5 Days in Melbourne: The Best Melbourne Itinerary You’ll Ever Find

Headed to Australia and planning 5 days in Melbourne? Keep on reading – this Melbourne itinerary is exactly what you’re looking for.

G’Day Mate! Welcome to the Land Down Under! First time in Australia?! You’ve gotta include 5 days in Melbourne in your plans! It’s one of Australia’s major cultural hubs, filled with laneways plastered with street art, historic Victorian-era buildings, innovative modern museums, the best coffee ever… — it’s just so friggin cool!

Melbourne’s home to a thriving arts scene, trendy rooftop bars, eclectic neighborhoods with boutique shops and independent bookstores, and a unique street style that reflects the city’s individuality. It’s got a multicultural urban landscape (green spaces and lush parks galore) plus stunning beaches and plenty of fun day trips.

You could visit Melbourne time and time again and never get bored. But if it’s your first time, you wanna make sure you plan the best Melbourne itinerary possible (I mean, you’re probably coming from quite far)!

The city is just buzzing with energy and I couldn’t get enough! It kinda reminded me of NYC or SF in a sense, and I left feeling like hmm… I could see myself living there (but don’t we always say that after visiting a new place, haha).

Plus, the coffee culture is legit (with trendy cafes on every corner) and the nightlife is downright awesome. I mean, it’s called the “World’s Most Liveable City” for a reason after all! And it’s so diverse – in all different aspects; from its food and people and markets and neighborhoods. And OH the many brunch options!

It’s funny – when I was originally planning my trip to Australia and researching where to go, Melbourne didn’t honestly seem all that intriguing to me. Well, my friends, I was wrong. So, so very wrong. Melbourne ended up being one of the highlights of my entire Australia trip! Crazy how life works that way. It’s got such a funky vibe and I just loved it!

I promise this will be the only Melbourne itinerary you need to plan your trip – I loaded this post with practically everything I learned during my time there. And there’s A LOT of info, so you may wanna save this post for later and/or take some notes.

Melbourne Itinerary At-A-Glance

Day 1: Melbourne CBD and Fitzroy
Day 2: Brighton Beach, St. Kilda, and CBD
Day 3: Great Ocean Road
Day 4: Phillip Island
Day 5: Mornington Peninsula

So let’s get to it – the most perfect 5 day Melbourne itinerary coming right up! But first, some important logistics!

5 Days in Melbourne Itinerary Logistics

Where is Melbourne and How to Get There

For starters, Melbourne is in AUSTRALIA! But you probably already knew that, haha (still can’t believe I finally made it there!). Melbourne is actually the capital city of the state of Victoria, located on the southeastern coast of Australia.

The city sits directly on the Yarra River, and is a tad north of the Port Phillip Bay – meaning lots of water and even some beaches. I spent a morning taking photos at Brighton Beach and wandering St. Kilda and loved the beaches over here (although definitely not as impressive as the beaches on the Bondi to Coogee Walk in Sydney)!

Melbourne isn’t far from the start of the Great Ocean Road (a must-do on any Melbourne itinerary), Phillip Island (with all the cute little penguins), French Island (come here to see koalas in the wild), and The Mornington Peninsula (with tons of seaside charm and a rich wine country).

And since Australia is so huge (almost the same size as the USA), it’s pretty far from other popular spots in the country – the closest major city on the mainland, Adelaide, is about 725 kilometers (450 miles) northwest! Sydney is a bit further in the opposite direction, about 878 kilometers (546 miles) northeast. Melbourne is even further from the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Perth, Uluru, and Cairns. To the south you’ll find Tasmania, and below that, Antarctica!

It’s downright impossible to see all of Australia in one trip, so just plan to come back.

Flying to Melbourne

When you fly into Melbourne, you’ll be heading to Tullamarine Airport (MEL), the primary international and domestic airport of the city. Terminal 2 (the International Terminal) is super modern – it’s even won architectural awards for its innovative and modern design!

International Flights: Thankfully, many international airlines operate direct flights to Melbourne from major cities worldwide.

Direct services typically depart from major cities on the west coast of the US and in Texas, so if you’re coming from the midwest or East Coast (or a smaller city), you’ll undoubtedly need to connect.

Coming from the States, most flights leave at night, meaning you arrive in Australia early in the morning. You’ll be crossing the International Date Line, meaning you’ll lose an ENTIRE day while traveling (for example, leaving the States on a Thursday will get you there on Saturday). Don’t worry, you’ll gain this time back when you fly home (and actually arrive home before you even left – that time difference is wild!)!

And I’m sorry to say, but you won’t get a stamp on your passport (something I was super sad about). The country did away with paper stamps back in 2012, and now uses the SmartGate System, which uses facial recognition technology and your passport’s electronic chip.

Regardless of where you’re coming from, it’ll be a long flight. Australia isn’t close to anywhere else in the world, besides New Zealand (which is still a 3 hour flight away) and Bali, a very popular place for Aussies to visit (a 6 hour flight).

Here’s some popular cities around the world with direct flights to give you an idea of how long it’ll take:

Auckland: ~3 hours
Bali: ~6 hours
Singapore: ~7 hours
Honolulu, Hawaii: ~10 hours
Tokyo: ~10 hours
Bangkok: ~10 hours
Seoul: ~11 hours
Dubai: ~14 hours
San Francisco/Los Angeles: ~15 hours
Vancouver: ~15 hours
Dallas/Fort Worth: ~17 hours

Unfortunately there’s no direct flights from Europe, so you’ll need to connect in either Dubai or Singapore. So, so very long. But I promise the long flight/s are worth it – this is Australia we’re talking about!

For reference, our direct 15-hour flights from San Francisco (SFO) were about $1k roundtrip. A few girls we met each paid over $2500 coming from SFO, so definitely shop around – they were actually on our flight going home, haha!

Domestic Flights: Already in Australia? You can easily fly to Melbourne from elsewhere in the country! Having just spent 5 days in Sydney, we took a short 50 minute flight to Melbourne, and it couldn’t have been easier.

