Planning an exciting and action-packed vacation to Melbourne might be a challenge, but we've made it easier for you. We've planned the perfect three-day vacation to Melbourne, including visits to some stunning outlying areas and the city's most famous landmarks.
This plan was made with a 3-day stay in Melbourne in mind, but it can easily be adapted to accommodate a longer (or short) trip.
While in Melbourne, Australia, we plan to see several landmarks and intriguing attractions. Our three-day Melbourne itinerary is packed with must-see sights, local favourites, and unique experiences, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
Whether you're travelling to Melbourne on your own, with a buddy or two, a family, or a huge group of coworkers, we have a trip planner that will help you organise the best possible vacation.
Our 3-Day Itinerary for Melbourne is a simplified travel programme for the city. We've selected some of the best places to see in Melbourne's CBD, and included links to further information, tour suggestions, and practical considerations like accommodation choices and transit alternatives.
What To Expect.
- Explore the maze of laneways that make up Melbourne.
- Get your food from the coolest cafes and eateries.
- Discover the Mornington Peninsula's quaint seaside towns and vineyards.
Fast Facts.
- Time: 3 days
- Transport: car
- Distance: 76 kilometres (47 miles)
FAQs About Melbourne
Three days in Melbourne Itinerary. If it is your first time visiting the city, you'll find it possible to experience Melbourne in three days, although five days is ideal. Here's an itinerary to work with to see as much of the city in as little time as possible.
It would help if you planned to spend around AU$219 ($159) per day on your vacation in Melbourne, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travellers have spent on average, AU$37 ($27) on meals for one day and AU$24 ($17) on local transportation.
While the city is generally safe, there are a few areas where things are more dangerous, particularly at night. Places like Bourke Street, Flinders Street Station, and Gray Street all have a reputation for having people of all sorts, from people who are simply homeless to drug dealers and prostitutes.
The average daily cost of meals in Melbourne is AU$37. Meal costs in Melbourne might vary. It is estimated that supper for two at a nice restaurant in Melbourne will cost roughly AU$15, based on the spending habits of past tourists. Generally, breakfast costs less than lunch and supper.
From December to May, you may take a tram or a short drive out of the city to reach some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, where you can relax on the sand and dine al fresco. The Australian Tennis Open, held in January, is a popular tourist destination and a great day in Melbourne.
Before Visiting Melbourne, There Are Several Important Things To Know.
- You'll want to travel through Tullamarine International Airport to reach Melbourne. Spend 45 AUD ($32 USD) for an Uber ride that takes around 30 minutes, or take the 18 AUD ($13 USD) shared Skybus airport bus to Spencer Street Station in the CBD (Central Business District).
- This country uses the Australian dollar as its official currency. Most shops take credit cards, and the currency rate is around $1 USD to 1.4 AUD. The payWave feature on credit cards is very popular and easy to use across Australia.
- You may get about Melbourne by using a tram, an Uber, or a train. Nonetheless, Melbourne has done away with paper tickets, so you'll need to get a Myki card, a stored value card comparable to London's Oyster or Hong Kong's Octopus card. A Myki may be purchased at any 7-Eleven store, a Myki machine (found exclusively at limited locations), or a premium rail station.
- One of the best things about Melbourne is the free trams that run through the CBD. Stops outside of the "Free Tram Zone" are not marked. Just touch your Myki card on the tram's reader as you leave the free zone. If you're on the train, touch on and tap off at each stop.
- Keep in touch by picking up a local SIM card before you go. At the airport, we purchase an Optus prepaid SIM card for twenty Australian dollars, which gives us access to twelve gigabytes of online storage space.
- In Melbourne, almost every event ticket may be purchased at a discounted rate.
- Melbourne's weather, even in the heart of summer, can be unpredictable. Melbourne is best experienced during the Australian summer (December–February), while visits during the cooler months are also highly recommended. Plan your trip to Melbourne during the months of March, October, April or November, or April to escape the throngs of tourists and the higher accommodation costs seen at other times of the year.
