Melbourne is the perfect place to get a little bit of everything on your next international vacation. You’ve got the bustling city life, known for its street art scene, and a delicious bite on every corner.
Just beyond the city of Melbourne you can bask in turquoise blue waters, sip on some of Australia’s finest wines, and of course, see their iconic kangaroos and other native animals, all with the country’s indigenous culture celebrated and highlighted throughout.
Ideally, we would have months to take in all of the gems, quirks, and delightful flavors this destination has to offer so instead we have created a 10-day itinerary based on our most recent trip to help you experience the best things Melbourne has to offer. Of course, we can’t skip over the iconic Great Ocean Road, so we created an entire 5-day itinerary for it!
If you’re still a little unsure about visiting Australia, we wrote a list of helpful Australia travel tips and things you need to know.
Overview of Your 10-Day Trip Across Victoria, Australia
First Day: Arrive in Melbourne
Second Day: Melbourne
Third Day: Melbourne
Fourth Day: Yarra Valley
Fifth Day: Yarra Valley
Sixth Day: Mornington Peninsula
Seventh Day: Mornington Peninsula
Eight Day: Mornington Peninsula
Nineth Day: Bellarine Peninsula
Tenth Day: Leave Melbourne
How to Get to Victoria, Austrlia
We flew with Qantas Airways non-stop from DFW Airport to the Melbourne Airport in Victoria. This made the guesswork of booking flights and making connections or possibly experiencing delays so much easier.
We flew Premium Economy, where we enjoyed more leg room, a reclined seat to lean back and comfortable footrest. We also enjoyed trying Australian wines and tasty food options, including dinner and snacks throughout the flight to keep us satisfied, followed by breakfast and good coffee (super important to know).
I have to admit, I was a little stressed about the flight since jet lag can hinder your ability to enjoy the rest of your day (or the next couple of days). However, I was able to enjoy a full eight hours of sleep!
The small details to keep us comfortable were really big for us as well; things like headphones, eye masks to help us sleep, in-flight entertainment, and even lotion!
We were quickly welcomed with that Aussie hospitality that we came to appreciate during our stay through Melbourne. Australians are such hospitable people as we soon learned and it was apparent from the genuine service and kindness shown by the Qantas crew.
Check out our blog about our experience flying with Qantas Airways to Australia for more details including the Business Lounge.
How to Get Around Melbourne
While we were staying in the city of Melbourne, we either walked or rode the City Circle Tram between places. The public transport is free to ride within the Central Business District (CBD) and really easy to navigate.
When we ventured off to Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsula, we traveled by car, with our tour guide for that day with both destinations only just over an hour from the city. A lot of tour companies offer great touring options. Otherwise you can rent a car if you want to self-explore.
To get to Queenscliff Brewhouse on the Bellarine Peninsula, we took the ferry from the port in Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula, which you can easily book a ticket for online.
Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne
Check into the Adelphi Hotel
If you’re keen on exploring Melbourne, the Cultural Capital of Australia, the Adelphi Hotel is a lodging choice that just makes sense. Its location on Flinders Lane (a place you’ll find yourself walking along quite often) puts everything Melbourne is known for just a short tram ride or walk away. Visit its abundance of coffee shops (Melbourne has the highest per capita of coffee shops in the world), fine dining to street eats, chill bars, art galleries, Hosier Lane’s street art, and Federation Square (the heart of Melbourne).
The Adelphi Hotel has been voted the best boutique hotel in the state of Victoria four times, according to their website, and it’s clear why! What started as a soft goods warehouse in 1938, the architects simultaneously preserved its rustic charm and filled it with 34 rooms decorated with mood lighting, splashes of color, striking patterns, unique furnishings, and art pieces.
The best part is how they have created an upscale “sweets” experience that feels like a subtle nod to Willy Wonka. If you didn’t know about its candy theme, you might not realize it at first, but something about the decor and colors might poke at your sweet tooth. Luckily, the Adelphi Hotel offers a complimentary mini bar and candy jars in each room, plus an on-site restaurant and a rooftop deck on the ninth floor with a glass bottom pool that juts out over Flinders Lane. It’s quite a sight!
Depending on how much time you have on your next international trip to Australia, you can spend some time relaxing at the pool or grabbing a drink at the bar before getting your 10-day trip started.
