Arrive into Melbourne and make your way to Parkdale to drop bags at your accommodation, then stretch your legs with a gentle walk along Parkdale Beach — enjoy the fresh sea air and watch local surfers and kites skimming the bay. Pop into a nearby café such as The Point or a local bakery for strong coffee and a savory pastry while soaking up quiet suburban seaside life, setting a relaxed tone for the days ahead.
Head along the scenic Bayside Track toward Mentone and Sandringham, stopping to explore the colourful seaside jetties and small coastal reserves; the low-key beaches are perfect for people-watching or a casual paddle. Grab a light lunch at a waterfront spot like Sandringham Yacht Club or a harbour-view bistro, then browse a few boutique shops or the Parkdale Farmers’ Market if it’s operating, easing into Melbourne’s cafe culture and coastal charm.
Return to Parkdale for a sunset stroll on the foreshore, catching warm light across Port Phillip Bay and the silhouette of nearby piers — a gentle introduction to Victoria’s coastal romance. Enjoy dinner at a local seafood or modern-Australian restaurant, then relax with a nightcap on a terrace or walk the quiet beach under stars, preparing for a more bustling Melbourne introduction tomorrow.
Wake slowly with breakfast at a beloved local café such as The Point or SeaSpoon in Mentone, sipping flat whites and sampling house-made pastries while watching dogs and joggers on the foreshore. Afterward, take a relaxed beach walk from Parkdale to Mentone Beach, exploring the colourful bathing boxes, tidal rock pools and small sculptures tucked along the sand — a gentle, intimate coastal morning that builds on yesterday’s introduction.
Spend the afternoon embracing casual Bay-side life: hire a bike to ride the Bayside Track into Mentone village, stop for a leisurely brunch or salad bowl at MilkTheCow or Oak Room Deli, and browse independent boutiques and seaside homewares stores. If the weather’s warm, cool off with a swim or try stand-up paddleboarding from Mentone Pier, or visit Mentone’s Community Garden and nearby reserves for a quieter, local perspective.
Return to Parkdale for a sunset picnic on the grassy foreshore or choose a relaxed waterfront dinner at a neighbourhood bistro, enjoying fresh seafood and local wine as the bay glows orange. Finish the night with a slow stroll along the jetty or a twilight coffee from a takeaway window — an unhurried evening that keeps the pace calm ahead of your city days in Melbourne.
Catch an early train or tram from Parkdale into Flinders Street Station and start your city morning with coffee at Degraves Street or Centre Place, soaking up the bustle of Melbourne’s laneway culture and vibrant street art. Wander through Hosier Lane and the nearby arcades, popping into niche bookshops, independent boutiques and a bakery for a mid-morning pastry — the contrast with the tranquil bayside days will feel refreshingly energetic.
Head down to the Yarra River for a riverside lunch at Southbank’s eateries or a riverside barge, then take a relaxed stroll along the promenade toward Federation Square and the NGV’s city outpost for a hit of contemporary art. If you’re keen for a view, hop on the free City Circle tram for a short loop or climb to the rooftop of a nearby shopping centre for panorama over the river and skyline — a perfect way to orient yourself in Melbourne’s urban heart.
As twilight falls, book a table at one of the CBD’s celebrated restaurants — try modern Australian or a riverside seafood spot — then linger with a post-dinner walk across the illuminated Princes Bridge toward the cluster of bars on Southbank. If you’re in the mood for live music or a late cocktail, explore hidden rooftop bars or basement jazz venues in the laneways, capping an urban day before heading back to the quieter bayside calm in Parkdale.
Ease into Fitzroy with a tram from the CBD and start your morning at Rose Street Artists' Market (weekends) or the nearby Brunswick Street cafés — grab a strong coffee and a pastry at Industry Beans or Proud Mary while watching street artists set up. Wander the laneways of Fitzroy to discover bold murals, vintage shops on Brunswick Street and independent galleries like Centre for Contemporary Photography, soaking up the neighbourhood’s creative energy that builds on your city immersion.
For lunch, choose a relaxed, eclectic spot such as Transformer Fitzroy or Naked for Satan’s rooftop for panoramic views and tapas-style plates, then stroll toward Collingwood to explore Collingwood Yards and its artist studios and craft workshops. Pop into Smith Street’s boutiques and record stores, or join a guided street-art walk to learn the stories behind the murals — a hands-on, local afternoon that contrasts city sights with inner-city creative culture.
As evening falls, settle in for dinner at a neighbourhood institution like Cutler & Co. or a casual shared-plate meal at Rice Paper Scissors, followed by drinks at a cosy Fitzroy bar such as Bimbo Deluxe or Black Pearl for inventive cocktails. If you’re up for live music, check the gig listings at The Night Cat or the Prince Bandroom, letting local bands and late-night vibes round out a culturally rich day before returning to Parkdale.
