5 Days in Melbourne: The Perfect Melbourne Trip

Melbourne, one of the most liveable cities in the world, a must-see for any travelling to Australia. If you are interested in trying authentic Australian food, drinking excellent coffee, seeing world-class museums, or lounging on the beach, then Melbourne is your destination.

If you're looking to avoid boredom, this city has it all. Still, this means you should schedule plenty of time in

Melbourne so that you can see the city's top attractions. Of course, a week in Melbourne should be sufficient, but to make the most of your time there, you'll need a well-thought-out plan.

And thankfully, that's precisely what we have here. So, let us walk you through the best things to do in Melbourne over the course of a week so that you have a fantastic time there.

The Perfect Time To Visit Melbourne

In terms of weather and crowds, the ideal times to visit Melbourne are in the fall (September to November) and spring (April to May).

Summer is the peak season in Melbourne when the city hosts a slew of festivals and other events. The months of December through March are when you may experience Australia's famously warm and sunny climate.

Wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water if you plan on doing any touring this time of year. Cricket and The Australian Open, along with a slew of other major music festivals, sporting events, and more, all draw large crowds to the city in the summer, so it's important to make reservations well in advance.

In contrast, Melbourne's winters are typically quiet and chilly. While temperatures won't drop to freezing, June through August will be dreary and cold. This is the time of year when low-season discounts become available.

Getting Around Melbourne

Melbourne is packed with exciting attractions, so it's important to familiarise yourself with the many means of transportation available to you.

Because of the city's size, most visitors to Melbourne wish to take public transportation to and from their many destinations. The public transportation system in Melbourne is excellent, even though the people prefer to moan about it.

Melbourne's public transportation system consists of buses, trams, and trains, making it possible to go practically everywhere in the city. Myki contact-free cards can be used as tickets on all public transport systems; they are available for purchase at select stations, all 7-Elevens, and via an Android app.

Most of Melbourne's trams serve the CBD and nearby inner districts, and using them is free of charge, thanks to the city's Free Tram Zone. In addition, there are sixteen lines in the city's train system, all of which connect to the City Loop, which goes all the way around the central business district.

However, please note that the afternoon schedules of most train lines cause them to run in the opposite direction from what they did in the morning as they make their way around the City Loop.

Last but not least, buses should only be utilised as an alternative to trains and trams when other modes of transportation are unavailable.

Taking the Skybus from Melbourne Airport into the city is your best bet. The Skybus travels to several locations, such as St. Kilda and Southbank, although the major terminal is Southern Cross Station in the Central Business District.

Transportation options, such as hotel shuttles, Uber, and taxis, are available for those who need to leave the area.

Melbourne Lodging Options

Where to stay is a genuine concern for anyone visiting a brand-new, unfamiliar city. However, because of your lack of local knowledge, making the difficult but crucial decision on where to lodge in Melbourne can be a big headache.

Melbourne's excellent public transportation system and the variety of destinations you want to see mean that staying in the city's core isn't essential to have a productive stay here. The best hotels in Melbourne will be the ones that best suit your needs.

Central Business District hotels are the best option for first-time visitors. That way, you'll be close to public transportation and have several dining options.

Southbank and Fitzroy are great options if you're looking for a vibrant nightlife scene. On the other hand, if you need a laid-back, beachy ambience, a place like St. Kilda is where you want to be.

If you want to stay in luxury during your time in Melbourne, Langham Melbourne is where you should be. This luxurious hotel on the banks of the Yarra River first impresses visitors with its stunning marble staircase and other fine details.

Additionally, the staff is accommodating and friendly, making for a pleasant stay.

City Tempo – Queen St apartments are a wonderful choice if you're searching for a reasonable place to stay that doesn't sacrifice comfort.

Each room at this aparthotel features a kitchenette so that you can prepare your meals, and there is a sauna and fitness centre for visitors to use.

Additionally, the hotel is located in the central business district, so all of the city's attractions are just outside your door.

Also, Airbnb is a great place to find cheap hotels and flats, and if you use our link can save up to $55 on your next Airbnb booking.

Although a trip to Australia may not be cheap, there are good budget hotels like the Space Hotel. This Melbourne hostel has everything you need at a low price, including a central location, a fitness centre, and a private movie theatre.

Day 1: CBD

Because of the city's size, it's recommended to split your time between Melbourne up across its several districts. However, the central business district (CBD) is essentially the only possible starting point when taking such a strategy.

Located in a grid pattern north of the Yarra River, this area is home to both commercial and tourist attractions. Flinders Street Station is the most old train station in Australia and a wonderful building to begin your day outside.

