Having wrapped up my lengthy post on Guangzhou from June, I’m excited to begin writing my one-week holiday in Melbourne—a city that truly feels like a second home.
Melbourne holds a special place in our hearts, thanks to Lik’s aunty and cousins who make every visit so memorable.
We cherish our annual trips to Melbourne not just for the family connections but for the city’s irresistible Aussie lifestyle, which always leaves us feeling refreshed and recharged.
This time is particularly special because it’s our first visit in several years, and we’re excited to experience the city’s vibrant energy once again and also meet up with our family in the city.
Our trip has a dual purpose: attending a wedding, which promises to be a beautiful celebration, and then using Melbourne as a relaxing stopover before heading to New Zealand for a three-week adventure.
By breaking up the long journey, we hope to make the flight to New Zealand more comfortable for our parents and give them a chance to enjoy a leisurely week in Melbourne.
We cherish our annual trips to Melbourne not just for the family connections but for the city’s irresistible Aussie lifestyle, which always leaves us feeling refreshed and recharged.
This time is particularly special because it’s our first visit in several years, and we’re excited to experience the city’s vibrant energy once again and also meet up with our family in the city.
Our trip has a dual purpose: attending a wedding, which promises to be a beautiful celebration, and then using Melbourne as a relaxing stopover before heading to New Zealand for a three-week adventure.
By breaking up the long journey, we hope to make the flight to New Zealand more comfortable for our parents and give them a chance to enjoy a leisurely week in Melbourne.
I've been getting a ton of DMs about our New Zealand itinerary—sorry for the delay and thanks for your patience.
I promise that once I wrap up our Melbourne adventures, I'll share all the details about our Campervan trip in New Zealand.
Now, without further ado, let’s kick off our one-week holiday in Melbourne!
We booked a direct AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne, which cost us RM1030.00 per person, including our air tickets, meals, a quiet zone seat, and 25kg of luggage each.
For an 8-hour journey, we think the price was quite reasonable, especially considering the comfort of the quiet zone we enjoyed.
We felt lucky to secure these seats for our parents, who haven’t flown in over four years due to the pandemic.
It was important for us to ensure they had a peaceful and pleasant experience on this long flight, and the quiet zone made a world of difference.
Speaking of our journey to Melbourne, we had to obtain an online visa to enter Australia.
The process was quite varied for each of us.
My parents received their visas almost instantly after submitting their applications and making the payment.
However, Lik and I experienced a lengthier process; it took us about two weeks to receive our approval after submitting our documents.
My 20-year-old niece, Jia En had the longest wait, with her visa approval taking nearly three weeks.
Well, the visa itself wasn’t expensive, costing around AUD20, about RM60 and being valid for just one year.
Car Rental in Melbourne
Although we’ve visited Melbourne several times before, this was our first experience renting a car there, as we were previously well taken care of by Lik’s aunty.
With a total of five people traveling together this time, we needed a larger vehicle, so we decided to rent a car for this trip.
We made a reservation for an 8-seater Kia Carnival through economybookings.com, paying RM2060, only to discover at the counter that it was actually a third-party service for Budget Rent A Car.
We were asked to pay a deposit for insurance, even though we had already paid through economybookings.com, which shocked us.
We then realized that third-party coverage is typically a "refund" type product, meaning the cost of repairs will still be deducted from our deposit, and we must claim it back from the coverage provider.
In contrast, if we purchase insurance directly from Budget Rent A Car, it usually operates as a "waiver" type product, meaning we wouldn’t need to pay anything out of pocket.
In contrast, if we purchase insurance directly from Budget Rent A Car, it usually operates as a "waiver" type product, meaning we wouldn’t need to pay anything out of pocket.
To play it safe, we decided to repurchase the insurance which cost us AUD240 on the spot.
This taught us a valuable lesson: never book a car through a third party, even if they offer lower prices, to avoid all the hassle and potential problems.
Where we Stay in Melbourne
For this trip, we stayed in an Airbnb right in the heart of Melbourne to be closer to the city’s central attractions.
The total cost for our 6-day, 5-night stay at the Harbour Views Apartments, was approximately RM3500.