Take a short tram or riverside stroll from Parkdale into Southbank and start with coffee and pastries at Arbory Bar & Eatery or Southbank’s Sunday market stalls if they’re operating, watching river traffic glide past. Wander across Princes Bridge to the Royal Botanic Gardens, following shaded paths to the Ornamental Lake and the Guilfoyle’s Volcano, pausing to enjoy the tranquillity and native plantings that contrast nicely with the city’s laneways you’ve explored earlier in the trip.
Enjoy a leisurely picnic on the lawns or book a guided Aboriginal Heritage Walk to learn the cultural history of the Domain, then visit the nearby Shrine of Remembrance for panoramic city and bay views from the balcony. Return to Southbank for a riverside lunch at The Meat & Wine Co or the National Gallery of Victoria’s café, combining artful conversation with waterfront vistas to continue your cultural immersion.
As dusk falls, dine at one of Southbank’s acclaimed riverside restaurants such as Coda or The Atlantic for modern Australian cuisine and excellent wine pairings, then take a post-dinner stroll along the promenade to see the city lights reflected on the Yarra. End the night with a relaxed drink at a Southbank bar or a performance at Arts Centre Melbourne if there’s a show on, blending theatre or live music with the gentle rhythm of the river before heading back to Bayside calm in Parkdale.
Catch a tram from Parkdale or the CBD for a short ride into St Kilda and start your day with coffee and brunch at Acland Street cafés like Republica or Fitzrovia while watching kiteboarders off St Kilda Beach. After breakfast, stroll the palm-lined foreshore toward the iconic St Kilda Pier, pause at the breakwater for bay views and local seabirds, and pop into the historic Palais Theatre precinct to admire its façade and nearby vintage shops.
Spend the afternoon exploring Luna Park’s cheerful heritage rides and photo-worthy entrance, then wander the vibrant St Kilda Esplanade Markets (weekends) to find handmade crafts and local art — or choose a seaside walk to the St Kilda Botanical Gardens for a quieter interlude. If the weather’s warm, cool off with a swim at the designated St Kilda bathing area or grab fish and chips to enjoy on the sand, continuing the bayside relaxation threaded through your trip.
As the day winds down, climb the St Kilda Pier breakwater for a spectacular sunset over Port Phillip Bay and keep an eye out for the little penguin colony near the pier at dusk. Finish with dinner at a waterfront restaurant like Stokehouse or Donovans for modern-Australian fare, then wander Acland Street’s cake shops and bars before returning to Parkdale, full of coastal memories and city-adjacent charm.
Leave the bayside calm behind for a scenic drive northeast to the Yarra Valley, arriving mid-morning at a boutique cellar door such as Yering Station or De Bortoli for a tasting of cool-climate chardonnays and pinot noirs while taking in rolling vineyard views. Pair the tasting with a relaxed vineyard tour or a light grazing plate at the winery restaurant to whet your appetite for a day of regional flavours and landscapes.
After lunch, continue exploring cellar doors in Healesville and Yarra Glen — try boutique producers like Punt Road Wines or Oakridge for guided tastings and conversations with passionate winemakers, then pause at Rochford or the Domain Chandon for sparkling wine and panoramic photo stops. If you prefer a break from tastings, visit Healesville Sanctuary to meet native wildlife or take a short walk in the nearby Yarra Ranges for ferny gullies and a refreshing change of pace.
As the afternoon light softens, choose a cosy country pub or a vineyard restaurant such as Innocent Bystander for a leisurely dinner of local produce paired with a final glass of wine, enjoying the valley’s relaxed evening atmosphere. Drive back toward Parkdale with the sunset over the hills, reflecting on a day of food, wine and pastoral tranquillity that bridges your coastal mornings and upcoming Great Ocean Road adventure.
Set off early from Parkdale and drive southwest to Torquay, the official start of the Great Ocean Road; stretch your legs at Bells Beach and watch surfers tackle the famous breaks while enjoying a strong coffee at a local café like Torquay General Store. Take the time to visit the Surf World Museum or wander the coastal walking tracks for panoramic views, feeling the transition from bayside calm to dramatic open coastlines that foreshadow the classic scenery ahead.
Continue your coastal drive west toward Anglesea, stopping at scenic lookouts such as the Aireys Inlet split point and the Memorial Arch for photo-worthy vistas and the first taste of towering cliffs and wind-sculpted shoreline. In Anglesea, enjoy a relaxed lunch at a riverside bistro or the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, then explore the Anglesea Heath or the River Beach — if you’re feeling active, rent a bike or take a short coastal walk to fully absorb the raw seaside landscape.
