Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city with a hipster vibe and a fabulous food culture. Along with its modern architecture, it also has some magnificent Victorian and art deco buildings. This Melbourne 5 days itinerary can be followed day by day, or you can use it as a trip planner. It includes directions, what to do in Melbourne each day and provides suggestions for lunch and dinner.
Why Visit?
Melbourne has something for everyone to enjoy. The Great Ocean Road (one of the most scenic drives in the world) is on the cities doorstep, and there are five great wine-producing regions near Melbourne. There are so many things to do in Melbourne Australia that it would be impossible to see them all even if you spent several months there.
How to use this Melbourne 5 days itinerary-Melbourne Guide
Melbourne attractions cater for everyone and depending upon your interests, you can use this guide in full, or you can use the information in this post to tailor-make your own Melbourne itinerary. Five days is the minimum time that I’d recommend you stay in the city; any less would mean missing some of the best bits.
As travellers, we’re all unique, and while some people like to explore museums and city centres, others prefer to explore the outdoors. Each of the Melbourne activities listed in this itinerary has directions and an approximate length of time needed to visit. There are some alternative Melbourne sightseeing ideas later in the post so you can easily substitute an activity if you prefer.
For more information on general travel advice to Australia, check out my Australia Guide which has lots of useful information.
| Table of Contents | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Melbourne City Attractions |
| 2 | Melbourne City Map |
| 3 | Day One |
| 4 | Day Two |
| 5 | Day Three |
| 6 | Day Four |
| 7 | Day Five |
| 8 | Day trips from Melbourne |
| 9 | Best Hotels in Melbourne |
| 10 | Useful Information to help plan Where to go in Melbourne |
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Melbourne City Attractions – Orientation
Melbourne city centre is easy to navigate due to its grid system of streets and the position of the Yarra River. Many of the best places to visit in Melbourne are within or near the city block.
The free city circle tram loop runs around the grid, so most Melbourne attractions are well connected. Across the river are Southbank and the Botanical Gardens which you can walk to or use public transport.
This Melbourne itinerary includes the following:
Day One – Melbourne Orientation and Federation Square
Day Two – Shopping in Melbourne and Southbank
Day Three – Melbourne Museum and Parliament House with Fitzroy Gardens
Day Four – Royal Botanical Gardens and Melbourne Cricket Ground
Day Five- St Kilda
Melbourne City Map
Use the Melbourne map below to help you find all the sights on this Melbourne 5 days itinerary.
I hope you find this itinerary for 5 days in Melbourne helpful. It’s a fantastic city and I hope you enjoy your time there.
Day One-Melbourne 5 Days Itinerary
Today is all about finding your way around Melbourne city. Start by asking your hotel for directions to the nearest City Circle tram stop.
Taking a ride on the City Circle Tram is one of the best things to do in Melbourne when you first arrive. It’s free to travel on and takes approximately 60 minutes to complete the loop.
Click here to download a map of the city circle tram route.
There’s a commentary on board which tells you the best attractions at each stop. You can travel in either direction on the circle and trams are approximately every 30 minutes.
They operate between 10 am, and 6 pm Sunday to Wednesday and 10 am to 9 pm Thursday to Saturday.
City circle tram route no 35 – Free -No ticket required
Once you’ve taken a ride around the loop, you’ll be ready to get off and explore. To start today’s itinerary get off the tram at Flinders Street Station which is stop number 5 on the city circle loop.
Flinders Street Station – Length of stay 20 minutes
Flinders Street Station is the oldest railway station in Australia, and its clock is the meeting point for many a resident. It’s one of Melbournes iconic buildings, and it’s on the Victorian Heritage list.
The Yellow facade and large green domes make it easy to spot from the main street. Don’t forget to check out the row of clocks which date back to the 1860s and show the departure times for every line.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the train station you can book a tour which lasts for two hours.
Cross over the river via the Princes Bridge and turn right along Southbank Promenade and walk down by the river until you get to Melbourne River Cruises.
River cruise – 1 hour
Before lunch, take a scenic boat ride down the River Yarra. You can either go down the river towards the port and Docklands or up the river to admire picturesque gardens.
