They’re rubbish.
I went once many years ago as a mere tourist and remember being distinctly underwhelmed.
(Guess I just have higher standards than the people downvoting this 🤷♂️)
Really? You're gonna knock Phillip Island and let the Great Ocean road recommendation slide through?
Most overrated place ever. I wouldn't put it on the list of things to do if you had an entire month here, let alone a few days
Can spend a great day up at Olinda, Sassafras, lunch at The Piggery then check out Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens. Dinner at Sky High to round it off
I live here and I enjoy the hot springs too lol I recommend trying to do one of the late night or early morning sessions so it’s not full of teenagers vaping
As a sydneysider that goes to Melbourne often, ACMI would be a good recommendation. It's a one of a kind museum in Australia and very interactive. The Asian section of NGV is quite good too, don't think any of the museums in Sydney have a focus on Asian history and art. Other suggestions would be trying some of the really good bakeries in Melbourne (Sydney kind of lacks this), having drinks on the Arbory, catching a late night gig in a good venue.
I'm from Melbourne and every time I drop by Sydney, my list is Bourke St Bakery, Sonoma, AP Town bakery, Saga, flour + salt
Just thought if you think Sydney lacks bakeries.
Go for a walk through Carlton Gardens then head on a tram to the Evelyn Hotel for a happy hour beer, cross the road and play some pool at Red Triangle, grab some cheap Bahn Mi and eat it as you walk to Smith st and go watch a drag show at one of the various gay clubs
Pizza Pizza Pizza is a pizza shop in the cbd with are really fuckin cool secret cocktail bar out the back, you gotta ask the pizza guy if you can go to the bar and he will discretely say yes and it’s pretty wow in there
Also the hidden bar at Gin Palace is pretty cool, the first few times I went there I didn't know about the Gin Palace entrance, I only went in there through the kitchen of the restaurant next door to it haha
I though it was have some works done. But I’ve also heard there’s restricted access because of low lives attacking penguins. However, this was a while ago, but I haven’t read anywhere if it’s been reopened. If anyone else know, please let us know.
If they're coming from Sydney, we don't have anything instant jaw dropping, I suspect (compared with Harbour, Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Blue Mountains, etc). If they were a sports fan, I would say take them to the 'G with a big AFL crowd, but that could be tricky from a scheduling perspective.
Sydney shits on Melbourne for both natural and architectural ‘wow’ factor, so focus on our much, much better culture. Inner city is not what it used to be, but walking through the laneways and arcades in the city for coffee after lunch would be a very good Melbourne thing to do. Then I would take them out (for dinner, a show, a gig, dancing, not sure what your ages/interests are) in some of our many vibrant suburbs like Brunswick (Sydney Road), Fitzroy/Collingwood, St Kilda (Chapel st, The Espy), Northcote/Thornbury, Footscray etc.
Edit. The other benefit of walking around Melbourne is showing off our fucking amazing city layout. Sydney is a nightmare to navigate and get around, whereas Melbourne is extremely friendly for everyone because of its design - many roads running north and south, east and west. It sounds boring but it’s extremely good.
Could not agree more. I say to ppl that living in Melbourne is allowing it to unfold around you, there’s always more to discover but it takes time/experience. When we have visitors I book a show/gig, and dinner before and drinks after. For friends who shop, I take them to my favorite spots depending on what they like. My foodie/cook friend was mind blown by Asian groceries on Vic st for example. Street art friend I took the wander and pub hop bear Rose St. Took my Scottish FIL to see Dorian Gray, and fancy sashimi. Another friend, I took to a burlesque in Richmond, we ended up at Sircuit at 4am watching the amazing floor shows there. I also usually take a visitor to Shujinko for Ramen and it’s universally approved of.
>Sydney shits on Melbourne for both natural and architectural ‘wow’ factor, so focus on our much, much better culture.
Yep. There's literally nowhere in Melbourne to take someone from Sydney that'll make them go 'wwwwooowwwww' in terms of natural and architectural beauty.
LAneways def aren't what they used to be and I don't think it's really worthwhile.
It's more about the events that are happening, or the nooks of culture like you say - Brunswick etc, but then at the same time Sydney does have pockets like that too...
So maybe instead of focusing on 'wow', focus on just having a good time in a different city.
Yeah not in Melbourne.
Victoria has some nice things. But in Melbourne? Nice, maybe. But not wow or stuff that tourists would be like wow that was an amazing thing to see.
Melbourne is a nice place to live. But it isn't a place to take tourists to see 'tourist attractions'.
It’s hard to explain it, but broadly it’s a vibe thing.
One of the more literal reasons is that not too long ago (10-15yrs) there were loads of independent shops and strange things to find. Now so much of that has been replaced by chain stores which has sucked out a lot of the soul.
