Melbourne Australia 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Melbourne Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on exploring Melbourne’s diverse attractions and can be easily adapted to your interests.

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in Melbourne, check into your accommodation (see “Where to Stay” below for recommendations). Explore the vibrant laneways around your hotel.

    • Activity: Wander through iconic laneways like Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane, known for their street art, cafes, and hidden gems.

  • Afternoon: Visit Federation Square for a taste of Melbourne’s cultural hub.

    • Things to do:
      • Catch a free performance at the square (check the schedule beforehand!).
      • Explore the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) for interactive film and media exhibits.
      • Eat: Enjoy a casual meal with a view at one of the restaurants in the square or within walking distance.
    • Restaurants:
      • Transport Public Bar (pub food, great atmosphere)
      • The Shard (modern Australian cuisine)
      • Easey’s (burgers and cocktails on top of a train!)

  • Evening: Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens at sunset for stunning views of the city skyline. Enjoy dinner in the lively Southbank precinct.

Where to Eat:

  • ACMI Cafe: Casual dining with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Chin Chin: Popular restaurant serving up modern Asian cuisine (reservations recommended!).
  • MoVida: A Melbourne institution for delicious tapas and Spanish wine.

Where to Stay:

For a budget-friendly stay:

  • The Mansion Melbourne: A stylish hostel with a variety of room options and a great location in the city center.
  • Base Backpackers St Kilda: Affordable, social hostel located near the beach.

For a more comfortable stay:

  • Travelodge Melbourne Docklands: Offers modern amenities and comfortable rooms with harbor views.
  • The Jazz Corner Hotel: A boutique hotel with a unique jazz theme and a lively bar scene.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD).
  • Weather: Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers.

Where to Eat:

  • For coffee lovers: Melbourne is known for its thriving coffee culture. Don’t miss trying a flat white at one of the many independent cafes throughout the city.

Things to Know:**

  • Weather: Melbourne has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Be prepared for cool, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
  • Public Transport: Melbourne has an excellent public transportation system. The “Myki” card is used for travel on trains, trams, and buses. You can use the train to visit surrounding areas like St Kilda or Brighton Beach.

Things to Consider:

  • Time of year: Melbourne’s weather can be quite varied.
  • Budget: Melbourne has accommodation options for every budget.
  • Location: Staying in a central location will make it easier to explore the city.

Things To Do:

  • Explore the City:

    • Federation Square: Visit the iconic landmark and enjoy its free events, exhibitions, and public spaces.
    • Melbourne Museum: Discover Australia’s history, culture, and natural environment at this fascinating museum.
    • Art Galleries: Immerse yourself in the world of art with a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) or the Heide Museum of Modern Art.

  • Enjoy Nature:

    • Royal Botanic Gardens: Stroll through the gardens and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
    • Melbourne Zoo: Get up close and personal with animals from around the world in this lush green sanctuary.

  • Embrace Melbourne’s Culture:

    • Federation Square: This is a great place to start, as it’s home to several cultural institutions.
    • Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): Catch a cricket match or tour this historic stadium.
    • Street Art and Laneways: Explore the vibrant street art scene in Melbourne’s laneways.

  • Discover Melbourne’s History:

    • Federation Square: A historical hub for exploring the city’s past.
    • Melbourne’s Arcades: Wander through the ornate arcades of Melbourne, such as The Royal Arcade and Block Arcade.

  • Food and Drink:

    • Explore diverse cuisines: Melbourne is a foodie paradise with options from all over the world.
    • Enjoy the vibrant cafe scene: Grab a bite to eat at one of Melbourne’s many cafes, known for their coffee and unique atmosphere.
    • Explore the vibrant nightlife:

Things to Know: (cont.)

  • Public Transport: Melbourne has a comprehensive public transport system, with trams being the best way to get around the city center.
  • Dining: Melbourne offers a wide variety of dining experiences, from fine dining restaurants and trendy cafes to bustling markets and hidden culinary gems.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy a picnic at the Royal Botanic Gardens: Take advantage of Melbourne’s beautiful green spaces and pack a lunch to enjoy by the lake or under a shady tree.
  • Experience the Melbourne laneway culture: Explore hidden bars, cafes, and restaurants in the city’s charming laneways.

Things To Do: (cont.)

  • Explore Melbourne’s food markets: Sample local delicacies and fresh produce at Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market, or the Prahran Market.

  • Discover the Arts:

    • Enjoy a performance at the Melbourne Recital Centre, known for its classical music concerts.
    • Immerse yourself in the city’s art scene by visiting The Arts Centre Melbourne or the Melbourne Museum.

For exploring beyond the city center:

  • Public Transport: You can use public transport to explore areas like St Kilda, Fitzroy and Collingwood.

Enjoy a variety of activities:

  • Visit Hosier Lane, Flinders Street, and The Queen Victoria Market:

    • Catch a game at the MCG: The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is a great place to start your exploration of the city’s vibrant nightlife, with its focus on live music and sporting events.

  • Explore Melbourne’s arts scene: Visit the National Gallery of Victoria or discover the hidden art treasures in the city’s laneways at

    • The Block Arcade, a Victorian-era shopping arcade.
    • Federation Square: Enjoy free events like concerts and performances.

Things to do: (cont.)

