13 Days 10 Nights (13D10N) Solo Travel Itinerary in Melbourne, Australia

This is the 2nd trip of the year as my schedule tied up with a goal to achieve, and this trip to reward myself to manage to achieve a little results. I Made a spontaneous decision to do a solo Melbourne trip from 6th 17th Sept and I am lucky to get such a long holiday period with less annual leave applied. Ok, to make it quick! whoever wish to extend longer vacation, try to fit holiday in from end of Aug to mid of Sept provided you are working in Malaysia. Check your calendar ~ ^^

Flight Ticket : RM2,000

This was extremely pricey I know. Because at the first plan was KL-MEL-SYD-KL. Unfortunately I couldn’t make it so I booked my return flight back 3 days before I depart to Melb. You may get it 2 ways for approximately RM800 inc. baggage during Zero Fare by AirAsia.

Accommodation : RM619.45 Inc. cleaning fee 

I stayed 6 nights in Melb CBD via Airbnb, the rest of the days at friend’s place. Airbnb apartment at 19.MelbourneCBD GirlsRoom $22/night.

(Link here : https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/6755630)

The room wasn't what it adv on the website and the most upset thing is you pay cleaning fee without cleaning by the host and you have to clean it before you leave , but since I was travelling alone, I just forget about it. The best part is The Manhattan Tower is so close to the local hypermarket and interchange station where the sky bus alighted from airport.

Photography in CBD : RM106.72

Just an experience to try. However, I would say DON’T!!!! DON’T PAY for it. I'm not sure about other which offered from the website but I can say Mietta got no photography skill and just take whatever it is so long you are in captured. So don’t pay for it. You may along the street know some tourists there probably can get along together to take photo if you are brave enough . Because I did it before I meet the photographer ~ (Link here : https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/269896)

Sky Diving : RM1,372.41 online booking via their website and additional AUD30.00 on that day itself.

I hope to do it once again ! To be honest, this is not the most scary thing to do. The only second you afraid was when you jump off from the plane. Hahah!!! Just few seconds, after all you enjoy the view of the country. From my advise , go to the most expensive package + opposite view video which not only selfie by the tandem instructor. You may get most beautiful sky dive. Because mine was so ugly ~ (Link here : www.skydive.com.au)

Market : My choice - Queen Victoria Market 

Please do check on website of their opening hours. They are close on Mon and Wed. This is the best market and it is more than enough for you to get fresh vege and fruits, souvenir (cheeses, nuts, nougat) . Another one was in South Melbourne Market where further up from Casino Crown. You no need to visit if you are not going for the Agathé Pastrie as everything available in QVM. Save your time!

Total Expenses Summary : RM12,000

This cost inc. exchanged money , possibly not the most economical trip because I love shopping and grab a lot of protein bars that not available in my country . My protein bars easily cost me AUD 300 = RM 906. However, it would be cheaper if you travel in group as you may split the cost and may hire a car to explore more places.

So here goes my itinerary:

Day 1 

Manhattan Tower, Rose Lane – The Hardware Societe (Brunch Spot) – Photography in CBD – Homecooked dinner

The Hardware Societe - Popular French Spanish Cafe In Melbourne. For The Fried Brioche And Baked Eggs

The Baked Egg Chorizo AUD19.00

Left : Flinders Station ***** Right : Shrine of Remembrance

St Paul. Cathedral

St Paul Cathedral - Paid AUD 5 for a group to take photo (headcount no count)

St Paul Cathedral

Yarrar River (Casino Crown is just opposite)

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Two solo travelers that i met on the street

Day 2

Woke up early for a local tour which is Grampian National Park

To be honest, pretty good trip by Go West. However, I would love to explore this National Park by own self drive. There are plenty of hills we can climb, but they only go Grand Canyon Loop as the photo showed. Probably you can climb to The Pinnacle if you are self drive as most of the tours don't go up there as time consuming.

  

Go West Tour - Grampian AUD135 (AUD 10 discount if you purchase 2 tours)

The Silverband Falls

Our Lunch

The people i met from tour

 

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon Loop

Day 3

Queen Victoria Market – Shopping Day

Just took a leisure day after a tour on day 2. My roommate brought me to Queen Victoria Market by walking distance from our apartment.

i had bratwurst as my lunch there, i forgot to take photo. anyway below info provided.

