trip plan for melbourne

The PERFECT Melbourne Itinerary for 4 to 7 Days | Travel Guide

There’s a reason that the Australian city of Melbourne held onto the mantle of the “World’s Most Liveable City” for so many years in a row, and this Melbourne itinerary has got it all covered.

In a short amount of time, you can be transported from one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Australia to some of the best coastlines. This Melbourne travel itinerary will go over everything you need to know and do to experience the best that this incredible Aussie destination has to offer.

The capital of the south-eastern Australian state of Victoria, the appeal of Melbourne doesn’t seem to be losing any steam. Each year, the city welcomes 12 million domestic and international visitors and is rapidly overtaking Sydney, Australia as a must-see Australian city. Whether you are spending 4 days in Melbourne or up to a week (or even more!), it’s a place you won’t want to leave in a hurry. 

It’s one of my personal favorite cities in the world, and I’m always looking for a way to get back!

Table of Contents

Melbourne Itinerary Overview

I’ve visited Melbourne on a couple of occasions now, and every time I visit I find myself thinking how much I would love to live there. It’s a city that will steal your heart and (despite its unpredictable weather), delivers the best food and coffee in the country and has a strange way of keeping you in its grasp for much longer than you ever thought.

There are so many incredible things to do to keep you busy during your time here that one week in Melbourne won’t ever feel like it’s enough.

I put together this Melbourne 7-day itinerary, but it’s also a helpful destination guide for if you only have 2 days, 4 days, or 6 days in the city – I know you’ll get some great ideas!

My 7-day Melbourne itinerary covers all of the major landmarks and day trip options that are highly recommended and even includes some insider tips that I picked up while there. These include the best places to eat, drink, and party!

I’ve also included some other helpful Melbourne travel tips to ensure your visit is a breeze!

What are the best things to do in Melbourne?

My Melbourne travel guide goes deep into all of the weird and wonderful things to do in the Victorian capital, but here’s a quick breakdown of what’s included. 

• Eat up big in Melbourne’s famous laneway cafes and immerse yourself in the city’s hipster vibe. 
• Sip on Melbourne’s world-famous coffee – it’s truly the best!
• Get involved in the sporting action that the city is renowned for. 
• Shop up a storm at premier retailers across Melbourne. 
• Win big at Crown Casino, one of the country’s best entertainment complexes. 
• Travel down the coast to the majestic Great Ocean Road or into the mountains of the Dandenong Ranges. 
• Cuddle up with cute Australian animals at Melbourne Zoo or Werribee Open Range Zoo. 
• Enjoy the sunshine and take a dip at one of Melbourne’s many picturesque beaches. 

Plus much more! Keep scrolling for an in-depth look at these Melbourne activities! 

Where should I stay in Melbourne?

Melbourne is a cultural melting pot with distinctly different neighborhood aesthetics, reminiscent of eternal world favorites London and Paris. A far-reaching metropolis that is ever-expanding as more and more people lay roots here, Melbourne accommodation has something for everyone.

Here are just a few of my recommended picks of where to stay on your Melbourne itinerary. 

Booking.com is always my favorite way of booking travel accommodation, and Melbourne is such a fantastic city to have your apartment to get a sense of local life. There are countless incredible apartments available all across the city and often work out cheaper than booking a hotel room!

• Brand New Apartment With Balcony, Gym, and Sauna (Located in Richmond, one of the coolest inner-city suburbs)
• Incredible 3-Bed Home in The Heart of St Kilda (St Kilda – right near the beach and an amazing bar scene!)
• The Marker Apartments Melbourne (Right in the heart of the action in the Melbourne CBD!)

Which Melbourne hotel should I stay at?

What if you want to stay at a hotel while enjoying a week in Melbourne? I have some incredible recommendations for that stay style too.

Park Hyatt Melbourne – One of my favorite hotels I’ve stayed at while exploring Melbourne. Great location, food, customer service, and overall amazing experience. While it’s on the luxury side of things, it’s absolutely worth it!

Selina Central Melbourne – If you’re looking to save a bit of money, then there’s no better place to stay than the iconic Selina Brand, which is known around the world for their amazing hostels and communities. It’s the BETS location right opposite the iconic Flinders Street Station in the heart of Melbourne, and 

Credit: Park Hyatt Melbourne

How many days should I spend in Melbourne?

Trying to decide how long to spend in Melbourne isn’t an easy choice. On the one hand, a visit to the city can be very expensive; but on the other, it’s a widespread city and needs more than just a few days to be fully experienced.

That’s why I created this guide. Technically,  a 4-day Melbourne Itinerary would be enough, but I also stretched the itinerary below to 7 days, which gives you more time to explore. I would say between 4 and 7 days is ideal.

The answer to this question will be based on your preferences and available time for your trip in Australia, but make sure you start every morning with a cup of delicious Melbourne coffee or two!

What is the best time to visit Melbourne?

Now that you’ve figured out how long you want to stay, it’s time to decide when should you visit Melbourne! While the summer season is between December and March and these months are more expensive than others, I’d recommend coming here during the shoulder seasons between March and May (autumn) and September and November (spring). 

During these two periods, the temperature is mild enough for you to enjoy some of this week-long Melbourne itinerary on foot, and it also won’t hurt your wallet too much.

If you’re heading to Melbourne on a budget, head down during the low season between June and August. This is winter in Melbourne, but winters here aren’t as cold as winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and the sun often comes out! Winter in Melbourne is the cheapest time to visit the city, but you’ll have to be content with the somewhat chilly weather and occasional rainfall. But this is also a great time to visit for winter lovers as you can go ice skating and skiing just outside the city, amongst other activities!

How do I get around Melbourne? 

Melbourne is famous for having one of the most extensive and well-serviced public transport networks in Australia, and getting around the city is relatively easy. Either way, there’s always a friendly local to ask for directions! It is Australia, after all. 

First things first. To use Melbourne public transport you need a Myki card, which is an easy-to-use tap-on/tap-off card, just like other world cities have in place. The card itself is cheap and sold at most premium stations, and you just top it up with money as needed. Myki covers not just Melbourne City but regional Victoria as well, and only recently, the government has made travelling across Melbourne or into the countryside even cheaper, with a capped per-day rate regardless of how far you travel on Myki. How cool is that!

Melbourne public transport options

Melbourne has a detailed rail network, which services not just the CBD (including the underground portion known as “The Loop”), but the outer suburbs and beyond too. They also have a ton of bus lines that criss-cross the city, and they have one little other things that sets them apart from the rest of Australia… trams! Melbourne’s famous tram system is smooth and streamlined and services the inner city and city fringe, passing through some of the coolest and most sought-after suburbs. One of the best things about Melbourne trams? The city also offers a “Free Tram Zone”, which means you don’t have to pay to cruise on Melbourne trams within the city centre! In addition, Melbourne has a handy “Night Network”, which runs all-night train, bus and tram services on weekends. This is fantastic if you’re planning a big weekend hitting Melbourne’s many bars and clubs!

Public Transport Victoria is your one-stop site for all Melbourne public transport timetables, routes, fare estimates and any other information you may need.

Other ways to get around Melbourne

If you’re eager to get where you’re going without trying to make sense of a Melbourne public transport map, the city is saturated by ride share options, including Uber Melbourne and Lyft, which can be a fair bit less expensive than Melbourne’s 13 CABS , which can cost a pretty penny, especially at peak periods or on holidays. There’s ferries that service the seaside locales of the city, and you can even rent a Lime Bike , an electric bike share service offered by the City of Melbourne. Just scan the QR code on a bike through the Lime or Uber app, and away you go!

Finally, if you want to have the freedom of coming and going where you want, when you want, you can easily hire a car in Melbourne. Hertz and Budget are major car rental companies available across Melbourne, and offer flexible pick-up and drop-off locations and times. Uber now offers a cost-effective carshare service as well!

You’ll have zero issue getting around Melbourne, thanks to its extensive public transport service and other travel offerings. The city is so well covered that getting from A to B is a breeze. 

Melbourne Itinerary Breakdown: 

Okay, I’ve rambled enough. It’s now time to get into the best itinerary Melbourne has to offer! Keep reading to learn more, but here’s a great starting point to get a basic idea of how to make the most of your time here!

• Day 1: Laneway Eateries & All The Coffee
• Day 2: Sporting Tours & A Culture In Spades
• Day 3: World-Class Shopping & High Rolling
• Day 4: Day Trip To The Coast – Or The Mountains!
• Day 5: Seaside Fun In St Kilda
• Day 6: Hang out with Australian furry friends
• Day 7: Explore hipster inner-city hangouts

Melbourne Itinerary Day 1: Laneway Eateries & All The Coffee

If you’ve traveled from abroad, the long flight to Melbourne might have left you feeling a little jetlagged. Take this opportunity to decompress and fuel up your energy levels with the coffee that Melbourne is world famous for. During your Melbourne trip, you’ll likely be enjoying many great coffees. Make sure to order an Aussie icon, the flat white. 

Melbourne is famous for its artistic, often grungy laneways, and these hip walkways are packed with some of the best cafes and eateries the city has to offer. Centre Place is a standout. Even if you are only doing a Melbourne 4-day itinerary, this is one of the must-visits.

Where is the best coffee in Melbourne?

My top five recommendations for central Melbourne cafes or coffee shops that serve up a roast you will want to write home about are…

Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar – “Pellegrini’s is all about character, honest Italian fare and coffee. In fact, it is said (by Pellegrini’s themselves) that the first espresso machine to arrive in Melbourne was delivered here in 1954 – opening the gates to a city-wide obsession.”

Proud Mary – “We take great pride in supporting and representing coffee producers and communities. We visit our producers each year and venture into their farms, homes and families. This is a relationship. We discover who they are, what motivates them and how we can support one another. Through this tangible form, we generate mutual understanding and appreciation. These are the true rock stars of coffee, the story starts with the producer.”

Axil Coffee Roasters – “Our aim has always been simple; to source, roast and produce the best cup of coffee. We have a passionate and enthusiastic team who travel the globe to find the best specialty coffee available. We are continuously building relationships with coffee producers to ensure we are getting the highest quality.”

Dukes Coffee Roasters – “We are an Australian specialty coffee roasting company whose focus is the craft of carefully roasting the best coffees in the world using innovative and methodic roasting practices. We are committed to bringing the best selection of exceptionally grown, amazing tasting, and in-season specialty coffees to cafes and consumers in Australia.”

Auction Rooms – “We believe in quality, detail, great food, and good vibes. Combine that with a backdrop that will take your breath away and we are well on the way to hosting the most memorable of events for you.”

Where should I eat in Melbourne? 

After inflight “food” from hell, I’m sure you’ve got a raging appetite too, and you’ve touched down in the right city to satisfy any palate. Melbourne has been a cultural melting pot of international influences since its earliest days, and that has spilled over into not only coffee, but food as well. Culinary delights can be found on every corner of this beautiful city. But tonight, I recommend heading straight for the center of epic Asian food in Melbourne, Chinatown! Melbourne’s Chinatown is located in the heart of the CBD.

Once you’ve found your way there, make a beeline for the locally-loved Shanghai Dumpling House . This rickety old building is always heaving with visitors and locals filling up on their share of pork dumplings, Shanghai fried noodles, and Chinese broccoli. You won’t regret it.

“Looking for a “cheap & cheerful”? Tight budgets are never a problem here, with meals from around $10, served with complimentary Chinese tea.

Melbourne Itinerary Day 2: Sporting Tours & A Culture In Spades

Today you’re hopefully feeling fresher and with endless energy to make the most of your time in this vibrant city tackling this 4-day Melbourne itinerary. You’ve sampled some gold-star food and coffee, but now it’s time for sports lovers to get excited.

Melbourne is often referred to as the “sporting capital of Australia” – and for good reason. A year-round sporting schedule sees globally-recognized events hit town, with cricket, AFL (Australian Football or “footy”), and tennis being the main players that locals can’t get enough of.

The MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) runs tours of the holy grail of Aussie cricket, where you’ll get to walk on the very turf legends of the game have played on. You can also enjoy a tour of the various rooms, including player changing rooms.

If tennis is more your style and you don’t miss a minute of the Australian Open Grand Slam each year, you’ll have a blast on the Australian Open Tour, which takes you around the major arenas of the tournament, including Rod Laver Arena. There’s a range of Melbourne Park tours available, where you’ll be treated like a top seed yourself.

Melbourne Itinerary Day 3: World-Class Shopping & High Rolling

Day three in Melbourne has to be spent blowing some cold hard cash. After all, it’s just another reason visitors flock here throughout the year. Melbourne is a shopper’s paradise, with a long list of shopping centers, laneways, and city streets selling all the wares you could ever dream of. 

Chadstone Shopping Centre referred to as “The Fashion Capital”, is located in suburban Melbourne, approximately 20 minutes from the city center. It is the biggest shopping center in Australia. A free shuttle bus service for tourists runs to and from Melbourne Central to Chadstone each hour, so there’s no reason not to check it out while you visit Melbourne.

If you’re looking for other ideal shopping locations and love authentic markets, The QV Market and South Melbourne Market are other great options in Melbourne. If you happen to be in Melbourne on Sunday morning, get down to the hipster paradise of the Camberwell Market , on the city centre fringe bright and early and find a one-off treasure. It’s a huge flea market and wildly popular, and there’s hot jam donut and coffee stands to fuel you, if that tempts you. It tempts me!

Other top Melbourne shopping spots include DFO South Wharf for heavily discounted bargains and the famous Bourke Street Mall smack bang in the center of the city. 

Now that you’ve picked up a knockout outfit on your Melbourne shopping free, wear it somewhere deserving tonight and head to Crown Casino , located on Southbank. This huge, glittering casino runs alongside the Yarra River, and you can’t miss the riverside fire display each night. Inside, try your hand at blackjack or attempt to talk your way into the VIP high rollers area.

On your way home, if you’ve enjoyed a few drinks (or “bevvies”, as the Aussie say) you definitely need a good meal to put some pep in your step. Head over to one of Melbourne’s only 24-hour eateries, Stalactites , on Lonsdale Street. This Greek restaurant is a dining institution, and they won’t judge you for eating a souvlaki at 6am (that’s a Greek-style Aussie gyros). My kind of place!

Melbourne Itinerary Day 4: Day Trip To The Coast – Or The Mountains!

You’ve spent a few days exploring the incredible city limits of Melbourne, so now is the perfect time to pack your bag and head off on a day trip to experience a little of what Greater Melbourne has to offer.

Melbourne has so many doable day trips that it’s hard to pick the best, but the iconic Great Ocean Road has to be ticked off any bucket list.

Drive Along The Majestic Great Ocean Road

Whether you’re renting a car and doing it yourself, or taking advantage of the endless number of tour companies that run trips down this stunning slice of Aussie coastline, the Great Ocean Road is really deserving of a few days if you have it to spare.

Starting on the outskirts of Geelong, approximately 40 minutes from Melbourne CBD, this long and winding coastal road takes you through an array of gorgeous Victorian towns with crashing ocean views. Don’t miss world-famous surfing and swimming destinations like Bells Beach, Lorne, Torquay, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell, and Port Fairy.

Like every other visitor who has ever found themselves on the Great Ocean Road, you have to stop off at the natural formation that is the  12 Apostles , and take a snap to upload to the socials and make everyone back home green with envy. To do the entire Great Ocean Road right down to the Twelve Apostles and Port Fairy and back again, you’ll need about 10 hours at an absolute minimum. That’s taking into consideration stopping off at major lookouts and for a bite to eat along the way. It’s 275 km one way, after all.

For more information, check out this awesome Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary for everything you need to know! Looking for other outdoor activities but closer to the city? Head down to the Mornington Peninsula or stick around the city centre and wander through the lush landscape that is the Royal Botanic Gardens .

Immerse Yourself In The Dandenong Ranges

If you’d choose the mountains over the beach any day of the week, another popular day trip that’s a lot more manageable time-wise than the Great Ocean Road is  the Dandenong Ranges,  a breathtaking natural landscape and less than an hour from the city.

This mountain range is located to the east of Melbourne, with their peak, Mount Dandenong, topping the range. The Dandenong Range are full of charming small towns, gardens, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and hikes. The 1000 Steps (official name the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk ) is an uphill trek that is absolutely packed with visitors most days but worth it to say you made it! It’s a serious test of your fitness, but you can go at any pace you want.

While you’re touring around the Ranges, enjoy a ride on the Victorian institution, Puffing Billy . This historic steam train winds its way from Belgrave to Gembrook through lush Australian bush. 

If you still have the energy upon your return to Melbourne, head to inner-city Carlton – specifically Lygon Street. This is a street name everyone in Melbourne knows – for a lot of reasons. Not only is it the unofficial home of Italian influence in Melbourne, but it serves up some of the best Italian food you’ll get your hands on in Australia. Melbourne’s answer to “Little Italy” is also a location where a lot of the well-documented Gangland Wars of the 1990s and 2000s took place. Culturally enriched, Lygon is where it’s at.

With that, you’d have been about done with what to do in Melbourne for 4 days, but I have a few more ways to spend days 5 to 7 in the city, if you’re sticking around. I’d recommend it!

Melbourne Itinerary Day 5: Seaside Fun In St Kilda

You’re still here! Awesome. That means that you’re planning on spending a little more time in the city of Melbourne. Great choice! 5 days in Melbourne gives you an extra day to explore.

After a day like yesterday, that no doubt involved a lot of walking (did you manage the 1000 Steps?), your fifth day in beautiful Melbourne is going to be a little slower, with lots of time allocated for R&R. If you’ve come to Melbourne during spring or summer, you’re in luck, as heading to the beach here is a popular pastime that you should reserve some time for. 

Head down to iconic St Kilda, a beachside suburb of Melbourne a short distance from the city. You can get there from the CBD on one of the city’s iconic trams and tick that off your list as well.

The St Kilda Esplanade stretches along the coast, from Fitzroy Street, a hub for eating and partying, to Acland Street , where achingly trendy bars and pubs exist alongside the landmark amusement park, Luna Park .

If you are lucky enough to visit St Kilda on a Sunday, the Esplanade Market stretches the length of the road and overlooks the sea, selling everything you could imagine. Other than that, you can visit the South Melbourne Market just up the road, which opens between Wednesday and Sunday with traders ranging from food stalls to florists.

Take a dip in Port Philip Bay, soak up some of that (really strong) Aussie sun, walk along St Kilda Pier, and visit the penguins. About five minutes from St Kilda Beach is Brighton Beach, which I recommend for a photo op in front of its unique Bathing Boxes. From a ginger to you, I recommend packing some sunscreen for your day on the beach. 

Back to St Kilda, the area is filled to the brim with incredible bars and clubs, and a night out here is like no other. If it’s a summer night, there’s a unique hippy vibe to it that’s indescribable.

What are the best bars in St Kilda, Melbourne?

After a sunny day on the beach or jumping off St Kilda Pier, it’s time to enjoy a refreshing Aussie ale at one of the burb’s best bars and live music venues, which the neighborhood is positively packed with. A few St Kilda bars I recommend are…

• The Vineyard
• The Esplanade Hotel (“The Espy”)
• The Local Taphouse 
• The Prince of Wales Hotel

If your day/night out in St Kilda gets particularly messy, head back to your hotel via Chapel Street in Windsor and experience the grungiest, dirtiest and potentially the most fun time of your life at Revolver . With tons of dark rooms pumping everything from hip-hop to electronic and techno, it’s a night you won’t forget. Or may actually, forget. I can speak to that. 

Melbourne Itinerary Day 6: Hang out with Australian furry friends

No trip to Melbourne, or Australia as a whole, is complete without a visit with some of the country’s native animals. And no, I don’t mean those animals that are popular for terrorizing Australians. I mean those cute, fluffy, and friendly critters. Your friends expect a picture of you cuddling a koala, so make it happen. 

Which Melbourne zoos should I visit?

Luckily for those visiting Melbourne, there are a number of zoos and sanctuaries you can get to that are a stone’s throw from the city. Melbourne Zoo , probably the most heavily trafficked, is a short train ride from the CBD and is home to over 5,000 Aussie and international animals. If checking out some of Australia’s (often bizarre-looking) furry inhabitants is on your agenda, head to the koala, kangaroo, platypus, Tasmanian Devil, and wombat enclosures.

Werribee Open Range Zoo is slightly further afield but can be reached by car in about 40 minutes. A more interactive, natural environment than Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Zoo lets you get up close and personal with some majestic beasts in a safari-style habitat. You can even do a “Slumber Safari”, where you sleep amongst the lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!) under the stars in a luxury camp.

Finally, Healesville Sanctuary , nestled the picturesque Yarra Valley and just an hour from Melbourne, is another natural bush haven for native wildlife. Wandering around Healesville Sanctuary is a joy, as the location has conservation and care for the animals foremost in its mind.

Hot tip: A day at these wildlife parks involves a lot of walking, so wear sensible footwear.

Melbourne Itinerary Day 7: Explore hipster inner-city hangouts & Night Tour

It’s your final day in Melbourne, and I bet you’ve had an absolute blast and are devastated (“devo”, to Aussie) to leave. Don’t worry, I’ve got a final treat in store for you to cap off your trip. Get your skinny jeans and your fedora on because the most hipster suburbs of Melbourne await you.

Exploding in popularity in recent decades, the urban, inner-city hubs of Fitzroy, Brunswick, and Northcote have transformed themselves from some of the least-coveted suburbs to topping the list of the most in-demand real estate in the city. The hippest of Melbourne’s cool crowd either live in or flock to these neighborhoods to be seen at the unique bars, clubs, thrift stores and cafes that cram the streets.

What are the coolest suburbs in Melbourne?

In trendy inner-city Fitzroy, I recommend The Rum Diary for a well-earnt drink or  Naked for Satan for a wild night out with a superior view of the Melbourne skyline. Always buzzing, Brunswick is packed with bars, coffee shops, and unique shopping along Sydney Road, so pick up a strong espresso at warehouse cafe Lux Foundry and rub shoulders with the in-crowd.

For a few bevvies, don’t miss Howler . Northcote is a suburb close to Melbourne CBD that is so damn hip it makes you instantly feel inferior. The entire city knows the institution, Northcote Social Club , a popular venue for regular live entertainment, gigs, and a great outdoor deck where you can smash some of the best eats and drinks in Melbourne.

While you’re exploring the inner-city suburbs of Melbourne, take a leaf out of the local’s book and be sure to spend some time wandering around the many “op shops” (thrift stores, as we Americans say) and vintage stores. You are sure to pick up a one-off treasure that will remind you fondly of your time in Melbourne.

Where can I see art in Melbourne?

After spending a couple of hours in the inner-city, Melbourne’s famous street art won’t go unnoticed. Its famous laneways are often heaving with budding photographers, taking snaps of its street art. For the best street art in Melbourne, head to AC/DC Lane (yep!), Caledonian Lane, Hosier Lane and Degraves St, just for starters.

If you’re in the mood for taking in some classic art, be sure to pop into the National Gallery of Victoria . One of Australia’s best museums, the NGV is home to thousands of pieces of both Australian and foreign art, and regularly host exciting events or nighttime shindigs. 

What’s a fun Melbourne night tour to do?

Tonight, do something a little different and sign up for a spooky nighttime Melbourne tour. There’s a range of tours that takes you on foot through the darkened streets of this awesome city, telling you twisted, scary stories of Melbourne of the past and the ghosts that lurk down its eerie laneways. Or head to the eerie Old Melbourne Gaol for a frighteningly good time on the “ Hangman’s Night Tour “. 

Melbourne Itinerary Tours and Experiences 

Tackling Melbourne on your own is pretty easy, but I definitely recommend using tours to see more of the city with a local guide. There are a number of you can look at during this Melbourne 1 week itinerary, including the following:

• From Melbourne: Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour : “Experience the magic of Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park on a bus tour from Melbourne. Enjoy views at Cape Woolamai prior to visiting the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island.”
• Melbourne: Complete City Walking Tour : “Join your tour guide for a walk through Australia’s culture capital and learn what makes this city great and so much more.”
• Melbourne: Hidden Alleyways, Ghosts and Best Instagram Spots : “Travel back to 19th-century Melbourne on a 1.5-hour ghost tour of the most haunted and Instagrammed locations. Discover hidden lanes, historic buildings, and spooks that still linger on the city streets.”

And there you have it.

My tips for the best week-long Melbourne tour itinerary . I hope you find it as diverse and enjoyable as this world-class city.

Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance!

Whether you are heading to Melbourne for just a few days or embarking on a lengthy trip around Australia, travel insurance is absolutely essential. Have you seen some of the crazy animals they have Down Under, or indeed, how expensive some things can be in Australia?

Getting sick or having items stolen while traveling is rare, but when it does happen, it can be an absolute nightmare. Having insurance (which is essential for visas in some countries) will give you the peace of mind that if anything terrible does happen, you are covered.

I highly recommend HeyMondo due to their extensive range of cover for all situations and trip lengths, their fair pricing, and their handy app, which allows you to not only manage any claims within the app but also access free assistance online, so you don’t need to rack up an expensive phone bill while abroad!

So, whether you need a single trip cover or an affordable annual cover for multiple trips worldwide, be sure to buy your travel insurance before you travel and relax during your trip, knowing that HeyMondo has your back. Nowadays I would never travel without insurance again, especially after hearing so many (expensive and dangerous) horror stories from other travelers I’ve met!

Still planning your trip? Get a no-obligation  travel insurance quote now, so you have an idea of how much extra to budget for your vacation. 

Planning a trip to Australia?

I’ve got so much love for this country, and I think everyone needs to visit down under at least once in their life. I actually lived and worked in Sydney for a year, and I miss it so damn much. I’ve written a lot about Australia, so check out some of my other top articles!

