6 Days in Melbourne: First-Timer Plan
Six days finishes the full city core in four days, then adds two Victoria day trips instead of one, so you leave with a real feel for both Melbourne and its surrounds. This is still a city-first trip; for a version built entirely around Victoria’s day trips, see the Melbourne, Australia 6-day itinerary . Sort your ETA (about AUD $20) or free eVisitor beforehand, and note there’s no train from Melbourne Airport, only the SkyBus (about AUD $25.90) or a taxi.
Day 1: CBD and the laneways
Federation Square, the Ian Potter Centre (NGV Australia, free), ACMI (free), then Hosier Lane, Degraves Street, and the Block and Royal Arcades. Free trams all day inside the Free Tram Zone.
Day 2: MCG and Queen Victoria Market
MCG tour (about AUD $38) in the morning, Queen Victoria Market, running since 1878, in the afternoon.
Day 3: Fitzroy, Carlton and the arts precinct
NGV International on St Kilda Road and the Royal Botanic Gardens (free) in the morning, Fitzroy in the afternoon, Lygon Street in Carlton for dinner.
Day 4: St Kilda, Brunswick and Richmond
St Kilda Beach, Luna Park, and the little penguins on the breakwater at dusk (free, book ahead). Brunswick’s Sydney Road or Richmond’s Victoria Street for the evening.
Day 5: Yarra Valley day trip
About 1 hour 15 minutes from the city, this is a genuine day trip: wine tastings plus Healesville Sanctuary’s wildlife. Book a tour if you’re not driving.
Day 6: Dandenong Ranges day trip
The Dandenongs are about an hour out and reachable by Metro train to Belgrave, no car needed. Ride the heritage Puffing Billy steam train through the ranges, a few hours round trip, and grab lunch in one of the hill towns before heading back.
Concrete tip: book the Puffing Billy ticket online in advance during school holidays, when it sells out by mid-morning.
For a seventh day and a third day trip, see the 7-day itinerary or the full Melbourne guide .
Before you fly: confirm your ETA or eVisitor, and keep your Myki topped up for every day trip that starts with a Metro train.