Melbourne Itinerary: The Complete Guide For 2-7 Days in Melbourne

Melbourne is hands down one of the greatest cities to visit in Australia, besides Sydney, of course.

With its historic architecture, flourishing arts district, vast markets and delicious coffee (yes, they do it so well here!), you’ll have lots of sights to see while visiting.

Welcome to this complete Melbourne itinerary, no matter if you are spending just 2 days in Melbourne or have a whole week to enjoy the city.

Looking for a place to stay in Melbourne? Read my extensive article on the best areas for where to stay in Melbourne.

Here are a few things that you should try to squeeze in while you’re on your Melbourne trip.

Melbourne Itinerary Day 1: Explore The Melbourne CBD & Laneways

If you are only going to stay in Melbourne for a few days, then you will want to start out strong and explore the CBD (Central Business District) as the first stop on your Melbourne itinerary.

In Melbourne, the CBD packs a ton of things into a small area, which is all easy to walk, just pack comfortable shoes!

Grab a delicious coffee and start your morning at Federation Square, where you can check out some amazing architecture and get a grasp of the skyline.

Time Out Café Fed Square serves coffee and breakfast, but it is also a great place for lunch if you come back later in the day.

Many Melbourne laneway walking tours start at Federation Square, if you opt for a guided tour, I recommend you have a look here.

If you rather explore by bus, the Melbourne Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus also departs from here. Book ahead to jump right on the bus without delay.

If you want to explore on your own, continue reading.

Take a short walk across the road and get a close look at the Flinders Street Railway Station and the incredible detail that was put into the building design with beautiful archways and the tall clock tower.

Make your way through the various laneways of Melbourne, such as:

• Degraves Street, one of the most recognized laneways in Melbourne, busy with coffee shops and business people at lunch time
• Flinders Lane, a gourmand’s laneway featuring some of Melbourne’s best restaurants
• Bank Place, which is intersected by a few smaller laneways
• Centre Place, with lots of hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and of course, great coffee
• Hosier Lane, to see some of the most creative and colorful street art murals
• ACDC Lane, which was re-named after the band who filmed the video to their song “It’s a Long Way to the Top” right nearby
• Block Arcade, a historic laneway doubling as an arcade, filled with shops and boutiques that offer some of the finest items to shop in the city. Order a scone and a coffee at the Hopetoun Tea Rooms.

Hunt for the best coffee, grab a bite to eat and watch the crowds go by. Wandering the laneways of Melbourne never gets boring and there is always something to see.

And if you are going to plan a trip to Melbourne, you will also want to mosey on over to the State Library of Victoria. As Australia's oldest public library and one of the first free libraries in the world, it’s truly a library like no other, even if you are not a bookworm.

Head over to the Old Melbourne Gaol, which is a museum set in an old prison and see what the prisoners saw when they were kept there. Book your entrance ticket and get it instantly send to your phone.

For a bit of Chinese culture in the evening, explore Chinatown by foot, check out the Chinese Museum and eat at one of the many restaurants. Otherwise, there are plenty of restaurants choices nearby on Bourke Street and Flinders Lane and its smaller side alleys.

If you plan a trip to Melbourne, you can't miss out on seeing the Melbourne Star Ferris Wheel, which is prettiest at night. This 194-foot tall wheel that has seven spokes that represent the seven-points on the star on the Australian flag and is a beautiful creation to see or take a ride on.

Book your 30-minute flight on the wheel online, so you won’t miss out.

Or, if you want a drink to finish the night off, you can walk to one of the many bars in the CDB and have a nightcap before heading back to your hotel for the night. There are many cool rooftop bars, like:

• Naked for Satan
• The Rooftop at the QT Hotel
• Loop Rooftop Bar

Melbourne Itinerary Day 2: Hang Out In Southbank

As day two rolls around, you will want to add Southbank to your Melbourne itinerary and start out by seeing the Princes Bridge that overlooks the Yarra River for the chance to see an amazing city view.

Stroll along the Southbank Promenade, stop to grab a fresh morning coffee along the way and then head over to the Eureka Skytower. Are you ready to conquer your fears by going up to the Skydeck overlooking the city?

