Since you’re already in Carlton, keep today low-key and walk off the travel with an easy loop through Carlton Gardens in the late afternoon. It’s one of those Melbourne places that feels calm even when the city is busy: wide lawns, old trees, fountains, and long views back toward the CBD edge. Give yourself about an hour, especially if you want to just sit for a bit rather than rush the loop. If you’re coming in from accommodation nearby, it’s all very walkable; if you’re arriving with bags, drop them first and come back without them so you can actually enjoy it.
From the gardens, head straight to the Royal Exhibition Building, which sits right beside the park and is especially good in the softer late-afternoon light. It’s one of Melbourne’s real showpieces and worth lingering around for about 45 minutes, even if you’re not going inside. Check opening hours if you want a tour or exhibition visit, because access can vary; entry to the building itself is often around A$10–20 depending on what’s on, while the surrounding park is free. The walk between the two is only a few minutes, so this part of the day flows naturally.
For dinner, book a table at D.O.C Pizza & Mozzarella Bar on Lygon Street. It’s a proper Carlton classic for crisp Neapolitan-style pizza, mozzarella, and a lively, no-fuss atmosphere, and you’ll usually spend about A$30–45 per person. After dinner, stay on Lygon Street for a relaxed wander — this is the old Italian heart of Melbourne, so it’s made for a slow evening. Grab gelato, browse a few cafes, and just enjoy the street energy without trying to do too much on your first night.
Start with an easy walk or short tram ride from Carlton into Federation Square so you’re there soon after it opens and before the city gets fully busy. The square is best experienced slowly: look up at the jagged architecture, watch the tram and pedestrian flow, and grab a coffee if you need one at The Kettle Black nearby or one of the kiosks along Flinders Street. From here, it’s a very Melbourne kind of morning — you can drift between big-city energy and quiet corners without needing to plan too hard.
Next door, head into the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. It’s a great first museum of the trip because it’s compact, well-curated, and focused on Australian works, including Indigenous art and contemporary pieces that give you a good sense of local culture. Entry to the permanent collection is usually free, though special exhibitions can cost extra, and it’s worth allowing about 1.5 hours without rushing. After that, walk across the square to ACMI, where the interactive displays and media exhibits make for a lighter, more playful follow-up — especially nice if you want a break from “serious” museum mode before lunch.
For lunch, book Cumulus Inc. on Flinders Lane if you can — it’s one of those reliable Melbourne places where the room feels buzzy but still relaxed, and the seasonal menu usually lands in the A$35–60 per person range depending on how much you order. After lunch, wander a few minutes over to Hosier Lane and let yourself linger; this is the city’s most famous street-art lane, and the best thing to do here is simply slow down, look around, and keep an eye out for new layers of paste-ups and murals. Even when it’s crowded, it still feels alive rather than staged. From there, finish with a short walk to The Block Arcade, which is one of Melbourne’s prettiest heritage spaces and a lovely place for a coffee, a small sweet treat, or a bit of window-shopping under the old mosaic floor and stained-glass canopy.
If you still have energy, stay central for a low-key evening around Bourke Street Mall or slip into Degraves Street for an early dinner or dessert — both are easy from The Block Arcade and give you a good first taste of Melbourne’s laneway rhythm. Keep the rest of the night open; this is a day that works best when you leave room to wander, sit, and let the CBD show itself rather than trying to cram in too much.
Start with a relaxed wander down Southbank Promenade, which is at its best before the lunch rush: the river is usually calm, the skyline reflects beautifully in the water, and you can take your time without weaving through too many people. A good coffee stop is Ponyfish Café on the promenade side if you want something simple before heading into the big-ticket stop. From there, SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is an easy early move — aim for opening time if you can, since school groups and families build up quickly. Budget around A$49–A$59 for adult entry depending on online deals, and give yourself about two hours to do it properly rather than rushing the tunnels and penguin area.
