7 Days in Melbourne: The Perfect Melbourne Itinerary

With a repute for being one of many world’s most livable cities, Melbourne is a should for vacationers heading to Australia. Whether you wish to expertise Australia’s meals scene, drink wonderful espresso, go to world-class artwork galleries, or sit on a seashore, Melbourne’s obtained you lined.

This metropolis has a lot so that you can do this there’s no probability of rising bored. What it does imply although is that you just’ll want to permit your self sufficient time to make sure you cowl all the perfect locations to go to in Melbourne. Every week should do the trick, however to take advantage of it you’re going to wish a rock strong Melbourne itinerary. Luckily, that’s what we have now right here. So let our information take you thru what to do in Melbourne in 7 days to make your journey as fulfilling as doable.

Best Time to Visit Melbourne

If you’re on the lookout for good climate with out the vacationer crowds, autumn and spring, from April to May and September to November respectively, is the perfect time to go to Melbourne.

High season for Melbourne is in summer season, when there’s one pageant or occasion after one other. Between December and March is when you may count on Australia’s trademark sizzling and sunny climate. So in case you are sightseeing at the moment of 12 months, shield your self from the solar and keep hydrated. It’s finest to e-book in advance in summer season as town hosts quite a lot of massive sporting occasions like cricket and The Australian Open, in addition to music festivals and extra.

Winters in Melbourne by comparability are usually chilly and quiet. It received’t be downright freezing, however climate between June and August is fairly cool and gray. If you’re on the lookout for off-season specials, that is the time of 12 months you’ll discover them.

How to Get Around Melbourne

With a lot to see and do in Melbourne, it’s essential you perceive the choices you’ve for getting across the metropolis. Melbourne is an enormous metropolis and it’s unlikely you’ll wish to stroll past town middle, so studying about public transport is essential when visiting Melbourne.

As a lot as locals wish to complain about Melbourne’s public transport community, it’s truly fairly good. The metropolis is linked by trains, trams, and buses, which mix collectively to make virtually any a part of Melbourne accessible. All of the transport makes use of the Myki contactless card for tickets, which may be purchased at choose stations and all 7-Elevens, plus there’s now an Android app you may also use.

Melbourne’s trams are principally centered across the metropolis’s Central Business District (CBD) and the interior suburbs, there’s even a Free Tram Zone that permits you to journey totally free throughout the CBD. The metropolis’s prepare community is made up of 16 totally different traces, every of which feed into the City Loop that circles the CBD. Be warned, totally different prepare traces go across the City Loop in totally different instructions and most reverse their route in the afternoon. Finally, buses, buses are finest used as a backup when you may’t get someplace by prepare or tram.

The finest choice to make your manner into town from Melbourne Airport, is to take the Skybus. There are totally different routes for the Skybus, together with to Southbank and St Kilda, however the primary one is to Southern Cross Station in the CBD taking roughly half-hour. To get elsewhere, you’ll want to take a look at lodge transfers, Uber, or taxis.

Where to Stay in Melbourne

A pure query when confronted with visiting an enormous, new metropolis is the place to remain. Since you’re not accustomed to Melbourne or town’s format, understanding the place to remain in Melbourne by yourself is usually a actual problem and it’s an essential option to make.

Because of Melbourne’s high quality public transport community and the broad vary of locations you’ll be going, being central isn’t very important to a profitable journey. Instead, the perfect locations to remain in Melbourne are actually going to rely on what you need out of your journey. The easiest choose of the place to remain for first-timers is undoubtedly the CBD. That manner you’ve straightforward transport entry and loads of decisions for cafes and eating places. If nightlife is essential to you, attempt Southbank or possibly Fitzroy. For a relaxing, seaside vibe it’s finest to look someplace like St Kilda.

The Langham Melbourne is the best way to go if you happen to’re seeking to go to Melbourne in model. Right by the Yarra River, this five-star lodge wows visitors from the get-go with a grand marble staircase and beautiful decor. And but a keep can also be extraordinarily snug, in half because of the thorough and attentive workers.

If you’re on the lookout for each consolation and affordability, the residences of City Tempo – Queen St are an amazing possibility to your go to. Not solely do rooms have kitchenettes for making ready your individual meals, visitors at this aparthotel even have entry to a health middle and sauna, plus you’re proper in the CBD so town is true in your doorstep.

You also can discover reasonably priced vacation apartments in Melbourne on Airbnb.

Travel in Australia isn’t low cost, however there are nonetheless high quality finances choices like Space Hotel. With a brilliant central location and amenities like a health middle and personal cinema, this Melbourne hostel has the whole lot you could possibly want at an inexpensive value.

