Melbourne City Center Relaxing One-Day Tour + Perfect Sunset + Sun and Moon Together | Stunning Photography Spots + Activities + Restaurant Recommendations

The Melbourne city center is actually not big, but there are quite a lot of places to explore.

Docklands may not be a destination for many travelers, but I highly recommend spending some time at Melbourne's waterfront. You can spend a whole day, half a day, or even just an hour at sunset in Docklands because the scenery is truly beautiful. Standing in Docklands, you can also see a complete view of Melbourne's skyline with its many high-rise buildings. You can enjoy kayaking while sipping champagne and watching the sunset, or simply stand on the shore for free to admire the sunset and Australia’s iconic blue sky. Whether during the day or at night, you can always see professional photographers setting up their equipment to capture the beauty here.

If you're lucky, you might even see the sun and moon together!

Location: Docklands is right next to Melbourne's CBD, on the west side of the city, and includes Docklands Harbor, Marvel Stadium, and more.

Transportation: It is recommended to take the tram. Docklands is also within the free tram zone, so you can travel to and from the city for free and experience Melbourne's tram culture. Of course, you can also take a taxi (just a few dollars from the city to the entrance of Marvel Stadium).

Cost: $0 (library + watching sunset from the shore) – several tens of dollars per person (drinks + dinner) – hundreds of dollars per person (participating in paid activities such as kayaking in the harbor).

1. Library

This is the only library in Melbourne built by the harbor. If you have a habit of reading, you can buy a cup of coffee or a drink, sit by the window in the library, and read while enjoying the view and waiting for the sunset. You can also see children, students, and elderly people reading, participating in activities, and some people having meetings here. The library is free to enter. It has air conditioning too :)

2. Brunch Spots & Drink Shops

I recommend two places, both located by the water with outdoor seating.

Berth: You can have breakfast and brunch here, along with some Italian food. You can also enjoy various wines and cocktails.

Cargo: This place also serves breakfast and brunch, claiming to offer modern Australian cuisine (though I think Australia doesn’t really have its own cuisine?). They serve coffee and alcohol, and feature craft beer as a specialty.

3. Main Event: Watching the Sunset

There are three ways to watch the sunset: find a nice spot on the shore, kayak on the river, or sit on a dedicated sightseeing boat. Kayaks and sightseeing boats require advance booking and are paid activities.

For kayaks, please search for "kayak melbourne" on Google.

Recommended activity: Moonlight Kayak Tour, $99 per person, 2.5 hours, minimum 4 people to form a group. Price includes: fish and chips meal, a bottle of water, and necessary kayaking equipment. Tip: Prepare for sun protection and keep warm after nightfall.

For sightseeing boats (as shown in the picture), please search for "aqua donut" on Google.

Pricing: 10-person package: $240 for 2 hours, 5 people: $180 for 2 hours, 2 people: $140 for 2 hours. You can bring your own drinks and food.

There is also a luxurious option: charter your own boat or even a yacht, and head out to sea to watch the sunset. Of course, the price goes up significantly.

For boat rentals, search: boat4hire (affordable small boats available, self-drive possible)

victorian yacht charters (luxury yachts, higher price)

Prices range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on your inquiry. Time options range from 3 hours to a full weekend.

Each method has its own charm. Since the scenery is so beautiful, I think any way will allow you to enjoy it thoroughly.

Note: The sun in Australia is very strong and dazzling. It's recommended to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Of course, when the sun is about to set, it's no longer harsh.

You can often see the sun and moon together—it's really beautiful! Why is the moon right next to the sunset?

4. Dinner Restaurant Recommendations:

A unique restaurant is on a boat called The Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat. This is a large boat docked at the harbor. It usually serves beer and burgers, but also offers themed cruises with different food options, such as champagne and brunch cruises. For the brunch cruise, you board during brunch time, and the boat sails out to sea. The scenery along the way is beautiful, and the trip lasts about 2.5 hours. The adult price for this brunch cruise is $129 per person, and for children aged 4-14 it's $99 per person. Group discounts are available.

Another restaurant I often see crowded is Almina, which serves Lebanese food—various grilled meats, bread, rice dishes, etc.

There are many other restaurants on the shores of Docklands; a quick search on Google Maps will bring up plenty.

I recommend Steakhouse Grill 66 because I love steak and I think this place is pretty good.

One of the world's most famous chains, Costco, has a store in Docklands, and your membership card from China can be used here.

Next to Costco is The District Docklands, a commercial area with art galleries, exhibitions, fast-food outlets, Uniqlo, H&M, and local clothing, sneakers, and eyewear chain stores.

Please note that most Australian stores close early, usually around 5:30 PM.

6. Night Activities

In the evening, you can visit the non-major attraction Melbourne Star—a Ferris wheel similar to the London Eye. Remember to book tickets online in advance for a discount. Pre-booked prices are approximately $27 for adults, $16.5 for children, and $21 for students, seniors, and other concession holders (ID required on site).

If you have enough time, you can also experience an Australian cinema. Next to Melbourne Star is the largest cinema chain in Australia, Hoyts. If there's a popular Chinese movie, it might be showing here. The seats in the theaters are adjustable recliners, very comfortable. Note! The popcorn here is salty. Choose carefully! (Because I've only ever had sweet popcorn.)

7. Accommodation Recommendations

There are several hotels in Docklands, one of which is more luxurious but offers views that are worth the price.

The tallest building on the right in the picture above is this Four Points by Sheraton hotel. From the rooms, you can have a very clear bird's-eye view of the entire Docklands harbor.

Hotel full name: Four Points by Sheraton Melbourne Docklands

Price: Approximately 1000 RMB per night. You need to book a deluxe sea-view room to see the entire harbor; standard rooms face the other direction!

It is recommended to request a higher floor room.

Booking through Ctrip (携程) is cheaper than other channels! The higher your Ctrip membership level, the more you save.

Just search for "墨尔本港区福朋喜来登酒店" on Ctrip.

Docklands is right next to Melbourne's CBD and is mainly a place for locals to work and live. Domestic tourists from China rarely come here unless they are staying in the area. But I think this area is well worth spending some time in to see how locals live and enjoy the uniquely Australian sunset.

Wishing everyone a pleasant trip.

More travel guides about Australia will follow! If you are interested, please follow me. Thank you.

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