This historic structure is also one of the city's busiest areas thanks to its prominent Art Nouveau style and bright yellow facade.

Federation Square, across the street from Flinders St Station, has recently been the city's prefered gathering place. All sorts of events frequently occur in the square, surrounded by remarkably modern buildings.

The city of Melbourne takes great pride in its cultural institutions, and the square is home to two of them: the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) and the Ian Potter Centre .

Hosier Lane has become increasingly popular among Instagram users. However, Melbourne's most famous collection of street art is just across Flinders St. This alley's walls are constantly being repainted with new, colourful, and often edgy murals and graffiti.

Flinders Lane has everything you could want, whether you need a coffee or are already beyond lunchtime. It's never difficult to find a cafe in Melbourne, but here you'll have a vibrant selection. It wouldn't take long to ramble around until something catches your eye simply aimlessly.

Make your way slowly through the Central Business District to Bourke St Mall. This pedestrian mall features historic department stores and cutting-edge labels, making it Melbourne's de facto shopping mecca.

The Royal Arcade and The Block Arcade are nearby, and even if you're not a shopper, you have to admit that they have a charming, retro vibe.

Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne is a wonderful example of the kind of market that can give you a real sense of the local culture. Queen Vic Market is a municipal landmark and a vast, open-air market selling just about anything.

In the evening, take a stroll along Little Bourke St. in Chinatown and enjoy some delicious cuisine. Empress of China has great dumplings and a mellow vibe, perfect for a meal out with friends.

Day 2: South Of The Yarra

After spending the day seeing the downtown area, it's time to cross the Yarra River and check out what's on the other side.

It has been suggested that the sights and sounds found south of the Yarra River in Melbourne are even more captivating than those in the city proper.

It's imperative that we first cross the river. So take in the sights of the riverfront and the towering Melbourne Skyline as you cross one of the two modern pedestrian bridges here, Evan Walker Bridge or Sandridge Bridge.

Going across the bridge will put you on the Southbank Promenade. This gorgeous riverside walkway is lined with restaurants and pubs along the Yarra.

The trail ultimately terminates at Crown Casino, a hub for gambling, entertainment, and late-night revelry.

If you turn around, you'll soon be standing beneath Eureka Tower, Melbourne's highest structure. The Eureka Skydeck, with its breathtaking vistas of the city, may look little from the street, but after you ride the elevator to the observation deck, you'll see that the building is rather tall.

To get a good look at what's below your feet, stand in "The Edge," a glass cube that protrudes from the side of the building, and see if you have the guts.

After regaining equilibrium, head to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Displays of Australian art from the Indigenous to the contemporary can be found at the country's oldest and most magnificent art gallery.

In addition, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) houses an impressive collection of Asian art and other important works from worldwide.

The Kings Domain Park is just across the street and features two more of Melbourne's must-see attractions. The Shrine of Remembrance is a large tribute to the troops who died in World War One.

There's a lot to take away from this sombre spot, not the least of which is the breathtaking vistas over the city from the terrace. The Royal Botanic Gardens are another great attraction in the park, boasting a wide variety of flora and a general air of serenity.

Day 3: The Beach!

If you visit a coastal city in Australia, you'll spend some time on the beach.

South Melbourne Foreshore, the closest beach to the central business district, is the best spot to begin. You can immediately satisfy your thirst for sand and sun at this beach, which is backed by a picturesque promenade.

Always look for the beach flags since this will indicate the whereabouts of surf lifesavers in Australia. If the waves aren't too high, it's a relatively risk-free spot to go swimming.

Even though South Melbourne has a shorter distance to the shore, St. Kilda Beach is the prefered destination for both inhabitants and visitors.

There are several places to eat and drink and walking pathways along St. Kilda Foreshore. In addition, the St. Kilda Pier, jutting out from the beach, is a popular destination for strolls and photographs.

Luna Park, an amusement park, is another popular destination in St. Kilda, and it has nothing to do with the beach. The historic allure of this amusement park is immediately apparent when entering via the entrance shaped like the face of "Mr. Moon."

In addition to the classic Scenic Railway roller coaster, other family-friendly options at Luna Park include the Pharaoh's Curse and Twin Dragon.

Although it's the most visited spot in the area, the beach in Melbourne isn't what draws most visitors. Instead, they're the brightly painted shacks called Brighton Bathing Boxes, dating back to the turn of the century.

As long as their bright and cheerful paint jobs remain, this line of 82 bathing boxes will be a popular subject for photographers.

Day 4: Inland Suburbs

Melbourne's inner suburbs are the city's best part, and that's not mentioned nearly enough. The suburbs immediately around Melbourne's central business district contain some of the city's finest eating and drinking establishments.

