5 Days in Melbourne and Victoria
Five days covers the city core in two, then runs three different day trips back to back: coast, wine, and wildlife. Sort your ETA (about AUD $20) or free eVisitor before flying, and there’s no train from Melbourne Airport, only the SkyBus (about AUD $25.90) or a taxi.
Day 1: Federation Square and the laneways
Federation Square, the Ian Potter Centre (NGV Australia, free), ACMI (free), Hosier Lane, Degraves Street, the Block and Royal Arcades. Free trams inside the Free Tram Zone.
Day 2: MCG, Queen Victoria Market and St Kilda
MCG tour (about AUD $38), Queen Victoria Market (since 1878), then St Kilda for Luna Park and the little penguins at dusk on the breakwater (free, book ahead).
Day 3: Great Ocean Road, honestly
About 3-4 hours one way to the Twelve Apostles, a genuine 12-hour-plus round trip as a single day. Book a tour or drive yourself, stop for koalas at Kennett River, and give real time to Loch Ard Gorge before heading back.
Day 4: Yarra Valley day trip
About 1 hour 15 minutes out: wine tastings and, if time allows, Healesville Sanctuary’s wildlife.
Day 5: Phillip Island day trip
About 1.5-2 hours south for the Penguin Parade, which happens at dusk, meaning a genuinely late return to Melbourne. Go by car or guided tour, since public buses don’t reach the parade grounds directly. Tickets run about AUD $33 and should be booked ahead, since they sell out.
Concrete tip: since Phillip Island means a late return, don’t schedule an early departure or a big city day for day 6, build in a slow morning instead.
For two more day trips added to this same base, the 6-day and 7-day itineraries add the Dandenongs and the Mornington Peninsula. The full Melbourne, Australia guide covers the whole radius, and the Melbourne 5-day itinerary covers an all-city version instead.
Before you fly: confirm your ETA or eVisitor, and keep your Myki topped up for every day beyond day one.