Table of Contents
| You have never been to Melbourne if… ACTIVITIES– you didn’t “walk in the dark” with The Edge! ATTRACTIONS– you didn’t try best street food in Australia at the Queen Victoria Market! |
Introduction
Welcome to Melbourne, the cultural capital of Australia, known for its vibrant street art, eclectic food scene, and blend of city life with natural beauty. Claudia and I completed an immersive four-day stay here in 2022, and we’re excited to share our favorite spots, tips, and must-sees with you.
From iconic landmarks and breathtaking coastlines to hidden gems in charming neighborhoods, Melbourne has it all. Our guide is crafted to help you see the city’s highlights in a memorable way, even on a time crunch. Whether you’re an art lover, foodie, nature enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, Melbourne has a little something for everyone.
So, grab a good pair of walking shoes and let’s dive into Melbourne’s top sights, incredible food, and unforgettable day trips.
If you’re planning to add the Australian Outback to your trip, with Alice Springs and Uluru in 3 days, this is the perfect article to read! And if you’re pushing on to the Top End and the vibrant city of Darwin, just click here!
We’d love to hear from you! Leave us a comment at the bottom of the article to ask us anything about your trip to Melbourne.
Our Best Itinerary: what to see in Melbourne in 4 days
Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Melbourne
Kick off your Melbourne adventure at the Queen Victoria Market. This historic open-air market has been a local favorite since the 1800s and is the perfect introduction to the city’s cultural mix. Here, you’ll find everything from fresh produce and artisanal goods to unique souvenirs and international street food.
This is where we first had the pleasure of trying gözleme, a delicious specialty of Turkish bread stuffed with anything your heart desires! Claudia is absolutely in love with the one with spinach and mozzarella!
Walking through its bustling lanes, you’ll get a real taste of Melbourne’s diverse food culture.
Next, head down to Swanston Street for a scenic city walk that gives you a first-hand look at Melbourne’s architectural styles, from modern skyscrapers to Victorian-era buildings. You’ll soon reach St. Paul’s Cathedral, a Gothic revival-style cathedral and an architectural gem. Take a moment to go inside and admire the stained glass and vaulted ceilings.
From the cathedral, cross the street to Melbourne’s most famous landmark, Flinders Street Railway Station. Its stunning Edwardian facade and iconic clock tower have made it a symbol of the city.
Here, you can hop on the City Circle Tram 35, a free tram that loops around Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD). This route offers a convenient and historical way to see the city’s main attractions, including Parliament House, the Old Treasury Building, and Federation Square.
After the tram tour, head back to Fed Square. This central cultural hub houses museums, galleries, and cafes and often hosts live music and events.
Just a short walk away, you’ll find AC/DC Lane and Hosier Lane, known for their vibrant street art. Melbourne’s street art scene is globally renowned, and these lanes are constantly refreshed with new and eye-catching murals, making every visit a little different.
End your first day with an aperitivo at Southbank Promenade, along the Yarra River. This area comes alive in the evening, with lights reflecting off the water, creating a beautiful ambiance. There are numerous bars and restaurants to choose from, so find a spot, relax, and take in the city views.
Day 2: Discovering Melbourne’s Art and Gardens
Start Day 2 with a hearty breakfast at Industry Beans in Fitzroy (70-76 Westgarth St), one of Melbourne’s trendiest cafes, renowned for its specialty coffee and inventive brunch menu. I absolutely love coffee mixed with milk in all its forms, just like the Australians do!
Afterward, take some time to explore Fitzroy, Melbourne’s most eclectic neighborhood, known for its alternative vibe, vintage shops, and edgy street art.
From here, make your way to Fitzroy Gardens. These manicured gardens offer a peaceful respite from the city hustle, and you can explore historical sites like Cook’s Cottage. Originally built in England and transported to Melbourne in the 1930s, this cottage commemorates Captain James Cook, the British explorer, and is an intriguing nod to Melbourne’s colonial past.
Next, immerse yourself in Australian art at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, located in Fed Square. This gallery houses an impressive collection of Australian art, both traditional and contemporary, offering a deeper understanding of the country’s cultural evolution.
One of Melbourne’s top experiences awaits you next at the Melbourne Skydeck. Located in the city’s tallest building, it provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire city and beyond. If you’re up for it, try the Edge Experience, where you’ll step into a glass cube that extends out from the building, creating the illusion of floating above Melbourne.
You can buy your ticket here!
After descending, walk through the Shrine of Remembrance, one of Australia’s largest war memorials, dedicated to those who served in World War I and other conflicts.
