{"id":16863,"date":"2023-07-02T23:39:17","date_gmt":"2023-07-02T23:39:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/?p=16863"},"modified":"2023-07-21T06:08:01","modified_gmt":"2023-07-21T06:08:01","slug":"things-to-do-in-melbourne-alone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/things-to-do-in-melbourne-alone\/","title":{"rendered":"Things To Do In Melbourne Alone"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
If you\u2019re looking for the best things to do in Melbourne alone, you\u2019re on the right post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve lived in Melbourne (originally Naarm<\/a> in the local Boonwurrung language) for nearly five years now, having emigrated from the UK. I\u2019ve had the chance to live in the city like a local, but explore it like a tourist, so I\u2019ve got a great mix of top places and hidden gems to share with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only that, but I share some great places to stay and the best time of year to visit one of the most impressive cities in the world<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So without further tram based hold-ups (you\u2019ll get used to those!) here are the best things to do if you\u2019re travelling alone to Melbourne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most people\u2019s first experience of central Melbourne will be getting off at the iconic Flinders Street Station. Unlike Paris, New York or Sydney, there\u2019s no single landmark that Melbourne\u2019s famous for<\/a>, but the station of clocks is probably the closest it gets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Around Flinders Street Station, there are a number of things to look out for. Start by crossing the street to Federation Square, where there\u2019s always some kind of festival or art installation to see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After that, time to head into Melbourne\u2019s famous laneways, covered in street are and with the aroma of locally brewed coffee in the air, the laneways are where you\u2019ll find the soul of Melbourne. Try following this walking route<\/a>, though make sure you double back to Hosier Lane which seems to be missing off of this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What you\u2019ll notice as you make your way through the narrow alleyways is a lack of almost all chain coffee shops and restaurants, so make sure you take time to sample some of Melbourne\u2019s eclectic food, with Lebanese, Italian and Vietnamese cuisines some of the best around here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re travelling to Melbourne alone, Queen Victoria Market is a great place to hand out for a few hours. Split into areas for fresh produce, delis and clothing and curios, you can get almost anything from here. Couple this with some food-van eateries and a surrounding area packed with cool shops (and even a cat cafe<\/a>) you\u2019ll be spoiled for things to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Melbourne Botanic Gardens are an introvert\u2019s paradise, with kilometres of walking tracks, endless lawned nooks to sit and read and a lake so beautiful, it must have inspired many artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beside it is the sandstorm monolith – the Shrine of Remembrance, which looks down from its hill onto Melbourne and out to the coast down the St Kilda Road. A solemn, but interesting place, full of Australian military history, with an intriguing element to its design, a small hole in the roof that only lets direct sunlight through on 11th November every year, on Remembrance Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m probably a little biased, as it was our home for our first two years in Melbourne, but Williamstown<\/a> is a wonderful half day out of the main city, and a gem that most tourists won\u2019t visit. Around 20 minutes by train from the city, it has the classic views across the bay to the city. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With a Botanic Gardens that look like they\u2019ve been taken from the LA strip, the old maritime district of Nelson Place that is now filled with cafes and restaurants and the old ship HMAS Castlemaine, there is lots to keep a lone traveller occupied<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a self-confessed UNESCO Heritage Site addict, I was delighted to find one in the middle of Melbourne. Built in 1879 for the World\u2019s Fair, it is an absolute stunner of a building. Surrounding it are the beautiful Carlton Gardens and right behind you\u2019ll find Melbourne Museum – packed with things to do, with my personal highlight being Horridus<\/a>, the most complete triceratops skeleton in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you find yourself alone in Melbourne, one place you absolutely must visit is the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). If you\u2019re a lover of art, you’ll find a lot to love, including pieces by Picasso, Monet and Warhol in Australia\u2019s oldest and largest art gallery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you\u2019re not an art enthusiast, the gallery’s architecture is a masterpiece in itself, with its incredible stained-glass ceiling<\/a> and light-filled spaces<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to see Melbourne\u2019s skyline as well as see the population of wild little (or fairy) penguins) then you need to get on the tram and head to St Kilda. This spot in Melbourne is home to a colony of over 1000 penguins, as well as being one of the trendiest districts in Melbourne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a special boardwalk you can walk along where the penguins can be found, but you\u2019re only likely to see them at sunset. This makes for a great end to a day though, see the sun set over this great city, catch a glimpse of some penguins coming in from a day\u2019s feed and then head over to one of the cool local