• Best Rooftop Bars in Melbourne
• 30 Music Festivals in Australia To Experience Before You
• Top 30 Music Festivals in Melbourne
• 14 Words You’ll Start Saying When You Move to Australia
• The Ultimate Guide For Moving To Sydney on a Working Holiday Visa
• Cairns – Sydney: The Ultimate Greyhound Bus Pass Itinerary
• The 15 Best Music Festivals in Sydney
• 15 Best Beach Resorts In Australia
• 15 Best Yurts In Australia For A Glamping Getaway
• 57 Quotes About Australia  

Thanks so much for reading my Melbourne Itinerary!

If you’re not already following me, be sure to check out my Facebook & Instagram for more of my international adventures!! As always, if you have any questions about anything you read, feel free to shoot me a DM or email me. I’m happy to help any way I can!

suggesting shopping….seriously? who goes to melbourne to do shopping? no comment…

Everyone in Australia would go to Melbourne to shop, I reckon. It’s considered to be the prime shopping destination in the country and was the first place to have Direct Factory Outlets, years and years ago. Now there’s plenty of boutique stores selling all sorts of interesting things.

Hi, great site and awesome insights. Very helpful to get an overview before I book the tickets :) I am planning for a 10-12 day vacation in australia from India this August. Is it a good time to visit? I would like to cover the best, most in a little relaxed mode with medium budget to spend. Travelling with husband and 2 kids under 10 years of age. Any tips, itinerary options are welcome! PS: I am a photographer and would appreciate any specific photography spots/times.

I’d definite;y make sure you do the Great Ocean Road for a few days! It’s a must for photographers! :-)

The Park Hyatt was way out of my league. But i stayed there as a treat to myself at the end of a business trip.

Hey ! thanks for such a great post.and many interesting point are cover in this blog. again thanks for a posting a interesting artical…

Thank you very much for all your beautiful pictures and ideas!! We are going to visit Australia next month. You give/ gave us a lot of inspiration!!!

Excellent post it is very helpful and knowledgeable content good work keep it up. Makes me want to visit Melbourne again so bad

Thanks so much for the article.Really thank you! Keep writing. What’s your favorite thing to do in Melbourne?

Excellent post, although I generally don’t like Australia. I think if you were to travel to Australia Melbourne is the best city to go to.

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A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, melbourne itinerary: what to see, eat and do in 5 days for first-timers.

I’ve been lucky to be able to visit many places in Australia . I gotta say, Melbourne is hands down my top three favorite cities in the world. It’s right up there with Tokyo as the place I hope I end up living in one day.

I felt validated in this opinion when I found out that Melbourne was recently ranked as the most liveable city by The Economist for seven years in a row. An impressive feat, right? And I can see why – after visiting the city three times over the past five years, it’s hard not to fall in love with Melbourne.

Travel tips for visiting Melbourne

Should i exchange some cash for australian dollars (aud), when is the best time to visit melbourne, how long should i spend in melbourne, where to stay in melbourne.

• Day 1 : Melbourne Central
• Day 2 : Melbourne Arts & Culture
• Day 3 : Fitzroy
• Day 4 : St Kilda and Brighton Beach
• Day 5 : Day trip from Melbourne
• Where to eat in Melbourne

Seasonal Activities in Melbourne

1. Flying into Melbourne – There are two airports in Melbourne, Tullamarine and Avalon Airport. You’d probably land at Tullamarine Airport since it’s the primary airport for Melbourne.

2. Getting to the city from the airport by bus – Take the Skybus Airport Transfer from Tullamarine Airport to the city (pre-book using this link for a cheaper rate). This is probably the most cost-effective and fastest way to get to the city from the airport. Taking the Melbourne City Express Route , you will be dropped off at the Southern Cross Station. From there, you can take the free city tram to your accommodation.

3. Taxi and Ride-sharing – If you aren’t too keen on public transport, you can take a taxi or Uber from the airport, which will run about AU$ 55-65 depending on where you are staying. And yes, Uber is widely available in Melbourne! You can definitely use Uber, though I found it to be quite pricy.

4. The Melbourne City Circle Tram is FREE for everyone – So, make use of it! This was one of my main modes of transportation when I was in Melbourne. This tram line, marked with brown color on most maps, circles the city center of Melbourne (aka “The Grid”) and basically takes you anywhere you want to go. It comes every 12 minutes and takes around 48 minutes to complete the circle. More info on the city circle tram .

5. Get a Myki card for Public transportation in Melbourne – If you’re planning to use public transport in Melbourne aside from the free city circle tram, you’ll need to buy a Myki card at any 7/11 shop. Myki card can also be topped up online or on 7/11. If you have an Android phone, you can use your phone as a Myki card wth Mobile Myki! Find out more about Myki card here .

6. Be ready for all kinds of weather – Melbourne weather is notoriously fickle. When I was there in April, I experienced everything from sunny, to rain, to cold wind… all in ONE day!

7. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking a lot – One of the reasons why I love Melbourne so much is because of its walkability. Trust me, you’ll want to walk and explore on foot while you’re here. On my first day in Melbourne, I clocked in 30,000 steps which is over three times what I normally walk in a day!

8.  Wise Card  worked super well in Australia  – If you’re an international visitor like myself, definitely get yourself  a Wise Debit Card . You’ll save the foreign transaction fee with it. Australia is the perfect country to use this card because everything has been contactless in this country for a while!

No! You should not.

For as long as I’ve been going to Australia, they’ve embraced the digital side of payments. In Australia, you can use your credit card pretty much everywhere. I didn’t use cash for most of my trips here, so much such that I still have no idea what AUD bills look like.

However, if you prefer to transact in cash, then you should exchange your money before the trip, while you are still outside of Australia. Do NOT exchange your money in Australia, especially at the Airport . They don’t give you a good exchange rate and will apply a fee for the transaction – check out this article for horror stories .

Anecdotal experience: My friend tried to exchange AUD for SGD at Sydney Airport and was given a rate of $1.43 when the going rate was $1.04. His A$163 became S$115 when it should have been S$155. I know as a general rule you are not supposed to change money in airports, but to his defense, we’ve changed currencies in other airports and were not ripped off as badly as in Australia.

Remember that Australia is located in the southern hemisphere, so its seasons are different from what you might be used to. Here are the seasons in Australia:

With this in mind, the best time to visit Melbourne is in the fall from March to early May . It won’t be too hot since summer has just finished, and it won’t be too cold yet since winter will only come in July.

You will need at least 3 days to properly explore Melbourne if you are not planning to get out of the city. I recommend allocating 5 days though, so you could do some day trips outside of Melbourne too.

Generally, I try to find accommodations within the central area (aka within “ the grid “) when I’m visiting Melbourne. Central Melbourne is a small area and totally walkable, and most points can be reached by the free city tram line.

Here are some places I’ve personally stayed in Melbourne and would recommend:

• Rydges Melbourne – Rydges is a chain hotel in Australia. I’ve stayed with them in Hobart and Brisbane too! Rydges in Melbourne boasts one of the best locations to stay in Melbourne. It’s close to all of the spots you’d want to visit and close to a city tram stop. That’s how I ended up walking everywhere.
• Melbourne Central YHA – I love budget accommodations and YHA in Australia is perfect for it. They always have the best accommodation at the best location. YHA is budget, but the location is so good – right on Flinders Street which is the main street in Melbourne. And although it’s a budget, it doesn’t mean you have to share a room – I stayed in one of the private rooms on the rooftop. It had a nice view of the Melbourne business district.
• Melbourne Metro YHA – Unlike the Central YHA, this location isn’t as premium, but it is still within central Melbourne and is very affordable. It’s still not a bad location since it’s close to public transportation, but I’d only book this over the Central YHA if you really want to save money.

Melbourne Itinerary Map & Overview

Finally, we are at the itinerary portion! Here is the overview of my Melbourne itinerary:

• Day 5 : Day trips from Melbourne

And to make it easier to visualize, here is a map to go with the itinerary! (If you can’t see the map,  click here )

🗺 Save this map to your phone!  If you are a Google user, click on the image of the map above. The map will then be saved to your “Recent” maps viewed.  Click here for instructions on how to view the map later . It will work from your phone too.

OK, let’s get to the details of my 5-day Itinerary in Melbourne:

Day 1: Get your bearings around Melbourne Central

The Melbourne Central area is not a big place. With the City Circle tram being free for tourists, it makes for an easy first-day itinerary of Melbourne!

First of all, as I have alluded to before, the center of Melbourne is called the Hoddle Grid . And that’s because that’s how central Melbourne looks like – it’s made up of a perfectly rectangular, neat grid of streets.

1. Queen Victoria Market

Start your day at the famous Queen Victoria Market, a large open-air market that is a landmark of Melbourne. You can explore the market and sample the food as you walk around. I ended up buying a few bottles of wine and some cheese from the market.

It’s also the perfect place to grab breakfast and a cup of coffee. By the way, it’s a crime to come to Melbourne and not drink their coffee. This city has the best cafes in the world. For one that is close to the market, you can try Market Lane Coffee.

2. Eureka Skydeck on the 88th floor of Eureka Tower

From Queen Victoria Market, you can take the City Circle tram down to Flinder Street and cross the Yarra River to the Southbank area, where Eureka Tower is located.

Tip! You can buy the Eureka Skydeck 88 Entry Ticket for cheaper using this link .

Eureka Tower is the second tallest skyscraper in Australia and they have an observation deck open for the public on the 88th floor, where you can get a good view of Melbourne and beyond (Trivia: The tallest building in Australia is the Q1 building in Gold Coast, which I also went up to !)

PS: While I loved the Skydeck, I do NOT recommend paying extra for “The Edge” experience unless maybe you’re traveling with kids. We did, and it was more akin to a ride at a local amusement park. I would have much preferred just spending more time in the Skydeck itself.

3. Walk around Southbank

After the Skydeck, you should definitely take some time and walk around the Southbank area. Especially if the weather is great and if you happen to be here during Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. The entire area would just be buzzing with activities and live music.

Along the Yarra River, you’ll find nice restaurants, cafes, and places to chill before continuing to the next destination.

4. Melbourne Parliament House

Also located along the city circle tram route, the Melbourne Parliament House is a cool spot to spend a few hours in. I was lucky they were having their open day when I was in Melbourne – the parliament house is open to the public on weekdays from 8:30 – 5:30 pm ( see hours and visiting information here ).

You can take a look at beautiful architecture that dates back to the gold rush days and visits the chambers where Victoria MPs make the laws and debate the issues that affect the residents.

5. State Library Victoria

State Library Victoria is Australia’s oldest public library, opened in 1856. It is also one of the world’s first free public libraries. Aside from being a library, it also houses the city’s most beautiful heritage architecture, as you can see from the highly photographed La Trobe Reading room.

6. Explore the Alleys of Melbourne

Once you’re done with the library, it’s time to get off the city circle tram route and enter the central area. I don’t think you need to have a specific destination for this, the central area can be easily explored on foot.

You can of course do this by yourself, but if you prefer to be guided, here are some walking tours you can check out.

• Melbourne Walking Tour
• Melbourne Hidden Bars Tour

Day 2: See arts and culture in Melbourne

One of the huge reasons why I love Melbourne so much is for the arts and culture. If you like visiting museums, you’ll love this itinerary!

1. Melbourne Museum

I almost missed out on this museum – I had left this to visit on my very last day in Melbourne, and that’s only because my mate Mitch (who lives in Melbourne) recommended me to visit on my second to last day. But I’m SO glad I didn’t miss it! Melbourne Museum was such a fun place to visit. There are bits of natural history and science as well as cultural Australian history sprinkled in, as well as interactive displays. Unfortunately, I had to rush when I visited this museum, but you should definitely dedicate at least 3 hours here if you love natural history. I found the gemstone exhibit to be particularly memorable – they’re all so sparkly!

The Melbourne Museum is open 9am–5pm daily ( more info )

2. National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Often referred to by its abbreviation NGV, this museum was one of the best contemporary art museums I’ve ever been to. As with many museums, their exhibit changes but you can see what’s currently on here .

During the time of my visit, I was lucky to catch the last month of the Triennial exhibit. The exhibit featured the work of over 100 artists from around the world including the likes of Yayoi Kusama (made even more famous by Instagram through her Infinity Room installation at The Broad in Los Angeles ) and Ron Mueck (known for his lifelike yet bizarre sculptures and whom I later found out is a native Melbournian).

Entry to NGV is free, and it’s open daily 10am–5pm

3. See the Street Art and Graffiti lanes in Melbourne

Just like how it’s a crime to not drink coffee while in Melbourne, a visit to this city is not complete without seeing the street art! You don’t even have to try hard as the city is already filled with amazing graffiti and street paintings, but the most famous streets are AC/DC Lane, Hosier Lane, and Desgraves Street . If you like what you see there, I recommend going to Fitzroy to check out the street art there too – but don’t worry, I have an entire day dedicated to Fitzroy in this itinerary already 😉

Tip: For those of you who want to gain more insights into the graffiti and street art culture of Melbourne, I recommend booking the Melbourne street art tour , run by the street artists themselves.

4. Have some Melbourne “Magic” Coffee

We all know that a flat white is an Australian thing, but have you heard of magic? I spotted this at one of the cafes in Melbourne and I just had to order it. Turns out Magic is just another coffee drink, specifically, it is steamed milk poured over a double ristretto, served in a 6-ounce cup, which results in a stronger-tasting coffee.

Personally, I’m not bougie enough to appreciate the difference. All coffee with milk taste similar to me, but I definitely kept ordering magic when I was in Melbourne. I haven’t seen it anywhere else in the world, and besides, it’s more fun to say “Can I have magic?” to your barista 😛

5. Stroll around Fitzroy Gardens

The garden is called Fitzroy Garden, but it’s actually closer to the central area than it is to Fitzroy. It’s actually only a block away from the central area and it’s a great place to have a morning stroll, or if you’re in Melbourne during fall, you can catch some autumn foliage here!

Make sure to stop by Cook’s Cottage , a reconstruction of an original brick cottage originally built in England in 1755 by the family of Captain James Cook. Yes, they brought them from England to Australia brick by brick and rebuilt the house here!

Day 3: Explore Fitzroy

Fitzroy is Melbourne’s super cool alternative side. It’s located not too far away from the central area – in fact, you can walk to the heart of Fitzroy from Melbourne Central in about half an hour. Or you can grab an Uber for AU$ 10-15.

Tip: If you want to know more about Fitzroy, you can book this walking tour .

I recommend starting out with brunch at Stagger Lee’s Cafe or Smith & Daughters (vegan restaurant), before exploring the fun shops along Brunswick Street. They’ve got all kinds of shops from vintage to high-end shops along the street.

Don’t forget to walk around the alleys in Fitzroy too! You never know what you’ll find. We walked along a small alley between Brunswick Street and Young Street near Johnson Street and found a ton of street art there.

For dinner, you can head to Easey’s , a super cool burger joint on a converted train car that’s on a rooftop of a building – don’t ask me how they got that up there. Then after dinner, go back to Brunswick Street for a fun night out! The area is buzzing with activity especially if you’re there during a weekend night. You can check out Naked for Satan for a rooftop bar.

Special thank you mates Mitch & Chay for showing us around! <3

Day 4: Enjoy the beach at St Kilda and Brighton

You cannot visit Melbourne without going to St Kilda and Brighton, a suburban area south of Melbourne central that’s known as an affluent beachside area. They are pretty close to each other and easily accessible from Flinder street station, so take your Myki card and head down there!

I didn’t make it down to Brighton last time, but the most popular thing on Brighton Beach are these colorful bright bathing houses from the early 1900s, used for ladies to change into their swimming suits back in the day. Nowadays, they are not just empty small wooden houses – they have become one of the most expensive real estate in Australia, with one of the boxes sold for $285,000 in 2016 !

If you’re up for it, you can walk from Brighton up to St Kilda. The walk is a scenic route through the coastal line and would take you approximately 2 hours.

I recommend visiting the St Kilda Pier and walking around the boardwalk area, where you can find booths set up by local jewelry designers and artists. If you’re around until sunset, you might be able to spot the St Kilda Penguins at the pier too!

Day 5: Escape from the city – do a short day trip!

While Melbourne is a super cool city, a trip to Australia isn’t complete without a road trip to see beautiful nature outside of city life! In Australia, it’s always a good idea to rent a car and explore on your own. You can rent a car here in Melbourne and drive on the great ocean road.

However, if you cannot drive, then you can join a tour instead. Here are some destinations you can go to escape the city:

Great Ocean Road Day Tour – I went on this tour on my first visit to Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road is a famous driving route, often referred to as one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives. This is the perfect place to visit if you have a few days for a road trip. However, it’s doable as a day trip from Melbourne too! One of the most popular highlights of the drive is called the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone pillars that are slowly being reclaimed back by nature. It’s reachable from Melbourne in a few hour’s drive.

Yarra Valley Wine and Cheese Tour – I’ve always seen wine bottles from Yarra Valley, so if you’re a wine and cheese enthusiast, you definitely need to make it out here! There’s nothing like sipping on a glass of wine and cheese locally produced right on the spot.

Grampians National Park – If you are the adventurous type who enjoys being in nature, hiking, and chasing waterfalls, then this is the perfect destination for you. Much like Great Ocean Road, Grampians is great as a multi-day trip destination but it’s doable as a day trip from Melbourne although it will require you to wake up early and come back late.

Mornington Peninsula Hiking Tour – This place is a popular day trip destination for those who want to get out of the city for a hike but something not too far from Melbourne. It’s only about an hour away from Melbourne.

Phillip Island Day Tour – Philip Island is yet another popular day trip option from Melbourne. The island is famous for its wildlife – you can see penguins and koalas!

Skydive in Melbourne – Australia is one of the best places in the world to do skydiving! From Melbourne, you can choose skydiving locations from Yarra Valley, the Great Ocean Road, or near the city center.

Where to Eat and Drink in Melbourne

I guess after visiting a city three times, I have a thing or fifteen to recommend. Here are some places I enjoyed while I was in Melbourne! (Don’t worry, this is all marked in my Melbourne travel maps I shared before)

Brunch and Cafes

• The Hardware Societe – the chorizo baked eggs are their most famous dish!
• Higher Ground – Beautiful place and very popular with loooong wait so you must come early. We tried going, but was turned down by the long line.
• Stagger Lee’s Cafe (in Fitzroy)
• Smith & Daughter (in Fitzroy) – Vegan restaurant

It’s a crime to visit Melbourne and not try their coffee. This city has the best cafes in the world. Don’t forget to try Melbourne Magic Coffee!

• Manchester Press (also great for Brunch)
• The League of Honest Coffee
• Brother Baba Budan
• Market Lane Coffee – in Queen Victoria Market

For Lunch or Dinner

• Cookie – Modern Thai dishes in the middle of downtown Melbourne.
• Chin Chin – Asian-inspired menu. Quite possibly the most popular restaurant in Melbourne. requires a reservation, especially on weekend dinner/brunch time
• Cumulus Inc – delicious Australian food. The menu changes, so I can’t recommend a specific dish but I’ve been here twice and it was a really good experience both times
• Royal Stacks – Great place for burgers!
• Betty’s Burgers – I had Betty’s Burget in Gold Coast and I was glad to see them here in Melbourne too!
• Easey’s (in Fitzroy) – Super cool eatery, where you eat inside a train car… but on a rooftop of a building.
• Menya Ramen – This is not the typical Melbourne recommendation, but this restaurant is super famous among Asian visitors (or maybe it’s just us Indonesians?), not for the ramen but for the great value Gyu Tan Don – aka grilled beef tongue over rice.
• Chuckle Park Bar – get your cocktails and craft beers from a caravan, in a nicely decorated alley!
• Rooftop Bar at Curtin House – a chilled-out, open-air bar on the rooftop in the middle of central Melbourne.
• Cherry Bar – Iconic bar located in Melbourne’s AC/DC lane. They had a live rock band when we visited.
• Brunswick Street in Fitzroy – a street in Fitzroy known for cafes, live music venues, and alternative fashion shops. Check out Naked for Satan if you want drinks and enjoy the nightlife!
• Australia Open in (usually) January – If you’re a tennis fan and in town while the tournament is happening, don’t miss a chance to go down to Melbourne Park.
• Australian Grand Prix (usually) in the first half of the year – For F1 fans, if you are in town for the Grand Prix, the Albert Park circuit is not too far from central Melbourne!
• Melbourne Cup in November – This horse racing event is arguably one of Australia’s biggest annual sporting events. The event is held on the first Tuesday in November each year and is known locally as “the race that stops a nation” as every Australian will stop what they’re doing and crowd around the telly. People will also dress up in race day attire (formal) and attend the race, which (in a true Aussie fashion) often involves day drinking.
• The World’s Longest Lunch in March – this is an annual event usually held as part of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in March, where diners get to enjoy a meal at the 500m long table. Check out the Melbourne and Wine Festival website for more information!
• Regional World’s Longest Lunch in March – If you can’t score a seat at the Melbourne Longest Lunch, fret not! They hold the longest lunch in regional areas outside of Melbourne too. I attended one in Yarra Valley last year, and it was an amazing experience. Read about my Regional World’s Longest Lunch post here.
• Not visiting during these months? Fret not, check out the Melbourne events calendar here to see what’s on during your visit!

That’s all I have on Melbourne! If you are visiting the city, let me know what you think of it!

28 Comments

• March 31, 2023

Awesome tips! As a local we definitely agree with many of these!!

• February 21, 2023

Excellent article! Melbourne has so many great little nooks for food and adventures.

• October 28, 2022

Good read! Amazing! Would love to visit Melbourne someday. And if I ever get to visit, I will definitely comeback to this post! Thanks!

• September 2, 2022

Awesome tips and stunning pictures. Thanks for sharing.

• August 13, 2022

This was so helpful when I was looking for ideas of thing to do with my parents. Thank you!

• June 30, 2022

I will be going to Melbourne from 25 to 30 Dec 2022. I intend to spend 26 Dec and 27 Dec exploring Melbourne City. 29 Dec I intend to go Chadstone The Fashion Capital as it is late night shopping This leave me 28 Dec free. I am torn between going to visit Penguin Island as a day trip or use 28 Dec to explore Melbourne or catch some musical like Phantom (it is showing) since 26 Dec likely most shop are close. I did not conside Yarra or Mornington since I don’t drink. GOR I think 2 days is better and I intend to cover GOR next year when u am back in Melbourne.

What is your suggestion? Thanks for advice.

Hey Yien! It really depends on your preference! I personally would go for Penguin Island just because I love the nature in Australia. December in Melbourne should have good weather too, so I would definitely prefer to be outside.

• February 22, 2022

Thank you very much for all your beautiful pictures and ideas!! We are going to visit Australia next month. You give/ gave us a lot of inspiration!!!

• February 21, 2022

Hi, I’m thinking of going solo to Melbourne. Would you say it’s safe for a solo female traveller?

Hi Eity, absolutely! I’ve been to Melbourne 3 times now, and 2 of those were done solo and I would highly recommend it. Of course as always exercise common sense and always be vigilant.

• December 14, 2021

Great itinerary! Thanks for sharing informative and helpful content.

• December 6, 2021

Nice article, it helped us a lot to explore. I am an entrepreneur by profession and a traveler by heart. Your article made our stay exciting.

• November 17, 2021

Oh wow, this is a great guide! I hope I can visit Australia someday 🙂 Great photos too!

• December 8, 2019

Stunning photos Melissa. I’m currently in Vietnam and the coffee culture here is crazy. I’ve got hooked on coffee in Vietnam completely. Can’t wait to visit Melbourne and try the coffee there.

• November 13, 2019

Parliament house at Melbourne has a beautifully built architecture. Very English. Getting here is quite easy, the central circle tram stops here.

• November 10, 2019

As a Melbourne native I really enjoyed your fascinating insight into my city. I am always surprised by what visitors find worthy to recommend. Thank you for your insight… great stuff.

• November 11, 2019

Thanks Wayne!

• October 6, 2019

Can you recommend me a zoo in Melbourne?

Melbourne Zoo is excellent but I would recommend the Werribee Open Range Zoo west of the city. You would need to drive as public transport to that part of Victoria is only average. The safari out there with the Rhinos etc is fascinating… and the Elephants from Melbourne Zoo have recently been moved there as well. For native Australian animals you need Healesville Sanctuary. Probably a day trip as it’s a solid hours drive from the city centre. Have fun.

• September 20, 2019

What are the halal food outlets in CBD?

Hey Shana, I don’t have dietary restriction so did not pay attention to halal eateries. However, I suggest checking out this page: https://www.havehalalwilltravel.com/14-muslim-friendly-eateries-melbourne they listed some places in CBD.

• September 9, 2019

what tourist sim card with data to use for melbourne & sydney on a 2 week tour?

Hey Elle, I used prepaid from vodafone when I was there, but I heard Boost is good too.

• June 21, 2019

Great, your Blog on Melbourne tour is very nice & informative. The contents provided by you is good. Keep going..!!

• June 18, 2019

Very comprehensive list, Girl Eat World — this Melburnian approves 😉 A few of my favourite places that I always take friends visiting are: – Rooftop Bar in the CBD – Section 8 bar in the CBD – Lentil as Anything in Abbotsford Convent – Dolan Uyghur Food Heaven in CBD – Yarra Valley Dairy for cheese in Yarra Valley – Colourful Yunnan near Melbourne University (yes, Melbourne is a hub for fantastic Asian food) – I live in Brunswick, and some of my favourite places in Brunswick to eat are: A1 Bakery for cheap Lebanese pizza and pastries, A Minor Place for brunch, Small Axe and Padre for coffee, Very Good Falafel for an exceptionally good falafel. Brunswick is a good place to get an affordable AirBnb because it’s only 20 mins by train/tram away from the CBD.

THanks Maz!!! I’ll bookmark these places for my next visit to Melbourne!!

• May 20, 2019

How to use free city circle tram get to st kilda beach?

