Melbourne Suggested Itineraries

Written by Viator, October 2010

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What's your pleasure? Sports? Shopping? Art? Food? Wine? Wildlife? Melbourne ticks all these boxes and more. Straddling the curvy, lazy Yarra River, Melbourne is Australia's second largest city and, some would say, its best. Skip straight to the best with our expert tips on how to get the most out of three days in Melbourne.

Day 1: Melbourne CBD

Melbourne's city center is a beguiling mix of Victorian-era buildings, avant-garde architecture and mysterious laneways. Start off with some all-important coffee (Melburnians are obsessed with it), then get your art fix at the National Gallery of Victoria's twin sites. The International features international works and a relaxing sculpture garden, while the Ian Potter Centre (located in Melbourne's award-winning architectural centerpiece, Federation Square) focuses on Australian art.
Time for a refreshment? This city has a dizzying array of laneway bars, quality coffeehouses and great restaurants; locals make a sport of finding the latest hot spot. Tuck into tapas in a tiny bar, snack on yum cha in Chinatown, fine dine with river views at Southbank, or browse the stalls and taste some samples at Queen Victoria Market. Top off the day with an evening of theatre or a nightcap at one of the famous rooftop bars.

Day 2: Eat, Drink, Shop

Melburnians love to shop. From the CBD's big-name department stores, Myer and David Jones, to thousands of specialty, independent, and second-hand shops in the inner-city suburbs, you won't come away empty-handed. Chapel St is famous for spanning three suburbs and a million styles. Not sure where to go spending? Book yourself into a Melbourne shopping tour - an expressway to the city's laneway boutiques and bargain-laden factory outlets.

Eating in Melbourne is also a joy, so bring your appetite! Inventive chefs abound and a culinary mix of European, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines has created a world-class restaurant scene with a distinctly modern Australian style. For food with a sightseeing view, book the Colonial Tramcar Restaurant well ahead of time - it's worth it!

Day 3: Day trips from Melbourne

From rugged beaches to historic country towns and the Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula Wine Country, there's plenty to explore on a Melbourne day trip. Kids love seeing the tiny fairy penguins that parade on Phillip Island, as well as the koalas, kangaroos, wombats and other local fauna at Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary. You'll find more natural splendor along the famously tight curves of the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia's great road trips. And for a day of indulgence, nothing beats a day of wining and dining on a Yarra Valley wineries excursion or a private tour of the Mornington-Peninsula wineries.

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Reply by Ramon H P, May 2012

Doing what: Yarra Valley Wine and Winery Tour from Melbourne

Very good outing. Well hosted by Nick and featured the most interesting venues.

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Reply by Wayne S, May 2012

Doing what: Great Ocean Road Small Group Eco Tour from Melbourne

We have lived in Australia all of our lives, but have never travelled the Great Ocean Road. What a spectacle. Magnificent cliffs, scenic hills and farmlands, coastal beaches and forests. Unforgettable! Superbly organised and coordinated by Dave, our driver and host.

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Reply by Kay L, May 2012

Doing what: Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne

Another great night - great meal, great staff, great wines. I continue to recommend this tour to all family, friends who visit Melbourne and people I meet on other melbourne tour