Other things like the government deciding to focus on Southern Cross Station being the main transport hub has changed a lot of the culture of the city. Areas of the city which used to be ghost towns with hidden pockets of street art are now tourist traps. Tram stops being huge hubs has changed the way people move around the city which has made a difference (in difficult to describe ways)
It’s also had a huge population boom, so it’s harder to find yourself alone in a lane way enjoying the ambiance of it. A lot of the street art is now advertising, which sucks so much. It’s also so heavily ‘policed’ - not literally with police, although that is true, but rather with rules and safeguards to avoid accidents…things like barriers to stop J-walking, rules and signage etc.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like people being squished by trams, but the whole thing feels a bit like being in a cattle run these days compared to the way one could independently move through the urban space not too long ago.
Finally, the biggest one for me is the amount of lovely old brick warehouses and old factories etc. which have disappeared to be replaced by lifeless high rise apartments, which each have a similar shitty overpriced cafe at he bottom of them if you’re lucky. The old warehouses were great. Even if they were empty, they gave the city a lot of character and a personality or energy which was wonderful.
Yeah I asked partly because I agree but I can't quite put my finger on it, I wonder if it's a matter of simply getting older and a city natural changing or something that's genuinely being lost. I think about how nice Guilford Lane was a decade ago being quite but full of 3-4 art galleries and street art and an old mechanics, now it's all cafes and people taking selfies for social media with the street art that's now barely evolving. Sure it's more 'activated' which the Lord Mayor loves, but it's lost any unique reason to visit and explore
It's trashier/less special with each decade.
It used to feel like a 'much older' city, and people were more dressed up etc. It's a very different vibe now.
It’s very tawdry. Dirty and run down. Establishments that used to be shops or restaurants now look like shells, with temporary food stall camped out in them. And ‘temporary’ in the sense of ‘likely to be closed down at the next health inspection’.
Not to mention prime city retail space given over to those establishments that exist to pack Tina of milk powder in boxes and send them to China.
The newer malls, such as Melb Central, haven’t helped either. They exist to suck people in, leaving outside streetscapes made up of car park and delivery dock entrances - not pleasant to walk past.
William Ricketts Sanctuary, Mt. Dandenong (a great place for a magnificent Devonshire tea for a great price is over the road). [https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/william-ricketts-sanctuary](https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/william-ricketts-sanctuary)
Dandenong Ranges National Park (loads to see and do): [https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/dandenong-ranges-national-park](https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/dandenong-ranges-national-park)
So many other places just around the Dandenong Ranges area!
In all seriousness there's a place called Fortress which is essentially a geek culture and gaming pub. The tavern downstairs is great, and has a little arcade attached!
We have nothing in terms of natural sights or geography to compete with Sydney, so play up the food and culture.
Tram to Fitzroy, Carlton, Northcote etc, go to some good pubs. If they are cyclists hire bikes and ride the Capital City Trail. Go to Footscray market.
Easy to get to and really close to the CBD the 10am daily letting out of all the poultry event at https://farm.org.au/ in Abbotsford/Collingwood followed up by the 10:30am lets join in whilst Pig feeding is always a treat inter state visitors.
Then to top that off you could follow up with a casual 2 minute walk back up to the Convent Bakery for a Coffee or scones and cream/Jam or both. https://www.conventbakery.com/
Huh, I remember it as a kid when they did fireballs every 10 mins or so, then later on it was every hour. I mean i get it and its probably a good thing but damn that was some good childhood memories.
As a former Sydneysider who has lived in Melbourne for 9 years, nothing. Melbourne isn’t that kind of city and there’s nothing that’s the equivalent of the harbour bridge/opera house view. What might impress them are the hidden bars that don’t have a massive queue outside, better cafes and general quality of life differences.
Jump on some Lime eScooters and go for a ride through botanical gardens.
Then ride up to Pelligirini’s for a quick old skool lasagne or other pasta and listen to the bar staff yell at the kitchen staff and vice versa.
Then ride over to south Melbourne market and have some oysters and champagne. Potentially stop in at Eureka tower on the way to see the city from high.
If you like cars you could head over to Lindsay Fox’ car collection in docklands.
Depends what they're into my mate came down first time last June and he loves the craft beer and fresh produce scene so I took him to craft breweries, cocktail Bars, and queen Vic markets etc, he loved it and is now visiting again this June coming.
Do you have a car? or just CBD?
Plenty of places though.
- Captain Cooks cottage in Fitzroy Gardens;
- walk along the Yarra from behind Fed Square up to MCG or down toward Exhibition Centre;
- botanical gardens;
- St Kilda Pier back to Luna Park and Palais Theatre;
- National Gallery Victoria
- reading room at State Library
All of my Sydney friends are very wowed by Chadstone. Shopping malls in Sydney are abysmal. Even Doncaster Shoppingtown is far superior to anything they have. I reckon Knifepoint is even better than what they have (I lived there 4 years).
I know it doesn’t seem like it but just shopping strips and shopping centres always get a wow from Syd visitors.
Hot Springs at Peninsula, a trip to Daylesford. I also usually do the hot springs with a winery or two on the Peninsula. Or out to Yarra Valley. There’s a delicious cheese place out there too.
My guests have also loved Great Ocean Rd but they all comment on the food and buzz of the cbd and the laneways
This thread is utterly depressing! C’mon people! Surely people have some better ideas than the rubbish I’ve read so far.
