It's no surprise that Melbourne, Australia, has been voted the "most liveable city" multiple times. This vibrant city is like a gift that keeps on giving, with exciting opportunities for exploration and entertainment for visitors of all tastes and interests.
If this is your first visit to Melbourne, you may be scratching your head and wondering what the big deal is. Or perhaps you are new to Melbourne and are interested in discovering all the excitement.
Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, Australia, and if you only have a week to explore the city, we recommend focusing on the highlights by following this seven-day itinerary.
There is a good reason why Melbourne has been named "World's Most Liveable City" for so many years in a row. It has everything you need.
This Melbourne itinerary will cover everything you need to know to make the most of your time in this fantastic city, where you can quickly travel from the city to the coast, from the highlands to the countryside.
The capital of Victoria, a state in Australia's southeast, Melbourne's popularity shows no signs of waning. The city is quickly overtaking Sydney as Australia's top tourist destination, drawing in an estimated 12 million tourists annually from around the world.
Day 1 - G'DAY & WELCOME!
You would have probably flown all night to Melbourne the next morning.
7:30 A.M.
To go to Melbourne, fly into the Tullamarine Airport.
You can take a few routes to get there, depending on your location. Getting around town is easy; hail a cab, arrange a ride with a friend, or get on the SkyBus.
The airport fee for CityLink tollway costs is generally included in the cost of a rideshare or taxi travel from the airport to the central business district, which adds another $55 or more to the total.
Depending on where you're going in Melbourne, SkyBus may be the cheapest alternative for getting from the airport to the city, docklands, Southbank, st. Kilda, Frankston, bayside suburbs, and western suburbs.
A complimentary city hotel shuttle, the SkyBus Link, may take you from Southern Cross Station to your hotel in the CBD if you take the SkyBus there.
8:45 A.M.
Get settled into your temporary lodging, be it a hotel, hostel, or rented apartment. Clean up, change, and put your belongings away.
Seriously, the jet lag is killing us! We thought it was going to puke until They showered and ate something, so let's do that! People in Melbourne, one of the world's great coffee cities, are serious about their java. Grab a cup at one of the city's countless independent coffee shops to find out what all the commotion is about.
9:15 A.M.
Visit Axil Coffee Roasters (Shop E6/121 Exhibition St, Melbourne, VIC 3004 or 50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC 3000) for your morning brekky (Australian slang for breakfast).
Relax and soak in the city's easygoing attitude; taking your time here will pay dividends. You can also get breakfast and coffee to go.
10:30 A.M.
Take a leisurely stroll down Spring Street and pay a visit to the Parliament Building.
Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), is the country's actual capital, despite widespread belief to the contrary. It is situated 210 km (130 km) north of Melbourne and 170 mi (310 km) south-west of Sydney.
With the formation of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901 came the necessity for a permanent capital. Melbourne, the current capital of Australia, and Sydney, the country's founding settlement, clamoured for the title. The two cities refused to give ground.
Thus a solution was reached to create a completely planned metropolis outside of any state, much like Washington, D.C. Visit Melbournalia at 5/50 Bourke St, Melbourne, VIC 3000 after making a left turn onto Bourke Street. The artwork, prints, crafts, and clothing in this store were all created here in Australia, making it a great souvenir stop.
12 P.M.
Lunchtime! Expect to indulge in a wide variety of international cuisines while in Melbourne, as the city is home to a sizable Asian and Greek population.
They suggest you try the steamed bao buns at Wonderbao (4/19-37 A'Beckett St, Melbourne, VIC 3000) or the kimchi pancake and bibimbap dish at ChangGo Korean BBQ (70 Little La Trobe St, Melbourne, VIC 3000).
1:15 P.M.
Visit the State Library of Victoria, a free attraction that only requires a security check in order to enter, and take your time browsing the building's stunning architecture, vast collections, and rotating exhibits.
The State Library of Victoria is not only the first free library in the world but also the oldest public library in all of Australia.
Take a seat on the front lawn or in the La Trobe Reading Room. Take note that the State Library lawn is a favourite spot for LeBraun and his companions to enjoy a cup of coffee, chat with friends, and people-watch.
2:30 P.M.
During your 2.5–3 hour Melbourne Sights trip, you will visit some of the most important attractions in Australia's cultural hub. Take a look at City Sightseeing Melbourne's Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus if you prefer a bus trip.
The double-decker bus has two routes that cover the majority of the city's major sights; both have recorded commentary to educate passengers. You may relax and take in the sights along any of the two routes through Melbourne or get on and off at your convenience.
