Ease into Melbourne with a late-morning stroll through Flinders Lane, ducking into independent galleries and specialty coffee spots like Axil Coffee Roasters, then wander into the vibrant street-art pocket of ACDC Lane to admire ever-changing murals. Grab brunch at the beloved Hardware Societe or a riverside table at The Kettle Black before exploring the quirky boutiques of Degraves Street, setting the tone for an afternoon of deeper laneway discoveries.
Dive deeper into Melbourne's hidden hubs by strolling from Hosier Lane's bold murals toward the nearby National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) International to soak up art beyond street pieces, then sip a late-afternoon cocktail on the rooftop terrace at Madame Brussels. As the light softens, cross the Yarra to explore the revitalized Southbank Promenade-dine on modern Australian flavors at The Meat & Wine Co or grab casual wood-fired pizza at Ladro Tap while watching river traffic and the city skyline transition into evening.
As the city lights warm the laneways, head to Chinatown for lively night markets and dumplings, then stroll to Centre Place for its buzz of late-night cafés and dessert bars. Finish with a relaxed drink at the rooftop Naked for Satan in Fitzroy (short tram ride) to enjoy panoramic city views and Pintxos-style plates, a perfect mellow close to your first day before tomorrow's coastal escape.
Start your morning with a peaceful sunrise walk along St Kilda Beach, then grab a famous ricotta hotcake or smashed avocado at Acland Street's Luna Park Café before the crowds arrive. Continue with a short tram ride to [St Kilda Botanical Gardens](https://www.google.com/search?q=St+Kilda+Botanical+Gardens+three+days+in+Melbourne%0A+official+site) for a relaxed stroll and birdwatching, then head to the lively St Kilda Pier to watch local anglers and, if you're lucky, spot little penguins near the breakwater as the city awakens.
After a morning by the pier, head to Luna Park precinct for a nostalgic spin on the Scenic Railway, then stroll the nearby Catani Gardens to relax under Norfolk pines and enjoy a seaside picnic with produce from the St Kilda Esplanade Market (weekends) or a takeaway flat white from Noisette. In the later afternoon, catch the tram down to Brighton to admire the iconic Brighton Bathing Boxes at golden-hour, then wander the foreshore to the elegant Brighton Beach Gardens before settling in at The Baths Middle Brighton for a beachfront meal and sunset cocktails.
As dusk falls, wander the lively St Kilda foreshore toward Moonlight Cinema (seasonal screenings) or, if no screening, catch live music at the intimate Espy (The Esplanade Hotel) for a classic Melbourne gig atmosphere. After the show, savor modern seafood tapas at Donovans' waterfront terrace or enjoy a nightcap and craft cocktails at the cozy seaside Republica St Kilda, then finish with a moonlit stroll along the pier to watch the city lights shimmer on Port Phillip.
Leave Melbourne early for a scenic drive and stretch your legs with a sunrise walk at Bells Beach, watching surfers carve the famous point before continuing to Torquay for a quick coffee and surf-culture stop at The Pond Café. Then head along the coastal route to the dramatic cliffs at Aireys Inlet, climb the Split Point Lighthouse for sweeping views of the ocean, and pause at a cliff-top lookout to spot seabirds and the first glimpses of the limestone stacks that await further west.
After morning cliff-top views, pause for lunch in the seaside village of Port Campbell, sampling fresh seafood at The Port Campbell Hotel before setting out on short coastal walks. Spend the afternoon visiting the dramatic rock formations of Loch Ard Gorge and wandering the boardwalks around London Bridge (now London Arch), then take the quieter Gibson Steps down to a sheltered beach for close-up views of the limestone cliffs as the light softens.
As the sun dips, unwind at Peterborough's sheltered bay for a calm shoreline walk and keep an eye out for dolphins playing near the headland; follow this with a relaxed dinner of local seafood at The Gables Café & Store in Peterborough for a homely, coastal meal. Afterward, drive to the dramatic lookout at Sunset Viewpoint (near the Twelve Apostles precinct) to watch golden light wash the limestone stacks, then finish with a nightcap at Loch Ard Tavern in Port Campbell while the ocean night sounds close your Great Ocean Road day.