Since you arrive today and it's already early evening in Melbourne, use the remaining morning time (if any travel has you arriving earlier) to glide through a private airport transfer to your chosen luxury hotel — The Langham, Crown Towers or the Park Hyatt — where a priority check-in and a welcome lounge awaits. If you had an earlier arrival, enjoy a relaxed coffee and house-made pastries in the hotel’s lounge or at nearby Hardware Société to gently recover from travel and orient yourself to the CBD.
Spend the afternoon easing into Melbourne with a private chauffeur-driven short orientation: a gentle loop past Federation Square, the serene banks of the Yarra River and the tree-lined precinct of Southbank, finishing with a light lunch at MoVida Aqui or a riverside table at Arbory Bar & Eatery. If time permits, step into the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) for a brief highlights tour or take a restorative stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens to stretch your legs before evening plans.
For tonight, treat yourself to a signature dining experience — a table at Vue de Monde for elevated contemporary Australian tasting menus or a waterfront dinner at Château on the Yarra (Crown) — accompanied by a sommelier-selected wine flight. After dinner, enjoy cocktails at a rooftop bar such as Rooftop at QT or Siglo, or return to your hotel for a late-night soak in a suite tub and in-room dessert to round out a calm, luxurious first night in Melbourne.
After a leisurely hotel breakfast, meet your private guide and chauffeur for a curated morning loop through Melbourne’s highlights—begin with a guided stroll across Federation Square to view the Ian Potter Centre, then wander the hidden laneways to admire Hosier Lane’s street art and pop into a specialty coffeehouse such as Market Lane for a second-cup tasting. Continue with a VIP behind-the-scenes look at the exquisite State Library of Victoria and a short visit to the Block Arcade to admire its heritage architecture and boutique shops.
After a riverside lunch at Arbory Bar & Eatery or a refined set menu at The National Hotel (Southbank), take a private short cruise on the Yarra with a local storyteller to learn about Melbourne’s riverfront evolution; disembark for a chauffeured drive past Crown Entertainment Complex and the Royal Botanic Gardens for photo stops. If you prefer art, substitute the cruise for an NGV private highlights tour with skip-the-line access and a curator-led introduction to contemporary Australian works.
Return to Southbank for a twilight aperitif at Siglo or at the rooftop bar at QT, then enjoy a candlelit dinner at Vue de Monde or a modern Australian tasting menu at Attica (reservations recommended) for an unforgettable culinary evening. Finish with a gentle riverside walk back to your hotel or a short chauffeured transfer home, pausing for skyline views of the city lights to cap off your introduction to Melbourne.
Following your introduction to the city, start the day with a specialty breakfast in Fitzroy at Industry Beans or Patch Cafe, then wander Brunswick Street to browse independent galleries and designer boutiques — pop into Gertrude Street Gallery for contemporary pieces and Slow Clay for ceramics. Continue your creative morning with a guided street-art walk through Fitzroy and Collingwood, where a local artist will explain the laneway culture and point out hidden murals and commissioned works.
Return to the CBD for a gourmet lunch at Chin Chin or Tipo 00 (reservations recommended), then enjoy a private tasting tour of Melbourne’s laneway food scene: sample artisan chocolatiers at Koko Black, savour-house bakery treats at Lune Croissanterie, and visit the Block Arcade for luxury chocolatiers and patisseries. If you prefer a quieter option, reserve a curator-led visit at the Ian Potter Centre (NGV Australia) to view Australian art highlights before a riverside coffee at The Arbory’s quieter end.
As daylight fades, book a table for an intimate tasting menu at Supernormal or Coda for inventive Asian-infused fine dining, followed by cocktails at a hidden laneway bar such as The Everleigh or Eau De Vie for classic craft drinks. Cap the night with a moonlit stroll through Federation Square and along the Yarra, or return to your hotel for a nightcap on the rooftop to reflect on the day’s creative discoveries.
Ease into the day with a decadent morning at your hotel spa—book the signature treatment at The Langham’s Chuan Spa or a restorative massage and hydrotherapy circuit at Crown Towers’ Aurum Spa to melt away any travel fatigue. After your treatment, enjoy a slow loungeside brunch or a light wellness plate in the hotel’s dining room, followed by a short stroll through the nearby Royal Botanic Gardens to breathe in fresh air and savour the peaceful lakeside views.
Reserve a classic high tea experience at The Langham’s Tea Room for tiered pastries and expertly brewed teas, or choose the elegant High Tea at The Windsor for a Victorian-era setting with savoury bites and champagne; both offer private booths if you prefer an intimate service. After tea, wander to the National Gallery of Victoria for a relaxed highlights visit or return to your spa for an optional facial or thermal suite time to extend the pampering into the afternoon.
