Book a trip from Phuket to Melbourne with Cathay Pacific

There are several options for getting to downtown Melbourne from the airport. Taking a taxi is the most convenient option, with designated taxi ranks near all airport terminals. It usually takes about 30 minutes to reach downtown Melbourne. If you prefer public transportation, the Skybus is a regular bus service that runs from the airport to various locations throughout the city and takes about 45 minutes to reach the city centre.

If you’re travelling with children, Melbourne Zoo offers an immersive experience with over 320 animal species from around the world across 55 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Visitors can explore diverse habitats such as the lush Asian and African rainforests, Australian bushland, and even underwater exhibits. Highlights include the Gorilla Rainforest, where you can observe these magnificent creatures in a naturalistic setting, and the Trail of the Elephants, offering insight into the lives of these gentle giants. The Butterfly House is enchanting, allowing visitors to walk among colourful butterflies in a tropical environment. The zoo’s Orangutan Sanctuary and Growing Wild exhibit focus on conservation and endangered species, providing educational opportunities. Families will enjoy the Children’s Zoo, where kids can interact with farm animals. Daily keeper talks and feeding sessions offer fascinating insights into animal behaviour and conservation efforts. The zoo also recently introduced the captivating Moon Jellyfish exhibit at Wild Sea, showcasing these glowing creatures in specially designed displays.

With its renowned exhibitions, diverse collections, and engaging programs, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) offers an inspiring and accessible cultural experience that is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in art and creativity during their Melbourne holiday. The NGV is split between two main locations: NGV International on St Kilda Road, showcasing an extensive collection of international art from Europe, Asia, America, and Oceania, and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Federation Square, dedicated to Australian Indigenous and non-Indigenous art from colonial times to the present. Visitors can explore over 76,000 works spanning centuries and styles, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso, alongside contemporary art and design. Entry to both galleries is free, with daily opening hours from 10 am to 5 pm. The NGV also offers free guided tours and themed tours to enrich your visit.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the Grampians National Park Day Tour allows you to experience one of Victoria’s most stunning natural landscapes before you head home. Departing early from Melbourne, the tour begins with morning tea at the historic Eureka Stockade Memorial in Ballarat, where you can learn about Australia’s gold rush history. The journey continues through the volcanic plains, passing Moyston, the birthplace of Australian Rules Football, before arriving at the Grampians, known as Gariwerd by the local Jardwadjali people. In the Grampians, you’ll enjoy a gentle stroll through shady forests to the enchanting Silverband Falls, a tranquil waterfall surrounded by lush bushland.

Make your trip from Phuket to Melbourne one to remember by booking luxury accommodation with Cathay Holidays. With us, you’ll discover a wondrous world of rewards, including special accommodation, room upgrades, and lounge access. For an opulent stay, Novotel Melbourne on Collins combines luxury, prime location, and excellent amenities, making it an outstanding choice. Situated on the iconic Collins Street, this hotel is renowned for its fashion boutiques and upscale vibe, and is directly above the stylish St Collins Lane shopping precinct, featuring high-end brands like Coach and Sandro Paris. The hotel boasts 380 spacious, contemporary rooms and suites with urban aesthetics, many overlooking bustling Collins Street or the elegant atrium. Deluxe options include spa rooms with in-room spa baths and junior suites with ample living space, ideal for a pampered stay. Guests can unwind in the heated indoor pool, spa, and fully equipped fitness centre, all designed to enhance relaxation and wellness. If you’re wanting a budget-friendly alternative nearby, Mercure Welcome Melbourne offers a variety of modern rooms equipped with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, a television, mini fridge, tea and coffee facilities, and a generous desk space, catering well to solo travellers, couples, and families alike. Guests can enjoy a hot buffet breakfast at the on-site Louden Kitchen & Grill or lighter fare at Soul Cafe, with Eva’s Restaurant and Bar next door providing fresh seasonal dishes and cocktails for a relaxed dining experience. Shopping enthusiasts will appreciate proximity to Emporium Melbourne, Bourke Street Mall, and Melbourne Central Shopping Complex. By booking a holiday package or hotel through Cathay Holidays, you will be able to earn additional miles for your stay.

Melbourne entices food enthusiasts with its wide selection of restaurants, where culinary traditions from across the world converge to create an exquisite gastronomic experience. Located at 80 Collins Street, Society is perfect for those looking to indulge in Australian dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Start your meal with the Crab Choux Bun, featuring aged Parmesan and dill, or the Angus Beef Crumpet topped with Oscietra caviar for a luxurious touch. For a heartier option, the Wood-Grilled Prime Rib is a standout, served with roasted potatoes and au jus. Seafood lovers will delight in the King George Whiting, accompanied by sauce Américaine, or the Barbecue King Prawn with fermented chilli and gem lettuce. Don’t miss the Spanner Crab Rigatoni, rich in flavour with lobster oil and tarragon. For dessert, the Caviar Sundae offers a unique twist with crème fraîche ice cream and kelp caramel. Alternatively, if you prefer Cantonese cuisine, Flower Drum offers a refined approach to Cantonese cuisine. Located in the city’s vibrant heart, this restaurant is renowned for its impeccable service and elegant atmosphere. Start your culinary journey with the Peking Duck, a classic dish wrapped in pancakes with cucumber and plum sauce. For a fresh twist, try the Seafood Rice Paper Roll, filled with scallops, prawns, and calamari, served atop enoki mushrooms in spicy salt. For mains, the Wok Fried Wild Barramundi Noodles are a must-try, featuring tender fish and aromatic flavours. The Sauté Eye Fillet with Superior Soy showcases the rich taste of Black Angus beef, stir-fried to perfection. Those looking for something special can upgrade to the Robbin Island Wagyu Striploin for an exquisite touch. Desserts like Banana Fritters with Ice Cream and Baked Chestnut Sago Crumble provide a sweet ending to your meal.

There’s plenty to remember when flying to a new destination. Here is some information that you should know before your flight to Melbourne.

• Currency: Australian Dollar ($, AUD). Find out the current conversion rate.
• Plug: 230V Type I
• Time zone: GMT+11. Daylight savings push this forward one hour from October to April.
• Language: English