I was especially pleased with the location of the apartment.
It was ideally situated, with a tram stop right in front of the building; this meant that as soon as we disembarked from the tram, the apartment was just a few steps away.
It was incredibly convenient and made exploring the city a breeze!
Additionally, the location was very convenient, with supermarkets nearby for our daily groceries.
A great bonus was the fashion outlet directly across the street—super handy for shopping!
A great bonus was the fashion outlet directly across the street—super handy for shopping!
The unit we rented had two floors.
On the first floor, there was a master bedroom, a bathroom, a living area, and an open-concept kitchen perfect for cooking together.
And the laundry was a great help, as it allowed us to wash and dry our clothes before the New Zealand trip. :)
The good thing is that the kitchen is well-equipped with complete appliances, allowing us to prepare meals easily.
I think most importantly, the home-cooked meals help us save money on dining out. #hehe
The second floor was roomy with a double bed and another bathroom.
Having two bathrooms was really helpful, as it meant we didn’t have to wait long for our showers and made the stay more convenient.
Overall, the apartment was a pleasant place to stay.
Although it’s a bit older, it was clean and well-maintained.
The owner, Kelvin, was incredibly kind and accommodating.
He allowed us an early check-in since we arrived at the airport at 5 a.m, and he was also very responsive throughout our stay, always available to assist us with any questions or concerns.
I highly recommend this Airbnb if you’re looking for a great city location in Melbourne.
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Melbourne
Kicking off our Melbourne trip with a cup of cuppa!
One pie, two sandwiches, and three coffees set me back RM190! Honestly, when will the Malaysian ringgit get stronger?!
Because of the IG transition reels that I wanted to make, #lol we first headed to the city of Melbourne.
My last visit here was in 2016, and it was very memorable, because me and Lik had our pre-wedding photoshoot at this very location, the Flinder Street Railway Station.
I love coming to Flinders Street because it truly captures the vibrant energy of the Aussie city life.
Photo-bomb are everywhere! :(
I can't recall how many photos we took just to get one perfect shot, because there were so many people walking around the street.
We had some kebabs at a random shop for lunch.
One thing I love about Australia is that we can actually sit outdoors to enjoy our meal.
Day 4 - South Melbourne Market,
Say Hi to my dad and mum! :)
The Botanical Garden, situated next to Lake Wendouree, is a wonderful place for a peaceful walk.
The garden features beautifully maintained flower beds and a variety of trees, creating a serene environment for leisurely exploration.
Captured the same spot where Jay Chou once posed. #hehe
I was actually quite surprised to see that there were actually people lined up for their turn to get the perfect shot at this iconic location. #lol
Near Flinders Street, you'll see a lot of iconic buildings that give Melbourne its unique vibe.
There are old churches with beautiful designs, famous landmarks, and striking architectural structures.
Walking through this part of the city, you'll experience a blend of historic charm and modern style. That's what I like about the city in Melbourne; its ability to blend the old with the new and create a vibrant, interesting atmosphere.
We enjoyed some delicious pizza right in the bustling city center, and it was a hit for everyone!
The cheese was rich and satisfying, and as cheese lovers, we savored every bite.
We took the tram back to our apartment and began stocking up on groceries for our 6-days stay in Melbourne.
I always enjoy grocery shopping abroad because of the vast array of choices available.
Plus, if you don't convert the prices to Malaysian Ringgit, the groceries often seem much more affordable compared to what we pay back home in Malaysia.
I always enjoy grocery shopping abroad because of the vast array of choices available.
Plus, if you don't convert the prices to Malaysian Ringgit, the groceries often seem much more affordable compared to what we pay back home in Malaysia.
For dinner, we enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal featuring salmon, paired with a nice bottle of wine.
It was the perfect way to relax and savor a comforting meal after a long day of traveling from the airport and exploring the city.
It was the perfect way to relax and savor a comforting meal after a long day of traveling from the airport and exploring the city.
I really miss drinking the wine in Australia! ^^
Day 2 - Fitroy Street
We kept our plans for the second day fairly relaxed since we had a visit to Lik’s aunty scheduled for the late afternoon.
To make the most of the morning, we decided to start by exploring Fitzroy Street.