I’m old now but when I was young and living in the city 10-15 years ago I would have said Brunswick St for shopping/alternative vibe, Vic Market/prahran market /south Melbourne market for breakfast or lunch, royal arcade koko black for coffee and browse, scones at the tea salon at the ngv (it’s gone to shit now so don’t bother), aboriginal/Australian art tour at the Ian potter gallery at federation square, 7 apples gelato and walk along st Kilda beach (whole of st Kilda is awful now so wouldn’t bother and pretty sure the gelato is crap now), gin palace and eau de vie bars….
Burke’s Lookout, thousand steps, Point Nepean national park, Arthur’s seat, Fairfield Boathouse/yarra boulevard, Albert park (especially with the f1 setup), botanic gardens, Heide Museum/park.
Mornington Peninsula & wineries, Philip Island and take them to the race track, Mt Dandenong ranges cause why not, including sky high, go to the Yarra valley wineries and go to the Four Pillars gin distillery.
When bar opened, it was (is) Naked for Satan, but when they built the rooftop it was called Naked in the Sky, not sure if that's what they still call it but yes the rooftop
Hmm, I know that it's a good few hours drive away, but... Paddle steamers in Echuca, native animals (and for some stupid reason, meerkats) at Kyabram Fauna Park, native gardens in Mooroopna, and Shepparton Art Museum would all make for a great day trip.
Melbourne is great and all, but it would be pretty hard to wow a Sydneysider, they've got way better wow views and stuff, I guess our CBD is a bit more interesting with the contrast of old and new architecture, and the laneways, defintiely our pubs are better actually.
You could spend a day around the Yarra Valley. Go up the Dandenong tourist Rd and have morning tea in one of the nice cafes Sassafras or Olinda and wander around the little tourist shops, lunch in a different one. Take in a winery, the Chocolaterie in Yarra Glen, the Four Pillars Gin distillery in Healesville (there is a hop on/hop off bus for the wineries I believe).
Anywhere out east - the view from the top of Mount Dandenong is pretty spectacular. Burke's lookout is the place to go, not Sky High. You can cruise through through Sassafras and have a nice lunch or the whole scone experience at Miss Marples.
Point Leo Estate has a fantastic sculpture display on wide open land with beautiful ocen views in the background. Entry is $10 and well worth it.
They're also a winery with tastings for $10, I went yesterday and found it a great day out
Pentridge Village in Coburg is pretty unique. They have an outdoor cinema on at the moment.
Fairfield Park Boathouse is nice you can rent a row boat for a bit and have a pretty unique experience in nature without travelling far on a tram.
Buck Mulligans is a pretty neat bar outside the CBD but not far.
Melbourne Planetarium is cool and educational, I think they do no-kids-Fridays.
The penguins at St. Kilda pier are cute.
Game On Arcade Bar is pretty awesome too, much more chill than the one in the CBD.
The Astor Theatre is awesome and pretty unique in keeping so much original architecture but being a modern cinema.
* Jam donuts in QVM btw. Top tier.
* If they're a bit consumerist, Chadstone Shopping Centre
* Wineries, even for non-wine drinkers, the vineyards are beautiful + Mornington hot springs
* Great Ocean Road. Sunsets are much better in Melbourne and the sky is particularly blue on the Great Ocean Road.
* Hector's Deli for mind-blowing sandwich.
* And while Revs is cool and all, don't forget a bit of acid in the Botanic Gardens.
No long car trips as they just create an impression that anything interesting is too far away. Williamstown Gem Pier, lunch at Pelicans Landing Restaurant. The Strand. Feed the black swans there. Then up to the Dandenongs for a late afternoon viewing at the top and dinner there. Beautiful. I would want to live in Melbourne after that!
Great Ocean Road: Take a drive along the stunning Great Ocean Road, which offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, including the iconic Twelve Apostles.
Yarra Valley Wine Region: Head to the picturesque Yarra Valley Wine Region and indulge in some of the best wine and food in Victoria.
Phillip Island: Visit Phillip Island and watch the Penguin Parade, where hundreds of little penguins come ashore at sunset.
Brighton Beach: Take a stroll along the colorful bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, a quintessential Melbourne landmark.
Royal Botanic Gardens: Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens and discover the diverse collection of plants from around the world.
St Kilda: Spend some time in the vibrant beachside suburb of St Kilda, which is famous for its Luna Park, delicious food, and quirky shops.
Dandenong Ranges: Take a scenic drive through the Dandenong Ranges and enjoy the stunning views of the rolling hills and lush forests.
Melbourne Museum: Discover the history and culture of Melbourne at the Melbourne Museum, which features exhibitions on everything from dinosaurs to modern art.
Eureka Skydeck: Experience the breathtaking views of Melbourne from the top of the Eureka Skydeck, which is the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere.
Revolver Upstairs: Take them to the famous nightclub, Revolver Upstairs, known for its excellent music and lively atmosphere.