- Precipitation and wind gusts are common in Melbourne because of the city's lower average temperature compared to other Australian cities. Even if you're travelling during the summer, don't forget to bring along some warm clothing.
Melbourne Itinerary For 3 Days
For first-time visitors, three days in Melbourne is sufficient, but five days will allow them to fully see the city.
If you want to visit as much of the city as possible in a short amount of time, here is a suggested plan.
Day One – Exploring The Cbd
On your first day in Melbourne, you should plan to see the Central Business District, where you will find many of the city's most well-known attractions.
Visit Federation Square And Flinders St Station.
Check out Flinders Street Station first when you arrive in Melbourne.
Whether you're unfamiliar with the area or have an important meeting to attend to, the area beneath the clocks at the entrance to the station is a good place to set up camp for the day.
The building is not only quite ancient for the city but also very beautiful. The most fascinating part of the building is a collapsing ballroom on the third floor, but you can only see it during special events like Open House Melbourne, as well as not every year.
Federation Square even provides a good view of Flinders Street Station. The area has a variety of lively pubs and restaurants, in addition to outdoor entertainment screens where sporting events are frequently aired and ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image).
ACMI often organises exhibits concentrating on art, culture, and cinema, so before you go, check their website to see if there are any that pique your interest.
Take A Walk Down The Laneways
Melbourne's laneways have become well-known across the globe as a result of the urban art and graffiti that has been sprayed on their walls.
Hosier Lane (immediately outside Fed Square), Union Lane, Tattersalls Lane, and AC/DC Lane (named after an Australian rock band) are among the most well-known laneways in Melbourne for their art scene. It would be a mistake to overlook Hosier Lane.
Degraves Street, Centre Place, and Hardware Lane are great options for dining. It's a good idea to just go exploring and see what you find. Once, as we was looking for a quiet place to hide, We discovered to my great delight that a photographic exhibition had been tacked up on the walls of a hidden alley.
If you find yourself in Melbourne on a market day, you should definitely check out Queen Victoria Market.
Visit The MCG
If you're a sports lover travelling to Australia, you just must see the Melbourne Cricket Grounds, sometimes known as "The MCG" or "The G."
If cricket were a religion and Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was a church, it would be the place of worship for the city's population. It's the biggest sporting facility in Australia and the ninth largest in the world.
The summer months are reserved for cricket, as the name suggests, while the winter months welcome the AFL, the premier league of Aussie Rules football.
See a game if you can if you are in Melbourne around late March and October. Without a ticket, you may still take a tour of the grounds and learn about Australian sporting history.
Explore The Victoria National Gallery
If you're looking for something to do other than watch sports, the National Gallery of Victoria is one of the best options in the country.
The likes of Escher, Calver, Van Gogh, and Dior have all been included in recent years at its world-famous exhibits.
A visit to the museum's permanent collection is always free, and most temporary exhibits cost less than $30.
There are few more gratifying ways to spend a few hours in Melbourne than at this museum. If you want to escape the crowds, however, it's best to visit during the week or very early in the morning.
Visit The Royal Botanic Gardens And The Shrine Of Remembrance.
The Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance are only across St. Kilda Road from the NGV, and both are worth a visit.
The Shrine is a free and respectful place to honour Australia's war dead. Climbing to the top, where you can take in the cityscape, is a good idea.
You may easily reach the Botanic Gardens by foot. Even though admission to the garden is free, excursions and punting on the lake will cost extra.
If you want to learn more about the significance of plants in Indigenous Australian culture, we highly suggest the Aboriginal Heritage Tour, where you can participate in a traditional smoking ceremony, sip some lemon myrtle tea, and get a better understanding of the region's indigenous peoples.
Nearby, at Eureka Tower's Skydeck, are the best views of Melbourne. This is the southern hemisphere's tallest open-air observation deck!