As the light softens, settle into a cosy seaside pub or a boutique guesthouse in Anglesea for dinner, savouring locally sourced seafood and regional wines that echo your Yarra Valley tastings in a very different setting. Finish the day with a sunset stroll along the sand or a quiet drink on a decking overlooking the ocean, letting the rhythmic surf set the tone for tomorrow’s deeper Great Ocean Road adventure toward Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles.
Leave Anglesea behind for the dramatic coastal stretch toward Apollo Bay, stopping first at the iconic Great Ocean Road lookouts such as Split Point and the Otway Ranges viewpoints for crisp ocean panoramas and sunrise-lit cliffs. Arrive in Apollo Bay mid-morning to stretch your legs on the harbour, grab a coffee and freshly baked goods at a local café like La Bimba or Apollo Bay Bakery, and wander the foreshore to watch fishing boats and seabirds — a calm interlude after yesterday’s winding drive.
Continue west through winding coastal roadways and rainforest-scented gullies toward the Twelve Apostles, pausing at scenic spots including the Maits Rest boardwalk in the Great Otway National Park and the dramatic Gibson Steps for a closer look at the cliffs and beach below. Time your arrival at the Twelve Apostles precinct to take the boardwalks and lookouts, compare viewpoints, and capture photos of the limestone stacks as waves crash below — the raw coastal spectacle is a culminating highlight of your Great Ocean Road exploration.
As the light softens, stay for the golden-hour glow at one of the Twelve Apostles viewing platforms or head to nearby Port Campbell for a relaxed seaside dinner at a local pub or bistro, savouring fresh seafood and regional produce. Return toward Apollo Bay or base yourself in Port Campbell for the night, soaking in the sound of the surf and reflecting on a day of iconic coastal scenery that bridges your bayside beginnings and inland wine-country memories.
After breakfast at your accommodation, make the easy drive or train back from the Great Ocean Road, arriving in Parkdale mid-morning; drop your luggage and head straight for a restorative walk along Parkdale Beach to listen to the familiar rhythm of Port Phillip Bay and compare the raw ocean memories from the coast. Pop into a local café such as The Point for a late-morning latte and a light plate, letting the seaside calm slowly replace the big-sky drama of the past two days.
Spend a gentle afternoon reconnecting with bayside life: hire a bike to explore more of the Bayside Track toward Sandringham or Mentone, stopping for a relaxed lunch at a waterfront café like Sandringham Yacht Club or a picnic on the grassy foreshore with deli treats from a local providore. If you’re in the mood for a quiet cultural moment, visit the nearby Mentone Gallery or stroll through the Parkdale community gardens to enjoy neighbourhood art and tidy suburban streets that contrast the wild Great Ocean Road scenery.
As the sun lowers, choose a relaxed waterfront dinner in Parkdale or Sandringham—seafood, wood-fired pizzas or modern-Australian dishes pair well with local wines—then take a sunset stroll along the jetty to watch the bay glow and the city skyline in the distance. Finish the night with a low-key drink at a beachfront bar or a peaceful moonlit walk along the sand, savoring the easy rhythm of bayside Melbourne as you prepare for the wildlife day trip ahead on Phillip Island.
Leave Parkdale after breakfast for the scenic drive to Phillip Island and arrive mid-morning in Cowes to stretch your legs along the foreshore and browse boutique shops and cafés like The Waterboy Café. Head to the Koala Conservation Reserve for an easy treetop boardwalk through eucalypt forest where you can spot sleepy koalas and learn about local conservation efforts — a calm, wildlife-focused start that continues the nature thread from your bayside and Otways days.
After a seaside lunch in Cowes, explore Phillip Island’s rugged south coast with stops at Cape Woolamai for short coastal walks and panoramic views, or visit the Churchill Island Heritage Farm for a taste of rural island life and seasonal farm demonstrations. Time permitting, pop into the Nobbies Centre to view dramatic blowholes and seal colonies from the boardwalks, tying together coastal spectacle with the wildlife encounters you’ve collected on this trip.
Return toward Summerlands and settle in for the iconic Penguin Parade at dusk, watching the little penguins waddle ashore from the surf in a carefully managed viewing experience — book a viewing platform or guided boardwalk to combine up-close magic with respectful wildlife practices. After the parade, enjoy a relaxed dinner back in Cowes at a waterfront bistro, reflecting on a day of up-close Australian wildlife that complements your valley wines, coastal cliffs and city culture from earlier in the trip.
Pack up at your Parkdale accommodation after a final shoreline stroll and enjoy one last flat white at The Point or a favourite local café before heading into the city. Arrive at Flinders Street Station and take a relaxed wander through the Flinders Lane laneways to pick up any last-minute souvenirs, stopping for a pastry at Degraves Street or a specialty chocolate from Koko Black as a sweet send-off.