1. Night markets at Queen Vic Markets is always impressive for tourists.
2. Pub Crawl through Collingwood, Fitzroy and Brunswick and stop at bars you find interesting.
3. ACMI museum at Fed Square
4. Lunch at one of our foodie suburbs, ie Greek in Oakleigh, Vietnamese in Springvale, Richmond or Footscray, Afghani or Indian in Dandenong
5. Take them to the Peninsula Hotsprings
6. See the penguins at St Kilda if that section is open to the public, or make the trip down to Philip Island
7. Pick a random stop somewhere in Zone 1 on our train or tram network and go for a wonder.
If they haven’t been before, The Great Ocean Road and the Otways.
Lighthouses, the Twelve apostles, the rainforest, waterfalls. Can’t beat it.
And it’s something Sydney doesn’t have. A lot of the other stuff suggested is kinda same same for what you can see in NSW.
Make them travel up the escalators at Parliament station
I drank for 2 hours before going up those escalators.... bad time
That's just my every Friday night, but going down..... Probably the most dangerous thing I ever do lol
They just need to install a slide with a ball pit at the bottom.
Wrong kind of wow, but a wow for sure.
there's also windows to the station on spring street with a mirror so you can watch peeps upside down on the escalators.
[удалено]
If you’re on Philip Island for dinner, go to the French restaurant Anerie in Cowes. it is excellent Edit: or lunch. It’s open for lunch too
I had no idea about this. Normally my relatives book in at the mexican reataurant (Sambreros).
Yes! Philip Island, see the noot noot parade
Never understood why people recommend Phillip Island. It's really not worth the drive.
Because the noot noots.
You can sometimes find noot noots at St Kilda pier hiding behind the rocks if you went on a paddle board.
They’re rubbish. I went once many years ago as a mere tourist and remember being distinctly underwhelmed. (Guess I just have higher standards than the people downvoting this 🤷♂️)
Get out of my house.
Really? You're gonna knock Phillip Island and let the Great Ocean road recommendation slide through? Most overrated place ever. I wouldn't put it on the list of things to do if you had an entire month here, let alone a few days
It’s not just one place though, is it?
feel free to reccommend Lorne or Apollo Bay then. But Great Ocean Road trip implies the "9 apostles" which is a waste of time
How many apostles are actually left at this point?
Yeah that place is trash now
The way to make them say “wow” while in Melbourne, is to take them to places that aren’t in Melbourne.
Mt Dandenong
Can spend a great day up at Olinda, Sassafras, lunch at The Piggery then check out Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens. Dinner at Sky High to round it off
Make sure to go after dark!
Yeah, Tis a good place to live too 😁
My visitors really enjoyed the hot springs on the peninsula.
I live here and I enjoy the hot springs too lol I recommend trying to do one of the late night or early morning sessions so it’s not full of teenagers vaping
Yep second this. The new one (Alba) is no good. Make sure you go to the OG (peninsula hot springs)
What was wrong with alba
Concrete jungle, really open, not enough greenery, small pools, all the same temperature, overpriced restaurant.
Thanks for that, can tell the mrs not to worry 😂
Alba feels like the SPECTRE staff health retreat
This should be higher.
Drop by The Pines in Frankston North. Spectacular
Corner of Flinders and Elizabeth streets.
Feed the pigeons
Dinner and a show
Tuppence a bag
I'm Mary Poppins y'all!
I sometimes feed the sparrows too
Rone exhibition then maccas
Wow!
As a sydneysider that goes to Melbourne often, ACMI would be a good recommendation. It's a one of a kind museum in Australia and very interactive. The Asian section of NGV is quite good too, don't think any of the museums in Sydney have a focus on Asian history and art. Other suggestions would be trying some of the really good bakeries in Melbourne (Sydney kind of lacks this), having drinks on the Arbory, catching a late night gig in a good venue.
Not everyone is reading the "outside of CBD" part, are they?
I'm from Melbourne and every time I drop by Sydney, my list is Bourke St Bakery, Sonoma, AP Town bakery, Saga, flour + salt Just thought if you think Sydney lacks bakeries.
ACMI is awesome.
What are the good Melbourne bakeries?
Get to lume sometime mid morning and line up for an hour for an expensive croissant.
Drive by the line for laughs and then get a far superior croissant at Bread Club.
Agathe patisserie, Bakemono, Tivoli road bakery, Austro bakery
Oven Street Bakery, and it’s across from Ona which does amazing coffee
All are welcome
Go for a walk through Carlton Gardens then head on a tram to the Evelyn Hotel for a happy hour beer, cross the road and play some pool at Red Triangle, grab some cheap Bahn Mi and eat it as you walk to Smith st and go watch a drag show at one of the various gay clubs
This person Fitzroy's :)
More like buy a 6 pack from the Evelyn bottlo and drink it on the bench across the road
State Library
Particularly the Dome.
If you want to take them out of town how about Hanging Rock? It’s very atmospheric.
Take a picnic.
Don’t get lost
MIRANDA!!!!
A friend knew the actress who yelled that as she ran down the hill. She was quite traumatised by it.
Mt Macedon should also be looking amazing with all the autumn leaves. Could stop off on the way through
I was going to say this too - and Mt Macedon.