Every Melbournian has a favourite suburb they like to hang out in because each one is unique and appealing. These residential districts are the finest places to experience true Melbourne culture.

1. Fitzroy

It's often said that all of Melbourne has a certain "hipster" vibe, but the true heart of Melbourne's hipster scene can be found in the neighbourhood of Fitzroy. The influx of hipsters has made Fitzroy a vibrant and interesting neighbourhood.

The city's oldest suburb has many restaurants and bars to suit any taste. If you're hungry, head to a cafe like The Fitz Cafe for some delicious coffee and breakfast. Then, there is a fantastic variety of pubs and bars. However, the rooftop views from Naked for Satan are hard to resist.

Fitzroy represents the hip and happening counterculture of Melbourne. It's not far from the core of the city; in fact, it only takes approximately half an hour to walk there from the heart of Melbourne. You may also take an Uber for about A$10-15.

Start your day with brunch at Stagger Lee's Cafe or Smith & Daughters (vegan restaurant) before strolling down Brunswick street, where you'll find a tonne of great boutiques. Along the street, you'll find a wide variety of stores, from antiques to high fashion.

Don't miss out on Fitzroy's backstreets when you're exploring the neighbourhood! There's no telling what you might uncover. We explored a narrow lane between Brunswick and Young streets close to Johnson and came upon a wealth of street art.

1. Carlton

A more conventional option, Carlton is a classic suburb for many good reasons. The Italian community and the resulting concentration of Italian eateries along Lygon Street are Carlton's claim to fame.

Melbourne's large Italian population is responsible for the city's reputation for having the greatest coffee in Australia (and possibly the world). Relax with a long black or flat white at a local cafe like Heartattack and Vine and make up your mind.

Follow that up with a trip to the Melbourne Museum and a stroll around Carlton Gardens to see the Royal Exhibition Building.

1. Prahran

Prahran is a cutting-edge suburb that offers a wide variety of exciting opportunities. Chapel Street, Melbourne's busiest shopping strip, is the area's claim to fame. As you travel south on Chapel St, you'll pass through some different neighbourhoods, each home to its collection of unique shops and upscale fashion labels.

Prahran Market is a great place to stop and refuel after a day of shopping.

It features a wide variety of cafes from all over the world, right next to the market's many speciality shops and delis. Prahran is great for a night out because it has popular, up-and-coming establishments like Revolver Upstairs.

Day 5: Escape From The City – Make A Short Day Trip!

The city of Melbourne is fantastic, but no trip to Australia would be complete without taking in the country's breathtaking natural scenery.

Renting a car is your best bet to get the most out of your time in Australia. If, however, you are unable to drive, there are tours available. If you need to get away from the city, consider these options:

Great Ocean Road Day Tour

It is common knowledge that the Great Ocean Road is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline to travel along. This is the place to go if you're planning a road trip and can spare a few days.

The good news is that you can do it in a day if you're coming from Melbourne! The limestone pillars known as the Twelve Apostles are a popular stop along the route.

The surrounding forest is progressively reclaiming them. It's only a couple of hours' drive from Melbourne. Your first trip to Melbourne included doing this tour.

Yarra Valley Wine and Cheese Tour

If you enjoy wine and cheese, you should visit Yarra Valley, as we frequently see wine bottles from that region. Nothing beats relaxing with a bottle of wine and some cheese made in the same region.

Grampians National Park 

This is the place to go if you're the exploratory sort who loves being outside, going on hikes, and searching for waterfalls.

The Grampians, like Great Ocean Road, is best explored over the course of several days, but a day journey from Melbourne is possible if you're willing to get up early and stay out late.

Mornington Peninsula Day Tour

When seeking a day trip destination that isn't too far from the city, many people choose this location. It's a short trip from Melbourne, taking only approximately one hour.

This tour gives you a sample of the area's cuisine, wine, and scenery.

Phillip Island Day Tour

Another well-liked day trip from Melbourne is to Phillip Island. Penguins and koalas are just two of the well-known animals that call this island home.

Skydive in Melbourne

Australia is a top destination for skydivers around the globe. You can opt for skydiving in either Yarra Valley, along the Great Ocean Road, or in the middle of Melbourne.

Conclusion

One of the cities with the highest quality of life in the world is Melbourne. The months of September through November and April through May are considered to be the best times to travel to Melbourne (April to May).

The height of the tourist season in Melbourne is the summer, when the city plays host to a plethora of festivals as well as other events. The central business district (CBD) as well as other inner districts are served by the vast majority of trams in Melbourne, and riding them is completely free.