This neighborhood in Melbourne is fascinating, with its unique shops, trendy cafes, and lively street art. Looking at the mix of colors, creativity, and energy makes me feel so lively and happy.
It’s my second time visiting this vibrant street, and I’m still loving it.
I was indeed very excited to show it to my niece, Jia En, because I believe she’ll enjoy it just as much as I do.
We had some kebabs at a random shop for lunch.
One thing I love about Australia is that we can actually sit outdoors to enjoy our meal.
Unlike the sweltering heat of Malaysia, Melbourne's cool weather makes outdoor dining a delight.
There are a lot of nice shops to check out at Fitzroy Street.
One shop we always love to visit is an outlet that sells discounted sneakers.
I found a great selection of New Balance shoes at very competitive prices and ended up getting a pair for myself. :)
One shop we always love to visit is an outlet that sells discounted sneakers.
I found a great selection of New Balance shoes at very competitive prices and ended up getting a pair for myself. :)
Grabbed some coffees to chill after walking the whole street.
Before leaving Fitzroy, we stopped by Gelato Messina for some delicious gelato.
This place was recommended by David from our visit a few years ago.
They’re famous for their gelato, as each flavor is made with a unique recipe they’ve created, and they never use pre-made bases or mass-produced pastes.
With over 30 flavors to choose from, it was tough to make a decision!
In the end, we settled on trying the Dark Chocolate and Pistachio flavors.
That’s all about our Fitzroy Street story.
I know there’s so much more to explore, but given that my parents can’t walk for long periods, we had to pace ourselves.
I know there’s so much more to explore, but given that my parents can’t walk for long periods, we had to pace ourselves.
We’d stroll for a while, then take breaks to sit and relax before continuing.
It’s a more laid-back way to enjoy the street without rushing, making sure my parents stays comfortable and can fully appreciate the experience.
Day 3 - David & Seles Wedding
A big congratulations to David and Seles on your wedding!
This is only my second time attending a Western wedding abroad, the first being in the US.
Thank you for including us in your special day—it was truly wonderful!
The wedding was truly beautiful, with a charming ambiance that set a perfect tone for the occasion.
The food was delicious, the entertainment was engaging, and everything came together to create a memorable experience.
We had a fantastic time, especially enjoying the opportunity to catch up with friends and family.
The atmosphere was filled with joy and celebration, making it a day we will cherish for a long time.
It's always feels great to see everyone again after such a long time apart because of COVID.
The pandemic has shown us that we never know when we might get to meet again.
This makes it even more important to enjoy and appreciate every moment we have with each other.
Love you guys! <3
Day 4 - South Melbourne Market,
St. Klida & Brighton Beach
I’ve visited Victoria Market several times before and, to be honest, I was starting to find it a bit repetitive.
So, this time, we decided to switch things up and drove a bit further to South Melbourne Market.
My dad really enjoys exploring these local markets, as he says they offer a glimpse into local life, showcasing how people live and the unique foods of the country.
South Melbourne Market is a lively spot known for its fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique local goods.
It features a range of stalls with fresh fruits, cheeses, baked goods, and specialty items, along with diverse food vendors and quirky shops.
There are a lot of people queuing at the Padre Coffee shop, and I also read about this coffee recommendation on XHS. So yea, let's give it a try!
The market was so crowded, with lots of locals and tourists.
Some aisles were quite narrow, making it difficult to move around, and finding a place to sit and eat was even harder.
So, we decided not to have lunch there and instead headed to a quieter spot nearby to enjoy a peaceful meal.
So, we decided not to have lunch there and instead headed to a quieter spot nearby to enjoy a peaceful meal.
We walked to the opposite street to have lunch at Schnitz, a fast-casual restaurant and franchise known for its hand-crumbed, pan-fried schnitzel dishes.
Each of us had the chicken schnitzel.
I’m not sure if it was my first time trying it, but my first impression is that it’s crispy with a slightly dry texture—though that’s typical for fried food.
However, it’s not a bad thing.
The pan-frying gives it a nice crunch without being greasy, making it light, enjoyable, and satisfying for a meal.
