East Melbourne 2-Day Discovery: Unveil the City's Charms

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by Samuel

March 29, 2024 · 2 min read

East Melbourne 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a 2-day East Melbourne adventure that promises a blend of aquatic marvels, panoramic views, cultural treasures, and serene nature. Day one kicks off with an immersive experience at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, where you'll spend an hour among the vibrant marine life. Next, elevate your perspective at the Melbourne Skydeck, enjoying breathtaking city vistas. Continue your cultural journey with a two-hour visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, home to an impressive collection of art. Then, unwind at the bustling Fed Square before marveling at the architectural splendor of St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne. Day two invites you to the lush tranquility of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens for a two-hour stroll amidst verdant landscapes. Conclude your journey with a three-hour exploration of the Melbourne Zoo, where the wonders of wildlife await. This itinerary is designed to offer a comprehensive experience of East Melbourne's must-visit attractions, ensuring a memorable trip filled with diverse discoveries.

Top 6 Hotels in East Melbourne
TOP 1
Crown Towers Melbourne
Crown Towers Melbourne
hotelStar
5/5
145 reviews
View Hotel Info
TOP 2
Brady Apartment Hotel Hardware Lane
Brady Apartment Hotel Hardware Lane
hotelStar
4/5
124 reviews
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TOP 3
Brady Hotels Central Melbourne
Brady Hotels Central Melbourne
hotelStar
4/5
187 reviews
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Brady Apartment Hotel Flinders Street
Brady Apartment Hotel Flinders Street
hotelStar
4/5
45 reviews
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Brady Hotels Jones Lane Melbourne
Brady Hotels Jones Lane Melbourne
hotelStar
4/5
134 reviews
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Lyf Collingwood Melbourne
Lyf Collingwood Melbourne
hotelStar
4/5
58 reviews
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Day 1: Diving into Melbourne's Marine Life and Soaring to Sky-High Views

1

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

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Begin your Melbourne adventure with a splash at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, nestled on King St. As the first stop of the day, immerse yourself in an underwater world for an hour, where you'll encounter a kaleidoscope of marine life. Marvel at the vibrant coral atolls, get up close with the cheeky penguins, and walk through the transparent tunnels as sharks glide overhead. This aquatic sanctuary is a treasure trove for ocean enthusiasts of all ages.

Attraction Info

  • King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 03/27-03/28,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 04/15-04/19,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 04/22-04/24,10:00am-5:00pm;Open 10:00am-5:00pm on 04/26;Open from 04/29-05/03,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 05/06-05/10,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 05/13-05/17,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 05/20-05/24,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 05/27-05/31,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 06/03-06/07,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 06/11-06/14,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 06/17-06/21,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 06/24-06/28,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 03/29-04/14,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 04/20-04/21,9:30am-5:00pm;Open 9:30am-5:00pm on 04/25;Open from 04/27-04/28,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 05/04-05/05,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 05/11-05/12,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 05/18-05/19,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 05/25-05/26,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 06/01-06/02,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 06/08-06/10,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 06/15-06/16,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 06/22-06/23,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 06/29-06/30,9:30am-5:00pm,The specific business hours are subject to the opening conditions of the scenic spot on that day. You can check the official website of the scenic spot.

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Vue de monde
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Waterfront Southgate
Waterfront Southgate
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No35
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The Grain Store
The Grain Store
4.4/5 · 22 reviews
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2

Melbourne Skydeck

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Elevate your perspective at Melbourne Skydeck, just a stone's throw from the aquarium. Spend an hour at this iconic observation deck on Riverside Quay, Southbank, where the city's panorama unfolds beneath you. Feel the thrill of the heights as you gaze upon Melbourne's architectural marvels, bustling streets, and winding Yarra River. It's a visual feast that offers the perfect contrast to your earlier underwater escapade.

Attraction Info

  • 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 04/08-10/06,12:00pm-9:00pm;Open from 10/07-12/30,12:00pm-10:00pm;Open from 01/01-04/07,12:00pm-10:00pm;Open 12:00pm-5:00pm on 12/31;Closed during Christmas
10 min,0.76 km
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Art lovers, prepare to indulge at the National Gallery of Victoria, a mere 2-hour journey into the world of fine art. Located on St Kilda Rd, this prestigious gallery houses a vast collection that spans centuries and continents. From indigenous to contemporary masterpieces, each exhibit invites you into a different story and era. The gallery's serene ambiance provides a contemplative backdrop to appreciate the brushstrokes of history.

Attraction Info

  • 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
  • Open from 10:00am-5:00pm
7 min,0.57 km
4

Fed Square

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As the sun begins to dip, make your way to the heartbeat of Melbourne, Fed Square. Spend an hour exploring this cultural precinct where art, events, and cafes create a vibrant atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the city's dynamic pulse. The square's modernist architecture is a conversation starter, while the array of dining options offers a taste of Melbourne's culinary diversity.

