Layover in Melbourne, can we get out?

Puffing Billy might a stretch time wise but it is a lovely trip for those who like that kind of thing, steaming through the hills and all that. A row on the Yarra might be nice in the right weather, again for those who like that kind of thing.

If you live here, or have a few days on a lazy holiday, they might pop up on an itinerary ... but with nine hours maximum, I rather think not. Being realistic.

If someone likes the idea of paddle then Studley Park is perfectly reasonable timewise. It is is straight up wrong to suggest otherwise.

It certainly is not ... the OP asked for the highest & best use of Melbourne for a layover ... a paddle at Studley Park does not make the cut. Being realistic. If the OP had asked specifically for a canoe or kayak venue ... I humbly suggest that Studley Park would STILL not make the cut.

And you said it wasn't realistic because they only had nine hours. And it has nothing to do with kayaks or canoes. That is what you said. That's wrong.

I just noticed the Star Bus shuttle picking up at Southbank, has skybus got some competition?

And you said it wasn't realistic because they only had nine hours. And it has nothing to do with kayaks or canoes. That is what you said. That's wrong.

It's not wrong just because you have a different view. With nine hours only in Melbourne (less in reality), Puffing Billy and a Yarra River Paddle are simply not on a to-do list. That is my view ... it is not "wrong".

Again, you said Studley Park was not within time limits. Wrong. There is a difference between facts and opinions. It can be proved that timewise Studley can be done. Your opinion that it can't be done timewise is wrong. If you said your opinion was that people can't walk over Princes Bridge in the space of four hours, well that would be wrong, irrelevant of whether it is your opinion. Same with a paddle on Studley Park.

Folks,
There is no reason to pick on each other. After being 15-16 hours on a flight and add some more hours to get to the airport in Los Angeles there is no way that I want to be thinking about some sportive activity except just walking and chilling out, and it is because I am 37 and I know myself that I am lazy enough not to think about going on the river, plus there is no time really.

I have done this many times and I know the pros and cons of this so I am not going to take this as granted, but still I understand that it will be only a peep, which is fine since I will know the vibe and see whether I want to come back later and stay a lot longer (1 week or so in American language) or not.

there is no way that I want to be thinking about some sportive activity except just walking and chilling out

Thank you ... I think my point is vindicated ... the OP gave no indication at all that paddling on the Yarra was an option, and any sensible thought would lead you to agree with that. Giving astute advice on here is about much more than throwing up every possible activity you've ever heard of, without evaluation or weighing their relevance.