was amazing. My friends from the U.S. and I went in May! While Melbourne was pretty chilly by this time, we had a sunny day and only had to bundle up a little bit. We loved seeing the Dandenong Ranges’ foothills.
The tour also takes you to see the Nobbies and the Phillip Island Penguin Parade. Watching these penguins move from the ocean to their homes was an amazing experience. Bring something to sit on; if you are keen, you can sit right on the sand as they waddle up!
Puffing Billy Ride
Final Thoughts
When I was preparing to study here, it was difficult to imagine exactly what the city offered. As someone from the Southern United States, I only knew a few people who had ever been to Melbourne. Of course, the way they described this city made it sound magical: delicious coffee, vibrant cultural activities, and beautiful nature nearby. Still, going off TikToks and some positive reviews felt like a major wager.
But when I started looking at other students’ experiences, I felt more comfortable about my decision. As I learned more about what the city had to offer, I could picture what life would look like halfway around the world. I sincerely hope this post can do the same for those who read it. I am so grateful I gave living here a go; my time abroad with TEAN has taught me ‘heaps’ about myself and the worl