Eat at One of the World’s Top 50 Restaurants
Housed inside a historic building from the 1920s, the Gimlet at Cavendish House serves European style dishes surrounded by Chicagoan vibes. Their beloved wood fire oven is the focal point of the restaurant and is used for several different dishes on the menu. As the only restaurant in Australia to be featured by the 2022 World’s 50 Best Restaurants Longlist coming in at #84. It’s a popular spot you don’t want to miss out on.
You can choose from small plates, wood-fired meats, seafood, and caviar. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers with a focus on sustainable sourcing practices and seasonality. Pair your plates with wines from around the world or one of their cocktails made carefully by their award-winning bartenders.
Executive Chef Andrew McConnell has worked in restaurants all over the world and is currently the owner of eight restaurants in Melbourne. His menus are influenced by his experience with Chinese culture during his culinary training and their emphasis on sharing food, while simultaneously catering to the city’s love of fine dining.
The Southern Rock Lobster is by far one of the best lobsters I have had to date and makes me want to book another plane ticket simply to relish in those flavors again.
Day 2: Melbourne
Visit a Famous Open-Air Market
The Queen Victoria Market has been a central part of life in Melbourne since 1878. This huge public market consists of 600 different vendors, which stretches across a two-block radius. Visitors to the market can find vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. If you think you couldn’t possibly explore it all, lucky for you, it’s open five days a week (Tuesday – Sunday)!
It’s fun to wander around buying anything you could possibly imagine (I picked up a nice sun hat and Ismail browsed through some belts). However, beyond the shopping, there is so much that goes on! From the fresh fruit and vegetables to the seafood, meat, and prepared food markets, you really need a local’s eye to help you find all the gems (and try as much as you can)!
On our Ultimate Foodies Tour, we really got to learn about the importance of Queen Victoria Market and experience it like a local, including where to get the best Australian made cheese, the story of a dolma that’s been passed down for generations, and Melbourne’s love for coffee, all while sampling everything you learn about.
Additionally, the Queen Victoria Market also hosts a regularly occurring Night Market. While we were in Melbourne, they had the “Hawker 88 Night Market,” which was dedicated to showcasing Asian flavors. We watched Indian dancers, feasted on street food from countries like Nepal, the Philippines, and Taiwan, and shopped from local vendors.
Experience Indigenous Ingredients
Located in Federation Square is Big Esso, an all-day bar and kitchen with a seasonal menu centered around sustainably sourced, native ingredients with an emphasis on First Nations, queer-led, women-led, and environmentally conscious producers. The interior is even filled with artwork from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists!
Executive Chef, CEO, and owner, Nornie Bero, is a native Torres Strait Islander with a passion for her culture and minority owned businesses like her own, which has culminated into a foodie experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Their cocktails also highlight native botanicals, Australian ingredients, and First Nations Distillers. We decided on the Green Ant-ini (Seven Seasons Green Ant Gin, 78 Degrees Dry Vermouth, and green ants which were eaten by Australian aboriginals and are enjoyed for their citrus flavor) as well as a gin and soda made with Seven Seasons Bush Apple Gin.
Drinking History Tours
Explore Melbourne from a renewed perspective with Drinking History Tours. You’ll have the chance to visit everything from rooftop bars, whisky and gin bars, and even speakeasies with a historical or spooky twist (depending on your preference).
Tours are three hours long and will include drinks from each of the three locations, all served up with stories about Melbourne’s extensive history. This tour is a great way to experience a lot of Melbourne’s tourist attractions in a short period of time while also visiting the best places to grab a drink that you would otherwise miss out on. Not to mention, learning history can turn into a great time with a drink in hand!
Day 3: Melbourne
Grab Breakfast and Coffee at Krimper Cafe
Within walking distance (or a short tram ride) from the Adelphi Hotel, the Krimper Cafe serves premium coffee with breakfast, brunch, and lunch options, all inside a converted warehouse. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to see iconic Guilford Lane.
It’s actually named after a mid-century cabinet maker, Schulim Krimper, who is known for his extravagant designs and use of native Australian trees to create his coveted pieces. A method of creation that Krimper would be proud of, the tables and chairs were made from recycled wood found on-site and there is even a 100-year-old lift car you can eat inside of!
We enjoyed their Eggs Benny with Beef Bulgogi and their Almond French Toast with Red Wine Poached Pear. Every one of their dishes are bright and beautiful, so keep your eyes peeled as the staff brings plates to other tables (or don’t because it might make your decision even harder).