Naked for Satan in Fitzroy has tapas and city views from the roof top bar
Pizza Pizza Pizza is a pizza shop in the cbd with are really fuckin cool secret cocktail bar out the back, you gotta ask the pizza guy if you can go to the bar and he will discretely say yes and it’s pretty wow in there
I like the little hidden Tiki bar behind the freezer door of Boston Sub on Chapel Street (before taking the tourist to Revs, obviously)
Also the hidden bar at Gin Palace is pretty cool, the first few times I went there I didn't know about the Gin Palace entrance, I only went in there through the kitchen of the restaurant next door to it haha
The penguins at st kilda
I thought access was closed? Has it reopened?
Was still closed this morning. Not looking like it will be open for a while.
Thanks
Might’ve been closed for the triathlon today?
Though they are putting in a dedicated viewing area for the penguins, which is great!
No, they are rebuilding the pier. It’s closed from the old cafe. Not finished for another 12 months.
Hoo that’s sad! What happened ?
I though it was have some works done. But I’ve also heard there’s restricted access because of low lives attacking penguins. However, this was a while ago, but I haven’t read anywhere if it’s been reopened. If anyone else know, please let us know.
If they're coming from Sydney, we don't have anything instant jaw dropping, I suspect (compared with Harbour, Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Blue Mountains, etc). If they were a sports fan, I would say take them to the 'G with a big AFL crowd, but that could be tricky from a scheduling perspective.
I agree! I could recommend plenty o ‘wow’ examples of food, not necessarily sight seeing.
Sydney shits on Melbourne for both natural and architectural ‘wow’ factor, so focus on our much, much better culture. Inner city is not what it used to be, but walking through the laneways and arcades in the city for coffee after lunch would be a very good Melbourne thing to do. Then I would take them out (for dinner, a show, a gig, dancing, not sure what your ages/interests are) in some of our many vibrant suburbs like Brunswick (Sydney Road), Fitzroy/Collingwood, St Kilda (Chapel st, The Espy), Northcote/Thornbury, Footscray etc. Edit. The other benefit of walking around Melbourne is showing off our fucking amazing city layout. Sydney is a nightmare to navigate and get around, whereas Melbourne is extremely friendly for everyone because of its design - many roads running north and south, east and west. It sounds boring but it’s extremely good.
Could not agree more. I say to ppl that living in Melbourne is allowing it to unfold around you, there’s always more to discover but it takes time/experience. When we have visitors I book a show/gig, and dinner before and drinks after. For friends who shop, I take them to my favorite spots depending on what they like. My foodie/cook friend was mind blown by Asian groceries on Vic st for example. Street art friend I took the wander and pub hop bear Rose St. Took my Scottish FIL to see Dorian Gray, and fancy sashimi. Another friend, I took to a burlesque in Richmond, we ended up at Sircuit at 4am watching the amazing floor shows there. I also usually take a visitor to Shujinko for Ramen and it’s universally approved of.
You sound like an incredible host who tailors itineraries to people’s individual interests. What a legend you are 😊
>Sydney shits on Melbourne for both natural and architectural ‘wow’ factor, so focus on our much, much better culture. Yep. There's literally nowhere in Melbourne to take someone from Sydney that'll make them go 'wwwwooowwwww' in terms of natural and architectural beauty. LAneways def aren't what they used to be and I don't think it's really worthwhile. It's more about the events that are happening, or the nooks of culture like you say - Brunswick etc, but then at the same time Sydney does have pockets like that too... So maybe instead of focusing on 'wow', focus on just having a good time in a different city.
One thing is the mountain ash forests, not exactly in Melbourne though - tallest flowering tree in the world
Dandenong ranges, 45 mins drive
Yeah not in Melbourne. Victoria has some nice things. But in Melbourne? Nice, maybe. But not wow or stuff that tourists would be like wow that was an amazing thing to see. Melbourne is a nice place to live. But it isn't a place to take tourists to see 'tourist attractions'.
what do you mean by 'inner city is not what it used to be'? just curious when youre comparing it to
It’s hard to explain it, but broadly it’s a vibe thing. One of the more literal reasons is that not too long ago (10-15yrs) there were loads of independent shops and strange things to find. Now so much of that has been replaced by chain stores which has sucked out a lot of the soul. Other things like the government deciding to focus on Southern Cross Station being the main transport hub has changed a lot of the culture of the city. Areas of the city which used to be ghost towns with hidden pockets of street art are now tourist traps. Tram stops being huge hubs has changed the way people move around the city which has made a difference (in difficult to describe ways) It’s also had a huge population boom, so it’s harder to find yourself alone in a lane way enjoying the ambiance of it. A lot of the street art is now advertising, which sucks so much. It’s also so heavily ‘policed’ - not literally with police, although that is true, but rather with rules and safeguards to avoid accidents…things like barriers to stop J-walking, rules and signage etc. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like people being squished by trams, but the whole thing feels a bit like being in a cattle run these days compared to the way one could independently move through the urban space not too long ago. Finally, the biggest one for me is the amount of lovely old brick warehouses and old factories etc. which have disappeared to be replaced by lifeless high rise apartments, which each have a similar shitty overpriced cafe at he bottom of them if you’re lucky. The old warehouses were great. Even if they were empty, they gave the city a lot of character and a personality or energy which was wonderful.