Bratwurst Shop & Co

99 Queen St | Stall 99-100 Deli Hall, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia

+61 3 9328 2076

Opening Hours : (Refer QVM Opening Hour)

  

After having my german sausage, we walked around and may smell the strong caramelized  food. The smell will have you veering off track to stop by and they will give you few nuts to try. That's the most terrible part as you will buy it but price wise - expensive.

Chooh La La offer 3 different types of praline including almonds, macadamias and peanuts and caramelise them on site and its all vegan friendly and gluten free and made only with top Australian ingredients. They are free from oil, dairy, honey, wheat, yeast, glucose, preservatives, artificial colorings and palm oil.

  

A must when you are at the market and the perfect snack for your stress day.

Chooh La La !!!

Chooh La La !!!

Price : AUD5 - AUD35

Opening Hours : (Refer QVM Opening Hour)

The Free Tram - City Circle No. 35 (It is FREE)

The Free Tram - City Circle No. 35 (It is FREE)

Day 4

Sky Dive in St Kilda – Operator25(Breakfast and Brunch Spot) – Shopping – Coffee Break – Korean Food for dinner (just downstair of apartment)

Ha-ha! I would say this is amazing feel. But, if you have a time you may choose to do it on Ocean Road instead of St Kilda as this location don't offer you another videographer jump together with you. So the photo turns out ugly. Ha-ha!

It took me half day for sky dive, please prepares for a half day if you do a skydive. After diving, I went to one of the famous cafe spots in town - Operator25.

Operator25 isolated down at a quiet laneway in the business district of the Melbourne CBD, with brick walls and industrial ceilings created a good atmosphere for the people around.

The food is unique which have combined international fusion cuisine with contemporary Australian cafe fare, utilizing more unusual ingredients and complex flavor combinations than those seen on the majority of the city’s brunch menus while maintaining a cafe price.

Chilli Soft Shell Crab AUD22

Operator25

25 Wills St, Melbourne

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 9am-4pm

http://www.operator25.com.au

Day 5

Great Ocean Road Tour – Homecook dinner

The Melbourne trip wouldn't be complete if without crossing the Great Ocean Road. It is 250-kilometer highway stretches along the southern from CBD. The journey began early and I met Go West’s small air-conditioned bus (maximum of 24) near my apartment at 7am.

We drove to the town of Torquay for a coffee break. Torquay Beach is where surfing began in Australia and is home to the popular brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver. 

Torquay Beach

Back on the bus, Alex circulated a menu and order form for our lunch, which was waiting at a Thai cafe in Apollo Bay and the food is perfectly good. We had just 45 minutes for lunch and spend a little walk for exploring Apollo Bay. Alex does recommend one of the ice cream called - Dooley’s ice cream, an award-winning local brand. 

After our lunch, we head to our next destination Great Otway National Park, strolled through Maits Rest, a lush primordial rain forest which Alex said was home to the world’s tallest trees after California Redwoods. Indeed, some were so large we could stand inside their trunks and make us looks so tiny , just like me. And the most funniest part, i climb on the trunks to take photos with my short leg.

Great Otway National Park

  

Great Otway National Park

Great Otway National Park

We finally reached what we’d all been looking forward for – the Twelve Apostles! The famous landmark of GOR. There use to be 9 towers but one gave way to the crashing waves, so only eight remain standing. (They were dubbed “Twelve Apostles” as a marketing gimmick; Originally the rocks were called “Sow and Piglets.” 

After a great scenery of 12 Apostles , not far away is Gibson Steps lead down to the beach for a close-up view of two of the apostles. Take care, though. Several of our tour group got a little too close and were drenched! It was an easy climb down the 86 steps, though they were a bit slippery.

Gibson Steps - a close up view of 2 apostles

Our final stop of the day was Loch Ard Gorge. The Loch Ard Gorge is part of Port Campbell National Park, Victoria, Australia, about three minutes' drive west of The Twelve Apostles. 

Day 6 

South Melb Market – Agathe – Shopping – Brother Baba Busan (coffee – famous) – Chin Chin (Dinner – famous thai food)

South Melb Market - Located just 15 mins away by a tram ride from Melb Central, it's easy to get there. Compared to Queen Victoria Market, it has a smaller scale. However, for my own opinion it is not a must visit unless you want to try out the famous pastries by Agathé Pâtisserie with a rating of 4.8/5.0 on Zomato (trust me, 4.8 is hard to get).

