Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Melbourne
Explore the artistic alleys of Melbourne, Australia's cultural capital, celebrated for its hidden laneways, exceptional coffee scene, and vibrant street art.
Melbourne is served by Tullamarine Airport and is well connected domestically. Trams are iconic and free in the CBD; trains and buses cover the rest. The city is known for “four seasons in a day”—pack layers. Spring and autumn are often the most pleasant. Book top restaurants and events ahead. Explore the laneways, Queen Victoria Market, and neighbourhoods like Fitzroy and St Kilda. Allow time for a day trip along the Great Ocean Road or to the Yarra Valley. Coffee and food are serious business here.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in Melbourne.
Best Time to Visit Melbourne
Spring
20°C / 10°C
Mild but highly changeable ("four seasons in one day")
Summer
26°C / 15°C
Warm and sunny, occasional extreme heat spikes
Fall
20°C / 11°C
Cool and crisp, beautiful autumn foliage
Winter
14°C / 7°C
Cold and frequently damp
Day 1
Federation Square
Abstract buildings flank this block-size plaza, filled with restaurants, museums and arts venues.
Morning activity: Federation Square.
Queen Victoria Market
Longtime market selling food, clothing & more in a historic landmark spanning 2 city blocks.
Lunch nearby: Queen Victoria Market.
Hosier Lane
Vibrant, landmark district of noteworthy urban art & graffiti with a local small-plates restaurant.
Afternoon sightseeing: Hosier Lane.
Chin Chin
Relaxed restaurant with an Asian-inspired menu & local art exhibits above a cocktail bar with DJs.
Dinner in the area: Chin Chin.
Eureka Skydeck
Gold-plated observation deck on the 88th floor with panoramic city views & a protruding glass cube.
Evening experience: Eureka Skydeck.
Day 2
Great Ocean Road Tour
Morning activity: Great Ocean Road Tour.
Apollo Bay Bakery
Lunch nearby: Apollo Bay Bakery.
12 Apostles
Visitor centre, with a car park and toilet, by a geologically significant marine national park.
Afternoon sightseeing: 12 Apostles.
Brae
Upscale seasonal dining in an airy space with daily menus featuring locally sourced produce & meat.
Dinner in the area: Brae.
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Attraction where visitors can watch a penguin colony's sunset waddle from the sea to their burrows.
Evening experience: Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
Day 3
Royal Botanic Gardens
36-hectare botanic garden founded in 1846, planted with Australian species and non-native gardens.
Morning activity: Royal Botanic Gardens.
Lune Croissanterie
Lunch nearby: Lune Croissanterie.
National Gallery of Victoria
Public gallery with vast, varied collection of noted Australian and international art and artefacts.
Afternoon sightseeing: National Gallery of Victoria.
Attica
Acclaimed restaurant serving inventive tasting menus and select wines in crisp, low-lit surrounds.
Dinner in the area: Attica.
Yarra River Cruise
Outlet for a variety of different themed city tours conducted by boat.
Evening experience: Yarra River Cruise.