Melbourne in 4 Days
Melbourne is an underrated city located at the bottom of Australia’s East Coast. It is filled with art and culture, and boasts some of the best restaurants and cafes in the country. Melbourne is also the gateway to the famous surf beaches along the Great Ocean Road, which can easily be explored as a day trip.
Last updated September 2024*.
Contents
Table of Contents
Melbourne Itinerary
Melbourne Day 1 - CBD & Carlton
CBD
For the first day in Melbourne, head into the CBD to explore the city. Take a train or tram to Flinder’s Street Station, a gorgeous yellow building that is a sight itself.
Melbourne is known for its amazing street art. Be sure to check out AC/DC Lane and Hosier Lane for some of the best displays. The City of Melbourne also has a fantastic self-guided street art walk. This will guide you around some of the best laneways in the city for around 2 hours.
This afternoon, go shopping at Bourke Street Mall. Here you will find department stores, as well as Australia’s most-loved brands. Follow the shops through both David Jones and Emporium to Melbourne Central. Here, you will be able to gaze up at Coop’s Shot Tower.
Next, cross to the State Library of Victoria for jaw-dropping views of the La Trobe Reading Room inside.
Carlton
Spend the afternoon strolling through Carlton Gardens. These gorgeous gardens house the Royal Exhibition Building in the heart of the city, which housed Australia’s first parliament and is now UNESCO Heritage protected. Despite its beauty, I can’t help but feel a small sense of anxiety each time I walk past as this building is also the exam venue for many University of Melbourne subjects.
Also in the gardens is Melbourne Museum, a fun and interactive destination to learn more about Melbourne’s Indigenous and urban history. Museum tickets can be purchased upon entry for AUD$15*, with children, students and concession card holders entering free.
This evening, check out Queen Victoria Market for some delicious street food, hot coffee and fresh produce. The Summer Night Market runs every Wednesday night from November through March. Alternatively, the Winter Night Market runs every Wednesday night from June through August.
Melbourne Day 2 - NGV, Botanic Gardens & AFL
NGV
This morning, head to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Explore the latest art exhibition housed in Australia’s most visited gallery. Prior to your visit, check the NGV website to see what is currently showing as well as being able to purchase tickets ahead of time from AUD$25*.
Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria
Cross over St Kilda Road to spend the afternoon exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria. These gardens are a hub for activity in the city, and are full of runners and families all week round. Bring a picnic lunch, enjoy the sunshine and get comfy for some awesome people watching. Also check out Fern Gully whilst here to be transported to the tranquility of the rainforest.
Located next to the Botanic Gardens is the Shrine of Remembrance. This is an important monument that honours Victorians who fought in World War I. To learn more about such a significant event in Australia’s history, book a 45-minute tour for AUD$20* through the Shrine’s website. Be sure to walk down the steps back toward the city afterwards to get one of the best views of Melbourne, especially during golden hour.
If visiting Melbourne between December and March, the best way to spend a warm evening is at the Moonlight Cinema. This is an open-air cinema hidden in the Botanic Gardens. You are able to bring a picnic rug, buy dinner from the food trucks, and get comfy as you listen to the bats emerge whilst watching a movie in the gardens. It is worth booking tickets in advance via the Moonlight Cinema website, as places will book out fast. If you are willing to spend a little bit extra, upgrade to an AAMI Gold Grass ticket which provides beanbags rather than bringing your own rug and pillows.
AFL
If the Moonlight Cinema is not running during your visit to Melbourne, be sure to check out an AFL game! Melbourne is home to the MCG, one of only eleven stadiums in the world able to seat over 100,000 people. And trust me, it fills up every weekend for a good game of AFL! AFL season runs from March to September. Tickets should be purchased ahead of time through Ticketmaster from AUD$27*.
Melbourne Day 3 - Great Ocean Road Day Trip
Looking for some extra day trip ideas?
Great Ocean Road Day Trip
Head out of the city today for an adventure down the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road starts in Anglesea, a surf town located a 2-hour drive out of Melbourne. This coast is home to some of Victoria’s most famous sights. The most cost-effective option is to book a tour through Sightseeing Tours Australia for AUD$105*. This is a cheaper option than hiring a car, and will allow you to both relax on the bus and enjoy your time at each stop.
Along the way, make sure to stop at the famous 12 Apostles (six of which are still standing) and Loch Ard Gorge for some incredible views of Australia’s coastline. Great Otway National Park is another great stop for some bushwalking. Keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife along the way, particularly for koalas hidden amongst the eucalyptus trees!
There are many surf towns along the way to stop for a bite to eat. Either Apollo Bay or Lorne are are great options with delicious cafes and bakeries to choose from.
Melbourne Day 4 - Brighton Beach & St Kilda
Brighton Beach
This morning, take the train to Brighton Beach station to check out one of Melbourne’s most famous sights. Home to the Brighton Bathing Boxes, each uniquely painted beach hut now sells for over AUD$400,000*.
On the way back to St Kilda, stop at any train station along the Sandringham line to find a cute brunch spot. Melbournians take strong pride in our brunch standards, as the city is home to the infamous ‘smashed avo’. Pair with a coffee for a Melbourne classic!
St Kilda
Afterwards, take a tram down to St Kilda to explore this lively area of Melbourne. Head straight to St Kilda Beach for a stroll along the boardwalk and a swim in the sea. Nearby Acland Street has countless cafes for a delicious lunch, as well as upmarket restaurants. Both Stokehouse and Republica are located right on the beach.
Take some time for your lunch to settle, because the afternoon will be spent riding the old rollercoaster at Luna Park! This small amusement park is an iconic Melbourne landmark. Full of old-school rides and games, spend the afternoon letting your inner-child run wild. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. It will cost either AUD$25* for entry and a single ride, or AUD$55* for entry and unlimited rides.
For the final Melbourne evening, check out the Hotel Esplanade (the Espy). There is amazing sunset views, live music and delicious food and drinks. This incredible venue houses four different restaurants and bars, as well as two large entertainment venues downstairs. It is worth booking a table in advance via the Hotel Esplanade website because this place gets BUSY. If visiting on either a Friday or Saturday night, head downstairs and dance until late into the night!
*Please note that all prices are current as of September 2024.