music venues such as the Palais Theatre<\/a> for an evening\u2019s entertainment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Melbourne is known at \u2018The World\u2019s Sporting Capital\u2019. With the Aussie Open Tennis, a stage of the Formula One Grand Prix season, the Melbourne Cup horse race, Boxing Day cricket tests and the AFL Grand Final to name just a few, it also cements that status by having two public holidays a year dedicated to sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, what I\u2019m saying it, it would almost be rude to come here and not visit one of the most famous stadiums in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Melbourne Cricket Ground, which also hosts a variety of other sports, is about a twenty-minute walk from Flinders Street Station, and on the way you get to walk alongside the Yarra River through the trees and art installations of Birrarung Marr. You don\u2019t have to wait for a sporting fixture to be on, the fantastic Australian Sports Museum is inside the stadium, which you can visit at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the sun sets over Melbourne, the city comes alive, I love walking the city at night. Thankfully, Melbourne is a pretty safe city, I have not experienced any trouble here after dark, though as ever, it pays to be careful and plan in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The iconic Princess Theatre, with its grandeur and history, has hosted everything from Les Miserables to Harry Potter, and is an incredible place to watch a show. If you’re in the mood for live music, head to the Corner Hotel in Richmond, a legendary venue where local and international artists grace the stage. For an intimate gig experience, make your way to the Northcote Theatre, a cozy spot known for showcasing emerging talents and where I\u2019m seeing Tallest Man on Earth<\/a> later this year! <\/p>\n\n\n\n For something more upbeat, Melbourne has a pulsating club scene. Revolver Upstairs, nestled in the heart of Chapel Street, promises an unforgettable night with its eclectic DJ sets and nonstop beats that keep the crowd moving until dawn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For a touch of bar-based sophistication, immerse yourself in the world of speakeasies by seeking out hidden gems like Eau de Vie or Fall from Grace (one of my favourites, not often you find a giraffe\u2019s head on the wall of a bar), where master mixologists craft exquisite cocktails in secret hideaways.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Melbourne, there are options to suit every taste and budget. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re looking for a luxurious experience, the Crown Towers<\/a> is an excellent choice. Located in the heart of Southbank, this 5-star hotel offers spacious rooms with stunning city views, impeccable service, and world-class amenities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For those seeking a trendy and vibrant neighbourhood, Fitzroy is one of my favourites. The Adara Hotel Fitzroy<\/a> offers stylish and contemporary accommodations within walking distance of trendy cafes (do yourself a favour and check out Nico\u2019s Deli<\/a> for some of the best sandwiches I\u2019ve ever tasted), boutiques, and art galleries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another mid-priced option is The Art Series Olsen<\/a> in Prahran. It is one of the options on my company\u2019s hotel list, and nearly all our out-of-staters stay there when coming to the office, as they love it. It\u2019s right on Chapel Street which has some of the best restaurants in the city, so a great option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re visiting Melbourne on a budget<\/a>, the Melbourne Central YHA<\/a> is a fantastic choice. Situated right in the city centre, this modern hostel provides comfortable dormitory rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a range of social activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to get around Melbourne is via the tram and train network, which will easily get you to all the top sights. Pick up a Myki card<\/a> from a station, and top it up to travel, it can be used on trains, trams and buses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re sticking just to the city centre, then there\u2019s even better news, Melbourne has a free tram zone<\/a> which means you can speed around the places such as the Docklands, Flinders Street and Queen Victoria Market for no cost at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you want to get further afield (such as to the many wineries around Melbourne<\/a>) I suggest booking onto a tour, though you can hire a car (though just watch out for the truly unique hook turns in the city!)<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m going to start this in a slightly different way to normal, by telling you when it is best NOT to come to Melbourne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Things To Do In Melbourne Alone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Around Flinders Street (Shops & Laneways)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Queen Victoria Market<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Melbourne Botanic Gardens & Shrine of Remembrance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Williamstown<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum & Carlton Gardens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
National Gallery of Victoria<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
St Kilda Penguins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
MCG (Via Birrarung Marr)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Enjoy the Nightlife<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Where To Stay in Melbourne<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How To Get Around Melbourne<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best Time To Visit Melbourne<\/h2>\n\n\n\n