The floors up here are made of glass, so if you look down, you can see the city right under you. This can be a scary experience, but with the safety of guests guaranteed, you have no need to fear for your safety. Just stop and enjoy the view!

Book your Eureka Skydeck Entry Tickets here.

Once you are back on the ground, take a calming walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens and see the lovely greenery and flowers as you stroll through the gardens.

Once you have had your fill of nature, visit the National Gallery of Victoria and see the amazing pieces of artwork that are kept inside. With statues, paintings, and multi-colored glass ceilings, you can stay in this museum for hours.

Finish off day 2 in Melbourne at the unique Ponyfish Island where you can grab a burger and a beer while floating under the Pedestrian Bridge. This island is surrounded by water and can only be accessed from the staircase connected to the bridge above. Have a bite and sip cocktails at the restaurant while you take in the sunset as it sets over Melbourne city.

Melbourne Itinerary Day 3: Browse The Queen Victoria Markets

For your Melbourne itinerary, 3 days may seem like so little to take in all the city has to offer.

However, with 3 days in Melbourne, you will definitely want to check out the Queen Victoria Markets to begin the day. This marketplace is absolutely huge and it will likely take you a full day to see it all. So, take your time and see, taste and smell everything.

With many places to shop, eat, and drink, you can also buy some souvenirs and then find a deli to snack on a fresh sandwich and coffee. This buzzing market is a great place to get brunch, so spend some extra time shopping and eat a late breakfast at any of the tasty spots there.

If you are a real foodie, you will want to join a foodie tour, this 2-hour tour is a great introduction to all the market has on offer before you go browse it yourself.

If you have some time after the markets, visit the nearby Flagstaff Gardens.

After a full day of shopping and eating, you will want to check out the nightlife in Fitzroy and Collingwood to party and dance off your indulgence from earlier at one of the many bars and clubs in the district.

With places like Bar Liberty that serves specialty cocktails and has an extensive wine list, or Naked For Satan – named after a man named Satan who often got naked to survive the heat from his illegal distillery – which has a rooftop terrace and a full balcony that wraps all the way around the building, you have your pick of the best options in Melbourne.

Melbourne Itinerary Day 4: Go Seaside To St Kilda

As day four in Melbourne comes around, you will have plenty of things to do on your Melbourne travel itinerary at St Kilda, a popular seaside suburb only a 20-minute tram ride from the Melbourne CBD.

This area offers you the chance to choose between multiple restaurants and bars and has a beautiful beach and pier to explore.

Grab breakfast at one of the many cafes, most of them can be found of Fitzroy Street. Try Fitzrovia or Staple Providore & Café.

If you fancy, head over to Luna Park for a few hours of rides and attractions. This historical amusement park opened in 1912 and has rides, games, and shows to see while in the park. Tickets are best bought on the spot at the park.

After you've ridden all the rides you want, head to the most famous beach in Melbourne and layout in the sun to soak up some rays, if weather permits.

St Kilda Beach also has a fantastic pier that you can walk along. Take a stroll on it and you might get to see some Fairy Penguins waddling along the rocks nearby.

If you happen to be in St Kilda on a Sunday, walk over to check out the Esplanade Market, which offers local artisan’s goods, crafts, jewellery and more. On the first Sunday of every month, they even have a full vegan market for you to try out some new plant-based options.

On your Melbourne itinerary, 2 days should offer you the chance to get your adrenaline pumping. With the Eureka Skytower already done on day 2, how about testing your courage by skydiving over St Kilda Beach? You will get to fly over the beach and get a high view of the sand, sea, and beachgoers on your way down.

Or, if you'd rather have a leisurely day of rest and relaxation, you can visit Brighton Beach instead and enter the 96 famous bathing boxes.

These were originally made for beachgoers, who were not allowed to be naked or walk the beach in a swimsuit alone so that they could bathe in the water in a private hut and watch the ocean.

Each one if colorfully painted and unique, so choose whatever is your favorite and lay in the water to relax.