The train system in the city consists of sixteen different lines, all of which can be accessed from the City Loop.

The Skybus makes stops at a number of destinations, including St. Kilda and Southbank, amongst others. Staying in Melbourne is a wonderful option, particularly if you are searching for accommodations at a cost that is affordable.

Spend some time in the Central Business District, some in Federation Square, and some in Hosier Lane. When you book your next stay with Airbnb using our link, you'll receive a $55 discount. The Bourke Street Mall is unquestionably the most popular shopping district in all of Melbourne.

The Queen Victoria Market is a massive open-air market that sells virtually everything imaginable. The National Gallery of Victoria is home to a significant number of significant works of art, including an outstanding collection of artwork from Asia.

Along the Yarra River, the Southbank Promenade is replete with dining and drinking establishments. The massive structure known as the Shrine of Remembrance was built as a memorial to the service members who lost their lives during World War One.

The amusement park known as Luna Park is designed to resemble the visage of "Mr. Moon," St. Strolling along and taking pictures at the iconic Kilda Pier, which protrudes into the ocean from the beach, is a very common activity.

The inner suburbs of Melbourne are home to a number of Melbourne's most prestigious dining and drinking establishments. In Melbourne, Fitzroy is the epicentre of the city's trendsetting and happening counterculture.

Carlton is considered a classic suburb for many different reasons, whereas Prahran is well-known for the quality of its regional cuisine and beverages.

Prahran is a progressive suburb that provides residents with access to a diverse range of opportunities. Chapel Street is the most popular shopping district in all of Melbourne.

After a long day of shopping, you should make your way to Prahran Market to take a break and refuel. The Great Ocean Road is widely considered to be one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in all of Australia. The Yarra

Valley is home to some excellent wines and cheeses, both of which are featured on the Yarra Valley Wine and Cheese Tour. A day trip to Phillip Island from Melbourne is among the most popular ways to spend a day in the area.

Although it is possible to visit the Grampians National Park in a single day, the park is best experienced over the course of multiple days.

Content Summary

• You should schedule plenty of time in Melbourne so that you can see the city's top attractions.
• Of course, a week in Melbourne should be sufficient, but to make the most of your time there, you'll need a well-thought-out plan.
• The public transportation system in Melbourne is excellent, even though the people prefer to moan about it.
• The best hotels in Melbourne will be the ones that best suit your needs.
• If you want to stay in luxury during your time in Melbourne, Langham Melbourne is where you should be.
• City Tempo – Queen St apartments are a wonderful choice if you're searching for a reasonable place to stay that doesn't sacrifice comfort.
• Additionally, the hotel is located in the central business district, so all of the city's attractions are just outside your door.
• CBD, because of the city's size, it's recommended to split your time between Melbourne up across its several districts.
• Federation Square, across the street from Flinders St Station, has recently been the city's prefered gathering place.
• Make your way slowly through the Central Business District to Bourke St Mall.
• Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne is a wonderful example of the kind of market that can give you a real sense of the local culture.
• After spending the day seeing the downtown area, it's time to cross the Yarra River and check out what's on the other side.
• It has been suggested that the sights and sounds found south of the Yarra River in Melbourne are even more captivating than those in the city proper.
• If you turn around, you'll soon be standing beneath Eureka Tower, Melbourne's highest structure.
• The Kings Domain Park is just across the street and features two more of Melbourne's must-see attractions.
• The Shrine of Remembrance is a large tribute to the troops who died in World War One.
• South Melbourne Foreshore, the closest beach to the central business district, is the best spot to begin.
• Even though South Melbourne has a shorter distance to the shore, St. Kilda Beach is the prefered destination for both inhabitants and visitors.
• Luna Park, an amusement park, is another popular destination in St. Kilda, and it has nothing to do with the beach.
• Melbourne's inner suburbs are the city's best part, and that's not mentioned nearly enough.
• FitzroyIt's often said that all of Melbourne has a certain "hipster" vibe, but the true heart of Melbourne's hipster scene can be found in the neighbourhood of Fitzroy.
• Fitzroy represents the hip and happening counterculture of Melbourne.
• Prahran is a cutting-edge suburb that offers a wide variety of exciting opportunities.
• Prahran Market is a great place to stop and refuel after a day of shopping.
• Renting a car is your best bet to get the most out of your time in Australia.
• If you need to get away from the city, consider these options:Great Ocean Road Day TourIt is common knowledge that the Great Ocean Road is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline to travel along.
• This is the place to go if you're planning a road trip and can spare a few days.
• The limestone pillars known as the Twelve Apostles are a popular stop along the route.