All cruises have onboard commentary, and prices start from $25. Cruises run seven days a week. The departure point is berth five on the Southbank promenade which is virtually opposite Flinders Street station on the other side of the river.
For more information and to book a Melbourne River Cruise online click here
Lunch
Head back across the princess bridge towards Federation Square. Just over the bridge and to the right is the Riverland Bar.
Its an iconic spot on the river Yarra and a great place to enjoy a beer and something to eat. Prices are reasonable, and there are vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free friendly options available.
This afternoon spend some time at Federation Square and visit the main attractions there.
Federation Square
Federation Square is the epitome of contemporary Melbourne. Its pedestrianised and a great place to continue this afternoons Melbourne city tour. There are some fantastic museums to explore so you may wish to plan your time accordingly.
ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) 2 hours
The square is home to the ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) which is worth a visit and admission is free. Here you can learn about the history of film and television through both permanent and temporary exhibitions. There are interactive displays and tours to help you make the most of your visit.
Check out the Australian Centre for the Moving Image for the most up to date information on what’s on in Melbourne.
Ian Potter Centre 1-2 hours
The Ian Potter Centre is a beautiful art gallery which has the most extensive collection of Australian art displayed in the world. As well as the permanent exhibition there’s also special exhibitions, a cafe and a fabulous shop. Admission is free, so it’s well worth exploring.
Koorie Heritage Trust 45 minutes
If you’re interested in Aboriginal art and culture, you’ll enjoy this centre. Its owned and managed by the aboriginal community and is free to visit. Exhibits are well presented, and there’s a lot to learn about their heritage and beliefs.
Having had a wander around Federation square and visited some of its attractions there’s time to see some of Melbournes best street art before dinner.
Street Art Hosier and Rutledge Lanes 30 minutes
A short walk from Flinders Street station along the main road and passed St Pauls Catherdral will bring you to Hosier and Rutledge Lane. These two alleyways are a Mecca for street art with not a wall unpainted. Even the trash cans are sprayed with vibrant colours.
The city council allow graffiti artists to display their talents in this small area which has helped considerably lower graffiti elsewhere in the city. It has become one of the worlds best spots for street art, and it should be on your must-do in Melbourne list.
If you want to learn more about the artwork, the history and the artists, take one of the Melbourne tours you should book in advance as it’s a popular choice.
Street art tours last for 3 hours and include refreshments along the way.
Evening Meal at Coda
Coda is an excellent restaurant on Flinders Lane a couple of streets further along than Hosier Lane. The food is a fusion of French and Vietnamese, and although prices are not cheap, the dishes are delicious.
They cater for dietary requirements and you can either have a selection of smaller plates, something in-between or a big plate. There’s also a set course menu which includes ten dishes.
Check out the reviews of Coda here on Tripadvisor.
Day two-Melbourne 5 Days Itinerary
Queen Victoria Market Melbourne – 30mins -2 hours
This morning is all about the best bits of Melbourne shopping and its magnificent arcades. In the afternoon you’ll head to Southbank another Melbourne must-see destination.
Start the day at the Victoria open-air market, which is just a short walk from the city circle tram stop on the corner of Queen Street and La Trobe Street.
The length of your visit will very much depend on how much you want to peruse the stalls.
Its the largest market in the Southern Hemisphere and attracts thousands of visitors so try and arrive early. Fresh produce is in abundance here, and you can get everything from local cheeses to gifts, clothes and souvenirs.
The deli hall is particularly impressive with its art deco interior and European delights. Sample some greek olives or feta cheese, taste some wine or pick up some local kangaroo delicacies. On Saturdays, there’s usually buskers and street entertainers to amuse the crowds.
If you want to learn more book one of the Queen Victoria food tours, Melbourne has to offer.
Melbourne shopping
When you’ve explored the market head back towards the tram stop, walk along La Trobe Street and keep going across the junction with Elizabeth Street. Continue until you reach the State Library.
It’s approximately a fifteen-minute walk and if you prefer you could take the city line tram and get off at the corner of Swanston Street.
State Library 30 minutes or longer if stop for refreshments.
The La Trobe Reading room in the State Library is one of the most photographed of all Melbourne sites. The inside is magnificent, and it’s worth seeing as you pass on route to the next Melbourne shopping centres.