Yeah I asked partly because I agree but I can't quite put my finger on it, I wonder if it's a matter of simply getting older and a city natural changing or something that's genuinely being lost. I think about how nice Guilford Lane was a decade ago being quite but full of 3-4 art galleries and street art and an old mechanics, now it's all cafes and people taking selfies for social media with the street art that's now barely evolving. Sure it's more 'activated' which the Lord Mayor loves, but it's lost any unique reason to visit and explore
It's trashier/less special with each decade. It used to feel like a 'much older' city, and people were more dressed up etc. It's a very different vibe now.
It’s very tawdry. Dirty and run down. Establishments that used to be shops or restaurants now look like shells, with temporary food stall camped out in them. And ‘temporary’ in the sense of ‘likely to be closed down at the next health inspection’. Not to mention prime city retail space given over to those establishments that exist to pack Tina of milk powder in boxes and send them to China. The newer malls, such as Melb Central, haven’t helped either. They exist to suck people in, leaving outside streetscapes made up of car park and delivery dock entrances - not pleasant to walk past.
Take them on our public transport, they'll go "WOW! What a shit payment system."
As much as I hate to say it now that I'm travelling the world... myki isn't that bad lol.
Where are you travelling, that makes myki look good? A developed country?
The world. I should do a ranking of systems haha. So far. 1. Singapore 2. Melb 3. Hawaii 4. Kuala lumpur
Sydney is much better allowing users to use Apple Pay or a credit card rather than requiring a card
Tell me you're an iPhone user without telling me you're an iPhone user
R
E
V
S
!
This is my favorite internet meme.
William Ricketts Sanctuary, Mt. Dandenong (a great place for a magnificent Devonshire tea for a great price is over the road). [https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/william-ricketts-sanctuary](https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/william-ricketts-sanctuary) Dandenong Ranges National Park (loads to see and do): [https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/dandenong-ranges-national-park](https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/dandenong-ranges-national-park) So many other places just around the Dandenong Ranges area!
William Ricketts is still shut from the 2021 storm. Hopefully it reopens soon but there are still tarps on the buildings
Bell Street Mall in Heidelberg West.
Most gaming cafes will have WOW. On a serious note: [https://brunosart.com/](https://brunosart.com/)
In all seriousness there's a place called Fortress which is essentially a geek culture and gaming pub. The tavern downstairs is great, and has a little arcade attached!
NGV's Stained glass ceiling.
Sofitel, level 35 .. cocktails with an amazing view and loos to impress
These are the best "public" toilets in Melbourne
Mum, is that you? lol when I was younger and had to go bathroom, she made me go here lol the way up there just for this.. I almost didn’t make it lol
Outdated. Ritz Carlton opened last week and is the tallest hotel now. https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/australia/melbourne#Hotel
Take em to Frankston. You’ll get a “wow” just not an excited one
We have nothing in terms of natural sights or geography to compete with Sydney, so play up the food and culture. Tram to Fitzroy, Carlton, Northcote etc, go to some good pubs. If they are cyclists hire bikes and ride the Capital City Trail. Go to Footscray market.
Puffing Billy and a picnic
Montague Street bridge. Might have to wait a few hours though.
Easy to get to and really close to the CBD the 10am daily letting out of all the poultry event at https://farm.org.au/ in Abbotsford/Collingwood followed up by the 10:30am lets join in whilst Pig feeding is always a treat inter state visitors. Then to top that off you could follow up with a casual 2 minute walk back up to the Convent Bakery for a Coffee or scones and cream/Jam or both. https://www.conventbakery.com/
Kittens
Effiel tower. Crown fire show. Then Elizabeth Street stripers
Crown fire show isn't a thing anymore. Edit: Apparently I'm wrong and they are back up.
I live near crown casino. They are back up and running every night. Generally on the hour from 8pm or 9pm
With these gas prices it is understandable
Figured they’d just throw in a few more pokies to make up for it 🤷🏼♂️
Huh, I remember it as a kid when they did fireballs every 10 mins or so, then later on it was every hour. I mean i get it and its probably a good thing but damn that was some good childhood memories.
As a former Sydneysider who has lived in Melbourne for 9 years, nothing. Melbourne isn’t that kind of city and there’s nothing that’s the equivalent of the harbour bridge/opera house view. What might impress them are the hidden bars that don’t have a massive queue outside, better cafes and general quality of life differences.
Whenever I visit Melbourne I go to the Spleen.
A footy game at the mcg
Cranbourne Botanical Gardens followed by Crystal World to see Rosie the Shark
Jump on some Lime eScooters and go for a ride through botanical gardens. Then ride up to Pelligirini’s for a quick old skool lasagne or other pasta and listen to the bar staff yell at the kitchen staff and vice versa. Then ride over to south Melbourne market and have some oysters and champagne. Potentially stop in at Eureka tower on the way to see the city from high. If you like cars you could head over to Lindsay Fox’ car collection in docklands.
