Exploring Melbourne: A Cultural Adventure with Friends

A Whirlwind Day in Melbourne

Today was a day of contrasts, a true Melbourne experience that blended the relaxation of the seaside with the thrill of an amusement park and the sophistication of rooftop bars. It's days like these that make traveling with friends so special, each experience amplified by shared laughter and discovery.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at The Baths Middle Brighton. The restaurant offered stunning views of Port Phillip Bay, a shimmering expanse under the morning sun. I decided on the Eggs Benedict with Virginia ham on sourdough. The eggs were perfectly poached, the ham was savory, and the sourdough added a delightful tang. Mei-Ling opted for the Paleo granola with seasonal fruit and coconut yoghurt, while our friends enjoyed the 'The Lifesaver' Big Breaky. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration.


Discover The Baths Middle Brighton - A seaside gem offering exquisite dining, stunning views, and versatile event spaces on Victoria's coast.

After breakfast, we made our way to St Kilda Beach. The beach was bustling with activity, the air filled with the sounds of laughter and the gentle lapping of waves. We strolled along the shore, enjoying the feel of the sand between our toes. I took some photos of the colorful beachside, capturing the vibrant atmosphere. I even saw some people windsurfing, their sails catching the breeze as they glided across the water. It reminded me of my younger days back in Taiwan, trying to surf – with considerably less grace, I must admit.


Discover the vibrant energy and stunning views of St Kilda Beach, a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in Victoria, Australia.

Next on our itinerary was Luna Park Melbourne. The iconic entrance, with its giant Mr. Moon face, was as impressive as I'd imagined. Stepping inside was like entering another world, a world of carnival flair and thrilling rides. Lin would have loved this place. We rode the Scenic Railway, the oldest continuously operating wooden roller coaster in the world. The views of Port Phillip Bay from the top were breathtaking, a mix of adrenaline and stunning scenery. The laughter and screams of the other riders added to the excitement, creating a sense of shared joy.


Experience the thrill of Luna Park Melbourne, a historic amusement park packed with rides, games, and seaside charm for all ages.

Sometimes, the best memories are made in the most unexpected places, surrounded by the people you cherish.

Following our time at Luna Park, we took a leisurely stroll along St Kilda Pier. The pier extended far out into the bay, offering panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline. At the end of the pier, we joined the crowd gathered to watch the little penguins waddle ashore after their day of fishing. It was a truly magical experience, observing these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. I learned that St Kilda is home to a colony of over 1,400 Little Penguins. The pier has recently been redeveloped, offering an even better viewing platform for visitors.


Explore St Kilda Pier: A beautiful marina in Victoria with stunning views, vibrant atmosphere, and local attractions perfect for tourists.

For lunch, we headed to Sezar Restaurant, tucked away in a Melbourne laneway. This Armenian and Middle Eastern restaurant was a culinary delight. We opted for the feed me menu, a selection of mezze, small and large dishes that allowed us to sample a variety of flavors. The cured ocean trout with fennel, apple, and sumac salad was refreshing, while the lamb shoulder was tender and flavorful. The spices were warming and aromatic, transporting me back to the bustling markets of Douliu. Mei-Ling was particularly impressed with the duck boreg with lemon labneh. The service was attentive, and the atmosphere was intimate and chic.


Experience authentic Armenian cuisine at Sezar Restaurant in Melbourne – a culinary gem blending tradition with contemporary flair.

As evening approached, we made our way to Il Bacaro for dinner. This Italian restaurant in Melbourne's CBD was a sophisticated and inviting space. The long, horseshoe-shaped bar and low-lit dining room exuded timeless Italian style. I started with the burrata di bufala served with artichoke, broad bean, mint salsa verda and pea tendril, a lovely take on classic flavors. For the main course, I had the ricotta and smoked tomato agnolotti with a veal ragu, cherry tomatoes and stracciatella. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the veal ragu was rich and flavorful. Mei-Ling chose the suckling pig served with carrot, blood lime and Geraldton wax. She said it was one of the best meals she has ever had. The wine list was extensive, with a focus on Italian wines. We enjoyed a bottle of Cordero Montezemolo Barolo 2018, which was an excellent complement to our meal.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Il Bacaro, Melbourne's exquisite restaurant blending tradition with modern flair.

To cap off our day, we visited Madame Brussels, a rooftop bar in the heart of Melbourne. The bar was a pastel fantasy of pink, green, and white, decked out with Astro-Turf and garden furniture. The young male wait staff were dressed in vintage tennis gear, adding to the quirky atmosphere. We ordered a jug of Sangria, a light and bright blend of summer fruits with a subtle floral fragrance. The views of the city skyline were stunning, especially as the sun began to set. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration, sharing laughter and stories with friends under the Melbourne sky. I learned that Madame Brussels was resurrected in 2021 by Tom Rattigan and Joshua Stevens, and it has quickly become a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.


Experience the vibrant cocktail culture of Melbourne at Madame Brussels, where creative drinks and a lively atmosphere await.

As I reflect on the day, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience Melbourne's diverse offerings with such wonderful company. Each location offered a unique perspective on this vibrant city, from the seaside charm of St Kilda to the sophistication of its rooftop bars. It's these shared experiences that strengthen friendships and create lasting memories. Tomorrow, we're planning to explore Melbourne Skydeck, Old Melbourne Gaol, and the city's famous laneways and arcades. I'm particularly looking forward to the laneways – a hidden world of street art and unique shops that I've heard so much about. I'm also excited about dining at Attica. I have heard that it's one of the best restaurants in the world.

Goodnight from Down Under.