The library was built in 1856, although it took till 1913 to complete the spectacular octagonal-shaped reading room.
The library has over 5 million books, and there are always exhibitions with the most valuable ones on display.
It’s free to visit, and there’s also free wifi available inside. The lounge is also worth a look as there’s some impressive artwork and if you need a coffee, there are two cafes.
Having had a peek at the library exit onto Swanston Street and walk south towards Little Longsdale Street. Turn right onto Little Longsdale street and then immediately left onto Swanston street. Keeping walking south and cross the main junction with Little Bourke street and then turn right onto Bourke Street. Continue you walking until you reach Bourke Street Mall.
From the library to the mall, it takes approximately 5 minutes.
Bourke Street Mall
Bourke Street Mall is the major shopping street in the city, so it may not be one of the things to see in Melbourne for everyone. Its dominated by two substantial department stores, David Jones and Myers.
It’s usually busy with shoppers, buskers and street entertainers. Although the street is a pedestrian zone, you’ll notice that a lot of trams pass through the road.
On leaving Bourke Stree Mall, turn left onto Elizabeth street and a few minutes down the road is Block Arcade. The arcade is one of the places to go in Melbourne regardless of your views on shopping.
Block Arcade
I’m not a fan of shopping, but this arcade is well worth visiting. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in Melbourne with its mosaic floors and its Italian influenced ornate plasterwork. It was built in 1891 and now houses elegant luxury boutiques and cafes.
Lunch
The Hopetoun Tea Rooms is a fabulous place to experience high tea while enjoying the ambience of this arcade.
It’s advisable to make a reservation in advance as this is one of the most popular places to go in Melbourne. Afternoon tea includes delicious sandwiches, Quiche Lorraine, vegetarian quiche, pinwheels with champagne ham and mustard, smoked salmon, an assortment of petit fours, seasonal fruit and of course freshly baked scones.
Vegetarians and gluten-free choices are available, and they serve it with the finest tea or coffee.
You can reserve a table online at this link.
After lunch walk to the tram stop No 5 on Elizabeth street and catch the No 12 Victoria to St Kilda tram which will take you to Southbank. Its five stops and you need to get off at City Road/Clarendon Street. You can walk if you prefer, it will take approximately 30 minutes.
Southbank
The Southbank complex runs alongside the river, this glamorous stretch is the cities main cultural centre, and it has some of the top things to do in Melbourne.
Its where you’ll find the several of Melbournes most beautiful art galleries, some of the best restaurants in Melbourne, and the Crown Melbourne Casino.
Eureka Skydeck 1 hour
For 360 degree spectacular views of Melbourne take the lift to the 88th floor of the Eureka Skydeck and admire breathtaking vistas over the city. There’s even a glass cube which has a glass floor and roof.
For an additional $12, you can step into the cube and have a photo taken. Its quite an adrenaline rush standing on a piece of glass suspended almost 300 metres in the air. The Skydeck is open from 10 am till 10 pm tickets cost $21 for adults.
National Gallery of Victoria 2 hours minimum
The NGV is Australia’s most popular art gallery and includes over 70,000 works dating over thousands of years. Collections include British and European Art from the 13th century to the present day. There are also works by Japanese and Asian artists alongside paintings by some of the greats such as Rembrandt, Picasso and René.
It is open daily from 10 am till 5 pm, and entrance is free.
Australian Centre for Contemporary Art 45 minutes
Aptly the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art is housed in a splendid contemporary building on Sturt Street, Southbank. Its exhibitions change regularly and include both national and international artists.
Entrance is free, and the centre is open from 10 am till 5 pm daily.
Arts Centre Melbourne
Melbournes Art Centre is home to a complex of theatres and concert halls including the State Melbourne Theatre, Hamer Hall, Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Playhouse and Fairfax Studio. There are big shows on all year round from ballet and opera through to classical concerts and musicals.
Check out the website to see what’s on during your stay.
You can also book a tour of the centre which extends five floors underground.
Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex
The Crown Casino complex is one of the best places to go in Melbourne for dinner. Whether you want a quick bite, a casual meal or a 5-star dining experience, you’ll find a suitable restaurant here.
