Arrive at The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins, drop your bags and refresh — take a leisurely coffee at Pellegrini’s or Brother Baba Budan to ease into Melbourne time. Stroll down Little Collins and explore nearby laneways like Degraves and Centre Place to soak up the city’s famed street art and café culture before a light brunch.
Walk through the elegant Block Arcade to admire heritage architecture, then cross to Federation Square to get your bearings and visit the ACMI galleries for a quick contemporary media exhibition. Continue along the Yarra River to Southbank for riverside views, stop for a relaxed lunch at Southbank Promenade or Arbory Bar & Eatery, and pop into the Ian Potter Centre at NGV Australia if time allows.
Return to the CBD for an easy evening: wander up Collins Street to window-shop designer boutiques, then enjoy dinner at an intimate lane-bar restaurant such as Tipo 00 or Chin Chin (booking recommended). Finish with a nightcap on a rooftop bar like Rooftop at QT or Loop Roof to take in Melbourne’s skyline before heading back to the hotel to rest for tomorrow’s full-day explorations.
After a relaxed first day, start morning back at Federation Square where the striking architecture sets the tone; grab a flat white at Degraves Street or a pastry from Market Lane and wander into ACMI to browse rotating digital and film exhibitions that showcase Melbourne’s creative edge. Step outside to Fed Square’s forecourt for views of Flinders Street Station and the Yarra, then cross the pedestrian bridge to the Flinders Walk and take photos of the iconic Hoddle Grid meeting the river.
Stroll along the Yarra toward Southbank for a riverside lunch — choose from Southbank Promenade restaurants or the casual Arbory Bar & Eatery — then visit the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia at Fed Square to see Australian art highlights and colonial-to-contemporary works. Continue exploring Southbank’s arts precinct with a quick stop at the National Gallery of Victoria (if you missed anything) or catch a short performance at Arts Centre Melbourne’s forecourt before a leisurely coffee at South Melbourne’s Arbory or at the riverfront terraces.
As twilight falls, take a scenic Yarra River cruise or simply walk the riverfront to enjoy the lights and lively atmosphere, then dine at one of Southbank’s waterfront restaurants such as Moto or Ciao Cielo for Italian flair. Finish the evening with a dessert or cocktail on a rooftop bar — try Siglo or the Rooftop at QT back in the CBD — reflecting on a day of art, river views and Melbourne’s signature cafe culture before returning to The Savoy to rest.
After breakfast at your hotel, take a short tram or a 20-25 minute walk to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a peaceful start — wander the Ornamental Lake, discover the fern gully and the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden, and join a free guided walk (check the gardens’ schedule) to learn about native plants and the historic landscape. Pause for a coffee and a light snack at The Terrace or Kettle Black nearby, then stroll along the scenic gardens’ paths toward the Shrine precinct.
Cross Alexandra Avenue to the Shrine of Remembrance for the evocative Sanctuary and the rooftop terrace — climb to the balcony for sweeping views over Melbourne’s skyline and the gardens, and visit the World War I and II galleries to connect with Australia’s history. After the Shrine, enjoy a relaxed picnic or al fresco lunch on Observatory Lawn or head to nearby South Yarra for a café meal on Toorak Road before returning to the gardens to explore the Guilfoyle’s Volcano and the Australian Forest Walk.
As daylight softens, stroll back through the gardens toward the river, taking in golden-hour light on the botanic lakes, then return to the CBD for dinner; consider a cosy meal in nearby Southbank or on Chapel Street in South Yarra (e.g., Hellenic Republic or Entrecôte) to continue the relaxed, garden-to-plate vibe. Finish with a nightcap at a laneway bar back in the Hoddle Grid, reflecting on a serene day steeped in green spaces and Melbourne vistas before heading to The Savoy to rest.
Board your organised coach early from a CBD pick-up (most tours collect near Southern Cross or Federation Square) and head southwest to Torquay, the official start of the Great Ocean Road; enjoy a scenic coastal drive past Bells Beach with commentary from your guide about surf culture and shipwreck history. Stop for a morning stretch at the Split Point Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet or a lookout at Anglesea, where you can breathe in the ocean air, snap photos and grab a coffee from a local kiosk before continuing along the dramatic cliffs.
