Created by an American who studied abroad in Melbourne, Australia, fell in love with the city, and returned for a few months more. All opinions are my own.
Best for: First or second time visitors, coffee connoisseurs, foodies, and those looking to get lost in a city full of hidden gems.
Itinerary Overview:
- Day One: St. Kilda and Brighton beach
- Day Two: CBD and Fitzroy
- Day Three: Mornington Peninsula
- Day Four: Half Day – Block Arcade
Side note: I included seasonal activities that can replace your day in the Mornington Peninsula if you visit at the right time!
DAY ONE: Melbourne Itinerary
Morning
Prior to arrival, download the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) App. Arrive at Melbourne Airport and take the SkyBus to Southern Cross Train Station. Then, you will take the train to the nearest stop to your hotel – the PTV app will be able to tell you where this is. SkyBus is the only transport option unless you arrange private pick up. Drop your bags at the hotel and prepare for an afternoon at the beach. Use the app to find your nearest light rail to head to St. Kilda!
Take the light rail to St. Kilda beach where you can indulge in a great brunch, sit on the beach, and explore the popular town where many locals opt to live. Brunch spots are plentiful, but two recommendations are Fitzrovia and LeRoy Espresso.
Early Afternoon
At your own pace, take the bus or train 15-20 minutes to Brighton Beach for the bathing boxes. This is probably the most popular photo-op in Melbourne. There is a killer view of the city skyline from here, as well as clear blue water!
Late Afternoon
Take a reset at the hotel and get ready for the evening. Head to the Southbank area, walking distance from CBD. Take a stroll through the Botanic Gardens. Make sure to seek out The Terrace for the viral chocolate covered strawberries in a cup! Walking by the Yarra River, make your way to Ponyfish Island Bar for sunset. This is a bar underneath the Evan Walker Bridge. Dinner to follow in Southbank or CBD area. Explore the endless dinner options in the area, either right on the river or in the laneways of central Melbourne.
DAY TWO: Melbourne Itinerary
Morning
Today will be a lot of exploring the city! Don’t over plan, the best of Melbourne is finding hidden gems. Take the light rail to Flagstaff Station to reach Queen Victoria Market. Seek out some coffee and pastries at Market Lane Coffee. The market will have diverse cuisines, souvenirs and homemade goods to offer.
Early Afternoon
Walk or tram back toward the Central Business District. Queen and Swanston streets are two of the main streets that make up the CBD area. Between the two streets, you will find the best alleyways. Flinders, Collins, Little Bourke are all great streets to get lost in! Art, restaurants, bars, bookstores, you name it. There is a mall called Melbourne Central that stretches several blocks and has some great shopping. If you like boots, RM Williams are a local, handmade boot that you could splurge on! The State Library of Victoria is right across from the entrance of Melbourne Central and has some beautiful architecture inside. Grab lunch around this area and make sure to visit Graffiti Lane on the other side of Swanston Street. It is called ACDC Lane on maps.
Late Afternoon
Freshen up at the hotel for the evening as you head to another area of Melbourne. Light rail to Fitzroy with at least another hour or two of light left before sunset. You will want to see this area during the day and night! This vibrant area is full of diversity – spray painted murals on buildings, century old architecture and endless shops and restaurants. Brunswick street is the main street in this neighborhood, but streets peeling off are also great to explore. Grab dinner around here, try something new! This is the place to do it.
Along Brunswick Street is a bar called Naked for Satan that is a MUST visit. This is a rooftop bar with spectacular views of the area. Hang out here for the night and soak up the energy.
DAY THREE: Melbourne Itinerary
If one of the major events is going on during your visit, such as the Grand Prix or Australian Open, you can swap today’s itinerary for a day of that. It is up to you!
Grab coffee and breakfast in the city. Make your way to your rental car for the day to explore the Mornington Peninsula. I am going to provide you with several of the best activities for your choosing, depending on the type of day you seek. Pack accordingly!
Activities from North to South:
- Little Olly’s coffee in Frankston
- Moonlit Sanctuary: List of animal encounters found here
- Mornington Pier: Stroll down Mornington Pier and Mills Beach (similar to Brighton)
- The Pillars: A local favorite in the summer. Rocky cliffs great for jumping into the beautiful water!
- Peninsula Hot Springs: Reconnect with nature in these natural geothermal hot springs, indulge in a spa treatment or wellness activities, then replenish in one of their restaurants. If this sounds like you, there is also glamping at the Hot Springs. You could stay here for the night and return to Melbourne in the morning.
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade: This experience is unmatched and totally once in a lifetime. Watch hundreds of little penguins move from the sea to the largest little penguin colony in the world. No photos or videos allowed as it could misguide the penguins.
Return to Melbourne for your last night. If you have energy to head out for a drink or late dinner, take advantage of your last night!
DAY FOUR: Melbourne Itinerary
The final morning in Melbourne before you move on to your next adventure or head home!
Make sure to savor a great cup of coffee in the area, indulge in some pastries or brunch, and grab any keepsakes you want. I always get an ornament and postcards. Now would be a great time to go back to any stores that caught your eye.
If you don’t have any final stops to make this morning, I would recommend visiting the Block Arcade. It is a mall of boutique stores and is right in the Central Business District. The Tea Rooms 1892 have recently re-opened and could be a fun stop before your departure.
Next, you can head over to the National Gallery of Victoria for a museum experience.
Below are some further recommended activities to sprinkle in as desired:
Great Ocean Road (Four hour drive to the 12 Apostles)
Hiking in the Dandenong Ranges
Fitzroy Gardens
Lulu Lemon Outlet (Collingwood)
Seasonal Activities
January
Australian Open: Huge tennis tournament
The LUME Exhibitions
March
Grand Prix: Formula 1
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
March – September
Australian Football League (AFL) games. Want to find the locals? Visit Melbourne Cricket Grounds for the ultimate experience
October-November
Cricket World Cup
December
Christmas Decor around the city!
SEO: Melbourne, Australia, three nights, guide, attractions, dining, cultural experiences, hidden gems, adventures, travel.
