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.

Itinerary

DAY 1

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.

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.

DAY 2

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. Purchase tickets at the gallery entrance for around AUD$25*.

Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria

Cross over 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 tour. A 45-minute tour of the shrine is available for AUD$20* through the Shrine’s website. Afterwards, be sure to walk down the steps back toward the city on the way out to get one of the best views of Melbourne.

If visiting Melbourne between December and March, the best ways to spend the evening is at the Moonlight Cinema. This is an open-air cinema located in the Botanic Gardens. You are able to bring a picnic rug and buy dinner from the food trucks 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. This will be more comfortable, rather than bringing your own rug and pillows.

DAY 3

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$89*. 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.

DAY 4

St Kilda

This morning, 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.

Afterwards, take some time for your lunch to settle. This is because the afternoon will be spent riding the old rides 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$15* for a single ride or AUD$51.50* for unlimited rides.

For the final Melbourne evening, check out the Hotel Esplanade. 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!