• May 21, 2019

hey rosli. you can’t get to st kilda using the free city tram. you have to get a myki card and take the paid tram

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Visit Melbourne with the ultimate Melbourne Trip Planner

Things to do in Melbourne Melbourne Travel Guide Melbourne Trip Planner

Melbourne is a top destination for travelers in Australia who want to experience something different and maybe even more refined than their barbecuing beach holiday to the coast. While many destinations in Australia are known for their pristine beaches and blistering hot weather, Melbourne has a character that's hard to match. Whether you're a culture vulture or someone who appreciates the finer things in life, you'll fall head over heels in love with this unforgettable destination. Boasting a rich cultural history as well as world-famous events and exhibitions, it doesn't get any better than this. Reveling in vibrant laneways, trendy neighborhoods, and a sophisticated foodie scene; Melbourne offers something for everyone to explore! This Melbourne trip planner will help you sort out your Melbourne itineraries, what to pack, the best time to visit Melbourne, and a lot more.

Best Time To Visit Melbourne

Melbourne is a great city to visit but not everyone can decide when to go. If you are visiting for the first time, you might want to know when is the best time to visit. This city experiences hot and sunny summers from December through February, which is when most tourists travel there. But it can get quite stuffy and stifling in the summer months. The best times for a visit are March through May and September through November, which tends to be favorable conditions in terms of temperature with fewer crowds across the board!

Read more about the best time to visit Melbourne .

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Depending on how long you're in Melbourne for - whether it's just a day, 3 or 5 days, we have the perfect itineraries crafted for you. Go through these Melbourne itineraries and plan your stay well in advance!

If this is your first time traveling to Melbourne, we know you'd love some help planning your daily itineraries. Apart from the basic planning (flight tickets, visa, accommodation etc.), you'll need to consider your day-to-day activities - where to go, what to see, how to get there, and more. But fret not, for we are here to help.

Melbourne 1-Day Itinerary

Royal Botanic Garden

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Melbourne 3-day itinerary.

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With a huge range of things to do, there's something for everyone in Melbourne. But how do you plan your Melbourne adventure? A lot of people do not know what they should pack and what they need to see. Melbourne is a place that has no limits when it comes to fashion. You will need some warm and fuzzy coats for those cool nights which might come about after the sun has gone down, but you should also bring your swimsuits in case you have time for a quick swimming session as well! Don’t forget to pack your boots, overcoat, and a few dainty winter accessories to compete with Melbourne’s moody weather.

Travel Packing Checklist

Where to stay in melbourne.

Melbourne is a city that has so much to offer. There are many different neighborhoods in Melbourne, each with its unique characteristics. If you are looking for a city that has a lot of green space, St. Kilda is the place for you. St. Kilda is one of the adventurous neighborhoods in Melbourne. It is a township located right near the ocean and boasts plenty of fresh seafood restaurants, trendy bars, and picturesque cafes. There are also many stunning old buildings, famous theaters (such as the Palais Theatre), and festivals that happen throughout the year like Viva! If you want to explore the arts, Fitzroy is the place for you. If you want to explore the nightlife, Southbank is the place for you. Melbourne has a lot to offer and all of these neighborhoods are worth exploring.

Accommodation on a Budget

Melbourne is a great city to visit, but it can be expensive to stay in Melbourne for a long period. There are budget-friendly accommodations with included breakfast and access to kitchens. Some of the cheap hotels in Melbourne are Oaks On Collins, Brady Hotels Central Melbourne, Atlantis Hotel Melbourne, YHA Melbourne Central, and The Victoria Hotel.

Melbourne is a city that has a lot to offer. Whether you are looking for some late-night food or want to go out and see some live music, Melbourne has it all. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, Melbourne has gorgeous cafes and bars on every street. You’ll be greeted by the kindest, most open-minded people you’ve ever met; a melting pot of multiculturalism just like Australia itself. The Toff In Town, Bar Ampere, Loop Project Space & Bar, Cabinet Bar, Crown Melbourne, and Queen Victoria Night Markets are some of the notable names where you will get the experience the amazing nightlife of Melbourne.

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Melbourne is a bustling city with so many things to do and see. Shopping is also one of the things that many people enjoy doing in Melbourne. There are so many unique shops and a wide variety of items to choose from. It's easy to get lost in the crowd, but it's also easy to have a good time. Bourke Street Mall, Queen Victoria Market, Chadstone Shopping Center, Melbourne Emporium, Melbourne Central, Brunswick Street, and Sydney Road are some places to shop till you drop!

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Melbourne has a lot of great restaurants, but it can be hard to decide where to go. In Melbourne, you can have the best of both worlds because there are many options for every budget. The best part about dining in Melbourne is that there are so many different kinds of food. There are restaurants with American, Italian, and Thai food, and more. The city also has a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options like Cutler & Co, MoVida, Attica, Rockpool Bar & Grill, Dinner by Heston, and The Carlton Wine Room.

Getting Around In Melbourne

Melbourne is a city with many attractions, which is why it can be difficult to get around. You can always rely on the public transport system and hop on a tram, train, or bus. To get to your destination quicker, you can purchase a Myki card, which will allow you to travel around the city using public transport. If you don't want to carry around a wallet or purse, you can also purchase a Myki card that has a built-in chip that you can swipe when you board the tram or train. To start your ride, tap your card on the reader when you board your chosen form of transport. Do make sure you tap off so that your fare is calculated correctly and you don't get charged any extra money.

Melbourne Travel Tips & Hacks

Melbourne is a beautiful city with a lot of things to do. You can walk around the city, visit some of the amazing museums, or get out and explore the surrounding areas. There are many things to do in Melbourne that you might not know about, so here are some Melbourne travel tricks and hacks.

• If you are visiting Melbourne for the first time, try to plan your trip during a weekday so that you can avoid the busy weekend crowds.
• If you need to travel around the city by public transport, make sure you have a map and know where you are going.
• When it comes to food, Melbourne is a great place to try out new cuisines. Try something new and find your favorite!
• Make sure you bring some extra cash with you because Melbourne has a lot of great shopping opportunities.
• Melbourne is a very bike-friendly city so if you don't have your bike, rent one for the day!
• Use your Myki card while boarding public transport. One can easily recharge it on the go and it’s convenient too.
• Pack light and be ready for four seasons as the weather in Melbourne can be extremely moody.
• Embark on your journey early to get free train rides.
• If you’re headed to South Australia or a place known as an epicurean capital, then you should look forward to finding some free food. If you time it just right, you could end up getting a bucket load of goodies from brands looking to advertise their products in hopes of reaching the people most likely to enjoy them.
• As a traveler, always keep with you at all times your passport and credit or debit cards. Also, remember to take note of the hotel or hostel's official address and contact details so that you can find your way back later.

5 Best Day Trips From Melbourne

Melbourne is a city that is popular with tourists, but many hidden gems are waiting to be discovered. Yarra Valley is famous for its wine production and it is also home to many wineries. It is a beautiful drive through the countryside and you will be able to experience the beautiful scenery and nature. There are plenty of wineries to visit along the way, so make sure you have your camera ready to capture all the amazing sights. One of the best day trips from Melbourne is the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road is a scenic drive that will take you through the twelve Apostles, limestone caves, and the Twelve Apostles Lighthouse. These are some of the places that you should include in your Melbourne itinerary.

Check out our list of 5 best day trips from Melbourne :

FAQs: Melbourne Trip Planner

Is melbourne worth visiting.

Melbourne is a bustling city with so much to offer. From the amazing food, shopping, and nightlife, to the beautiful architecture and stunning beaches, Melbourne is a city that anyone would be lucky to visit.

What is the  best time to visit Melbourne?

The best time to visit Melbourne is from November to February when the weather is cooler and the locals are out enjoying the outdoors.

What are the top things to do in Melbourne?

One can wander through Melbourne’s laneways, explore vibrant art and culture scenes, discover the city’s Aboriginal culture and embrace the eccentric nightlife of Melbourne. Plan your Melbourne itineraries judiciously before you pack your bags and set upon the journey!

What is the cheapest way to get around Melbourne?

The tram is the cheapest, most convenient, and most-popular mode of transportation in Melbourne.

What should you pack for Melbourne?

While packing for Melbourne, make sure you have a balance of warm and lightweight clothes in your bag. Sundresses or skirts, cotton trousers, sandals, comfortable walking shoes, sunhat, sunscreen, and sunglasses are must-haves while packing for Melbourne.

Which is the best place to stay in Melbourne?

St. Kilda is one of the adventurous neighborhoods and the best place to stay in Melbourne.

See more Melbourne. Save more money.

Save AU$10 on your first booking with Headout when you use promo code GOAUS

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Amulya Chintaluri

Amulya's love for travelling was a natural consequence of her moving around so much as a child. Throw in her love for writing into the mix, and there's no better way to spend her time. A person who collects hobbies like Infinity Stones, she loves reading, sketching, drawing, painting, dry pressing flowers, music, cooking, eating cake, watching TV and sleeping.

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The Perfect Melbourne Itinerary (2023) – Things to Do, Travel Guide & Places to Eat

March 30, 2023 by Bino Leave a Comment

Two days in Melbourne might seem like an awfully short time to explore a fantastic Australian city but if you are faced with limited time as I was when I visited for just over 48 hours a couple months ago, it is still possible to cover a bit of ground when it comes to the sights and eats in this world-class city Down Under.

Here is a suggested itinerary that you can do easily for two days to four days in Melbourne even without renting your own car.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Melbourne CBD

Laid out in a grid, the streets of Melbourne’s CBD are highly easy to navigate. This is an intuitive place to start your exploration of the city where many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other or just a short tram ride apart. I would recommend starting from the west and working your way to the center and the east where most of the interesting places are located. A hidden gem in Melbourne is 333 Collins Street , an unassuming office building from the outside but housing a beautiful lobby and dome. You’d be forgiven to think you’re somewhere in Europe!

melbourne’s block arcade

From here, walk to the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade , a duo of historic shopping centers dating back from the Victorian era. The shops here are mostly high-end but it’s worth a short stroll to check out the fascinating architecture. As you are window-shopping anyway, might as well catch a ride on the free tram and head northwards to the Queen Victoria Market (open daily except Mondays and Wednesdays), the most well-known market in the city. If you are there at around noon, grab lunch in one of the specialty food stalls. There’s always something interesting being sold here – from fresh seafood, pastries and even drinks. Alternatively, if you’d like to explore more of Melbourne’s markets, you can check out Prahran Market or the South Melbourne Market .

If you are feeling peckish while walking around Melbourne’s downtown, you can check out Kariton Sorbetes (177 Russell Street), a Filipino-inspired ice cream shop. Try the ube gelato that is served with purple yam fudge, blackberry jam and caramelized coconut curds. 

state library of victoria

After spending a couple of hours in the sprawling market, make your way down via tram or foot to the State Library of Victoria . Another attraction that you should not miss in Melbourne, the building is known for its highly instagrammable La Trobe Reading Room which has an octagonal shape and a dome which was the largest in the world when it was completed back in 1913.

hosier lane

Head south via the Swanston Street tram to Flinders Street Railway Station , a city landmark. Other notable attractions such as the St. Paul’s Cathedral and Hosier Lane are within reach from here. The latter is especially known for its graffiti and at any given time, you’ll find people spraying paint all over the walls – making for a new scene with every visit. While Hosier Lane is probably the most well-known, Melbourne has several interesting lanes and some other examples include the following:

• Centre Place – very photogenic due to its many neon signs lining either side of the narrow path that mimick busier places like Tokyo or Hong Kong. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars here.
• Hardware Lane – atmospheric area filled with restaurants and cafes, giving off an European vibe.
• AC/DC Lane – tribute to the Australian rock band. You’ll find some bars and night clubs here dedicated to rock and roll.

melbourne federation square by rob young

A short walk from Hosier Lane is Melbourne’s Art Precinct . Located south of the Yarra River and connected through the Princes Bridge, the Art Precinct comprises of attractions such as the futuristic Arts Centre Melbourne , a performing arts venue, as well as the National Gallery of Victoria . This is a free tour that is held at 11AM on most days and runs through some of the more notable artworks by local artists. In the nearby Federation Square , one will find the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia which also has a focus on local artists. 

For dinner, I would recommend heading to Rice, Paper Scissors (19 Liverpool Street, +613 9663 9890). It is a Southeast Asian restaurant but even I (who also comes from Southeast Asia) was blown away by the food. There is a distinct Australian twist to the dishes with influences that range from Thailand to the Philippines but most are worth trying.

Day 2 – Fitzroy and Collingwood

crumpets at stagger lee’s cafe

While Melbourne already has a reputation for being a “hipster city” – this is probably nowhere else more apparent than in Fitzroy and Collingwood .  The area is filled with art galleries, studios, hip cafes as well as independent fashion brands. These two suburbs are best explored by going on a walking tour that takes in Brunswick Street – Johnston Street – Smith Street and then Gertrude Street where most of the interesting establishments are. If you are feeling peckish, check out Naked for Satan (285 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy; +61  3 9416 2238) which also has a nice rooftop bar. If you are there for lunch, all dishes are priced at S$9 – around half of the usual price. If you prefer to have breakfast/brunch food instead, check out Stagger Lee’s Cafe just across the street. Aside from great coffee, they also have excellent crumpets.

carlton gardens by denisbin

If you don’t mind the fifteen to twenty minute walk, you can head to the Carlton Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to soak in some greenery and the magnificence of the Royal Exhibition Building which dates back from 1880.

brighton bathing boxes

Many visitors who intend to explore the day trip destinations around Melbourne hire a car but even without one, it is possible to venture to some attractions via public transport. An example is the Brighton Bathing Boxes which has become an ubiquitous part of most tourists’ Melbourne itinerary.  A 40+ minute train ride from Parliament Railway Station which is a short walk from Carlton Gardens, the row of colorful and brightly decorated beach houses are highly instagrammable and considered one of the most iconic attractions around Melbourne.

For dinner, you can’t go wrong with Red Spice QV (37 Artemis Lane, +61 3 8660 6300). The Five-Spiced Pork Belly is a must!

Day 3 – Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most spectacular stretch of road. Covering 240 kilometers, visitors can expect plenty of twists and turns as well as natural attractions along the way. 

twelve apostles by josselin berger | cc 2.0

To cover the Great Ocean Road, allocate at least a day. You can choose to rent a car or book a day tour . Must-see stops include Port Campbell National Park , Great Otway National Park as well as the Twelve Apostles . You will also get to see some scenic towns along the way such as Geelong and Torquay. 

While most visitors invariably drive up until the Twelve Apostles area, do note that the Great Ocean Road actually stretches longer than that – up to the town of Warrnambool. From that additional stretch from Twelve Apostles to Warrnambool, you will get to see some more rock formations and lookout points such as the Magic Rock and Bay of Islands . These are not as impressive as those found on the main trail so I’d suggest extending until Warrnambool only if you really have lots of spare time.

Day 4 – Yarra Valley

yarra valley vineyards by the 3b’s | cc 2.0

Explore the lush green valleys immediately to the east of Melbourne by going on a gourmet tour of Yarra Valley . Typical trips take you to three wineries and you can sip different types of wines and have some of Yarra’s fresh farm cheese to go along. Lunch is typically provided in these tours with a customary stop at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie at the end. Allot an entire day for the trip. You can book this tour here .

Day Trips If You Have More Time to Spare

To save on costs, you can also consider going with a pre-arranged tour for your day trip destinations. Check out Shopback in order to gain cashback with tour operators such as Klook and Voyagin. Better yet, check out their ShopFest in order to get even better deals during special sale days like single’s day or the 12/12 online fever.

• Philip Island – sighting of penguins
• Ballarat – a glimpse of Australia back in the days of the gold rush
• Grampians National Park

Tip: If you need a local sim card for all your data needs, you can conveniently purchase one here . You can pick-up from the lockers regardless of the time of day you arrive in Melbourne.

Getting to the City From Airport

You can either try a ridesharing app such as UBER (around A$40 to A$50) but the cheapest way to get to town is by taking the SkyBus (A$20.05 for a one-way trip). 

Where to Stay in Melbourne

Budget:  Situated at the fringes of the city center and a few minutes walk from the State Library, Space Hotel is a colorful budget hotel filled with amenities such as a jacuzzi/hot tub in their rooftop and sweeping views of the CBD. You can choose between dorm beds, private rooms with shared bathrooms or private rooms with your own bathroom. 

Midrange: I stated at the relatively new Novotel Melbourne South Wharf which is located in the hip riverside area called South Bank. Rooms are spacious, decently-priced and most important – new. To get to the CBD, you’ll just need to cross the bridge to the other side of the city.

Upscale: If you prefer something more plush, the Pan Pacific Melbourne which is just next to the Novotel is also a great choice. All rooms boast of deep-soaking tub and floor-to-ceiling windows.

You can also check for deals on other Melbourne hotels here .

You May Also Like

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Your Trip to Melbourne: The Complete Guide

Marina is a freelance writer who began contributing to TripSavvy in 2019. She set off with a one-way ticket to Asia in 2017 and has been living and traveling abroad ever since.

The culinary and sports capital of Australia, Melbourne is also a great city to catch live music, theatre performances, and comedy shows. Plus, shopping here is on a whole other level. On top of all that, this city is the perfect place to make your base as you explore the rest of Victoria for hiking, camping, and wine. Did you catch all of that? No worries, mate. Here’s your complete guide to Melbourne to help you plan the perfect trip. 

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit: If you’re looking for hot temperatures and a lineup of things to do, then consider visiting during the summer months, between December and February. Yes, the city will be more crowded with international and domestic travelers, but summer is also when the city comes to life with festivals, events, rooftop bars, and things to do. While the other months of the year will be less crowded, the weather is hit and miss.
• Language: English, though Melbourne is the most linguistically diverse Australian capital city with 32 percent of residents speaking a language other than English.  
• Currency: Australian dollar
• Getting Around: The Public Transport Victoria’s train and tram lines are the cheapest and quickest ways to get around. You’ll need to purchase a myki card to get onto trains and trams, which can be bought at 7-Eleven stores or on myki machines at train stations. Next, you need to load the card with a certain amount of money to get from A to B. You can do this at the myki machine.
• Travel Tip: Metro police conduct random checks on every train to see if passengers paid for their ride. If you don’t tap on before entering the platform and an officer catches you, you'll be fined AS$248 which you have 28 days to pay.   So don’t skip on paying for public transportation!

Things to Do

No trip to Melbourne would be complete without visiting Queen Victoria Market, sipping coffee, exploring the laneways, or checking out a game at Melbourne Cricket Ground. If the weather is beautiful and you have time, you should take a day trip to the Yarra Valley wine region or the Great Ocean Road.

• To get acquainted with Melbourne, take a walking tour of the Central Business District. Opt for one that will guide you through the laneways and arcades filled with street art, boutique shops, and hidden bars. 
• There’s a lot of fuss around the city’s coffee culture. Decide for yourself if Melbourne has the best coffee in the world by stopping at Axil Coffee Roasters , Higher Ground , or St. Ali Coffee Roasters .  
• Shop for souvenirs at Queen Victoria Market . It’s a landmark in the city that hosts a variety of Australian produce, food, and products. 

Explore more attractions with our article on the top 20 things to do in Melbourne .

What to Eat and Drink

As we mentioned before, Melbourne is the food capital of Australia. So what makes Melbourne cuisine stand out? Its chefs and bakers upgrade regular food staples with an Australian flare. For instance, Aussies love their beetroot, so we recommend trying the True Blue Beetroot burger from YOMG . If you want to get in on the Golden Gaytime action (it is Melbourne's favorite ice cream treat, after all) order a Gaytime crunch doughnut from Bistro Morgan.

Melbourne’s beer and wine scene are top-notch as well. There are a bunch of breweries located within the city and its surrounding neighborhoods. Check out Carlton Brewhouse , Colonial Brewing Co. , and Mountain Goat Beer to learn about Melbourne’s beer scene. When it comes to wine, this city thrives. Wine regions surround Melbourne. Yarra Valley is the closest to the CBD and produces excellent Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Shiraz. When ordering wine from a menu at a restaurant or bar in Melbourne, try wines from the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, or Macedon Ranges regions.

There are a lot of different types of bars in Melbourne, including rooftop, cocktail, and karaoke bars; speakeasies; and pubs. The only thing you really won’t find is a traditional sports bars, with football, basketball, or baseball playing on monitors across every inch of the pub. For a classic cocktail bar, check out The Everleigh . If it’s a clear night, walk up to Rooftop Bar for wild cocktails and an open-air cinema. 

Explore our articles on Melbourne's top restaurants and foods you absolutely need to try during your visit.

Where to Stay

When thinking about the best places to stay in Melbourne, consider where you’ll be spending most of your time and what types of activities you want to do. If you love being in the center of the action, opt to stay in Melbourne CBD. It’s the most central location, with walkable streets and easy access to public transportation. 

Within the CBD, you’ll find every type of accommodation according to your budget, including hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and couch surfing. Making the CBD your base means you’ll have direct access to the best shopping, food, sports, and nightlife that Melbourne has to offer. Plus, from here you can easily explore the surrounding neighborhoods and parts of regional Victoria. 

If you’d prefer to stay outside of the big city, consider St Kilda. It’s by the beach and slightly cheaper than staying in the CBD. St Kilda is a popular hub for backpackers as there are many budget-friendly hostels in this neighborhood. There are also plenty of funky Airbnbs with the bonus of being next to the beach. Plus, it’s only a 20-minute tram ride from Melbourne CBD, so it's not too far from the center of the city.

Getting There

Melbourne Airport is the main hub for domestic and international travelers flying into and out of the city. The cheapest and most convenient way to get from the airport to Melbourne CBD is by SkyBus . It’s a 30 to 40-minute direct ride to Southern Cross Station, and it costs AU$19.75 for a one-way ticket. It’s not necessary to rent a car to explore Melbourne as public transportation is a cheap, clean, and reliable mode of transportation.

Culture and Customs 

Australian culture, in general, is very diverse. It’s home to the Aboriginal Indigenous community who have been living in Australia for at least 45,000 years though some scholars place estimates at 75,000-80,000 years  . This culture varies throughout the continent. You won’t find many Aboriginal communities in Melbourne since they tend to call the warmer climates of Queensland and Northern Territory home.  

European and British immigrants influenced the city of Melbourne during the 1850s Victorian gold rush. Today, the city is a major cultural hub, with large Italian, Greek, Chinese, and African migrant communities. It’s kind of like New York City in the sense that it’s a melting pot of people from all over the world.  

Australian slang is never easy to understand. For a quick lesson, “arvo” means “afternoon,” “chook” means “chicken,” “devo” means “devastated,” and “legless” means “someone who is really drunk.” There are different accents across the country.

In terms of customs, men and women are treated equally, and people are free to live where they like and follow whichever religion and occupation they choose. When you greet another Australian, it’s common to shake a person’s right hand. Go to a gas station, and you will pay after you fill up your tank. For ordering at restaurants, you usually pay first at the counter before you sit down. A server will bring the food to you, and tipping isn’t required. 

It’s known throughout the country that Melburnians are coffee snobs. They’re very particular about their coffee and might go so far as to say that it’s the best in the world

In terms of sports, Melbourne hosts several international sporting events throughout the year—including the Australian Open and Formula 1 Grand Prix —as well as local Australian Football League and National Rugby League games. The Melbourne Cricket Grounds is the largest stadium in the Southern Hemisphere.

Australia is generally a safe country, particularly in Melbourne. However, keep in mind that it’s always important to be aware of your safety when you travel. 

Money-Saving Tips 

• Search for restaurants that offer BYOB. Chinatown and St Kilda are excellent spots for cheap eats.
• Opt to stay in a hostel; most hostels offer private rooms and dorms. 
• Skip car rentals, taxis, and ride-sharing apps. Melbourne has a reliable, clean, and safe public transportation system that will get you where you need to go. As a bonus, you can ride the tram for free within Melbourne CBD.
• Want to check out a theater performance? TodayTix offers last-minute, discounted tickets, and Tixel is a ticket resale website. 
• There are plenty of free things to do in the city that include entry into the National Gallery of Victoria, a walk in the Royal Botanic Gardens, watching fairy penguins at St. Kilda pier, and browsing through the city's markets.
• Take a free walking tour of Melbourne to get acquainted with the city. A guide will explain the city’s art, cafe culture, and laneways.
• You can watch live music for free at Northcote Social Club on Monday nights.
• If you’re a student, flash that student ID! Most attractions (museums, theater tickets, public transportation, movie tickets) offer discounts to students.

 .id - The Population Experts. "Greater Melbourne: Language Spoken at Home." 2016.

Victoria State Government Department of Transport. "Public Transport Fines."

Encyclopedia Britannica. "Australian Aboriginal Peoples."

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Melbourne, Victoria

Guide to Melbourne

Aboriginal name:  Narrm (pronounced Narr-m)

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• Getting to Melbourne
• When to visit
• Accessibility

Melbourne is Australia's mecca for all things trendy and tasty. The city offers up exquisite dining, exhilarating sport and abundant opportunities to experience art.

A perfect blend of rich cultural history and new age trends is waiting for you in Melbourne. As the sun goes down, the city comes to life with a vibrant dining scene as well as events and exhibitions. Explore its bustling laneways, trendy neighbourhoods and sophisticated foodie scene to get a taste of what Melbourne is all about.

Melbourne stands on the ancient grounds of the Kulin Nation of the Wurundjeri people. For the Kulin Nation, Melbourne has always been an important meeting place for events of social, educational, sporting and cultural significance. Experience the culture through a range of heritage walks, cultural tours and galleries.

• Traditional name of Central Melbourne: Narrm (pronounced Narr-m)
• Indigenous Peoples of Central Melbourne: Wurundjeri people
• Traditional lands of Greater Melbourne: Kulin Nation
• Traditional languages: There are four traditional languages in Narrm. Bunurong (Bun-wurrung), Taungurung (Tung-ger-rung), Wathaurong (Wadha-wurrung) and Dja Dja Wurrung (Jar-Jar-Wur-rung).
• How to say g’day in Wathaurong: Wominjeka

Getting to Melbourne is easy with flights arriving direct to two airports. 