Departures are typically at 9:30 A.M. from Federation Square. You can find the latest tour info and buy tickets on the site. Final trips depart between 4:10 and 4:30 P.M.
6:30 P.M.
Hardware Lane is Melbourne's most European-style red brick paved laneway surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and boutiques; if you want to eat early, try The Hardware Society Melbourne (118-120 & 123 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000).
You're probably worn out by now. Return to the hotel for some rest and relaxation, but avoid falling asleep too early, or you'll be up at the crack of dawn. This is the most effective method for adjusting to sudden time changes.
Day 2 - Let's Get Cultural
8:30 A.M.
The early bedtime and anticipation of seeing Melbourne's sights meant that we were wide awake at 6:30 A.M., but feel free to take it easy and rearrange your day as you see fit.
Their best wishes are that you experience the same revitalisation and renewed vigour upon waking that we did.
9 A.M.
Grab some breakfast and coffee not far from your accommodation. In Melbourne, the passion for coffee is tremendous. Therefore it's difficult to find a terrible cup.
Unless, of course, you go to Starbucks or some other multinational corporation.
Here are a few top picks:
- The address of Brother Baba Budan is 359 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000.
- Various Locations Serving Axil Coffee Roasters' World-Famous Blends
10 A.M.
Since Melbourne is widely recognised as Australia's cultural epicentre, we should expect nothing less today. The museums in Melbourne are plenty, so pick a few to visit and learn something new.
If you're into art, you should:
- National Gallery of Victoria: The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) was established in 1861 and has grown to become Australia's oldest, largest, and most popular art museum. The collection's worldwide emphasis is on display, and admission is free (with the exception of certain travelling exhibitions).
- Ian Potter Centre: Over 20,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, garments, and more, by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian artists, are on display at NGV.
Here are a few suggestions if you're keen on the past:
- Shrine of Remembrance—The Shrine of Remembrance, a war memorial that towers over Kings Domain, was erected to remember the men and women of Victoria who served in World War I. It is not, however, a memorial to the entire Australian population who served during that time. Its museum houses collections of uniforms, letters, photographs, narratives, and even a gallery of medals.
- Old Melbourne Gaol— From 1842 to 1929, the gaol (the Australian version of jail) served as the city's prison, housing and ultimately executing some of Australia's most notable convicts, including Ned Kelly.
- Immigration Museum—Located in a building designed in the Renaissance Revival style, the museum chronicles the migratory experiences of Australians from the time of the Gold Rush to the years following World War II. About 28% of Australians today have foreign birthplaces, and the city of Melbourne alone is home to speakers of more than 250 tongues.
If you're interested in sports:
- National Sports Museum Learn the significance and history of Melbourne's most famous stadium, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (or "G"), by taking a guided tour behind the scenes.
- The National Sports Museum in Canberra is the place to go to learn about the country's storied sporting past. Numerous artefacts and interactive displays can be found at the museum.
1 P.M.
It is completely up to you to choose which museums to visit in order to determine where you will eat lunch. We advise you to stay somewhere nearby and expedient so that you may maximise the amount of time you have to see the museums before they close.
5 P.M.
It's no secret that Melburnians adore a good hangout spot, so why not join in on the fun by visiting a Rooftop Bar classic? (Curtin House, 252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000).
The rooftop bar with a backyard barbeque vibe offers breathtaking city vistas.
7:30 P.M.
The city's finest dumplings may be found just a short distance away. Located at 342 Little Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Shanghai Street Dumpling & small Juicy Bun is a must-try.
Even though there is constantly a line, service from the kitchen is brisk. They offer takeout service for those who would rather not wait. Enjoy your takeout while people-watching in Fed Square.
8:30 P.M.
You have free reign throughout the rest of the evening. Choose an activity from the list of potential evening pursuits at the end of this essay, or follow your whims.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 Days in Melbourne Itinerary. If it is your first time visiting the city, you'll find it is entirely 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.
The average price of a 7-day trip to Melbourne is $1,735 for a solo traveller, $3,116 for a couple, and $5,842 for a family of 4. Melbourne hotels range from $38 to $143 per night with an average of $86, while most vacation rentals will cost $210 to $420 per night for the entire home.
The best times to visit Melbourne are between March and May and September and November. These shoulder seasons feature moderate temperatures and tourist crowds, plus lower airfare rates.
You only have a limited amount of time to spend in each location as you make your way around Australia, but you are determined to experience most, if not all, of what Melbourne has to offer.
