-Day Melbourne Itinerary: Ultimate Off-Season Travel Guide to Australia

I absolutely adore off-season Melbourne; it’s a city that truly feels like home. Here’s a 5-day mini-guide to help you explore its wonders:

🚋Day 1: Melbourne City Walk
All the attractions are conveniently located in the central area, easily accessible by foot or tram.
– St. Paul’s Cathedral: Step into history with this century-old Gothic masterpiece, open for free visits.
– Flinders Street Station: Just across from the cathedral, this iconic station buzzes with urban energy.

– Graffiti Lane: A vibrant spot where even Jay Chou has snapped photos 📷, perfect for your Instagram feed.
– State Library of Victoria: Known as the most beautiful library in the Southern Hemisphere, the best angle for portraits is from the 4.5th floor downwards.
– Carlton Gardens: With fountains, lush lawns, and castle-like structures, it’s an idyllic place for a family stroll.

☑️Transport: Trams are free within the Free Tram Zone in the city! Don’t miss the chance to ride the vintage Route 35, a charming and nostalgic experience.

🚂Day 2: Melbourne Steam Train + Sunset
– Puffing Billy Steam Train: An absolute must-try, this historic train lets you dangle your feet outside the carriage as it winds through the Dandenong Ranges forest.
– Stations include Belgrave (a short 2-3 minute walk to the popular trestle bridge!), Menzies Creek, Lakeside (complete with a picturesque lake and dining options), and Gembrook (the final stop, featuring a botanical garden).

– The B-L route is highly popular; be sure to book round-trip tickets on the official website at least two months in advance during peak season.
– Point Ormond: A stunning spot to watch the city skyline sunset 🌄, but be prepared for strong winds on the small hill.
– In summer, you can also plan to see the penguins returning home 🐧 after 8:30 PM, though it might be a bit tiring with children.

🌊Day 3-5: Great Ocean Road Trip
While many opt for a day trip, we chose to spread it over 3️⃣ days to fully savor the sunset at the Twelve Apostles. We stayed in Apollo Bay and Port Campbell.
– Geelong Town: Adorned with colorful puppet sculptures and a scenic seaside promenade, it’s a delightful first stop.

– Split Point Lighthouse: The classic red lighthouse cap stands out, and a short trail offers more to explore.
– Apollo Bay: A charming coastal town with Marriner’s lookout, a 10-minute climb up, offering breathtaking views despite the strong winds.
– Otway Rainforest: Inside the national park, you’ll find towering redwoods and lush ferns, a true highlight of the trip!

Note the poor signal and about a 50-minute drive from Apollo Bay 🚗, half of it on dirt roads.
– Twelve Apostles: Marvel at the massive rock pillars from various angles, best enjoyed in the morning light.
– Gibson Steps: Just a 5-minute descent to the beach for a mesmerizing sunset.
– Loch Ard Gorge and London Bridge: Choose a few to visit, as the wind can be quite strong, but the views are worth it.

✈️Main Transport: A direct flight from Shanghai to Melbourne takes around 10 hours.
To ensure comfort for the kids, we opted for Juneyao Airlines, which allows passengers to lie down throughout the flight, providing blankets, toiletries, and slippers. Our little one slept for 7 hours 💤, and the rest of the time was spent enjoying cartoons and games.

The in-flight meals were a treat, with options like Kung Pao chicken rice and Chinese noodles, followed by a hearty Western breakfast. We also indulged in bayberry juice and sparkling wine 🍷, all complemented by excellent service.

Time Difference: During daylight saving time, Melbourne leaps ahead by 3 hours compared to China, offering a unique twist on your travel schedule.

Accommodation: We’ve handpicked apartments and homestays that come equipped with kitchens, ensuring you have the flexibility to cook your own meals. Apollo Bay is well-served with supermarkets and a variety of restaurants, making it easy to stock up on ingredients for your stay in Port Campbell.

Clothing: Given the unpredictable weather, it’s wise to pack for all four seasons. This way, you’ll be prepared for any conditions, whether it’s a sunny day at the beach or a cooler evening stroll.