Take A Chinatown Dinner
Once your feet have had enough exercise from sight-seeing, make your way back to the city's core by way of Bourke Street and it's Chinatown.
Chinatown in Melbourne was established in the 1850s, when a large number of Chinese people immigrated to Australia in search of economic opportunity during the country's gold rush.
As a result, the area surrounding Bourke Street, where Chinatown is located, has become one of the city's biggest commercial hubs and is home to several restaurants.
If you're in the market for some souvenirs during your time in Melbourne, make sure to stop by the bustling Bourke Street Mall, located nearby.
Day Two: Leaving The City And Visiting The Suburbs
On your second day in Melbourne, it will be time to go out into the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Since you want to do what could normally take many days in the city, you should get an early start with a healthy breakfast.
However, if you just have a few days to spare, it is recommended that you stay within a day's drive of Melbourne's central business district.
The neighbourhoods of Collingwood and Fitzroy are among Melbourne's most popular, so we'll be checking them out.
Collingwood
Collingwood, a neighbourhood where many young professionals live, will serve as our starting point. You'll see that it's vivid, cool, and so currently fashionable that it's nearly uncomfortable.
Explore The City's Street Art
Street art can be seen all across Collingwood and neighbouring Fitzroy. There are a variety of tour options available, from independent exploration to guided group outings.
It's often instructive to take a guided tour, since guides know the histories of the works of art and their creators. Occasionally, it may appear that the artwork needs some kind of explanation.
Take A Look At The Abbotsford Convent.
The Convent encompasses 16 acres and is the biggest multi-arts complex in all of Australia. There are parks, restaurants, and cafés, in addition to studios and art galleries, a school, and a radio station.
Lentil As Anything stands out as a vegetarian café and social company because customers pay what they think the dish is worth.
The Collingwood Children's Farm Is A Must-See.
The Collingwood Children's Farm is conveniently located nearby, and visitors of all ages are welcome there.
You may find sheep, chickens, cows, and horses, among other animals, at this urban farm in Melbourne.
Purchase A Craft Beer.
Craft beer lovers should definitely make a trip to Melbourne, Australia.
Get yourself to The Stomping Ground, a local brewery in Collingwood, and sample some of their creations.
The assortment of ciders here is excellent, so you can plead not guilty even if you don't like beer.
Fitzroy
We'll spend the rest of the day and evening in adjacent Fitzroy, after seeing Collingwood, where we may peruse the shops and dine at our leisure.
Visit Brunswick Street to shop.
The main thoroughfare of Fitzroy, Brunswick Street, is home to many excellent stores and shops.
There is a wide variety of shops to peruse, including high-end boutiques selling clothes and gifts, specialty shops selling stationery and home decor, and several second-hand businesses, or "op-shops" as they are known in Australia.
Unless you like window shopping, which is excellent no matter what your budget is, this is not a terrific thing to do if you are on a budget.
Dining At Naked For Satan
If you're looking for a romantic restaurant with a view in Melbourne, go no further than Naked for Satan.
Bring your appetite to this tapas restaurant, as it has a rooftop area where you may dine while watching the sun set over the city from the comfort of a seated indoor or outdoor table.
Please make a reservation in advance to prevent disappointment. There are many additional Melbourne areas to choose if you're looking for a place to stay.
Day Three: Visit The Beach And Paint The Town Red
This is your final day in Melbourne! On the third day, you'll travel south to see the neighbourhoods of St. Kilda and adjacent Brighton before returning to the city itself to experience its famous nightlife.
St Kilda
St. Kilda is a great place to visit, and it's easy to get there because to the accessibility of many tram lines (3, 16, 64, and 67).
Several of the city's most notable landmarks may be found in this neighbourhood.
Visit St Kilda Pier.
Visit the historic pier by strolling down the jetty, where you may stop for a cup of coffee and people-watching among the residents who are out with their dogs or fishing.