I got one of their famous Chocolate Almond croissant which cost AUD8, it tasted like heaven. The crisp ALMOND outside and the fluffiness inside melted with chocolate. The buttery guilt that melts in your mouth is simply perfect. That is what I call a fantastic croissant.

Agathé Pâtisserie

322 Coventry St, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia

Opening Hours : Refer Google (South Melb Market's Business Hour)

After stomach fed with high calories croissant , but no regrets. Get a walk from South Melb Market to town and walking down to the city.  If you need a good cup of coffee within Melbourne’s CBD, make your way to Brother Baba Budan.

Brother Baba Budan – One Of The Best Coffee Places In Melbourne’s CBD, At Little Bourke Street. It was not the only the interior and crowd when i am passing by but also highly recommended by the local australian and some of my friends who have been here. 

The café is part of the Seven Seeds, which is a micro roaster, retailer with other cafes, including Seven Seeds Café at Carlton and Traveller. And i have visited Seven Seeds, lets me bring you there.

Brother Baba Budan - Specialty coffee shop serving cakes in a quirky space with wood panelling and bar stools.

I thought i had no chance to visit Chin Chin - the hottest Thai food in Melb CBD. Fortunately, i knew one of the Hongkee would want to try it. Chin Chin - located on Flinders Lane, it is a casual eatery serving modern Thai street inspired dishes with a South-East Asian twist. It’s dimly lit and rather dark, but that gives it the nice ambiance. There is that constant lively buzz from the chatter and 80’s music pumping in the background, giving it a very cool vibe.

Massaman curry of coconut braised beef w/kipfler potatoes, peanuts & crispy shallots AUD29.50

Suckling Pig “roll up” rolls - AUD23.50 and Barramundi Salad with Apple - AUD32.50

Chin Chin - Melbourne
Address: 125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
Tel: +61 3 8663 2000
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 11:00pm (Sun – Thu), 11:00am – 11:30pm (Fri – Sat)
http://www.chinchinrestaurant.com.au

Chin Chin – Sydney
69 Commonwealth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Tel: +61 2 9281 3322
Opening Hours: 11:30am – 11:00pm (Mon – Sat), 11:30am – 9:00pm (Sun)

Day 7
State of Victoria Library – Melbourne Central – Dragon Hot pot (Lunch) – Aquas (famous dessert) – Dex2rose (gelato) – Korean food for dinner (downstair of apartment)

Free and easy and keep eating non stop...

State Library Victoria is the central library of the state of Victoria, Australia, located in Melbourne. It was established in 1854 as the Melbourne Public Library, making it Australia's oldest public library and one of the first free libraries in the world.

State of Victoria Library

State of Victoria Library
 Address: 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours : Daily 10am - 9pm except Weekend 10am - 6pm (Fri-Sun) 
Free Admission

Melbourne Central is a diverse shopping and dining destination that invites you to keep exploring. With more than 300 retailers over five levels, Melbourne Central is home to an absorbing range of Australian and international brands including Sephora, Nike, Country Road, MRP, Mecca Maxima and Hoyts. The centre also boasts several unique architectural features such as the giant marionette watch hanging in Shot Tower Square - famous for its hourly rendition of the Australian anthem 'Waltzing Matilda' - as well as a number of art installations throughout.

Melbourne Central Shopping Centre

Melbourne Central Shopping Centre

Address: La Trobe St & Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Opening Hours : Daily 10am - 9pm except Thu & Fri 10am - 7pm

DAH.... DAAA! It's lunch hour. This hotpot is a must visit place and it recall me back when i was in Sydney - Yang Guo Malatang. Before i visit Melb, i did a research Dragon Hot Pot is the current trend food in Melb.

Dragon Hot Pot is a restaurant that appeals to Melbourne's many Chinese students. You get a basin, and fill it with whatever takes your fancy -- calamari, sausages, meatballs, cabbage, noodles, tofu and much more. You take it to the counter, where it is weighed -- everything is the same price. You then pick your broth -- mild, hot, very hot and even hotter. when it is cooked (around 15 minutes) one of the charming wait staff will bring it out. You can choose a beer or soft drink. The staff are very helpful and cheerfully cleaned up a breakage. Don't be put off if you don't speak Chinese, the staff are very helpful. There may be a queue at lunchtime, but not a long one.