After SEA LIFE, stay riverside and head to the Yarra River Cruise Dock for a short sightseeing cruise. It’s one of the nicer ways to reset after the aquarium: you get a different angle on the city, and the pace is slower than shuttling around on foot. For lunch, Ponyfish Island is the easy choice — it feels hidden because it sits under Evan Walker Bridge, and on a pleasant day it’s a very Melbourne place to linger over a sandwich, burger, or a glass of wine. Expect roughly A$25–A$45 per person, and don’t stress if service is a bit leisurely; this is a spot to sit and watch the river traffic, not sprint through.
Walk a few minutes back toward the Southbank towers and make your way up to Melbourne Skydeck in Eureka Tower once the afternoon light starts to soften. This is the best time of day for it: the city is clear, and if the weather plays nice you’ll get views all the way to Port Phillip Bay. Tickets are usually around A$30–A$40, with the Edge upgrade costing more if you want the glass cube experience. If you still have energy afterward, drift down Flinders Lane and browse the laneways rather than overplanning — this area rewards slow walking, a little window-shopping, and a second coffee if needed.
Finish with dinner at The Grain Store on Flinders Lane, which is a solid, central choice after a waterfront-heavy day; it’s especially good if you want something substantial without going fancy-fussy. Expect mains roughly in the A$30–A$45 range, with a total dinner bill around A$35–A$55 per person depending on drinks. If you’re not ready to call it a night, you can take a gentle post-dinner wander through the lit-up CBD grid or back along Southbank — both are easy, safe-feeling evening walks and a nice way to let the day settle before tomorrow’s next city stop.
Get to Melbourne Zoo as close to opening as you can — usually 9:00am — because that’s when the quieter paths, cooler weather, and more active animals make the biggest difference. From the city, the easiest move is the Route 19/58/59 tram on your MYKI; it’s typically a 10–20 minute ride, and then just a short walk from the stop. If you like a calmer start, aim to arrive by 9:15am and give yourself about three unhurried hours to wander the Australian Native section, the Big Cats, and the more shaded enclosures before the crowds build. Entry is usually around A$43–46 for adults, and the zoo café options are fine for a quick coffee, but I’d save your appetite for lunch.
After the zoo, head a little north into Carlton North for a reflective detour through Melbourne General Cemetery. It’s more interesting than it sounds: the old avenues, heritage headstones, and big canopy trees make it feel almost like a Victorian-era park, and it’s a good palate cleanser after the energy of the zoo. Allow about 45 minutes — longer if you like history and reading plaques. From there, make your way to Mister Bianco on Nicholson Street for lunch. It’s one of those reliable neighbourhood places locals actually book for, with polished Italian food, house-made pastas, and a strong wine list; expect roughly A$30–50 per person depending on how much you order.
Once lunch settles, continue east into Brunswick East for a slower, more local-feeling finish at CERES Community Environment Park. It’s part garden, part community hub, part urban farm, and it’s a lovely place to just drift: browse the nursery, check out the food-growing spaces, and grab a tea or coffee without rushing. If you like, you can time it so you’re there in the softer late-afternoon light; entry to the grounds is generally free, though food and drinks are extra. For dinner, stay nearby at Rumi on Lygon Street — one of Melbourne’s most-loved Middle Eastern restaurants, with generous mezze, grilled dishes, and a warm, buzzy atmosphere. Book ahead if you can, especially on a Wednesday, and expect around A$35–60 per person for a proper meal.
Start with a coffee and a gentle warm-up around Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre — it’s a handy place to get oriented, especially if you want an easy indoor reset before the real wandering begins. You’ll find plenty of straightforward breakfast options, but if you’d rather save brunch for later, just grab a flat white and head out. From there, Bridge Road is the main event: it’s Richmond’s old retail spine, and even on quieter weekday mornings it still has that slightly gritty, working-neighborhood energy that makes it fun to browse. Expect a mix of outlet sportswear, homeware, and long-standing local shops; if you like AFL merch or a bargain, this is a good strip to prowl without rushing.
