7-Day Melbourne, Australia Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & City Center

Morning: Arrive at Melbourne Airport and take the SkyBus to the city. Settle into your hotel near Federation Square and enjoy a quick coffee while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

Afternoon: Stroll to the historic Flinders Street Station, admire its iconic façade, then walk along the Yarra River and join a short Yarra River Cruise for scenic city views.

Evening: Dine at one of the trendy restaurants in Southbank and enjoy the illuminated skyline before a restful night.

Day 2: Arts & Gardens

Morning: Explore the extensive collections at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), featuring Australian and international art.

Afternoon: Visit ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) for interactive exhibitions, then unwind in the lush Royal Botanic Gardens with a leisurely walk.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a garden-side café and perhaps catch a live performance at the nearby Arts Centre Melbourne.

Day 3: History & Markets

Morning: Step back in time at the Old Melbourne Gaol, hearing tales of infamous outlaws.

Afternoon: Discover natural history at the Melbourne Museum and then wander through the bustling Queen Victoria Market for local produce and souvenirs.

Evening: Sample street food at the market’s night stalls and relax back at your hotel.

Day 4: Beachside Fun

Morning: Head to St Kilda Beach for sunrise walks, kite surfing, or simply lounging on the sand.

Afternoon: Experience classic amusement rides at Luna Park, followed by a sweet treat on Acland Street famous for its bakeries.

Evening: Watch the sunset from the St Kilda Pier and enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant.

Day 5: Great Ocean Road Day Trip

Morning: Depart early for a full‑day guided tour of the iconic Great Ocean Road, stopping at scenic lookouts.

Afternoon: Marvel at the towering Twelve Apostles and explore the coastal rainforests of the Great Otway National Park.

Evening: Return to Melbourne, unwind with a light dinner, and reflect on the breathtaking coastal scenery.

Day 6: Shopping & Creative Hubs

Morning: Shop the boutique stores and vintage finds along Chapel Street, known for its fashion scene.

Afternoon: Dive into the eclectic neighborhood of Fitzroy, browsing street art, indie shops, and enjoying a coffee at a hidden café.

Evening: Conclude the day with a riverside dinner at Southbank, taking in the city lights.

Day 7: Departure & Last Highlights

Morning: Explore the modern waterfront district of Docklands, admiring its architecture and waterfront promenades.

Afternoon: Visit the Melbourne Zoo for a final encounter with native wildlife before heading to the airport.

Evening: Depart Melbourne with cherished memories of your Australian adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Federation Square – 1 hour – $0
• Flinders Street Station – 0.5 hour – $0
• Yarra River Cruise – 2 hours – $30
• National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) – 2 hours – $0
• ACMI – 2 hours – $20
• Royal Botanic Gardens – 2 hours – $0
• Old Melbourne Gaol – 1.5 hours – $30
• Melbourne Museum – 2 hours – $15
• Queen Victoria Market – 2 hours – $15 (food & souvenirs)
• St Kilda Beach – 2 hours – $0
• Luna Park – 3 hours – $40
• Acland Street (bakeries) – 1 hour – $20
• Great Ocean Road Tour – 10 hours – $150
• Twelve Apostles – 1 hour – $0 (included in tour)
• Chapel Street Shopping – 2 hours – $50 (shopping)
• Fitzroy Cafés & Shops – 2 hours – $20
• Southbank Dinner – 2 hours – $40
• Docklands – 1 hour – $0
• Melbourne Zoo – 3 hours – $38

Total Estimated Cost: $468

Tips

If you wish to extend your stay, consider adding a day in the Yarra Valley for wine tasting or a trip to Phillip Island to see the famous penguin parade. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine Day 1 and Day 2 activities by exploring the city center and arts precinct in a single day, or replace the full Great Ocean Road tour with a shorter coastal drive to the Mornington Peninsula.