Try Fairy Floss
Son-in-Law is a casual cafe serving Asian style creations like Gau Bao, Fried Chicken Ribs, and spring rolls, along with Halal and vegan options. You’ll find it inside Melbourne Central, which is similar to a food hall or indoor market.
Order one of their huge cotton candy creations of the cutest cartoon animal characters that you can watch the staff create right in front of you! They are also known for their Sweet Cartoon Baos Buns, Cartoon Burgers, and Filled Cartoon Gau Baos.
Melbourne Street Art Tours
Melbourne is known for its street art. In fact, one of the most visited street art spots in the city center is Hosier Lane. Rather than simply snapping a selfie and moving on, one of the best ways to really appreciate the complexity of street art and the stories behind it is to learn from the street artists themselves!
On our private CBD Street Art Tour, our guide Ben took us to Hosier Lane, where any artist is free to express themselves and participate in the rich culture and tradition of Melbourne’s street art scene, plus the iconic streets AC/DC Lane and Presgrave Place. We saw dozens of amazing creations, like a memorial to Malcolm Young, a piece by Banksy, a duck dressed as Elvis, and portraits of iconic figures in pop culture and history.
As a home to several artist studios, we also had the chance to participate in a pre-cut stencil workshop at Blender Studios. Decked out in a mask and goggles, we went out into the alley and created our own canvas art. We even got to watch street artists at work! Much like how every square inch of your local tattoo shop is covered in art, this huge art warehouse was colorful in its own way.
Check Into Hotel No
I’m a huge fan of hidden establishments and Hotel No has topped the list. Composed of six, renovated, 1970’s airstreams, each one was intentionally placed on this rooftop to create an oasis in the middle of Melbourne. The actual entrance to Hotel No is a bit of a secret even as a guest. Almost like a speakeasy but, instead, a hotel.
All six accommodations share a community area covered in turf with potted trees and a spray-painted brick wall as your backdrop.
Other features include a complimentary mini bar, on-site valet parking, Wi-Fi and Netflix, an iPad Pro for streaming purposes, a HP Sprocket Photo Printer to document your experience, and en suite bathrooms. When you book the Airstream with Benefits, you’ll also find your own, open-air spa with a private hot tub.
Supernormal
Serving Asian inspired cuisine with an Australian twist, Supernormal is another one of Andrew McConnell’s famous restaurants, also inspired by his training with and experience in Asian cuisine. The menu at Supernormal is inspired by the flavors of Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Seoul.
During the day, the dining room is flooded with natural light, and at night, it takes on a whole new personality and is filled with dim, neon red lighting. You’re going to need to make sure to make a reservation if you want to dine here.
Lui Bar
End the night with drinks with the ultimate view! Located on the 55th floor of The Rialto Towers, this moody cocktail bar offers an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages, as well as a snack menu created by Vue de Monde, a fine dining restaurant prioritizing seasonality and utilization of local ingredients. One of the best parts is the unparalleled view of Melbourne you get from here.
The cocktails themselves are a show of their own! We got the featured drink, the Vodka Pour Over (Ketel One Vodka, Coffee, Curaçao, and Cacao) which had a show of dry ice and smoke while the drink slowly filtered through.
Day 4: Yarra Valley
Ride a Steam Train Across the Countryside
Aboard the Puffing Billy Railway, just a short drive one hour east of Melbourne, you’ll roll through the lush greenery of Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges in open-sided train cars for spectacular views of the countryside.
There are four different routes to choose from, but we started off at the Belgrave Station and took the train to Lakeside and back, which was just a one-hour trip each way. We had the chance to see the famous Mountain Ash trees of the Sherbrooke Forest, home to the tallest flowering plant in the world, and the iconic Trestle Bridge.
When you stop at Lakeside, you’ll have four hours to explore Emerald Lake Park, whether that’s walking/biking the trails, paddle boating its many lakes, dining at the Railway Cafe, or enjoying time with the family on the playground.
Four Pillars Distillery
What began as a dream shared between three friends and a single copper still in 2013 was named the world’s leading gin producer in 2019-2021 by the International Wine & Spirit Competition. Crafted in the Yarra Valley, Four Pillars Distillery utilizes the beauty of native botanicals and fresh citrus to flavor their carefully crafted gin. This single distillery actually makes 40% of Australia’s gin!
