How to Discover Melbourne's Hidden Gems This Long Weekend: A Guide to Unusual Adventures

Melbourne the second largest city and the cultural capital of Australia, entices scores of visitors both local and from other parts of Australia to explore its charm, excitement and heritage. It is also a metropolis that keeps beckoning and rewarding contemporary travellers seeking unusual experiences. Read on to find ways of discovering the quirky and funky things that make Melbourne the inimitable city it is as you plan your long weekends here.

Experience Victoria’s Railway Heritage

The regular rhythm of the engine as it chugs along, the motion of the carriages and the unmistakable sound of the whistle bring about nostalgic memories of riding heritage trains. These fond memories can be a reality for you in the city of Melbourne. Victoria Railway Heritage has some quirky rides you can choose from.Puffing Billy Railway in the Dandenong Ranges is a fascinating steam train ride that carries many fond memories for Australians who grew up around Victoria. Savour a similar experience as Puffing Billy takes you across trestle bridges with loads of massive trees just below you. Offering daily rides, it attracts guests from many a Box Hill hotel in Melbourne. If you happen to be around at a festive time look out for the special seasonal rides like the Train of Lights and Polar Express etc. to make your long weekend even more memorable. Apart from Puffing Billy, you can also consider other Rail Services of Victoria such as Yarra Valley Railway, Steam Rail Victoria etc. 

Williamstown Botanic Gardens

One of the very first public gardens of Victoria, Williamstown Botanic Gardens, is by the sea and was developed as a public space for walking, leisure and social outings in 1860. Though not extensive like the Royal Botanic Gardens of Melbourne, this park is home to many rare and significant trees worth seeing.Aleppo Pine, English Elm, Washington Palm and Tasmanian Blue Gum are a few of the great trees seen here. The majestic palm avenue leads to a charming ornamental Edwardian Pond that stands out among other visual attractions. A splendid green space to spend some hours strolling along the maze of pathways while admiring its beauty. Plan to enjoy a picnic in these gardens as you spend the long weekend in Melbourne.

anne beaumont, Willie botanic garden gates, CC BY-SA 2.0

Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Walk

Aboriginal people are the oldest Indigenous people on Australia's mainland and many of its islands. These walking tours by Koorie Heritage Trust provide a profound insight into this oldest and continuous living culture. Led by a local Aboriginal guide, visitors learn about the complex history of the Aboriginal people, an introduction to their rich culture, and the impact of the European settlements on the Aboriginal people of Australia.Visitors will go through Federation Square and down to Birrarung Wilam (meaning river camp) Aboriginal Art Installations. This is an environment-based project of art with many elements that celebrate the spiritual and physical connections between Aboriginals and the place.  The guide will explain how Melbourne has evolved and its importance as a location for social, cultural, and educational events and activities for Indigenous people. Ending the tour at the Koorie Heritage, visitors get a chance to view the collection of exhibits, public gallery, and their outlet, Shop KOORIE. This tour is a worthy gem of an experience for visitors.

Life’s Too Short Bar

This funky bar with an unparalleled vintage wine list and tantalizing food is a little gem to be experienced on your exciting sojourn to Melbourne. Located at the 160-year-old Bluestone Cellars of the original Victoria Brewery which itself is an experience, it is about 20-25 minutes from properties like Avani Melbourne Box Hill Residences.Apart from its wines, this upbeat venue offers an array of unique cocktails and various brews. The specially chef-curated menu keeps the visitors sated and happy catering to the different dietary needs of its valued guests. A place to chill out with friends as you spend this long weekend or for a cosy and delicious date night if you are with your loved one.