• Melbourne Airport at Tullamarine (MEL) is 22km (14mi) from the city and services international and domestic arrivals
• Avalon Airport (AVV) is 55km (34mi) from the city and services international and domestic flights 
• Hire cars, taxis, rideshares and a shuttle service are available from both airports

Getting around  is just as easy as finding a great cup of coffee in Melbourne. The city offers clean, reliable and affordable public transport services. There is even a free City Circle tram line with historical commentary.

Despite having four distinct seasons,  Melbourne's weather  is known for being a bit unpredictable. Summers are generally warm and winters cold, but just ask a local and they’ll tell you that it’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day. So whenever you decide to visit, be sure to pack layers and carry an umbrella in your day bag. 

• High season: Spring and summer (November to February)
• Low season: Winter (June to August)
• Don’t miss: Melbourne’s world-class festivals and events

Melbourne is a dynamic city with plenty of accessible options for accommodation, attractions , restaurants , cafés and shopping . 

• Arrival: Disability assistance is available at Melbourne Airport, including for those with hidden disabilities .
• Getting around: Most Melbourne buses and trains have accessible options – check the Public Transport Victoria website  for information on using public transport.
• Accessible experience highlights: Several cultural institutions cater to travellers with accessibility and sensory needs, including the National Gallery of Victoria and Scienceworks .
• Helpful resources: Travellers Aid Australia provides mobility equipment hire and recharge points, while the City of Melbourne’s mobility map makes it easy to locate accessible facilities.

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4 Days in Melbourne: The Ultimate Melbourne Itinerary

Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria. It is also a major business and culture centre in Australia. As one of the most liveable cities in the world, Melbourne offers one of the best food, culture, art, and scenic experiences in Australia.

Melbourne offers a great selection of attractions to visit. If you are only visiting Melbourne CBD, it may take as little as only 1-day to visit its essential CBD attractions. However, for the best Melbourne experience, you will need at least 4-day to explore its CBD and surrounding suburbs.

In this article, I have put together a detailed 4-day itinerary for visiting Melbourne for the first time. Information on how to get around Melbourne & the best place to stay in Melbourne is also provided for your convenience.

How to Get Around Melbourne

Melbourne has a great public transport system, with trains, trams, and buses. This expansive public transport system can take you to most of Melbourne’s attractions in a decent time frame. If you are only exploring Melbourne CBD, you can also take advantage of Melbourne CBD’s free tram zone , which is very convenient and can save you lots of unnecessary walks.

You can also drive around Melbourne in a private vehicle. However, from my experience, it can be difficult to drive around Melbourne when you are not familiar with the roads. This is especially true during peak hours.

In addition, there are toll roads around Melbourne. The costs of these toll roads can add up quickly, and I have once scored myself over AUD 30 toll in one day (accidentally) during a visit to Melbourne.

Parkings are also very costly in Melbourne. Finding a free carpark around Melbourne CBD and popular Melbourne attractions can be near impossible.

Therefore, public transport services are the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around Melbourne, especially in Melbourne CBD and the inner suburbs. If you do not wish to use public transport, ride-share services, such as Uber and Didi, may be a better option.

Where to Stay in Melbourne

There is a huge selection of accommodations in Melbourne, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious 5-star hotels.

Day 1: Melbourne CBD

For the first day of this 4-Day Melbourne visit, we are going to explore Melbourne CBD, get acquainted with many famous Melbourne landmarks, taste the amazing food Melbourne has to offer, and experience Melbourne’s laneway culture.

Here is a list of must-visit attractions in Melbourne CBD. Depending on where you are staying in Melbourne, you may wish to visit these attractions in a different order.

You can take a tram to commute between these attractions, but I suggest walking between these attractions where possible to better experience this vibrant city. Regardless of your mode of transport, there will be a lot of walks involved, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes .

Flinders Street Station

Flinders Street Station (aka Flinders Station) is located at the corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street. It is the oldest and the busiest train station in Victoria . In addition to being a busy transporting hub, Flinders Street Station is also an important Melbourne landmark, owing to its distinctive appearance.

Flinders Station was rebuilt in 1905 into its current shape. This yellow and maroon-coloured building complex stretches over 2 blocks along the Yarra River. It also stands out among nearby buildings with its green-coloured domes, pointy clock tower, and perfectly aligned departure clocks above its front gate.

St Paul’s Cathedral (Melbourne)

Diagonally across the intersection from Flinders Station, you can then find the glorious St Paul’s Cathedral.

St Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral, built in 1891. Sitting on the eastern corner of Flinders Street and Swanston Street intersection & in the city end of Princes Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral captures the attention of many passersby with its grand Gothic Revival design.

Make sure you also check out the impressive interior of St Paul’s Cathedral. The interior of St Paul’s Cathedral is simply awe-inspiring, with its contrasted bluestone stripes.

During my recent visit to St Paul’s Cathedral, Luke Jerram’s Gaia was also on display within the cathedral, which made this place look even more majestic. Gaia is a 7-metre wide, internally lit sphere that represents the planet & rotates every 4 minutes.

Flinders Lane

Flinders Lane is located between Flinders Street and Collins Street. With many smaller laneways branching out, Flinders Lane is home to many of Melbourne’s best diners and street arts.

A walk along Flinders Lane, you can find a range of sophisticated restaurants, quirky cafes, and colourful mural arts. If you are looking for somewhere to eat, Degraves Street is usually a good starting point. For art lovers, Hosier Lane and AC/DC lane are great spots for some colourful mural arts.

For the fashionistas, you can also find a good selection of boutique stores and high-end labels along Flinders Lane. With that being said, you may wish to check out the neighbouring Collins Street as well.

Melbourne Central

Speaking about shopping, make sure you also check out Melbourne Central Shopping Centre.

Melbourne Central Shopping Centre is built on top of Melbourne Central Railway Station and can appear just like any other shopping centre if you don’t know what you are looking for. However, make sure you take a walk inside to view the iconic Coop’s Shot Tower

Coop’s Shot Tower was initially built in 1889 as a shot tower to make lead bullets. It is currently serving as a Shot Tower Museum to showcase its history.

To preserve this iconic shot tower during the development of Melbourne Central, a 20-storey high glass dome was built to house Coop’s Shot Tower within the shopping centre. Because of how unique and photogenic Coop’s Shot Tower and its dome look, the view of Coop’s Shot Tower has become one of the most Instagrammed landmarks in Melbourne.

Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in Australia . First opened in 1878, Queen Victoria Market has largely maintained its original shape over 140 years later & is showcasing a vibrant marketplace from the Victorian era.

In addition to admiring this 19th-century marketplace, you can also find a vast selection of fresh produce and speciality stores in Queen Victoria Market. With a diverse variety of bakeries and diners available, Queen Victoria Market is also the perfect spot to sample some lunch.

State Library of Victoria

Established in 1854, the State Library of Victoria is the oldest public library in Australia . The grand building of the State Library of Victoria houses a vast collection of reading materials and is one of Australia’s busiest libraries.

In addition to admiring this Victorian-style building from the outside, make sure you also check out its glamorous interior, especially the La Trobe Reading Room.

La Trobe Reading Room was first opened in 1913. It is an octagonal reading room & 34.75-metre in diameter and height. This grand reading room is complete with a glass dome, which makes this structure even more impressive. Make sure you check it out!

St Patrick Cathedral

As the largest cathedral in Australia , the grand building complex of St Patrick Cathedral can be seen from a few blocks away, even from the buzzing Melbourne CBD.

Built with distinctive bluestones and surrounded by a stunning garden, St Patrick Cathedral is worth a visit on any given day. Although access to its interior is not always available, you can still get a good view of its glorious interior from its front door.

Parliament House and the Old Treasury Building are also nearby & you may wish to pay a visit to these landmarks as well.

Fitzroy Gardens

Fitzroy Gardens is a peaceful public garden along the eastern fringe of Melbourne CBD. This 64-acre of classic Victorian-era garden is a great place for a relaxing stroll and some fresh air near Melbourne CBD.

Within Fitzroy Gardens, you can find lush tree-lined avenues, beautiful fountains and sculptures, a flower-filled conservatory , a magical fairy tree , a picturesque Model Tudor Village , and the famous Cooks Cottage . It is a beautiful attraction for all ages to enjoy.

Day 2: Southbank

After exploring Melbourne CBD on day 1, we are going across the Princes Bridge to explore the other side of Yarra River, Southbank.

Princes Bridge

Princes Bridge is a historic bridge built in 1888. It spans across the peaceful Yarra River & connects the busy Swanston Street from central Melbourne and St Kilda Road on Southbank.

From Princes Bridge, you can obtain one of the best views of Melbourne CBD, Southbank, and the Yarra River . This view is even more spectacular at nighttime when the skyline is lit up with various city lights.

Yarra River

Melbourne was built on the fertile agricultural land along the Yarra River in the 1800s. Although Yarra River is no longer the lifeline of Melbourne, it still serves a significant role in the everyday lives of Melbournians.

Make sure you take a walk along the peaceful Yarra River to experience the vibrant atmosphere along the river bank. Better still, why not check out one of the riverfront diners for a brunch or dinner along the beautiful Yarra River, as true Melbournians will.

The area along Yarra River is also one of the major hubs for vibrant nightlife in Melbourne, which you may also wish to partake in at some point during your visit to Melbourne.

Crown Melbourne

Crown Melbourne is the largest casino in Australia and the southern hemisphere . Spans over two blocks along Yarra River in Southbank, Crown Melbourne is also the largest and most noticeable building complex in Southbank.

Although famous for its gaming areas, Crown Melbourne is also a hub for restaurants, entertainment, luxury shopping, and luxury resorts. Make sure you pop into this grand building complex and have a wander if time allows.

Eureka Tower

At Melbourne Skydeck , you can also step into the Edge , a transparent glass cube that extends out of Eureka Tower at almost 300-metre above the ground, to explore the views of Melbourne from midair. It can be an exhilarating experience, which you may wish to check out as well.

Cost: As of July 2022, a general admission ticket to Melbourne Skydeck is AUD 28 per adult; an additional ticket for the Edge is AUD 14 per adult.

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Founded in 1863, the National Gallery of Victoria (commonly referred to as the NGV) is the oldest and most-visited art gallery in Australia . Its huge collection of Australian and international arts is currently housed at two different sites: the NGV building on St Kilda Road in Southbank (NGV International) and the Ian Potter Centre near Federation Square (NGV Australia).

The NGV building on St Kilda Road houses a vast collection of international arts from Asia, Oceania, Europe, and America. There is also a large collection of contemporary arts within NGV International, which make this place well suited for every taste.

A range of popular temporary exhibitions can also be found across the two different NGV sites, which makes NGV a fabulous place to visit over and over again.

Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is a memorial for honouring the service and sacrifice of Australians who served in war and peacekeeping.

Completed in 1934, the Shrine of Remembrance is one of Australia’s largest war memorials . It is also a site for the annual ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day services.

This enormous memorial can be accessed from the visitor centre (located on the botanic gardens’ side). Within the Shrine of Remembrance, you can find a 40-metre-long Wall of Medals and a massive display of artefacts from WW1 to the present.

If you follow the gallery to the central crypt, you can also find access to the balcony at the Shrine of Remembrance. From the balcony, you can obtain a spectacular panoramic view of Southbank, Melbourne CBD, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria was first founded in 1846 & has been an essential part of Melbourne’s cityscape.

In addition to its original site near Melbourne CBD, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria also established a second site in Cranbourne in 1970. For this 4-day Melbourne trip, we will only be visiting its Melbourne Gardens for convenience.

The Melbourne Gardens is established on 94 acres of gentle slope along the southern bank of Yarra River. Besides the beautiful riverfront view, you can also enjoy some tranquil lake views in Melbourne Gardens. In addition, within Melbourne Gardens, you can also find over 8000 species of plants from all around the world & indulge in a lavish high-tea across the lake.

For people with limited mobility or who do not wish to walk the entire length around this huge garden, an open-air minibus (the Explorer) is available at Melbourne Gardens for a small fee. The Explorer bus is accessible from the visitor centre, which is only a short walk from the front entrance.

Day 3: Explore Melbourne’s Vibrant Suburbs

The beauty of Melbourne resides in not only its buzzing CBD but also its vibrant suburbs. So, on the third day of this Melbourne trip, we are going to explore a few of the most popular suburbs around.

Royal Exhibition Building & Melbourne Museum

Established in 1880, the Royal Exhibition Building is one of the last few remaining exhibition buildings from the International Exhibition movement. Nowadays, in addition to being used as an exhibition centre, the Royal Exhibition Building is also used for a variety of other events throughout the year.

Make sure you take a walk through the beautiful Carlton Gardens to visit the glamorous Royal Exhibition Building via its gate on Victoria Street . From this angle, you will have the best view of the picturesque Carlton Gardens and the palace-like Royal Exhibition Building.

If you happened to be visiting on a day when the Royal Exhibition Building is open to the public, make sure you also check out the inside of this building to admire its stunning dome and artworks.

Just behind the Royal Exhibition Building, you can find the award-winning Melbourne Museum . For the curious minds, you may also wish to check out the vast culture, history, and science exhibits within this modern museum.

After visiting the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum, make sure you take a short walk to visit Melbourne’s oldest suburb , Fitzroy.

Established in 1839, Fitzroy has become Melbourne’s most populated suburb & a vibrant cultural and culinary hub. A walk around Brunswick Street and Johnston Street in Fitzroy will find you several popular pubs and cafes, serving a great variety of foods and beverages.

As Melbourne’s oldest suburb, Fitzroy is also in no short supply of Victorian-era architecture and is home to an extensive collection of terraced buildings.

As a vibrant suburb, Fitzroy is also home to a number of art establishments and live-performance venues. You can also find a range of colourful mural arts around many street corners in Fitzroy.

Collingwood & Keith Haring Mural

Collingwood is another vibrant inner Melbourne suburb located right next to Fitzroy.

Similar to Fitzroy, Collingwood is also filled with beautiful Victorian-era buildings, quirky cafes, and art precincts. For art lovers, make sure you also check out the newly established Collingwood Yards.

Collingwood Yards is located on the buzzing Johnston Street in Collingwood. It was first opened in March 2021 as an art precinct for artists, studios, and art galleries. It is a great spot for artists to get connected and be inspired. There are also a few shops, a cafe, and a rooftop bar on-site to suit everyone’s needs.

On the side of the Collingwood Yards building complex (along Johnston Street), you can find one of the most famous mural arts in Melbourne, the Keith Haring Mural . It was completed by the internationally-renowned Keith Haring in 1984 & one not to be missed if you are interested in mural arts.

Prahran Market

Located in South Yarra, Prahran Market is a historic fresh produce market with a modern twist.

Built in 1881, the exterior of Prahran Market is screaming a Victorian-era charm & looks nothing like a fresh produce market with its arched entrances.

Once stepped inside Prahran Market, you can find not just your regular fresh produce but also a great selection of hard-to-find produce and speciality stores. With many gourmet bakeries and cafes, Prahran Market is certainly a foodie’s paradise .

After checking out Prahran Market, you may wish to also check out another vibrant Melbourne suburb, Prahran.

In addition to the boutique stores and quirky cafes along Chapel Street , make sure you also take a walk around Prahran to check out its Victorian and Edwardian terrace buildings. Famous landmarks you may wish to look out for in Prahran also include Reads Emporium and Prahran City Hall .

Chadstone Shopping Centre

Chadstone Shopping Centre is located in Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs, only 25-minute away by car or 35-minute away by public transport from Melbourne CBD. It is Australia’s largest all-inclusive, suburban shopping complex & known as The Fashion Capital.

Day 4: Beach Day

On the last day of this Melbourne trip, we are going to relax at a few of Melbourne’s well-known beachfront locations.

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach is a 30-minute drive or a 25-minute train ride from Melbourne CBD. It is one of Melbourne’s most popular beaches & well-known for its Brighton Bathing Boxes.

Brighton Bathing Boxes are a group of 96 colourful wooden beach huts, well-aligned along Brighton Beach’s foreshore area. They were initially built in the 1800s by local residents as changing rooms when wandering the streets in bathers or changing on the beach was illegal.

Nowadays, ownership of Brighton Bathing Boxes is still in the hands of the local residents, but these colourful beach boxes have become more of a local landmark than a change room. Each year, thousands of visitors come to Brighton Beach not just to bathe on its sandy beach but also to admire the picturesque Brighton Bathing Boxes.

Access to Brighton Beach is free. You are allowed to stroll freely along the beachfront and take photos of Brighton Bathing Boxes. However, ownership of the bathing boxes is for local residents only, and the bathing boxes are not allowed to be rented out either.

Paid car parks are available at Brighton Beach. You can also find free off-street parking in nearby side streets. However, these free off-street parking spots are mostly 1-hour parking only.

Point Ormond Lookout

Point Ormond Lookout is located on top of a small grassy hill near Elwood Beach, between Brighton Beach and St Kilda Beach. There is also a well-maintained walking trail (Bay Trail) cutting through Point Ormond Lookout, along the beautiful Port Phillip Bay.

From Point Ormond Lookout, you can obtain a spectacular view of Melbourne CBD and the stunning Port Philip Bay. It is a great place for a casual stroll and a picnic.

There are plenty of paid carparks near Point Ormond Lookout, but free carparks are few and far between. Hence, you may wish to visit Brighton Beach by public transport, then follow the scenic Bay Trail to visit Point Ormond Lookout and St Kilda Beach. Alternatively, ride-share services are also widely available in this area.

St Kilda Beach

St Kilda Beach is just over 20-minute away from Melbourne CBD by car or tram. It is Melbourne’s most popular beach & a great spot for swimming, water activities, and socialising.

St Kilda Beach is also home to the famous St Kilda Pier , which is a concrete pier & stretches all the way to the iconic St Kilda Pavilion . St Kilda Pier is a popular spot for fishing and leisure walks. Towards the end of St Kilda Pier, you will then find the St Kilda Breakwater.

St Kilda Breakwater is important in providing calm, swimmable water at St Kilda Beach. It is also well-known for being a fairy penguin colony . A designated viewing platform is available near the end of St Kilda Pier for visitors to view those cute fairy penguins return back to their rookeries between the rocks of St Kilda Breakwater after sunset.

Luna Park Melbourne is the oldest amusement park in Australia and has been operating for well over 100 years. Luna Park is famous for its iconic Mr Moon entrance and its exhilarating roller coaster rides. Being conveniently located near St Kilda Beach, it is also a great place to spend a fabulous afternoon for all ages.

Princes Pier

Princes Pier is a historic pier located in Port Melbourne. In my opinion, Princes Pier is one of the most picturesque sunset locations near Melbourne . With only a brief car/tram ride from Melbourne CBD, a visit to Princes Pier is highly recommended.

At Princes Pier, you will find a stunning sight of exposed pylons towards the end of this refurbished pier. These pylons are from the original Princes Pier, constructed between 1912 and 1915. These perfectly aligned pylons stretch deep into the bay & form one of the most Instagrammed sights in Port Melbourne.

Paid car parking spots are available around Princes Pier. You can also find a few free off-street parking spots around.

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3 Days in Melbourne: A Local’s Perfect Melbourne Itinerary (2024)

Wondering how to spend 3 days in Melbourne? This itinerary covers the best things to do, see and eat, all planned neatly in a day-by-day guide.

Melbourne. What a city. There’s a reason why my home city has been crowned the  world’s most livable city  multiple years in a row.

We’ve got amazing museums, an array of international cuisine that would make any foodie’s eyes pop, laneways filled with super-cool street art, a coffee culture that beats the rest of the world.

If you’ve only got 3 days in Melbourne it’ll be hard to see and experience all of this. So, what’s the best way to make the most of your time?

Here, I’m sharing a few ideas for crafting a  3 day Melbourne itinerary  that captures the best the city has to offer – sights, food, drinks and culture. Day-by-day, I’ve got recommendations for what to see, do and eat. This is a great itinerary for  first-time visitors to Melbourne .

I’m a Melbourne local , so this itinerary draws on the countless hours I’ve spent pounding the pavements across this city.

PS. You can download this itinerary so you can easily print and plan your own trip!

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

What's in this article (Click to view)

At a glance: 3 days in Melbourne itinerary

Here’s what’s happening each day in Melbourne. I’ve selected the best areas to visit in Melbourne and I’ll highlight what to see and do.

Day 1 – CBD : Street art, strolling and architecture Day 2 – Queen Vic Market, Collingwood and Fitzroy : Hipster neighbourhoods and iconic markets Day 3 – The Royal Botanic Gardens, NGV International, St Kilda : Gardens, galleries, the beach – and penguins!

Melbourne itinerary mapped out

Everything listed in this Melbourne 3 days itinerary is also plotted out on the map below – and conveniently colour coded so you can see where you’ll be hanging out each day!

Of course, you can mix up the days depending on where you’re staying in Melbourne and to coincide with any activities that only operate on certain days of the week.

Also, while I have a guide to the best restaurants in Melbourne , I’ve also included some suggestions throughout this post so you’re not scrambling to figure out where to go when the hunger hits.

Day 1 – Check out the CBD

Melbourne’s CBD – that’s the central business district – is conveniently organised in a grid system, so it’s very easy to find your way around and very walkable. In the CBD, you’ll find many of the major Melbourne tourist attractions, along with tonnes of great places to eat and drink.

This is a fairly packed day, so put on some good walking shoes!

Federation Square

Federation Square (or Fed Square, in our typical Aussie way of shortening absolutely everything) is a great place to start your three days in Melbourne. This open-air venue has art galleries, museums, shops, cafés and bars.

Every weekend in Melbourne (in summer especially), it’s packed with people watching a free concert or show or enjoying a festival. (Speaking of free, don’t forget to check out my guide to the best free things to do in Melbourne .)

At Fed Square, visit ACMI, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image , where you can experience video and sound art and interactive spaces.

The Koorie Heritage Trust is the place to go to learn more about First Nations culture – the oldest continuous living culture in the world. The Trust has a huge Koorie art collection and you can buy art and handcrafted goods (and know that they’ve actually been made by Indigenous people). The Trust also runs regular walking tours, and I can recommend it as an opportunity to really delve into the culture.

Also at Fed Square is the Ian Potter Centre . This gallery features Australian and Aboriginal art.

You can also get a good look at Flinders Street Station from here. This station is the main hub for Melbourne’s public transport system , and an iconic and historic building itself.

Tips for visiting Fed Square

• Fed Square is located at the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets. It’s open 24 hours and always free to enter. Check the website for upcoming events, including regular meditation and fitness sessions, as well as screenings of sporting events like the Australian Open.
• The Koorie Heritage Trust is open 7 days a week (except public holidays), from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free. Walking tours run weekdays at 1pm and cost $33 for an adult. The tours last for one hour.
• ACMI is open daily and entry is free.
• The Ian Potter Centre is open daily from 10am to 5pm and is free to enter.

Stroll the streets

After wandering through Fed Square, spend some time exploring the rectangle of the CBD that is bordered by Flinders, Swanston, Lonsdale and Elizabeth Streets. In this easily walkable area, there’s plenty to see.

At the top of Swanston Street, you’ll pass St Paul’s Cathedral . Entry is via Flinders Street, and there are information guides available so that you can do a self-guided tour. If you visit outside of the regular services, you’ll be able to explore more of the cathedral.

Keep walking until you hit Bourke Street. The Bourke Street Mall is a pedestrian-only block with plenty of shopping options, including Australia’s iconic department stores, Myer and David Jones. From here you can also check out the beautiful Royal Arcade and Block Arcade . These arcades were designed with the spoils of Melbourne’s huge wealth during the Gold Rush of the 1800s.

Check out street art

In the CBD, there’s also a labyrinth of laneways to discover. Originally used for horse and cart access, these alleyways are now bursting with cafés, bars and boutiques – as well as an outdoor gallery for some of Melbourne’s best street artists.

Melbourne’s street art scene is world famous, so make sure to pop into a few of the popular laneways to check out the work of local and international artists. Some of the best are Hosier Lane, ACDC Lane and Centre Place.

You can either explore these alleyways by yourself, or join a street art tour to get a bit more background on the art that you’re seeing. I think the tours run by Melbourne Street Tours are great. They’re led by actual street artists who can point out their own handiwork. The tours start at 1.30pm, however, so grab some lunch first.

(P.S. I have guides to the best Melbourne tours , walking tours of Melbourne and delicious Melbourne food tours if you want to explore more options for day tours around the city.)

Continue wandering down Swanston Street to Chinatown . While not as large as some other cities’ Chinatowns, here you’ll find the Museum of Chinese Australian History , along with plenty of food options.

Grab a table at Shanghai Village, Shanghai Dumpling House, HuTong or ShanDong Mama.

Tips for visiting Chinatown

• Chinatown runs along Little Bourke Street, between Swanston and Spring Streets.
• The Chinese Museum is located at 22 Cohen Place. Adult tickets cost $12.50. The museum’s open daily from 10am to 4pm (closed public holidays).

State Library

Satiated by dumplings, if you’re not heading back to Hosier Lane to take a street art tour , then make your way down Swanston Street to the State Library .

Even if you’re not that into books, you’ll be blown away the grandeur of one of Melbourne’s most beautiful buildings.

Inside, check out the La Trobe Reading Room – probably the most photographed room in the whole library – the newly reopened Queen’s Hall and Ned Kelly’s armour, which is on display in the Victoria Gallery. Funnily enough, the judge that sentenced Kelly to death by hanging was a key player in the founding of the library. I wonder how he’d feel today knowing that his armour now takes pride of place here!

There are also regular special exhibitions .