To get a good feel for this amazing city, you should plan to spend at least two to three days here. Remember that there are also several fantastic day trips that you can do beginning in Melbourne, and you should look into doing some of these. In a city like Melbourne, you might be able to pack quite a bit into a week's worth of sightseeing, but in places like these, there's always more to discover.
In the event that you have more time in Melbourne, the following are some additional activities that you might consider adding to your schedule: Attend a Competitive Sporting Event: Do what the locals do since Melbourne is a city that is essentially defined by its passion for the sport.
When it's time for your fourth day in Melbourne, you should head to St. Kilda, a fashionable beachside neighbourhood that's only a 20-minute tram trip from the central business district of Melbourne.
Here, you'll find a wealth of activities to add to your agenda. In addition to providing a stunning beach and pier for visitors to explore, this neighbourhood features a number of restaurants and pubs from which they can select.
Day 3 Hipster's Paradise
9:30 A.M.
Come on, guys, it's time for breakfast! There are literally hundreds of cafes and restaurants to pick from in Fitzroy, but if you're looking for some of the greatest vegetarian, vegan, and raw food in Melbourne, we recommend Vegie Bar (380 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065) and Lune Croissanterie (119 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065) respectively.
Their pastries, bread, and sandwiches all feature flaky, buttery layers and flaky, buttery crusts.
11 A.M.
The suburb of Fitzroy has a thriving artisan coffee scene, which is popular among the area's hipster population.
Grab a cup to go from one of the area's hip cafes if you forgot to order it with breakfast. If you're looking for a good coffee shop in Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia, we suggest Industry Beans (3/62 Rose St.), Young Bloods Diner (60 Rose St.), and Stagger Lee's (276 Brunswick St.), or Newtown Specialty Coffee(180 Brunswick St.).
11:15 A.M.
Come check out the Rose Street Artists' Market! (60 Rose St, Fitzroy VIC 3065). Every Saturday and Sunday from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M., the market is open, where you can find up to 120 local artisans selling anything from photography to pottery to apparel to plants to gifts to home decor.
12 P.M.
Now is the time to start making some money! Unique businesses, thrift stores, antique stores, and alternative record stores along Brunswick Street.
Walk around, popping into stores and getting lost in the alleyways decorated with road art. Fantastic murals by some of the city's most well-known artists can be found on nearly every street corner in Fitzroy.
Remember that most stores close at 5 o'clock, and plan your day accordingly. Stick around and do some more window shopping or sightseeing by heading east on Gertrude Street and then north on Smith Street.
5:15 P.M.
Is it happy hour yet? One of the best pubs in Fitzroy, Naked for Satan (285 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065), serves Spanish tapas such as pintxos, and its rooftop bar, Naked In The Sky, offers stunning views of the CBD and the surrounding suburbs.
The Everleigh, located at 150-156 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, is another great option, as it has a vintage vibe and a long list of classic and specialty cocktails.
7 P.M.
Stay in the neighbourhood for dinner, revisiting a restaurant that caught your eye, like Cutler & Co. or Charcoal Lane. Both serve seasonal, locally sourced dishes with an Australian twist in warm, inviting settings.
8:30 P.M.
If the Queen Vic Night Market is happening, or if not, we suggest strolling down Swanson Street or Southbank, which are included in the post's optional evening activity list.
Day 4 Wild Life
10 A.M.
If you're going to Australia, you should see some kangaroos. Kangaroos are widely recognised as symbols of Australia; yet, they are more likely to be found in remote areas, making a trip to the Melbourne Zoo the best bet for seeing one during your stay in Australia.
Just 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) north of Melbourne's central business district sits the Melbourne Zoo. The two closest tram stops are Royal Park and Visy Park/Royal Parade, and both are around 15 minutes by tram from the central business district.
More than 320 types of animals call Australia's first and oldest zoo home. Wildlife in Australia includes the kangaroo, koala, tiny penguin, crocodile, fur seal, Tasmanian devil, pelican, wombat, and platypus. Elephants, orangutans, tigers, and a reptile exhibit are also available.
To find out when the free keeper talks, animal interactions, and feedings are taking place, pick up a map when you arrive.
5 P.M.
Madame Brussels, located at 59 Bourke Street in Melbourne, Victoria 3000, is a pub that has been created to look like a rooftop garden party, replete with fake grass and tennis clothing.
Since it was right across from our apartment, Madame Brussels quickly became a frequent hangout. Take your cocktail and some munchies out to the patio and enjoy the happy hour.
8:30 P.M.
