Ask the crew: Iris Koo’s guide to Melbourne
We spoke to Iris Koo, a Flight Purser at Cathay, to learn all about the magic of Melbourne. The capital of Victoria has plenty to offer, from beautiful scenery to delicious cuisines.
“Whenever I’m in Melbourne, I get tips on what to do from my crewmates. I usually end up with a very interesting, varied itinerary.”
Credit: Iris Koo
Must-do
The last time I visited Melbourne, I took the Puffing Billy Railway , located about one hour east of the city. I’d never ridden a train like that before; it’s a 1900s steam train with open-air carriages, so you sit with your legs sticking out over the side. The route is very scenic, passing mountains and ash trees. It’s quite a wonderful experience.
I also visited the State Library Victoria , and I would recommend it to anyone. The huge octagonal reading room reminded me of Hogwarts – you could almost imagine that the desks would start moving. The library is also centrally located and free to enter, making it even more worthwhile.
Credit: Iris Koo
Credit: Iris Koo
Must-eat
Melbourne has many trendy cafés, and one of the most popular is Lune Croissanterie . A colleague recommended it to me because of the café’s eye-catching aesthetic, but the croissants did not disappoint either. They are huge.
Another must-visit spot is Pho Ganh Tonkin 1913. The pho is unbelievably good. In general, you’ll find great Vietnamese food in Melbourne – even better than in Sydney, in my opinion.
Must-pack
The weather in Melbourne can vary a lot, from hot at midday to cold and windy in the evening. I usually carry a light windbreaker with me, so I can throw it on if there’s a sudden drop in temperature.