As twilight falls, keep the mood gentle with an early dinner at Flower Drum for refined Cantonese service or a riverside table at The Arbory for lighter fare and views of the lit Yarra, complemented by a sommelier-selected glass of wine. Finish the night with a rooftop cocktail at Siglo or a quiet nightcap back in your suite—perhaps a bath tray and room service dessert—to close a restorative, indulgent day in Melbourne.
Depart early in a private chauffeured vehicle or luxury small-group coach from your hotel and head southwest along the Princes Highway toward Torquay, where you'll pause for a seaside coffee at The Pond Cafe or at a stylish surf-club terrace for ocean views. Continue onto the iconic Great Ocean Road with your guide narrating coastal history; stop at Bells Beach for dramatic cliff-top photo opportunities and at the Anglesea lookout to spot kangaroos grazing near the fairways.
After a leisurely gourmet picnic or a set-menu lunch at the cliffside Apollo Bay restaurant (try La Bimba or Chris’s Beacon Point for fresh local seafood), follow the winding coastal route to the Great Otway National Park to stroll among ancient rainforest and visit the picturesque Erskine Falls. In the late afternoon arrive at the Twelve Apostles precinct — time your visit for golden-hour light, take the boardwalk to multiple viewing platforms and, if you prefer, upgrade to a helicopter flight for a breathtaking aerial perspective of the limestone stacks.
Return toward Melbourne with a relaxed stop in Port Campbell for coffee or an early dinner at 12 Rocks or Forage on the Foreshore, enjoying local wines while reflecting on the day’s scenery. Arrive back in the city mid-to-late evening where your chauffeur will drop you at your hotel; unwind with a nightcap in your suite or a quiet riverside walk along Southbank to close a spectacular coastal day.
Depart your Melbourne hotel mid-morning in a chauffeured luxury vehicle and enjoy the scenic 45-60 minute drive north to the Yarra Valley, arriving in time for a private cellar-door tour at Domaine Chandon to learn about méthode traditionnelle sparkling production followed by a guided tasting of their flagship cuvées. Continue to Rochford Wines for a vineyard walk and tasting of their single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir while savouring panoramic valley views — your guide will share stories of the region’s terroir and grape heritage as you stroll.
After a leisurely, gourmet lunch at Oakridge’s acclaimed restaurant (reserve the private dining room or a table on the terrace) featuring seasonal, locally sourced produce, visit TarraWarra Estate for a curator-led tasting of cool-climate Shiraz and a short tour of the gallery if you wish to pair art with wine. Cap the afternoon with an exclusive tasting appointment at De Bortoli with a behind-the-scenes look at their winemaking cellar or a private olive-oil tasting at a boutique producer, leaving time for a relaxed drive back toward the valley’s lookout for golden-hour photos.
Return to Melbourne in the early evening for a refined dinner back in Southbank or at your hotel — consider a sommelier-led pairing menu at Vue de Monde or a wine-centric meal at Coda to continue the region’s flavour story, perhaps requesting a few Yarra Valley bottles from tonight’s tastings. If you prefer a quieter night, enjoy an in-suite cheese and wine selection from the day’s favourites while reflecting on the valley’s vistas, or stop at a cosy local bistro such as The Kettle Black for a late-light bite and a final local glass.
Set out after a relaxed hotel breakfast in a private chauffeured vehicle for the roughly 90-minute drive to Phillip Island, admiring coastal scenery en route and stopping for a espresso at San Remo’s waterfront cafes. Begin your island visit with a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of the Koala Conservation Reserve to spot sleepy koalas in the eucalyptus canopy and learn about local conservation efforts, then continue to the Nobbies Centre for panoramic boardwalk views and seal-spotting from the clifftops.
Enjoy a gourmet, waterfront lunch at The Cape Kitchen or at the popular Pier Fish & Chips in Cowes before boarding a small luxury wildlife cruise from Cowes—this offers close encounters with Australian fur seals and seabirds and photographic opportunities of rugged coastlines. After the cruise, take a leisurely drive through the island’s rolling farmland to Rhyll Inlet for birdwatching or visit Churchill Island Heritage Farm for a short private tour of colonial gardens and seasonal produce demonstrations.
As dusk approaches, prepare for the island’s signature highlight: a VIP Penguin Parade experience with reserved boardwalk seating or an exclusive penguin-viewing platform, paired with a private guide who explains the little penguins’ nightly return to shore. After the parade, savour a celebratory dinner at a Cowes fine-dining spot such as Stella Bistro & Bar or enjoy an intimate in-suite meal back in Melbourne if you return that evening, reflecting on the day’s wildlife and coastal panoramas.