Melbourne Itinerary Day 5: Wander Chapel and Bourke Street

With your Melbourne itinerary 4 days in, you can use the fifth day to check out some amazing shopping centers to ensure that you have plenty of items to remind you of Melbourne once you are back home.

Prahan

Start the day with shopping in the neighborhood of Prahan on Chapel Street.

With many different boutiques housing fashion items from clothes, shoes, and accessories, you can find some great styles to wear for the rest of your trip and beyond.

Bourke Street Mall

In your Melbourne itinerary, 5 days can allow you to see a lot! And instead of heading to Prahan, you could also choose to head over to the Bourke Street Mall. With Bourke Street being one of the main streets in Melbourne’s CBD, you will truly find whatever you are looking for.

Plus, stop for lunch at Ca Da Vin and get some pizza with a glass of wine chosen from over 50 options.

Melbourne Emporium

If you would like to have lots of high-end shopping options, then add Melbourne Emporium to your Melbourne city tour itinerary. With upscale stores like Coach, Chanel and Hugo Boss, you can find contemporary looks and items to fit your style.

There are also many restaurants to stop off at when you need some refueling. Try places like Gyoza Gyoza and Unabara Lobster & Oyster Bar, which features Japanese dumplings, lobster and oyster dishes with pay-per-plate dining for a unique flavor and dining experience.

Melbourne Central

With many shopping centers in the city, you could also choose to check out Melbourne Central that offers cheaper buys and great food options all in one place.

With shops like Ally Fashion, Cotton On, and Just Jeans, you can find inexpensive clothes and accessories before trying Lord of the Fries, which boasts of creating the perfect fry without the use of chemicals or frozen potatoes. Yup, it’s 100% vegan!

DFO South Wharf

None of these options are for you? Then go to the DFO South Wharf outlets to get name brand items for up to 70% off their original price.
With stores like Adidas and Coach offering cheap prices for their items, you can get some high-end products for less. Then, with all the money you saved, you can treat yourself to an Oktoberfest feast at Munich Brau Haus with German-inspired dishes and, of course, lots of beer.

Vintage Shopping In Melbourne

Or, if you would like to go the vintage route, you can instead choose to shop at the Chadstone Fashion Mall or Brunswick and Smith streets in Fitzroy for thrift store finds and retro options.

With stores that offer antique books, records, and leather jackets, you’re sure to find unique buys everywhere you go.

Melbourne Itinerary Day 6: Visit Zoos and Aquariums In Melbourne

Looking for even more things to do in Melbourne? Then fill your 6 days in Melbourne itinerary with some activities to get take a break from the shops and restaurants.

With options like the Melbourne Zoo or the Werribee Open Range Zoo, you can walk around the area and wonder at the beautiful Australian and non-native wildlife.

The Melbourne Zoo has animals from all over the world to see, and Werribee Open Range is more specialized in African animals that aim to give a safari feel to visitors, complete with a safari tram ride through the zoo.  

Book your ticket to Werribee Open Range Zoo here.

Or, if you would rather see the sea creatures than the land mammals, you can make your way to the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium and check out the underwater adventure that features penguins exhibits, jellyfish tanks, and a mermaid garden with dozens of mermaid statues along the coral reefs.

Plus, if you are in Melbourne in the summer, the outdoor zoos can be quite hot, but this attraction is indoors and will keep you nice and cool.

Skip the queue and book your ticket to Sea Life Melbourne here.

River Cruise

There is also the option of taking a Yarra River Cruise around Melbourne and getting to see all of the city while out on the water. As a great way to see the city in a different light, you can relax and do all the sightseeing you want without having to walk around.

Book your Yarra River Cruise here.

Some of the boats run longer for 4-hours and include a full lunch or dinner meal and drinks, so you don't have to worry about finding somewhere to eat.

Check out this unique cruise with 4-course menu and cocktails.

Cricket Ground Tour

You could also take the Melbourne Cricket Ground Tour and see the famous stadium where cricket legends earn their titles and hear the history of the arena from volunteers leading the tour.

This tour of the MCG will also take you behind the scenes of the stadium so you can areas where you usually wouldn’t be able to go. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, this is still an interesting choice as an activity option for what to do in Melbourne.