A short wander brings you to Richmond Traders Market, which is worth a look even if you’re not buying much — it’s the kind of place where you can pick up fruit, pastries, or a snack for later and get a feel for everyday Richmond rather than just the retail side. Then settle in for brunch at Top Paddock; it’s one of those reliable Melbourne cafes that still earns its reputation, with strong coffee, generous plates, and a polished but not fussy room. Budget about A$25–40 per person, and if you arrive around late morning you’ll usually dodge the worst of the queue. It’s a good place to linger a little, because the afternoon works best if you don’t feel rushed.
After brunch, make your way east to Abbotsford Convent — it’s an easy shift in pace and one of the nicest inner-city walks you can do in this part of Melbourne. The precinct has that calm, layered feel: heritage buildings, gardens, galleries, studios, and plenty of corners that reward slow wandering. If you’ve got time, look for whatever’s on at Collingwood Children’s Farm nearby too, or just enjoy the grounds and the little pockets of open space. Plan around 1.5 hours here, and remember the afternoon light is lovely across the old brick and lawn. On the way back, duck through the quieter residential streets of Richmond rather than sticking only to the main road.
For dinner, return to The Royal Saxon and keep it easy with a proper sit-down meal in a sleek local pub setting. It’s of those places that works well after a walking-heavy day: relaxed, polished, and close enough to everything that you won’t be doing a complicated final transfer. Expect A$35–55 per person depending on drinks and mains, and if you’re heading out after dinner, this is the kind of evening where you can either call it early or take one last slow lap around the neighborhood before turning in.
Get to Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as early as you can — the precinct feels best before the crowds settle in, and the walk in through Yarra Park is half the fun. The standard guided tour usually runs around 75–90 minutes and costs roughly A$35–40; check the day’s first departure and aim to be there 10–15 minutes early so you’re not rushing the entry process. Even if you’ve seen plenty of stadiums, the scale of the place — the long corridors, the members areas, the history packed into every corner — makes it worth doing properly.
From there, it’s an easy move straight into the Australian Sports Museum, which sits right in the same precinct, so there’s no reason to waste time leaving and re-entering the area. Give yourself about 1.5 hours to actually enjoy it rather than breeze through; the interactive exhibits are better when you linger, especially the cricket and footy sections. If you like to understand Melbourne through sport, this is one of the best ways to do it — and it sets up the rest of the day nicely.
For lunch, keep it close and simple at Geppetto Trattoria on Brunton Avenue. It’s one of those reliable East Melbourne spots that does exactly what you want after a museum-heavy morning: pasta, risotto, and good coffee without any fuss. Expect around A$30–45 per person, and if the weather’s nice, a table outside is a pleasant reset before walking off lunch. Afterward, head to Jardine Botanic Reserve for a quieter pocket of greenery; it’s not a major tourist stop, which is exactly why it works, and 30–45 minutes here is enough to slow the pace before you continue on.
Then take the short wander through Fitzroy Gardens, where the long paths, mature trees, and open lawns give the afternoon a much softer feel. This is the part of the day where you can just drift — no need to over-plan it. A coffee break works well here if you want one, but it’s just as good to keep moving slowly through the gardens and let the day breathe a little.
Finish with dinner or drinks at Cumulus Up on Spring Street. It’s close enough to the sports precinct that you don’t lose the rhythm of the day, but it feels like a proper change of scene once evening rolls around. Book ahead if you can, especially on Friday nights, and budget roughly A$45–75 per person depending on whether you stop at drinks, snacks, or a full dinner. If you want one of those classic Melbourne nights where the day feels polished without being too formal, this is a very solid end point.