Begin your day with a leisurely brunch at Kettle Black or Top Paddock in South Yarra to fuel a stylish shopping morning; your private stylist will meet you afterwards to review a personalised shopping brief and wardrobe goals. Stroll Chapel Street and the Design District precinct, visiting flagship boutiques like Camilla and Marc, Viktoria & Woods, and slow-fashion stores on Toorak Road, with curated fittings and immediate alterations arranged at a nearby atelier if needed.
After a light lunch at Hellenika or a private table at The Everleigh Garden Club, continue with bespoke appointments — a private eyewear consultation at Oscar Wylee, a made-to-measure shirting session, or a trunk-show preview at Aesop or Scanlan Theodore; your stylist will help assemble looks and photograph favourites for easy reference. Pause for an espresso at Hardware Société or a restorative facial at a South Yarra spa (e.g., Sono Clinic) to freshen up before evening plans.
As twilight falls, toast a successful day with pre-dinner cocktails at Hains & Co or the rooftop at The Emerson, then enjoy a refined dinner at Gin Palace or Estelle by Scott Pickett for contemporary Australian cuisine. Finish the night with a relaxed walk through the tree-lined avenues or a chauffeured return to your hotel where your stylist can lay out tomorrow’s looks for your Christmas Eve preparations.
Start Christmas morning gently with a festive breakfast in-suite or a leisurely brunch at The Langham’s Tea Room or The Windsor—both offer special holiday menus and champagne service for the occasion. After breakfast, take a restorative walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens, following the Ornamental Lake circuit and pausing at Fern Gully and the Guilfoyle’s Volcano for quiet seasonal photos and native birdwatching.
Enjoy a relaxed, celebratory lunch—reserve a Christmas service at reputable spots such as Vue de Monde (if open) or the Crown’s celebratory dining rooms, or opt for a riverside Christmas lunch at Arbory Bar & Eatery with pre-booked set menus and sommelier pairings. After lunch, wander the Southbank promenade to digest, pop into the NGV for a short highlights visit if open, or board a private short Yarra River cruise for a peaceful, scenic perspective of the city’s festive decorations.
Keep the evening intimate and low-key with a refined in-suite dessert and wine tasting featuring local Yarra Valley or Mornington Peninsula bottles collected earlier in the trip, or book a twilight table at a restaurant offering Christmas evening service such as Flower Drum or a private dining room at your hotel. Finish the night with a quiet riverside walk along the lit Southbank or a rooftop nightcap at Siglo (check holiday hours) to reflect on the day and prepare for the active days ahead on your Melbourne itinerary.
After a leisurely hotel breakfast, head to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for an exclusive behind-the-scenes stadium tour — walk through players’ changerooms, step onto the hallowed turf and visit the National Sports Museum for curated exhibits on Australian sporting legends. If the Boxing Day Test (or other summer fixtures) is on, consider upgrading to a guided premium hospitality experience inside one of the members’ rooms to savour the atmosphere with reserved seating and a gourmet lunch option.
Continue your sporting day with a private docklands precinct exploration: take a chauffeured transfer to Marvel Stadium for a contrast in modern stadium design or book a specialist tour of the AFLW/club facilities (subject to availability), then enjoy a relaxed waterfront lunch at Cargo Restaurant & Wine Bar or The District Docklands with views over Victoria Harbour. Alternatively, swap the second stadium visit for a curated sports-focused museum visit or a golf-simulated session at a premium indoor facility like Holey Moley or a private booking at Camberwell Indoor Driving Range to try your swing.
As the day winds down, celebrate with dinner at a Docklands harbourside restaurant such as Kooroomba or Hunky Dory for fresh, local produce paired with seasonal wines, or return to Southbank for a refined meal at The Meat & Wine Co if you prefer riverside views. Finish the night with cocktails at The Lume bar or a rooftop venue back in the CBD, reminiscing about the day’s sporting highlights and planning any final souvenir shopping at the MCG shop for memorabilia.
Begin your day with a relaxed hotel breakfast before meeting your private chef at a fully equipped teaching kitchen in the CBD—options include a bespoke session at The Langham’s culinary studio or a private class with a renowned Melbourne chef such as Shannon Bennett or a guest chef from Attica. The morning session focuses on seasonal Australian ingredients: a hands-on demonstration and guided practice in seafood and native botanicals (think line-caught bay fish, finger lime and wattleseed), finishing with the group plating and tasting of your creations alongside sommelier-selected local sparkling.
After a leisurely tasting lunch of the morning’s dishes paired with Yarra Valley wines, continue with an afternoon masterclass that delves into pastry or modern plating techniques at a private studio in Southbank or a small professional kitchen in Flinders Lane; personalise this segment to learn pasta-making, fermentations or dessert construction depending on your interests. The chef will provide a take-home recipe pack and personalised notes, and you’ll have time to visit nearby specialty purveyors—such as Queen Victoria Market’s premium stalls or Lune Croissanterie for a curated pastry pick-up—to reinforce techniques learned in the class.