Check out Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar (a popular budget airline in Australia); they all operate frequent domestic flights. We got lucky and found roundtrip flights from Sydney to Melbourne for under $150!

And once you land, you can easily reach the city center in about 30-45 minutes by SkyBus (an express bus service between the airport and Southern Cross Station in the CBD), taking a private shuttle service, or grabbing a taxi/rideshare (Uber and Didi both work here).

Driving to Melbourne

Australia is HUGE — I don’t think most people realize that when planning their first trip to the country. However, there’s many vast uninhabited areas of Australia, so you may be driving through a whole lotta nothing depending on where you’re going, lol.

Up for a long road trip?! You can certainly drive to Melbourne! Just know the city isn’t that close to other popular spots in Australia. Although they don’t look too far on a map, it’s about a 9 hour drive from Sydney!

The Hume Highway (M31) is the primary route connecting Sydney and Melbourne. The journey takes you through regional New South Wales and Victoria, showcasing rural landscapes, farmlands, and occasional small towns. The drive typically takes around 8 to 9 hours, but you’ll probably wanna stop so it’ll undoubtedly take longer (the Southern Highlands, Bowral, and Albury are popular places to break the journey). Always be on the lookout for wildlife!

Since we flew to Melbourne from Sydney, I unfortunately don’t have additional info for you. Just remember Aussies drive on the left side of the road – so if you’re not comfortable with that (we sure weren’t!), I recommend just flying, haha.

Train/Bus to Melbourne

If you’re coming from Sydney, you’ve got a few public transport options. Although they all take SIGNIFICANTLY longer than flying… so you decide!

Sydney to Melbourne Train Service: The most popular train between Sydney (Central Station) and Melbourne (Southern Cross Station) is operated by NSW TrainLink and is known as the “XPT” (Express Passenger Train).

The journey takes approximately 11 hours… but hey, there’s picturesque views of the countryside (although no coastline)! Thankfully there’s sleeper trains!

Bus Services: There’s a few different bus companies that operate between Sydney and Melbourne – including Greyhound Australia and Firefly Express (and typically more affordable than the train). But the bus journey takes a bit longer, typically around 12-14 hours.

If you’re pressed for time and don’t wanna fly, you can take a night bus that’ll get you to Melbourne in the early AM.

How to Get Around During your 5 Days in Melbourne

On Foot: Melbourne’s CBD (Central Business District) is such a walkable city, and we definitely took advantage of that. We walked SO much during our 5 days in Melbourne and beyond.

I think I clocked in around 20k steps a day – and yes, my feet hurt so much! Make sure to wear super comfy sneakers while wandering around (I was silly and wore sandals a few times – not a great idea).

However, if you wanna explore other neighborhoods in Melbourne (Fitzroy, St. Kilda, Brighton Beach, etc), you’ll wanna take a tram or rideshare as they’re just too far to walk without killing your feet.

Trams: I had no clue before visiting, but Melbourne has one of the largest tram networks in the world (yes, even larger than San Francisco). And they’re absolutely iconic and super convenient! They cover a vast network, including within the CBD, as well as many suburbs like St Kilda, Brunswick, and Fitzroy.

Free Tram Zone: Melbourne boasts FREE trams within the CBD! The City Circle Tram operates in a loop around the CBD, stopping at major attractions like Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the Queen Victoria Market. Definitely take advantage of this and let your feet rest from time to time!

Trains: You can use Metro Trains Melbourne to head from the CBD to surrounding suburbs. Major stations include Flinders Street Station (the main station in the CBD), Southern Cross, and Central.

Psst – there’s also buses that head to areas not served by the train or tram, but you shouldn’t need to use these. Check out the official Journey Planner to get routes.

Myki Cards: If you’re gonna use any paid public transit (yes, even once), you NEED to purchase a Myki card. It’s a reusable smart card used to pay for rides on trains, trams, and buses.

You unfortunately can’t use Apple Pay or a credit card to pay for Melbourne public transit just yet – they’re working on it! You can buy a Myki card at train stations, visitor centers, and some shops displaying the myki sign.

Ride Shares: To be honest, we primarily used ride shares to get around when we weren’t walking. Rides were very affordable and we didn’t feel like waiting around for public transport – call us lazy… but, hey, we were on vacation!

Plus, our drivers were super chatty and sweet! Uber and Didi are both popular here in Melbourne.

Day Trips: If you wanna get outside the city center and into some nature, consider booking a few day trips with organized tours. Three of our 5 days in Melbourne were actually spent outside the CBD – Great Ocean Road, Mornington Peninsula, and French and Phillip Island.

Highly recommend booking an organized tour if you’re not comfortable driving on the other side of the road (remember – all the turns are opposite!).

When to Plan Your Melbourne Itinerary (Weather and Crowds)

Since Australia’s in the Southern Hemisphere, it experiences opposite seasons than both the States and Europe. This means that when it’s our winter here in the States, it’s summer over in Australia. Amazing if you wanna escape the cold! When researching, I highly recommend searching by month instead of season, haha – it gets confusing!

Melbourne experiences a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. But regardless of the seasons, weather in Melbourne is super wacky – one day it’s cold and gray and kinda rainy, the next it’s 90° and scorching hot. Super unpredictable. Definitely pack layers (we wore pants even in summer) – you never really know what you’re gonna get no matter the season.

Overall, the most popular travel time is from October to March. Note that the most expensive month to travel is January – this is when the whole of Australia is on holiday. But since there’s tons of things to do indoors (world-class restaurants! bars! theatre! shopping! live music! museums!), there’s never really a bad time to visit. You’ll find things to do no matter the time of year.

December to February: Summer (High Season)

December through February is summer in Australia – it’s the best time for hot, sunny weather! Everyone’s out and about and social, and there’s always something going on (including the Australian Open tennis tournament, Lunar New Year celebrations, and the annual LGBTIQ+ pride festival). Seasons are opposite over here, so if you’ve got the winter blues, head on over to Melbourne.

HOWEVER, December to January is the busiest time as it’s summer break for students in Australia (because opposite seasons). Meaning peak prices.