Inside the distillery, you’ll also find their gin archives, which consists of a bottle of the first batch of that gin to have been made, to track their progress over the last decade.
Don’t forget to also grab some light bites! Many of their dishes incorporate their gin, including their Yarra Valley Bloody Shiraz Caviar and their Botanical Infused Pita Chips!
Grab Dinner at Panda Hot Pot
Australia is proud of its multi-cultural history, including the paramount role Asian immigrants have had on Australia over the centuries. Panda Hot Pot is another great example of this, with an emphasis on bringing a taste of Ancient China and culture from the Sichuan province of China, where the restaurant originated from.
The interior is especially striking, with a one-and-a-half-ton dragon hanging from the ceiling, a prime photo spot during your visit. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Panda Hot Pot hosts dinner shows, including live music, traditional Chinese dance, and family-friendly shows.
When you order, you’ll start by choosing your broth base and add-ins. We loved the full, DIY sauce bar where you can create your very own, perfect dipping sauce. If you’re new to hot pot, the staff will happily guide you through the process.
Order the Signature Treasure Chest, filled with the chef’s prime selection of hot pot ingredients to start you out on the right path. They also offer a full bar and picturesque cocktails.
Day 5: Yarra Valley
Higher Ground
If you’re a fan of good coffee and unique coffee shops, I would highly recommend making this a stop in Melbourne. This rustic, six-level cafe and restaurant, with its tall ceilings, abundance of natural light, and splashes of green from its indoor plants, even has a top floor coffee counter devoted to those who are looking to sit and lounge with plenty of space. They serve beverages made from their exclusive coffee beans, as well as the barista’s breakfast tasting board with multiple coffee brews for you to sample.
With so many long days on this trip, one of my favorite things was their breakfast salad (something I never thought I’d try) with poached eggs, avocado, and lots of greens covered in citrus. It was the fuel that got me through yet another exciting day in Melbourne!
Australian Wine Tour Company
Fun fact about the Australian state of Victoria: its consistently cool climate and the variable growing conditions across its wine country has made it one of the world’s pinnacles for growing vineyards. It’s actually been producing wine since the 1830s, making one of Australia’s best kept secrets that I don’t think many people know about!
Undoubtedly, this meant we had to tour Victoria’s wine country. With the guidance of the Australian Wine Tour Company, which has been offering winery tours of the Yarra Valley for the last 24 years, we visited four different vineyards with complimentary tastings, gorgeous views, and a complimentary meal at the Balgownie Estate.
If you book a private tour, you can customize it with activities like visiting Healesville Sanctuary, an Australian Wildlife Refuge or the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie, just to name a few. They even have a hot air balloon ride package, scenic tours, or overnight packages for a multi-day gastronomical experience!
Uncover Melbourne with a Local
Melbourne is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world, as it was a significant port of immigration from across the globe for many generations. Prior to the City of Melbourne being officially established in 1835, Naarm (the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung name for the area prior to colonization) was home to the trade routes of the Eastern Kulin Nation. Through Indigenous knowledge and migration, it has inspired a melting pot of cuisines that provides Melbourne its culinary impact we had the chance to experience.
With new First People’s restaurants and cafes such as Big Esso by Mabu Mabu and Pawa Café & Bar, who are sharing traditional techniques and ingredients, Melbourne’s culinary flavor profile is truly international. You’ll find dumplings, banh mi, and sushi galore (all with an Australian twist) brought over by immigrants from Asia. You’ll also find fresh seafood, indigenous ingredients, a lot of sourdough toast (toastie), and fun Australian words for common items like fairy floss (cotton candy), jaffle (stuffed grilled cheese), zooper dooper (ice pops), and more!
But with so many different coffee shops, how do you find the best? Where does one go when they want something out of the ordinary, even for Melbourne? And what about that hole in the wall that’s world famous that you would accidentally walk right by without even noticing?
Walk Melbourne Tours offers eight different walks, including a Foodie Discovery Tour, Dumpling Discovery Tour, Coffee Lovers Tour, and a Rooftop Bars Tour. There really isn’t a better way to explore somewhere new than to do it with a local, especially guides as in love with Melbourne and Australia as they are. Here, you’ll get the full Australian food experience.