After dinner, there’s plenty of bars and nightclubs that you can head to, or you could try your luck in the Melbourne Casino.
There’s also live entertainment most evenings. Check out what’s on in the Melbourne Entertainment complex here.
Day 3-Melbourne 5 Days Itinerary
There are lots of places in Melbourne to see today with fabulous architecture along the way. To start the day, take the city circle tram to Victoria Parade and walk through Carlton Gardens to the Melbourne Museum.
Melbourne Museum 2-4 hours
This is the largest museum in the southern hemisphere and has exhibits on Australian history, Aboriginal culture, science and the environment.
You can see Australias famous racehorse Phar Lap and other skeletons of animals, including dinosaurs.
The forest gallery is an exciting walk through a living forest, and if you want to learn about the countries deadly spiders and bugs, you’re in the right place.
It’s best to visit early in the morning as it can get rather busy with tourists later in the day. The museum is open every day from 10 am till 5 pm and costs $15 for Adults, free for concessions and children.
Royal Exhibition Building – 1 hour for the tour
The Unesco World Heritage Royal Exhibition building is next to the Melbourne Museum. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Melbourne and one of the oldest remaining exhibition pavilions. The interior is magnificent, as is the impressive dome on the roof.
Throughout the year there are many exhibitions, so it’s worth checking their website to see what’s on before you visit.
Tours of the building depart from the Melbourne Museum most days at 2 pm and cost $10 for Adults. You can call 11 13 02 to check in advance the availability of the tour.
Lunch Epocha Restaurant
The Epocha Restaurant is the place to go in Melbourne for Sunday lunch although it is open from Thursday through till Sunday. Sunday lunch is a three-course set menu for $50 per person.
The restaurant overlooks the Royal Exhibition Building and offers either a la carte dining or a choice of two taster menus at lunch. It’s also open most evenings for dinner. They cater for dietary requirements, and the food is mainly of European influence.
You can book a table in advance here.
After lunch head south down Rathdowne Street and turn left onto Victoria Street. Turn right after the College of Surgeons onto Albert Street and then right into the Parliament House gardens.
Parliament House 1 hour
Parliament House is one of Melbournes most prominent buildings with grand architecture both on the inside and outside.
The building is open to the public Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Free public tours take place regularly on days when parliament is not in sitting.
There’s no need to book, but it is worth checking what the most up to date times are on their website.
Old Treasury Building – 1 – 2 hours
The Old Treasury building is at the south end of the parliament gardens, and the building is another excellent example of 19th-century architecture. It’s now a museum about the history of Melbourne and Victoria. There’s lots of information and artefacts from the Goldrush period with documentaries on chasing and excavating the gold.
The museum is closed on Saturdays, but open Sunday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is free.
Spring Street – Treasury Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens 2 hours
If you enjoy gardens and want to escape the noise of the city its worth walking through the Treasury Gardens. This green oasis joins onto Fitzroy Gardens, and there’s a useful self-guided tour by GPS My City which you can download here.
Fitzroy Gardens 1 hour
These beautiful gardens have an English flavour with Elm trees and expansive lawns. The main attraction is Cooks Cottage which belonged to the parents of Captain James Cook. The cottage was built initially in Yorkshire but was moved here in 1934.
Theoretically, it’s the oldest building in Australia and tickets can be purchased at the visitor’s centre if you wish to look inside.
There’s a delightful cafe in the park which makes an ideal spot for a coffee break. The centrepiece of the gardens is a miniature Tudor Village which was a gift from a London Pensioner to say thank you for sending food during the second world war.
Dinner The European
Opposite Parliament House, The European is open from breakfast to late evening. You can call by for a coffee or enjoy a three-course meal.
Both the food and service is excellent, and there’s a fabulous choice of wines. Early evening it’s particularly busy as its close to several theatres. Hence, it’s advisable to book a table in advance.
Day 4-Melbourne 5 Days Itinerary
This morning its time to head south of the Yarra River to the beautiful Melbourne Botanical Gardens and then onto one of the worlds most famous sporting arenas the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
Royal Botanical Gardens – 2 hours
It’s about a 2 km walk from the city centre to the gardens, or you can catch a tram. Routes 3/3a, 5,6,16,64,67 and 72 will take you there, and you want to get off at stop 19 which is the Shrine of Remembrance on St Kilda Road.
