It is that time of the year to visit the country I call my second home.

I’m always on the lookout for new locations to visit when I’m back in the city, so do drop some comments below on the new hangouts I should visit!

WHERE TO VISIT

MOUNT BULLER

Just situated a few hours from Melbourne City, lies a beautiful alpine resort with plenty of activities during Winter which includes tobogganing, and sled dog tours.

You can even take lessons in skiing and snowboarding for all first-timers! Mount Buller is definitely a great place to visit for both relaxed day trippers and experienced sportsmen alike.

This was my first trip up the mountain for the longest time, you can find out more about my experience here. There are many places to stay while on the mountain and you can find a lot of accommodations in the little towns near the foot of the mountain.

What’s a Winter without some snow?

YARRA VALLEY CHOCOLATERIE AND ICE CREAMERY

Hot Chocolate in Winter, need I say more?

Many locals were here for brunch and to catch up with their friends. Overall, a very cozy place with a great atmosphere for brunch and catching up with friends, away from the cold.

Their famous hot chocolate is a must-try. The milk was heated up accompanied by the froth on the surface. It came with a shot of chocolate to mix in. You get the option of Milk, Dark, and Ruby. Utter bliss and very delicious. They also had big macaroons in a set of 6 that cost AUD 13.

We later went passed their huge chocolate store and had to bring a couple of bags of chocolate with a few bars of chocolate.

No regrets.

Address:35 Old Healesville Rd, Yarra Glen VIC 3775, Australia

Opening Hours: Monday to Sundays 9am – 5pm (except Christmas Day)

AUSTRALIAN FOOTY

While in Melbourne, pop by the Australian Footy for this unique sport for Australians.

The best way to describe Australian Footy is that it is a combination of Rugby, Football, and Basketball.

The 18 players respectively from both teams are on the field to fight for possession of the ball. The goal, of course, is to score through the middle of 4 poles, getting 6 points for the team. If it hits the pole, or it is scored through the shorter poles, then it will only count for 6 points.

The 2022 AFL is scheduled to run from 16 March to 24 September 2022. If you’re visiting during this period, definitely watch one of the many games on the weekends!

Do note that their games are not always held in the same venue and will differ. The one that I went to was at Marvel Stadium.

Go Bulldogs!

SHOPPING AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENT

How can you miss out on shopping while overseas? One of my favourite places to shop is the DFO South Wharf where there are many shops. Some local brands, Valleygirl, Cotton On, or international brands, Kate Spade, and Pandora are some of my favourite shops to visit. If you’re looking for some designers, this will be the place you won’t want to miss.

The district Docklands is another place where you can shop. That’s not it! There are tons of other entertainment such as Artvo, a museum full of Instagram-able spots – kind of like the Trickeye Museum in Singapore. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq, is another one-stop entertainment destination for bowling, and arcades. Finally, some golf at Potion Putt Mini Golf and Glow Golf.

Finally, an underrated place that I love is Coles and Kmart. Coles is more commonly the “NTUC” of Australia while Kmart is more like the “Carrefour” that we used to have in Singapore. I love finding little things at these stores that I could bring home to decorate the place with. Kmart also carries some of its own brands of products which makes things much more affordable for the average consumer. What’s there not to love?

GRAZELAND

This new permanent food hideout is the place for you if you love food of different cultures, new Instagram-able foods and live music to go alongside all that!

There are more than 50 food vendors. It is segmented into foods from different continents as well as sweets where desserts await you. I got my favourite potato twisties with chicken salt (a very Aussie flavour) and some souffle pancakes. Yum!

Address:20 Booker Street, Spotswood

Opening Hours:
Friday 5pm – 10pm
Saturday 12pm – 10pm
Sunday 12pm – 9pm

SOME THINGS TO TAKE NOTE

BEFORE THE TRIP

Visiting Australia now is as easy as Pre-COVID. There is no requirement for COVID tests (although testing using ART is encouraged). I’d still advise you to keep your vaccination certificates handy, just in case (This is the kiasu Singaporean in me talking).

WHILE IN MELBOURNE

Unlike in Singapore, masks are optional but encouraged both indoors and out.

According to the Victorian Coronavirus Advisory.), Masks remain required on public transport, taxis, ride shares, and planes, in sensitive settings such as hospitals and care facilities, and if you are a household contact in an indoor space outside your home.

REQUIREMENTS

Now that you’re convinced, there’s just one more thing left to do! That is, to book your flight! All prior COVID tests are no longer required although you are advised to take your Antigen Rapid Test within 24 hours of arrival. On the way back to Singapore, simply fill up the SG Arrival Card within three (3) days prior to the date of arrival in Singapore and that’s it!

CONCLUSION

Traveling to Australia is much simpler now and more places are finally coming back to normal. But always remember to stay safe and have fun!

If you like to read more about the underrated Summer Guide in Melbourne, do read the post here.