Dragon Hot Pot 一麻一辣 - Chinese Restaurant in Melbourne CBD

Dragon Hot Pot 一麻一辣
Address : 213 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours : 24hours


Girl always have a room for dessert ! Let me tell you - This is Aquas , The Dreamy Blue Soft Serve From Sydney Made, along with their famous Instagram-ready cloud wallpaper. The other flavours are changed every two weeks, and could be anything from pandan to matcha, blueberry to shortbread. Half-half with sea salt can also be done if you want a bit of both.

Pick between having your ice cream to be in a cone or cup, then choose up to four toppings or you could have it plain. You might have popping candy, a palmier biscuit, popcorn, a cloud of fairy floss or grilled marshmallows stuck in with chocolate-coated Pocky.

The sea salt flavour always my choice.

Aquas -  The Dreamy Blue Soft Serve From Sydney Made For Instagram

Aquas - Soft Serve Ice cream
Address : 16 Red Cape Ln, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
Opening Hours : Daily 10am - 10pm


Dex2rose - Trendy local for creative, made-to-order gelato using liquid nitrogen, plus cold brew coffee. The café sets itself apart from the existing plethora of take-away gelato/ice-cream vendors by offering (as well as encouraging) patrons to chill out at the venue with their delicious coffee and cold pressed juices and soon to be introduced pastries.

Their menu changes every fortnight and features interesting flavours combinations not available anywhere else.

Dex2rose Nitrogen Gelato & Desserts

Dex2rose Nitrogen Gelato & Desserts
Address: 377-379 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours : Sun - Thu 1pm - 10pm, Fri & Sat 1pm - 11pm


This is for my dinner, not famous one but just around my apartment.

Day 8 
William Rickets Sanctuary – Sky High Observatory – Seven Seeds (Brunch and coffee) – Brighton Bathing Boxes – Sushi Hub(local affortable jap restaurant)

One of my local friend who live here for long time. My friend manage to rent a car for us to drive up to Mount Dandenong to visit William Ricketts Sanctuary. The artist, William Ricketts, is remembered by his works at this forest sanctuary for contemplation.

It hidden away in a dense inlet along the winding Mt Dandenong Tourist Road and it is not only one the Dandenong’s more iconic experiences, but one of the most inspiring and tranquil places on the mountain.

William Ricketts Sanctuary
Address: 1402 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Mount Dandenong VIC 3767, Australia
Opening Hours: Daily 10am - 4.30pm
Free Admission


Seems we are in Mount Dandenong, my friend brought me to the hill top to see the view of Melb. However, it is so cold on this day, we back to town to have our brunch.

Skyhigh Mount Dandenong - it is nice in the evening (from google)

Skyhigh Mount Dandenong 
Address: 26 Observatory Rd, Mount Dandenong VIC 3767, Australia
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9.15am - 10pm , Sat - Sun 8.15am - 10.30pm

We back to town for a good brunch. Melbourne is always known for its amazing coffee and cafes – no question about the high standards. With that said, there are definitely places better than the rest, and Seven Seeds is one of them.

Seven Seeds - airy, industrial-chic cafe and micro-roaster serving all-day brunch, salads and specialty teas. I ordered the Eggs and Waffle Benedict and Braised Beef with Potatoes. They were both amazing, but I particularly liked the eggs bene. Mainly due to the sauce, they spice things up with Chipotle Hollandaise.

The waffle was also perfectly done – slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Left : Egg Benedicts AUD18 & Right : Braised Beef Potatoes AUD18

Seven Seeds
Address: 114 Berkeley St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Opening Hours: Daily 7am - 5pm Except Sunday from 8am


My stomach felt happy after this delicious brunch. My friend decided to drive me down to Brighton seems we have a car for 24hours. I didn't joined any tour for this package due this can be reach via public transport and a short distance walk from the train. Brighton Bathing Box - Iconic & much-photographed group of 82 brightly coloured wooden beach huts from the early 1900s.

Brighton Bathing Boxes

Brighton Bathing Boxes
Address: Esplanade, Brighton VIC 3186, Australia
Opening Hours: 24 hours

Day 9
Shopping (Protein & Supplement) - QVM (coffee) - Sarawak's Kitchen (Lunch) - Homecook Pasta

Queen Victoria Market is a major landmark in Melbourne, Australia, and at around seven hectares is the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. The Queen Victoria Market is the largest and most intact surviving 19th century market in the city.