Weather is warm to hot 20-30°C (68-86°F), with occasional heatwaves. Thankfully, Melbourne is slightly cooler than other Australian faves like Sydney and Brisbane, making it a tad more comfortable.

If I had to choose, I’d say mid-February into early March is the best time to visit Melbourne. Students are back in school, Christmas holidays are well over, and temps have started to cool off (a bit).

For reference, we spent our 5 days in Melbourne in late February, and besides some cloudy weather and cool temps, I’d say we had pretty decent weather. However the day after we left it was forecasted to be 100°F, and a few days before we came power went out in the city because of a freak lightning storm. So, you really never know, haha.

March to May and September to November: Fall/Spring (Shoulder Seasons)

The shoulder seasons (fall and spring) see mild temperatures, less tourists, and lower airfare prices. There’s colorful fall foliage in autumn, and blooming flowers in spring. Most events and festivals take place in March and April, including The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Australian Formula One Grand Prix, and Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

I’d skip out visiting during Spring though (September to November), as this is when Melbourne experiences the most unpredictable weather and the most rain.

June to August: Winter (Low Season)

Wanna visit without all the tourists? Come in Melbourne’s winter – it’s much cooler (with temps ranging from 6-14°C (43-57°F), days are short, and overcast skies are common, but there’s typically little to no rain. You’ll get to experience the city among the locals instead!

Where to Stay in Melbourne

Central Business District (CBD): First time to Melbourne? I highly recommend staying in the CBD, the heart of the city bustling with shops, restaurants, museums, and all those famous laneways (filled with street art and coffee shops) you keep hearing about.

You’re not too far from cultural attractions and the main train station (Flinders Street), and you can practically walk everywhere you wanna go. If you wanna see and do all the things on this Melbourne itinerary, stay in the CBD – we LOVED the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

For reference, we stayed at QT Melbourne right in the CBD, and found the location to be absolutely perfect. It’s such a modern, semi-industrial hotel with edgy, sexy vibes – think eclectic wallpaper in the bathrooms, bold pops of color, and exceptional rooftop cocktails.

Other options we were looking at were Vibe Hotel Melbourne, Voco Melbourne Central, and Laneways by Ovolo.

Fitzroy: Ohhh – Fitzroy! I just loved this trendy and eclectic neighborhood just north of the CBD. It’s known for its artistic and bohemian vibe, filled with tons of unique boutiques on Brunswick Street, colorful street art, and diverse dining options. Stay in this area if you wanna stay among all the hip, young people.

Check out The StandardX, Melbourne Metropole Central, and lyf Collingwood Melbourne.

St. Kilda: Wanna stay by the beach for your 5 days in Melbourne? While I admit it’s not as convenient for exploring the rest of the city, there’s the beach right there!

Perfect for some relaxing beach days hanging by the pier (plus, there’s penguins at sunset!) and Luna Park for some nostalgic amusement park fun. St. Kilda’s well-connected by trams and buses, so you can easily get to other parts of Melbourne quickly.

I’ve heard great things about The Prince Hotel and Quest St Kilda Bayside.

Additional Melbourne Itinerary FAQs

Local Currency in Melbourne: Like the rest of Australia, the local currency in Melbourne is the Australian Dollar, written as AUD. At the time of writing (March 2024), 1 Australian Dollar (AUD) is equivalent to ~$.65 cents USD (or $1 USD = ~ $1.50 AUD).

Since the Australian Dollar is pretty weak compared to the United States Dollar, it feels like everything is about 30% off or so! Although in order to easily convert from AUD to USD on the go, I simply used 25% off in my head.

And we didn’t need cash once! Everywhere we went (restaurants, bars, markets, etc) all took cards, although I really wanted to see what their paper money looked like!

Note that tipping is entirely voluntary in Australia – staff are paid a livable wage and don’t live off of tips. If you feel service was extraordinary, 10% is customary (but it’s never expected).

Language in Melbourne: Australians speak English (!) with a distinct Australian accent. However, since Melbourne is oh so diverse, you’ll definitely hear plenty of other English accents as well.

And why do Aussies speak English despite being so far from England? Two words – British colonization. Despite its accent and slang, the language remains rooted in its British origins.

But just because English is spoken, doesn’t mean you’ll be able to easily understand everything! Aussies typically use a lot of unique Australian slang and expressions. Even though my friend and I are native English speakers, we definitely had a hard time understanding some of their unique phrases! A few common ones (although there’s tons more):

Bin: Garbage
Dunny: Bathroom
G’day: Short for “Good day”; commonly used as a friendly greeting.
Mate: friend or acquaintance
Arvo: Afternoon. “See you in the arvo!”
Barbie: Barbecue
Brekkie: Breakfast
Maccas: McDonald’s
Aussie: Australian
Cuppa: A cup of tea or coffee
Sunnies: Sunglasses

Melbourne’s weather is wacky: It’s true – Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable, and super unpredictable at that. A sunny morning can quickly turn into a rainy afternoon, and temps are typically all over the place from day to day.

Is 5 days enough in Melbourne? I think yes, 5 days in Melbourne is the perfect amount of time! Personally, I felt pretty satisfied with our Melbourne itinerary, although I could have easily added on an extra day or two and wouldn’t have gotten bored.

With 5 days in Melbourne, you can spend 2-3 days exploring the CBD and surrounding neighborhoods, and spending the rest of the time taking day trips like we did.

Visas to Australia: If you’re coming from the USA, you NEED a visa. It’s super simple to get and only takes a day or so to get approved (mine came in less than 10 minutes after applying). You’ll need to download the Australian ETA app on your phone and fill out the application (plus pay any associated fees – ours was only $20AUD).

We weren’t asked to show our Australian Visa at any point during security or upon entering the country, but I have a feeling they’re electronically attached to the passport number used on the application. Not entirely sure, but I’d hate to show up at the airport only to be turned away after a 15 hour flight, so I’d apply for it regardless.

Get official Visa info here.

The sun is crazy STRONG here: There’s a legit hole in the ozone layer in Australia (true story), so PLEASE OH PLEASE wear your sunscreen (even if you never burn in your home country).