Our favourite thing to do in the evening is wandered aimlessly through the CBD's alleys. People are out and about, sniffing out the local treasures, and there is a palpable sense of excitement in the air. Spend the night exploring the back alleys.
Day 5 Shopping
9:30 A.M.
Having coffee and a pastry is a typical Melbourne morning routine. When it comes to clothing, Melbourne is the undisputed centre of Australia.
People dressed to the nines line the sidewalks, and vintage clothing lines pack the malls to clear out the latest runway styles. You've probably noticed by now that Melburnians place a premium on personal style.
Most stores in Melbourne are open Monday through Friday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., with reduced hours on the weekends. Stores in Melbourne stay open late on Fridays until 9 P.M., creating a "late night shopping" scene.
Because of the country's strong emphasis on work-life balance, businesses and employees in Australia tend to keep regular daytime hours. Wow, that's really nice.
6:30 P.M.
Get in line with the rest of the people making their way to the Melbourne Cricket Grounds. Walk from Flinders Street Station for around 15 minutes.
7 P.M.
Get to the G early, explore, grab some grub, and settle in for a thrilling evening. There has never been a sport quite like Aussie Rules. Combines elements of rugby, soccer, football, volleyball, and quidditch.
Day 6 Free Day / St Kilda
Every vacation should include at least one day of leisure when you're free to do whatever you like. You may have seen a museum or restaurant that piques your interest, or you may just want to take a stroll along the river while taking in Melbourne's atmosphere.
It's your turn to shine right now. Where better to go? We recommend St. Kilda! Especially if it's a sunny, bright summer day.
9:30 A.M.
Travelling to St. Kilda on the tram from Southern Cross Station to Bourke Street takes about 20-25 minutes.
10 A.M.
St. Kilda may not be as well-known internationally as Bondi Beach in Sydney or White Haven in Queensland, but it is without a doubt Australia's most well-known beach in Melbourne.
The neighbourhood is often busy, but especially so during the warmer months. Many people are out and about on foot, on bikes, and on rollerblades on the esplanade boardwalk.
Some people are lounging in the sun on the beach, while others are participating in water sports like kiteboarding. Take it easy and savour your last day in Melbourne.
1:15 P.M.
Lunchtime! La Roche has an enormous menu, including mac & cheese, schnitzel, burgers, salads, pasta, and more, and they serve breakfast all day long (185 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182). The restaurant has some of the best graffiti walls in the neighbourhood and is on the cheaper end of the dining spectrum while yet offering generous quantities.
Alternately, you may go the other way, towards Albert Park, and give Fitzrovia a shot (155 Fitzroy St, St Kilda, Port Phillip, Victoria 3182). An upbeat environment with sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
3:30 P.M.
Fitzroy Street and Acland Street are two of St. Kilda's most important thoroughfares. Each one is brimming with exciting boutiques, mouthwatering bakeries, delectable dining options, relaxing cafes, and lively watering holes. Get a look at these, please.
5 P.M.
The common expression "it's five o'clock someplace" is actually true here, so let's head out to a trendy local watering hole for a schooner. Some even offer scenic outside terraces.
Take note: the sunsets in St. Kilda are some of the most beautiful in the world. Request a table by the window or outside if possible.
9 P.M.
The night sky around St. Kilda isn't devoid of life; little penguins can also be seen gliding through the darkness. Waddling out of their burrows around 30 minutes after sundown each night, penguins go fishing.
10 P.M.
Luna Park, a classic amusement park that has been available to the public since its opening in 1912, is a must-see on any trip to St. Kilda. You must ride the Scenic Railway, the world's oldest operating roller coaster.
Day 7 Cheers, Australia
The timeline will need to be adjusted below for your actual departure. Airport officials in Melbourne advise passengers to check in at least two hours before a journey overseas.
Tickets go on sale 4 hours before departure for flights bound for the United States.
7:45 A.M.
This morning is our very last in Melbourne! Have a hearty breakfast before leaving your lodgings and catching the SkyBus or a taxi to Melbourne Airport (MEL).
11:30 A.M.
It's time to leave Melbourne and Australia! You've probably fallen in love with Australia by now, and leaving will be difficult. Please get on a plane or in your car and leave Australia immediately if you haven't already. We wish you a safe and enjoyable trip!
Conclusion
The title of "World's Most Liveable City" has been bestowed upon Melbourne on multiple occasions. The popularity of Melbourne, which is located in the state of Victoria in Australia, is not showing any signs of waning.
The city is quickly surpassing Sydney as the most popular tourist destination in Australia, and it currently welcomes an estimated 12 million visitors from all over the world each year.
