Start your trip with a visit to the Queen Victoria Market, the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. You'll find a wide range of local produce, souvenirs, clothes, and other items in this bustling market. Don't forget to bargain for the best deals!
Spend the day exploring the National Gallery of Victoria, Australia's oldest and largest public art museum. Admission is free, and you'll find an extensive collection of Australian and international art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Head to St. Kilda Beach, the most popular beach in Melbourne. Take a stroll on the pier, visit the Luna Park amusement park, or relax on the sandy beach. There are also many restaurants and cafes in the area if you're feeling hungry.
Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of the most beautiful and well-maintained gardens in the world. Admission is free, and you'll find over 8,500 plant species from around the world, including rare and endangered species. Don't miss the Tropical House and the Australian Rainforest Walk.
Explore the State Library Victoria, the oldest public library in Australia. You'll find an impressive collection of books, newspapers, manuscripts, and maps, including some rare and valuable items. Don't miss the La Trobe Reading Room, with its magnificent domed ceiling.
Take a walk around Hosier Lane, a famous street art hotspot in Melbourne. You'll see colorful and creative graffiti and murals on every wall and alley. Don't forget to take some Instagram-worthy photos!
Discover the history and culture of Australia and the world at the Melbourne Museum, one of the largest museums in the Southern Hemisphere. You'll find exhibitions on natural history, indigenous culture, science and technology, and more. Don't miss the IMAX cinema and the live performances.
Relax in the peaceful and picturesque Fitzroy Gardens, a 64-acre public park in the heart of Melbourne. You'll find a variety of native and exotic trees, flowers, and birds, as well as several landmarks, such as Captain Cook's Cottage, the Conservatory, and the Fairies Tree.
Visit the Brighton Beach, famous for its colorful and iconic bathing boxes. These 82 colorful boxes are a popular backdrop for photos and a symbol of Melbourne's beach culture. The beach itself is also great for swimming and sunbathing.
Take a day trip to the Yarra Valley, a wine region near Melbourne known for its stunning scenery, gourmet food, and award-winning wines. You can visit several wineries for tastings, tours, and lunches, such as Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, and Yering Station.
Get up close and personal with over 320 species of animals at the Melbourne Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the world. You'll see animals from Australia and around the world, such as meerkats, elephants, tigers, and gorillas. Don't miss the African Rainforest and the Leopard Lodge.
Get an unforgettable view of Melbourne from the Eureka Skydeck, the highest public observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere. You'll reach the top in just 38 seconds in a high-speed elevator, and you'll see 360-degree views of the city, the bay, and beyond. Don't miss the Edge experience, a glass cube that protrudes from the building.
End your trip with a culinary adventure at the Street Food Festival, a popular event that takes place in different locations around Melbourne. You'll find a variety of local and international street food vendors, live music, and entertainment. Don't miss the chance to taste some of Melbourne's best street food!
Most of the attractions in Melbourne are within walking distance or accessible by public transportation. The city has an extensive network of trams, buses, and trains, operated by Public Transport Victoria (PTV). You can purchase a Myki card, a reusable smart card, to pay for your fares. A single trip costs $4.50 AUD, and a daily cap is $9.00 AUD.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Great Ocean Road, a scenic coastal drive that takes you to stunning beaches, rock formations, and forests. You can also visit the Philip Island, where you can see penguins, seals, and koalas in their natural habitats. If you have less time, you can skip some of the attractions or combine them into one day. You can also save money by bringing your own food and drinks or buying them from supermarkets and convenience stores.
Melbourne has two main airports: Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Avalon Airport (AVV). Melbourne Airport is the larger and more popular airport, located 23 km north-west of the city center. It has four terminals and serves many domestic and international airlines. Avalon Airport is a smaller airport, located 55 km south-west of the city center. It mainly serves low-cost airlines and charter flights. Both airports offer various transportation options, such as taxis, shuttles, buses, and rental cars.