We learned that skin cancer is actually the #1 killer of young people in Australia, and most locals I met get their skin checked every 3 months or so by their dermatologist. Please don’t take any chances and protect yourself with at least SPF 50. Don’t be a statistic.

Slather on that SPF MULTIPLE times per day (honestly, it doesn’t hurt to keep reapplying), wear a wide-brimmed hat, and attempt to cover your body if you can (especially your face and shoulders). I wore lightweight long-sleeve breezy tops whenever I could in an attempt to protect myself.

I didn’t wear sunscreen my first day in Australia (not a smart move) and got a nasty burn — not quite as brutal as the one I got in Caye Caulker, Belize, but still not fun.

Turn the plugs on: A tiny tip, but most wall outlets (better known as powerpoints in Australia) we encountered (in hotels, at the airport, in cafes) needed to be turned on by a small switch directly above the socket.

I say this so you remember to check that your devices are actually charging (I forgot once or twice and was bummed when my batteries didn’t charge). I’ve never seen this anywhere else in the world, so wanted to point this out.

On that note, you’ll need an adapter for your electronic devices (plug type I – three flat pins in a triangular shape). And yes, it’s different from the three-pronged adapter used in London!

Acknowledgement of the land: Something I instantly noticed during our 5 days in Melbourne was the fact that every museum, landmark, park, and even tour we went on made a point to acknowledge the land. This is known as an Acknowledgement of Country, which is acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land and is a significant and respectful practice in Australia.

Strong efforts are being made to recognize and pay tribute to the Indigenous peoples who have been the traditional custodians of the land for thousands of years.

Everyone is so nice. It’s true — Aussies are some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met. They all seem so utterly happy and carefree in the best way possible. I love how they value work-life balance SO MUCH, and they really pride themselves on being good friends and neighbors.

And not just to people they know, but to everyone they counter. Everyone I met seemed super genuine and down for a quick chat (plus they gave great recommendations).

Aussie animals: I admit one of the main reasons I wanted to visit Australia was to see all those super cute Aussie animals.

And no, there aren’t kangaroos hopping around the city of Melbourne, haha. If seeing Aussie animals are on your Australia bucket list (um hello, YES PLEASE), you’ll need to actively seek those out either in the wild or at wildlife sanctuaries.

For reference, we saw kangaroos and koalas (and even an echidna!) driving along the Great Ocean Road, more koalas on French Island, and wallabies and penguins on Phillip Island. There’s also the Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park on the Mornington Peninsula if you wanna feed kangaroos and pet koalas.

But they’re not all cute. Australia has some of the deadliest creatures in the entire world, namely venomous spiders and snakes. Don’t let this deter you from visiting – we didn’t see one snake during our 5 days in Melbourne (thank goodness), and only 2-3 small (harmless) spiders.

Encounters with dangerous wildlife in urban areas are rare, but it’s still good practice to do the following:

Be cautious when walking in grassy or bushy areas.
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Avoid reaching into areas where you can’t see.
If you encounter a snake, remain still and let it move away. Do not attempt to handle or provoke it.

Sydney vs. Melbourne: There’s a friendly rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne – and I encourage you to visit both (we did just that and loved being able to compare the two). Sydney’s scenery is quite epic (with the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach Icebergs), although Melbourne’s culture and nightlife definitely win.

A Note on Jet Lag: If you’re like me, you feel doomed at the thought of (very) long flights and the inevitable jet lag that it brings. BUT – if you’re coming from California like we were, you may get lucky – we had zero jet lag flying to Australia – we honestly couldn’t believe it!

Since Melbourne is 19 hours ahead of California, it’s almost a full day ahead. We both found it way easier to adjust to the time difference than traveling to Europe (where I typically wake up at 3am every day for a week!)

Less than 5 days in Melbourne? If you’ve got less time, say 3 days in Melbourne or so, I’d spend one full day in the CBD, a morning at Brighton and St. Kilda beaches with the penguin parade over on Phillip Island at night, and a day trip on the Great Ocean Road. 4 or 5 days in Melbourne is really ideal, but work with what you got!

5 Day Melbourne Itinerary

Finally what you’re probably here for – the perfect 5 day Melbourne itinerary!

Notes on This 5 Day Melbourne Itinerary

Like most of my itineraries, this Melbourne itinerary is rather fast paced. If you’d rather take it slow and have a more relaxing 5 days in Melbourne, either eliminate a day trip (or two) or stay an extra day!

Also, this is Melbourne we’re talking about – you may need to adjust some things based on weather (see above). But don’t worry, a funky coffee shop is never too far!

Psst: This Melbourne itinerary assumes you have 5 full days in the city. Meaning you got here the night before and can start your first full day the next morning. You may be able to squeeze everything in on Day 1 if you arrive in the early AM, but depending on your travel style, you may feel kinda rushed.

Plus, depending where you’re coming from, you may be arriving after a 15+ hour flight! Give yourself extra time to adjust to the city and fight any jet lag you may have.

Melbourne Itinerary Day 1: Explore Melbourne CBD and Fitzroy

Okay, so here’s the thing. Melbourne is the perfect city for leisurely wandering/exploring. And you can totally do just that on the first day of your Melbourne itinerary. The city is so cool and eclectic you’re bound to run into plenty of interesting spots, coffee shops, gardens, museums, and street art.

BUT if you’re like me and need a plan, I gotchu! You can totally rearrange the stops below, but I organized them into what I think is a well laid-out day. The CBD isn’t huge by any means, so you’ll probably come across some laneways while walking around. CHECK THOSE OUT (I highlighted my favorite ones below, but there’s way more).

Stop 1: Avo toast and coffee!

Start off this Melbourne itinerary with two of Melbourne’s favorite things – brekkie and specialty coffee! There’s literally dozens of cafes and breakfast spots (honestly, choosing where to go may be your hardest decision all day), but we chose Avocado Moment Cafe and then Path Melbourne for some more caffeine, haha.

Aussies love their avocados, so we figured it just made sense to go to an avocado–themed brunch cafe. We loved the vibe at Avocado Moment – full of lush greenery and exposed brick, and it actually turns into a board game cafe later in the day. Just so quintessentially Melbourne.