For extra lodging choices in Melbourne check out Booking.com. They repeatedly provide the perfect charges and their customized service is on level.

The Perfect 7-Day Melbourne Itinerary

Uncovering the perfect of Melbourne typically takes a little bit digging. But belief us, it’s value it! To make all of it simpler, it helps when you’ve got a information like this that reveals you all of the particular locations you must make time to see together with your 7 days in Melbourne. This Melbourne itinerary not solely takes you thru the perfect identified sights in the guts of town, it additionally reveals different fascinating elements of Melbourne begging to be explored. You even get the prospect to flee town and expertise one other spotlight in the state of Victoria, the Great Ocean Road.

With that little bit of helpful recommendation out of the best way, we are able to now set our sights on all the nice locations we’ve collected for this Melbourne journey itinerary. Inside, you’ll discover all of the best things to do in Melbourne to make sure you have as a lot enjoyable as doable when you’re there.

Day 1: CBD

Melbourne is such an enormous metropolis that it’s finest to interrupt up your time there into the totally different elements of town. With that method, there’s actually no higher place to start out than in the CBD. Set out as a grid of streets north of the Yarra River, you’ll discover not solely workplace buildings right here, but in addition a number of the metropolis’s most iconic sights.

Start your day outdoors the steps of Flinders Street Station, a gorgeous constructing in addition to the oldest prepare station in Australia. With its Art Nouveau design and unmissable yellow exterior, it is a heritage constructing that additionally occurs to be one of many metropolis’s busiest spots.

While Flinders St Station was lengthy the favourite assembly level in town, that honor now belongs to Federation Square, throughout the highway. The sq. and its strikingly trendy buildings has grow to be a significant public venue and there’s at all times one thing occurring right here. Melbourne prides itself on its tradition, and there are at all times everlasting cultural landmarks just like the Ian Potter Centre and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) to go to on the sq..

For the Instagram crowd, it’s fairly possible that Hosier Lane has jumped onto your radar. Just a brief stroll throughout Flinders St you’ve Melbourne’s most well-known avenue artwork assortment. The graffiti and murals alongside this again alley are eternally altering, however it’s at all times colourful and edgy.

If you’re on the lookout for a espresso or are already after lunch, Flinders Lane is bound to have what you want. Finding cafes in Melbourne isn’t laborious, however right here at the very least you’ve a dense choice of locations to select from. You might simply wander till someplace catches your eye, it received’t take lengthy.

Moving by the CBD, make your manner step by step to the Bourke St Mall. This pedestrian space is the standard hub for buying in Melbourne and is house to long-standing malls and trendy manufacturers alike. Even if you happen to’re not into buying, it’s laborious to not benefit from the old style really feel of buying arcades like The Royal Arcade and The Block Arcade closeby.

Markets are at all times a pleasant solution to get a really feel for town you’re in and there’s an amazing one in Melbourne, Queen Victoria Market. A metropolis establishment, the Queen Vic Market is an enormous, sprawling open air market that has the whole lot beneath the solar.

Finish your day with a stroll by Chinatown alongside Little Bourke St and dig into the wonderful meals there. For tasty meals in a relaxed environment, head to Empress of China and get the dumplings.

Day 2: South of the Yarra

Having seen fairly a little bit of town middle in your first day, it’s time to make a journey throughout the Yarra River and see what lies south aspect. Some may say that Melbourne’s points of interest south of the Yarra are much more fascinating than these in the CBD.

First issues first, getting throughout the river. As you cross both of the 2 trendy pedestrian bridges right here, Sandridge Bridge or Evan Walker Bridge, take a second to admire the riverfront and the Melbourne Skyline looming giant behind you.

Once you’re throughout the river, you’ll end up on the Southbank Promenade. This picturesque pedestrian space runs proper by the Yarra River and has all types of bars and eating places. Eventually the trail will convey you to Crown Casino, a preferred vacation spot for nightlife, leisure, and playing.

Retrace your steps and also you’ll quickly end up on the foot of the tallest constructing in Melbourne, Eureka Tower. While it appears tall already from the road, it’ll really feel even taller as soon as you are taking the elevator as much as the Eureka Skydeck for some distinctive metropolis views. See if you happen to can stand up the nerve to face in “The Edge”, a glass dice extending off the aspect of the constructing with a transparent view down, beneath your toes.

You can buy your skip-the-line ticket for the Eureka Skydeck here.

Back together with your toes on the bottom once more, stroll over to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). The oldest and most spectacular artwork gallery in the nation, it homes reveals on Australian artwork from Indigenous proper by to up to date works. The NGV additionally boasts a outstanding assortment of Asian artwork, in addition to some essential worldwide items.

