Start your day with Melbourne's iconic Brighton Beach bathing boxes that provide perfect photo ops. Head to St Kilda beach afterward for the pier, Luna Park, and palm grove. Wrap up and have dinner at Tonka, which has modern Indian cuisine and a trendy bar.
Head to the picturesque Yarra Valley and visit wineries such as Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, and Punt Road. Afterward, meet Australian native animals at Healesville Sanctuary, including kangaroos, koalas, emus, and wombats.
Take a scenic drive on the Great Ocean Road and visit the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, and Loch Ard Gorge. These are stunning limestone formations in the natural reserve parks. Stopover at Lorne and Apollo Bay beaches with quaint towns and beautiful vistas.
Visit the Dandenong Ranges National Park to see the Sherbrooke Forest, which has a wide range of local wildlife and flora. Take a ride on the iconic Puffing Billy Steam Train, an original steam engine, that is known to travel through the forest hills and fern gullies. Lastly, have authentic Punjabi food at Punjabi Curry Cafe in West Footscray.
Finalize the trip with the Steavenson waterfall hike in Marysville. The hike provides stunning views of waterfalls and offers a balance of challenging and leisurely walks. End the trip with a delicious dinner at Taj on Swan Indian Restaurant that offers authentic and traditional Indian food.
If you have more time, consider visiting Phillip Island to watch penguins and koalas. Add the Shrine of Remembrance, Royal Botanic Gardens, and Queen Victoria Market to your Melbourne city trip. Alternatively, subtract the Dandenong Ranges trip on a weekday where it may have fewer crowds.