Attraction Info

  • Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours
7 min,0.47 km
5

St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne

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Conclude your day with a serene half-hour visit to St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture. Located on Flinders St, this church is not just a place of worship but a beacon of history and artistry. Its stained glass windows and intricate stonework are a testament to the craftsmanship of yesteryears. As you step inside, the cathedral's hallowed halls invite reflection and peace, wrapping up your day with a touch of tranquility.

Attraction Info

  • Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open on Mon-Sat,10:00am-5:00pm,Please note the Cathedral will be closed for visiting during services. The specific business status is subject to the opening situation on that day.
4.4/560 Reviews
4.4/5Excellent60 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District
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4.1/51 Reviews
4.1/5Very Good1 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District
Melbourne
|0.14km from St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne
3.7/567 Reviews
3.7/567 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District
Melbourne
|0.16km from St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne
4.1/547 Reviews
4.1/5Very Good47 Reviews
Melbourne Central Business District
Melbourne
|0.16km from St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne

Day 2: Enchanting Nature and Wildlife Encounters

1

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens

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Begin your second day with a serene stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens, a verdant oasis in the heart of the city. As the morning sun filters through the lush canopies, explore the diverse collection of flora spanning across 38 hectares. The gardens are a living encyclopedia of plants with over 8,500 species, showcasing both native and exotic varieties. Meander along the well-manicured paths, discover the tranquil ornamental lakes, and perhaps even join a guided walk to learn about the garden's rich ecosystem and history. This horticultural wonderland provides a peaceful retreat from the urban buzz and is the perfect spot to rejuvenate before continuing your Melbourne adventure.

Attraction Info

  • Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 7:30am-7:30pm

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Vue de monde
Vue de monde
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Waterfront Southgate
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Jishan Garden
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Vlado's Charcoal Grill
Vlado's Charcoal Grill
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24 min,12.95 km
2

Melbourne Zoo

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After immersing yourself in the botanical bliss, it's time to meet the animal inhabitants of Melbourne Zoo, just a short journey from the gardens. Spend your afternoon in the company of over 320 species of animals from around the world. The Melbourne Zoo offers an array of habitats, from the lush Asian Rainforest area to the rugged Australian Outback setting. Engage with interactive exhibits, witness the majestic elephants at play, and marvel at the colorful display in the Butterfly House. With a commitment to conservation and education, the zoo provides an insightful experience into the lives of its residents, ensuring your visit is not only enjoyable but also enlightening.

Attraction Info

  • Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-5:00pm

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Top Things to Do in East Melbourne-2024

TOP 1
Puffing Billy Railway
Puffing Billy Railway
4.7/5 · 399 review
Highlights:

The ancient Puffing Billy Railway started in the early 20th century and is now a famous tourist train, becoming one of the more popular tourist activities in Melbourne. The small train has witnessed historical changes in Melbourne for the past hundred years. The small train, with a speed of only 20 kilometers per hour, takes you back to the not so distant past. The open wooden carriage allows you to intimately connect with nature and breathe in the purity of forest air. Shortly after the train leaves the Belgrave station, passengers will see the most famous landmark of the Puffing Billy railway line, the Monbec Creek Trestle. In addition, there are many stations along the way where passengers may exit the train.

△ Ride the small train with a history of more than 200 years

△ Breathe the fresh air and enjoy the natural scenery

△ Put your legs outside the carriage and feel as if you have traveled back to the 20th century

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TOP 2
Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy Gardens
4.6/5 · 112 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,649 review
Highlights:
Fitzroy Gardens is one of the five major gardens in downtown Melbourne. It is located on Wellington Avenue in East Melbourne. Overlooking this garden from the air, you will be surprised to find that the tree-lined path in this garden is a huge British rice character pattern. 1. The hut of Captain Cook, the founder of Australia. There is a famous Captain Cook hut in Australia at the entrance to the park. Cook is regarded as the founder of Australia. Australia's history and beauty are blended together, and tourists from home and abroad come to pay their respects in an endless stream. Near the garden is the towering St. Bernie's Cathedral, one of the tallest churches in the world. Wandering in this area is like being in a style painting. 2. There is a cottage model in a typical Kent village cottage model park during the "Tudor Dynasty", which was made by a 77-year-old retired Englishman Edgar Wilson as an amateur. The building model represents a typical Kent village during the "Tudor Dynasty" period in British history. It consists of different cottages, churches, schools, hotels, barns, streams, etc. 3. Spanish-style conservatory conservatory There is a Spanish-style conservatory conservatory with colorful flowers. Brilliant. Greenhouse opening hours, 9:00-17:00 (summer time to 17:30), closed on Christmas Day (December 25).
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TOP 3
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
4.7/5 · 680 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 4,030 review
Highlights:

The Melbourne Aquarium is located on the banks of the Yarra River. It's a circular structure decked out in a blue-white color scheme. The aquarium has many exciting areas to explore for an unforgettable travel experience. It's home to Australia's massive Australian saltwater crocodiles, a rich variety of seahorse and sea dragon species as well as king and gentoo penguins. The idea of having a bit of fun with huge sea turtles and hide and seek with Nemo is no fantasy here. You can even take a transparent glass bottom boat for an adventure behind the curtain while traveling back and forth on the water yourself in search of excitement.