Keep the culinary theme alive with an intimate dinner where the chef plates a complementary tasting menu either in the studio’s private dining room or at a reservation at Cumulus Inc. or Supernormal to contrast your handiwork with professional interpretations. Finish the night with cocktails at nearby Siglo or Rooftop at QT, or return to your hotel for a quiet in-suite wine flight using bottles recommended by the day’s sommelier—reflecting on new skills and memorable flavours from your private class.
Start with an early, leisurely visit to Queen Victoria Market’s historic sheds — wander the gourmet deli stalls and meet artisan producers for fresh oysters at the Fish Hall, single-origin coffee at Auction Rooms or a tasting of local cheeses from The Pure Cheese Shop, then pick up seasonal fruits and a few picnic-ready delicacies. Time your market stop so you can enjoy a relaxed tram or chauffeured short transfer back toward Southbank with any gourmet purchases tucked away for later.
Board a private or small-group Yarra River lunch cruise from Southbank, choosing a chauffeured vessel that offers a seasonal set menu and sommelier-selected local wines while a local guide narrates the city’s waterfront history as you glide past Federation Square, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Crown. After disembarking, take a short guided walk along the Southbank promenade to visit the NGV’s River Terrace for coffee and consider a quick curator-led highlights tour if you’d like to pair art with your afternoon.
For a refined evening, dine at a riverside table at The Arbory Bar & Eatery or book a tasting menu at waterfront favourite The Meat & Wine Co on Southbank, requesting a bottle from the day’s market finds or Yarra producers to continue the flavour thread. Finish with cocktails on a rooftop bar such as Siglo or Rooftop at QT, or a nighttime stroll along the Yarra to watch the city lights reflect on the water and reflect on the culinary treasures collected during the day.
Ease into the day with a relaxed seaside start in St Kilda — enjoy a coffee and brioche at Luna Bank Street Bakery before a gentle stroll along St Kilda Pier to view the Melbourne skyline and little penguins at the breakwater. Alternatively, if you prefer a bohemian morning, head to Brunswick for brunch at Industry Beans or 8bit and browse the independent shops and galleries on Sydney Road and Glenlyon Road, popping into Brunswick Street’s Record Parlour or the Centre for Contemporary Photography for a quick exhibition.
In the afternoon choose a bespoke shopping itinerary: in St Kilda, book a private fitting at local designers such as Bed Threads or visit Acland Street patisseries before an artisan jewelry appointment; in Brunswick, meet a local stylist for curated vintage and designer finds at Smith & Daughters’ surrounds and Hunt & Darton, finishing with a walk through the vibrant arts precinct and street murals. If you prefer art immersion, join a guided studio visit in Fitzroy/Brunswick to meet emerging artists and take home a small commissioned piece, keeping the day unhurried and tailored to your tastes.
For evening plans, savor a relaxed seafood dinner at Stokehouse St Kilda with sunset views over the bay, or return to the CBD for contemporary small-plates at Cumulus Inc. after your shopping haul; request sommelier pairings to continue the luxury thread. Cap the night with cocktails at the rooftop at The Prince or a cosy live-music set at the Northcote Social Club if you’re in Brunswick, reflecting on your bespoke finds and the creative energy of Melbourne’s neighbourhoods.
Take a relaxed final morning in your suite with late checkout arranged if needed — savour a leisurely in-room breakfast or one last plated service at your hotel (The Langham, Crown Towers or Park Hyatt) and pack with the help of concierge for any last-minute luggage or shipping of purchases. Before you leave the CBD, fit in a short farewell stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens or a final coffee at Hardware Société to breathe in some greenery and capture a last photo of Melbourne’s skyline.
Schedule your private chauffeur transfer to Melbourne Airport allowing ample time for premium check-in and lounge access; if your flight departs later, consider a final riverside lunch at The Arbory Bar & Eatery or a decadent last meal at Vue de Monde with one more sommelier selection. If time permits and you’d like a final cultural note, drop by the NGV International for a quick highlights stop or collect a memento from the museum shop before your driver whisks you to the terminal.
If you remain in the city after an evening flight time, enjoy a peaceful last evening with a light in-flight style picnic from your hotel’s patisserie or a private dining plate in the departures lounge, taking advantage of airport premium lounges for a comfortable send-off. For those overnighting before onward travel, request the concierge arrange a late-night turndown and turndown amenities, then relax with a final cocktail at your hotel bar such as Siglo or Rooftop at QT and reflect on two luxurious weeks of Melbourne discoveries.