Ask the crew: Iris Koo’s guide to Melbourne

We spoke to Iris Koo, a Flight Purser at Cathay Pacific, 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.”

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. 

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.