Melbourne one day trip
Option 1: City Walk
Depart from the hotel in the morning and first visit the Old Parliament House, a building with over 160 years of history. Walk along Macarthur Street between the Old Treasury Building and the State Parliament House to reach the spectacular St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest Catholic church in the Southern Hemisphere. This Gothic-style cathedral is mostly built of bluestone and was officially opened in October 1897. The stained glass ceiling and windows inside the cathedral are especially distinctive.
Take a short break at Fitzroy Gardens and visit Cook’s Cottage. Pass by Lygon Street, known as “Little Italy,” and the Paris End of Collins Street. Explore the uniquely designed Federation Square and the adjacent Flinders Street Station, an iconic landmark of Melbourne known for its distinctive Victorian-era architecture.
Cross the Yarra River, which runs through the city of Melbourne, to visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), the Royal Botanic Gardens—the largest in the Southern Hemisphere—and the Shrine of Remembrance. Return to the city center to see the graffiti-covered Hosier Lane and Chinatown. After the tour, return to the hotel.
Option 2: Great Ocean Road
Depart from the hotel in the morning and head to the famous Great Ocean Road to visit the Twelve Apostles rock formations. Enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery along the way. Pass through popular holiday towns among locals such as Lorne and Apollo Bay. The Great Ocean Road was built between 1919 and 1932 to commemorate soldiers who served in World War I, with many of the returning soldiers participating in its construction. Stretching 243 kilometers, it is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world.
The final destination is the iconic Twelve Apostles—a collection of towering limestone stacks that rise majestically from the Southern Ocean. These giant formations were created over 10 to 12 million years through continuous erosion of the limestone cliffs by the ocean. Standing up to 45 meters tall and separated from the mainland, they are now one of Australia’s most famous natural landmarks. (Currently, only seven stacks remain.) In the evening, return to the hotel in Melbourne.
Option 3: Dandenong mountain + penguin parade
Depart from the hotel in the morning and head to Mount Dandenong National Forest Park, about 50 minutes from the city center, to experience the unique natural beauty of the ancient rainforest. In the mountains, hand-feed colorful wild parrots and enjoy the joy of getting close to nature. Visit the mountain village of Olinda to experience the charm and character of this quaint little town.
Phillip Island, located 128 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, is also known as “Penguin Island” and is home to the world’s smallest penguins—Little Penguins (also called Fairy Penguins). In the afternoon, stop by Maru Wildlife Park to see uniquely Australian animals such as kangaroos and koalas—hand-feed kangaroos and observe koalas up close in their natural behavior. Then continue to Phillip Island and visit the Nobbies Centre before sunset. From the viewing platform, wait quietly to witness the magical moment when the Little Penguins return to shore and make their way back to their burrows. Learn how these penguins navigate their way home. Return to the hotel in the evening.
Option 4: Mornington peninsula
Depart from the hotel in the morning and travel along the coastal road to the charming Australian-style resort destination — Mornington Peninsula. Pass through the upscale residential area of Brighton and stop to admire and take photos of the iconic rainbow-colored beach huts neatly lined up along the shore.
Arrive at Red Hill and take the Arthurs Seat gondola for a panoramic view of the peninsula’s coastal scenery, with sunshine and sandy beaches.
At the Pt Leo Estate, explore the seaside sculpture park, home to a world-renowned large sculpture by KAWS. After enjoying the sculpture park, savor a glass of locally produced wine at the estate’s winery. Return to the hotel in Melbourne in the evening.
Contact: Joanna Mao Email: pacific@bund.com.au