On Monday morning, while the Lawrences headed off to work, Dave and I were left to our own devices. We caught the train into Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) and spent the day exploring.

One of our favorite ways to get a feel for a new city is to jump onto the local Hop-On Hop-Off bus. It’s part tour, part transportation, and it lets you cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed. With prerecorded audio sharing fun facts along the way, it’s a great balance of sightseeing and going at your own pace.

Funny side note: It wasn’t until midway through the day that we realized — duh! — “Hop-On Hop-Off” is extra perfect in Australia. Kangaroos! Hopping! How did we not clock that sooner?

Melbourne had the perfect sort of city vibe for me — historic charm, modern energy, a bustling business district, arts, culture, and food. Big enough to have something for everyone, but not so big it feels overwhelming. We actually spent two full days hopping around Melbs, but in my memory, it all blurs together into one bright, bustling adventure.

Each morning started in the CBD, where we’d grab a cuppa — and where I discovered one of the wonders of the Land Down Under: Ice Cream Coffee! Order an “iced coffee” in Melbourne, and instead of a cold brew over ice, you’ll be handed a tall glass of chilled coffee with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of whipped cream on top. Absolutely delicious… but not necessarily a good idea unless you want a sugar crash after your caffeine buzz! I learned to ask for “no ice cream” — much to the confusion (and slight pity) of every Aussie barista. Honestly, can you blame them?

Some highlights from our hop-happy adventure included:

• Browsing Queen Victoria Market, where we picked up a piece of Aboriginal art — and, feeling cheeky, some kangaroo meat.
• Wandering through Little Italy, complete with a gelato stop — because when in Rome… or Melbourne.
• Down by the Esplanade, we spotted the ferry to Tasmania — a destination still on my bucket list.
• Finding sushi for lunch — because travel is just one long, glorious eating tour, right?
• We hopped down Hosier Lane – Melbourne’s most famous alleyway, bursting with street art and Aussie edge.
• Raiding a lolly shop! (Candy shops — or “lolly shops” as they’re called here — are basically a mandatory stop on any of our trips.)
• Bouncing our way into the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, with a stadium tour and a visit to the impressive sports museum.

Here’s a peek at the stops along the way if you’re planning your own Melbourne hop-about:

City Tour Stops:
Federation Square (CBD), Melbourne Aquarium, Eureka Tower, Crown Casino, DFO South Wharf, Harbour Town Docklands, Etihad Stadium, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Zoo, Lygon Street (Little Italy), Melbourne Museum/IMAX, Comedy Theater, Cathedral Place, Fitzroy Gardens, and Melbourne Cricket Ground.

St Kilda Route Stops:
Shrine of Remembrance, South Melbourne, The Esplanade, Luna Park/Palais Theatre, St. Kilda Marina, South Melbourne Beach, Station Pier/Bay Street, Crown Casino, Eureka Tower, Art Centre.