Get to The Olympic Stand at the MCG early — aim for about 60–90 minutes before bounce so you can find your gate, sort snacks, and soak up the build-up without rushing. If you’re coming in by tram or on foot, the Gate 3 / Jolimont side is usually the smoothest approach on game day; if you’re driving, parking around East Melbourne and Jolimont is expensive and tight, so public transport is the least annoying option. Even before you step inside, the atmosphere around Yarra Park and the stadium ramps up quickly, with scarves everywhere and that proper Melbourne footy buzz.
Settle in for the AFL Game at the MCG and lean into the full experience: a meat pie, a cold drink, and the crowd noise rolling in waves when the momentum changes. Tickets for big games can vary a lot, but budget roughly A$30–100+ depending on the match and seat, and most food inside the stadium runs around A$8–20. If it’s your first time, try to get there a touch early enough to watch warm-ups — the scale of the MCG really lands when the ground is half-full and the players are out on the turf.
After the final siren, head into the city for dinner at Chin Chin on Flinders Lane — book ahead if you can, because post-footy is prime time and the queue can get very Melbourne very fast. Expect modern Thai-style dishes, a loud room, and a bill around A$40–70 per person if you share a couple of plates and drinks. From there, end the night with a slow wander through Birrarung Marr, which is one of the nicest city-edge walks after dark: the river lights, the sound from the boulevard, and the skyline make it feel like a proper reset after all the stadium energy. If you’re heading back by train or tram afterward, Flinders Street Station is the easiest nearby hub, and it’s usually a straightforward 10–15 minute walk from Birrarung Marr depending on where you exit the park.
Since today is all about Docklands, give yourself a little buffer and arrive by late afternoon so you can settle in before the main event at Marvel Stadium. If you’re coming from the CBD, the easiest move is usually the free City Circle tram or a short walk across the Wurundjeri Way/harbour edge; from Southern Cross Station, it’s an easy 5–10 minute stroll. If you’ve got time to spare, drop into Holey Moley Golf Club first for a bit of low-stakes fun — it’s the kind of place that works well when you want to kill an hour without overthinking it. Book ahead if it’s a busy match night, and expect roughly A$25–35 per person for mini golf depending on the session and day.
For dinner, Cargo Restaurant is a very solid Docklands pick because you’re right on the water and not battling the CBD crowds. It’s an easy place to do a relaxed meal before heading into Marvel Stadium; think modern pub fare, seafood, burgers, pastas, and mains in the A$30–55 range. If you’re there for a big crowd fixture, aim to eat around 5:00–6:00pm so you’re not rushing. Then head to Marvel Stadium for the game — the precinct is straightforward on foot, but give yourself a little extra time at the gates if it’s a high-attendance match. A lot of the fun here is the build-up: the buzzing concourse, the skyline views, and that distinctly Melbourne mix of serious sports energy and casual pre-game banter.
If you want to stretch the night out a little, finish with a slow walk along the Waterfront City Promenade. It’s one of the easiest ways to decompress after a game: the harbour lights come on, the water reflects the towers, and the whole Docklands area feels calmer once the crowd thins. A 30-minute wander is plenty, especially if you’ve got an early start the next day. From there, it’s an easy tram or walk back toward Southern Cross Station and into the city.
Take Tram Route 96 or 16 down from the CBD and get to St Kilda Pier as close to opening-morning calm as you can; the bay is nicest when it’s still and the wind hasn’t fully kicked in. Give yourself about 45 minutes here for the postcard views back to the city, the little penguin area if it’s open/quiet enough, and an easy wander without any rush. If you’re coming in by tram, aim to arrive before the lunch crowd so you’re not sharing the best viewpoint with everyone else on the Esplanade.
From the pier, drift straight into the St Kilda Esplanade Market if it’s on today — it usually runs on Sundays through the cooler months, and this timing is perfect before it gets packed. Spend about an hour browsing local art, ceramics, jewellery, and the sort of beachy handmade stuff that actually feels tied to the area rather than generic tourist stock. It’s all very walkable from the waterfront, so don’t bother moving around by transport here; just let the promenade do the work.
