Melbourne 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Melbourne Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on the highlights of Melbourne while offering flexibility for your own interests.

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: The Mansion Melbourne (hostel with a range of private and dorm rooms), Base Backpackers Melbourne (central location, good for solo travelers).
  • Mid-Range: Hotel Lindrum (boutique hotel with a sophisticated vibe), The Cullen (stylish hotel near the CBD), Grand Hyatt Melbourne (luxury option with stunning views)

Day 1: Exploring the City Center

  • Morning:

    • Activity: Start your day with a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Explore the diverse flora and fauna, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and soak in the beauty of nature with a view of the city skyline. (Tip: Check the website for seasonal blooms and events)

  • Lunch: Indulge in a delicious brunch at Hardware Société, known for its innovative French-inspired dishes and excellent coffee.

    • Alternative: Grab a quick bite at the Queen Victoria Market. This historic market offers a variety of food stalls and vendors, from fresh produce and seafood to gourmet treats and international cuisine.

  • Afternoon:

    • Immerse yourself in art and culture at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), exploring its vast collection spanning centuries and cultures.
    • Wander through the laneways and arcades of Melbourne’s CBD. Discover hidden street art, quirky cafes, and vibrant shopping experiences.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Enjoy a modern Australian dinner with breathtaking views at Vue de Monde, a fine-dining establishment known for its innovative cuisine.
    • After Dinner: Experience the nightlife of Melbourne’s famous laneways. Explore hidden bars, enjoy live music, or catch a performance at a theater in the city.

Day 2: Culture and Coastline

  • Morning: Visit Federation Square, the heart of Melbourne’s cultural scene with its museums, art galleries, and bustling atmosphere.

    • Activity: Take a walk through the vibrant street art laneways of Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane.

  • Lunch: Explore the vibrant food scene in the city. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Melbourne’s many renowned cafes or restaurants.

  • Suggestions:

    • Fine Dining: For a truly unique experience, try Flower Drum for their exquisite Cantonese cuisine.

    • Casual Bites:

      • Cafe Culture: Melbourne is known for its excellent coffee and vibrant cafe scene. Explore a local cafe near your chosen accommodation area or check out the best cafes in Melbourne’s CBD based on online reviews.

Afternoon:

  • Activity: Immerse yourself in the city’s history at the Melbourne Museum, the State Library of Victoria, or the Old Melbourne Gaol.
  • Alternative: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Yarra River, soaking up the city’s charm and vibrant atmosphere.

Things to know:

  • Melbourne Museum: This is a great option for learning about the natural world, history, and culture of Victoria.
  • Federation Square: A central meeting place in Melbourne with cafes, bars, museums, and the iconic “Flinders Street” sign.

Evening:

  • Dinner: Explore one of the many diverse culinary experiences Melbourne has to offer.

  • Alternative: Enjoy a traditional Australian meal at a pub or try out a local food festival for unique bites and drinks.

  • Things to know:

    • Dining Options:
      • The Hardware Société (mentioned above) offers a “Taste of Europe” menu with dishes like steak frites and escargots.
      • Chin Chin, located near the NGV, is a popular choice for delicious Asian-inspired dishes.

  • Brunch/Lunch:

    • Queen Victoria Market: A must-visit for any tourist in Melbourne, enjoy exploring the market and trying fresh food from one of the many stalls.

Day 3: Laneways, Lanes, and Local Flavors

  • Federation Square: Catch a ferry or take a stroll along the Yarra River.

  • Alternative:

    • Visit: Explore the laneways and enjoy the vibrant street art scene found in Melbourne’s CBD (Central Business District).

    • Laneway Exploration:

      • Discover: Explore the hidden bars, cafes, and restaurants in the alleys and lanes.
      • Consider: Visiting Hosier Lane for its iconic street art and enjoying a delicious meal or coffee at one of the nearby eateries like Section 8 Cafe or The Croft Institute.

  • Explore: Lush food markets, quirky cafes, and hidden bars are all part of Melbourne’s charm.

Day 3: Food and Fun

* **Food Market Exploration:** Explore the Queen Victoria Market for a taste of Melbourne's vibrant culinary scene.
* **Restaurant Suggestion:**

    * **For a unique experience:** Visit Chin Chin for its modern, playful approach to Southeast Asian cuisine. Enjoy their delicious dishes while experiencing the lively atmosphere.

Things to know:

  • This is just a starting point - you can easily adjust the itinerary based on your interests and budget.
  • **Alternative: ** Consider visiting a local brewery like the Carlton Brewhouse or a cafe in a charming Melbourne laneway for a taste of the local scene.
    • Enjoy a pub meal, coffee, or drinks with a view.

Things to know:

  • Enjoy a traditional Aussie experience:

    • Try a “meat pie” (a savory pie filled with minced meat and gravy) with “tomato sauce” (ketchup).

  • Cafe Culture: Explore the diverse cafe scene in Melbourne’s CBD, offering everything from classic Australian breakfasts to innovative brunch creations.

Melbourne’s highlights:

  • Explore the laneways: Discover hidden cafes and bars tucked away in charming alleyways and arcades.
  • Visit a “cafe”: Enjoy a traditional Aussie breakfast at one of the many cafes in the city, or explore a diverse range of cuisines and dishes in Melbourne’s renowned laneway eateries.

Things to consider:

  • Transportation:

    • Public transportation is excellent in Melbourne.
    • Consider using the tram network (it’s free within the Free Tram Zone)

  • Budget: Melbourne has a variety of dining options, from budget-friendly food stalls to fine dining restaurants. You can find affordable cafes and eateries around the city.

  • Things to see/do:

    • Explore iconic laneways like Hosier Lane, which is known for its vibrant street art scene.

  • Find: a good map of Melbourne’s laneway system to help you navigate the bustling streets.

Remember to adjust the specific locations and activities to your budget and interests!