Across the highway you’ll discover the Kings Domain Park, house to 2 extra landmark Melbourne sights. One is the Shrine of Remembrance, the monumental battle memorial honoring troopers who fought and died in WWI. There’s lots to get out of this solemn place, least of which is the incredible metropolis views from its terrace. The different spot to go to in the park is the Royal Botanic Gardens, filled with various plants and an all spherical tranquil environment.

Recommendation: See the sights of Melbourne from a distinct perspective on a 2-hour river cruise. Travel down the Yarra River to see sights such because the Docklands Crown Entertainment Complex and Government House, and catch some rays on the sundeck.

Day 3: Beach Day

Travel to any Australian metropolis on the coast, and also you’re going to wish to see the seashore.

The best place to start out is to go all the way down to South Melbourne Foreshore, the closest seashore to town middle. Backed by a scenic promenade, this seashore will instantly soothe your want for sand and solar. As at all times in Australia, discover the seashore flags as these are the areas the place surf lifesavers are on obligation. When the waves are low it may be fairly a protected place to go for a swim.

South Melbourne could be the closest seashore spot, however St Kilda Beach is by far the preferred alternative for locals and vacationers alike. The St Kilda Foreshore is lined with strolling paths, sports activities and recreation areas and locations to seize a chunk or a drink. Sticking out of the foreshore is the St Kilda Pier, a preferred place for a stroll and a scenic spot for photographs.

While it doesn’t have something to do with the seashore, St Kilda’s different well-known attraction is Luna Park, an amusement park. Stepping by the enduring entry fashioned by the face of “Mr Moon”, it’s laborious to not see the attraction of this historic amusement park. Fun for the entire household, Luna Park has an entire vary of rides, from the timeless Scenic Railway curler coaster to the Pharaoh’s Curse and Twin Dragon.

It could seem fascinating to some, however the preferred attraction alongside Melbourne’s seashores isn’t actually a seashore in any respect. No, it’s the Brighton Bathing Boxes, colourful beachside huts which date again to the flip of the century. This assortment of 82 bathing containers strung out in a row is a enjoyable sight because of their brilliant and playful paint jobs, and if eternally a favourite with pictures fans.

Day 4: Inner Suburbs

It in all probability doesn’t get stated sufficient, however the interior suburbs of Melbourne are arguably the perfect factor concerning the metropolis. This ring of neighborhoods that surrounds the CBD is house to a few of Melbourne’s finest eating places, bars, and cafes. Each suburb has its personal character and enchantment, which means that each Melbournian has their favourite one to hang around in. If you wish to see the perfect of native life in Melbourne, then these residential areas are the place it’s at.

1. Fitzroy

People wish to say that Melbourne as an entire is a bit hipster, however Fitzroy is unquestionably the core of hipster tradition in town. Thanks to the hipster scene, Fitzroy is filled with character and is a superb place to discover and hang around. Throughout town’s oldest suburb you’ll discover countless locations to eat and drink, regardless of your temper. Cafes like The Fitz Cafe serve up wonderful espresso and brunch which is able to fill your abdomen. Then there’s an amazing choice of bars and pubs, though the rooftop views from Naked for Satan are laborious to say no to.

2. Carlton

On the extra conventional finish of the spectrum is the suburb of Carlton, a basic alternative for a lot of causes. Carlton’s greatest declare to fame is its Italian neighborhood and the cluster of cafes and Italian eating places that cling to Lygon Street. Melbournians like to boast that they’ve the nation’s (possibly the world’s) finest espresso, a trait that’s because of the Italian neighborhood right here. So sit down for a flat white or a protracted black someplace like Heartattack and Vine and decide for your self. Next, take a stroll over in the Carlton Gardens, admire the Royal Exhibition Building, and go to the Melbourne Museum.

3. Prahran

With its finger on the heart beat, Prahran is a classy and trendy suburb with loads to take pleasure in. The suburb’s finest identified function is Chapel Street, the preferred buying space in all of Melbourne. While Chapel St stretches into different neighborhoods to the south, you’ll discover loads of boutiques and vogue labels as you head alongside. To regain your vitality from buying, duck into the Prahran Market the place grocers and delis sit side-by-side with a global array of cafes. Prahran can also be good for an evening out with fashionable bars and golf equipment which might be outdated favorites like Revolver Upstairs.

Neighborhoods like Collingwood, Richmond, and Brunswick are additionally value exploring, particularly for his or her bars and avenue artwork, which is able to simply please. But if you happen to needed to choose only a few suburbs of Melbourne to see, the above are the perfect place to start out.