Explore Luna Park.
Opening in 1912, Luna Park has the title of "oldest theme park in continuous operation" in the United States. Sydney also has one, although it has been shut down on many occasions, first because of a fire on the ghost train and again and again because of complaints from new neighbours. Huh.
The highlight of the park is the Scenic Railway, a coaster that travels the whole circumference of the park.
Don't forget to take a photo in front of the park's entrance, a gigantic face that won't give you nightmares.
Get A Drink On The Beach
Melbourne's beaches aren't the best, but if you're in the mood, you can relax at one of the restaurants or pubs along St. Kilda Beach with a beer and some chips.
Pose In Front Of Brighton Beach's Iconic Beach Boxes.
Photos of beach boxes have been making the rounds online, and now you're probably wondering where in Melbourne you can rent one. You may locate them in the affluent section of the city called Brighton.
There are 82 of them along the shore, and they all represent a certain level of wealth and status. It's only available to those who already live in the country, and it costs more than $300,000.
Most are maintained inside families, making their appearances on the market even more unusual. The average tourist does not have enough time to go around Melbourne, much alone take a day trip along the Great Ocean Road.
Return To The City For A Fun Night
A return trip to the heart of the city requires just a half-hour rail journey from Brighton.
There is a wide variety of trendy pubs to explore in Melbourne's active nightlife. Most of them are great fun to have a drink in, and some of them even have themes or are concealed.
There are guided tours of Melbourne that will take you to the hippest and most promising dive pubs in the city.
Here are some recommendations:
Berlin Bar
It's a city pub with a Berlin Wall concept, where patrons may pick between the posh West Wing and the seedy basement.
Lui Bar
On the 55th story of the Rialto skyscraper is a chic bar that looks out over the whole city. Good for taking in the Crown Casino's hourly light show.
1806
Another classy establishment with a drinks menu that spans the centuries from 1650 to the present.
The Croft Institute
A hip and happening pub frequented by the cool kids. The interior is designed to seem like a laboratory, and the drinks mimic the results of a mad scientist's research (think lots of bright colours).
Madame Brussels
You may dine and drink as though you were at a chic garden party, and the venue even has a rooftop terrace.
A Few Day Trip Ideas
If you have a week to spend in Melbourne, you should give these ideas significant consideration. If you just have a few days in Melbourne, day tours are a great opportunity to visit some of the surrounding region without having to commit to an overnight vacation.
Your plan is to take a trip along Great Ocean Road to check out the famous Twelve Apostles. If you go down the coast and make a pit break there at Great Otway National Park Stop, you'll be in a good position to see the 12 Apostles. Stop at Loch Ard Gorge, which is near Port Campbell, on the way back to Melbourne.
Phillip Island, on the opposite side of the island, is where you can see the penguins parading in a parade. Seeing these cute critters just makes you want to give them a big hug.
Conclusion
The 3-Day Itinerary we've put up for Melbourne is a condensed version of the city's trip plan. We have picked out some of the greatest attractions in Melbourne's central business district and surrounding districts. Our flexible plan may be altered to fit a longer or shorter vacation. The Australian summer is the ideal time to visit Melbourne (December–February). Visitors should schedule their trips to Melbourne in March, October, April, or November to avoid the crowds and the higher hotel prices.
Laneways in Melbourne are famous worldwide as hotspots for graffiti and street art. The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is the country's largest sports stadium and the world's eighth largest. If you're looking for something to do besides watching sports, the National Gallery of Victoria is a great choice. The Royal Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne are must-see attractions. The open-air Skydeck atop Eureka Tower is the highest in the southern hemisphere.
Every kid has to check out the Collingwood Children's Farm. The best of Fitzroy's retail establishments may be found along Brunswick Street, the neighbourhood's main drag. Naked for Satan is the best restaurant in town if you're searching for a date spot with a view. On your third day in Melbourne, you should explore the St. Kilda and Brighton areas. Since its opening in 1924, Luna Park has been the longest-running amusement park in the United States.