Tips for visiting the State Library Victoria

• The library is at 328 Swanston Street. It’s open daily. Visit their website for details of special exhibits.
• The library runs free tours on selected days of the week, which are a great way to learn more about the history of the library.
• No food or drink is allowed in the library. If you’re carrying a big bag, there are self-service lockers at both entrances. There are public toilets at the library.

Beer at a rooftop bar

After all that walking and exploring, you’ve definitely deserved a beer! And one of the best things to do in Melbourne as the sun goes down is to enjoy that beer on a rooftop. Rooftop Bar is – unsurprisingly – a bar on the rooftop of Curtin House. Brave the creaking lift or take the stairs to the top.

For dinner tonight, there are several options nearby:

• Simply wander downstairs from Rooftop Bar to either Cookie (Asian) or Mesa Verde (Mexican).
• Or take the tram just a few blocks back down toward Fed Square for dinner at iconic Melbourne restaurants MoVida (Spanish) or Supernormal (Japanese). These two are some of my fave restaurants in the whole of the city.

I’ve got a whole lot more Melbourne CBD restaurant recommendations so you can plan your dinner.

Day 2 – Hit up the hipster hoods

Now that you’ve ticked off some of the top Melbourne CBD tourist attractions, spend day two visiting some of our coolest neighbourhoods.

The hip neighbourhoods of Fitzroy and Collingwood are on the city’s northern fringes, and are perfect for chilling out, grabbing a cold craft beer, browsing local boutiques and tasting great food.

Queen Vic Market

First up, though, let’s visit the Queen Victoria Market . Established in 1878, the market sits on 7 hectares and is one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. I love visiting markets in foreign cities and countries to get a glimpse of local life, and Melbourne’s Queen Vic Market is no different.

Spend some time wandering the shops along String Bean Alley (no prizes for guessing what was originally sold in this section!), grab a coffee and check out the locally made goods. Continue along the outdoor sheds and explore the undercover specialty shops and fruit and veg stands.

At the end of I Shed, join the queue to purchase some fresh, piping-hot jam doughnuts from the American Doughnut Kitchen van . This van has been operating here since the 1950s – and is still in the hands of the original family. Just be careful – wait for the doughnut to cool slightly before biting in, you don’t want to spend the rest of the day with a burnt tongue! (Every Aussie kid has experienced this at some stage!)

Head inside to the Dairy and Produce Hall to be wonderfully overwhelmed by the cheeses, deli meats, fresh breads, and herbs and spices for sale.

If it’s a Thursday, Friday or Saturday when you visit Melbourne, then consider joining the Ultimate Foodie Tour , a 2-hour tour that explores the market’s food and history. There are plenty of samples on the tour, so come with an empty stomach!

Tips for visiting the Queen Vic Market

• The Queen Vic Market is at the corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets, and is within the free tram zone. Tram routes 19, 57, 58 and 59 stop out the front or nearby, or it’s a short walk from Melbourne Central or Flagstaff train stations.
• The market is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6am to 3pm, Saturday 6am to 4pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm. Specialty shops open at 9am.
• There are seasonal night markets on Wednesday evenings, take a look at the website to see what’s going on when you visit Melbourne.
• The Queen Vic Market is plastic bag and straw free, so pack a reusable bag if you’re planning to make some purchases.
• During your 3 days in Melbourne book a spot on the Ultimate Foodie Tour . It’s held Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 10am and takes 2 hours. The price is $99 for adults and $59 for children and includes tonnes of samples and a branded shopping bag. Book your tour online .

Collingwood and Fitzroy

Now, head over to Collingwood and Fitzroy . You can head over my full guide to the best things to do in Fitzroy , or read on for the highlights to these two neighbourhoods.

If you’re still hungry – even after the sampling extravaganza at the market – grab a burger inside an old train carriage on a rooftop (I told you Collingwood was super hipster) at Easey’s . Or the Vegie Bar serves up delicious vegetarian food that even carnivores will love.

Spend the afternoon exploring the area, strolling down Smith Street (voted the coolest street in the world !) and Brunswick Street. If it’s a Saturday or Sunday, the Rose Street Market will be taking up several blocks. More than 100 vendors sell handmade earrings, clothing, handbags and artworks.

If you feel like walking a bit (or grab an Uber), head over to the Abbotsford Convent . This former convent and orphanage is now an artsy community hub located on lush grounds. You can wander through the studios and galleries.

In the afternoon, stop for a pint at Stomping Ground Brewery or Fixation .

In the evening, there are plenty of options for dinner:

• Budget: Grab a $5 pizza from Kewpie
• Mid-range: A pub meal from the Marquis of Lorne (try their potato cakes, they’re so good!) or some vegan food from Smith and Daughters or Transformer
• Fancy: Cutler & Co , known for great food that focuses on Australian ingredients

Getting to Collingwood/Fitzroy

After you leave the Queen Vic Market, walk about 7 minutes to the corner of Elizabeth and La Trobe Streets. From here you can take the number 12 tram to Smith Street. You’ll get off at the bottom of Smith Street and need to walk (don’t miss the Smith Street stop otherwise you’ll end up heading toward Richmond).

For less walking, from Queen Vic Market, take tram number 19 from Elizabeth Street (out the front of the market), go two stops and get off at the Bourke Street Mall. Then take the number 86 tram from Bourke Street/Elizabeth Street all the way to Smith Street.

Day 3 – Head to the beach

The final day of your Melbourne in 3 days is a super relaxed and gets you out of the CBD. We’re off to the beach!

To start the day, visit either the Royal Botanic Gardens or the National Gallery of Victoria . Both are great spaces to explore. So, you can make your decision based on whether you’re up for an indoor or outdoor kind of morning – and see what the weather’s doing.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Before you hit the beach, start at the Royal Botanic Gardens . Over 36 hectares of gardens make up this lovely relaxing spot in the middle of the noisy city.

You could easily spend a few hours wandering through the gardens yourself, but I highly recommend booking a spot on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk . The experience begins with a welcoming ceremony led by an Indigenous guide, followed by a walk through the gardens and a yarn over cups of lemon myrtle tea. This is one of the best ways to learn about First Nations history and traditions.

If you’d like to learn more about Aboriginal Australia culture and history, my guide to Indigenous Melbourne lists several more things to do.

Tips for visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens

• The Royal Botanic Gardens is located at Birdwood Avenue. It’s open daily from 7.30am to 5pm (7.30pm during daylight saving). Entry is free.
• To get here, take a tram to stop 19 (Shrine of Remembrance/St Kilda Road). Tram routes 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72 go past the gardens. Otherwise, it’s a nice and easy walk from the CBD, directly down Swanston Street (which turns into St Kilda Road over the Yarra River).
• The Aboriginal Heritage Walk can be booked online here . The tour is held Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and costs $40. It starts at 11am and goes for 90 minutes.

National Gallery of Victoria

If you’d prefer to stay indoors – especially if it’s one of those days where Melbourne hasn’t quite made up her mind about what’s she’s doing with the weather! – head to the National Gallery of Victoria instead.

The NGV is free to enter, although special exhibitions have an entry fee. This iconic Melbourne museum is Australia’s oldest, largest and most visited gallery. It’s one of the best places to visit in Melbourne for art lovers.

You’ll probably need around 1-2 hours to wander through the museum’s free exhibits. Longer if you’re visiting a paid exhibition as well.

Tips for visiting NGV

• The NGV is located at 180 St Kilda Road. The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm and is free to enter.
• Tram routes 3/3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72 stop out the front of the NGV.
• There’s a secondary site, the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, at Federation Square. This gallery features only Australian art, including a large collection of Aboriginal art and artefacts.
• There are regular free tours (check the website for details).

Jump on a tram to St Kilda . By the time you arrive in St Kilda, you’ll probably be starving, so grab lunch.

• Mid-range: Fitzrovia is great for brunch or lunch.
• Mid-range: Try  Babu Ji , known for its delicious Indian food.

After lunch, stroll around St Kilda. If it’s a Sunday, the St Kilda Esplanade Market will be on, so you can spend some time wandering through the arts and crafts stalls.

Wander along the St Kilda Foreshore , sunbathe on St Kilda beach , watch the kitesurfers on the water, and walk out along the St Kilda Pier . This area is one of the most popular Melbourne attractions for locals and visitors alike, so it’ll be packed on a sunny day.

If you want to have some old-time fun, head to Luna Park . Brave the rickety rollercoaster, which is more than 100 years old! Luna Park is free to enter and there are some fun rides and games inside. It’s one of the best things to do in Melbourne with kids – but adults will have just as much fun.

As the sun goes down, head back to the St Kilda Pier to watch the cute Little Penguins waddle out of the water at dusk. There’s a viewing area above the breakwater at the end of the St Kilda Pier. No flash photography is allowed.

Update: The penguin viewing area is currently closed while St Kilda Pier is redeveloped.

For dinner, St Kilda has plenty of options:

• Mid-range: Lona Pintxos Bar for Spanish tapas.
• Fancy: If you’ve got some cash to burn, try the multi-course tasting menu at Attica . It’s regularly voted one of the world’s best restaurants. I’ve eaten here and it’s incredible (but expensive)!

After dinner, if you’ve still got some energy, head to The Espy for another drink or to catch a gig. Or see if there’s a show on at the Palais Theatre . This iconic Melbourne venue has hosted huge international acts like The Rolling Stones, and regularly has great Aussie acts.

Getting to St Kilda

You’re heading out of the free tram zone when you go to St Kilda, so you will need to have a myki card. I’ve got information about those and how to purchase one at the end of this article.

From the CBD, take the #16 tram from Swanston Street, the #96 from Bourke Street or the #12 from Collins Street.

Got 5 days in Melbourne?

Got more than just 3 days in Melbourne? I’ve got a 5 days in Melbourne itinerary to help you plan!

Itching to add more to your Melbourne in three days itinerary? I’ve got more ideas in this guide to the top 30 things to do in Melbourne .

Day trips from Melbourne

Alternatively, if you’d like to get out of the city on one of the days during your 3-day Melbourne trip, swap one of the days above for a day trip from Melbourne . You can rent a car to do any of these day trips, or below I’ve linked some day tours you can book.

• Yarra Valley – Just a short drive from Melbourne is one of Australia’s premier wine regions. This is one of the most popular places to visit near Melbourne. | This full-day tour includes visits to wineries, cheese producers and a gourmet lunch.
• Healesville Sanctuary – This is where you can see Australia’s cute and cuddly animals. | This day tour combines a visit to the wildlife park and a ride on the Puffing Billy train, so it’d be a great trip if you’ve got kids.
• The Great Ocean Road – An iconic Australian road trip. In my opinion, you need at least 2 days to do it properly, but you can see the highlights on a day trip. | This day tour runs the opposite way that most tourist buses do. You’ll see the 12 Apostles and maybe even some cute koalas.
• Phillip Island – If you loved seeing the penguins at St Kilda, head to Phillip Island for even more cuteness. | On this day trip , you’ll get to see penguins  and kangaroos and koalas.
• Mornington Peninsula – This area just outside of Melbourne is known for its beaches, great short hikes and wineries. | This day trip includes a soak in the famous Peninsula Hot Springs.
• Ballarat – One of the Victorian goldrush towns, Ballarat is filled with history.
• Dandenong Ranges – Close to Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges are a lush forested area with hikes like the 1000 Steps trail and family-friendly activities like riding Puffing Billy .

If a day trip just wasn’t long enough, plan a few days away with my guide to the best Airbnbs in Victoria . They’re all within 1-4 hours’ drive of Melbourne.

Where to stay during your 3 days in Melbourne

I’ve got a whole guide on where to stay in Melbourne . But for this itinerary, the CBD is probably the best place to stay.

In the CBD, there are plenty of hotel options. Check out my full Melbourne CBD accommodation guide, or take a look through these recommended ones:

Brady Hotels Jones Lane – This hotel is a rare find. Affordable and stylish? Rooms have lots of natural light and openable windows. There’s a nice cafe downstairs. Check rates with Booking.com | Expedia

Ovolo Laneways – My pick of Melbourne hotels, this hotel has serious personality. And free lollies all day! Book a stay online with Booking.com | Expedia

Le Méridien – If you’re in Melbourne for a special occasion, stay at Le Méridien. This 5-star gem gets ticks from me for spacious rooms, friendly service, and comfortable, modern rooms. Check rates with Booking.com | Expedia

Check out more Melbourne hotels in the CBD | Read reviews of Melbourne CBD hotels

So, that’s everything you need to know to plan an awesome fun, food and culture-filled 3 days in Melbourne itinerary . Enjoy your visit!

Found this article useful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

Is there anything else you’d add to this 3 days in Melbourne itinerary? Let others know your recommendations in the comments below!

Related posts

Before you go… you might like these articles:

• The ultimate Melbourne bucket list: 101 things to do
• How to spend 5 days in Melbourne
• The perfect weekend in Melbourne: 4 itinerary ideas

Best Melbourne resources

• Check out my Melbourne travel guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Melbourne
• Look for flights to Melbourne on Skyscanner .
• Book accommodation on Booking.com or Expedia for your Melbourne trip. The Ovolo Laneways Hotel is a good choice in the CBD.
• You won’t really need a car in Melbourne, but if you do want to get out of the city, then rent a car through DiscoverCars .
• Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Pocket Melbourne to help plan your trip.

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Save this 3 days in Melbourne itinerary so you can plan your trip later!

About THE AUTHOR

I’m Rebecca, a Melbourne local excited to show you the best of Melbourne. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. After living abroad for 8 years, I’m back home in Melbourne, rediscovering this city that I love and have missed. My aim is to help you find the best things to do in Melbourne.

4 thoughts on “3 Days in Melbourne: A Local’s Perfect Melbourne Itinerary (2024)”

Hi, we really liked the guide and followed most of it through. Here are a few comments and recommendations: – We came between Christmas and New Year and Smith street in Collingwood was deserted and definitely not the coolest street on earth more like the saddest one. Lots of the shops. Where is the shuttle completely empty. – We were disappointed by the Koorie Heritage Trust and St Kilda beach but it was a cold windy day so it could be nicer on a sunny day. – We loved going to The Lume and o would add this to your 3 day guide – we had dinner in a great pizza place in Carlton: DOC pizza and mozzarella bar – we absolutely loved cafe Al Naturale in St Kilda. Beautiful food and great coffee, you have to try the tiramisu!

Hi Helene, thanks so much for your comments! These are all very helpful. The Koorie Heritage Trust is going through a renovation, but it’s a shame you were disappointed by it. And St Kilda is definitely MUCH better on a sunny day! The Lume is incredible, glad you got to experience that. I had excluded that from this itinerary because originally it was going to be a temporary exhibition, but you’re right – now that it’s permanent (at the moment), I will definitely add this in. And thanks for more eating recommendations – they will be very helpful to readers! I haven’t been to Au Naturale so will have to test that out. Happy new year to you!!

Hi Rebecca, just wondering. Are you also a professional tour guide?

Hi there, I’m not sorry – but I do have recommendations on the site for tour companies/guides! Let me know if you’re after someone specific.

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5-Day Melbourne Itinerary: How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Melbourne

Travelers heading to Melbourne often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of possibilities the city offers. And that’s completely understandable. Melbourne is dotted with gorgeous monuments, has its fair share of noteworthy museums, neighborhoods, and parks. Add in the abundance of possible day-trips, and you’ll see why it’s so difficult for first-time visitors to decide how to spend a weekend in Melbourne or what to choose to add to their 5-day Melbourne itinerary .

That’s precisely what I’m here to help with. I hope my Melbourne itinerary for 5 days 4 nights will inspire you to start planning your trip, and you’ll end up with a customized plan for seeing the best of Melbourne in five days.

In Part One , I’ve divided the most exciting things to do into several categories — you just need to choose the activities that interest you most. In Part Two , you’ll insert your choices in the indicated spaces. Not so bad, right?

So let’s dive right in!

The Ultimate 5-Day Melbourne Itinerary. Part One.

Main attractions (choose three), federation square.

This place is an integral part of the city and a great spot to start a perfect day in Melbourne. The multi-use square features three public spaces including a big screen, 19 restaurants and bars, and theatre and event spaces, as well the Australian Centre of the Moving Image, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), the SBS Television and Radio Headquarters. By the way, “Fed Square” is also one of the largest free WiFi hotspots in Melbourne.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the CBD (Central Business District), the Royal Botanic Gardens was established in 1846 and covers an area of 38 hectares with more than 9,000 species of plants, including many rare specimens. The Royal Botanic Gardens feature a variety of highlights including the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Fern Gully, Long Island, and the popular Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden. There is a wide array of tours and seasonal events including Moonlight Cinema, theatre and markets take place throughout the year.

Captain Cook’s Cottage

James Cook was a sailor who made three extensive voyages of exploration for the British government in the late 1700s. He was the first to map the eastern coast of Australia and in those days of colonialization claimed Australia for the British in 1770.

Captain Cook’s Cottage , was originally built in 1755 in Great Ayton in Yorkshire. But in 1933 the cottage came on the market in England and after some negotiations was purchased by businessman, Russell Grimwade. Then disassembled and transported to Melbourne where it was painstakingly reassembled in the Fitzroy Gardens.

Southbank Area of Melbourne

Home to a number of great bars, indoor/outdoor cafés, and restaurants and offers a scenic view of Melbourne, as you look across the Yarra River. Melbourne’s Southbank offers excellent arts and crafts market is held every Sunday, and the urban neighborhood also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year.

If you happen to be here during the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, you can expect the entire neighborhood to buzz with activities and live music. Take a stroll or a boat ride and get great Melbourne skyline views and see the splendid Gas Brigades , which send flames into the sky every night.

Arcades and Laneways

When it comes to street art hunting in Melbourne, the narrow laneways is already filled with amazing graffiti and street paintings. Be sure to wander the labyrinth of lanes and alleyways around AC/DC Lane , Hosier Lane , and Desgraves Street . For those of you who want to gain more insights into Melbourne’s past, I recommend taking a self-guided tour through the opulent Royal Arcade . Melbourne’s oldest arcade, as well as, Block Arcade in Collins Street are an awe-inspiring shopping precinct which date back to 1893.

Pro tip: Flinders and Degraves Lanes are also well worth exploring.

Museums in Melbourne (Choose One or Two)

Melbourne museum.

Start your culture tour with the museum named after the city itself. Opened in 2001, Melbourne Museum is dedicated to the natural history, culture, science, and everything in between. The museum details permanent and temporary exhibitions telling the story of Melbourne, the State (Vic), Australia, and the world. Some of the highlights include Australia’s most famous racehorse Phar Lap and the indoor rainforest. It doesn’t matter if you are visiting Melbourne museum for the first time or the umpteenth time, it won’t fail to surprise you.

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

This museum was one of the best contemporary art museums I’ve ever been to. The temporary exhibitions are always extraordinary and offer something for everyone. The NGV International houses over 69,000 artworks from Europe, Asia, Oceana, and the USA and spread between NGV International’s site in Southbank and Federation Square. The galleries are a short walk from each other, and both are free to enter the permanent exhibitions. Join a free guided tour to learn something new and get an expert’s insight into the exhibitions on display.

Immigration Museum

Learn about people’s life stories who have traveled from all over the globe to make Australia what it is today. The museum gives fascinating and thought-provoking insights into the migrant experience via displays featuring movies, audio, memorabilia, and stories. The museum is housed in the adorable Customs House building, which originally looked out onto ships tied up at the adjacent Queen’s Wharf . Keep in mind, an astounding 29 percent of Australian residents were born in other countries. This is more than enough to justify the importance of the Immigration Museum. Even if it is a rather intimate one.

ScienceWorks

Old melbourne gaol.

For almost 80 years, Victoria’s Old Melbourne Gaol housed minor offenders and infamous inmates. The focus of the museum is, of course, on its most dangerous criminal, bushranger Ned Kelly, who spent here the last days of his life before his execution. Aside from the stories of what occurred behind these walls, the three-story gallery-type setup is an attraction itself. The tiny prison, single-occupancy cells, and hanging gallows – it’s not hard to imagine how terrible life inside these walls must have been for convicts back in the day.

Neighborhoods of Melbourne (Choose Three)

Central business district (cbd).

Hop on Melbourne’s famous City Circle Tram , which will trundle you past sights like the Melbourne Aquarium and the Princess Theatre . Don’t forget to hop off and explore Queen Victoria Market , Market Lane Coffee and street art of the laneways and old arcades. Central Business District is made up of a grid of streets north of the Yarra River. There’s good shopping and a vibrant nightlife scene with a swath of trendy bars and restaurants playing music to suit all preferences and moods.

This neighborhood is the perfect place to spend the day discovering Melbourne’s multifaceted personality. Being one of the city’s earliest settlements, Richmond features an array of cool and hip cafes, as well as a thriving music scene. Take a walk along Bridge Road to get some retail therapy, and be sure to grab a meal at one of the local Vietnamese restaurants.

Richmond is also home to the MCG stadium , where you can catch a cricket game or Australian Football League (AFL) when in season. Don’t miss out on a chance to explore a plethora of bars and pubs on Swan and Church streets. You’ll want to go early on a Friday or Saturday if you don’t want to wait in line!

This bayside neighborhood has Melbourne’s highest concentration of restaurants, ranging from glitzy to cheap, as well as some superb cake shops and delis. A hotspot for backpackers, St. Kilda is a great place to party and make a bunch of new friends. Take a stroll along St Kilda as you watch the sunset to spot fairy penguins waddling up the beach. Get to the end of the pier and then head south towards Brighton or north towards the city once you hit the boardwalk.

The path towards the CBD is my favorite because it takes you through Middle Park, Albert Park, and Port Melbourne. Once you hit Port Melbourne you can check out the iconic Station Pier – the point of entry for a large number of immigrants. You can also hop on a tram here and reach the CBD within a couple of minutes.

Victoria Gardens, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and a vibrant LGBTQ community: just 5 kilometers south of Bourke Street, Prahran is a trendy, unique neighborhood that abounds with boutiques, cinemas, nightclubs, bars, and galleries. Its main road, Chapel Street, is famous for its upscale eateries and designer-fashion houses. Check this posh part of the city for weird new bars with unique drink concoctions popping up frequently.

Williamstown

Visiting Williamstown is like stepping back in time. This quaint seaside town will make you think you’re in a northern NSW beach town rather than in Melbourne. Williamstown is close to the CBD by ferry or train and is a great place to get fish and chips and take a walk along the beach during the summer months. The neighborhood offers a unique combination of open spaces, good facilities, and a wide variety of delicious dining options. If you want to know how laidback and unpretentious Melbourne looks like, you should come to Williamstown.

Day Trips from Melbourne (Choose One)

Wilsons promontory national park.

Located at the southernmost tip of Australia’s mainland, Wilsons Prom offers a little bit of everything. The Prom features white sand beaches, scenic coastline, dramatic scenery, and huge granite mountains. Start your trip from strolling Squeaky Beach where you can dip your toes in the luscious white sands.

Then, see wildlife in their natural environment, inspect the flora, and go bird watching while inspecting the Lilly Pilly Gully Nature Walk . It’ll take you through the Prom’s forested interior including rainforest vegetation and eucalypt forest. If you’re up for a bit more of a trek, hike to the summit of Mt. Oberon for the best panoramic views of the park.

Great Ocean Road

Take one of Australia’s most epic road trips that should be on your Melbourne 5-day itinerary for sure! Drive 240km from Melbourne along the steep sea cliffs and pass by the stunning beaches. The can’t-miss experience include Apollo Bay with a fantastic lookout point, Kennett River , which is home to cockatoos, parrots and koalas, Great Otway National Park where visitors can see a historic lighthouse, and Loch Ard Gorge and the Twelve Apostles that have incredible views of giant rock formations jutting out of the roaring ocean.

Phillip Island

Magnificent coastal roads and wildlife are amongst the many delights of Phillip Island. If you want an interesting day trip from Melbourne, the Island is a great place to go. One of the primary attractions is the Penguin parade . At sunset, you can watch hundreds of penguins coming ashore from a day’s fishing and waddling across the beach to their sand dune burrows. Phillip Island is also where you will get the Koala Conservation Center – a place to see koalas in their natural habitat.

Yarra Valley

If you happen to be a keen wine, cider or chocolate lover, then you’ll feel right at home in the Yarra Valley. The place is the perfect Melbourne getaway and an easy day trip from Melbourne by car since it is only one 1 hour east from the CBD. The Yarra Valley wineries are famous for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which visitors can enjoy at one of the area’s many vineyards.

Yarra Valley is also a foodie’s paradise. Whether your love is cheese, pasta, jams, Persian Fetta, fruit, jellies, chocolates, bread, salmon and trout, vegetables, meat, or fresh fruit, it’s simply a must to add to your free and easy trip itinerary.

Parks and Gardens in Melbourne (Choose one or two)

Cranbourne botanic gardens.

The Australian Garden in Cranbourne and a bush-land area are split into sections with carefully set out walking tracks. This project for the Royal Botanic Gardens showcases rare native animals and plants, and there are special exhibits for eucalypts, flowers, and the weirdest trees in Oz. There is also the Rockpool Waterway which encourages people to wade through the cool shallow waters, dry river bed, seaside garden and much more. All these attractions revolve around the Red Sand Garden where you can easily do the walk and take cool pictures for your Instagram .

Built in 1847 high above the banks of the Yarra River, the Como House is one of Melbourne’s most exciting stately homes. Como was built during Victoria’s Gold Rush, and the gardens were founded not long after. The House offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of former owners, the Armytage family, who lived there for over a century. If you come on a weekday, you can have a pretty, manicured garden nearly all to yourself. Bring your own picnic basket and wander through the beautiful gardens for free!

Fitzroy Gardens

Enjoy the shady pathways, extensive lawns, garden ponds, and grand trees as you take a walk through Fitzroy Gardens. This green oasis in the heart of Melbourne is named after Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy who was the governor-general of the Australian Colonies. Pay a visit to the scarred tree, which predates European settlement. One can spend hours exploring the fountains, museums, statues, and admiring the avenues of elm trees and ornamental shrubs from the 19th century.

