Melbourne, Australia 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Central Business District (CBD) & Southbank

• Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Top Paddock, a popular brunch spot in CBD.
  • Visit Federation Square to see the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and National Gallery of Victoria (NGV).

• Afternoon:

  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Yarra River and head towards Southbank.
  • Visit Southbank Promenade for street performers, art installations, and the iconic Batman Avenue with its giant rubber ducks!
  • Have lunch at Southbank Seafood Restaurant overlooking the Yarra River.

• Evening:

  • Explore Melbourne’s laneways for street art, hidden bars, and quirky shops. Don’t miss Hosier Lane!
  • Dine at Chin Chin, a bustling Asian-fusion restaurant in CBD.

Day 2: Visit St Kilda & Luna Park

• Morning:

  • Head to St Kilda Beach and enjoy the beach or walk along the boardwalk.
  • Visit the Luna Park Melbourne, an iconic amusement park with stunning views of the city skyline.

• Afternoon:

  • Have lunch at one of the many cafes in St Kilda, such as Café La Rosa or Jim’s Greek Taverna.
  • Explore Acland Street for its vibrant shops and delicious sweets at Polly Waffle.

• Evening:

  • Take a stroll along the St Kilda Pier to see the penguins (dusk is the best time) or enjoy the sunset.
  • Have dinner at The Prince Hotel’s St Kilda Beach Club for modern Australian cuisine with stunning ocean views.

Day 3: Discover Queen Victoria Market & Fitzroy

• Morning:

  • Start your day at Queen Victoria Market, one of the largest open markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Grab a coffee and pastries from Rosetta Bakery before exploring.

• Afternoon:

  • Head to the trendy suburb of Fitzroy. Visit Coburg Lane for street art, and explore independent boutiques and vintage stores.
  • Have lunch at Mary’s, famous for its burgers, or Cumulus Inc. for modern Australian cuisine.

• Evening:

  • Visit Collingwood Children’s Farm if it’s a day ending in ‘y’. It’s a working farm right in the heart of Melbourne with lots of interactive activities.
  • Dine at Smith & Daughters, a vegetarian Italian restaurant that even meat-lovers will love!

Day 4: Visit the Yarra Valley for Wine Tasting

• Full Day:
  • Take a day trip to Yarra Valley, just one hour from Melbourne. Visit wineries like Domaine Chandon and Rochford Wines.
  • Have lunch at a winery restaurant, such as Tokar Estate.

Day 5: Explore Melbourne’s Hidden Gems & Farewell Dinner

• Morning:

  • Visit the Shrine of Remembrance and learn about Australia’s military history.
  • Take a stroll through Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

• Afternoon:

  • Head to Carlton and grab lunch at Lygon Street, famous for its Italian eateries.
  • Explore the University of Melbourne’s campus and its stunning architecture.

• Evening:

  • Have a farewell dinner at Attica, one of Australia’s top restaurants known for its modern Australian cuisine with a Native Australian twist.
  • Take a final stroll around the city to cherish your Melbourne memories.

Transportation:

• Tram: Trams are the most convenient way to get around Melbourne. Get a Myki Card for unlimited travel within zones 1 and 2.
• Uber/Taxi: Taxis and Ubers are readily available, but can be expensive compared to trams.
• Bike: Melbourne has an extensive bike-sharing program called Melbourne Bike Share for those who prefer cycling.

Tips:

• Always carry a reusable water bottle, as tap water in Melbourne is safe to drink.
• Be aware of the changing weather – Melbourne is known for its four seasons in one day!
• Respect the local wildlife, especially the koalas and kangaroos you might encounter at places like Healesville Sanctuary or Phillip Island.
• Enjoy your trip to Melbourne, and don’t forget to try a “flat white” – Australia’s contribution to coffee culture!