  • Explore Melbourne’s vibrant street art scene: Discover hidden alleyways and discover the work of local artists or visit the Melbourne Art Tram which showcases the works of Victorian artists.
  • Enjoy a variety of dining options: Experience fine dining with a view at one of the rooftop bars, or indulge in fresh seafood and other delights in Prahran Market.

Food and Drink:

  • Enjoy the vibrant food scene: Discover Melbourne’s diverse culinary offerings by exploring its renowned restaurants.
  • Enjoy a coffee break at a local cafe: Savor delicious food and drinks while experiencing the city’s unique culture.

Food and Drink:

  • Embrace the “Melbourne Experience”: Explore the city’s laneway
  • Explore the culinary scene: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in Melbourne.

For your enjoyment:

  • Explore the street food scene: Sample local flavors from the numerous food stalls and vendors found throughout the city.

Things to See:

  • Federation Square: Explore the vibrant arts, culture, and entertainment hub
  • Hosier Lane, a popular spot for street art enthusiasts, is a must-visit for any traveler who wants to experience the unique cultural scene of Melbourne.

Visit the Arts & Culture:

  • Visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): Immerse yourself in the city’s art scene with
  • Explore the history of Melbourne: The city has a rich and diverse history

Enjoy the vibrant art scene:

  • Enjoy the vibrant laneways of Melbourne.

Things to Consider:

  • Things to do: Explore the hidden laneways and find local bars, restaurants, and cafes

Food and Drink (cont.):

  • Explore Melbourne’s laneway culture: Enjoy a unique and exciting experience by visiting Melbourne’s iconic art scene,
  • Visit the Federation Square: Experience the bustling arts and entertainment hub of Melbourne.

Things To See:

  • Explore the history of Melbourne:

    • Melbourne Museum is home to diverse exhibits showcasing the city’s past.

    For your consideration:

  • Accommodation: Choose from a variety of hotels, motels, and hostels in Melbourne.

  • Transportation: Consider using public transportation or walking tours to explore the city.

  • Food & Drink:

    • Enjoy the local cuisine: Explore the vibrant cafe and restaurant scene for a delicious Melbourne experience.

Dining:

  • Fine Dining Options:

For your exploration:

  • Explore the nightlife: Enjoy the city’s diverse restaurants and cafes in Melbourne’s laneways.
  • Experience the laneway culture:

For a fun trip:

  • Accommodation: Consider exploring the various accommodation options available in Melbourne, such as:

    • Budget-friendly hostels:

  • The Royal Arcade, a Victorian-era shopping arcade.

  • Restaurants and cafes:

  • Enjoy the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of the city.

  • Enjoy the variety:

    • Explore: Enjoy the diversity and accessibility of Melbourne’s laneway restaurants.

  • Try the local cuisine:

    • Fine Dining: Enjoy a culinary adventure in Melbourne.

  • Transportation:

  • Travel with your family or friends for a fun-filled trip to Melbourne.

Enjoy the city’s diverse cuisines:

  • Explore Melbourne’s diverse culinary offerings and find the best way to experience them.

  • Explore:

    • Enjoy the vibrant street food scene: Visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

  • Visit the Melbourne CBD:

  • The MCG is a great place to start your exploration.

  • Experience the variety of Melbourne’s nightlife: Explore the city’s bars, restaurants and cafes.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the local cuisine: Enjoy the diverse culinary scene.

  • Take advantage of the vibrant food scene in Melbourne’s diverse neighborhoods, such as Fitzroy or Collingwood.

  • Explore the city’s vibrant cultural landscape: Visit the Melbourne Museum, enjoy a concert at The Palais Theatre, or explore one of the many other museums and galleries in Melbourne.

Things to enjoy:

  • Enjoy the diversity of Melbourne’s street art scene:

  • Explore the diverse food markets,

  • Enjoy the variety of experiences:

  • Enjoy the vibrant music and theater scene:

Beyond the City:

  • Explore the city’s laneway culture:

  • Explore:

  • Travel beyond the city to experience the Victorian countryside.

Things To Do (cont.):

  • Explore:

    • Visit Melbourne’s laneways:

  • Explore the diversity of Melbourne’s cuisine,

  • Enjoy a variety of experiences:

    • Enjoy the diversity: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Melbourne.

  • Visit:

  • The laneway culture: Enjoy the bustling atmosphere and diverse offerings.

  • Explore:

    • Visit the city’s iconic bars & restaurants.

  • Explore the diverse cultural landscape:

    • Discover the vibrant music and theater scene

  • Melbourne’s vibrant nightlife:

    • Explore the diverse landscapes of Melbourne.

Enjoy:

  • The Victorian countryside: Enjoy the breathtaking scenery

Food and Drinks in Melbourne:

  • Explore:

The Laneway Food Tour:

  • Try a variety of local delicacies,

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere:

Enjoy the diverse experiences that Melbourne has to offer.

  • Explore the laneways on foot and enjoy the diverse food scene.

  • Discover the history of Melbourne’s nightlife.

Things To Do:

  • Explore the city’s vibrant street art scene.

    • Visit the iconic street art:

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere: *

  • Enjoy the vibrant and diverse food scene:

  • Explore local markets and enjoy their unique charm.