The pan-frying gives it a nice crunch without being greasy, making it light, enjoyable, and satisfying for a meal.
If you’ve never tried schnitzel before, you have to give it a go in Australia!
Glad that everyone enjoy the South Melbourne Market! :)
After lunch, we went to St Kilda Beach for a breath of fresh air.
It was surprisingly quiet, probably because winter is coming, so I think the cold, windy weather kept people inside.
The strong breeze by the beach made it clear why no one was hanging around. :)
We had a great time there!
Even though it was a bit chilly, the weather was still pleasant.
The fresh air was nice, and the sun made the cold feel a bit warmer.
It was a lovely way to enjoy the outdoors before winter really arrives.
It was a lovely way to enjoy the outdoors before winter really arrives.
Oh! Brighton Beach is my favorite!
Every time I come to Melbourne, I always make sure to visit this beach.
I really enjoy the colorful beach huts; they give off such happy and positive vibes!
I loved it so much that I created a reel for my Instagram to show off how nice it all looks. #hehe
Melbourne in May is full of autumn vibes, with autumn trees and leaves scattered everywhere along the roadside.
The vibrant colors and serene landscapes make every view look like a perfect picture.
I really wish Malaysia could have this kind of stunning autumn scenery.
It was a long day out, so we made a simple home-cooked dinner: chicken chops served with spaghetti and Brussels sprouts. :)
Last but not least, we called it a night after enjoying a glass of highball with David at a rooftop bar in the city center. Thanks David!
Day 5 - Ballarat, Clunes, Daylesford, Trentham
There are many interesting places around Melbourne.
After doing some research, I decided to take a day trip to some new spots we hadn’t visited yet.
On the 5th day, we planned a road trip from Melbourne to Ballarat, Clunes, Daylesford, and Trentham.
Our first stop is Ballarat, a city about 115 kilometers northwest of Melbourne.
It’s one of the largest cities in Victoria outside of Melbourne.
We walked around Lake Wendouree, a lovely place for walking, cycling, picnicking, and watching birds.
The parklands around the lake are perfect for a relaxing day out.
Since it’s winter, there weren’t many people around, so we had the place almost to ourselves and enjoyed seeing lots of black swans.
The garden features beautifully maintained flower beds and a variety of trees, creating a serene environment for leisurely exploration.
For lunch, we decided to visit Carbonis Italian Kitchen, a place I found online with excellent reviews.
The restaurant had been highly recommended, so we were eager to try it out and see if it lived up to its positive reputation.
And after trying the food, we all agreed that they serve excellent Italian cuisine.
I highly recommend that anyone visiting Ballarat give it a try! Keep reading to see what we ordered~~~
I highly recommend that anyone visiting Ballarat give it a try! Keep reading to see what we ordered~~~
We had their signature pizzas, known for their crispy crusts and fresh ingredients.
The Zucca V (AUD26.90) features a mozzarella base, pumpkin, herb pesto, goat cheese, roasted onion, and pine nuts.
The restaurant is renowned for its house-made pasta, as the pasta dishes are freshly made every day.
We all really enjoyed the Linguine alla Marinara (AUD38.90), which features fresh squid ink linguine pasta with vongole, mussels, calamari, prawns, and scallops in a garlic, chili, white wine, and tomato sauce (contains shells).
All the seafood was incredibly fresh and generously sized.
Whenever I visit an Italian restaurant, I always make sure to try their risotto.
We ordered the Risotto alla Fiorentina (AUD 31.90), a creamy 'Florence-style' risotto with braised chicken, leek, mushroom, and Parmigiano cheese.”
It was our first time trying the fresh potato gnocchi, and it was surprisingly good, everyone liked it a lot.
The Gnocchi Norcina (AUD 31.90) features house-made pork and fennel sausage, field mushrooms, and black truffle in a creamy sauce, all topped with Parmigiano cheese.
After a short 30-minute drive, we reached Clunes.
It’s a tiny town with only a few shops and a small number of residents.
As soon as we arrived, we noticed how quiet and peaceful it felt.
There isn’t a lot to see or do in Clunes, but that’s part of its charm.