Enjoy a day along Melbourne's coast by driving the Great Ocean Road. The coolest and most good dive bars in Melbourne may be found on guided tours. Tours that last just a day are a fantastic way to see the local area. If you have more than one day to spend in Melbourne, consider some day trip options. The Croft Institute was designed to seem like the research facility of a deranged scientist.
Content Summary
- We've planned the perfect three-day vacation to Melbourne, including visits to stunning outlying areas and the city's most famous landmarks.
- This plan was made with a 3-day stay in Melbourne in mind, but it can easily be adapted to accommodate a longer (or short) trip.
- While in Melbourne, Australia, we plan to see several landmarks and intriguing attractions.
- Our three-day Melbourne itinerary is packed with must-see sights, local favourites, and unique experiences, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
- Whether you're travelling to Melbourne alone, with a buddy or two, a family, or a huge group of coworkers, we have a trip planner to help you organise the best possible vacation.
- Our 3-Day Itinerary for Melbourne is a simplified travel programme for the city.
- One of the best things about Melbourne is the free trams that run through the CBD.
- Stops outside of the "Free Tram Zone" are not marked.
- Even in the heart of summer, Melbourne's weather can be unpredictable.
- Here is a suggested plan to visit as much of the city as possible in a short time.
- On your first day in Melbourne, you should plan to see the Central Business District, where you will find many of the city's most well-known attractions.
- Visit Federation Square and Flinders St Station.
- Check out Flinders Street Station first when you arrive in Melbourne.
- Take A Walk Down the Laneways Melbourne's laneways have become well-known across the globe as a result of the urban art and graffiti that has been sprayed on their walls.
- Visit The MCGIf you're a sports lover travelling to Australia. You must see the Melbourne Cricket Grounds, sometimes known as "The MCG" or "The G."If cricket were a religion and Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was a church, it would be the place of worship for the city's population.
- Explore The Victoria National GalleryIf you're looking for something to do other than watch sports, the National Gallery of Victoria is one of the best options in the country.
- Visit The Royal Botanic Gardens and The Shrine of Remembrance.
- The Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance are only across St. Kilda Road from the NGV, and both are worth a visit.
- On your second day in Melbourne, it will be time to go out into the surrounding neighbourhoods.
- However, if you have a few days to spare, staying within a day's drive of Melbourne's central business district is recommended.
- Street art can be seen all across Collingwood and neighbouring Fitzroy.
- Take A Look at the Abbotsford Convent.
- The Collingwood Children's Farm Is Must-see.
- Purchase A Craft Beer.
- Craft beer lovers should make a trip to Melbourne, Australia.
- Dining At Naked for Satan If you're looking for a romantic restaurant with a view in Melbourne, go no further than Naked for Satan.
- On the third day, you'll travel south to see the neighbourhoods of St. Kilda and adjacent Brighton before returning to the city itself to experience its famous nightlife.
- Get A Drink on The Beach Melbourne's beaches aren't the best, but if you're in the mood, you can relax at one of the restaurants or pubs along St. Kilda Beach with a beer and some chips.
- Pose In Front of Brighton Beach's Iconic Beach Boxes.
- There is a wide variety of trendy pubs to explore in Melbourne's active nightlife.
- There are guided tours of Melbourne that will take you to the city's hippest and most good dive pubs.
- The Croft InstituteA hip and busy pub frequented by cool kids.
- A Few Day Trip Ideas: If you have a week to spend in Melbourne, you should consider these ideas significantly.
- If you have a few days in Melbourne, day tours are a great opportunity to visit some of the surrounding regions without committing to overnight vacation.
- You plan to travel along Great Ocean Road to discover the famous Twelve Apostles.
- Phillip Island, on the opposite side of the island, is where you can see the penguins parading in a parade.
