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Recently announced as the world's sixth most picture-perfect city to visit in the warmer months, Melbourne's travel credentials are impeccable. One of the world’s most liveable cities boasts a rich cultural landscape, sporting heritage, multicultural festivals, delicious food, excellent coffee, and people whose friendliness and warmth will capture your heart. There are many things to do in Melbourne but if you want to have an out-of-the-way experience during your time there, then this itinerary is for you.
Start your day with a trip to see The Johnston Collection in East Melbourne. The multi-award-winning house museum is quite literally a hidden gem. Its maze of rooms are filled from top to bottom with all that’s gilded and antique. Think chequerboard floors, glittering chandeliers and portraits of ruffle-necked figures. You will find English Georgian, Regency, and Louis XV fine and decorative arts, as well as objet d’art, here. Exhibitions and events are held year-round.
Ever wondered how you would fare in a zombie apocalypse? Time to find out by grabbing a virtual reality (VR) headset and picking up a free-roam controller at any of Zero Latency’s locations in Melbourne. Experience total immersion as you tackle new worlds and trippy adventures with pinpoint accuracy. Zero Latency’s 360° arenas blur the line between reality and fantasy with totally untethered play. Fend off undead swarms in "Outbreak" or fight to the death against killer robots in "Singularity."
Afterwards, embark on a boozy adventure with the Mystery Basement Bar Hop. Visitors have to solve escape room-style clues to unveil three hidden venues, each boasting beverages, snacks or exclusive discounts. Crack cryptic codes and puzzles with your friends to uncover the secrets of Melbourne’s central business district (CBD) basement scene. This experience is perfect for those who appreciate mental challenges wrapped in mixology.
Time for karaoke. Kono Coin Karaoke is where you can belt out your favourite tunes in retro disco-lit coin-operated singing booths. You can come with a group of up to five people or arrive solo and choose a booth in this two-storey venue. There's a mini stage for those who aren’t shy about singing in public and want to have a good time in an open group setting. Visitors can choose from a large song library that includes English, Korean, Japanese and Mandarin Chinese songs.
Alternatively, you can choose to do the “Hangman’s Night Tour” at the Old Melbourne Gaol. The immersive tour delves into the macabre accounts and haunted history associated with the place and is a thrilling experience you won’t forget in a while.
See Melbourne from the sky on a hot air balloon at dawn. Imagine starting the day feeling the warmth of flames gently inflating the balloon; the thrill of seeing the sun rise over legendary city landmarks like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Port Phillip Bay and the Eureka Tower; and floating peacefully above the Yarra River. The ride lasts for around an hour and your pilot will take you on a journey over and around Melbourne depending on the wind direction. Make sure you have your camera ready.
Next, take a free guided tour of the City of Melbourne's "Art and Heritage Collection" in the historic Melbourne Town Hall. The entire fourth floor has been refurbished as an open display and includes over 13,000 items. Explore a range of objects here such as public art maquettes, street art, Moomba- and Olympics-related material, photography, works by First Nations artists, books, plans, and ceremonial and contemporary art.
Eat at Din Tai Fung on Lonsdale Street and get your meals served by a robot kitty! Known to serve the world’s tastiest dumplings, the restaurant also whips up noodles, fried rice, soup and wok dishes that are sure to please your taste buds. We bet you won’t be able to take your eyes off the robot cat though. Alternatively, you can eat at Easey’s in Collingwood—this burger joint is set up in a converted train with retro décor and comes with a graffitied lounge bar and café area.
Afterwards, check out Wunderkammer, a museum and retail store. The shop specialises in science and natural history. Its collection includes antique botanical prints, anatomical models, specimens preserved in vintage glass canisters, fossils, medical instruments and insects mounted in hand-blown specimen domes. Wonder at the pieces on display and buy a couple of curiosities if they strike your fancy.
End your day with a visit to Maniax, a bar that champions the art of urban axe throwing. In fact, it is a member of the International Axe Throwing Federation. After a safety briefing and coaching sessions, you will have a go at throwing axes for an hour or two. Cool down afterwards with a selection of craft beer, wine and cocktails along with pizzas, charcuterie-style grazing boards, burgers and slow-cooked feasts.
Alternatively, you can visit the Mission to Seafarers Victoria building in Melbourne’s Docklands. It serves as a special place in the life and community of those who live and work at sea. If you loved the “Wellerman” TikTok craze during the COVID-19 pandemic then join in at one of their weekly sea shanty sing-a-longs. These spirited songs are easy to learn so you can join in with the refrains and choruses, and even lead a song yourself. No shanty experience or singing ability is needed, and newcomers are warmly welcomed.
There are direct flights to Tullamarine Airport (MEL) from Mumbai and New Delhi.