Day 6: Mornington Peninsula
1985 Kafé
As you make your way to the Mornington Peninsula from Melbourne, there is the cutest coffee stop you will want to make! Melbourne definitely has a knack for cute food (who knew food could be cute?!). This street cafe serves an ever-changing selection of baked goods like Lychee Rose Millé Crêpes, Sakura Matcha Shortcake, and so much more! We couldn’t get over our drinks, which had an edible bear and a Pikachu poking out of it!
They also serve up classic, espresso-based drinks, specialty coffees, fusion lattes, chai, and matcha.
Feed Kangaroos at Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park
About an hour from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula, the Moonlit Sanctuary is home to more than 70 species native to Australia including koalas, dingoes, kangaroos, and wallabies. They are dedicated to conservation and assisting in breeding of endangered species. As well as reintroducing wildlife to the Australian wilderness they have planted over 10,000 native plants!
There are so many animal encounters you can experience, including petting/feeding koalas, walking dingoes or wombats, spending time with a kookaburra, a barn owl, or a goshawk, as well as an endangered species tour and sessions with on-staff keepers of these amazing animals. We loved the unique experience of being close enough to the kangaroos to feed them, as well as seeing the koalas! Make sure to make reservations well ahead of time so you don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity on your trip to Australia!
We did a lot of research on sanctuaries and Moonlit Sanctuary stands out as one of the best because of the conservation work they do, their registry with the zoo that requires them to follow certain guidelines, and the specific care the wildlife receive. Here, conservation comes first, and you can feel confident knowing your money goes to a great cause and that these animals are receiving the best care possible.
During your visit, you can dine at the Wetlands Café or bring your own food for a picnic at the zoo!
Experience Ten Minutes by Tractor
Just thirty minutes from the Moonlit Sanctuary, Ten Minutes by Tractor is a combination of wineries that were first cultivated over 40 years ago. What began with three vineyards that were “ten minutes apart by tractor,” hence the name, has become a wine lover’s paradise of six wineries with a variety of landscapes that make them, and the wines they produce, unique from each other. You’ll also pay a visit to the on-site cellar and the Cellar Door Restaurant.
We enjoyed a 5-course tasting experience, which involved what seemed like way more than 5 courses, and with plating as beautiful as they were delicious.
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We opted to add on the marron (species of freshwater Crayfish), a specialty in Australia, and we were so happy to have the chance to try it! Add on the “Welcome to the Peninsula” wine pairing option as well for the chance to taste wines specific to the vines of the Mornington Peninsula.
Thanks to their open kitchen concept, we were able to watch the chefs at work as they carefully prepared some of the most beautiful dishes we’ve ever seen!
The Cellar Door hosts all kinds of tasting experiences, including a Terroir Masterclass for an in depth look at the Mornington Peninsula region and the property’s wines with your choice of a tasting or a dining experience with cheese and glass of wine out on the terrace.
Head Chef, Hayden Ellis, of the Cellar Door Restaurant has created a menu that highlights fresh produce originating from the Mornington Peninsula, including herbs and flowers. Tapping into his international training and French technique, the dishes are breathtaking and do a wonderful job of highlighting local growers (and their wines of course).
We booked our tour with MP Experience and, although the entire tour was four hours, it was leisurely and so worth it! Our guide even made a stop at a notorious lookout spot on the peninsula, inside Arthurs Seat State Park, Murray’s Lookout. The view was absolutely stunning!
Jackalope Hotel
Everything about the Jackalope Hotel is a story set with intention. Throughout the hotel, you will find art pieces that pay homage to the alchemist process.
But the best part is the rooms overlooking the pool and sprawling vineyards. The rooms at the Jackalope Hotel are a testament to how precision and being intentional can make all the difference. With touches like soaking tubs, private terraces, fireplaces, and even heated floors, everything about this place says luxury.
The Jackalope Hotel also features two restaurants, one of the top bars in the Southeast Asian Pacific, limited edition collaborations with world famous chefs, in-room spa treatments, daily, complimentary wine tastings, an infinity pool, and interactive art exhibits from renowned artists, all surrounded by the beauty of LL Vineyard that dates back to 1989.
Dinner at Rare Hare
If you have room to spare, checkout the Rare Hare. If you’re too full, grab a drink at Flaggerdoot.
The dining room at Rare Hare is stunning, set up to encourage you to meet visitors from all over the world while indulging in their current menu selections, as well as wines produced on the very vines you’ll have the chance to admire.