The Royal Botanical Gardens are open from 7.30am to sunset every day and entry is free. There is a visitor centre at the Observatory on Birdwood Avenue which is open from 9 am till 5 pm during the week and from 9.30am on weekends.
You can pick up information about the gardens, book tours or visit the cafe and gift shop there.
The gardens offer a peaceful oasis of calm from the hustle and bustle of the city. You’ll find it popular with walkers and locals enjoying family picnics.
If you want to explore the gardens on foot, there’s a good walking map available here to download.
For a more express look around the gardens, you could take the Garden Explorer. This is a small open-air bus which you can hop on hop off. Tickets cost $10 and are available at the visitor’s centre. There’s an onboard commentary, and its a great way to relax while enjoying the beauty of the gardens.
Shrine of Remembrance – 1 hour
The Shrine of Remembrance is the Victoria State Memorial which commemorates those who have lost their lives while serving in war or peacekeeping operations.
Its open between 10 am and 5 pm daily, and entry is free although donations are gratefully received.
There are galleries to explore with historical and art exhibits and stories from the Victorians during wartime.
You can climb up to the balcony for a great view over Melbourne or wander through the gardens and admire the plaques, sculptures and water features.
Inside you can take a moment to reflect on the lives lost during the war at the sanctuary or in the crypt. You can also lay a poppy of remembrance.
Government house
Next to the Royal Botanical Gardens is Government House which is a replica of Queen Victorias Osbourne House on the Isle of Wight.
Its one of the most stunning examples of exquisite 19th-century architecture in Australia and the guided tour takes in the state ballroom, dining room, drawing room, the stable blocks and the kitchen.
Tours run every Monday and Thursday morning and cost $18 for Adults.
They need to be booked two weeks in advance, click here for more information.
Lunch
There are two cafes in the botanical gardens. Jardin Tan near the garden shop offers a selection of Vietnamese inspired dishes. The food choices range from rolls to full meals. You can also purchase a tasty tiffin for $20 to take away as a picnic and eat within the park.
Afternoon Tea is available for $45, and the menu includes options for Gluten-Free, Vegan and Vegetarian diets.
Or you could choose to eat at The Terrace restaurant near the ornamental lake. Menu choices include fish and Chips, club sandwiches and soup of the day. You can order a takeaway picnic here as well or book a table for High Tea.
After lunch, the Melbourne Cricket is worth visiting. If that doesn’t appeals, you could take a walk to Heron Island and explore the Sculpture Park.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (one and a half hours)
To get to the cricket ground its about a 30-minute walk from the visitor’s centre in the botanical gardens.
You need to walk across the gardens towards Alexandra Avenue and take the stairs. Continue to the Swan Street Bridge and cross the river.
Take a slight left onto Olympic Boulevard and continue walking until you get to the steps near the Melbourne Arena on your left. Take the steps and walk passed the Arena and continue straight and you will see the cricket ground ahead.
Australians love their sport, and the MCG is the largest stadium in the country. If your a sporting fan a visit here is a must. You can take a tour around the grounds and see the players changing rooms and the famous long room.
Tours regularly leave between 10 am and 3 pm, and if you purchase your ticket online, you can join any group on the date booked.
You can also discover more about the history of Australian sport, including football, racing, cricket and many more at the National Sports Museum which is inside gate 3.
Click here for more information on a combined ticket for both the Cricket Ground and Museum.
Directions to the stadium from Melbourne City
You can reach the stadium on foot from Finders Street station. Walk across the William Barak Bridge and follow the signs. Trams 70 (city-Vermont South) and 48 (City-North Balwyn) stop outside the MCG.
Heron Island (Saturdays and Sundays only)
To walk to Heron Island exit the Botanical gardens onto Clowes Street near Melbourne Girls Grammar School. After the junction with Walsh Street, take a slight left towards Alexandra Avenue. Turn right along Alexandra Avenue and then almost immediately left towards the Main Yarra Trail. Follow the Main Yarra Trail for the best part of 1 km, and you’ll get to the Heron Island punt service. Take a free boat across the river to Heron Island.