One of the greatest coffee-producing cities in the world is Melbourne. Spring Street is the place to go to see the Parliament Building, so why not take a stroll down there?
The State Library of Victoria was the very first library anywhere in the world to offer free access to its collections. At Wonderbao, we recommend the steamed bao buns, and at ChangGo, we recommend the kimchi pancake. It is commonly accepted that Melbourne serves as the cultural epicentre of Australia.
The double-decker bus operates two routes, each of which takes passengers to the vast majority of the city's most notable attractions. The most European-looking laneway in Melbourne, Hardware Lane is paved in red brick and features European-style restaurants, cafes, and boutiques on either side.
It is entirely up to you to choose which museums and art galleries in Melbourne to check out during your stay there. The Old Melbourne Gaol was used as the city's prison from the years 1842 until 1929. During that time, it was responsible for housing and putting to death some of Australia's most notorious convicts.
In honour of those who served in World War I, a memorial structure known as the Shrine of Remembrance was built. The hipster population of the area is known to frequent the thriving artisan coffee scene that can be found in the suburb of Fitzroy. The Rose Street Artists' Market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take Gertrude Street in the direction of the east, and then turn north onto Smith Street. Only four kilometres to the north of Melbourne's central business district is the Melbourne Zoo.
The Royal Park and Visy Park/Royal Parade tram stops are the two that are located the most conveniently nearby. Our favourite thing to do in the evening is to aimlessly wander through the alleys of the Central Business District.
When it comes to apparel, Melbourne is without a doubt the most important centre in all of Australia. The majority of stores in Melbourne are only open on weekdays between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm, with weekend hours being significantly shorter.
Although it may not have the same level of international recognition as Bondi Beach in Sydney or White Haven in Queensland, St. Kilda is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia.
Both Fitzroy Street and Acland Street are regarded as two of the most essential thoroughfares in the St. Kilda area.
Since its opening in 1912, the public has been able to enjoy the traditional attractions at Luna Park, which is an amusement park.
The Scenic Railway is the oldest roller coaster that is still in operation in the world. Sunsets are widely considered to be among the most breathtaking sights in the world.
Content Summary
- It's no surprise that Melbourne, Australia, has been voted the "most liveable city" multiple times.
- Melbourne is the capital of Victoria, Australia, and if you only have a week to explore the city, we recommend focusing on the highlights by following this seven-day itinerary.
- There is a good reason why Melbourne has been named "World's Most Liveable City" for so many years in a row.
- People in Melbourne, one of the world's great coffee cities, are serious about their java.
- Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), is the country's actual capital, despite widespread belief to the contrary.
- Melbourne, the current capital of Australia, and Sydney, the country's founding settlement, clamoured for the title.
- Expect to indulge in a wide variety of international cuisines while in Melbourne, as the city is home to a sizable Asian and Greek population.
- During your 2.5–3 hour Melbourne Sights trip, you will visit some of the most important attractions in Australia's cultural hub.
- Take a look at City Sightseeing Melbourne's Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus if you prefer a bus trip.
- In Melbourne, the passion for coffee is tremendous.
- Ian Potter Centre: Over 20,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, garments, and more, by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian artists, are on display at NGV.Here are a few suggestions if you're keen on the past: Shrine of Remembrance—The Shrine of Remembrance, a war memorial that towers over Kings Domain, was erected to remember the men and women of Victoria who served in World War I. It is not, however, a memorial to the entire Australian population who served during that time.
- If you're interested in sports:National Sports Museum Learn the significance and history of Melbourne's most famous stadium, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (or "G"), by taking a guided tour behind the scenes.
- The National Sports Museum in Canberra is the place to go to learn about the country's storied sporting past.
- Kangaroos are widely recognised as symbols of Australia; yet, they are more likely to be found in remote areas, making a trip to the Melbourne Zoo the best bet for seeing one during your stay in Australia.
- Just 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) north of Melbourne's central business district sits the Melbourne Zoo.
- Spend the night exploring the back alleys.
- Most stores in Melbourne are open Monday through Friday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M., with reduced hours on the weekends.
- There has never been a sport quite like Aussie Rules.
- Fitzroy Street and Acland Street are two of St. Kilda's most important thoroughfares.
- Take note: the sunsets in St. Kilda are some of the most beautiful in the world.
- Airport officials in Melbourne advise passengers to check in at least two hours before a journey overseas.
- Tickets go on sale 4 hours before departure for flights bound for the United States.7:45 A.M.This morning is our very last in Melbourne!