whats nice in the CBD huh? thinking of bring old folks but can't travel too far from city.
Depends on what you are planning to do.
Chinatown - Little Bourke St.
Queen Victoria Market - go early.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Docklands area - I think watching sunset and jiak around the area is nice.
Southbank area is more artsy and restaurants along yarra river, good dinner ambience.
Melbourne Central ( shopping centre )
There are several museums including NGV, old melbourne jail, eureka tower for sunset. The aquarium is a nice visit for kids not sure if ur older folks be interested.
Phillip Island, Yering Station etc will be further and needs transport.