After crossing the iconic coastal sweeps, arrive in the Apollo Bay area for a relaxed lunch — choose a seaside café like Chris's or La Bimba for fresh seafood — then continue through the lush Otways with a short rainforest walk to see towering eucalypts or a guided stop at Maits Rest boardwalk. The highlight arrives late afternoon at the Twelve Apostles and nearby Loch Ard Gorge: take time for the elevated viewing platforms as the golden light sculpts the limestone stacks and listen to your guide explain the geology and maritime stories that shaped this coastline.
On the return trip your coach will trace the coast toward Melbourne as the sun falls, with optional short stops for twilight photos at lookouts like Gibson Steps if time allows, before arriving back in the city in the early evening. Head straight to The Savoy to freshen up, then enjoy a relaxed dinner—perhaps a riverside table at Southbank’s Arbory or a cosy Italian on Little Collins—recounting the day’s dramatic seascapes and memorable highlights.
Begin the day with the lively atmosphere of Queen Victoria Market: wander the historic sheds sampling local produce, freshly baked pastries, and Melbourne coffee — don’t miss the gourmet deli stalls and the souvenir-packed Night Market section if any vendors are out. Pop into the adjacent Meat & Fish Hall for quirky local flavours and pick up picnic supplies before strolling down to Melbourne Central or grabbing a tram toward Carlton.
Head to Carlton Gardens for a relaxed, cultural afternoon: explore the lush lawns and the ornamental conservatory before visiting the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum where the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre and the natural history displays add depth to the city’s story. Pause for a late lunch on Lygon Street — sample classic Italian fare at Brunetti or try a modern trattoria like Tipo 00’s sister spots — then enjoy a gelato as you wander the terrace cafés and bookshops in the Carlton precinct.
As evening falls, return to the CBD for a relaxed dinner reflecting on the day’s market finds and museum highlights; consider a cosy meal back on Little Collins or try one of Lygon Street’s acclaimed restaurants for pasta and wine. Finish with a digestif at a laneway bar or a quiet riverside stroll along the Yarra, letting the lights of the city and the memory of fresh-market flavours wind down another delightful Melbourne day.
Catch a tram from the CBD to St Kilda and start the day with a seaside breakfast at The Kettle Black or Fitzrovia on Acland Street, then wander the St Kilda foreshore to feel the bay breeze and watch kite-surfers near the pier. Stroll out to St Kilda Pier for panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline and keep an eye out for the resident little penguins at the breakwater before heading back toward the colourful Luna Park entrance for photos of its historic façade.
Spend the afternoon enjoying Luna Park’s nostalgic rides and carnival atmosphere — take a spin on the Scenic Railway and try classic fish-and-chips at Stokehouse or Republica for a waterside lunch on Jacka Boulevard. After lunch, hop on a short tram or drive south to Brighton to wander the iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes along Dendy Street Beach, where the striped huts make perfect photo stops and the beachfront promenade invites a relaxed walk with sea views.
Return to St Kilda for a sunset drink at the Esplanade Hotel’s rooftop or a relaxed cocktail at Republica, then choose a seafood-forward dinner at Donovans or At The Heads to savour fresh local flavours as lights come on along the bay. Finish the evening with an easy tram back to The Savoy, reflecting on a day of seaside charm, seaside amusement and postcard-perfect coastal colors before resting up for your final day in Melbourne.
Pack and check out from The Savoy after a final Melbourne breakfast — savour a last flat white and croissant at Pellegrini’s or grab a takeaway from Brother Baba Budan. If time allows, take a short detour for one last stroll down Collins Street to admire the historic arcades or pick up any remaining souvenirs at a lane-way boutique before heading to the hotel concierge to arrange airport transfer.
Allow ample time for the transfer to Tullamarine Airport (book a SkyBus seat or arrange a private transfer through your hotel) and complete check-in and security with plenty of buffer for peak-day crowds; enjoy a relaxed lunch at the terminal — try CIBO Express or San Carlo’s airport outpost for quality Italian — and wander the departure lounges for any final duty-free finds. Use the airport’s quiet lounges or a café to review photos and notes from the week, giving yourself a calm finish to a busy trip.
