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3-Day Melbourne Loop: City Laneways, Great Ocean Road & Yarra Valley (Sep 6–8, 2025)

Viewed by 81 travelers

Day 1: Melbourne Highlights

Melbourne, Australia on September 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Beloved French-inspired brunch spot in the CBD — expect classic bistro flavours and high-quality coffee; arrive early (opens ~8:00am) to avoid queues.
AUD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Laneways & Street Art (Hosier Lane, Degraves Street)

Self-guided walking tour through Melbourne's famous laneways — vibrant street art, cafés and arcades; best experienced on foot, free and always open but individual shop hours vary.
AUD0, 1h0m

10:30am

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International)

Major international and Australian art collections plus rotating exhibitions — galleries typically open from 10:00am to 5:00pm (check current exhibition pricing).
AUD20, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Chin Chin

Bustling modern Thai-inspired restaurant in the CBD — vibrant small plates and lively atmosphere; they often open for lunch from 12:00pm, expect a wait without a booking.
AUD30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Royal Botanic Gardens & Shrine of Remembrance

Peaceful riverside gardens ideal for a relaxed walk and city views; gardens are open from early morning until dusk and the Shrine typically opens around 10:00am (free entry to grounds).
AUD0, 1h30m

4:30pm

Eureka Skydeck or Southbank Promenade

Panoramic city and bay views from Eureka Skydeck (open ~10:00am–10:00pm) or opt for a riverside stroll and early drink along Southbank.
AUD24, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Cumulus Inc.

Contemporary Australian small-plates dining from a top Melbourne kitchen — relaxed but refined; dinner service typically from early evening (book ahead).
AUD60, 1h30m

Day 2: Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road, VIC, Australia on September 7, 2025

6:30am

Depart Melbourne for Great Ocean Road

Set off early for the classic coastal drive — self-drive takes ~1.5–2 hours to Torquay, or join a guided coach (many day tours ~AUD120–AUD170) if you prefer not to drive.
AUD0, 1h30m

8:00am

Breakfast stop in Torquay (The Pond Cafe or similar)

Quick coastal breakfast near the start of the Great Ocean Road; most cafés open from 7:00am, perfect for fueling before scenic stops.
AUD20, 0h30m

9:00am

Bells Beach viewpoint

Iconic surf lookout with dramatic coastal cliffs and surfers — brief cliff-top walk and photo stop; accessible any time and free to visit.
AUD0, 0h30m

11:30am

Lunch in Lorne (Swing Bridge Café or similar)

Charming seaside town for a relaxed lunch and a stroll on the pier; cafés in Lorne commonly serve until mid-afternoon (check exact hours).
AUD25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Apollo Bay short walk & coffee

Coastal village with walking trails and ocean views — a good mid-afternoon break before the 12 Apostles; cafés open through the afternoon.
AUD10, 0h45m

4:30pm

12 Apostles & Gibson Steps (late afternoon)

Visit the spectacular limestone stacks at the 12 Apostles and descend the Gibson Steps for a beach perspective; visitor centre hours vary but the sites are reachable year-round — aim for late afternoon for softer light.
AUD0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Return to Melbourne & dinner at Grossi Florentino

After a long day on the road, enjoy refined Italian dining back in the city (dinner service from early evening) — booking recommended after a tour return.
AUD70, 1h30m

Day 3: Yarra Valley & Ranges

Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges, VIC, Australia on September 8, 2025

8:00am

Depart Melbourne for Healesville (Yarra Valley)

Drive ~50–70 minutes to the heart of Yarra Valley and Healesville Sanctuary; leave early to maximise time for wildlife and wineries.
AUD0, 1h0m

9:30am

Healesville Sanctuary

Dedicated Australian wildlife sanctuary where you can see koalas, kangaroos and platypus; sanctuary hours typically from 9:00am to 5:00pm — check seasonal times and feeding talk schedules.
AUD43, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Innocent Bystander (Healesville)

Popular Yarra Valley eatery for wood-fired pizzas, small plates and local wines — busy weekends, usually open for lunch from 11:00am.
AUD30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Wine tasting at Oakridge or Domaine Chandon

Classic Yarra Valley tasting experience with cellar-door flights; most cellar doors operate from about 10:00am–5:00pm — tasting fees often around AUD10–AUD20 and may be redeemable on purchase.
AUD15, 1h30m

3:30pm

Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery

Indulgent stop for handmade chocolate, hot chocolate or ice cream and shopping; open most days from mid-morning to late afternoon (confirm seasonal hours).
AUD10, 0h45m

5:30pm

Puffing Billy steam train (Belgrave)

Historic steam railway through the Dandenong Ranges — regular daytime services and special evening/dinner trains exist, so check the timetable and book in advance; a scenic, nostalgic ride.
AUD45, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner in Melbourne at Flower Drum

Finish with an iconic Cantonese dinner in the CBD; Flower Drum opens for evening service and is perfect for a memorable final-night meal (reservations essential).
AUD90, 1h30m
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