Heron Island is one of the most beautiful places in Melbourne to enjoy the natural surroundings of the Yarra River. It’s a popular place to take a picnic and a walk around the sculpture park.
Dinner
Maltida is a restaurant that is inspired by elements of nature, earth, fire, and water. Local produce cooked over hot coals and flaming grills feature on the menu, and there are vegan options also available.
It’s near the south end of the Botanical gardens gate D on Domain Road and its open from 6 pm. You can book a table here.
Day 5-Melbourne 5 Days Itinerary
Having explored all the best places to visit in Melbourne City, today its time to head to the coast.
St Kilda
To get to St Kilda catch the No 16 tram from Swanston Street, No 12 tram from Collins Street or the No 96 tram from Bourke Street. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and trams run till 1 am so you don’t need to worry about getting back to the city.
This famous seaside town is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches, boardwalk and luna park. One of the reasons to visit here is to see the penguins.
There’s less of them in the winter months between May-July, but you can spot them all year round. The best time to see them is between Oct and March. As the sunsets, the penguins come out of the sea and waddle back to their nests.
The penguins are fabulous to watch, they’re adorable, especially when they clamber over the rocks to reach their nests.
To see them head down to the pier just before sunset as it can get reasonably busy. Make sure you wrap up warm as it can get cold stood by the sea in the evening. You may have to wait a while, but your patience will be rewarded.
Things to do in St Kilda
Luna Park
Luna Park opens its doors over a century ago and still has all the fun and charm of a seaside amusement park. While new rides have been added one of the parks most popular is the Great Scenic Railway, a wooden coaster that travels at high speed around the parameters of the park. There’s also a Ferris wheel, a Merry-go-round and Dodgem cars to enjoy.
St Kilda Pier
The pier was built in 1853 and is one of the most loved landmark attractions in Melbourne Australia. The St Kilda Pavilion building at the end of the pier has an Edwardian kiosk which sells snacks.
If you want to soak in the atmosphere, stop for lunch at the Little Blue restaurant behind the kiosk as the views are magnificent.
St Kilda Botanical Gardens
The gardens are a pleasant place to take a walk or have a picnic. There’s a heritage-listed glass greenhouse, an eco-centre, an ornamental pond and a large outdoor chess board to see as well.
Esplanade Market (Sundays)
Between Fitzroy Street and Acland Street, there’s a reasonably sized market every Sunday between 10 am and 4 pm. Local artists run many of the stalls, and there are jewellery and souvenirs for sale as well as food stalls.
Day trips from Melbourne
The above itinerary includes some of the best Melbourne places to visit, but of course, there’s many more. Below you’ll find a list of the best Melbourne day trips. You can easily substitute one the days on the above 5 days in Melbourne itinerary with one of these Melbourne day tours.
Melbourne Zoo
There are over 320 animals to enjoy at Melbourne Zoo from all over the world. The surroundings are beautiful, and the animal enclosures provide a natural environment for the inhabitants.
You can make the day extra special by booking close up animal encounters, listen to keeper talks and learn more about local species which are currently under threat.
The zoo is involved in many conservation projects which fight the extinction of animals throughout the world.
You can get to Melbourne Zoo in 20 minutes from the city on the route 58 tram. Services are frequent, and the tram stop 26 is right outside the entrance.
Healsville Sanctuary
Everyone can enjoy a visit to this open-air zoo. You can feed kangaroos and have your picture taken with a Koala. There’s also birds of prey demonstrations and a fabulous observation tank to see the platypus.
You can even take on the keepers role by playing and feeding them, but it’s rather expensive.
I can also recommend the Birds of Prey display, but watch out for the large Wedge-tailed Eagle. Its 2 metres wingspan is enormous, and it didn’t half make me jump when it landed beside me.
The easiest way to get to the sanctuary is to use the direct service bus from the CBD. It takes approximately one hour and can be booked online at www.zoobus.com.au. A day ticket including transfers costs $79 for adults.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of the worlds most spectacular coastal drives. Its only 90 minutes from the CBD, and it’s well worth exploring in the area. You can find out everything you need to know about planning a Great Ocean Road itinerary here.
