Only a few hours to spare while in Melbourne? Squeeze in a day’s worth of culture with our morning guide to some of the city’s worthwhile yet unexpected experiences. Think cafes inside radio studios, bars under bridges, ice cream wrapped in mochi, and even a burger restaurant inside an elevated train carriage. Capture the creative spirit of Melbourne by saving this guide to a unique half-day experience.

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Eat a burger in a sky-high train carriage at Easey’s

Eat a burger in a sky-high train carriage at Easey's

Start your morning in Melbourne the right way at Easey’s in Collingwood. This is one of the city’s most bizarre dining experiences. Three decommissioned train carriages stacked on a rooftop and transformed into a retro-style diner with views of the city skyline. Just take the lift up and grab a booth by the window. The inside of the carriages still strangely represent an old Metro carriage, complete with graffiti, narrow seats, sliding doors and more. The main difference is that it now comes with a delicious burger menu perfect for breakfast or lunch.

Enjoy your morning coffee with a DJ Set – On Air Cremorne

Enjoy your morning coffee with a DJ Set - On Air Cremorne

After your morning burger fix, we recommend hitting up Air Cremorne for your coffee fix with a twist. This cafe is part coffee shop and part working radio station. Imagine DJs spinning sets in the morning as you sip on your iced latte. Trade in the background cafe chatter with a soundtrack curated in real time by the DJ on the decks that day.

Lunch with a view – Ponyfish Island

Your Guide to a Unique Half-Day in Melbourne

Make your way to the Yarra river and look for the floating platform tucked under the pedestrian bridge between Southbank and Flinders Street Station. Ponyfish Island is a bar hidden in plain sight, often missed by many first-time visitors. Sit on top of the water while chowing down a relaxed lunch. This restaurant has unbeatable city views with casual, sunsoaked vibes.

Mochi-wrapped gelato at Hareruya Pantry

Mochi-wrapped gelato at Hareruya Pantry

To wrap up your half-day adventure, collect a sweet treat from Hareruya Pantry, serving Japanese-inspired desserts, including delicious mochi-wrapped gelato. Taste matcha, hojicha, sesame, mango, and yuzu gelato, the ideal after-lunch snack while wandering the nearby alleyways.