Why Melbourne?
- Melbourne almost never goes on sale.
- It’s the end of winter, a great reason to escape the summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
- This would be a great city to just wander around without much planning.
Day 1: Fitzroy and Collingwood
A wonderful sales consultant from Aesop suggested that we take a walk through these neighborhoods. It’s just a short walk from Melbourne’s CBD, and so much character packed into a small area. There are three main streets: Brunswick Street, Gertrude Street, and Smith Street. Restaurants and shops – most of them independent – line the streets. We stopped by Archie’s for some brunch, and was treated to a wonderful meal.
I had the Crispy Poached Eggs with daikon kim-chi, edamame, enoki mushrooms, roasted sesame dressing – and all over sourdough toast. I’ve ever had anything like it. The poached eggs were fried on the outside, so there was not as much runny yolk on the inside.
Just around the corner is the Crumpler store, one of my favorite brands for bags. I ended up with the Connection tote bag which I put to use almost immediately, and I love it.
Free Tram 35
After a few hours of walking, we hopped on Tram 35, which loops around the CBD and is free. Actually, if you take any tram and travel only within the CBD zone, you do not need to pay. Don’t worry about accidentally exiting the zone, there will be announcements beforehand.
Day 2 Begins: Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes
This well-photographed (mostly via Instagram) destination is a short train ride away from Flinders Street station, and then a walk. Since it was a weekday there were not many tourists. The best view, however, is backside of these bathing boxes, as there is almost no corrosion.
St Kilda Beach
This is arguably one of the most famous beaches in the world. It’s still a nice walk even though it’s not summertime. At the end of St Kilda Pier is the St Kilda Breakwater where you may see penguins – if you’re there at the right time. However, please remember not to use flash photography, and do not feed nor touch them.
Restaurant Shik
We were blown away by the food here. The restaurant is located in one of Melbourne’s off-the-beaten-path laneways, and the only way you’d know you arrived at your destination is the projected logo on the ground. The NY Times just reviewed this place a few days ago, and more people are starting to know about this place – well, at least American visitors.
Our meal consisted of two appetizers, one pancheon, and one ssam dish. Each dish is cooked the traditional way, but with new flavors. For example, I had a pork belly pancake as an appetizer, and my friend had a black angus beef tartare with nashi pear, pinenuts, and saltbush.
What’s the best was the ssam. We had an outside flat that was so tender that we ate it all so fast. More people should really come to this place.
Melbourne at Night
To conclude the 48-hour whirlwind tour, here are two photos taken in the evening.
Practical Information
Melbourne CBD Trams: Just hop on any tram within the CBD “free zone”, no ticket required. Should you wish to take the tram beyond the free zone, you will need to have a valid ticket, including a Myki ticket, which is like London’s Oyster card, and costs A$6 for the card itself, and you can then top-up from there. The card (and therefore the A$6 deposit) is not refundable.
Getting to the Bathing Boxes: Take the Sandringham Line from Flinders Street down to Middle Brighton Station and walk.
St Kilda Beach: It’s either a tram ride or a train ride away from the CBD. Very easy.
Sounds like a wonderful trip!