The Queen Victoria Market is a massive open-air market that sells fresh produce, clothes, souvenirs, and more. It's a great place to sample local food and purchase unique items, and the prices are affordable. You could also take a guided tour to learn more about Melbourne's history and culture.
The Melbourne Museum is a must-see attraction for visitors who are interested in history, science, and culture. You could spend hours exploring its exhibits and interactive displays, including the dinosaur walk, the forest gallery, and the Melbourne Story. The adjacent Carlton Gardens also offer beautiful green spaces and historic buildings like the Royal Exhibition Building.
Hosier Lane is famous for its colorful street art and graffiti, which are constantly changing. You can take a guided tour or simply wander around taking photos. Afterwards, head to Federation Square, which is a cultural hub that hosts events, exhibitions, and performances. You could also visit the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, which houses a vast collection of Australian art.
The Royal Botanic Gardens is a tranquil oasis in the heart of Melbourne. You could take a walk or a picnic in its lush gardens, or visit one of its specialty areas, such as the succulent garden or the tropical glasshouse. The nearby Shrine of Remembrance is a war memorial that honors the sacrifices of Australian soldiers. You could climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
St. Kilda is a lively beachside suburb that offers a range of activities and attractions. You could take a stroll along the beach or the pier, visit the St. Kilda Botanical Gardens or take a tour of the iconic Luna Park. The amusement park offers a range of rides, food and entertainment that are worth the price of entry.
The National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest and largest public art museum in Australia, housing over 70,000 works of international and Australian art. Apart from its impressive collection, the Gallery also offers tours, workshops, and live events. The Arts Centre Melbourne is a multi-venue performing arts center that hosts various festivals, theatre productions, and concerts.
Brighton Beach is famous for its colorful bathing boxes, which date back to the early 1900s. You can take a swim or a walk along the beach, or simply admire the unique architecture. Afterwards, head to Sandringham, a charming bayside suburb that offers a range of cafes, restaurants, and shops. You could also visit the Royal Melbourne Golf Club or the Sandringham Yacht Club.
Victoria Street is a bustling street in Richmond that's known for its Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisine. You can sample a range of delicious dishes at affordable prices, from pho to banh mi. After lunch, head to the Yarra River, which offers various walking and cycling trails, as well as boating and kayaking opportunities.
The Dandenong Ranges are a picturesque mountain range located on the eastern edge of Melbourne. You could take a scenic drive or a hike in its lush forests and admire the stunning views of the city. The Puffing Billy Railway is a historic steam train that runs through the mountains and offers a unique way to experience the area. You could also visit the nearby towns of Belgrave and Olinda.
The Melbourne Zoo is a great place to see native and exotic animals from around the world. The zoo offers various exhibits and shows, as well as behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters. The nearby Royal Park also offers beautiful green spaces, sports facilities, and historic buildings like the Royal Exhibition Building.
The State Library Victoria is a historic library that houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and artifacts. You could take a guided tour or simply wander around its beautiful reading rooms and galleries. The nearby Melbourne Central is a shopping center that houses a range of fashion and lifestyle stores, as well as a cinema and entertainment complex.
Phillip Island is a popular destination for wildlife watching and outdoor activities. You could visit the Phillip Island Nature Park, which offers various attractions such as the Koala Conservation Centre, the Churchill Island Heritage Farm, and the Nobbies Centre. In the evening, head to the famous Penguin Parade, where you can see little penguins coming ashore and making their way to their burrows.
The Great Ocean Road is a scenic coastal drive that offers breathtaking views of the ocean, cliffs, and rock formations. You could visit the Twelve Apostles, which are a collection of limestone stacks that rise up from the sea. The area also offers various outdoor activities, such as surfing, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Getting around Melbourne is easy using the city's public transportation system, which includes trams, buses, and trains. You can purchase a myki card, which is a rechargeable smart card that you can use to pay for your fares. Trams are free within the city's center, and buses and trains operate on a zone system. You could also rent a bike or a car, depending on your preference.
Estimated travel costs:
If you have more time, you could consider visiting other attractions in and near Melbourne, such as the Yarra Valley wine region, the Mornington Peninsula, or the Grampians National Park. You could also explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, such as Fitzroy, Collingwood, or Brunswick, which offer a range of street art, cafes, and live music venues.
If you have less time, you could skip some of the attractions on this itinerary, or combine them based on your interests. For example, you could visit the Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building in one day, or combine the State Library Victoria with a visit to the nearby Queen Victoria Market.
Melbourne Airport (MEL) is the primary airport serving the city, located about 23 km north-west of the city center. It serves domestic and international flights from various airlines, and offers various transport options such as taxis, shuttles, and public transportation. Another airport is Avalon Airport (AVV), which serves some domestic and international flights and is located about 55 km south-west of the city center.