Melbourne is one of the most beautiful cities in Australia, and it is also the second-largest city in the country. The city is beautiful and rich in cultural heritage. So what are the important things you need to know while planning a trip to Melbourne?
Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria, which is located in Australia’s southern hemisphere. Yarra Valley, Philips Island, and the Mornington Peninsula are two hours away from Melbourne and worth visiting. Melbourne also has an excellent public transportation system that makes it easy to get around the city.
This article will cover everything related to travelling to Melbourne, as well as notable places to visit in and around Melbourne. Keep reading to learn more about the activities available in and around Melbourne.
Where Should I Go 2 Hours From Melbourne?
There are many fancy and attractive sites two hours from Melbourne where you can visit and explore the environment. A few of them are below:
Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley, Victoria’s prominent wine region, is two hours away from Melbourne. The Yarra Valley is home to many interesting destinations, such as Healesville, Noodles Creek, Seville, Warburton, and Yarra Glen. Cycling, hot air ballooning, and vineyard hopping are all popular activities in this beautiful landscape.
Phillip Island
Phillip Island is a stunning destination where you can relax on the beach, observe native wildlife, explore the coastline, and wander through maze gardens.
Within Phillip Island, you can visit the Phillip Island National Park to see thousands of penguins and koalas in their natural habitat and the Phillip Island Wildlife Park to see diverse kinds of animals like emus and wombats.
Mornington Peninsula
Another amazing location just two hours from Melbourne is the Mornington Peninsula, where you can explore historic buildings, cool climate gardens, colourful beach boxes, and beautiful seaside cities. The Mornington Peninsula also has a national park, Point Nepean National Park, and a hot spring, Peninsula Hot Spring.
How Do I Spend My Weekend In Victoria?
Victoria is a beautiful place with many breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere where you can spend the weekend unwinding from the week’s events. There are many things to do in Victoria over the weekend. The following is a weekend itinerary for you in Victoria;
Saturday
Visit Narana Aboriginal Craft and Cultural Interpretation Centre
to learn about Victoria’s culture and to experience both traditional and contemporary lifestyles.
You can also spend time here learning about and understanding their spiritual origins and beliefs, as well as their unique values and traditions.
You can also take a trip to Phillip Island, where you can have fun and relax while visiting the island’s notable attraction sites, such as the Phillip Island Nature Park, where you can see penguins in their natural habitat, and the Phillip Island Chocolate Factory to try delicious locally made chocolates.
Sunday
Visit the twin towns of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs in Victoria, where you can relax and get some good spa treatments. These towns are known for their best spa treatments and have natural mineral springs and spa resorts. There is simply so much to see and do at spa resorts.
As the sun sets, Apollo Bay is the best place to cool off and enjoy the rest of the evening. Drive down the Great Ocean Road to Apollo Bay and enjoy freshly prepared local fish with chips. You can also relax with a glass of wine as you enjoy the weekend.
How Is Melbourne Different From Victoria?
Some tourists believe that staying in Melbourne is the same as staying in Victoria, and vice versa. The table below highlights the differences between both cities:
| Melbourne | Victoria |
| Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria | Victoria is one of the cities in Melbourne |
| Melbourne has an expensive cost of living, but a low quality of life | Victoria has a low cost of living and a high standard of living |
| The unemployment rate in Melbourne is 6.2% | The unemployment rate in Victoria is 2% |
| Melbourne has a 6.2% unemployment rate | Victoria has a 2% unemployment rate |
Fun Fact: Melbourne is the only city in the world with five international standard sporting facilities, and it is also known as Australia’s sports capital.
Is A Day Trip To Victoria Worth It?
You can tour the beautiful city of Victoria in a day without worrying about transportation because Victoria is designed in such a way that movement between towns is easy and eco-friendly. Places you can visit for a day in Victoria include;
- Regional art galleries, including the Art Gallery of Ballarat, the Bendigo Art Gallery, and the Gippsland Art Gallery house a diverse range of artworks and exhibitions.
- Regional museums like the Museum of Australian Democracy in Eureka and the Swan Hill Museum of Art and History house significant collections of Victorian and Australian artifacts. If you want to learn about Victoria’s history, the best place to do so is in one of the city’s museums.
- To experience nature in Victoria, visit the Dandenong Ranges National Park and Sherbrooke Forest, as well as the Living Bush Nature Walk and the Kokoda Trail National Park.
- There are several paths and terrains for cycling in Victoria, so take/hire a bicycle and explore the mountains. Vine tours are also available in the wine regions of Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and Rutherglen.
Does Melbourne Have A Beach?
Melbourne is a city with plenty of beaches, so you are spoiled for choice when deciding which to visit for some relaxation. These are some of the best beaches in Melbourne out of the many available.
Altona Beach
Altona Beach is located in Altona, Victoria, 17.1 kilometres from Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD). Altona Beach is the largest recreational beach in Melbourne’s western suburbs, known for its fishing spot and scenic seaside views.
There are many cafes and restaurants where tourists can relax and try the local cuisine. The Altona Coastal Park and Cheetham Wetlands are close to Altona Beach and offer views of Melbourne’s natural beauty.
Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is on Dendy Street in Brighton, Victoria, about 13 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD. Brighton Beach is one of Melbourne’s best beaches, famous for its rainbow-coloured beach huts. There are also historic baths, swimming lanes, and a steam room at this beach.
Half Moon Bay Beach
Half Moon Bay Beach is located in Half Moon Bay, Black Rock, Victoria, about 20 kilometres from Melbourne’s central business district. Half Moon Bay Beach is well-known for its golden sand and is great for swimming. As this beach is also a fishing spot, you can enjoy the bay with a meal of local fish and chips.
South Melbourne Beach
Just 4.3 kilometres from Melbourne’s central business district is South Melbourne Beach. This beach is the closest to the Melbourne CBD and is popular for its dunes, picnic areas, volleyball courts, and swimming. A beach playground is also available for younger children.
St. Kilda Beach
St. Kilda beach is located on the St. Kilda Foreshore in St. Kilda, Victoria, about 7.5 kilometres from the city’s CBD. You cannot visit Melbourne and miss the popular St. Kilda Beach.
This beach is loaded with many activities, including skydiving and kiteboarding. There are also baths on St. Kilda Beach, which features relaxing bars and restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Melbourne Safe For Tourists?
Yes, Melbourne is a safe place for tourists to visit, and with an 80% safety rating, tourists visiting Melbourne can rest assured that their lives and property are safe.
2. Is Public Transportation In Melbourne Expensive?
Yes, Melbourne has the most expensive public transportation in the country. So, tourists should expect to spend more money on transportation while touring Melbourne.
3. How Expensive Is Melbourne?
Melbourne is one of the most affordable places to live compared to other global cities. Although the cost of living in Melbourne is high, it is affordable and a good city to stay in.
Final Thoughts
Melbourne, Victoria’s capital city, has many tourist attractions where you can explore the city. As a cultural city, expect to see aboriginal culture and artworks, as well as beaches, wildlife parks, and gardens. Make sure to plan your itinerary thoroughly before arriving in Melbourne so that you don’t miss any important sights and can enjoy your Melbourne vacation.
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