The surrounding Royal Botanic Gardens are worth exploring for their impressive landscapes and peaceful atmosphere.
The Botanical Gardens are just a hop away from the tennis court area of the Australian Open, one of the most famous and exciting tennis tournaments in the world, held every January.
In the evening, make your way to St. Kilda, a lively beachfront neighborhood with plenty of attractions. Visit the iconic Luna Park, an old-school amusement park with rides and games for all ages.
As the sun sets, head to St. Kilda Pier to see the local colony of little penguins. Watching these tiny creatures waddle up the beach at dusk is a magical experience, and one of our favorite memories from Melbourne.
Day 3: The Great Ocean Road Adventure
No trip to Melbourne is complete without experiencing the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives. We opted for a full-day guided tour, “From Melbourne: Full-Day Guided Tour of the Great Ocean Road” (AU$250 each), which made planning easy by including hotel pick-up, transportation, a dedicated guide, morning tea, and entry to Great Otway National Park.
If you have more days available, it’s definitely worth renting a car, then look no further than DiscoverCars.com! You’ll find here the perfect rental solution.
But if you only have one day like we did, then this is a great choice! Check here the availability!
The tour starts with a drive to Torquay, known as Australia’s surf capital. Here, you’ll see surfers tackling waves on the famous Bells Beach, which hosts the annual Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition, and you can have breakfast with a hot cup of tea!
On your journey, you’ll have the chance to stop and admire the Great Ocean Road start sign, and take some photos to remember this amazing experience!
Further along the coast, stop at Kennett River, where you’ll have the chance to spot koalas lounging in the eucalyptus trees and vibrant parrots flying overhead.
Lunch is in Apollo Bay, a coastal town with a relaxed vibe and excellent seafood. After lunch, we took a walk through the ancient Maits Rest Rainforest. Surrounded by towering ferns and lush vegetation, it’s a beautiful, peaceful escape. One of the most beautiful places we have ever seen! It feels like being inside Jurassic Park!
The tour’s grand finale is the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean. The sight of these natural wonders against the backdrop of the rugged coastline is awe-inspiring.
The day ends with a stop at Loch Ard Gorge, where you’ll learn about the tragic history of the shipwrecked Loch Ard and its survivors.
After an action-packed day, we returned to Melbourne in the evening, ready for one last day of exploration.
Day 4: A Day with Penguins on Phillip Island
For our final day, we joined a guided tour to Phillip Island (AU$290 each), famous for its incredible wildlife. Buy your ticket here!
The tour starts at Brighton Beach and the colourful beach huts.
Next stop is the Moonlit Sanctuary, where you’ll have the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos, get close to koalas, and see many other native Australian animals.
Next, we visited The Nobbies, a scenic area with rugged coastal views and boardwalks overlooking the rocky shoreline. It’s a fantastic spot to see seals, seabirds, and if you’re lucky, a few dolphins in the distance. You’ll feel like you’re at the end of the world!
The highlight of the day, and a fitting finale to our trip, was the Penguin Parade. Every evening at sunset, hundreds of little penguins return from the sea to their burrows on the beach. Seeing these adorable creatures waddle up the beach in the golden light of dusk was simply unforgettable.
Where to Eat
Melbourne’s dining scene is as diverse as its culture, and here are a few places we recommend:
- Breakfast: Start your day at Industry Beans in Fitzroy for a delicious brunch and great coffee!
- Lunch: Try Greek souvlaki or Turkish gözleme at the Queen Victoria Market!
- Dinner: Taste real Italian pizza at La Porchetta restaurants around the city (read here)!
Recommended Reading: Down Under by Bill Bryson
Before your trip to Melbourne and Australia, we highly recommend Down Under: Travels in a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson. This entertaining travelogue offers a fun and insightful introduction to the vastness and quirkiness of Australia. Bryson’s witty writing shares his personal experiences exploring the country’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture, all while providing historical context and amusing anecdotes.
With Bryson’s humor and keen observations, Down Under is an ideal companion to help you get excited about your trip and understand the unique charm of Australia.
Follow our blog for more travel reading recommendations!
Travel Tips from KeepMoosing
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Conclusions
Melbourne is a city that truly has it all—from the bustling inner city and its cultural landmarks to the vast coastline and iconic wildlife just outside its borders.
This 4-day itinerary allows you to experience the best of Melbourne, from its famous street art and food markets to breathtaking natural sights. By exploring its neighborhoods, dining on local flavors, and embarking on day trips to the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island, you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime.
We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a comment with any suggestions or clarifications you may have, and we’ll be more than happy to help you as soon as possible.
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