Melbourne Itinerary Day 7: Day Trip From Melbourne

Your Melbourne Itinerary, 7 days in, is coming to a close. So, spend your last day in Melbourne exploring one of the top 5 day-trips from the city.

Great Ocean Road – 12 Apostles

Head to the famous Great Ocean Road and see the 12 Apostles, which are a famous landmark made of limestone stacks that visitors love to come and see up close.

With a dramatic coastline, lovely little towns along the way and wonderful beaches with crashing waves, the road to get to these limestone stacks is equally spectacular. Yes, you can take a short walk down to the beach to see them all up close.

If you only have one day to explore the Great Ocean Road, you are best to book a day tour that takes you on a small bus and does all the driving for you.

Book your Great Ocean Road tour here. 

If you have more time than just one day, consider this 3-day tour, which is the perfect amount of time to see the Great Ocean Road and all that it has to offer.

If you have less time and a few more dollars to spend, you can skip the drive and go on a 5-hour private helicopter tour which will take you all the way from Melbourne to soaring above the 12 Apostles and back again to the city.

Book your scenic helicopter tour here.

Read also: Melbourne To Adelaide Road Trip: The Best 4-Day Great Ocean Road Itinerary

Phillip Island

Phillip Island is roughly 2 hours by car from the city and a popular day trip from Melbourne to see penguins in their habitats during what has been dubbed the Penguin Parade at the Phillip Island Nature Parks.

Here, you can see the penguins swimming to shore and marching to their home in the sand dunes. The main area for viewing even has seating in tiered sections so you won’t miss one adorable penguin waddling home for the night.

Book your Philip Island tour here.

Yarra Valley Wine Tasting Tours

The Yarra Valley is home to a number of different vineyards that creates wines that are sold all over the world. This is the perfect spot for a wine tasting, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The best way is to take a tour of multiple wineries by bus, or check out a few of them on your own, if you have a little more time and potentially can stay in the region overnight.

Either way, you can spend the whole day sipping from different varieties and specially crafted options made just for the tour. Plus, once you find your favorite, you can take a bottle home with you.

Book your Yarra Valley small group tour here.

Peninsula Hot Springs

Why not spend your last day in Melbourne recovering and tending to those sore muscles by heading to the Mornington Peninsula Hot Springs. These hot springs are Victoria’s first geothermal mineral waters just 90-minutes from the city.

The Peninsula Hot Springs offers over 50 different bathing options to choose from and with choices like mineral pools, saunas, and hydrotherapy, there are plenty of great places to kickback.

The most famous of all the pools is the one that sits on the hilltop and overlooks the farming land of Fingal. This pool offers a 360-degree view that you just can’t beat.

The best way to get here is again with a day tour, like this one.

The Grampians National Park

For those visitors who would rather keep the adventure going than take the day to relax at the hot springs, you should add the Grampians National Park to your itinerary.

This park is a reserve in Victoria that houses many different animals and indigenous plants that you can hike around to see. You can find flora and fauna that grows naturally in the area and hike up the sandstone mountains for the best view possible.

The trails in this national park lead to amazing locations that you can choose to hike to.

The first is the MacKenzie falls, which is a large waterfall that features a big observation area to watch the gushing water flow into the body below. Although you can’t swim in these waters, the hike is worth the trip with the view of this natural wonder.

The other option is the trail that leads to The Balconies, which is a string of metal-framed balconies that look out over the Victoria Valley.

Springtime is one of the best times to be in Melbourne, and with the views of the flowers and wildlife of this area, it is easy to see why. With gloomy mornings and warm days during this time of year, you can take this hike anytime during the day and get an eyeful.

Want a guided tour? It’s easy, because you won’t have to hire a car! Book your Grampians National Park day trip here.

Seeing all of Melbourne can hardly be done in a day or two, but if you choose to spend seven days in this great city, you will be able to see the best that it has to offer.

From the CBD to the Great Ocean Road with its stunning 12 Apostles to the Peninsula Hot Springs, you can pack your Melbourne itinerary with fun and exciting activities that will make your stay just incredible.

Are you planning a trip to Melbourne?

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