Nightlife in Melbourne (Choose one or Two)

Jazz bars in melbourne.

Hidden within the Melbourne’s eclectic and vibrant laneways, there’s an array of jazz bars showcasing the country’s best talent and live performances. Whether you visit Bennett’s Lane (city’s most famous jazz bar), Uptown Jazz Café (the perfect place to unwind after a hectic day), Ruby’s Music Room (a locale that offers an extensive wine and cocktail menu along with tapas), or one of the city’s countless other clubs, you’re in for a treat.

Rooftop Bars in Melbourne

Relaxing at a rooftop bar, sipping drinks and watching the sun go down is a great way to end any day in Melbourne. You’ll find every option imaginable all over the city, ranging from inner-city hotspots to scenic suburban haunts. Some of the best options include Naked in the Sky , Easey’s, Curtin House , and Loop Roof . Cheers!

Things To Do In Melbourne At Night

In the mood for a late-night shopping? With over 60 food stalls, more than 100 shopping stalls, Queen Victoria Market is the perfect place for a late-night snack, shopping, and mingling with the locals. Wait until a couple of hours after sunset, especially in the summer, when Melburnians flock to the banks of the Yarra with their friends. While most of the city is lovely after dark, I suggest exploring the streets and bridges between Princes Bridge and King Street Bridge — this area should be both safe and quiet, and you’ll even pass Eureka Tower along the way.

Alternatives (Choose up to Three)

Yarra river cruises.

Fancy a quick overview of Melbourne’s history and geography? Take a cruise on the Yarra , and see the city from a different perspective. There’s lots of fun to be had on Melbourne’s most famous body of water for any interests, including historical tours, sightseeing tours, and party boat cruises.

State Library Of Victoria

Heading back into Melbourne’s central business district, you may be wondering why you would want to visit a library!? Well, there is good reason. The State Library of Victoria is one of the most charming buildings in the city! This is Australia’s oldest public library, and one of the world’s first free public libraries. Aside from being a library, it also houses the city’s most beautiful heritage architecture, not to mention the Instagram hotspot La Trobe Reading room . Did I mention you can access the Internet for free here?

Brighton Bathing Boxes

Although I didn’t make it down to Brighton last time, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on visiting the iconic symbol of Melbourne. These colorful wooden sheds from the early 20th century, used for ladies to change into their swimming suits back in the days. Nowadays, they are not just empty small beach boxes – they have become one of the most expensive real estate in Melbourne and one of the most Instagrammable spots in Australia.

RAAF Museum Point Cook

As an aviation enthusiast, I couldn’t have missed the Royal Australian Air Force (originally the Australian Flying Corps) on my last trip. Situated 25 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, the RAAF Museum is positioned close to the entrance of Melbourne’s RAAF base. It has the largest collection of aircraft from WWI, WW2 to the present and they also host flying demonstrations by the pilots. There is something for everyone and best of all, it’s completely free!

The Ultimate 5-Day Melbourne Itinerary. Part Two

• Explore a neighborhood
• Visit the main attraction
• Experience the city’s nightlife
• Tour a museum
• Spend time at a park
• Take a day trip
• If you venture to Phillip Island, you might have some extra time on your hands. I suggest eating in a café, relaxing in a park, or crossing an alternative off your list.
• Tour a museum or choose an alternative
• Experience the city’s nightlife or choose an alternative
• Spend time at a park or choose an alternative

There you have my suggested Melbourne itinerary on how to spend 5 days in Melbourne! You’ll still need to book your accommodation and research transportation, but you now have an outline for how you’ll spend each day. This 5-Day Melbourne itinerary is flexible, so you shouldn’t hesitate to change your plans based on your specific needs or preferences. Who knows, you might even find a few hidden gems by following your whims.

PIN FOR LATER!

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13 comments.

Art & Home

I have always wanted to visit to Melbourne, and you just made it seem all the more enticing!!!

Wow so much to keep you busy in Melbourne! You don’t want to miss anything!!

That is amazing!!! I have many friends in Melbourne and I keep on hearing how gorgeous this city is, I can’t wait to visit it.

Patricia M.

I love the way you wrote this article suggesting all the place and letting us pick the most interesting to us. This way I’m not going to a place that would not be of my liking. Thanks for sharing

I always wanted to visit Australia, especially Melbourne and the Gold Coast. I would love to see the Great Ocean Way in Melbourne because I love the ocean!

Literally the most perfect travel guide. Melbourne is certainly a place that i would love to visit.

tweenselmom

What a great place to explore! I love the diversity of the looks and feels in that place.

Celebrate Woman Today

Would love to visit this city one day. A beautiful itinerary to explore this city.

Olya AMANOVA

Your trip was for sure perfect. You’ve managed to see all the best sights in this city. Beautifully written article and the photos are very catchy.

This is a lengthy post but learned a lot about the place. Truly, I felt I’ve been to Melbourne myself by how you explained everything.

Lyanna Soria

That’s amazing, sounds like you had a great time there at Melbourne. I’d love to go to their museum and those places look great.

Elizabeth O

I would love to visit the Royal Botanical Garden and the koalas too. These are great must see list .

Erika Ravnsborg

OMG! Melbourne looks so amazing! A must go for sure now.

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Home » Oceania » Australia » Melbourne

INSIDER MELBOURNE ITINERARY for 2024

Melbourne is the fastest growing city in Australia and is set to have a population of around 5 million by 2021! Why? You may ask. Well, that’s easy.

This city has an incredibly diverse range of lifestyles to offer! From fast-paced city living to the nature lovers dream of living right on the seashore, there are too many options to choose from!

Bustling city life is a great thing for a city, but it can sometimes be overwhelming… but not here! Living in a city built right by the ocean is absolutely invigorating! A trip to the sea or to a nature reserve could be on the cards for you every day if you’re a nature lover. However, if you love the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s no need to ever leave!

If you’re planning a trip to this incredible city, you’re in for a treat! As far as diverse travel destinations go, it just doesn’t get better than this! But now you’re probably wondering where you should be staying, what you should be doing, and exactly what you should be looking out for? Being such a vibrant and diverse city, a well-executed Melbourne itinerary is a smart tool to bring to the table.

This is where the stress of travel often comes in, and we’re here to help you out! Here’s what we think you should be putting on your itinerary during your stay in Melbourne.

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Best Time To Visit Melbourne

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When you think of Australia, you generally think of the scorching heat of the desert! This is not the case in Melbourne though where the weather fluctuates from extreme heatwaves, to temperate, to cool, and even to downright bloody freezing. Melbourne has been known to have dramatic temperature spikes in summer, sometimes up to a scorching 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit!)

While there’s no best time to visit Melbourne, there are many factors that you could take into consideration. Here’s what a year in Melbourne really looks like:

With a Melbourne City Pass , you can experience the best of Melbourne at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Deciding where to stay in Melbourne depends largely on what you want from your trip. Melbourne is just buzzing with incredible neighborhoods to explore and stay in! Because Melbourne is a city with such a youthful energy, all its neighborhoods are thriving with cultural experiences and hip activities and bars!

Carlton is the cities original Italian hub, which means that the food is to die for! If you want great carbo-loading spots just a few steps from your doorstep, this is definitely the neighbourhood for you!

This neighborhood has a very retro feel and is great if you’re looking for an alternative sort of vibe from your place of stay. Expect to find wine bars, old cinemas and plenty of book-readings. We’d recommend this neighborhood for young people with an old soul.

Brunswick is for those looking for a busy nightlife scene. But no, not the clubbing kind. Brunswick is known for its live music, and a lot of the people that stay there are musos or up-and-coming artists! Most of Melbourne’s best hostels are located in this neighborhood.

This arty will spike your creativity and inspire you to get your creative juices flowing. We recommend this neighborhood for music lovers and artists alike.

Best Hostel in Melbourne – United Backpackers

United Backpackers has been named the best hostel in Melbourne and even Australia multiple times! And it’s no secret why. They’ve snagged the best location in the heart of Melbourne, right opposite Flinders Street Station.

This hostel offers free wifi, a basement bar and loads of creative spaces to chill out. The United Backpackers hostel boasts of great security and friendly staff that are there to provide the best Melbourne experience possible!

Best Airbnb in Melbourne:  Perfectly located Apartment with City Views

Nestled just minutes away from the CBD, this fully equipped and furnished apartment unit is ideal for those travelling on a budget – and it’s one of the overall best Airbnbs in Melbourne too. All the basic amenities are provided, from A/C and heating, bathroom essentials to kitchen equipment. There’s a Woolworths supermarket in the building near the entrance.

Best Budget Hotel in Melbourne – Novotel Melbourne South Wharf

The Novotel Melbourne South Wharf boasts of contemporary architecture and incredible overall style! The South Wharf neighborhood in which it’s located is known for its cargo sheds, bars, and shopping centres. Once an industrial area, now an up and coming neighborhood.

Each room is blessed with gorgeous views of the skyline, right to the bay. The hotel is equipped with a balcony bar and restaurant, perfect for dining after a long day of touring! Equipped with a fitness centre, this hotel is everything you need while on a trip to Melbourne!

Best Luxury Hotel in Melbourne – The Langham Melbourne

This exquisite 5-star hotel is situated on the banks of the Yarra river. The majestic interior looks like something out of a movie, with sparkling chandeliers and marble staircases. As if the inside of the hotel is not beautiful enough, they also showcase some of the best views in the city!

With all the facilities you could ever ask for, from a spa and fitness center to a bar and a swimming pool, there’s not much more you could ever want from a hotel!

There are a lot of things to do in Melbourne. A mish-mash of city living and nature-loving, this gorgeous city really does have something for everyone!

Melbourne is a fairly easy city to navigate. There are many convenient forms of transport, but a few stand out from the rest. The inner-city tram route is absolutely free and stops off at all the major Melbourne attractions. Trains are also a very convenient form of transport in Melbourne. If you need a lift somewhere that isn’t covered by the train, try hoping on a bus.

Bike riding, taxis and driving by car are also popular forms of transport in Melbourne, but beware of rush-hour traffic.

If you want to see Melbourne best hotspots , then be sure to add at least a few of these activities to your Melbourne itinerary!

Queen Victoria Market | Abbotsford Convent | Adelphi Rooftop Pool | Spleen | The Astor Theatre

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Visit the Queen Victoria Market

• Why it’s awesome: This open-air market has been around for years, and has evolved from a fresh grocery market to an all-inclusive market.
• Food nearby: Queen Victoria Market is the perfect place to find street food of any kind. The market is following the organic health trend, but you’re sure to find some greasy food to cure a hangover if that’s what you’re in the mood for!

The Queen Victoria Market used to be where Melbournians did their grocery shopping for the week. It was the perfect place to buy fresh, organic fruit and vegetables as well as free-range meats and dairy products. Over time it has evolved into an all-inclusive market! If you’re backpacking Melbourne on a budget , then pick up some fresh veg here and cook it back in your hostel or digs.

As the market has expanded, it’s become a lot more than just your average farmers market! You’ll find clothes, jewellery and a myriad of other trinkets. The Queen Victoria Market that was once just for locals, is now a popular destination for tourists too!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Stroll Through Abbotsford Convent

• Why it’s awesome: Contrary to what it sounds like, the Abbotsford convent is not just a church or nunnery! The building and its grounds have become a display area for contemporary artists.
• Food nearby: There are a variety of eateries at Abbotsford Convent, but we found that Lentil As Anything was very interesting! This Vegan restaurant has a fascinating business model! After your meal, you are asked to pay what you feel the meal was worth, and if you’re unable to contribute financially, to volunteer. The food is amazing, even for non-vegans, and the entertainment is great. Live music, poetry and art installations are a regular occurrence in this restaurant, so as you can imagine, there’s never a dull moment!

Markets, live music, contemporary art showcases, and eateries are just a few of the goings-on you’ll find at the Abbotsford Convent ! Now no longer a church, the grounds have been made into a bustling hub of activity. The art on showcase here is one of the main attractions, and every so often, performance artists bless visitors with their performance.

The convent has become a community area, that is a safe place to hang out and also the perfect place to meet new people. As a tourist, you’ll definitely want to see this interesting cultural site before you go!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Swim in Adelphi Hotels Rooftop Pool

• Why it’s awesome: Slowly becoming the most iconic pool in Melbourne, this Instagram famous pool is well worth the visit, even if you’re just doing it for the photos!
• Cost: Small fee at the door
• Food nearby: Maha is a Thai restaurant just a 5-minute drive from the Adelphi hotel. It can only be described as a 5-star dining experience. The food, presentation, service and overall experience is just incredible! The food is top notch quality and in a generous portion!

You don’t have to be a guest at the Adelphi Hotel to visit for the day. Which is good news if you’re only there to see the pool. After an upgrade in 2017, the pool has become famous for just being itself!

It’s a glass-bottomed cantilevered pool that stretches 2-meters out from the building itself. The pool hovers over Flinders Lane. Swimming to the bottom allows you to spy on all the people below. Luckily for you, you’ll be far to high up for them to see you!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Watch Stand-Up Comedy at Spleen

• Why it’s awesome: Spleen hosts stand-up comedy nights, every Monday, absolutely free!
• Food nearby: Tipo 00 – located just a few minutes drive from the Spleen bar, is an Italian cuisine small restaurant located in a laneway. The restaurant has a very cozy feel and serves delicious Italian food! All their food is made fresh, even the pasta. We highly recommend that you try Tipo 00 when you’re in the area!

Spleen is a bustling bar most nights of the week, but on a Monday night, hosts a stand-up comedy crowd second to none! You don’t want to miss this if you’re staying in Melbourne.

The bar on Bourke Street draws comedians from far and wide to perform for the Melbourne crowd, although many locals take to the stage too! If you’re feeling brave, why not hop on stage and give comedy a try while you’re on vacation. If nothing else, it will give you a story to tell when you’re back home!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Watch a Movie at The Astor Theatre

• Why it’s awesome: The Astor Theatre was built in 1939 and is one of the last single-screen movie theatres in the world!
• Cost: $12.44
• Food nearby: A mere 10-minute drive from the theatre, you’ll find Republica St Kilda Beach. This is a lovely spot to find great food at very reasonable prices! In fact, they run specials almost every day, so you’ll be sure to walk away with a steal! The atmosphere is fun and bubbly, especially in the beer garden, which is equally as beautiful as the restaurant itself.

Be transported back in time at the Astor Theatre . The interior and exterior of the building have been impeccably preserved, making it a once in a lifetime experience! Golden curtains drape from ceiling to floor, covering the screen before the movie begins. The theatre can only be described as majestic, with golden chandeliers that hang from the theatre ceiling, the decor is extravagant in every way!

In the foyer, you’ll find a megaphone and other old equipment that might pique your interest. Strolling the foyer to take in the old photos that line the walls with interesting facts about the theatre, is definitely worth your time!

The cinema has made itself famous in the area by continually playing old classics to bring back memories for the old and intrigue the imaginations of the young! Although the cinema has started integrating new feature films into its line-up, it still holds true to its routes by playing old classics most of the time.

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Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Center | Luna Park | Heide Museum | Royal Botanic Gardens | Drinking History Tour

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Visit the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Center

• Why it’s awesome: The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Center is a museum that tells the stories of those who lived on the land and surrounding areas in the past.
• Cost: $10.66
• Food nearby: Mon Ami Paris Grill is a quaint French and Scandinavian restaurant. They serve very tasty food in a quaint, cozy atmosphere. At this restaurant, you can expect great service and even better prices! The food is well worth what you pay for it.

It’s always a good idea to learn as much as you can about the history of the destination that you’re traveling to. This is a great place to get to know the history behind the people who lived in the city of Melbourne, Australia!

The gallery portion of the museum holds art exhibitions 3-times a year for contemporary Koorie artists. There is also one permanent exhibition that was co-created with Aboriginal artists.

You could spend hours here, learning about the history and culture that’s derived from this area. And once you’ve paid the fee at the door, you’re more than welcome to do so!

The museum is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse culture that exists in Melbourne. The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Center is a must visit for anyone staying in the area while on their Melbourne trip!

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Take a Ride at The Luna Park

• Why it’s awesome: The Luna Park holds every bit of carnival flair that you could possibly imagine!
• Cost: Free entry, Rides cost extra
• Food nearby: Donavan’s is a great restaurant serving incredible Australian comfort food! The quality of the food is incredible and will keep you coming back for more. The fact that it’s right on the ocean is just an added extra. The views are absolutely spectacular! Although the food is a little pricey here, it’s worth every penny!

The Luna Park is a carnival type park that has plenty of attractions. If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the many roller coaster rides!

The Luna Park is home to one of the oldest roller coasters of its kind – the oldest continually operating wooden coaster! This wooden coaster propels its passengers along the entire outskirts of the park! It is the only roller coaster in the world to have an onboard brakeman to control it.

If you’re not too keen on the adventure rides, there are historical carousel rides too that make you feel like you’ve gone back in time! These old-timey rides have been around since the park’s opening, and are a great experience for those who have never visited an old park like this one.

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Stroll Through The Heide Museum of Modern Art

• Why it’s awesome: The Heide Museum was started in 1934, in the home of a couple who had a passion for art. It soon became one of Australia’s most important cultural institutions!
• Cost: $14.22
• Food nearby: The Heide Cafe is conveniently situated right opposite the entrance of the museum! They serve healthy meals all day with very friendly service. Expect your taste buds to be wowed with these incredible meals!

The museum started when a group of intellectuals, artists and writers started to gather in the home of John and Sunday Reed.

Their collection of contemporary artworks grew and grew until in 1958, they relaunched their home as a museum of contemporary art. It contains the artworks of those who started the museum, as well as artists who came onto the art scene a lot later.

When the farmhouse became too small for the collections of artworks it housed, the Reeds commissioned a new home to be built. They told the architect they wanted “a museum to be lived in!” Soon after, the government bought the museum. It’s now a public museum of contemporary art, with a truly beautiful history!

But the building is not all, the museum has a large garden that is home to many sculptures too. Don’t forget to explore the whole property, you’ll never believe the hidden gems you’ll find!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Walk Through the Royal Botanic Gardens

• Why it’s awesome: Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens are an ancient part of their history, dating back to 1846. In 1958, Queen Elizabeth added the “Royal” to the name, they clearly had her stamp of approval, so what are you waiting for?
• Food nearby: Coda is only a 14-minute drive from The Royal Botanical Gardens, serving Asian Fusion Cuisine with a Vietnamese twist! The food here is absolutely amazing if you’re into Asian food. Be sure to pop by when you’re in the area!

The Royal Botanical Gardens are a majestic sight to behold! With rolling fields of green grass that lead to ponds and fountains, there’s nothing better than taking a relaxing stroll through these gardens.

The flowers that are on show are a kaleidoscope of colors and there’s always something blossoming, no matter what time of year you decide to visit.

There are plenty of tours around the gardens if you decide to stay for a while longer, our favorite of which is the carnivorous plant tour. Australia is home to a whole host of murderous plants that are so fascinating to watch and learn about!

Expect to see plenty of birdlife, look up in the trees and into the ponds, it’ll be hard to miss them!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Drinking History Tour – Laneways Tour

• Why it’s awesome: The Melbourne Drinking History Tour is a unique way to learn the history of the Melbourne area!
• Cost: $60.47
• Food nearby: Just a 10-minute drive from where your tour starts and ends – Roscos serves incredible Steaks and pizzas! This might seem like a strange combination, but hey, that’s what they’re good at! The environment is very relaxing and you won’t be disappointed with the friendly service!

During this tour, you’ll get the chance to visit a few laneways. During the walk through the streets, you’ll be given a brief history of the area with some interesting facts thrown in!

Your tour guide will take you to some of the hidden gems in the area, where you can drink to your heart’s content before continuing with your history tour.

You’ll get the opportunity to stop in at 3-bars, some of which are the trendiest bars in the area!

The fact that you can drink on this tour makes it an especially unique experience. Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity. Experiencing Melbourne in a less-than-sober state is kind of how the locals do it and often the very best way to do it! Let’s hope you still remember all those historical facts the morning after!

United Backpackers

United Backpackers has been named the best hostel in Melbourne and even Australia multiple times! And it’s no secret why. They’ve snagged the best location in the heart of Melbourne, right opposite Flinders Street Station.

• Basement Bar

Old Melbourne Gaol | Screen Worlds | City Circle Tram | Crown Entertainment Complex | Sea Life Melbourne

If you’re planning on staying for more than a weekend in Melbourne, then you’re going to have to top up your itinerary with a few extras! Here are a few of our favorite activities that need to be added to your Melbourne travel itinerary.

Visit Old Melbourne Gaol

• The Old Melbourne Gaol was once home to some of the most dangerous criminals alive, a very large prison for the thieves and murderers of the 1800s.
• The Old Melbourne Gaol is now a museum. You can visit to see how the prisoners lived (and died) here. – Many hangings took place when the Gaol was a prison.
• Virtual tours of the building can be done on Google maps or directly from the website if you’re too busy to go in person. But, of course, the real thing is a much more invigorating experience!

The Melbourne Gaol is an exciting place to visit! Learning the history of infamous criminals of the past  never gets old. They also run special tours, with intriguing names like Hangman’s night tour , Ghosts? What ghosts!?, and A Night in the Watch House .

If you are bringing your kids along for the trip, they can partake in mock criminal trials and code-breaking hunts! This is an activity that simply has to be added to your Melbourne itinerary.

Explore Screen Worlds

• Screen Worlds is a museum that is dedicated to moving images and film.
• This exploration is absolutely free!
• Screen Worlds has a permanent collection of film, television, video games, virtual reality and digital art that will enthral and excite its visitors.

If you’re a digital art enthusiast, this is one you just can’t miss! If you’re not, this exhibition will still blow your mind, so be sure to check it out.

Screen Worlds has its very own game lab that’s free to play, all day! They offer a bunch of local and international games. However, if gaming isn’t for you, there’s plenty more that they have to offer.

Proximity Interactive was launched in 2016 and has since become a big hit! This is an interactive artwork that they describe as a collision between performance and technology.

There are so many more interesting artworks to explore, so be sure to look around before leaving Melbourne!

Hop on The City Circle Tram

• This activity is a free experience and free transport all wrapped into one.
• Although the tram may look like an antique, it was introduced in 1994, which is fairly modern as far as trams go, so it runs like a dream.
• The tram route passes many of the city’s main attractions so it’s perfect for a Melbourne itinerary! For this reason, it’s mainly frequented by tourists, although locals still use it when they’re looking for a free ride.

The tram route incompuses the entirety of the CBD area, and travels clockwise as well as anti-clockwise, this makes it a very convenient form of transportation. It’s also a great place to meet fellow travelers as the tram is mainly used by tourists!

The route contains 10 trams that circle the city between 9 and 12 times a day. This means that if you’ve missed your tram, another one is never too far away.

These gorgeous little burgundy and gold trams make you feel like you’re hopping into the early 1900s. Be sure to take the tram at least once during your stay in Melbourne. It’s such a beautiful way to enjoy the city!

Shop Til You Drop at The Crown Entertainment Complex

• We believe that you need to have at least one shop till you drop experience in every major city that you visit. The Crown Complex is the perfect place to make that happen!
• The Crown complex is home to live theatre, concerts, live music, bars and nightclubs, shops and a sports hub.
• The restaurant choices are endless, but we recommend the Sunday Seafood Buffet. The food is absolutely delicious, so we know you’ll be going back for seconds.

With all the live entertainment that the Crown Complex has to offer, it’s imperative that you take a look at the line up before heading into Melbourne! There just might be something that you absolutely have to see, so you’ll want to book in advance!

The shops are endless so you’ll have every opportunity to spend to your heart’s content! If you’re bringing your kids along for the trip, there’s plenty of entertainment for them too. A games room will leave them entertained for an entire evening, while you stroll the complex with your other half.

Visit Sea Life Melbourne

• For just $29.94 you could be walking through the famous Melbourne aquarium with a general pass. Although other attractions are a little more pricey – $213.13 will give you the experience of a lifetime – getting the opportunity to swim with sharks in the shark tank. That will be an experience impossible to forget!
• For $106.21 you could be getting up close and personal with some the seas coolest birds – the Gentoo and King Penguin. This is a truly unique experience, spending 45 minutes on ice with the penguins will make you feel apart of their tribe. Or is it flock?
• The adventurer’s cafe is a restaurant right in the heart of the Sea Life aquarium. Expect to find anything from wraps and burgers to cakes and muffins. And anything else that will satisfy the adventurer’s pallet!

Explore the many sections of the Sea Life aquarium. Find out what the true habitat of these mysterious creatures looks like and how exactly they interact with it!

At Sea Life aquarium you’ll find every sort of sea creature you could possibly imagine, including manta rays, fish of all colors, octopi and even a croc or two. Okay so crocs aren’t sea animals but they’re water creatures and deserve a place at the aquarium too!

While Melbourne is a safe city, there are always a few things you need to watch out for as a traveler.

• Driving in Melbourne is something that tourists seem to struggle with a lot! In fact, if you come from a country where driving on the right side of the road is the norm, we recommend taking a taxi.

Not only do Australians drive on the left side of the road, but they also have strange rules with regards to driving, like observing a rule called a hook turn, which is not common in other countries!

Melbourne also experiences a lot of traffic during peak hours, so it’s advised to choose your travel times wisely. Other than that, Australians stick to the rules of the road pretty fiercely, so they’re not dangerous if you’re concentrating on the road!

• The crime rate in Melbourne is very low, but as for their drug problem, that’s a different story! It’s gotten so bad that there have been boxes placed around the city for people to dispose of their syringes.