Since we were quite full from the Italian lunch at Clunes, we wandered around the charming streets, took some photos, and enjoyed the quiet, peaceful atmosphere.
The lack of hustle and bustle made it a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the relaxed, small-town vibe.
Our next stop is Daylesford, which is about a 30-minute drive from Clunes.
Compared to Clunes, Daylesford is much more lively and vibrant.
The town offers a variety of intersting shops to expore; from quicky boutiques to charming local stores, there's plenty to see and do.
We were thoroughly impressed with the dinner at Hakka Cuisine; every dish on the table was absolutely delicious.
The highlight of the meal was definitely the seafood, which was incredibly fresh and tasty.
Each bite was a delightful experience, showcasing the high quality of the ingredients.
真心觉得太好吃了! ^^
真心觉得太好吃了! ^^
Thanks for the warm welcome in Melbourne, everyone!
It was wonderful to catch up with all of you after such a long time apart due to the lockdown.
I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone again soon! <3 <3 <3
It’s our last day in Melbourne. It’s always a bit sad to leave a city so full of vibrant energy.
We spent half the day shopping at the outlets and the other half driving around the city to revisit some of the famous attractions.
We made sure to stop at these iconic spots so Jia En could take pictures as proof that she has actually been to Melbourne. #lol
My fisrt visit at this market was back in 2014, and I wrote about what I did here in my previous blog, feel free to read the full post at HERE.
The market was closed by the time we arrived in the late afternoon, as it only operates in the early part of the day, so we stopped by the roadside to take a photo of the market.
Then we went to Hosier Lane, a vibrant and famous street known for its ever-changing street art and graffiti.
It’s a popular spot in Melbourne for both locals and tourists who want to see stunning, colorful murals and artwork.
It’s a popular spot in Melbourne for both locals and tourists who want to see stunning, colorful murals and artwork.
The lane’s walls are covered with creative and dynamic pieces, making it a fantastic place for photography and experiencing Melbourne's unique urban art scene.
That's the vibes I am saying about Melbourne! :)
I had never been here at night before, and I was pleasantly surprised by how great the atmosphere was for taking pictures.
The nighttime vibes offer a different charm compared to the daytime, with the street art illuminated by city lights creating a striking and photogenic scene.
This is definitely Jia En's kind of vibe, so it's clear she really enjoyed being here.
The lively atmosphere and stunning street art seemed to resonate with her, making the experience even more enjoyable.
The lively atmosphere and stunning street art seemed to resonate with her, making the experience even more enjoyable.
The night view of Melbourne city looks absolutely stunning!
The city lights create a beautiful, twinkling panorama that highlights the vibrant energy and charm of Melbourne after dark.
We returned to Flinders Street Railway Station, but this time it was dark compared to the bright, bustling atmosphere of the daytime on our first day.
It was nice to see the station illuminated by the lights, which added a different kind of charm and showcased the building's architectural beauty in a new light.
Our last stop before heading back to our apartment was the State Library Victoria.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t go inside because it was closed, but if you get the chance to visit during the daytime, definitely take a look inside.
The library has many beautiful corners and architectural details that are perfect for photography!
The library has many beautiful corners and architectural details that are perfect for photography!
Before I wrap up this post, I want to give a big shout-out to Travel Recommendations for providing the pocket Wi-Fi. It was incredibly convenient and reliable throughout our trip.
Having constant access to the internet made it easy to navigate, stay connected, and share our experiences in real-time.
This small but essential tool greatly enhanced our travel experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip.
This small but essential tool greatly enhanced our travel experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip.
That’s it for my Melbourne trip!
I know this post is quite long, but I wanted to include all the details and highlights of our journey.
I know this post is quite long, but I wanted to include all the details and highlights of our journey.
I hoped to create a complete record so that in the future, I can look back and remember all the great times we had with my family.
It’s a way to keep and enjoy these special memories, making sure they’re always easy to revisit whenever I want.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my Melbourne trip and that this post gives you some useful insights if it's your first time visiting this wonderful city.
If you'd like to explore more about Melbourne, you can find my other posts under the label #HIPPOXTRAVEL, listed as Melbourne.
Thanks for taking the time to read, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon! XOXO
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