Melbourne Holiday Itinerary – 24 Dec 2025 to 02 Jan 2026

Evening: Experience a live performance at the iconic Princess Theatre or catch a show at the Arts Centre Melbourne.

Day 3: Art & Gardens

Morning: Explore the extensive collections at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International), featuring both classic and contemporary works.

Afternoon: Relax in the tranquil Royal Botanic Gardens, taking a guided walk to discover native flora and hidden lake views.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a garden-side restaurant in Fitzroy Gardens, followed by a nightcap at a nearby speakeasy.

Day 4: Wildlife Encounter

Morning: Take a short drive to the Healesville Sanctuary for an up‑close encounter with native Australian animals, including koalas and platypuses.

Afternoon: Join a guided tour of the surrounding Yarra Valley vineyards, sampling regional wines while enjoying the scenic countryside.

Evening: Return to Melbourne for a relaxed dinner in the lively suburb of St Kilda, perhaps catching the sunset over the pier.

Day 5: Great Ocean Road Adventure

Morning: Embark on a full‑day guided tour of the legendary Great Ocean Road, with stops at scenic lookouts.

Afternoon: Marvel at the iconic 12 Apostles and explore the dramatic coastline at Loch Ard Gorge.

Evening: Return to Melbourne; unwind with a casual dinner in the lively suburb of South Melbourne.

Day 6: Phillip Island Wildlife

Morning: Travel to Phillip Island and visit the Koala Conservation Centre for a close look at these iconic marsupials.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit or relax on the sandy beaches of Cowes.

Evening: Witness the famous Penguin Parade, watching hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at sunset.

Day 7: Yarra Valley Wine Experience

Morning: Head to the Yarra Valley for a curated wine tasting tour, starting at Yering Station winery.

Afternoon: Enjoy a gourmet lunch paired with local wines at De Bortoli, then visit a chocolate factory for a sweet treat.

Evening: Return to the city and dine at a trendy restaurant in the Docklands precinct.

Day 8: Shopping & Foodie Exploration

Morning: Browse the eclectic boutiques and vintage stores on Chapel Street, stopping for brunch at a popular café.

Afternoon: Explore the multicultural food stalls at Queen Victoria Market, sampling local produce and street eats.

Evening: Savor a multi‑course dinner at a celebrated fine‑dining venue in the Melbourne Central area.

Day 9: New Year’s Eve Celebration

Morning: Take a relaxed stroll through the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) museum.

Afternoon: Join a river cruise on the Yarra River for a daytime view of the city’s skyline.

Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Southbank with fireworks, live music, and a festive dinner buffet.

Day 10: Departure

Morning: Pack and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a café in South Yarra.

Afternoon: Take a final walk through Albert Park or do some last‑minute souvenir shopping.

Evening: Transfer to Melbourne Airport for your departure flight.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Federation Square – 1 hr – Free
• Australian Centre for the Moving Image – 2 hrs – $25
• Royal Exhibition Building & Melbourne Museum – 3 hrs – $30
• Degraves Street (food & coffee) – 1.5 hrs – $20
• Princess Theatre show – 2.5 hrs – $80
• National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) – 2 hrs – Free (donation $10)
• Royal Botanic Gardens – 2 hrs – Free
• Healesville Sanctuary – 4 hrs – $45
• Yarra Valley wine tour (transport + tastings) – 6 hrs – $120
• Great Ocean Road full‑day tour – 10 hrs – $150
• 12 Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge – 2 hrs – Included in tour
• Phillip Island Koala Centre – 2 hrs – $22
• Penguin Parade – 2 hrs – $35
• Yarra Valley lunch & chocolate factory – 3 hrs – $55
• Chapel Street shopping & brunch – 3 hrs – $40
• Queen Victoria Market – 2 hrs – $25 (food & souvenirs)
• Fine‑dining dinner (Docklands) – 2 hrs – $100
• Southbank New Year’s Eve fireworks package – 4 hrs – $150
• Melbourne Airport transfer (round‑trip) – 1 hr – $30
• Accommodation (9 nights) – – $1,350
• Meals (average $60/day) – 10 days – $600
• Transportation (trams, buses, occasional rideshare) – 10 days – $150
• Miscellaneous (souvenirs, tips) – – $200
• Total Estimated Cost – $3,012

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider combining Days 5 and 6 into a single Great Ocean Road & Penguin Parade day, or skip the Yarra Valley wine tour and replace it with a half‑day city bike ride. To extend the experience, add an extra day for the Mornington Peninsula to enjoy hot springs and coastal walks, or spend an additional night on the Great Ocean Road for more beach time. Public transport is efficient, but purchasing a Myki daily pass can save money on tram and train rides. Booking tours and accommodations early—especially for New Year’s Eve—ensures availability and better rates.