Head up to Acland Street for lunch, where the pace shifts from seaside to classic inner-suburb Melbourne. This is the place for a casual café stop and people-watching, and it’s worth sitting down rather than grabbing food on the run — you’ve earned a slow meal by this point. If you want a dependable local lunch, think pastries, toasties, or a light counter meal at one of the old-school cafés, then save room for a sweet detour at Monarch Cakes. Their cakes and slices are the iconic move here, and A$8–15 per person is a fair estimate if you’re just stopping for one treat and coffee.
After lunch, continue on foot to Luna Park Melbourne for a bit of that delightfully old-fashioned St Kilda energy. Even if you don’t go on a lot of rides, the giant grin at the entrance, the faded carnival feel, and the seaside setting make it worth the stop. Plan on about 1.5 hours if you want to wander, take photos, and maybe do one or two rides before the afternoon light starts turning golden.
Finish the day with dinner at Donovans on St Kilda Beach. It’s one of those Melbourne restaurants that people book for the view as much as the food, so if you want a proper waterfront table, reserve ahead and aim for a slightly earlier dinner slot so you can still catch the bay at dusk. Expect roughly A$45–80 per person, depending on what you order, and give yourself around 1.5 hours. The walk back along the foreshore after dinner is one of the nicest easy endings in the city, especially if the wind has dropped and the lights start coming on over the water.
From St Kilda, make an early move to Brighton Beach so you catch the softer light before the wind picks up. The easiest way is the Sandringham Line via Balaclava or Elsternwick, then a short walk down to the foreshore; budget about 15–25 minutes total once you’re on the move. Start with the Brighton Beach Boxes first — that’s the icon everyone comes for — and it’s worth being there when the colours look crisp and the beach is still relatively quiet. Give yourself around an hour here for photos, a slow wander, and a few unobstructed shots of the city skyline back across the bay.
A short walk along the foreshore brings you to Middle Brighton Baths, where the whole vibe turns a bit calmer and more local. If the weather is kind, this is a good place for a quick dip or just a bayfront pause with coffee in hand; if it’s windy, treat it as a scenic lookout and keep moving. From there, head up to Church Street, Brighton’s polished shopping strip, which is best enjoyed unhurriedly — think boutiques, bakeries, and well-dressed locals, not big attractions. It’s a nice place to browse for 60–90 minutes without feeling like you’re “doing” anything too hard.
For lunch, settle into Brighton Soul, which is close enough to the water that you can keep the beach day feeling going. It’s a dependable brunch-to-lunch spot with a relaxed bayside feel, and you’ll usually spend around A$25–45 per person depending on how hungry you are and whether you add something from the cabinet. After that, if you want a little more space and fewer people, drift down to Dendy Street Beach Reserve for a quieter stretch of sand just beyond the famous boxes area. It’s a good reset point: less posed, more local, and nice for an easy walk before the evening starts.
As the day cools, circle back toward the waterfront and slow it right down — this is the best time to enjoy Dendy Street Beach Reserve properly, with enough time for one last look at the bay before dinner. If you’re staying flexible, this is also the point where you can just sit, watch the light shift, and let the day breathe instead of trying to cram in more. For dinner, book or aim to arrive at The Baths Middle Brighton a little before sunset; it’s one of the best spots here for a meal with a view, and the setting feels special without being stuffy. Expect roughly A$40–70 per person, and if you’re heading back after dark, the train via Brighton Beach or Middle Brighton is straightforward enough that you don’t need to rush the meal.
Leave Brighton Beach with enough time to reach Dandenong by market opening — an early start is worth it here because Dandenong Market has the best energy before lunch, when the aisles are full of locals shopping for fruit, spices, bakery goods, and takeaway bites. Give yourself about 1.5 hours to wander slowly: go straight to the fresh produce hall first, then loop through the hot-food stalls and pick up something small to snack on while you browse. Expect stalls to start winding down in the late afternoon; mornings and early lunchtime are when the place feels most alive.