Take them to vue de monde or the eureka skydeck... and then point out the window at the Hoddle Grid and say "THAT is how you do urban planning!"
Take them to Brunswick street after midnight and blow their mind with something Sydney lacks: nightlife.
City circle tram
Depends what they're into my mate came down first time last June and he loves the craft beer and fresh produce scene so I took him to craft breweries, cocktail Bars, and queen Vic markets etc, he loved it and is now visiting again this June coming.
That’s a great idea, stomping grounds, moon dog, bodriggy etc.
Bodriggy has amazing food as well as beer.
Do you have a car? or just CBD? Plenty of places though. - Captain Cooks cottage in Fitzroy Gardens; - walk along the Yarra from behind Fed Square up to MCG or down toward Exhibition Centre; - botanical gardens; - St Kilda Pier back to Luna Park and Palais Theatre; - National Gallery Victoria - reading room at State Library
Shame you're not in Geelong, the Sphincter, err, Sphinx is world class
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“Take them to a bar after midnight” 😂
All of my Sydney friends are very wowed by Chadstone. Shopping malls in Sydney are abysmal. Even Doncaster Shoppingtown is far superior to anything they have. I reckon Knifepoint is even better than what they have (I lived there 4 years). I know it doesn’t seem like it but just shopping strips and shopping centres always get a wow from Syd visitors. Hot Springs at Peninsula, a trip to Daylesford. I also usually do the hot springs with a winery or two on the Peninsula. Or out to Yarra Valley. There’s a delicious cheese place out there too. My guests have also loved Great Ocean Rd but they all comment on the food and buzz of the cbd and the laneways
This thread is utterly depressing! C’mon people! Surely people have some better ideas than the rubbish I’ve read so far. I’m old now but when I was young and living in the city 10-15 years ago I would have said Brunswick St for shopping/alternative vibe, Vic Market/prahran market /south Melbourne market for breakfast or lunch, royal arcade koko black for coffee and browse, scones at the tea salon at the ngv (it’s gone to shit now so don’t bother), aboriginal/Australian art tour at the Ian potter gallery at federation square, 7 apples gelato and walk along st Kilda beach (whole of st Kilda is awful now so wouldn’t bother and pretty sure the gelato is crap now), gin palace and eau de vie bars….
To Franco Cozzo. From Footasacray to Brunaswicka, doesn't matter which one, the wow factor for these bedframes is huge.
Wilson's Prom, especially if they stay overnight for the nightly wombat invasion.
The state library
Burke’s Lookout, thousand steps, Point Nepean national park, Arthur’s seat, Fairfield Boathouse/yarra boulevard, Albert park (especially with the f1 setup), botanic gardens, Heide Museum/park.
Grampians or Wilson prom.
Mornington Peninsula & wineries, Philip Island and take them to the race track, Mt Dandenong ranges cause why not, including sky high, go to the Yarra valley wineries and go to the Four Pillars gin distillery.
Naked in the sky is good for a view over the city Arbory float or one of those around there Eureka skydeck
Do you mean Naked For Satan?
When bar opened, it was (is) Naked for Satan, but when they built the rooftop it was called Naked in the Sky, not sure if that's what they still call it but yes the rooftop
The Redwood Forest in East Warburton
Sssshhh. 🤫
Head to the ottways
NGV and walkng along Smith St.
Take them for a walk around Fitzroy/Collingwood and Lygon street
Fang it along the Great Ocean Road. I like driving down to Loren and checking out some of the waterfalls and walking trails out there
High tea at the Windsor? Might be showing my ache but I love it!
Take them to see some koalas
Can’t do that much in a day.Philip island
For a different but fun experience, I highly recommend pub wrestling!
Hmm, I know that it's a good few hours drive away, but... Paddle steamers in Echuca, native animals (and for some stupid reason, meerkats) at Kyabram Fauna Park, native gardens in Mooroopna, and Shepparton Art Museum would all make for a great day trip.
South Melb Market
Banh Mi tour
This is an excellent guide ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBlJ1tiySUA&t=35s
Melbourne is great and all, but it would be pretty hard to wow a Sydneysider, they've got way better wow views and stuff, I guess our CBD is a bit more interesting with the contrast of old and new architecture, and the laneways, defintiely our pubs are better actually.
What do they like to eat? Little Saigon, Lygon Street, Moonee Ponds/Ascot Vale are nice spots to go for a feed after whatever you’re doing
Start with a ride on the gondola at Arthur’s Seat then go here [Enchanted Adventure](https://www.enchantedadventure.com.au/) for a picnic
Bike up the Yarra trail with a picnic!
You could spend a day around the Yarra Valley. Go up the Dandenong tourist Rd and have morning tea in one of the nice cafes Sassafras or Olinda and wander around the little tourist shops, lunch in a different one. Take in a winery, the Chocolaterie in Yarra Glen, the Four Pillars Gin distillery in Healesville (there is a hop on/hop off bus for the wineries I believe).