The drug problem has opened up doors to crimes like drug-dealing and prostitution, but other than that, the streets are pretty clean and crime-free! It’s advised that you stay away from dodgy areas like Bourke Street and Gray Street at night, especially if you’re walking alone.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Melbourne

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you’re only running on a short Melbourne visit then I’d stick with the progamme we set out above. However, if you’re planning on staying for more than 3 days in Melbourne, adding a few days trips to your itinerary will make your stay a full experience! These tours are guided by professionals, so you’ll often end up learning more than you would have had you ventured out to explore on your own.

Here are a few of the best tours in Melbourne:

Peninsula Hot Springs Tour from Melbourne

This relaxing and revitalizing experience is a must if you’ve been in explorer mode for a while! On holiday, we’re often so focused on seeing and trying everything that we forget to take a break and chill out every once in a while.

The tour will lead you to one of Australia’s best hot springs, thermal mineral pools and spas! After relaxing in these warm pools for a while, you’ll get the opportunity to try some of Australia’s finest wines. You’ll pair that with some incredible strawberries picked fresh from the fields!

When you’re fully satisfied, you’ll be taken on a tour of the gardens, this is a great photo opportunity.

Sovereign Hill & Ballarat Wildlife Park

Your first stop off on your day tour will be at the Ballarat Wildlife Park. Here you will get the opportunity to feed kangaroos and meet koalas. This is an amazing, up close and personal experience with these uniquely Australian creatures! You’ll even get to witness Tasmanian Devils being fed!

After your stop off at the Ballarat Wildlife Park, you’ll visit Sovereign Hill. This is an old mining town that will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time! Here you’ll get the opportunity to pan for gold, just like everyone was doing during the gold-rush in the 1800s! What’s more? If you find any, you’ll be able to keep it! But don’t get your hopes up, it’s not too likely.

You’ll then be taken on an underground mine tour to see how gold was mined back in the day.

Australia’s Great Ocean Road & Twelve Apostles Tour

This is one spectacular full-day trip! While most of it is driving, the views are nothing less than breathtaking and the photo opportunities are endless. Australia’s Great Ocean Road is a road that takes you along the most beautiful coast that Australia has to offer! The road hugs the cliffs and winds its way around the coastline.

During your trip, you will pass through multiple towns on your way to the Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles are incredible rock formations that stick out of the ocean. They’re one of Australia’s greatest photo attractions!

You’ll get the opportunity to stop for morning tea at Torquay and you’ll be stood to a complimentary lunch later in the day!

Grampians National Park Tour From Melbourne

On this spectacular National Park Tour, you’ll get the opportunity to explore the national park on a beautiful hike from the Wonderland Turntable to the Grand Canyon (the Australian one of course!)

You’ll then be guided down into the canyon to see MacKenzie Falls, this is one spectacular sight that you won’t want to miss! Along the way, you’ll visit Silverband falls too, which is well worth the hike. Keep an eye out for Kangaroos and bird life, because the wildlife is truly abundant!

During your hike, the guide will teach you about the wildlife and plant life that you see along the way. This is a great excursion for nature-lovers!

Penguins and Wildlife Tour on Phillip Island

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Melbourne by your guide for the day. They will drive you through many small towns, one of which you’ll make your stop off for tea. Once you’ve reached Westernport bay, you’ll stop at Maru Koala and Wildlife Park.

There you will get the chance to meet a variety of Australia’s favorite animals! Included in these will be Kangaroos, Koalas, Wallabies, Emus, Dingos, and Wombats!

When you’ve had your fill of animal love, you’ll head to Phillip Island to watch the penguin parade. There is a cornered off section of the beach where humans are allowed to stand, watching the penguins go about their daily lives. This can be a truly moving experience!

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It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Melbourne itinerary.

How do I plan my Melbourne itinerary?

Check out what’s on the activity menu today on Klook or Airbnb experiences . Once you found your favorite things to do, chekc out their location and align them in the most time-saving way. You don’t want to be rushing back and forth during your visit in Melbourne!

How many days is enough in Melbourne?

Having three days or more in Melbourne is the ideal amount to see quite a few epic attractions without feeling stressed or like you’re missing out. Of course, having more time than that is always recommended.

What is the best Melbourne itinerary for families wih kids?

Not having too much planned on your Melbourne itinerary is essential so that the kids have some down-time as well. As for the attractions, these are the ones that we’d recommend: – Take a Ride at The Luna Park – Walk Through the Royal Botanic Gardens – Visit the Queen Victoria Market

What should I definitely add to my Melbourne itinerary?

We absolutely love to visit the Queen Victoria Market. It is the perfect place to buy fresh, organic fruit and vegetables as well as free-range meats and dairy products. Over time it has even evolved into an all-inclusive market!

Melbourne is a truly beautiful city, with so much to offer. As the fastest growing city in Australia, it seems that young people are flocking to Melbourne just to get a taste. It offers the best of contemporary city life, as well as great encounters with nature.

Whether you’re a young traveler or an avid adventurer, Melbourne has plenty for you to explore. Due to the safety of this city, it’s a great place for solo travelers to make their next destination!

No matter what your travel style, we hope this itinerary covered all the activities you hope to take part in on your next trip to Melbourne, or gave you some pointers in the right direction!

Be sure to add Melbourne to your list of places to visit this year, to make sure you’re not missing out on the opportunity of a lifetime!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alexandria Zboyovski

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The Ultimate 7-Day Melbourne Itinerary 2023

Planning a trip to the land down under, but not sure where to start? We’ll do the heavy lifting for you. Here’s our 7D6N Melbourne itinerary that covers everything you need to do in this bustling city!

Often known as the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne sure does live up to its reputation. With hidden gems tucked away in iconic laneways, amazing coffee shops at literally every corner, and a thriving art scene that never fails to inspire us, this city is teeming with excitement and wonder, and we can’t wait for you to explore all that it has to offer. 

From cult-status cafes to nature’s marvels and other local gems, discover all that Melbourne has to offer in our comprehensive week-long travel guide! Read on for a glimpse of your next adventure 👇

💜 Stay Up To Date: –  YouTrip’s Guide To Finding Halal Food In Non-Muslim Countries –  YouTrip’s Japan Bucket List: Best Things To Do In Kyoto & Osaka 2023 –  #YTFam-Huddle: Our YTFam Ambassadors Party It Up YouTrip-Style!

Pre-Trip Essentials:

While there are physical SIM card options, enjoy greater convenience and flexibility when you opt for an eSIM card. Purchase a 14-day pass unlimited 4G option from Klook for $42.39 here . Don’t forget to use YouTrip perks to enjoy a 5% cashback on your purchase!

Getting Around

While there are plenty of taxis you can hail on the street, there are ridesharing options like Uber, Ola, and Shebah, an all-female rideshare service, which offer more convenience.  However, you should definitely make use of their trams and extensive train and bus networks as these tend to be more affordable and just as convenient. Purchase a Myki Card for fuss-free travel!

Day 1: Melbourne City Centre

As with most guides you’ll find online, you’ll be advised to start off your Melbourne adventure in the CBD — and with good reason! Here’s where all the magic happens and it’s where you can find some of the most iconic cafes and restaurants.

Manchester Press

Image Credits: Visit Melbourne

No trip to Melbourne is complete without a trip to Manchester Press, home of some of the most to-die-for bagels. Order the Bacon and Maple — a sweet-savoury dream machine that’ll leave you wanting more, we promise.

🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 3:30 PM

📍 Address: 8 Rankins Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

The Ultimate 7-Day Melbourne Itinerary 2023: Find out more here

Queen Victoria Market

Image credits: Eater

Then, make your way towards Queen Victoria Market just a short distance away to feast your eyes and stomach on more food and fresh produce.

🕒 Opening Hours: Tues, Thurs, Fri, 6 AM – 3 PM. Sat, 6 AM – 4 PM. Sun, 9 AM – 4 PM. Closed on Mondays and Wednesdays

📍 Address: Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Shotstop Coffee & Donuts

Image credits: Concrete Playground

Continue ambling along the laneways and discover hidden gems of all stripes. Don’t forget to stop by Shortstop Coffee & Donuts for their artisanal donuts and purchase a box or two, because you’ll likely want to try them all.

🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 5 PM

📍 Address: 12 Sutherland St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Hosier Lane & St. Paul’s Cathedral

Image credits: Nomad + Living

If you enjoy art, visit Hosier Lane for the iconic wall murals. Then, pay a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral just across the street to admire the Neo-Gothic architecture. Because the CBD falls within the Free Tram Zone, you can easily cover most of the attractions in the area. However, we reckon travelling by bike would be the best option — you get to look out for hidden gems and more importantly, work up an appetite!

Lucky Liu Kitchen & Bar

Image credits: TripAdvisor

Cap off your first night with a meal at the famed Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar, conveniently located a walking distance from Hosier Lane. Order their Soft Shell Crab Jianbing and Fried Chicken Ribs, but if you’re hungry, they have omakase-style set menus too. We’d recommend making a booking ahead of time to avoid disappointment!

🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 12 PM – 11 PM

📍 Address: 23 Oliver Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Day 2: South Melbourne

South melbourne market.

Image credits: Alto Cibum

Make a trip down south and explore one of Melbourne’s oldest suburbs. Start the day over at the iconic South Melbourne Market, where you’ll be able to enjoy an impressive variety of food and drink, from freshly baked French-style pastries to authentic Banh Mi, and even homely Turkish food. 

Grab your daily cuppa from the many roasters in the area, and explore the rest of the market. From fresh flowers to gorgeous boutiques, there’s plenty to see and do in this versatile market!

🕒 Opening Hours: Wed, 8 AM – 4 PM, Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM, Sat & Sun, 8 AM – 4 PM. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

📍 Address: 322-326 Coventry St., South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia

National Gallery Of Victoria

Image credits: Public Galleries Association Of Victoria

Then, make your way toward the National Gallery of Victoria. While we think the permanent collection of Australian, Indigenous, and international art pieces will keep you occupied for the most part of the day, you can also expect a wide variety of special exhibits too. However, entry fees may apply to these exhibits. Otherwise, entry into the museum is free!

🕒 Opening Hours: Open daily, 10 AM – 5 PM

📍 Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006, Australia

The Kettle Black

Image credits: Broadsheet

A midday snack is always in order when on holiday, so head over to The Kettle Black for their delicious selection of pastries, desserts, and their stellar coffee.

🕒 Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 7 AM – 4 PM, Sat & Sun, 8 AM – 4 PM

📍 Address: 50 Albert Rd, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Image credits: Visit Melbourne

Then, take a nice stroll towards the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria for some serious eye candy. Spend the rest of the afternoon walking through the 36-hectare garden and discover all sorts of plants and flowers that are native to Australia. Stay for the sunset, and catch a movie in the park with their Moonlight Cinema series. Remember to book early and bring a cosy blanket!

Naked For Satan

Image credits: Freewheel Weekends

If you’re staying in the city, make your way to Naked For Satan for a nightcap. We love its rooftop bar, delicious cocktails, and tapas-style snacks — the perfect end to a long day out! 

🕒 Opening Hours: Mon – Thurs, 12 PM – 12 AM, Fri & Sat, 12 PM – 2 AM, Sun, 12 PM – 4 PM

📍 Address: 285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Day 3 & 4: Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

Coming from Singapore, a trip out to Melbourne is already a huge change of pace. But if you’re really looking to immerse yourself in nature and disconnect from the real world just for a little while, we’d recommend spending a couple of days out in the famed wine region and its surroundings.

Image credits: ST.ALi

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the iconic ST. ALi to fuel up for your hour-long drive out. If you’re a fan of a savoury brekkie, their Koo Koo Ca Choo hits the spot. Otherwise, their decadent Banoffee Madelines are a must-order. Don’t forget to order yourself a cuppa or two — you’ll need it!

🕒 Opening Hours: Open daily, 7 AM – 5 PM

📍 Address: 12 – 18 Yarra Pl, South Melbourne VIC 3205, Australia

Embark On A Wine Tour In Yarra Valley

Image credits: Tourism Guide Australia

Once you arrive in Yarra Valley, take your pick from over 70 wineries. If you’re a self-professed wine connoisseur, go ahead and curate your very own cellar door experience. Otherwise, there are plenty of tours you can choose from on Klook for a fuss-free experience.

Warrartina Lavender Farm

Stay for the night in one of the many hotels and Airbnbs in the vicinity before making your way out to the Dandenong Ranges for a day of peace and tranquillity in nature. Stop by Warrartina Lavender Farm en route to the national park, and admire the stunning views as you savour a variety of lavender-themed sweet treats, drinks, and snacks.

🕒 Opening Hours: Wed – Sun, 9 AM – 5 PM

📍 Address: 105 Quayle Rd, Wandin North VIC 3139, Australia

Dandenong Ranges National Park

Once you arrive at Dandenong Ranges National Park, amble along the trails that give you breathtaking views of waterfalls and mountain ranges. Don’t forget to pack a small snack to fuel your adventure!

Day 5: St. Kilda & Prahran

Galleon cafe.

Image credits:  Klook

Grab a quick breakfast over at Galleon Cafe, a cosy, unpretentious coffee house located just three minutes from our highlight of the day, the historic Luna Park. Remember to eat light because of all the exhilarating rides you’ll be taking!

🕒 Opening Hours: Fri, 6 PM – 10 PM, Sat, 11 AM – 10 PM, Sun, 11 AM – 7 PM

📍 Address: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

Chapel Street Bazaar

Image credits: Chapel Street

Make your way over to the melting pot of cultures that is the suburbs of Prahran, located just a short tram ride from St. Kilda, where you’ll be greeted by a vibrant array of shops, bars, and cafes. Check out the Chapel Street Bazaar, and if you’re lucky, you’d be able to find some hidden gems while rifling through dozens of vintage clothing and furniture stalls.

🕒 Opening Hours: Mon – Sat, 10 AM – 6 PM, Sun, 12 PM – 5 PM

📍 Address: 217 Chapel St, Melbourne VIC 3181, Australia

Greville Street

Image credits: Chapel Street

Then, head over to Greville Street, a must-visit when you’re in Prahran. Once the epicentre of bohemian culture in Melbourne, Greville still retains its boho aesthetic, which has been a draw for many local independent retailers. Not to be missed along this charming street, include shops like Brick + Mortar Supply, Handworks Nouveau Papery, and the iconic Grenville Records.

Yoku Ono Ramen + Sake

Image credits: SBS

For a hearty dinner and a cheeky drink or two, head over to Yoku Ono Ramen + Sake. Prahran is known for its wide array of Asian cuisine, and this Japanese joint does not disappoint.

🕒 Opening Hours: Wed – Sun, 12 PM – 3 PM, 5.30 PM – 10 PM

📍 Address: 6A Anchor Pl, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia

Revolver Upstairs

Image Credits: Time Out

Finally, head over to Revolver Upstairs, a Melbourne establishment not to be missed, and prepare for an evening of fun at this highly respected and notorious party institution.

🕒 Opening Hours: Hours vary

📍 Address: Level 2/229 Chapel St, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia

Day 6: Bush Rangers Bay, Cape Schanck

If you plan to get out of the city once more but don’t intend on doing the whole Great Ocean Road trip, then Cape Schanck is a great alternative that isn’t too touristy.

Image Credits: Broadsheet

You know the drill — start your day at a cafe of choice. Today, we recommend Hardware Société for a hearty breakfast. Go for their baked eggs for a protein-packed meal or treat yourself to their fried brioche. Then, grab their coffee to-go and begin your journey down south.

🕒 Opening Hours: Open daily, 8 AM – 2:30 PM

📍 Address: 123 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Bushrangers Bay Walking Track

The journey will only take you slightly over an hour, so this leaves you plenty of time to explore all that Cape Schanck has to offer. Head for the Bushrangers Bay Walking Track, and enjoy the gorgeous coastal scenery — a sight for sore eyes. Then, make your way to the tidal rock pools hidden amid the hulking basaltic landscape and relax to the sound of crashing waves from a distance. Don’t forget to pack lots of water and some snacks — it can get very warm. 

After a long day by the Bay, you can start to make your way back to the city. But before that, remember to fuel up! There are plenty of eateries peppered along Cape Schanck and en route to Melbourne city with small bites to help tide you through till dinner.

Image Credits: The City Lane

For some reason, fast food always tastes best after a long day out. We recommend heading over to 8bit, a retro video game-themed burger and hot dog joint that serves up some of the most delicious fast food there is. Grab the 8bit dog, a side of chilli cheese fries, and wash it all down with a Nutella milkshake, then head back to enjoy that delightful food coma.

🕒 Opening Hours: Open daily, 11 AM – 11 PM

📍 Address: 8 Droop Street, Footscray, Melbourne VIC 3011, Australia

Day 7: Fitzroy

On your last day, it’s all about taking things slow. An eclectic suburb, the Fitzroy neighbourhood is the perfect place to visit if you love all things artsy.

If you happen to be around over the weekend, pay a visit to the Rose Street Artists’ Market where you’ll get to meet talented local artists and makers selling a wide array of artisanal products — the perfect place to get some unique souvenirs for your loved ones. 

🕒 Opening Hours: Sat & Sun, 10 AM – 4 PM

📍 Address: 60 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Lune Croissanterie

Image Credits: Nice Food And Healthy

No trip to Melbourne is complete without paying a visit to Lune Croissanterie, and thankfully, there’s an outlet just a couple of minutes away!

🕒 Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 7:30 AM – 3 PM, Sat & Sun, 8 AM – 3 PM

📍 Address: 119 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Lost & Found Market

Then, wander along the streets and check out the thrift shops in the area. We’d recommend visiting the weird and wonderful Lost & Found Market, a huuuuge warehouse full of vintage fashion, furniture, art, records, and all things quirky and kitschy.

🕒 Opening Hours: Open daily, 11 AM – 5 PM

📍 Address: 288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Cutler & Co

Image Credits: Cutler & Co

Once you’ve worked up an appetite with all that shopping, make your way down for your final dinner of the trip. This time, we’re going fancy, paying Cutler & Co, part of Andrew McConnell’s repertoire of establishments which includes the likes of Cumulus Inc. and Supernormal, a visit. Housed in a former metalworks factory, Cutler & Co is truly an establishment not to be missed — so book early!

🕒 Opening Hours: Wed – Sat, 5:30 PM – 11 PM, Sun, 12 PM – 11 PM

📍 Address: 55/57 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Gelato Messina

Image Credits: The Weekend Edition

As we know, dessert stomach is a thing. After dinner, make your way to Gelato Messina and take your pick from over 50 different flavours, with Hokey Pokey, Pear & Rhubarb, and Coconut & Lychee our top picks. Grab your cones, sit by the road, and watch the world go by, a fitting way to end your Melbourne trip!

🕒 Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs, 12 PM – 10:30 PM, Sat & Sun, 12 PM – 11 PM

📍 Address: 237 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

A Week of Adventure Awaits In The Land Down Under

As you can tell, there are simply too many things to experience in Melbourne. So we hope that this list can help take away the stress of planning out an itinerary. And no matter if you’re off thrift shopping or drinking your weight in coffee, don’t forget to use your YouTrip Card to enjoy those wholesale exchange rates !

As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with promo code < YTBLOG5 > to get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.  

And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad ? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜

Stay safe and happy travels!

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How to Spend 3 Days in Melbourne (The Perfect 2024 Itinerary)

• Last Updated: January 4, 2024

You’ll find that Melbourne is one of Australia’s most cosmopolitan cities! If you’re looking to plan a short trip, here’s a great 3 days in Melbourne itinerary!

Located on the Yarra River in the gorgeous southern state of Victoria, Melbourne is undoubtedly one of the best cities in Australia.

It wears many different hats, being the sports capital of the world, the arts and cultural capital of Australia and a mecca for foodies as well.

Certainly, Melbourne’s appeal lies in the fact that it has something to offer most travellers, no matter what their preference.

It’s a big, bustling place, surrounded by suburbs, each with its own distinct feel and flavour. So there is plenty of things to fill a 3 day Melbourne itinerary.

Plus, you’ll find you’re never too far from nature, even when you’re in the middle of Melbourne CBD (Central Business District).

And day trips from Melbourne can lead you to grand adventures to the famous 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road and other amazing places along the Yarra River. Enjoy our 3 days in Melbourne itinerary!

Table of Contents

Check out Flinders St Station and Federation Square

Have a poke around the laneways and markets, tour the mcg, visit the national gallery of victoria, check out the shrine of remembrance and the royal botanic gardens, grab dinner at chinatown, collingwood, take a street art tour, check out the abbotsford convent, visit the collingwood children’s farm, grab a craft beer, go shopping on brunswick street, have a meal at naked for satan, visit st kilda pier, stroll around luna park, wander down chapel street, have a drink by the beach, pose in front of the iconic beach boxes at brighton beach, madame brussels, fall from grace, a few day trip ideas, getting around melbourne for 3 days in melbourne, 3 days in melbourne itinerary.

If it is your first time visiting the city, you’ll find it is entirely possible to experience Melbourne in 3 days, although 5 days is ideal so you have more time for day trips.

Here’s an itinerary for 3 days in Melbourne that will help you see as much of the entire city as possible in a short time.

READ MORE – Check out our awesome guide to the best  free things to do in Melbourne !

Day One – Exploring the CBD

You’ll spend Day 1 of your 3 day Melbourne itinerary hanging out in the Melbourne CBD, where many of the best-known sights and attractions are located.

Kick-off your time in Melbourne by getting yourself acquainted with Flinders Street Station.

It’s the central transport hub of the city and a good place to base yourself on your first day, if you get lost or need to meet someone in the city (locals tend to meet under the clocks that line the entrance).

The building itself is one of the oldest in the city and the prettiest, too. Most interesting is the presence of a decaying ballroom  on the third floor that is only open to visitors on specific dates (such as Open House Melbourne and even then, not every year the event is held).

Federation Square is across the road from Flinders Street Station and houses some lively bars and eating areas, outdoor entertainment screens from which the sports are usually projected and ACMI – the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.

ACMI holds regularly exhibitions based in art, culture and film, so be sure to check out their website  before arriving, to see if anything piques your interest!

Also near Federation Square is the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum, both located in Carlton Gardens. Both are classic city centre landmarks that have interesting showcases of art, history, and culture. If you have the time, check these out as well.

READ MORE: Here’s our brand new guide to help you  travel to Australia !

Melbourne’s laneways are world famous, mostly due to the urban art and graffiti that is splattered across their surfaces.

The best-known laneways for art in the city centre are Hosier Lane (which is directly opposite Fed Square), Tattersalls Lane, Union Lane and AC/DC Lane, which is named after the Australian rock band, something that becomes evident when you see it for yourself. Hosier Lane is definitely worth not passing up.

Other Melbourne laneways that are great for food include Degraves Street, Centre Place or Hardware Lane.

It’s well worth wandering around and seeing what you unearth. I ducked into a random, quiet laneway once to find a photography exhibition had been plastered on its walls, a very pleasing moment indeed.

You never know what’s going to turn up when you visit Melbourne!

Near Hosier Lane is Queen Victoria Market, one of the best food markets in the city centre. Stop by Queen Victoria Market for some fresh donuts, coffees, or other snacks to fuel you up for sightseeing.

South Melbourne Market on Coventry Street is another great option for food and shopping.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our post on the best day trips from Melbourne !

If you’re sporting mad, you shouldn’t miss an opportunity to check out the Melbourne Cricket Ground, also known as “The MCG” or simply, “The G” (the shorter, the better in Australia).

If sport is a religion, then the MCG is Melbourne’s cathedral. It’s the largest sports stadium in Australia and the tenth-largest in the world.

As the name would suggest, cricket is played on the grounds, but in the wintertime, it becomes the home grounds of Aussie Rules, the main league of which is called the AFL.

It’s well worth catching a game if you visit Melbourne City during the footy season, which runs from late March ‘til October.

If not, you can still tour the grounds and learn a bit about Australia’s sporting history.

Another highlight of the city centre is the National Gallery of Victoria, one of the loveliest art galleries in the country.

It regularly features acclaimed international exhibitions, housing works by Escher, Van Gogh, Calver and Dior in recent times.

Entry to the permanent collection is free and most exhibitions are fairly reasonably priced.

It’s well worth spending a couple of hours wandering around this Melbourne museum. But make sure to get there early or visit on a weekday to avoid excessive crowds.

From the NGV, you can walk across St Kilda Road to have a look at the Shrine of Remembrance and the beautiful Botanic Gardens.

The Shrine pays homage to Australia’s fallen soldiers and is free to enter. You should climb to the top of this Melbourne landmark, where you’ll be rewarded of views of the city skyline.

The Botanic Gardens are a short walk away from there. Entry is free, but you will have to pay if you want to do any tours or go punting on the garden’s lake.

I thoroughly recommend the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, where you’ll find a traditional smoking ceremony, drink lemon myrtle tea and learn about the plants which are an integral part of Australia’s Indigenous culture.

You’ll find no better views of the city of Melbourne than the nearby Eureka Skydeck at Eureka Tower. Here there is an open air viewing platform with the highest views in the Southern Hemisphere!

All this walking and sightseeing will make you ravenous, so head back into the city center to stroll around Chinatown on Bourke Street.

Melbourne’s Chinatown dates back to the 1850s, where the gold rush era brought an influx of Chinese migrants, keen on making their fortunes in Australia.

Many stuck around and Chinatown around Bourke Street is now one of the busiest parts of the city, with plenty of places to eat.

Nearby, the Bourke Street Mall is a hub of shopping activity and definitely not to be missed on your Melbourne itinerary if you’re looking for a gift or two.

Day Two – Getting Out Into the ‘Burbs

On Day 2 of your 3 day Melbourne itinerary it’s time to leave the city centre and start exploring the suburbs around the city!

You’ll want to start your day with a hearty breakfast because this is an activity that could eat up several of your days in the city and you’re going to knock it out in one day.

But if you’re tight on time, you’ll be better served to stick to one or two day trips from Melbourne, close to the CBD.

In this instance, we’re going to visit Collingwood and Fitzroy, two of the better-known suburbs of Melbourne City.