Board your evening flight back to Singapore feeling refreshed from a week of city walks, coastal drives and garden rambles; take one last look over Melbourne as you taxi and reflect on highlights like the Twelve Apostles, the Botanic Gardens and the city’s laneway cafés. Sleep on the plane or enjoy an in-flight meal while planning a return visit — Melbourne’s mix of art, coast and coffee will be waiting.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins (arrival / hotel stay) | AUD 180-350 per night (mid-range to upper-mid; Feb peak season may be higher) |
| Pellegrini’s | AUD 8-20 per person |
| Brother Baba Budan | AUD 5-12 per person |
| Little Collins / Degraves / Centre Place laneways | Free to wander; brunch AUD 15-35 per person |
| Block Arcade | Free to browse; optional shopping costs vary |
| Federation Square (Fed Square) | Free |
| ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) | Free for some exhibitions; special exhibitions AUD 10-25 |
| Yarra River walk / Southbank Promenade | Free to walk; lunch/dining AUD 20-50 per person |
| Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia | Free for permanent collection; special exhibitions AUD 10-25 |
| Collins Street shopping / designer windows | Free to window-shop; purchases vary |
| Tipo 00 / Chin Chin (dinner example) | AUD 30-70 per person (depending on drinks) |
| Rooftop at QT / Loop Roof / Siglo | AUD 15-30 per cocktail; AUD 5-15 cover occasionally |
| Flinders Street Station forecourt / Hoddle Grid photos | Free |
| Yarra River cruise (short scenic) | AUD 25-45 per person |
| Royal Botanic Gardens (guided walk optional) | Free entry; guided walks sometimes free or AUD 10-20 |
| The Terrace / Kettle Black (near gardens) | AUD 10-30 per person |
| Shrine of Remembrance (Sanctuary & rooftop) | Free |
| Observatory Lawn picnic / South Yarra lunch | Picnic: cost of market items AUD 10-30 per person; café lunch AUD 20-40 |
| Full-day Great Ocean Road guided coach tour (CBD pickup) | AUD 120-200 per person (depends on operator; premium small-group tours more) |
| Torquay / Bells Beach lookouts | Free; coffee/snack AUD 5-10 |
| Split Point Lighthouse (Aireys Inlet) | Viewing free; guided lighthouse tours AUD 10-20 |
| Apollo Bay lunch (seafood café) | AUD 20-45 per person |
| Otways rainforest walk / Maits Rest | Free |
| Twelve Apostles / Loch Ard Gorge viewing platforms | Free (park entry free); optional helicopter AUD 200-350 per person |
| Queen Victoria Market | Free to enter; food & shopping AUD 10-60 depending on purchases |
| Melbourne Central / tram to Carlton | Free to browse; purchases vary; tram within free tram zone in CBD |
| Carlton Gardens & Royal Exhibition Building | Free to wander; guided tours of Royal Exhibition Building sometimes AUD 5-15 |
| Melbourne Museum & Bunjilaka | AUD 15-25 per adult (special exhibitions extra) |
| Lygon Street (lunch / dinner) | AUD 20-50 per person |
| Tram to St Kilda | Within tram zone free for CBD; to St Kilda requires Myki — AUD 4.60-10 for daily fare depending on zones/time (check Myki pricing) |
| St Kilda Pier / breakwater (penguins viewing) | Free |
| Luna Park (rides & entry) | Entry free; unlimited-ride pass AUD 35-60 or ride-by-ride AUD 5-15 |
| Stokehouse / Republica / Donovans (lunch / dinner) | AUD 30-70 per person |
| Brighton Bathing Boxes (Dendy Street Beach) | Free; transport cost (tram/car) varies — tram+walk or rideshare AUD 5-25 |
| Esplanade Hotel rooftop | AUD 10-25 per drink; occasional cover |
| SkyBus (Melbourne CBD ↔ Tullamarine Airport) | AUD 20-25 one-way, AUD 36-45 return (book in advance for deals) |
| Tullamarine Airport dining (CIBO Express / San Carlo) | AUD 15-35 per person |
| Estimated Total (per person) | AUD 1,700-3,300 per person (7 nights, 1 traveler) — range explained below |