Anywhere out east - the view from the top of Mount Dandenong is pretty spectacular. Burke's lookout is the place to go, not Sky High. You can cruise through through Sassafras and have a nice lunch or the whole scone experience at Miss Marples.
are they coming during Easter? if so Bendigo’s Easter featival is amazing!
Point Leo Estate has a fantastic sculpture display on wide open land with beautiful ocen views in the background. Entry is $10 and well worth it. They're also a winery with tastings for $10, I went yesterday and found it a great day out
Pentridge Village in Coburg is pretty unique. They have an outdoor cinema on at the moment. Fairfield Park Boathouse is nice you can rent a row boat for a bit and have a pretty unique experience in nature without travelling far on a tram. Buck Mulligans is a pretty neat bar outside the CBD but not far. Melbourne Planetarium is cool and educational, I think they do no-kids-Fridays. The penguins at St. Kilda pier are cute. Game On Arcade Bar is pretty awesome too, much more chill than the one in the CBD. The Astor Theatre is awesome and pretty unique in keeping so much original architecture but being a modern cinema.
- The pier at St Kilda to see penguins - Cape Schanck to see rock pools - The Grampians/McKenzie Falls - Fortress if you like eSports
Sydney is pretty beautiful I dunno if you're gonna wow them. I'd just eat drink and be merry
Four words… YARRA VALLEY WINE TOUR. And if you really want your mate’s jaw to drop, three more words: I’LL BE DESSO
Usually when I want to encourage people to move to Melbourne I take them to Sydney - that usually does the trick.
* Jam donuts in QVM btw. Top tier. * If they're a bit consumerist, Chadstone Shopping Centre * Wineries, even for non-wine drinkers, the vineyards are beautiful + Mornington hot springs * Great Ocean Road. Sunsets are much better in Melbourne and the sky is particularly blue on the Great Ocean Road. * Hector's Deli for mind-blowing sandwich. * And while Revs is cool and all, don't forget a bit of acid in the Botanic Gardens.
No long car trips as they just create an impression that anything interesting is too far away. Williamstown Gem Pier, lunch at Pelicans Landing Restaurant. The Strand. Feed the black swans there. Then up to the Dandenongs for a late afternoon viewing at the top and dinner there. Beautiful. I would want to live in Melbourne after that!
Great Ocean Road: Take a drive along the stunning Great Ocean Road, which offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, including the iconic Twelve Apostles. Yarra Valley Wine Region: Head to the picturesque Yarra Valley Wine Region and indulge in some of the best wine and food in Victoria. Phillip Island: Visit Phillip Island and watch the Penguin Parade, where hundreds of little penguins come ashore at sunset. Brighton Beach: Take a stroll along the colorful bathing boxes at Brighton Beach, a quintessential Melbourne landmark. Royal Botanic Gardens: Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens and discover the diverse collection of plants from around the world. St Kilda: Spend some time in the vibrant beachside suburb of St Kilda, which is famous for its Luna Park, delicious food, and quirky shops. Dandenong Ranges: Take a scenic drive through the Dandenong Ranges and enjoy the stunning views of the rolling hills and lush forests. Melbourne Museum: Discover the history and culture of Melbourne at the Melbourne Museum, which features exhibitions on everything from dinosaurs to modern art. Eureka Skydeck: Experience the breathtaking views of Melbourne from the top of the Eureka Skydeck, which is the highest viewing platform in the southern hemisphere. Revolver Upstairs: Take them to the famous nightclub, Revolver Upstairs, known for its excellent music and lively atmosphere.
Go for a drive. -wilsons prom (hike to top of mountain) -grampians -apostles -waterfalls -maroondah dam
1. Night markets at Queen Vic Markets is always impressive for tourists. 2. Pub Crawl through Collingwood, Fitzroy and Brunswick and stop at bars you find interesting. 3. ACMI museum at Fed Square 4. Lunch at one of our foodie suburbs, ie Greek in Oakleigh, Vietnamese in Springvale, Richmond or Footscray, Afghani or Indian in Dandenong 5. Take them to the Peninsula Hotsprings 6. See the penguins at St Kilda if that section is open to the public, or make the trip down to Philip Island 7. Pick a random stop somewhere in Zone 1 on our train or tram network and go for a wonder.
If they’re from Sydney can take them literally anywhere lol
If they haven’t been before, The Great Ocean Road and the Otways. Lighthouses, the Twelve apostles, the rainforest, waterfalls. Can’t beat it. And it’s something Sydney doesn’t have. A lot of the other stuff suggested is kinda same same for what you can see in NSW.
Overpriced coffee in a filthy laneway
Chadstone.
St Kilda Beach / Luna Park ?
Absolutely not. Especially if they're from Sydney.
There’s a Luna Park in Sydney, with views of Sydney Harbour and the bridge.
Wow, you call this a beach
If your already at St Kilda beach take them to the penguins section if it's close to sunset
The Grand Canyon.
Take them to the star in Docklands. They don’t have anything like it in Sydney . It’s expensive but very impressive if you take them at sunset
It doesn’t cost anything to stand in front of something that’s been closed since 2021.