After settling into your hotel, wander to Federation Square to admire its striking architecture and sip a coffee at the bustling Degraves Street laneway, then stroll along the iconic Flinders Street Station precinct, soaking in the vibrant street art and river views.
After lunch, wander through the leafy Carlton Gardens, where you can marvel at the heritage Royal Exhibition Building and explore the interactive exhibits at Melbourne Museum. Then treat yourself to a late-afternoon espresso at the bustling Hardware Société on Hardware Lane, soaking up the lively café culture.
After checking in, walk to the lively Southbank Promenade and enjoy a riverside dinner at The Meat & Wine Co, soaking in the twilight glow over the Yarra. Then ascend to the Eureka Skydeck 88 for breathtaking night-time panoramas of the city lights. Conclude the evening with a stroll through the ever-changing graffiti of Hosier Lane and a craft cocktail at the rooftop Rooftop Bar at QT for a perfect Melbourne nightcap.
Start your day at the bustling Queen Victoria Market, sampling fresh produce and local delicacies while wandering its historic stalls. Then wander to the grand State Library Victoria, where the soaring domed Reading Room and interactive exhibitions invite a moment of quiet discovery. Finish the morning strolling through the elegant Block Arcade, sipping a coffee at Hopetoun Tea Rooms and admiring the ornate tiled ceilings and boutique shops.
After lunch, wander to the bustling Flinders Street Station precinct and cross the Yarra River to soak up the energy of Federation Square, where you can pop into the interactive exhibits at Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI). Continue your stroll down the iconic Degraves Street laneway for a coffee break, then lose yourself in the ever-changing street art of Hosier Lane before admiring the elegant façade of St Paul's Cathedral as the afternoon light fades.
As the sun sets, wander along the illuminated Yarra River promenade to Treasury Place, where the historic architecture provides a perfect backdrop for a dinner of modern Southeast Asian flavors at Chin Chin. After the meal, head a short walk to the ornate Princess Theatre to enjoy a captivating musical or play. Finish the night at the hidden-door speakeasy Eau de Vie, sipping expertly crafted cocktails under its intimate, dimly lit atmosphere.
Start with a leisurely stroll through the National Gallery of Victoria, soaking up its luminous Great Hall and the striking Indigenous art collection. Then wander to the historic Old Melbourne Gaol for an engaging tour that brings the city's colonial past to life, and finish with a smooth espresso at the classic Pellegrini's Espresso Bar on Bourke Street.
In the early afternoon, hop on a tram to Scienceworks in Spotswood, where interactive exhibits and the historic Steam Train spark curiosity. A short ride later, explore the stories of newcomers at the Immigration Museum on Science Museum, then enjoy a refreshing iced latte at the stylish The Kettle Black overlooking the Yarra before a sunset stroll through the bustling South Melbourne Market.
As dusk settles, head to Supernormal on Flinders Lane for inventive Asian-Pacific small plates paired with a glass of natural wine, then wander to the iconic Arts Centre Melbourne to catch a world-class performance in the grand Hamer Hall. After the show, unwind with a classic cocktail at the speakeasy-style The Everleigh, where the 1920s ambience and expertly mixed drinks provide the perfect Melbourne nightcap.
Depart Melbourne early and cruise along the iconic Great Ocean Road, stopping at the surf haven of Torquay for a quick espresso and a stroll on the beach before heading to the legendary Bells Beach, where you can watch world-class surfers carve the waves and snap a photo of the rugged coastline. Continue the drive to the charming seaside town of Lorne, where a leisurely walk along the cliff-top Lorne Pier offers spectacular ocean views and the chance to spot playful dolphins.
After leaving Lorne, continue south to the dramatic cliffs of Apollo Bay, where you can enjoy a fresh seafood lunch at a waterfront café before heading into the ancient rainforest of Great Otway National Park for a short walk among towering ferns and the soothing sounds of the Erskine Falls. The highlight of the afternoon awaits at the iconic Twelve Apostles, where you'll marvel at the limestone stacks towering over the surf and capture unforgettable photos from the viewing platform, then linger at nearby Gibson Steps to walk down to the beach and feel the mist on your face.
As twilight drapes over the coastline, head to Port Campbell for a dinner of fresh seafood at The Pier Deck Café, then wander to the dramatic Loch Ard Gorge, where the setting sun paints the cliffs in fiery hues. Conclude the night with a serene stroll along the hidden Grotto, listening to the surf's lullaby and, if you're lucky, spotting a glow-worm flicker beneath the rock overhang.
