Melbourne highlights: 5 free days out
We got pretty good at cheap days out in Melbourne… mostly because I spent my time there not working! Here were some of my favourite days out in Melbourne, all easily accessible by train.
Brighton Beach, Melbourne
Brighton Beach
We headed to Brighton Beach to watch the sunset, and it was probably one of my favourite evenings. You can easily get the train down to Brighton from the CBD and explore for a few hours. Be prepared for lots of tourists getting photos with the beach huts, but if you head further along the beach you can find a quiet spot to enjoy the view of the city. Once you’ve enjoyed the sunset, there’s a good selection of bars and pubs down this way too!
Victoria Market
I’d argue this is a must-visit for the food and a general perusal. Markets can vary, and while I wasn’t sold by any of the clothes or general tat, there was so much amazing food and several good coffee shops around the market. Something might catch your eye, as the market is massive. There’s everything from books to jewellery to clothes and antiques.
Ian Potter Centre
The Ian Potter Centre
This is a modern art gallery and IMO a must-visit! It’s pretty big, and if you want to explore the whole thing it will be the best part of a day. There are loads of interactive exhibits and it is full of colour. If you ever need a creativity or mood boost, it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Yarra Bend Park
Yarra Bend Park
This is one of your best bets for a long walk or a hike by train without having to leave the city. We spent several hours walking around rivers and waterfalls, before heading home and grabbing a pint from a bar we passed. You can do several loops, from 5km to 10km plus.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
I actually spent a lot of time here. It’s huge, so you can easily get lost for a few hours. It’s really peaceful if you want to grab a coffee or have a picnic and enjoy views of the lake. There are loads of hidden surprises, water fountains and statues. I genuinely did get lost for a few hours, in a nice way. It’s well-placed, just outside of the CBD.