Day 7: Mornington Peninsula
Montalto Winery
Montalto is a family-owned winery that includes five vineyards across the Mornington Peninsula, culminating into three, distinct wine labels: Montalto, Pennon Hill, and Single Vineyard. They were awarded Five Red Star Status in the 2022 Halliday Wine Companion, putting them in the top 4% of Australia’s wineries. They use the naturally occurring differences in the Mornington’s Peninsula’s subregions and microclimates to concoct wines you won’t find anywhere else.
We chose the Estate to Plate experience, which started with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine and a toast. Your guides will proceed with a tour of Wendy’s Garden, a three-acre kitchen garden that is the oldest and largest in Victoria. You’ll have the chance to frolic and hear stories about the vineyards, the garden, and the olive trees, followed by a tasting inside the Cellar Door with its almost 300-degree views of the property.
You’ll finish this four-hour experience off with a four-course, family-style meal at the Montalto Restaurant. The dishes are made with ingredients harvested from Wendy’s Garden, as well as native ingredients from across the peninsula. You pair your meal with a glass of wine or get a complimentary bottle to enrich your experience.
The on-site Sculpture Trail encourages you to walk through it. The trail is home to over 30 valuable sculptures placed throughout the vineyards, across boardwalks, and over the hilly landscape. The entire path is a little over half a mile, but there are also benches along the way should you need them.
JimmyRum Distillery
James McPherson started out as a marine engineer before diving into his passion for rum. After traveling all over the world and performing immersive research, JimmyRum Distillery was born and we’re so glad it was!
He takes the crafting and preservation of his product very seriously, treating each batch of “cane spirit” like a child, which must spend two years inside an oak barrel before it has matured into a premium rum. He has even gone as far as naming his copper still, Matilda. She is an icon at the distillery, and you can see her for yourself when you visit!
As the first craft rum distillery in Victoria, and what was seemingly an impossible feat before its wild success, JimmyRum Distillery today offers rum like you’ve never had before.
Along with a working distillery, you’ll also discover a seasonal food menu, a rum garden, tastings and rum cocktails, live entertainment, and activities like trivia. Clearly, it’s a great place to kick back and hang out after a day spent exploring Australia’s wine country.
Day 8: Mornington Peninsula
Explore the Australian Countryside
Wild Adventures Melbourne is the only Certified B-Corporation tour operator in Australia that solely operates in Australia, meaning they’ve met the highest social and environmental standards through their commitment to regenerative tourism efforts.
For example, in 2023, they pledged to plant 4,000 native trees and, by 2030, to assist in the regeneration and preservation of over an acre of reefs.
They also work to acknowledge the original inhabitants of Australia by supporting local businesses, lifting up their work, and using indigenous products.
With them you can “create your own adventure,” like we did, or sign-up for one of their group trips. Our guide took us around the peninsula, showing us different, top spots including the Cape Schanck Lighthouse and the London Bridge Outlook. They’ll even take you to some lesser-known rock pools where you can swim in crystal clear waters with views all around. Depending on the season, they really can help plan anything from stand-up paddle boarding, dolphin swims, and more!
One of our favorite parts was how we ended the tour! Wild Adventures Melbourne took us around in a really cozy, camper style van with an essential oil diffuser and comfortable pillows. Then, for lunch, we got to stop at a beach where they pulled out an incredible picnic spread of local ingredients, cheeses, and bread for us to enjoy with a view!
Relax Your Muscles at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa
Alba Thermal Springs & Spa is an oasis dedicated to sustainability and eco-friendly practices while encouraging you to relax surrounded by the beauty of Australia. The spa draws its magic from the geothermal water sourced from a natural, underground spring that is full of natural minerals. It is then circulated through a treatment facility to ensure the long-term sustainability of this natural wonder in the process. Alba sets itself apart as a luxurious, thermal spa experience in Victoria.
You’ll find 30 pools, varying from geothermal springs and rain pools to herbal-infused botanical pools and private rooftop salt and geothermal pools. Book spa treatments and packages with services like massages, facials, mineral clay wraps, hot stone massages, Vichy showers, steam suites, and guided meditation.
After relaxing your exterior body, treat your tummy to a fresh, delicious meal at Thyme. The restaurant dedicates itself to serving dishes made with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Indulge in coffee, herbal teas like lemongrass and strawberry, cold-pressed juices, cocktails, and a wine list featuring local creations.
If you’re looking for multiple options, check out our review of more amazing day spas and bath houses around Melbourne.