There’s plenty of avocado toasts to choose from (we opted for the Beet Power and Golden Hour sourdoughs), plus coffees and even avocado smoothies and avocado nuggets.

If you’re looking for a specialty coffee shop (either before or after the market – our next stop!), go check out Path Melbourne. They really take their coffee seriously here, and you can choose your beans based on their flavor profile and notes. Plus the baristas were super fun to chat with!

There’s also Publique Bakery, Hardware Societe, and Manchester Press not too far from the market.

Stop 2: Queen Victoria Market

Up next on day 1 – exploring the vibrant Queen Victoria Market! This is a HUGE open-air market (we definitely didn’t walk through the entire thing), and way larger than Seattle’s Pike Place Market (which I just love).

Rows and rows of fresh produce, kitchenware, local art, flowers, sweet treats, and more. Plus an inside market with plenty of fresh fish, cheeses, and meats.

Sure, there’s loads of tacky souvenirs (hey, I almost bought some cute koala socks!), but there’s plenty of homemade goods and unique gifts made by local artisans. You don’t even need to buy anything to have a good time. Grab a fresh fruit juice (I always choose watermelon!), and simply wander for a while.

Note that the market is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays, so switch up this Melbourne itinerary to make it work (you don’t wanna miss the market).

Stop 3: State Victoria Library

After you’ve perused the market for far too long, it’s only a 10 minute walk to the State Victoria Library. A MUST on any Melbourne itinerary, even if you don’t have a thing for books and libraries like I do.

Why? Because it’s simply stunning. A mix of old-school charm and modern amenities in this gorgeous historical building. And an insane collection of books!

Not only is the State Victoria Library the oldest public library in Australia, but it’s one of the first free public libraries in the world. It’s completely free to visit (no ticket/library card required, you can just walk in) and wander around by yourself (no tour necessary).

Don’t miss heading up The Dome (you can climb up or simply take the elevator) for great views from above and checking out the La Trobe Reading Room – my two favorite spaces in the library! There’s also art exhibits which I was super surprised by.

Stop 4: Wander around Fitzroy/Collingwood

Logistically, looking at a map, it makes more sense to head south to Fed Square and the colorful laneways. BUT If you wanna check out the eclectic Fitzroy Neighborhood, this is the time to do it. Most cafes/boutiques close around 3ish or so, so don’t get here too late. Don’t worry – you can explore Melbourne’s iconic laneways later (they’re open 24/7)

Fitzroy is where all the cool kids hang out – it’s got a bohemian, hipster reputation, with eclectic bars and restaurants popular with students and young professionals.

I loved finding all the street art on the narrow back streets and terrace houses, popping into modern wine bars and funky boutiques (with tons of jewelry, accessories, and homewares) on Gertrude Street, and browsing the (very eccentric) thrift shops on Brunswick Street.

And of course grabbing some gelato at Fluffy Torpedo (honestly, the wacky flavors are delicious), and checking out the rooftop scene of Naked for Satan. If you missed Lune Croissanterie in the CBD, there’s another location here in Fitzroy (there’s a reason it’s got a cult following).

Here on the weekend? Don’t miss the Rose Street Artists’ Market – filled with tons of gorgeous handmade gifts, colorful prints, and jewelry. Sad I missed it!

Stop 5: Federation Square/Flinders Street Station

Federation Square (also known as Fed Square) is a public space in the heart of Melbourne. It’s where you’ll see friends meeting up and hanging out on the steps, and there’s always something going on here (whether it be an event, performance, and/or exhibition).

At first I was a tad confused, then realized it’s a mixture of open spaces, unique buildings, cool architecture, and outdoor amphitheaters. It’s a whole area, not just a square like I had thought, haha.

Here you’ll find the ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) which is a museum of Australian screen culture and honestly way cooler than I originally thought it was (and completely free – so glad I popped in!), and the NGV’s Ian Potter Centre, which focuses on Australian art (I sadly missed this).

Stop 6: Get lost in the CBD/Explore the Laneways

Time for some fun! Sure, it sounds kinda backwards to purposefully get lost in a new city, but hey, it’s honestly one of the best things to do on any Melbourne itinerary. Although wildly different and a whole different vibe/atmosphere, it’s kinda like the Alfama District in Lisbon in that sense – the more you wander the more you’ll find.

Melbourne’s a city of extreme contrasts, and by exploring on foot without any set plan, you’ll come across cutting edge boutiques, chic restaurants, tons of hidden bars (many on rooftops), and wild street art. Some laneways are grittier than others, but this just makes them original and unique. And whatever you do, don’t forget to look up! Literally street art everywhere.

Note that the art is constantly changing, and new bars/cafes/restaurants are popping up left and right. Just follow your instincts and you’ll run into something cool, promise!

If you’re like me and can’t fathom not having some semblance of a plan, make sure to include these laneways in your explorations:

Hosier Lane
AC/DC Lane
Duckboard Place
Centre Place
Degraves Street
Bank Place
Hardware Lane
Tattersalls Lane

Stop 7: Dinner and Rooftop Bar

We were completely exhausted after exploring all day, so didn’t make it to as many sit-down restaurants and bars as we thought we would. Highly recommend popping into the rooftop bar of our hotel, QT Melbourne if you’re in the area!

Day 2: Brighton Beach, St. Kilda, and Melbourne CBD

Time for the beach! Not everyone realizes this, but Melbourne actually has quite a few beaches within its city limits.

If you’d rather spend the whole day exploring the CDB again, go for it! But I highly recommend heading down to the beach for at least a little while to get a taste for another side of Melbourne. And don’t fret – you’ll have a bit more time to wander the CBD later this afternoon and the morning of Day 4. But this is your trip to Melbourne; you decide!

Stop 1: Brighton Bathing Boxes

I’m sure you’ve seen photos of those brightly colored wooden beach huts lined up on the beach in Australia. That’s right over here in Brighton Beach! These are known as the Brighton Bathing Boxes, and they’re absolutely iconic to Melbourne (and honestly, Australia in general).

