Day 3 Arrive in Melbourne, Australia Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne or similar

Activity Note: Throughout your explorations in Australia and New Zealand, you'll interact with local residents—everyone from Aussies and Kiwis to Australia's Aboriginal people and the local Maori. While you'll find some similarities between these different cultures, you'll also discover some distinct differences. We ask that you come to the South Pacific with an open mind to all of these new experiences.

Morning: Most travelers will arrive in Melbourne early this morning to begin your Australia and New Zealand travel experience. An O.A.T. representative greets you at the airport and assists with your transfer to our hotel.

Around 8am, we’ll check in at our hotel. Typically, each of the air-conditioned rooms features a TV, telephone, wireless Internet access (for a fee), a safe, minibar, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and a private bath with a hair dryer. Hotel facilities may include a lounge, restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, and fitness center.

With help from our regional office, we have made our first day in Melbourne a leisurely one, so that you can rest after the long flight here and before we begin exploring the city tomorrow. To help you adjust to the time difference, we spend three nights in Melbourne, the capital of Australia's “Garden State” of Victoria, to give you plenty of time to recharge and truly enjoy the city. You'll have the day free here. You can relax and make use of the hotel’s amenities, visit local shops, or find your own ways to interact with the locals, who are not known for being shy.

Lunch: On your own upon arrival at the hotel—you can enjoy a meal at the hotel restaurant, or your Trip Experience Leader can provide you with a recommendation. You may choose to set off to find a local restaurant that serves regional specialties like emu or balmain bugs—which are similar to lobsters.

Afternoon: Travelers who chose to take our Undiscovered Tasmania: Hobart, Cradle Mountain & Launceston pre-trip extension will arrive at the hotel around 12:45pm.

At around 3:30pm, we will all gather for a Welcome Orientation briefing, including travelers who arrived early in Melbourne before the main adventure. During this briefing, we will introduce ourselves and review our itinerary in more detail (including any changes that may need to occur). Our Trip Experience Leader will also discuss logistics, safety and emergency procedures, and answer any questions we may have. Afterwards, we'll set off on about a 30-minute orientation walk with our Trip Experience Leader, when they will explain the tram network and point out ATMs, the grocery store, and other helpful locations near the hotel.

Dinner: On your own—your Trip Experience Leader will be happy to provide you with recommendations for dinner tonight. After, you may search for a bakery that serves Pavlova, a traditional meringue cake topped with whipped cream and a variety of fresh fruits.

Evening: Your evening is free to rest and relax before our explorations begin tomorrow.

Freedom to Explore

Make the most of your time in Melbourne with these suggestions for independent exploration from our local regional office. Your Trip Experience Leader will lead the activity with the most traveler interest.

Take a walk to Queen Victoria Market with your Trip Experience Leader: Peruse the bustling food and gift stalls of the largest open air market in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 17 acres of produce, souvenir, food, and gift stalls to discover, you may also want to consider a special 2-hour foodie tour to really delve into the history and culture of this iconic market—as well as sample an array of its most popular food options.

How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute walk with your Trip Experience Leader or a 5-minute taxi ride, about $12 USD one way.
Hours: 9:30am-5pm, Thursday-Sunday & Tuesday.
Cost: Free. The optional 2-hour market tour is $69 USD per person

Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens: Established in 1846, the Royal Botanic Gardens span more than 90 acres and feature everything from trees to garden beds and well-manicured lawns. The gardens offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne and an opportunity to enjoy the abundance of nature all around.

How to get there: A 20-minute walk.
Hours: Open daily.
Cost: Free.

Discover the Melbourne Museum, a natural and cultural history museum located in the Carlton Gardens in Melbourne—adjacent to the Royal Exhibition Building, The largest museum in the Southern Hemisphere, the Melbourne Museum is also ranked as one of Australia's most popular attractions and is a place where education and history come together in a contemporary setting, It is also home to the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre—a major exhibition that celebrates the history, culture, achievements and survival of Victoria’s indigenous people.

How to get there: A 10-minute taxi ride, about $12 USD one way.
Hours: 10am-5pm, daily.
Cost: $12 USD per person.

5/3/23

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