Wherever you are in the city, be sure to treat yourself to a nice brunch in Melbourne . There are so many cool places to try, just keep your eyes peeled!

We’ll start with Collingwood, a suburb popular among young professionals. You’ll find it is colourful, hip and almost painfully trendy.

Collingwood and nearby Fitzroy are full to the brim with urban art.

You can wander around, taking your own self-tour or alternatively, take an organised tour of the area.

An organised tour can be helpful in many instances, as you’ll hear the backstories of much of the art and the artists behind them (the art can sometimes seem as though it needs explaining).

The Convent spreads over 16 acres and is Australia’s largest multi-arts precinct. It’s home to studios, galleries, a school, a radio station, parks, restaurants and cafes.

Most notable is Lentil As Anything, a vegetarian cafe and social enterprise where you pay what you believe the food is worth or whatever you can afford.

Nearby is the Collingwood Children’s Farm, which you don’t have to be a littlee to enjoy.

It’s one of Melbourne’s urban farms, with a heap of sheep, cows, horses and chickens onsite, amongst other animals.

You’ll find that Melbourne, Australia has an excellent craft beer scene, worth sampling.

In Collingwood, head to The Stomping Ground, an independent brewery in the area and try their wares.

If you’re not a fan of beer (guilty as charged, here), they have a good and tasty selection of ciders on hand, too.

Next on your 3 day Melbourne itinerary, head on to nearby Fitzroy for a lazy afternoon and evening spent browsing local stores and eating.

There’s some great shopping to be had in Fitzroy, particularly on Brunswick Street, the main street of the suburb.

Pretty much everything is on offer – boutique clothing and gift stores, stationary, homewares and plenty of thrift store (or op-shops as we call them in Australia).

This is not a great activity if you’re on a budget, unless you enjoy window shopping, in which case – go for your life!

When visiting Melbourne you’re going to want to visit Naked for Satan for fine dining with a view.

Make sure you’re hungry as you’ll find this tapas restaurant has a rooftop area, where you can sit either indoors or outside, to take your time watching the sun go down over the city.

I’d recommend booking a table in advance to avoid disappointment.

If you’re wondering where else to stay in Melbourne, there are quite a few other suburbs that are worth exploring as options.

Day Three – Take a Trip to the Seaside and Paint the Town Red

It’s your last day in Melbourne! On Day 3 you’ll be heading south, to check out the suburbs of St Kilda and nearby Brighton, before heading back into the city to sample its renowned nightlife.

St Kilda is a great place to visit on your 3 days in Melbourne itinerary and is easily accessible from the city via several trams (the 3, 16, 64 and 67 will all get you there).

There are a few sights worth seeing in this part of the city.

Walk along the jetty to check out the historic pier, where you can grab a coffee and watch locals fish or walk their dogs.

Luna Park opened in 1912 and is the oldest continuously running theme park in the country. Sydney has one too, but it has been closed down a couple of times – once due to a fire on the ghost train but mostly due to people who move nearby and then complain about the noise. Huh.

Its most famous ride is the Scenic Railway, a rollercoaster that runs around the park’s perimeter.

Don’t forget to snap a picture under the giant face that serves as the entrance to the park, which definitely won’t induce nightmares for you later on that night. Hrmm.

Chapel Street is one of the main hubs in St. Kilda where you can find shops, cafes, boutiques, galleries, and eateries. Check out the art, cuisine, and architecture here before continuing your exploration of the area!

Melbourne’s beaches are somewhat lacking, but it is nice to chill out in one of the bars or restaurants that line St Kilda Beach, with a tipple and a bowl of chips, if you feel so inclined.

You might have seen some pictures of brightly coloured beach boxes floating around the Internet and wondered where in Melbourne you can find them

They’re located in an affluent suburb east of the city, called Brighton.

You can get there by catching the Sandringham line train from Balaclava Station to Brighton Beach.

There are 82 Brighton Beach boxes lining the shore and they’re considered a status symbol. Ownership is open to locals only and they’re not cheap, costing upwards of $300,000 AUD.

They rarely come up for sale as well, with most being passed down through families.

You’ll need more days in your Melbourne itinerary if you want to spend some time around Melbourne, especially on a day trip along the Great Ocean Road.

Head Back to the City for a Night of Fun

From Brighton, you can catch the train back into the city (which should take around half an hour) and head into town.

Melbourne has a pulsating night scene, with many cool bars littered across this vibrant city. Some are themed, others are hidden, most are great fun to drink in.

If you want you can even join an awesome guided small bar tour of Melbourne to find some of the best and up-and-coming spots in the city.

Here are a few worth considering.

A themed bar in the city where you can choose to sit in ritzy, upmarket “West Berlin”, or grungier “East Berlin”.

• Address: 2/16 Corrs Lane, Melbourne

A high end bar that sits on the 55th floor of the Rialto building with some grand views of the city. Perfect for watching Crown Casino’s hourly light show.

• Address:  525 Collins Street, Melbourne

Another upmarket but swanky bar, where drinks are organised by era, from 1650 to today.

• Address:  169 Exhibition Street, Melbourne

Feels a bit like you’re drinking and dining at a fancy garden party, plus there’s a nice rooftop area.

• Address:  59 Bourke Street

Hidden bar, located in State of Grace – you have to navigate a sliding bookcase door to enter. The inside is delightfully kitschy and the staff some of the nicest in the city.

• Address:  27 King Street, Melbourne

You can collapse into bed at any hour which suits you, because Melbourne has no lockout laws, UNLIKE SYDNEY.

So, there you have it – the best 3 day Melbourne itinerary. It can be done, although I’d thoroughly recommend giving yourself at least five days to explore this lovely Australian city and surrounds properly.

If you can muster up a 7 day Melbourne itinerary then you’ll want to consider a few of these ideas. Even with only 4 or 5 days, you’ll find your Melbourne itinerary is enhanced greatly with a day trip or two.

You definitely want to check out the Twelve Apostles along the famous Great Ocean Road . Make your way along the Great Ocean Road and stop briefly at Great Otway National Park Stop before arriving at the 12 Apostles. Then stop at the Loch Ard Gorge near Port Campbell on your way back to Melbourne.

You can also book a guided tour along the Great Ocean Road that picks you up and drops you off in the city. This saves you the hassle of renting a car yourself.

In the other direction, head out to Philip Island for the penguin parade, one of the best places to see penguins around the world. It’s hard not to want to get up close and personal with these cute creatures!

Another great day trip is the Yarra Valley, known for its high quality food and wine. Tour vineyards and ride in a hot air balloon through the Yarra Valley if you have time for a day trip.

If you’re arriving by plane to Tullamarine airport, you’ll want to catch the Skybus into the city, unless you’re hiring a car. Rideshare apps like Uber and Ola also service the airport.

There is no train from the airport to the city, which is crazy, but that’s just how things are at this point in time. The train can be used for traveling to other nearby destinations, however. Southern Cross Station is the main train hub in the city.

Melbourne’s transport system can be accessed by using a Myki card. They cost $6 AUD and can be bought from the airport, most news agencies and at train stations. You can’t top up a myki card on the buses or trams.

The city has an area known as the Free Tram Zone ( see a map of the area here ). You don’t have to touch your Myki card on or off when travelling in this part of the city.

It’s always best to pay attention to the announcements on the free tram as they will let you know when you’re entering and leaving the Free Tram Zone.

The City Circle Tram is also worth jumping on, if you’ve got the time. These older looking trams are designed for tourists and will give you a better understanding of where everything is located in the city. You’ll find the City Circle Tram is a great way to get around the city.

Download the PTV (Public Transport Victoria) app to keep across timetables and the inevitable delays.

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This itinerary is beautifully written. While reading it, I felt like I was already exploring Melbourne.

Awesome guide. As a local these are top tips!

Thanks so much. Glad you liked the article. 🙂

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Melbourne Itinerary: 3 Days in Melbourne, Australia

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Planning a Melbourne Itinerary is both exciting and challenging – but we have made it easy for you! We have created a perfect 3-Day Melbourne Itinerary that features the best sights. Plus, we venture beyond the city with an amazing Australian Day Trip. Our detailed trip plan includes absolutely everything you need to know for spending 3 Days in Melbourne!

Best Melbourne Itinerary

Our itinerary for Melbourne, Australia is packed with top sightseeing and additional adventures. Ideal for first-time visitors, our Melbourne 3-Day Itinerary contains must-see sights, hidden gems and alternate ideas. Travelers visiting Australia solo, as a family, couple or with a group of friends will all find our Melbourne trip planner useful.

3 Days in Melbourne Trip Plan

In our 3 Day Melbourne Itinerary, we offer a succinct travel plan. Not only do we highlight the prime places to visit in the Melbourne CBD (Central Business District), we include tour recommendations, where to stay and how to get there.

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While we cover the best activities for a Melbourne 3-Day Itinerary, we understand that some travelers are planning shorter or longer trips to Australia. Therefore, we also share our recommendations for various Melbourne itineraries. Whether you have just one day in Melbourne or are planning a 7-Day Melbourne Itinerary, we’ve got you covered!

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Day 1: Top Places to Visit in Melbourne CBD

On the first day of your Melbourne in 3 Days Itinerary, explore the sights in the heart of the city, the Melbs CBD.

Melbourne City Exploration

Begin your Melbourne City Tour Itinerary with our Free Self-Guided Walking Tour – and route yourself to the city’s top sights. It includes all the details as well as step-by-step directions. We are sharing some important highlights that you won’t want to miss here, as well.

Start your day with a cup of coffee at the buzzing Queen Victoria Market . After perusing the goods for sale, stroll through the city to historic Melbourne sights on our walking tour. Arrive in Chinatown by lunchtime so that you can feast on a meal of famous Melbourne dumplings.

Continue on your walking tour of Melbourne, navigating your way to the Eureka Tower. Soar to the 88th floor observation deck ( buy your ticket in advance ) and take in the spectacular Melbourne views. Adrenaline junkies will want to upgrade their ticket to experience “The Edge”. It’s where you basically hang off the side of the building in a glass cube!

Then, continue your Melbourne walk along the Yarra River to the Docklands. The revived area features heaps of food, drink and entertainment opportunities as well as pleasant views across the harbor to the impressive Bolte Bridge.

To complete your Melbourne city tour, hop on Free Tram #35 (one of our favorite Free Tours in Melbourne ) at the Docklands and ride back to downtown. Not only is a great way to get around, there’s commentary to help you better understand what you’re seeing! 

In the evening, discover the intriguing Laneways of Melbourne. Dine alfresco along the pedestrian zone on Hardware Lane (locals love Campari House and Max on Hardware). Then delve into the Melbourne nightlife scene hidden deep in the laneways. Use our article about Melbourne Laneways to get our suggestions for where to eat and drink!

Day 2: Melbourne to 12 Apostles Tour

On Day 2 of your Melbourne tour itinerary, leave the city behind. Discover the dramatic coastline along the Great Ocean Road (GOR) to the iconic rock formations, the 12 Apostles.

Day Trip to the 12 Apostles

Find specific details about what to see and how to choose the right 12 Apostles Tour in our article – Great Ocean Road Day Tour . There’s heaps of tour options, so we can help you make the most of your day trip from Melbourne!

The GOR is a 150-mile-long coastline road that stretches from Torquay to Allansford. The world-famous road features some of the most stunning scenery in Australia. The Great Ocean Road was built after World War I and is dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives during the conflict.

The biggest Great Ocean Road attraction along the route is the 12 Apostles rock formations. The weather-worn, limestone rocks that stand offshore are simply magnificent. Other places of interest along the Great Ocean Road are cute coastal villages, sandy beaches, parks and memorials.

More Melbourne Day Trips

While the GOR is our top pick for a Melbourne day trip, it is a very long excursion and may not appeal to all travelers. Visitors looking for other day trip options from Melbourne have many choices, too!

Yarra Valley Wine Tasting

Located just 30 miles from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a well-known wine producing region of Australia, excelling at chardonnay and pinot noir wines. Visitors can join half-or full-day tours of the vineyards and top Australian wineries. Popular tours include tastings at wine estates, gourmet lunches, additional sightseeing and regional offers unique to Victoria. Find out more !

Phillip Island Penguins

Phillip Island – just a two-hour trip from Melbourne – is a wildlife refuge and the best place to see Fairy Penguins! This is an ideal day trip from Melbourne for people of all ages. Most Phillip Island tours include roundtrip transport, wildlife viewing (including koalas and fur seals) and a good position along the Penguin Parade route. This when the little penguins make their evening walk from the water to their burrows. Get more details!

Day 3: Melbourne Neighborhoods and Culture Tour

On the last day of your trip, immerse yourself in the culture of the city by exploring historic neighborhoods and visiting Melbourne’s best museums.

Melbourne Coffee Culture

The Melbourne coffee scene is legendary! While opinions vary on who makes the best coffee in Melbourne, Brother Baba Budan, Patricia Coffee Brewers and Dukes Coffee Roasters are all raved about by local coffee aficionados.

Museums in Melbourne

After you are properly fueled for the day, spend the morning in one of the top Melbourne museums. The city boasts a wide range of art galleries, interactive exhibition halls and historic Australian institutions. We’ll leave it up to you to choose how many or how much time you want to spend at these sights. 

One of our favorite museums in Melbourne is the National Gallery of Victoria, which offers free entry into the main collection. The nearby Shrine of Remembrance and Royal Botanic Gardens (which is an ideal spot for a picnic lunch) are beautiful destinations that can easily be added to your Melbourne city itinerary.

Other entertaining museums and attractions include SEA Life and ScienceWorks – both of which are great things to do in Melbourne when traveling kids. The State Library of Victoria, Melbourne Museum and the Melbourne Gaol are all excellent places to learn more about the history of the city. Sports fans will want to head for the Melbourne Cricket Ground for a stadium tour and to visit the adjoining National Sports Museum.

Melbourne Neighborhood Discovery

In the afternoon, venture beyond the Melbourne CBD to one of the surrounding neighborhoods. Among our favorite Melbourne neighbors are Fitzroy, Collingwood and St. Kilda. The Fitzroy district was developed in the 1830s as a working-class neighborhood and is just a quick tram ride or short walk from downtown Melbourne. 

Visitors can tour the historic area, which is highlighted by Victoria-era architecture, classic pubs and excellent examples of the thriving Melbourne street art scene. If this is your jam, neighboring Collingwood offers heaps more of the same vibe. Explore on your own or join an intriguing Street Art Tour .

St. Kilda is a seaside bohemian enclave of boutique shops, hipster cafes and stylish restaurants. Many of these are clustered along the Esplanade and Fitzroy Street. Other top reasons to visit the district is the famed Luna Amusement Park, the beautiful residential architecture and the St. Kilda Beach and pier. 

Well-connected to the CBD by trams (#12 or #16), St. Kilda is easy to access with Melbourne public transport. Alternately, visitors can take a tram to Port Melbourne then walk along the stunning 2.75mi coastline path to the St. Kilda Pier.

Best Melbourne Pubs & Bars

End your Melbourne 3 Days Tour by hoisting a local beverage from an ideal perch. Ponyfish Island is one of our favorite Melbourne Bars due to its unique location on the Yarra River. Other solid options along the water are the Arbory Bar, General Assembly and Riverland.

The best Melbourne rooftop bars – like Naked For Statan (Fitzroy), Madame Brussels, Rooftop Bar & Cinema, Goldilocks or The Rooftop at QT (CBD) and Johnny’s Green Room (Carlton) – are fun spots, too. Cheers to Melbourne!

How Many Days in Melbourne, Australia?

We think our 3-Day Melbourne Itinerary is just long enough to see the top sights. However, there are so many more things to see and do in Melbs!

Our suggested itinerary provides key tips on how to plan a trip to Melbourne. We believe it is the perfect place to start your visit to Australia. That said, if you are spending more (or less) time in the city, we are sharing our advice for creating an itinerary to Melbourne that works best for you!

Melbourne in a Day

Planning what to do in Melbourne for a day is tough – there are just so many options! To create a Melbourne 1-Day Itinerary, visitors will need to pick and choose which sights and attractions interest them most.

For us, an ideal One Day in Melbourne itinerary would feature the sightseeing outlined in Day 1 of our 3-Day Melbourne Itinerary. If time allowed in the evening, we would venture into the Fitzroy neighborhood, as well.

Alternatively, let a tour guide plan your complete Melbourne One-Day Itinerary for a hassle-free trip to the city. This highly-rated coach tour features the best sights of Melbourne. Book it now!

2-Day Itinerary

Creating a 2-Day Melbourne Itinerary is a little bit easier. Still, you will need to make the difficult decision between going on a day trip or staying in the city for further exploration.

We think there are so many fantastic things to see that we would spend both days of our 2 Days in Melbourne Itinerary in the CBD. Basically, we would follow Days 1 and 3 of our above itinerary for Melbourne.

Alternate Melbourne Itinerary 3 Days

We believe our 3-Day Melbourne Suggested Itinerary outlined above is the best way to spend a few days in the city. However, visitors not interested in taking a tour on such a short trip should forego the day trip to the 12 Apostles. Instead, spend a third day sightseeing more of the CBD or another Melbourne neighborhood that are reachable by tram.

4 Days in Melbourne Itinerary

Travelers planning a Melbourne 4-Day Itinerary will have no problem filling up their days! To create our ideal 4 Days Melbourne Itinerary, we would follow our outlined 3 day plan above. Then, on the fourth day, we would spend the entire day in St. Kilda discovering the seaside neighborhood, enjoying time on the beach and walking to Port Melbourne.

Melbourne Itinerary 5 Days

With 5 days there is ample time to see the city and explore more of the region. On our perfect 5 days Melbourne Itinerary, we would use our plan for 4 Days – then take an additional day trip. We would choose going to the Yarra Wine Valley . In the evening, hop on a Yarra River Cruise to see Melbourne sights at night!

6 Days in Melbourne

Planning a 6-Day Melbourne Itinerary allows for visitors to see more sights as well as learn about the history. Use our above Melbourne 5-Day Itinerary to start planning your trip. On the last day of either go to Williamstown – an old port town – or Brighton Beach to see the colorful bathing boxes.

Melbourne in 7 Days

Visitors spending 1 week in Melbourne will still find there is plenty to do. We recommend following our tips for our Melbourne 6 Days Itinerary, then attend a local festival or event (like an exciting AFL Footy Match)! Alternatively, the last day could be spent simply wandering your favorite neighborhood, shopping at vintage shops and sipping coffee at a popular Melbourne café.

Melbourne Itinerary 10 Days

Spending 10 days allows sufficient time to really get acquainted with the city, surrounding neighborhoods and state of Victoria. For a fun and adventurous Melbourne 10 Days Itinerary, we recommend following the basic outline of our 7 Days Trip and use the additional 3 days on a guided tour of Grampians National Park. Get more details!

For more advice, read our ultimate guide to the Best Things To Do in Melbourne, Australia .

Where To Stay in Melbourne, Australia

The best neighborhood to stay in Melbourne is the CBD – especially on a short trip. That said, we have also stayed in Collingwood and along the coast in Seaford. We loved experiencing the unique vibes of those Melbourne neighborhoods, as well.

There are a range of accommodations in and around the Melbourne CBD. We recommend starting your search for the perfect place to stay on Booking.com . There, you can search for the exact location, preferred amenities and read fellow traveler reviews.

Some of the top-rated hotels are the Quay West Suites , The Como MGallery by Sofitel and the centrally located Rendezvous Hotel .

We have also found that staying in Airbnb Apartments is often a better value than hotel rooms. This may be especially true for couples or groups traveling together.

How To Get to Melbourne, Australia

Most travelers will arrive by plane at the Melbourne International Airport (MEL). To find the best prices on airline tickets , we use SkyScanner . Here we can compare prices, flight times and even set up alerts to score the best fares. To get to the city center from Melbourne airport, visitors can take the SkyBus, a shared shuttle bus or book private transfer .

Once in the city, visitors can use the network of trains, trams and buses that make up the Melbourne public transportation network. Find out more about the system and tickets on the official PTV Website . Rideshares apps, like Uber , are also available in Melbourne.

What To Pack For Your Melbourne Trip

Ready to travel to Melbourne? Great! We have a few final travel tips and packing hacks for your trip Down Under!

Durable Travel Shoes

Our Melbourne Itinerary does include a lot of walking, so make certain you bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for your vacation. I like to wear lightweight shoes – like these by Columbia – or in summer Reef Flip Flops . Kris is most comfortable in Merrell trail shoes.

Melbourne Weather Appropriate Attire

Melbourne has a temperate subtropical oceanic (and notoriously fickle!) climate. Meaning summers are hot and winters are mild and sometimes rainy (but it rarely gets below freezing). During the spring and summer, there is a high chance of storms and erratic changes in temperature.

Regardless of the time of year of your trip to Melbourne, you will likely want to pack clothing that can be layered. In the summer months, don’t forget sunscreen and a wide-brimmed travel hat – and a packable raincoat or travel umbrella is a good idea, too.

Travel Camera 

We think Melbourne is an incredibly photogenic city! Rather than relying on your phone, we recommend upgrading to a DSLR Camera that will take high quality pictures. We always carry a Canon Rebel with a 18-135mm lens – and love it! It is perfect for beginner photographers and an ideal budget camera because it comes bundled with heaps of accessories.

WiFi, Day Pack and Melbourne Map

It’s a much more enjoyable visit when you know where you are going! To stay connected when we travel , we use a GlocalMe Mobile WiFi Hot Spot . It can connect up to 10 devices at one time, which is perfect for families, friends or groups traveling together. You can access data either by using a SIM card or purchasing an eSIM online. As a bonus, it doubles as a power bank, which is perfect for late afternoon boosts when out exploring!

Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you will also want a great day bag for keeping all of your essential everyday travel items organized!

While Wi-Fi is great for online maps, checking restaurant reviews and sharing pictures on social media, we also like to carry a paper map. We recommend buying an actual map – like this one – in advance of your trip to Melbourne. Of course, a guidebook for Australia can also be helpful!

Australia Travel Insurance

Trip insurance may be useful in the case of delayed flights or lost luggage , and it can also be handy when travelers get sick or injured abroad. Consider the rates and coverage at World Nomads to insure your trip to Australia.

Start planning your trip to Australia ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides page !

Visiting More of Australia? Good on ya! Be sure to check our complete guides to Sydney , including Bondi and Manly Coastal Walks as well as a day trip to the Blue Mountains .

Get started planning your vacation to Brisbane , Perth , Cairns (including the Great Barrier Reef ) and the stunning shores of the Gold Coast . Cheers!

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Melbourne is a cosmopolitan, trendy city with an exceptional blend of culture, nature, arts, sports, and cuisine.

Melbourne, the capital of the State of Victoria and the second largest city on the continent, is home to great architecture from the Victorian era, green parks, some of the world’s most beautiful and well-known botanical gardens, a thriving food scene, outstanding museums, and great shopping. And let’s not forget the beautiful nature sites in and around the city, including the Yarra River which flows through it.

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The city is named after the Duke of Melbourne II, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from the beginning of the reign of Queen Victoria. It has also been awarded several titles - and rightly so!

It is known as “the Cultural Capital of Australia ” thanks to its many museums, galleries, theatres, street art, vibrant music scene, and the University of Melbourne which is one of the country’s leading educational institutions. Among its most famous cultural institutions are the National Gallery of Victoria , the Melbourne Museum , and the Arts Centre Melbourne which is the venue for live performances as well as exhibitions of local and international artists.

As the hosts of several major sports events each year and the home of renowned sports-lovers, Melbourne earned the title: “Sports Capital of Australia.” These events include the Australian Open Tennis Tournament, the Melbourne Grand Prix, and the prestigious Melbourne Cup - a thoroughbred horse race held annually in November. In addition, there are excellent sports arenas in the city, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground (the MCG) which is among the largest stadiums in the world. Trivia lovers – don’t forget that Melbourne hosted the 1956 Olympic Games!

Melbourne is also the birthplace of the unique sport, “Australian rules football,” which is a cross between rugby and soccer. Known by the Australians as “footy,” or by its official name "Aussie rules," it is still a favored sport of Melbourne residents, while rugby dominates in other parts of Australia.

Melbourne was designed based on the concept of the "Australian dream" - a private house with a garden for every family. As a result, its residential suburbs are spread over large areas with an excellent urban transportation system connecting them. In the city center, the historic trams –which pass near most of the city’s attractions - are free for tourists.

As you stroll along the streets in Melbourne, you’ll discover charming Victorian architecture alongside the city’s many modern buildings and skyscrapers. Highlights of the city include: the historic, magnificent Flinders Street railway station, St. Paul's Cathedral , Federation (Fed) Square – a venue for events and culture, the Old Melbourne Gaol – a former jail which is now a fascinating museum, China Town, the distinguished Parliament House, and the national memorial – the Anzac Shrine of Remembrance . Don’t miss the Eureka Tower whose Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck, offers breathtaking views of the city.

A visit to Melbourne wouldn’t be complete without taking in its stunning natural landscape, from parks to gardens. The Royal Botanic Gardens , the Melbourne Zoo , and the Melbourne Aquarium are recommended destinations.

And as for food in a city that has absorbed immigrants from all over the world, the cuisine is diverse and outstanding, a paradise of ethnic foods from around the world - all accompanied by Victoria’s excellent wines. At the end of February and beginning of March, the Food and Wine Festival takes place in Melbourne, a perfect time to get to know its culinary richness in depth. The Queen Victoria Market , the South Melbourne Market, and the Prahran Market are some of the city’s most famous food markets.

Shopping is another favorite pastime for many Melbourne locals, and there are many shopping options to choose from, from large malls to small boutiques. Chapel Street, Collins Street, and Bourke Street Mall are among the most well-known spots.

And a word about the weather…Melbourne is known for its unstable climate, validating one more of the city’s nicknames: "the city of four seasons in one day!”

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