Melbourne & Adelaide day trips ?
 

here's hoping we can actually travel in 2022.... we have a full day (8am until 6 pm) cruise stop in Melbourne, and a day & a half in Adelaide (8am and until 3 pm the next day) and are looking for suggestions on what to see / do.... site seeing mostly, we're not "surfers" or physically active at our age ! I was hoping to drive the GOR, but alas, we don't have enough time in Melbourne and it's too far from Adelaide... thanks

I might have some suggestions for Adelaide if you're willing to rent a car for the day.

Adelaidean, who is a resident of Adelaide and a regular poster will probably see this and offer a wealth of suggestions.

wow, that would be great ! since we have a whole day and a half, we certainly should be able to rent a car for the day and not worry about missing the boat departure in the evening ! any and all suggestions are very welcomed !

Re Melbourne, there is a tram stop at the end of the pier and usually on a cruise day, there will be some one selling passes for public transport. Take the tram into the CBD where there is a free city circle tram around the city - usually a vintage tram which will give you a snapshot tour. You could visit two great art galleries, the Ian Potter Centre (Australian art) and the Victorian National Gallery. The Ian Potter gallery is in Federation Square where you can also find the visitors' centre for maps and info. You could walk to the Botanic Gardens or Fitzroy Gardens and see Captain Cook's cottage. The Melbourne Museum is well worth visiting and there is also the Immigration Museum. If you want to do the shops, the Emporium in Lonsdale Street is the newest shopping complex in the city. The Queen Victoria market is interesting but not open every day.

Hope this helps your planning.

Since renting a car is a possibility, I suggest you do just that and head for the hills...the Adelaide Hills that is.

Here you'll find koalas in the trees overhead, plentiful cute towns, cellar doors, fabulous food, Mt Lofty and the German town of Hahndorf (if you like chocolate, don't miss the hot chocolate at Chocolate #5). https://www.chocolateno5.com.au/

You can plan the perfect driving itinerary here:

https://southaustralia.com/destinations/adelaide-hills

https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/mount-lofty-summit

https://hahndorfsa.org.au/

Good suggestions for Melbourne so far. I especially love Vic Market (Queen Victoria Market) which is particularly good if the fresh food area is open. There is a large area with fruit and veg, fresh seafood and meat and on the other side, a huge area selling souvenirs, clothes, shoes, electronics, and heaps of other stuff. It's very popular. They used to do guided walking tours but things may have changed in the past year or so.

If you wanted to head outside the city, you could try Healesville Sanctuary which is a small zoo with only Australian wildlife. The specific feeding times (for koalas, kangaroos etc) are normally posted on the website. The small town of Healesville is nice for a wander and lunch. It's a fair way out of the city so check Google Maps and allow extra time as Melbourne traffic can get choked.

Another idea is the Dandenongs, nice for walks, lunch, afternoon teas, birdlife etc. Again, it's a fair drive but you should have time. Just be aware of heavy traffic heading back to the ship. Look at Olinda and Kallista. https://visitdandenongranges.com.au/

You can also reach St Kilda, by the bay, by tram. It's not for everyone but you could check what day the market is on and have lunch. Wouldn't be my first choice but it appeals to a lot of people.

great suggestions ! much appreciated !

i would not go to Healseville . whilst it's a fabulous place I would be too concerned about returning in time especially woth traffic congestion. Id leave the Aussie anuimals until Adelaide -Cleland Park or vist the Melbourne zoo.
Another popular tourist thing in Melbourne is the lanes and alleys tour -fabulous graffiti lanes and cafes abound.

Whilst the GOR is a great drive, I drove along it myself over Easter recently, it seems strange to get off a cruise and then take a drive along what is essentially an ocean panorama for two hours.

I concur regarding Healesville or Yarra Valley, whilst both popular day trips for locals who aren't on a fixed schedule, too far a return drive. Given the limited shore period 8am to 6pm, and factor in disembarkation/immigration/customs/embarkation (not sure which cruise you are on) you probably only have 8 hours maximum. I would take the 109 light rail from the cruise terminal to the Casino stop, walk along Southbank to the Arts Centre. Walk, or get one of the Green PediCabs who will put together a tour, and check out the city highlights. Head up to the top of the Eureka Skydeck. Maybe then grab the 96 tram and head to St Kilda for a coffee and light stroll along the beachfront/historic pier. You'll be able to see your ship from there. If you are in to the shopping/cafe lifestyle, Bridge Rd Richmond is the place to go, or for the more bohemian, Brunswick.

A slightly longer trip could take you across the bay to historic Williamstown, again, you can probably see your ship from there as well. There used to be a ferry from StKilda Pier to Williamstown Pier and Station Pier (cruise terminal) but I'm not sure when/if that still operates. (Google Stkildaferry). If it does that would be a good way to end the day and have you back at Station Pier ready for a late afternoon wine on the ship.