7 Days in Melbourne: First-Timer Plan
Seven days gives the full city core four solid days, then samples three different sides of Victoria’s day-trip radius rather than repeating the same kind of trip. This stays a city-first itinerary; the Melbourne, Australia 7-day itinerary covers the same length built entirely around the day trips instead. Sort your ETA (about AUD $20) or free eVisitor before flying, and remember 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, all inside the Free Tram Zone.
Day 2: MCG and Queen Victoria Market
MCG tour (about AUD $38) and the Australian Sports Museum 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 at dusk on the breakwater (free, book ahead). Brunswick’s Sydney Road or Richmond’s Victoria Street to close the day.
Day 5: Yarra Valley day trip
About 1 hour 15 minutes out: wine tastings and Healesville Sanctuary’s wildlife, a genuine day trip whether you drive or book a tour.
Day 6: Dandenong Ranges day trip
Reachable by Metro train to Belgrave, about an hour out, for the heritage Puffing Billy steam train through the ranges.
Day 7: Mornington Peninsula day trip
About 1 to 1.5 hours south, the Mornington Peninsula offers the Peninsula Hot Springs and coastal wineries. Note the Brighton bathing boxes you may have already seen are in Melbourne’s own bayside, not out here on the peninsula.
Concrete tip: book the Peninsula Hot Springs session ahead, since walk-up slots fill fast on weekends.
For the full city guide with everything this trip touches on, see the Melbourne guide .
Before you fly: confirm your ETA or eVisitor, and keep your Myki charged for every day trip that starts on public transport.