I knew I needed to include these on my Melbourne itinerary – they’re such a symbol of the city! They were a true highlight during my 5 days in Melbourne, not gonna lie (I’m a sucker for color and the beach, so a perfect combo for me).

There’s over 90 of these beach boxes (96 to be exact), and each one is privately owned (with some still in the original owners family – they typically get passed down from generation to generation).

They’ve become somewhat of a tourist hotspot over the years – I mean, just look at them! So, so colorful and fun, with all different designs and hand painted art. Don’t miss a photo of the one with the Australian flag (#2!).

These wooden beach huts were historically used by women so they could have a place to change into their swimsuits. They were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when changing in public was seen as improper.

I spent about 2 hours or so here taking photos of the beach boxes and enjoying the water/finding seashells, but you can easily knock this out in less than an hour if you’d rather have more time in Melbourne’s CBD. Or, you can have a big brunch beforehand if you need some caffeine (I ate afterwards).

A few things to know:

These colorful bathing boxes are actually located at Dendy Beach, so make sure you head to the correct spot! I’ve heard of people heading to the actual Brighton Beach and being disappointed when they couldn’t find them!

Getting to Brighton Beach is pretty simple! There’s a few different ways to get here, but the easiest way is taking the train from Flinders Street Railway Station (towards Sandringham) – get off at the Middle Brighton stop, and walk about 10-15 minutes to the beach boxes. I didn’t feel like dealing with the trains in the early AM (I was feeling lazy, haha), so simply took a 30-minute Uber (which cost me about $20 or so).

The Brighton Bathing Boxes are absolutely free to visit, but remember they’re private property. So please oh please don’t vandalize or trash them, and be extra respectful (this is not the place for kids to be jumping from one to the next). They’ll be locked but you can still take pictures of the outsides.

It gets busy over here! Try and arrive on the earlier side before the beach gets overrun with visitors! I arrived around 9:45am (and stayed until 11:30ish or so) and it definitely got way busier later in the morning.

Note that when I visited, there were little to no tourist facilities here – no toilets, no showers, no changing rooms, and even no crosswalk to get to the beach from the other side of the road (be EXTRA careful). I heard the bathrooms are under construction, so hopefully they’re up and running for you! Just come prepared as you don’t know what will be open and when.

You’ll find beach boxes elsewhere in Victoria, and we visited two other beaches with them on our day trip to the Mornington Peninsula. But honestly, I enjoyed the Brighton Bathing Boxes way more (they seemed way more colorful and fun and I was able to explore at a more leisurely pace since I wasn’t on a tour).

Once you’re done getting all your photos, you can make the long walk over to St. Kilda Beach via the Bayside Walking and Cycling Trail. You’ll be walking along the beach and water the entire time on a flat, paved trail, and pass some stunning scenery along the way. Plus The Baths Middle Brighton with great views (great for a coffee or cold drink) and North Point Cafe (a popular spot for brunch).

I admit I didn’t make it the entire way to St. Kilda Beach – it was way too hot and sticky to walk in the sweltering sun for over an hour. An Uber was only a few bucks, and my feet definitely thanked me, haha.

Stop 2: St. Kilda

St. Kilda is a popular seaside suburb of Melbourne, and it’s only a stone’s throw from the CBD. People compare it to Bondi Beach in Sydney, but without the crowds.

Here you’ll find Luna Park amusement park, the oldest theme park in Australia (with its iconic entrance and carnival-like vibe), the Esplanade Hotel (known by locals as the Espy), Catani Gardens, Acland Street, and trendy Fitzroy Street. Plus palm-tree lined beaches, a wide boardwalk, heritage buildings, and an eclectic dining scene.

Plus the St Kilda Esplanade Market, a world-renowned art, craft, and design haven held every Sunday (I’m so bummed I missed it).

The whole area is an interesting mix between my beloved San Francisco and Venice Beach down in SoCal – super creative and fun.

It can be a super short stop on your Melbourne itinerary (like it was for me!), or you can easily stay a few hours if you wanna lay out on the beach/grab some food.

Wanna witness something really special? Stay until sunset and head to the end of St. Kilda pier – you may get lucky and see more than 1,000 little penguins (yes, you read that right – PENGUINS!) waddling out of the water. Always keep your distance and refrain from taking photos (as hard as that might be – it’s not good for them!).

Unfortunately the pier was getting a huge upgrade (meaning it was completely under renovation) when I visited, so I couldn’t see the penguins. But that’s okay, because we saw penguins on Phillip Island a few days later.

Stop 3: Southbank

Time for more city exploring! And this time, we’re heading south of the Yarra River.

You can either take an Uber back (which I did!), or take one of three trams (12, 16, or 96) between Fitzroy Street and Melbourne’s CBD. You can simply stroll around (Melbourne’s the perfect city for that), but here’s a few spots you shouldn’t miss in and around Southbank:

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): One of the best art museums I’ve ever been to. And it’s FREE (!!!) so spend as little or as long as you want there. I was super impressed by the exhibits I wandered into (so modern and creative and just different), and kinda wish I spent a bit more time exploring other floors. When I visited, the Triennial exhibition was on show, with more than 100 extraordinary projects from over 120 artists. From what I saw, it was absolutely remarkable. See what’s currently on here.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria: Head to the (free and impeccably maintained!) gardens for a bit to see lots of bird life, big open spaces with tons of greenery, and the iconic coco de mer palm trees and the fragrant spice grove. It’s beyond huge (over 38 hectares!) with over 8,500 species of plants from around the world; definitely don’t feel like you need to see the entire thing (it’s downright impossible). I loved the Floral Clock – it’s so close to the NGV so perfect if you don’t wanna walk too far.

Princes Bridge: Walk over the Princes Bridge for a great view of the Melbourne skyline, the Yarra River, and the Evan Walker Bridge. I can’t even imagine how gorgeous the whole scene is at sunset.