Spend your afternoon revisiting a favourite cultural spot — perhaps a quick return to the NGV or a calming walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens to soak in the gardens you admired earlier, combined with a light riverside lunch at Southbank’s promenade. If time allows, ride the City Circle tram for a final city-orienting loop or pop into Queen Victoria Market for gourmet treats to take home, tying together your foodie and urban discoveries from the trip.
Collect your bags in Parkdale, enjoy a last riverside or bayside dinner at a neighbourhood bistro and watch the sunset over Port Phillip Bay as the city lights begin to twinkle. Allow plenty of time to transfer to the airport or train station for departure, carrying memories of coastal mornings, city laneways, valley wines and wildlife encounters as you bid Melbourne farewell.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Parkdale Beach | Free |
| The Point (Parkdale) | $5-15 (coffee & pastry) |
| Parkdale Farmers’ Market | Free entry; $5-40 for purchases |
| Bayside Track (Parkdale to Sandringham/Mentone) | Free; bike hire $15-40/day if needed |
| Sandringham Yacht Club / waterfront bistro (Sandringham) | $20-60 per person (lunch/dinner) |
| Mentone Beach & bathing boxes | Free |
| SeaSpoon (Mentone) | $5-20 (coffee & light meal) |
| MilkTheCow / Oak Room Deli (Mentone) | $10-30 per person |
| Stand-up paddleboarding (Mentone Pier) | $30-70 (rental & hire) |
| Flinders Street Station | Free to visit; train fare $4-10 depending on zone and Myki |
| Degraves Street / Centre Place (coffee & laneways) | $5-25 (coffee & pastry or light meal) |
| Hosier Lane (street art) | Free |
| Yarra River / Southbank promenade | Free; meals $20-80 depending on venue |
| NGV (National Gallery of Victoria - city outpost) | Free general collection; special exhibitions $10-30 |
| City Circle tram (free loop) | Free |
| Princes Bridge / Southbank bars | $10-30 (drinks) or $40-120 for dinner |
| Rose Street Artists' Market (Fitzroy) | Free entry; $10-100 for purchases |
| Industry Beans / Proud Mary (Fitzroy) | $5-25 (coffee & brunch) |
| Centre for Contemporary Photography (Fitzroy) | Free or donation; special events $5-20 |
| Transformer Fitzroy / Naked for Satan | $20-60 per person (lunch/dinner/drinks) |
| Collingwood Yards | Free; workshops or events vary $10-50 |
| Smith Street boutiques & record stores | Free to browse; purchases vary $10-100+ |
| The Night Cat / Prince Bandroom (live music) | $10-40 cover; drinks $10-25 |
| Royal Botanic Gardens (Ornamental Lake, Guilfoyle's Volcano) | Free; guided Aboriginal Heritage Walk $20-35 |
| Shrine of Remembrance | Free; donation suggested |
| Arbory Bar & Eatery / Southbank restaurants | $20-80 per person |
| Arts Centre Melbourne (performance) | $30-150+ depending on show |
| Acland Street (St Kilda) cafés and shops | $5-40 (cafe or market purchases) |
| St Kilda Pier & breakwater (penguin viewing at dusk possible) | Free; guided penguin tours $25-60 (if available) |
| Luna Park (St Kilda) | $10-40 for entry/rides; family packages vary |
| St Kilda Esplanade Markets (weekends) | Free entry; purchases $5-100 |
| Torquay (Bells Beach, Surf World Museum) | Bells Beach free; Surf World Museum $10-25 |
| Anglesea (Memorial Arch, River Beach) | Free; lunch $15-40 |
| Bells Beach Cafe / Torquay General Store | $5-20 |
| Split Point / Aireys Inlet | Free |
| Apollo Bay (harbour & cafes) | $5-25 (cafe/lunch) |
| Maits Rest boardwalk (Great Otway NP) | Free; park entry typically free |
| Gibson Steps | Free |
| Twelve Apostles (viewing platforms) | Free (walks & lookouts); helicopter tours $200-350+ |
| Port Campbell (dinner / stay) | $20-80 for dinner; accommodation $120-250+ per night |
| La Bimba / Apollo Bay Bakery | $5-20 |
| Parkdale community gardens / Mentone Gallery | Free; gallery $0-10 |
| Phillip Island (Cowes foreshore) | Free |
| Koala Conservation Reserve (Phillip Island) | $18-35 adults |
| Cape Woolamai (coastal walks) | Free |
| Churchill Island Heritage Farm | $12-20 adults |
| Nobbies Centre (blowholes & seal colony) | $10-20 donation/entry for boardwalk access; free viewpoints |
| Phillip Island Penguin Parade (viewing) | $25-40 standard viewing; up to $80+ for premium experiences |
| Queen Victoria Market | Free entry; purchases $10-100+ |
| Koko Black (chocolates) | $5-30 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $1,500 - $4,500 (per person, 12 days) |