A Foodie's Guide to Exploring Melbourne in 7 Days

• Day 1: Start your foodie adventure with some traditional Australian breakfast at Higher Ground. After that, take a walk to the vibrant Queen Victoria Market where you can try some local cheese, wine and seafood. End your day with a fancy dinner at Cutler & Co.
• Day 2: Visit the popular brunch spot Hardware Societe and enjoy their signature sweet and savory dishes. Then explore the hidden alleys and have a cup of coffee at Degraves Espresso Bar. End your day with dinner at Chin Chin, known for its mouth-watering southeast Asian dishes.
• Day 3: Start your day with a classic croissant and coffee at Lune Croissanterie, then visit the National Gallery of Victoria. For lunch, have some authentic Italian dishes at Grossi Florentino. In the evening, treat yourself to some drinks and oysters at the famous Supernormal.
• Day 4: Have a hearty breakfast featuring fluffy pancakes, waffles and fresh orange juice at The Kettle Black. Take a walk around the trendy Fitzroy neighborhood, have some Indian food at Horn Please and enjoy a casual dinner at Mr. Miyagi.
• Day 5: Wake up early and have some delicious pastries and coffee at Lune Croissanterie. Take a train to the beachside suburb, Brighton and have lunch at the classic fish and chips shop, Half Moon Bay. Go to Matilda for dinner and try their unique Australian cuisine.
• Day 6: Start your day with a unique breakfast experience at The Glass Den inside a popular art space, enjoy intricate dishes with mini-gardens. Visit the popular Queen Street Rescue cafe for a late lunch, offering delicious vegetarian and vegan meals. End the day with fancy pan-asian food and drinks at BABE.
• Day 7: Have breakfast at the famous Hash Specialty Coffee. Visit the State Library of Victoria, then head towards Sezar for middle-eastern lunch. End your day in Luminare, watch the sunset while having drinks and stone-fired pizzas.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Higher Ground (1-2 hours, $15-$25)
• Queen Victoria Market (2-3 hours, $30-$50)
• Cutler & Co (2-3 hours, $70-$100)
• Hardware Societe (1-2 hours, $20-$30)
• Degraves Espresso Bar (1-2 hours, $10-$20)
• Chin Chin (2-3 hours, $40-$60)
• Lune Croissanterie (1-2 hours, $10-$20)
• National Gallery of Victoria (2-3 hours, free)
• Grossi Florentino (2-3 hours, $60-$80)
• Supernormal (1-2 hours, $15-$25 for drinks and oysters)
• The Kettle Black (1-2 hours, $20-$30)
• Horn Please (2-3 hours, $30-$50)
• Mr. Miyagi (1-2 hours, $30-$50)
• Half Moon Bay (1-2 hours, $15-$25)
• Matilda (2-3 hours, $50-$70)
• The Glass Den (1-2 hours, $20-$30)
• Queen Street Rescue (1-2 hours, $20-$30)
• BABE (2-3 hours, $40-$60)
• Hash Specialty Coffee (1-2 hours, $15-$25)
• State Library of Victoria (1-2 hours, free)
• Sezar (2-3 hours, $50-$70)
• Luminare (1-2 hours, $20-$30 for drinks and pizza)

Total Estimated Costs: $630-$990

Transportation:

While Melbourne's public transportation system is extensive and reliable, walking and cycling are popular and effective options. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available. A Myki card is needed to access most transportation services, and it can be purchased at various locations around the city. A one-way ticket costs $4.50, while a daily pass is $9. Maxi-taxis for large groups are also available for a higher rate. Travel time varies depending on the destination and mode of transportation.

Useful tips:

If you have more time, explore the wineries at the Yarra Valley or visit the penguins at Phillip Island. If you have less time, cut down on destinations for each day or focus on the places that cater to your food preferences. Plan your itinerary ahead, especially during peak season, and consider booking reservations for popular restaurants and attractions in advance.

Airports:

Melbourne Airport (MEL) is the primary airport serving Melbourne located 23 km northwest of the city center. The average travel time by car is around 25 minutes while taking the SkyBus takes around 35 minutes to the city center. Avalon Airport (AVV) is about 56 km southwest of Melbourne's central business district, and it takes about 50 minutes by car or 1 hour by bus to the city center.