A popular CBD brunch spot with French-influenced dishes and great coffee — a relaxed way to start and get into Melbourne time. Check opening hours (often from 7:30–8:00am).
See the Yarra River, Flinders Street Station and the cultural hub of Fed Square — perfect for orienting yourselves to the CBD. Public spaces are open daily; galleries may vary.
A classic Melbourne laneway lunch with many cafés and light options; great people-watching and quick service. Most cafés open 8:00am–4:00pm, but hours vary.
Riverside walk, street art on Hosier Lane and a relaxed first-evening vibe; great photo spots and short walk from most CBD hotels. Open public spaces; lanes accessible at all times but best in daylight.
High-energy, modern Asian dining — book ahead as it gets busy in December; good spot to celebrate first night. Check their reservation policy and seasonal hours.
Lygon Street is Melbourne’s Little Italy — cafés offer strong coffee and pastries to fuel a museum day. Many cafés open 7:30–9:00am; perfect before sightseeing.
Hands-on galleries covering natural history, science and First Peoples culture; the adjacent Exhibition Building is architecturally significant. Typical hours 10:00am–5:00pm; check for special exhibits and ticketed shows.
A romantic pasta-focused restaurant near the CBD/Carlton area — book early; perfect for a cozy evening. Hours generally evenings from 5:30pm but check holiday opening times.
Take a guided tour around Melbourne Cricket Ground and visit the Australian Sports Museum to learn about Australia’s sporting history. Tours typically run 10:00am–3:00pm; book ahead for holiday season.
Richmond has a lively food strip with Thai, modern Australian and pubs — ideal for relaxed local dining near MCG. Most venues open 11:30am–3:00pm for lunch.
Spend the afternoon visiting local parks, boutiques and any personal places of interest in Ella’s home suburb — great for personal connection and photos. Public spaces open daily.
Quick breakfast and coffee to get an early start to the Zoo — summer mornings are pleasant for animals and walking. Cafés usually open from 7:00–8:30am.
See Australian and international wildlife in well-laid-out exhibits; arrive early to avoid crowds and the midday heat. Zoo hours typically 9:00am–5:00pm but check seasonal hours and any special Christmas Eve changes.
If you missed anything earlier or want an air-conditioned activity, visit the Melbourne Museum or catch a film — good for Christmas Eve planning. Check museum/cinema hours for holiday schedule.
Many restaurants have special menus on Christmas Eve — book in advance for a memorable evening; some small cafés will close early. Check reservations and opening times carefully.
Most shops and markets are closed on Christmas Day, so prepare picnic supplies the day before (Queen Victoria Market on 24th is ideal). Confirm market hours for 24 Dec.
Enjoy a festive picnic on the lawns — the Gardens are typically open sunrise to sunset, but visitor centres/shops may be closed on Christmas; bring everything you need. Entry to gardens is free.
A peaceful post-picnic walk — sites are outdoors and usually open but check any holiday closures for specific facilities. Great spot for sunset photos later.
Many restaurants close on Christmas Day or run set menus; if you prefer eating out, book far in advance or enjoy a prepared hotel meal. Check opening/closing times; expect set menus and higher prices.
Walk the pier for skyline views and spot the little penguins at the pier breakwater at dusk; beach strolls are free and open all day. Penguin sightings are best at sunset and are seasonal — check local info.
Historic amusement park with iconic entrance and rides — entry to park is free, rides cost extra; purchase tickets online for busy holiday periods. Luna Park typically opens 11:00am–late in summer but check exact times.
Enjoy penguins, sharks and interactive displays — great if you enjoyed St Kilda’s marine vibe and want more sea life. Typical hours 10:00am–5:00pm; buy tickets in advance for holiday crowds.
Riverside lunch with many restaurants and casual options — ideal spot for a relaxed midday meal. Most restaurants open midday; book for popular venues.
Spectacular skyline views from the southern bank of the Yarra; consider booking Eureka 89 for drinks or late-afternoon cocktails. Skydeck usually open 10:00am–11:00pm but check seasonal times.
A short train or ferry trip to this historic bayside suburb offers great harbour views and boutique cafés — check public transport timetables for service times. Transport costs vary; check PTV for times.
Fresh seafood or casual bistro meals with harbour views — relaxed lunch to enjoy the coastal air. Restaurants open midday; bookings recommended for popular venues.
Small galleries and shops in Williamstown offer a local flavour, or get back to the city and catch sunset from Southbank or the Shrine. Galleries and shops usually open 10:00am–4:00pm.
Historic gaol (jail) museum with convict-era history and gallows exhibitions; informative and atmospheric. Typical hours 10:00am–5:00pm; check exact opening times and tour schedules.
Iconic market with food stalls and souvenirs — great for picking local produce, gifts or casual lunch. Market hours vary: many sections closed around Christmas but open across summer; check QVM opening hours for 29 Dec.
Shopping, arcades and laneway culture — good afternoon for souvenir hunting or a quiet coffee. Malls are usually open; specialty stores may have seasonal hours.
Discover Melbourne’s famous street art around Rose Street and Gertrude Street; markets vary by day so check local listings. Street art areas are outdoors and accessible any time.
If you plan to go out on NYE, make reservations now; tonight is best for packing and confirming transport plans. Many restaurants will be busy — check cancellation policies.
Ease into the day with a long brunch and confirm your NYE viewing spot or dinner reservations; many shops will have morning hours. If you plan to view fireworks from a licensed venue, keep your booking reference handy.
Popular vantage points fill early — consider a booked restaurant or a river cruise for best views; public areas may have restrictions and closures. Check council announcements for road closures and official event details.
Pre-book a restaurant or event for a stress-free NYE meal — many venues have special menus and fixed seating times. Confirm start times and public transport after-midnight options.
Melbourne runs family-friendly fireworks earlier in the evening and the main midnight displays; check official city program for exact times and locations. Free public displays are common but crowded.
Celebrate the new year with the main fireworks over the city — best viewed from Southbank, Princes Bridge, or a booked rooftop/bar. Expect large crowds and transport delays after midnight; pre-plan your trip home.
Start slowly after NYE — enjoy a relaxing brunch near your hotel or head to a beachfront café. Many places open later on New Year’s Day; check opening times.
Iconic colourful bathing boxes and a calm beach walk — perfect for a quiet New Year’s Day and skyline photos. The beach is open year-round and free to visit.
Ease into the new year with something low-key like a spa session or another garden visit; book ahead for spa appointments. Garden access is typically available sunrise–sunset.
Use this flexible day to do anything you missed earlier in the trip or to buy souvenirs — check attraction opening times ahead of visiting as some exhibits may have altered hours after holidays.
If you didn’t go earlier, take the Skydeck for final views; consider booking afternoon drinks at Eureka 89 for a special finish. Skydeck hours typically 10:00am–11:00pm; book ahead for busy days.
Quick breakfast at the hotel or nearby café, finish packing and check transport to the airport. Many airport transfers run 24/7 but confirm pick-up times with providers.
Allow plenty of time for peak-season traffic and security checks; book an airport transfer or use SkyBus for the quickest route to Tullamarine. SkyBus roughly AUD20–25 per person; private transfers cost more.
Fly home — double-check your flight time, boarding requirements and allow for delays. Safe travels and congratulations on your first trip away together!