Grab Dinner at Pt. Leo Estate
Pt. Leo Estate combines all the finer things in life into a winery experience that sits on the southern edge of the Mornington Peninsula, known for their fine wine and 19-acre sculpture park.
We loved that they served mini cocktails for anyone who likes to taste and try things. Our experience with bartender Jacob, who has had 20+ years of experience around the world, was amazing!
Day 9: Bellarine Peninsula
Board the Sorrento Ferry for a quick 40-minute ride over the bay to Queenscliff. Cars or individual passengers can board the ferry, which goes out every hour on the hour. Don’t be like us and show up at 1:15 because you’ll have to wait 45 minutes.
Aboard the ferry, you can enjoy snacks and good coffee! Make sure to explore a bit and get a good seat by the window! We had a whole dolphin show as they rode the waves!
Queenscliff Brewhouse
Originally opened in 1879, the Queenscliff’s Palace Hotel, now renamed the Queenscliff Brewhouse, has lived through a lot of history. The present owners have dedicated themselves to restoring the Queenscliff Brewhouse to its former glory beginning in 2020.
Today, they brew their own craft beer and distill their own gin on-site while offering hands-on experiences like working with brewers and learning about the craft itself as you taste.
What differentiates the Queenscliff Brewhouse from other breweries you may visit is their direct influence over the developing flavors of each batch, going as far as to harvest botanicals and zest fruits by-hand, and even hand bottling and labeling! They also use solar and wind power, organic produce, and copper still to keep the distilling process slow and controlled.
Visit the Queenscliff Distillery Cellar Door for a gin tasting paddle, sip on wine and beer, or pick out a cocktail.
Grab Lunch at the Jack Rabbit Restaurant
The Jack Rabbit on the Bellarine Peninsula focuses on utilizing local products, providing insight for visitors such as where they source their fresh mussels and the next-door farm where they source their beef. In 2022, they actually won awards for their use of local ingredients, their customer service, as well as their take on contemporary dining.
The way the winery is perched on a hill provides unparalleled views of the vineyards and the blue ocean beyond! It is one of the most unbeatable views in the area!
If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a cafe that serves brunch and lunch options with breathtaking views of the bay. You can also book white, red, or mixed wine tastings, either separate or paired with their meals!
Portarlington Grand Hotel
Built in 1888, this regal, boutique hotel on the Bellarine Peninsula pays tribute to the bay’s past life, when Port Phillip Bay was bustling with paddle steamers. The Portarlington Hotel recently went through a major renovation and just debuted its new look in July 2022. It has a grand entrance that shows off its stunning historic architecture that only gets better as you walk further inside. Large rooms with elegant touches of color make this a memorable stay.
You can also show up for a meal or a glass of wine at one of the hotel’s multiple eateries. The Atrium is an open-air restaurant that welcomes walk-ins and furry friends alike. Although the goal is to be more of a laid-back space, the views of the bay add just the right amount of luxury. Or dine on the Lawn for a more family-style feel with green grass and picnic tables under fun, yellow umbrellas.
For pub style food with opportunities to class it up, dine at the Bistro. Don’t forget to stop by the Front Bar and make friends, whether that’s with the bartender as they walk you through their spirits and wine options, or with the visitors on either side of you!
Day 10: Leave Melbourne
On the way back, we also booked our flight with Qantas Airways. We put in a bid for Business Class where I slept a lot! I loved the fully horizontal bed, more elevated food options, and a welcome glass of champagne. We also spent some time in the Qantas Business Lounge and Qantas First-Class Lounge.
In the business lounge we got to enjoy fresh meals, a nice warm shower, a juice bar, and even an espresso bar with a barista who would make you your custom drink. After a long trip in Melbourne, it was a great way to still continue our Melbourne experience!
10 Days in Melbourne: Final Thoughts
I’ve dreamt of visiting Australia for the longest time, and I can tell you this much, it won’t be the last time you or I visit! You’ll fall in love, I promise!
On our trip, we indulged in fine dining and street food, went on wine and street art tours; we experienced one of Melbourne’s oldest traditions, and best of all, we left with a new appreciation for the indigenous culture of Australia, its diverse plant and wildlife, the unique botanicals and produce, and the importance of mindful business practices and ecotourism.
With this itinerary, we hope to have encouraged you to do lots of exploring on your next 10-day trip in Melbourne!
Last Updated 4 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: June 14, 2023