There are plenty of tour companies that organise trips, or you can hire a car for the day. Either, will require an early start and a late finish if you want to see the 12 apostles and several of the other popular sites along the road.
The Grampians
A visit to the Grampians will mean an early start, but the national park has some unique rock formations and Aboriginal Rock Art to see. There’s plenty of walking trails in the region, but the Reed Lookout and McKenzie falls are a must.
Mornington Peninsula
The strip of land between Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Bay is in the shape of a boot, and it’s known as the Mornington Peninsula. The coastline here is spectacular, and the area offers a perfect combination of wineries and beach activities.
Its less than an hour and a half drive from the city, so it makes an excellent destination for a day trip.
Wilsons Promontory
Wilsons Promontory is known for being the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. The area is stunning, which makes it one of the best places to visit near Melbourne.
There’s over 80km of walking trails to explore through forests, along beaches and through the valleys. It’s safe to swim in the beaches at Norman Bay and the wildlife both on land and at sea is spectacular.
Most tours of Wilsons Promontory include some bushwalking, the tidal river and the best lookouts.
Philip Island Penguins
Philip Island is renowned for its penguin parade and its a spectacular sight when hundreds of them waddle back to shore each night. The island is also home to large colonies of seals and koalas. The scenery is magnificent from the boardwalks around the rugged coastline and although you have to wait till evening to see the penguins, there well worth seeing.
Wine Tours Melbourne
If you love wine, a tour of the Yarra Valley is one of the top things to do in Melbourne. The valley is one of Australias best wine-producing areas, and there’s plenty of vineyards to stop at for tastings.
You can hire a car and explore the region yourself. Some of the best vineyards to stop at on route include Domain – Chandon and the Tarra Warra Estate.
Dandenongs National Park
Under an hours drive away from the city the Dandenong Ranges is one of the Melbourne experiences worth considering if you’ve had enough of city sightseeing Melbourne.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy the region is on the puffing Billy steam train which departs from Belgrave.
There are many quaint towns to explore along the way such as Olinda and Sassafras, and for the more adventurous the Tree Adventure park has flying foxes and obstacle courses through the forest.
The most popular short walk in the area is the 1000 steps Kokoda track which takes you to the one tree hill picnic ground.
Best Hotels in Melbourne
Waterfront Signature Apartment
Close to the Melbourne Convention Centre and the Eureka Skydeck, these apartments have 2-3 bedrooms, a kitchen with a washing machine and dishwasher, a bath and a shower. The complex also has a spa with a hot tub, sauna and indoor swimming pool.
All the places of interest in Melbourne are within walking distance, and the Crown Casino Entertainment centre is on the doorstep.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICES
Brady Hotels Jones Lane 4 star
The newly built Brady Hotels Jones Lane is modern, clean and close to many of Melbournes Theatres and the State Library. Rooms have free wifi, walk-in showers, ensuite bathrooms, a fridge and a kettle. The property has a restaurant, and you can either enjoy an à la carte or American Breakfast. There is also a fitness suite, a concierge desk and room service is available.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICES
Royce Hotel 5 star
The Royce Hotel is near the botanical gardens and offers both stylish rooms and luxury suites. There is a fitness suite and an outdoor courtyard where you can relax in the evening.
The onsite restaurant serves excellent food, including a delicious breakfast, and the lounge bar is a great place to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail.
The rooms are spacious and include a plasma television, bathrobes, slippers, a coffee machine, kettle and an ensuite bathroom with either a bath or shower.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICES
Treasury on Collins
Close to the Block Arcade, in the centre of Melbourne, the Treasury on Collins is a beautiful historical building.
Its ideally located for public transport and the apartments are stylishly decorated. They include a kitchenette with washer/ dryer, microwave, fridge and kitchenware as well as an ensuite bathroom.
There’s an onsite cafe where breakfast is available, and the fitness centre is open to all guests.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICES
Search for hotels in Melbourne City Centre
Getting to Melbourne Australia
Flights to Melbourne airport are available from all around the world, and there are regular routes to Australia’s other cities. To get the best price deals to use a comparison website such as Skyscanner or CheapOair.