Queen Victoria Market - Fruits 

Queen Victoria Market
 Address: Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours : Close on Mon & Wed
Thursday 6am–2pm
Friday 6am–5pm
Saturday 6am–3pm
Sunday 9am–4pm
Tuesday 6am–2pm


Merlo Coffee - Blends and single-origin coffees poured in a smart cafe and roastery chain.

Merlo Coffe

Merlo Coffee
Address: Queen Victoria Market, Peel St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Tue & Thu 6am - 2pm, Fri & Sat 6am - 3pm, Sun 7.30am - 4pm
(Monday and Wednesday Close)


Haha!!! these are apart of my stuff only~~~

Look at it!!!!

HUNGRY !!! Decided to grab some asian food as i miss Malaysia food too. But to be honest, i don't eat carbs in my country . if have to, i cook!!! In Melb, you can forget about calories as you walk alot ~

Sarawak Kitchen

Sarawak Kitchen
Address: 469 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours: Sun - Thu 11am - 10pm, Fri & Sat 11am - 10.30pm




DAY 10
QVM (Food) - Cafe Brush (High tea) - Street food - The Meat and Wine Co.

American Doughnut Kitchen - those days are great , but i think hypermarket tastes better lol.

American Doughnut Kitchen

American Doughnut Kitchen
Address: Queen Victoria Market, Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours : Tue & Thu 7am - 2pm, Fri & Sun 7am - 4pm, Sat 7am - 3pm
Close on Mon and Wed


Market Lane - specialty coffee roastery, cafe and retailer, born and based in Melbourne. They are dedicated to high quality coffee. They want to make good coffee accessible and exciting, simple to understand and appreciate, and easy to brew and enjoy.

Market Lane Coffee
Address : Queen Victoria Market, 83-85 Victoria Street Melbourne 3000, Victoria Australia
Opening Hours : Mon - Thurs: 7am - 4pm, Fri and Sat: 7am - 5pm, Sunday: 8am - 5pm



Thanks god! The last two days was raining and i felt so cold . You found love here !
i mean food to keep you warm ... its fresh made crepe ~

La Petite Creperie - they specialise in authentic, traditional French crêpes and waffles which are prepared daily and cooked on demand. Established in 2008 by Michaël (native Frenchman) and Patrizia (Melbourne born), we can be found at four popular Melbourne locations:

Located on the footpath on the corner of Little Collins and Swanston Street, their kiosk are Melbourne’s smallest yet most popular French take away delight!  You will find sweet crêpes cooked right before you and served in take away cones.  Favourite toppings include ‘lemon and sugar’, ‘nutella and almonds’, ‘real maple syrup’ and their famous homemade salted caramel (made with Sel de Guérande).  and they are open until late every night.

La Petite Creperie 
Address : Little Collins St & Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Opening Hours : Till late night


I missed out this cafe too . probably too early for me to have hightea while other having their brunch. We stopped by due to heavy rain out there. Cafe Blush - Japanese inspired high tea and pasta place in Melbourne .

This cafe is just so gorgeous! Such a beautiful environment to enjoy such pretty and cute dishes! I ordered the Rose Opera Cake and Coffee when I came here , I was blown away by this delicious cake! i wish i could bring it home ! This cafe is in a great central location in the middle of the Emporium in the Melbourne CBD. Head to Blush if you love all things pretty, cute, and delicious!

Cafe Blush
Address : Emporium Melbourne, Level 2, 287 Lonsdale Street, CBD, VIC
Opening Hours : Daily 10am - 7pm


Too much food for the last two days, forget about calories again! and you will not regret to have meal at The Meat and Wine Co - A unique blend of African heritage and Australian influences,  brings you gourmet meals and drinks in locations all over Australia.

i orders ribs platter come with pork, lamb and beef and 2 types of dessert which recommended by the waiter. i would give 5 stars for what i ate. definitely will visit again if i come again.

The Meat and Wine Co.
Address : 3 Freshwater Place Queensbridge Square Queensbridge Street, Southbank
Opening Hours : Sun - Thu 12pm - 10pm, Fri - Sat 12pm -10.30pm 




Day 11
Operator25

Rest and ready to go home

Feel free to email me if you need further info ~

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