A short break at Greaves Reserve is a nice reset after the market — it’s not a major sight, just a handy green pocket nearby where you can sit for half an hour, stretch your legs, and let the pace drop a little before lunch. It works especially well if you’ve been standing and tasting your way through the market. From there, head to Chow Thai for lunch; it’s a good, unfussy choice for the area, and around A$20–35 per person should cover a solid meal. If you’re hungry, this is the day to lean into curries, stir-fries, and noodles rather than saving room for later.
After lunch, make the move into the hills for Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden in Olinda. This is one of those places where the temperature, light, and pace all change at once — cooler air, big rolling lawns, and a proper seasonal garden feel, especially if the blooms are on. Plan around 2 hours here so you can actually wander rather than rush from viewpoint to viewpoint. Comfortable shoes help, and if the weather’s been wet, the paths can be a little slippery in spots. It’s a good place to just keep an unhurried rhythm and enjoy the contrast after the busier market.
Continue on to William Ricketts Sanctuary in Mount Dandenong for a quieter, more reflective stop. The carved figures tucked into the trees are best experienced slowly, almost like walking through a story rather than a formal attraction, so set aside about an hour and keep your voice down — the whole point is the stillness. Then finish at SkyHigh Mount Dandenong, which is the right place to end the day: come in late afternoon and stay for sunset if the weather is clear. You’ll get the classic overlook back toward Melbourne and the bay, and dinner or drinks here usually lands around A$25–55 per person depending on how much you order. If you can, book ahead for dinner on a clear evening — this is one of the easiest places in the itinerary to let the day breathe.
Take the Pakenham/Cranbourne Line back into the city and get yourself into Carlton by late afternoon’s edge, then keep the first part of the day easy and local. Start at Melbourne Museum in Carlton Gardens as soon as you’re ready — it’s one of the best museums in the city to do properly, not rushed. Give it about 2.5 hours; admission is usually around A$15–25 for adults depending on exhibitions, and the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre and the Forest Gallery are both worth slowing down for. If you’re arriving early enough, the walk through the gardens is half the pleasure: wide paths, big old trees, and that calm, inner-north feeling that makes Carlton such a good base.
From the museum, it’s a straightforward wander east into Fitzroy and down Brunswick Street, where the whole strip is still Melbourne at its most lived-in: vintage shops, record stores, tiny bars, old terraces, and a lot of people pretending they’re not shopping while absolutely shopping. Keep this part loose — pop into the stores that catch your eye, and don’t feel like you need to “do” the whole street. For lunch, Napier Quarter is the right move: refined without being fussy, with bakery-style plates, excellent seasonal produce, and a relaxed dining room that feels very Fitzroy. Expect roughly A$25–45 per person, and if you can snag a seat near the front, you get a nice people-watching bonus.
After lunch, ease into Rose Street Artists’ Market for an hour of browsing local ceramics, prints, jewelry, and design pieces. It’s compact enough that you won’t burn out, and that’s the charm — you can take your time without feeling trapped in a huge market. From there, head back toward Parkville for a late-afternoon reset at Royal Park Nature Play. This is the kind of Melbourne end-of-day that locals actually love: open grass, quieter paths, and a little fresh air before dinner. If the light is nice, stay a bit longer and just walk without a goal; after a full day of inner-north wandering, that slower finish feels right.
Wrap up back in Carlton at Ladro Birkenhead? for dinner — a good, low-stress final neighborhood meal with woodfired pizza and easygoing service, usually around A$30–50 per person depending on how hungry you are. If you want the smoothest night, aim to eat around 6:30–7:30pm so you’re not chasing a late table after a long day. From there, you’re close to home base, with Lygon Street nearby if you want a short after-dinner stroll and a final coffee or gelato before calling it a night.
