Three Perfect Days: A trip to Melbourne

Know before you go

Getting around: The main areas of the city are very walkable, and there are also affordable, reliable public transit options to get you around town.

• To use public transit around Melbourne, you’ll need a “myki” card, which you can buy at convenience stores like 7-11, or at certain stations.
• You don’t need to load more than $11 onto your myki card per day; fares for all public transit within the Melbourne area are capped at this amount.
• There’s also a “free tram zone” that covers most of Melbourne’s Central Business District (the CBD), so you can simply hop on and off within that zone.

Weather: Melbourne residents will tell you their hometown is famous for its climate that can cover “four seasons in a day.” This is a result of its coastal position on the far southeastern corner of the continent, so be prepared for a little bit of everything. Even during the warmer months (November to March), consider packing one or two warm layers and a light jacket that can stand up to rain and wind.

For your first day in Melbourne, there’s no better area to wander through than St. Kilda. Technically a “suburb” of the city proper, St. Kilda sits along the shore just south of the Central Business District (the CBD). Its landmark beach and adjacent walking paths – called the Esplanade – are perfect to stroll through on a nice day. You’re likely to see plenty of boats, surfers and even windsurfers taking advantage of the bay’s strong winds and legendary waves while walking past some of the city’s more quaint landmarks.

Luna Park: You won’t miss the entrance to this amusement park that sits right along the Esplanade. Luna Park was built in 1912 with help from the designers of the original Luna Park in Coney Island, New York, and the resemblance between the two is easy to see. Melbourne’s version hosts what’s said to be the world’s oldest continuously active roller coaster, and could be worth the admission fee if you’re into that sort of thing. Otherwise, it’s at least a great spot to take a funny photo.

The Esplanade Hotel: “The Espy,” as locals call it, is one of St. Kilda’s many architectural landmarks built in the Victorian-era style. While you can get a room for the night here, it’s now known more as a lively pub and restaurant with multiple floors, near around-the-clock live music and plenty of local beer on draught.

If you want to try your hand at kite surfing, standup paddleboarding or any number of other activities along the beach, you can find plenty of places along the shore to give it a shot. If you can’t pick up surfing right away, don’t feel bad; these blokes have been at it a while.

Where to eat

The Galleon Café: Whether you’re jetlagged or just enjoy a good cup of coffee, you’ve come to the right place. Australia is known as the birthplace of the flat white (like a latte but with a bit more coffee and less foam). Australia is also known for its café culture in general. So, either way you’re bound to stumble into a nice cup of joe on just about any corner of Melbourne. To sample a mix of local coffee, great food and laid-back vibes, try the Galleon Café for breakfast or brunch. Their menu runs the gamut from American diner-style classics to sandwiches piled high with eggs, meat and more.

Fitzroy Street: For lunch or a casual dinner in St. Kilda, check out Fitzroy Street. You’ll find something for any craving, whether you’re into kebab, banh mi or pizza. This is one of the “main drag” corridors of St. Kilda, and also may be worth returning to later to sample the area’s nightlife, if you’re up for it.

Alternatively, the aforementioned Esplanade Hotel’s restaurant has a wide-ranging menu that can satisfy almost any craving if you’re hungry during your visit there.