△ Watch and feed jellyfish up close

△ Go behind the scenes to see how penguins live

△ Watch divers dance with fish

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TOP 4
Melbourne Skydeck
Melbourne Skydeck
4.6/5 · 498 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 8,052 review
Highlights:

Melbourne Skydeck,the Eureka Skydeck 88, is located on the 88th floor, is 285 meters above the ground. With a direct elevator, you can overlook the entire city of Melbourne, 360 degrees, in a few seconds. There is a viewfinder for accurate observation of important landmarks throughout Melbourne. There is also a glass cube called The Edge that extends out of the edge of the building, and extremely exciting to stand up and look downstairs. You can also enjoy VR experiences at

here, such as traveling through 16 Melbourne landmarks at the Voyager Theater and experiencing the thrilling VR zipline adventure.

△ Enjoy the sunset over Melbourne city

△ Feel the exciting Edge experience

△ Experience the thrilling VR Plank zipline adventure

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TOP 5
Cooks' Cottage
Cooks' Cottage
4.3/5 · 175 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 692 review
Highlights:
Captain Cook's hut is located in Fitzroy Gardens in the heart of Melbourne. This is a real hut, simple, simple, even rough, with sloping roof tiles and stone walls. The dark brown reveals the ancient vicissitudes. 1. A building in the true sense of the 18th century James Cook was born in this cottage in Yorkshire, England in 1728. He was the first foreigner to discover the Australian mainland and landed, and the first time he declared Australia to belong to the United Kingdom. To commemorate James Cook, the discoverer of Australia and the famous British navigator, in 1934, when the 100th anniversary of the founding of Melbourne was celebrated, the famous Australian industrialist Sir Russell invested in the purchase of Captain Cook's former residence in the United Kingdom as a gift. To the people of Melbourne. People carefully disassembled the former residence, numbered each piece of building material, packed it in a box, shipped it from the UK to Melbourne, and assembled it as it was. The house was brick by brick, not even a single nail or screw was left behind. It was then built as is in Fitzroy Gardens. Captain Cook's Cottage is thus the only building in Melbourne that is truly built in the 18th century. Of course, it has also become a place for many tourists to visit. In fact, Captain Cook spent his entire life exploring uncharted lands, and he probably never set foot in this Yorkshire home at the time. 2. The hut is surrounded by trees and shrubs. When I came to this hut, I saw that the hut was surrounded by trees and shrubs that were carefully trimmed by the locals. There were trees and some flowers and plants in the courtyard. The hut consists of three parts. The one on the left is a bungalow. , in the middle is a small two-story building, and on the right is a partial room. The trinity is very ordinary, and there is nothing special about it. There is also a chimney on the right side of the ridge on the second floor. The whole house is not big, and the walls are covered with green vines. The first letters of Captain Cook's father James and his mother Grace are still engraved on the stone beams of the gate. 3. The interior furnishings are arranged according to the situation at the time. The hut is divided into upper and lower layers. Upstairs is the bedroom of Captain Cook's parents. There is a double bed in the room, there are curtains outside, and there are several chairs next to it. Mirror. On the little table were candlesticks and a hat that my father had worn, and against the wall stood my mother's spinning wheel. These old furniture bring the atmosphere of a working family. There is a kitchen and living room downstairs, and a small bedroom where Cook lives. The interior furnishings are arranged according to the situation at that time. 4. Captain Cook's bronze statue Next to the path at the entrance of the hut, there is a bronze statue of Captain Cook, wearing a triangular cap, tights, knee-length leggings and buckled shoes, and a nautical chart in his left hand. , holding a monocular in his right hand, his deep eyes staring calmly into the distance. Many tourists will take pictures with the captain here. There is also a photo board next to the statue where you can stick your head into the Captain Cosplay family, you may wish to try it and make yourself a member of the 18th century family. There is also a red mailbox in front of the hut, which is very eye-catching. You can buy a postcard at the commissary next to the scenic spot and send it to relatives and friends in the distance. Postcards sent here will receive Australia Post's postmark as a souvenir from Cook's Cottage. In addition, if you have enough time, you can visit Fitzroy Gardens by the way, with lush green trees, fragrant birds and flowers, with a strong romantic color of the English countryside.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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East Melbourne 2 Days Itinerary