Stroll the Yarra River: Before or after you head over the bridge, take a walk by the water! There’s pedestrian walking paths on both sides (Flinders Walk on the CBD side and the Southbank Promenade on the other), with bars and views on both. Check out AFLOAT (directly on the water) for some pizza and great vibes. If you’d rather get out on the water instead, you can even take a bottomless brunch river cruise or a 4-course dinner cruise!

Day 3: Great Ocean Road

No Melbourne itinerary (or visit to Australia!) is complete without a drive down the Great Ocean Road. I mean, it’s famous for a reason after all! Get ready for a long road trip, because today’s a lot of time in the car, haha (although I promise the landscapes are worth it!).

The drive is a wild mix of Hawaii (Kauai in particular!), the Pacific Coast Highway in California, and even the Algarve in Portugal. Plus Fern Canyon in Northern California! So, so much natural beauty – no wonder it’s one of Australia’s most iconic and scenic coastal drives. Just like the PCH, the road literally hugs the cliff for a good portion, with tons of panoramic ocean views, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. I was honestly blown away by it all.

With just a day to see the best parts of the Great Ocean Road, you unfortunately won’t be able to drive the entire length (it’s over 243 kilometers/150 miles long). Doesn’t sound like too, too long, but considering the start is in the town of Torquay, located about 100 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, and extends all the way to Allansford near Warrnambool, it makes for an exceptionally long day.

Instead, you’ll wanna focus on seeing the main highlights up until the Twelve Apostles (which is where the most famous parts are located anyways). In order to include a road trip into your 5 day Melboourne itinerary, here’s the stops I recommend:

The Twelve Apostles
Lord Ard Gorge
The Razorback
Gibson Steps and Gibson Beach
Hike in the lush rainforest (either Melba Gully, Great Otway National Park, or Erskine Falls)
Apollo Bay for lunch – get the fish n chips at George’s and ice cream at Dooley’s
Kennett River Nature Walk to spot koalas and kangaroos
Lorne Beach, plus Teddy’s Lookout if you’ve got time

A few tips:

Start early! And see the stops in reverse. By doing so, you’ll hopefully beat all the big bus tours and have the most crowded stops (almost) to yourself. Definitely head to the most famous of them all – The Twelve Apostles – first! To save time getting there, drive on the main highway (M1) instead of the GOR, and then head back via the GOR. You’ll get the long boring drive outta the way first.

Be a cautious driver. Even if you’ve been driving for over 20 years, be extra careful while driving the Great Ocean Road. It’s a winding coastal route with some sharp bends and narrow points (kinda like the Road to Hana in Maui). And remember – they drive on the opposite side of the road in Australia, so you gotta get used to the opposite turns as well (trickier than it seems and takes some practice).

Book yourself on a tour. If you’re not comfortable driving on the other side of the road, don’t fret. With so many tours you can choose from, you shouldn’t have to be nervous and therefore miss out on the views – that’s why you’re there after all! I recommend picking a small-group tour with an early-morning pick up and one that beats the rush by exploring the typical route in reverse (like this one right here!). This one’s similar in case that other one gets sold out – which is very possible in high season (mid-December to mid-January.

Construction along the road is very common. Since it was built by soldiers between 1919 and 1932 (and actually as a memorial to those who served in World War I!), it definitely needs to be updated every now and then. We encountered a fair bit of construction (with one-way lanes), but never had to wait more than a few minutes to pass. Don’t let this ruin your trip; it’s not a big deal!

There’s plenty of animal sightings here! The Great Ocean Road has tons of opportunities to spot native wildlife, and we saw kangaroos (on a golf course no less!), koalas in eucalyptus trees (always be on the lookout!), and tons of sulphur-crested cockatoos. Never touch/pet them (no matter how cute they look), never feed them, and always keep your distance. Plus, many koalas in the wild have chlamydia (yup)… although thankfully they can’t transfer the disease to humans.

Respect the Environment: Like elsewhere in the world, always practice responsible tourism. Follow the Leave No Trace principles, avoid littering (there’s plenty of bins in towns and at the scenic stops), and be sure to stay on designated paths and trails.

The weather is finicky over here. Just like in Melbourne, the weather is kinda wacky along the coastline. And the forecast is hardly ever truly accurate – when we visited it called for overcast clouds the entire day, yet we saw so much sun! Pack layers for sure.

Day 4: Phillip Island Penguin Parade + Wildlife Tour

Located just off the coast of Melbourne, Phillip Island makes for a great day trip from the city. The island is known for its diverse wildlife, stunning coastal landscapes (with cute beach towns), and the ever-so-famous Penguin Parade!

If you haven’t had the chance to see much wildlife yet, today’s the day! We ended up seeing koalas, wallabies, peacocks, horses, and the cutest little penguins waddling their way out of the sea at sunset.

Morning Options

Most day tours to Phillip Island combine the experience with another activity during the day. Since the Penguin Parade doesn’t happen until sunset, you’ve still got time to explore during the day. You’ll have the following options for most guided tours: a visit to French Island to see koalas in the wild (!!!), a ride on the Puffing Billy Train through a lush rainforest, or feeding kangaroos at Moonlit Sanctuary. More info on each below:

French Island Tour: We opted for a combo tour of French Island, the largest coastal island in Victoria (southeast of Melbourne) yet still very much a secret retreat. Not many people make it here on their Melbourne itinerary (it’s kinda remote and secluded – there’s no access by cars, only ferries), so we loved getting a glimpse into an unspoiled wildlife paradise.

Here you’ll find tons of natural beauty, unique ecosystems, and tons of peace and tranquility – but very minimal cars and no shops. It has a rich biodiversity, with woodlands, saltmarshes, and mangroves; most of the island is protected within the French Island National Park.

AND THERE’S KOALA’S HERE! In the wild! We had a blast searching for them in the many eucalyptus trees on the island. And OMG they are absolutely adorable, sleeping the day away and periodically munching on eucalyptus leaves. By far a highlight during our five days in Melbourne. I swear they look like real-life teddy bears (we were squealing out of delight nonstop).

But besides seeing the animals, we loved learning about the island and its people the most. We had lunch in a local’s home-turned-restaurant, and asked her tons of questions about life on the island, its animals, and French Island’s history. Such a wholesome experience and one I unexpectedly loved tons (plus the peacocks running around were fun to see as well).