Begin the morning with a tranquil walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens, where you can wander along the Arboretum, sip a coffee at the Garden Tea House, and admire the vibrant Japanese Garden koi pond. Then cross St Kilda Road to the eclectic suburb of Fitzroy, meandering down Brunswick Street to explore the colorful street art, browse the stalls at the Rose Street Artists' Market, and treat yourself to a brunch at the iconic Proud Mary café.
After a leisurely brunch, head to the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground for a guided behind-the-scenes tour, then wander the scenic Albert Park Lake promenade and rent a paddle boat for a gentle glide on the water. In the late afternoon, explore the vibrant South Melbourne precinct, sampling creamy gelato at Gelato Messina and browsing quirky boutiques along Graham Street, before winding down with a sunset cocktail at the rooftop The Rooftop at QT.
Set off for a sunset river cruise on the Yarra River Dinner Cruise, where a four-course degustation menu and live string quartet accompany the glittering city skyline. Once ashore, slip into the cozy Bar Americano in the CBD for a perfectly pulled espresso martini, then wander a few blocks to The Toff in Town in Collingwood to soak up its eclectic mix of live music and DJ sets before the night ends.
Begin with a sunrise stroll along St Kilda Beach, pausing at the historic St Kilda Pier to watch pelicans glide over the water, then treat yourself to a flaky croissant and coffee at a café on Acland Street famed for its bakeries. Afterward, ride the iconic wooden Luna Park roller coaster for a burst of nostalgia before cooling off with a dip in the art-deco St Kilda Sea Baths.
After lunch, wander into the serene St Kilda Botanical Gardens for a leisurely stroll among native plants and historic statues, then slip into the iconic Palais Theatre for an afternoon matinee or a quick backstage tour. Wrap up the afternoon with a sunset cocktail at the chic St Kilda Rooftop Bar, sipping drinks while the bay glows in golden light before the evening excitement begins.
As the sun dips, savour a coastal-inspired dinner at the iconic Greyhound Hotel, where fresh seafood and craft beers flow onto the bustling Fitzroy Road patio. Afterwards, stroll a few blocks to the legendary Esplanade Hotel (The Espy) for an intimate live-music set that captures St Kilda's vibrant night-life, and cap the evening with a sweet treat from the nearby St Kilda Chocolate Co..
Rise early for a sunrise hot-air-balloon glide over the rolling vineyards, then land near Domaine Chandon for a sparkling-wine tasting and a light breakfast on the patio; afterward, stroll to the historic De Bortoli Winery to explore its cellar doors and sample award-winning cool-climate reds while learning about the region's winemaking heritage.
After the morning's vineyard glide, enjoy a relaxed lunch at Yering Station, pairing a seasonal platter with a crisp Chardonnay while taking in the sweeping valley views. Next, wander to the boutique Oakridge Wines to explore its underground barrel hall and sample limited-edition cool-climate reds with panoramic vistas of the Yarra River. Conclude the afternoon with a sweet indulgence at Yarra Valley Chocolate Company, where handcrafted truffles and a specialty coffee provide the perfect finish before heading back to Melbourne.
As twilight deepens, head to Healesville Sanctuary for an after-dark wildlife walk where you can spot glow-worms and hear the call of the Southern Boobook owl. Afterwards, enjoy a farm-to-table dinner at Ezard at St Andrews, savoring seasonal dishes paired with a glass of cool-climate Pinot Noir, then finish the night with a nightcap at the intimate Pioneer Cellar Bar under the stars.
After checking out, stroll to the bustling Melbourne Central mall, where the soaring glass dome and adjoining Royal Arcade offer a perfect spot for last-minute Aussie souvenirs and designer gifts. Grab a flaky croissant and excellent coffee at Lune Croissanterie on Rose Street, then pop into the historic General Post Office (GPO) for unique stationery and locally-crafted accessories. If time permits, take a swift ride on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel for one last sweeping view of the skyline before heading to the airport.
After your morning souvenir hunt, head west to the upscale Emporium Melbourne on Bourke Street, where you can browse the latest Australian fashion and pick up a stylish leather accessory from R.M. Williams. Then wander down Little Bourke Street, Melbourne's vibrant Chinatown, for a quick dim-sum lunch at Flower Drum before catching a taxi to the airport.
After your afternoon souvenir hunt, treat yourself to a farewell dinner at Vue de monde on the 55th floor of the Rialto tower, where a modern Australian tasting menu unfolds against sweeping city lights. Then, slip into the intimate The Everleigh for a meticulously crafted cocktail and a final toast to your Melbourne adventure before heading to the airport.