Day 5: Healesville Sanctuary

Getting to see the wildlife in Australia is often on most customer’s bucket lists. In Melbourne the perfect place to tick that off is at Healesville Sanctuary. Found in Melbourne’s outer north-east, a visit to Healesville Sanctuary is unquestionably a day properly spent.

Unlike different zoos you may discover in Australia, the aim of this sanctuary is to guard and showcase animals native to Australia. The sanctuary’s enclosures are cut up up into totally different tracks and enclosures, every specializing in a particular habitat or animal. Wildlife that may be seen at Healesville consists of kangaroos, wombats, emus, dingoes, plus an amazing array of birdlife, reptiles, and amphibians.

One of the particular options of Healesville Sanctuary is its platypus program. It’s certainly one of solely two locations in the world which have efficiently bred platypus in captivity and the lovable creatures may be seen from the Platypus monitor and in the course of the Tales from Platypus Creek present.

Seeing the animals in the sanctuary is one factor, however attending to work together with them is one other expertise altogether. At Healesville it’s not doable to carry the koalas, however you may stand up shut and private with the sanctuary’s Close-up Encounter program. A extra hands-on expertise is the prospect to feed kangaroos as a part of Healesville’s Kangaroo Close-up program.

You can buy your skip-the-line ticket to Healesville Sanctuary here.

Day 6-7: Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is an absolute should add to any Melbourne itinerary. You’ll be heading properly past town limits of Melbourne with this journey, however because it’s certainly one of Australia’s most iconic destinations, it’s value it. Now, it’s doable to do only a day trip to the Great Ocean Road, however it’s finest to do an in a single day journey as there actually is a lot to see.

Driving out of Melbourne and thru Geelong, it’s not till you attain the city of Torquay that you just lastly meet the Great Ocean Road. Don’t get too excited although and go proper by Torquay because it’s a pleasant little city which oozes the surf life-style. Head all the way down to Jan Juc Beach to your first correct take a look at the ocean earlier than skipping alongside to the world well-known browsing spot, Bell’s Beach.

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As you proceed alongside, now driving down the Great Ocean Road with the coast out your window, make stops at small cities like Angelsea and Aireys Inlet as you go. Not solely have they got stunning seashores to take a look at, however there are even surf faculties the place you may go be taught to surf.

Depending on the way you wish to prepare your days, you’ll wish to take a look at the place you must spend the evening on the coast. Two of the perfect cities to take a look at are Lorne and Apollo Bay, as they’re each main residential areas in this area. You shouldn’t have an issue discovering lodging and a superb fish and chip store to tide you over till morning.

The massive draw of a visit down the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles. There are many stunning stretches of coast in Victoria, however none are fairly as epic as this spot and its limestone stacks alongside eroded cliffs. Despite the title, don’t count on to see twelve stacks sitting by the seashores and cliffs right here.

An underrated cease alongside the Great Ocean Road that you must find time for is Cape Otway National Park. Despite being on the coast and boasting a picturesque lighthouse, the true hook to Cape Otway is the attractive forest and the waterfalls discovered inside.

Recommendation: The Great Ocean Walk has been named as one of the best hikes in the world. So if you happen to love the outside and have an additional week to spare, hiking the Great Ocean Walk is a as soon as in a lifetime expertise you may’t miss.

Day 8 and Beyond

You might be able to see numerous Melbourne in 7 days, however in locations like these, there’s at all times extra. If you’ve extra time, listed here are another issues value including to your Melbourne itinerary:

• See a Sporting Match: Melbourne is a metropolis that lives and breathes sport, so do because the locals do. What’s on will rely on the time of 12 months, however watching an AFL match is at all times a superb choose.

• Penguins of Phillip Island: Who doesn’t wish to see penguins doing their factor in the wild? On a visit to Phillip Island, south of Melbourne, you get to expertise precisely that, as Fairy Penguins waddle their manner onto the seashore at sundown in the favored “Penguin Parade”. You can book a day tour to Phillip Island here.

• Puffing Billy in the Dandenongs: Two stuff you in all probability didn’t count on from a Melbourne journey are mountains and steam trains. And but, that’s what you’ll discover in the Dandenong Ranges, house to the heritage Puffing Billy steam railway. You can book a ride on the Puffing Billy here.

Check out our different information for much more day trip ideas from Melbourne.

With one week in Melbourne you’ve lots to look ahead to and clearly you may see numerous what Melbourne has going for it in that point. If you’re touring all the best way to Australia, likelihood is you received’t simply cease at Melbourne, nor do you have to. There are loads of different superior cities in Australia to discover from Sydney to Perth, and Brisbane.