Our tour to Phillip and French Island didn’t start until midday, so if you choose the same one, you’ll have some extra time in the AM for a leisurely brunch and/or extra CBD exploring/shopping.

This is the exact tour we took, and I’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for something a bit different for your Melbourne itinerary.

Puffing Billy Train: If you’d rather ride on a historic steam-powered railway through the rainforest, book yourself on a Puffing Billy Train combo tour! The train travels through beautiful, lush landscapes (including the Dandenong Ranges and the iconic Sherbrooke Forest), over trestle bridges, and passes by charming townships.

And get this – many carriages are open, so you can even ride with your feet hanging out the train!

It kinda sounds like the Roaring Camp Railroad we have in Santa Cruz, California that travels through the ancient coastal redwoods near San Francisco.

Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park: Wanna see koalas and feed kangaroos? Choose to spend your afternoon at Moonlit Sanctuary, a popular wildlife sanctuary only 50 km southeast of Melbourne CBD. It’s home to plenty of native Aussie wildlife, including wallabies, wombats, Tasmanian devils, echidnas, and of course koalas and kangaroos.

There’s also a dedicated Koala Conservation Center where you can learn about the challenges faced by koalas in the wild (so sad) and the efforts being made to protect them.

Since we had just seen koalas and kangaroos (and other Aussie animals) at a sanctuary near Sydney a few days prior, we decided to choose a different option (French Island). But I highly recommend visiting a wildlife sanctuary sometime during your time in Australia, so this might be just the time to do so.

Afternoon/Night

It’s finally time to see the famous penguins of Phillip Island!

But first, many tours make a stop at the Noobies Center (located on the western tip of the island), known for its boardwalks with dramatic coastal scenery and seabirds and seals. And gorgeous it was! Although super, super windy so come prepared! Plus tons of wallabies on the drive over (which are just like mini kangaroos!).

Every night at sunset on Summerland Beach (year round!), the Little Penguins (also known as Fairy Penguins) waddle out from sea after a day of fishing across the beach to their burrows in the nearby sand dunes.

A true highlight of my life (yes, my life), and one of the cutest experiences I’ve ever seen. I mean, imagine watching thousands of the smallest penguins in the world waddling by!

Make sure you dress warmly, as the beach is typically really chilly at night. It even rained on us for a few minutes but thankfully quickly passed.

PSA: Photos are NOT allowed. Please be respectful (of both the penguins and fellow visitors) and don’t take photos of the animals after sunset (and yes, this includes photography without flash as well). We saw way too many people disrespecting the rules, and shoving cameras and phones into the tiny penguins faces. NOT COOL, people. Photos disorient the little penguins and could disrupt their nightly routine.

Park Rangers are very adamant about this, and they won’t stop telling you to put your phone/camera away until you finally do so (and they’re not nice about it either, haha).

Remember – the rules apply to everyone, including you. Why risk the little penguins’ lives when this is an experience you’re here to see? Honestly, it makes zero sense.

The photos used in this Melbourne itinerary blog post were taken with permission from the Phillip Island Nature Park website itself – just scan the QR code on site and there’s plenty of photos/videos you can download and share.

Please don’t go if you’re just gonna break the rules – they’re there for a reason.

Day 5: Mornington Peninsula

On the last day of your Melbourne itinerary, make your way down to the Mornington Peninsula! It’s only about an hour southeast of the city, but filled with so many seaside towns, wineries and vineyards, and stunning coastal landscapes. Plus gorgeous beaches (with more super cute beach boxes) and farm-to-table restaurants.

When I visited Hallstatt in the winter, a sweet Aussie woman I met said we NEEDED to add the Mornington Peninsula to our Melbourne itinerary. So that we did!

Since we’re not comfortable driving on the other side of the road (yet!), we opted for a full-day sightseeing tour of the Mornington Peninsula (that’s the exact one we took). Having a local guide was downright awesome, and he took us to the best spots.

Here’s a few ideas of how to spend your day on the Mornington Peninsula:

Arthurs Seat Eagle: One of the most gorgeous lookouts on the entire peninsula. You can either drive up to Murray’s Lookout (what we did!), or take the Arthur’s Seat Eagle gondola. Stunning views in all directions – just look at that water!!!

Bathing boxes: Just like at Brighton, you’ll find plenty of colorful beach boxes on the beaches on the Mornington Peninsula. We visited both Dromana Beach and Mount Martha, and while fun to see and photograph, they weren’t as striking as the Brighton Bathing Boxes in my opinion.

Hot Springs: The Peninsula Hot Springs are one of the most popular things to do on the Mornington Peninsula, with mineral-rich thermal pools, an underground Cave Pool, and even a Reflexology Walk. Definitely a great place to relax on the last day of your Melbourne itinerary. If that sounds like your cup of tea, check out this combo tour of the Mornington Peninsula and Hot Springs!

Hit up the beach: Stunning beaches literally line the coast, with popular one’s being Sorrento, Portsea, and Rye. Don’t miss the stunning Millionaire’s Walk in Sorrento!

London Bridge Lookout: This is easily one of the most stunning places on the Mornington Peninsula, with multiple look out points of the rock formations and access to the beach down below. We also saw a few paragliders flying above the cliffs. Our guide compared it to the formations on the Great Ocean Road, which I can confirm is somewhat accurate!

St. Andrews Beach Brewery: Thirsty? Head over here for some lunch and a few craft beers. Great vibes and a fun atmosphere with lots of young people! Definitely try the beer tasting paddle and prosciutto pizza.

Vineyards: This region is renowned for its boutique wineries and vineyards, so why not check one out (or a few). Because of its cool maritime climate, it’s a great spot for producing cool-climate wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. There’s lots of cellar doors and tasting rooms with gorgeous views of the vineyards (kinda like in Napa Valley near us in Northern California!).

Phew! So there ya have it, a (crazy) comprehensive guide to 5 days in Melbourne! Are you planning a Melbourne itinerary anytime soon?!