Melbourne 5 Day Itinerary
Melbourne 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cultural Melbourne
- Morning: Start at Federation Square, a vibrant public space surrounded by museums, galleries, and events. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and explore its diverse art collections.
- Lunch: Head to nearby Hardware Lane for a meal at one of the many cafes or restaurants. Try the famous Melbourne laneway food scene at places like Manchester Press or Hardware Lane Cafe.
- Afternoon: Take a stroll along the Yarra River and visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Explore the interactive exhibitions showcasing Australian film, TV, and video games.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of Melbourne’s iconic restaurants, such as Attica or Brae. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Accommodation: Stay at the Travelodge Melbourne Southbank or similar, with easy access to the city.
Day 2: Melbourne’s Hidden Gems
- Morning: Explore the famous Queen Victoria Market (open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday). Browse the stalls selling fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
- Lunch: Visit the nearby Melbourne Star Observation Wheel for panoramic views of the city. Enjoy a snack or meal at one of the many food outlets in the area.
- Afternoon: Wander through the picturesque Royal Botanic Gardens, featuring over 8,500 different species of plants.
- Evening: Head to the trendy suburb of Fitzroy and enjoy dinner at one of its many restaurants, such as The Builders Arms Hotel or Lune Croissanterie. Don’t miss the street art scene in this area!
- Tips: Download the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel app for a more immersive experience.
Day 3: Coastal Melbourne
- Morning: Take a day trip to St Kilda Beach, one of Melbourne’s most popular beaches (approximately 30 minutes by tram). Visit the iconic Luna Park amusement park and enjoy the scenic views.
- Lunch: Grab some fish and chips at one of the many beachside eateries or cafes. Try the famous Acland Street Cake Shop for a sweet treat.
- Afternoon: Visit the St Kilda Pier and take a stroll along the waterfront. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.
- Evening: Return to Melbourne’s CBD and enjoy dinner at one of its many Asian restaurants, such as Supernormal or Longrain.
- Transportation: Take tram 12 or 96 from the city to St Kilda Beach.
Day 4: Sports and Entertainment
- Morning: Visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for a guided tour. Learn about the history of Australian sports and explore the iconic stadium.
- Lunch: Head to the nearby Bridge Road, Richmond, for a meal at one of its many restaurants or cafes. Try the popular Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Bo Ga Mekong.
- Afternoon: Catch a game or event at the Melbourne & Olympic Parks precinct, which hosts various sports and concerts throughout the year.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the Southbank area, such as The Wharf Hotel or Meatworks Co. Don’t miss the nightly fireworks display (seasonal) along the Yarra River.
- Tips: Book MCG tours and event tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Day 5: Wine Country
- Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby Yarra Valley wine region (approximately 1 hour by car). Visit wineries like Domaine Chandon or Oakridge Wines for a wine tasting experience.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at one of the many winery restaurants, such as the Oakridge Wines Restaurant or The Stables at Stones of the Yarra Valley.
- Afternoon: Explore the picturesque Dandenong Ranges and visit the famous Puffing Billy Railway (optional).
- Evening: Return to Melbourne’s CBD and enjoy a farewell dinner at one of its many fine dining restaurants, such as Brae or Lune Croissanterie.
- Transportation: Book a guided wine tour or drive yourself to the Yarra Valley. Ensure you have a designated driver if you plan to consume alcohol.
General Tips and Information
- Getting Around: Melbourne has an efficient public transportation system, including trams, buses, and trains. Purchase a Myki card for convenient travel.
- Weather: Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers and waterproof gear to ensure you’re prepared for any conditions.
- Tipping Culture: Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for exceptional service.
- Safety: Melbourne is generally a safe city, but take usual precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Enjoy your time in Melbourne!