After your easy move over from Carlton, start quietly at Barkly Gardens — it’s the kind of local park that gives Richmond its breathing room. A slow lap under the plane trees, a coffee in hand, and a bench stop near the ornamental gardens is plenty for a gentle reset before the day builds. If you want takeaway, pick something simple from Bridge Road or Swan Street on the way in; most cafés are properly awake by about 8:00am, and you’ll get the park at its calmest before the lunch crowd arrives.
From there, wander along Swan Street, which is one of those stretches that really shows you the real rhythm of the suburb: footy pubs, Vietnamese bakeries, casual brunch spots, bottle shops, and a steady hum of locals doing their day. Keep it loose rather than trying to “do” the whole strip — the best way to enjoy it is to drift, peek into side streets, and maybe stop for a snack or second coffee. By lunchtime, head a short way to Hawker Hall in Windsor for a lively food-hall lunch; it’s a solid call if you want variety without overthinking it, and around A$25–45 per person is a fair budget for a good feed and drink. If you’re undecided, go for share-style plates and save room for the afternoon.
After lunch, make your way back to Richmond for a classic pub stop at The Bridge Hotel. It’s an easy one for an afternoon drink or a low-key reset: a proper Melbourne pub atmosphere without needing to linger too long. Then, when you want something quieter, shift west to Burnley Gardens for a softer finish to the day — fewer crowds, more shade, and a good contrast after the energy of the dining strip. It’s a nice place to slow your pace before dinner, especially if you like a short wander by the river edge or just sitting somewhere green for a while.
Wrap up with dinner at The Rising Sun Hotel in South Richmond, which suits the area perfectly: relaxed, dependable, and close enough to your base that you don’t need to fuss with transport late at night. It’s a good spot for a pub-style dinner, usually in the A$35–60 range depending on how hungry you are and whether you add drinks. If you still have energy after dinner, the surrounding streets are pleasant for one last walk back; otherwise, call it an early one and save your legs for tomorrow.
early and get intoQueen Victoria Market it opens, because this is the one place in Melbourne that still feels properly alive before the day warms up. Grab a coffee and breakfast from the deli sheds or one of the hot food stalls, then do a slow lap for souvenirs, local produce, and the last bits you meant to pick up all trip. If it’s a Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, the market has the best atmosphere; most of the main sheds trade roughly 9:00am–3:00pm, and the open-air sections are especially good for wandering without feeling rushed. From Richmond**, the train or tram into the CBD gets you there in about 10–15 minutes, so you can still keep the morning relaxed.
From the market, make your way to State Library Victoria — it’s an easy CBD walk and a lovely reset after the noise of the stalls. Go straight into the La Trobe Reading Room if it’s open; the dome is one of those Melbourne interiors that still makes locals pause. Then head a few blocks over for brunch at Hardware Société on Hardware Lane, where the plates are polished, generous, and very “final day in Melbourne” in the best way. Expect about A$25–45 per person, and if you want to avoid a queue, aim to arrive before the lunch rush or be happy to wait a little.
Use the afternoon for a simple loop through Melbourne Central — it’s good for last-minute shopping, a practical recharge, and a bit of air-con if the weather turns. You can drift between the La Trobe Street side, the Shot Tower dome, and the little laneways around the precinct without needing a tight plan. Then continue east to the Old Treasury Building, which is a compact but worthwhile heritage stop and a nice way to end the trip on something quieter and more historic. It usually only takes around 45 minutes to see properly, and the surrounding Spring Street area is pleasant for an unhurried walk.
Finish with dinner at Supernormal on Flinders Lane — book ahead if you can, because this is one of the city’s reliable farewell meals and it fills for good reason. The room is sleek but not stuffy, the menu is designed for sharing, and it’s an easy final-night choice after a day of walking around the CBD. If you have time before your booking, take one last slow stroll through the laneways nearby; Melbourne is at its best in that in-between hour when the city lights come on and everything feels a little more cinematic.