MELBOURNE 7 DAY ITINERARY: WHAT TO SEE, EAT & EXPERIENCE IN AUSTRALIA’S COOLEST CITY PART 2

Описание: Melbourne Adventure Part 2 – Great Ocean Road, Skyline Views & an Epic Finale
Day 5 – Great Ocean Road (Reverse Route)

Midway through our Melbourne stay, we joined a bus tour to explore the Great Ocean Road. With many operators available, the key decision is choosing between the traditional or reverse route. We selected the reverse route to visit the Twelve Apostles early in the morning and avoid peak crowds — a decision that paid off.

The 12-hour tour cost $35 AUD and included stops at Razorback, the Twelve Apostles, Apollo Bay for lunch, the Memorial Arch, and a lighthouse. Saddle Lookout offered some of the best coastal views of the day. While the tour was well organized and efficient, spending over eight hours on the bus was demanding. In hindsight, the Great Ocean Road is best experienced over multiple days.

Day 6 – South Bank & Cultural Highlights

We consolidated the South Bank attractions into one walkable day.
After breakfast, we took a two-hour Melbourne Highlights Cruise. The upstream route passes Federation Square and the Royal Botanic Gardens, while the downstream route toward Docklands is more visually dynamic, especially under the low bridges.

Next was Melbourne Skydeck for panoramic city views, followed by the National Gallery of Victoria, the country’s largest art museum. We also visited the Shrine of Remembrance, whose architecture and rooftop skyline views were particularly impressive.

Dinner at Aru in the CBD was a highlight, especially the 14-day dry-aged roasted duck and thoughtful wine recommendations.

Day 7 – East End & Brighton Bathing Boxes

Our final day focused on Melbourne’s east end before heading to the coast.
We began with coffee at Patricia, then visited the Treasury Building Museum and toured the Parliament of Victoria. Nearby, St Patrick's Cathedral stood out for its impressive Gothic design.

In the afternoon, we took the train from Flinders Street Station to Brighton Beach. The colorful bathing boxes at Dendy Beach — about 96 in total — create a distinctive and photogenic stretch of coastline. Starting from the southern end made for a quieter experience.

Final Evening
We concluded the trip with dinner at Circl Wine House, choosing a seven-course prix fixe menu with wine pairing. Standout dishes included the caviar tin snack, yellowfin tuna crudo, and Blackmore wagyu. The three-hour dinner was refined, well-paced, and a fitting end to our time in Melbourne.

From dramatic coastal landscapes to cultural landmarks and exceptional dining, this second half of our trip highlighted Melbourne’s depth and variety — a city that rewards both efficiency and slow exploration.

00:00 - Intro
00:15 Day 5 – Great Ocean Road
03:31 Day 6 - South Bank
07:15 Day 7 – East End & Brighton