The easiest and quickest way to get from the airport to the city centre is by taxi. It’s not the cheapest option as the 20-minute ride will cost you between $50-60. You can catch a taxi from the designated ranks at the airport. Uber is another option if you have the App on your phone.
Skybus
The Skybus is a 24/7 shuttle bus that provides an easy and convenient way to get to the city. There are two pick up points at the airport one at T1 for domestic flights and the other at T3 for international flights.
The Skybus runs between the airport and the Coach Terminal at Southern Cross Station. Return tickets cost $36.50, and there are family reductions available.
You can book tickets online, and routes are available to St Kilda and other parts of Melbourne.
Car Hire
Driving in the centre of Melbourne is not always easy with the trams to negotiate and the car parking fees to consider. However, a vehicle is an excellent way of exploring the region. You can hire cars from the airport or the city.
From personal experience, if you want to take a day trip, it’s best to hire a car for one day in the city. That way, you don’t have to negotiate the tram system for too long, and there’s no problem parking the vehicle overnight.
Useful information to help plan where to go in Melbourne 5 days itinerary
If your planning on using public transport in Melbourne you will need to purchase a Myki card. These are available at Flinders Street station and newsagent shops around town. A Myki card is a travel card that you will need to use on Buses, trains and trams as you cannot buy tickets onboard.
The cards cost $6 for adults and $3 for concessions. There are lots of places you can top up your Myki, including local stores and some tram stops. Your accommodation will point you to the nearest one.
To read more about Myki cards, click here.
Tapping on and off is a little tricky to get your head around when you first arrive in Melbourne. Depending on the zone you’re in, whether you cross zones or finish your journey within 2 hours affects whether you need to tap on and off.
However, daily fares are capped at $8.80, so there’s no need to stress too much.
Tip: Do not use your Myki card on the free tram otherwise you get charged
Melbourne Bus Tour
Like many cities around the world, Melbourne has a hop on hop off bus for sightseeing tours Melbourne. There are two routes which cover 27 stops around all the Melbourne tourist spots and tickets are available for 24 or 48 hours.
You can also purchase combined tickets with places like the Eureka Sky Deck and Melbourne Zoo. The tour provides free headphones for the ongoing commentary and a map. The main attractions include the Melbourne Aquarium. Queen Victoria Market, Shrine of Remembrance, Crown Casino and Federation Square.
Moovit App
Download the Moovit App if you are planning on using public transport as you’ll find it useful for the quickest way to get from A-B on the tram system.
Melbourne Walking Tours
Taking a walking tour is a great way to discover hidden parts of the city and learn a lot more about the area. Melbourne has several excellent walking tours which you can join around different areas of the city.
The most popular ones are around the Lanes, the hidden bars and the complete city tour.
Melbourne Show (September)
The Melbourne show is held just outside the CBD and if you’re here in late September its one of the Victoria tourist attractions not to miss.
It’s a huge agricultural show that’s been running since 1848. It’s a chance to get up close to animals, watch world-class entertainment and enjoy some of Melbournes most exceptional food.
The Melbourne show is one of Australias most significant events, and it lasts for 11 days. The show has pavilions to explore, firework displays, carnival rides, stunt shows and much more.
A visit to the Melbourne Show is one of the most fun things to do in Melbourne at this time of year.
Tickets can be purchased online, and there’s lots of public transport arranged to take people from the CBD to the show grounds.
Sporting Occasions
Melbourne top attractions for sport have to include the Australian Open Tennis Tournament (January), the Melbourne Cup (November) and the Boxing Day Test Cricket Match.
If you love watching sport, these events will be of interest. Tickets don’t come cheap but attending such matches will be a highlight of your Melbourne Travel.
You can buy tickets online at this link to significant events in Melbourne.
You may also be interested in reading about my guide to the best Landmarks in Australia and my reviews on Travel Gear here.
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Hi, I’m Fiona Berry- I live in Lancashire in the North of England, but my job as an instrumental music examiner takes me all over the world. Travel has enriched my life in so many ways and allowed me to experience different cultures, make new friends and see extraordinary sights. Through this blog, I share my knowledge and expertise so that my readers have all the resources they require to ensure their travels provide unique and unforgettable memories to destinations that are beyond the ordinary.
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