Leave Trafalgar around 7:15am so you’re rolling into Melbourne with plenty of buffer before the gallery opens at 10. If you’re driving, the easiest run is the M1 straight in, usually about 1 hour 40 minutes in good traffic; aim for an early paid car park off St Kilda Road or in the Southbank precinct so you’re not circling later. If you’re taking the train, the V/Line into Southern Cross is the smooth option, then either walk through the city or hop on a tram toward St Kilda Road—plan on roughly 1 hour 55 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes door to door, depending on connections. Either way, get in a bit early, grab water, and expect a relaxed start rather than a rushed one.
Spend 10:00am–1:00pm at National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International) on St Kilda Road. The best part is that the main collection is free, so you can wander without watching the clock, and only the special exhibitions usually cost extra. With comfy shoes, you can comfortably do a slow lap through the major rooms, linger over the big-name works, and still have time for the water-wall entrance and a quick look at the gift shop. Budget a little extra if a paid exhibition catches your eye or if you want a souvenir; otherwise this is a very low-cost morning apart from food.
After the gallery, walk over to Koko Black Southgate for coffee or a hot chocolate and something sweet, which is a nice easy reset with Yarra River views; expect about A$10–20 per person and around 30 minutes there. Then head up to Federation Square and the Ian Potter Centre forecourt for photos, people-watching, and a breather in the heart of the city. It’s a short and simple transition on foot, and this part of the day works best if you keep it loose rather than trying to pack in too much. By 2:45pm, make your way north to Carlton for lunch at D.O.C Espresso—great for pasta, panini, or a quick Italian pastry, with a realistic budget of A$25–40 per person. It’s one of those Melbourne spots locals actually go back to, and it suits a late lunch nicely after a museum morning.
Head off around 4:00pm–4:30pm for the trip back to Trafalgar so you miss the later peak-hour drag. If you’re driving, stay on the M1 and, before you leave the city, grab snacks or drinks for the road so you’re not hunting for stops once you’re past the suburbs. If you’ve come by train, give yourself a little extra time to get back through Southern Cross or Flinders Street without stress, especially if you’re carrying shopping or a coat. If you’ve got a few spare minutes near your departure route, a quick final wander past Flinders Street Station or along Southbank Promenade is a nice low-effort way to end the day before heading home.