2017 Australia - Revisit Melbourne For The Second Time

Last year, I got the chance to visit three of my favourite countries and one of them is Australia. At first, I plan to include Tasmania as part of my itinerary but at the end, I have to scrap this out due to time constraint. How I wish I could have a longer holiday? That's why, I stick with Melbourne and Sydney cause three of my friends who join along for this trip have never been to any of these two cities before. 

#1: Hello Melbourne for the second time

We touched down Melbourne Tullamarine Airport early in the morning. I'm not sure why but somehow I felt like Melbourne doesn't welcome me. Not just once but this is the second time I couldn't get through the immigration clearance smoothly. I was being asked sort of questions by the immigration officer but luckily I always well-prepared with itinerary as I planned everything for this whole trip.  

#2: Optus prepaid sim card

Before leaving the airport, the first thing we did is to get prepaid sim card. We chosen Optus as it's cheaper, easy to purchase and fast setup process. Just tell the staff how many days will you be spending in Australia and in the next few minutes, you are connected. It's that all simple and hassle-free. All you need is to prepare your passport as they are more stringent about ID requirements when selling to foreign tourists.  

HOW TO GET TO MELBOURNE CBD FROM AIRPORT

Previously when I travelled to Melbourne alone for the very first time, I took SkyBus which cost AU$18 per person for a single trip. For this time around where I travel in a group of four, I prefer to take taxi outside the arrival as it cost roughly between AU$60 to AU$70. 

#3: Of course not this type as we need bigger one in order to accommodate our huge luggage bags.

MY ACCOMMODATION IN MELBOURNE

Location is always my primary factor especially when I only have short period of time to explore a city. Hence, I choose to stay within Melbourne's CBD (Central Business District) not just because of its convenient options but also due to its close proximity to most sights of interest, malls, countless restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs abound within the city. 

#4: Arrow on Swanston

We stayed in Arrow on Swanston which  it's a well-appointed serviced apartment with two rooms features three beds, a bathroom and even equipped with kitchenette, microwave, toaster, bar fridge, stove top and kitchen utensils. 

#5: Family apartment features one queen bed, one single bed and one sofa bed.


#6: Functional kitchen with useful kitchen appliances

PLACES WE MANAGED TO VISIT WITHIN MELBOURNE CITY

For this post, I specially compile all the famous spots and popular attractions which are centrally located within Melbourne's city center, but excluded Puffing Billy, Great Ocean Road and Mornington Peninsula cause these places are located far away from the city.  

Queen Victoria Market

This is the first famous spot I brought my friends to since I went here before. It's situated not far away from where we stayed and after walking for around 10 minutes, I'm so glad to greet Queen Victoria Market once again. We wandered around the market for lunch before continue to explore the city. As usual, this market is always busy with the locals doing their groceries or even with foreign visitors.

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#9: Market operating hours and bear in mind, the market is closed on Monday and Wednesday.

State Library of Victoria

It's my first time entering this remarkable and astonishing library. I'm wondering why and how I skip this place 6 years ago. What a shame I should say but I glad that I finally able to witness myself, instead of continue to browse other people's photos in Instagram. Anyone is allow to enter this library for free.

Visiting Hours: 10am - 9pm (Mon to Thu) and 10am - 6pm (Fri to Sun)


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Flinders Street Railway Station

The defining landmark of Melbourne. It's a crime if you didn't make it here when visit Melbourne. If you are heading for Puffing Billy or Brighton Beach, this is the station where you should head to.

#13: Too bad this railway station is undergoing renovation when we was there

Graffiti Street Art in Hosier Lane

Arguably as one of top instagrammable spot in Melbourne. There are good and bad of visiting here during the night time. The good part is less crowded and you can stay at any spot as long as you want. However, the downside is when you are not well-equipped with good quality camera and the photos turn out to be disaster. Hence, the best time to visit this place is during the day time but be prepared with full of human. 

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#15: Walked down and admired the graffiti street art in Hosier Lane


#16: Travelled with a group of accountant.

Bathing Boxes of Brighton Beach 

For Insta-hungry travellers this is another place you should visit if you are searching for great spot for phototaking. The beach itself is fairly clean with a stunning view of Melbourne city. My friends and I can't help ourselves but did hundred of poses standing right in front of these vibrant, multi-coloured beach huts. For your information, this iconic beach is located less than 30 minutes from the city center.

How To Get Here:
By Train: Catch the train from the Flinders Street Station to Brighton Beach Railway Station on the Sandringham Line.
By Bus: Catch bus #216 or #219 from Melbourne CBD

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Shrine of Remembrance

Melbourne's most iconic and meaningful landmark, Shrine of Remembrance is Victoria's national war memorial to honour all Australians who have served in war. This is our last spot to visit before leaving Melbourne to Sydney on the next day. 

#20: My BFF and I in front of Shrine of Remembrance

Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm
Entrance Fee: Free of charge

Besides the well-known attractions mentioned as above, actually there are more of famous sights in Melbourne and trust me, even a week in Melbourne also unable to cover all these. So, plan your trip ahead and choose which are your main and top choices to visit but I guess it's hard to do so, right? I feel you cause I've been there before too.