9-Day Melbourne Adventure: Nature, City Experiences, and Relaxation

Day 1: City Exploration

Melbourne, Australia

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Start your day with a delicious French-inspired breakfast at Hardware Société, known for its incredible eggs benedict and Croque Madame.
Walk or take a tram to Hardware Société located at 120 Hardware St.
AUD 25, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Royal Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens, enjoying the various themed gardens and tranquil lake views.
Take tram 5 from Hardware Société for a short ride.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Southbank

Enjoy a riverside lunch at one of the many eateries at Southbank, perhaps trying the famous delicious wood-fired pizza.
Walking distance from the gardens, just across the river.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Melbourne Museum

Explore the Melbourne Museum to learn about the history and culture of the city and the surrounding biodiversity.
Take tram 86 from nearby the Southbank area.
AUD 15, 2 hours

5:30PM

St Kilda Beach Sunset

End your day at St Kilda Beach, catching a beautiful sunset while walking along the pier.
Take tram 96 from the museum directly to St Kilda.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Luna Park

Enjoy dinner at Acland Street in St Kilda, followed by a visit to the historic Luna Park for some fun.
Just a short walk from the beach.
AUD 40, 2 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Melbourne, Australia

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Savor a brunch of delicious seasonal dishes at The Kettle Black, renowned for its unique and artistic plates.
Tram to 50 Albert Road.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

National Gallery of Victoria

Immerse yourself in the stunning art collection at the National Gallery, showcasing Australian and international artworks.
Take tram 1 or 8 to NGV International.
Free, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at the NGV Cafe

Enjoy a light lunch at the NGV Cafe, offering artfully crafted dishes and local wines.
On-site at the National Gallery.
AUD 25, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Queen Victoria Market

Visit the famous Queen Victoria Market, filled with vibrant stalls selling fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique souvenirs.
Take a tram from NGV located nearby.
Free, shopping extra, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Cumulus Inc.

Dine at this modern eatery serving exceptional wood-fired dishes in a lively atmosphere.
Walk approximately 15 minutes from the market.
AUD 55, 2 hours
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Day 3: Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road, Australia

7:00AM

Departure for Great Ocean Road

Begin the iconic Great Ocean Road trip, stopping by coastal towns and scenic viewpoints along the way.
Rent a car or book a guided tour.
AUD 100 (car rental approx.), 10 hours (including stops)

9:00AM

Breakfast at Lorne

Stop at the picturesque town of Lorne for a breakfast of fresh local pastries and coffee at a beachside café.
Coastal road to Lorne.
AUD 20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Great Otway National Park

Explore the lush rainforest and stunning waterfalls at Great Otway National Park.
Continue your drive to the National Park.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Apollo Bay

Enjoy local seafood at one of the cafes overlooking the bay in Apollo Bay.
Continue your drive to Apollo Bay.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Twelve Apostles

Visit the breathtaking Twelve Apostles, famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and ocean views.
Drive to the Twelve Apostles from Apollo Bay.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return Trip to Melbourne

Start heading back to Melbourne, making necessary stops along the way for photos.
Driving back along the Great Ocean Road.
Included in car rental, 3 hours
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Day 4: Nature and Relaxation

Great Ocean Road, Australia

9:00AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café.
Depending on lodging location.
AUD 20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Loch Ard Gorge

Visit the stunning Loch Ard Gorge for breathtaking views and a chance to take a short scenic walk.
Drive to Loch Ard Gorge.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Port Campbell

Savor lunch hoping for a chance to taste their famous fish and chips in port Campbell.
Continue to Port Campbell.
AUD 25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Great Ocean Walk

Embark on a section of the Great Ocean Walk for stunning seaside views and the chance to see local wildlife.
Get to a nearby trail head from Port Campbell.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Waves

Finish your Great Ocean experience with dinner at The Waves, where fresh produce and seafood come together harmoniously.
Return to your accommodation or nearby.
AUD 45, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Vineyards and Relaxation

Yarra Valley, Australia

9:00AM

Breakfast at The RACV Club

Start your day with a gourmet breakfast at The RACV Club, known for its elegant atmosphere and delicious options.
Drive to the Yarra Valley region.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Yering Station Winery

Visit Yering Station Winery for a tour and tasting of their exquisite wines.
Continue driving to the winery.
AUD 20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the Winery

Enjoy lunch at the winery's restaurant, featuring regional produce paired with their wines.
On-site at Yering Station.
AUD 50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Domaine Chandon

Take a tour of Domaine Chandon and taste their award-winning sparkling wines.
Drive to Domaine Chandon.
AUD 25, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Innocent Bystander

Enjoy a casual yet sophisticated dinner at Innocent Bystander, famous for its wood-fired pizzas.
Drive to Innocent Bystander.
AUD 35, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Wildlife Encounters

Phillip Island, Australia

9:00AM

Breakfast at the ferry terminal

Grab a quick breakfast at a café near the ferry terminal before heading to Phillip Island.
Travel to the ferry terminal and board the ferry.
AUD 20, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Phillip Island Nature Parks

Visit the Phillip Island Nature Parks, home to wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas, with stunning coastal scenery.
Arrive and drive or take a local bus on the island.
AUD 28, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Cowes

Stop for lunch at Cowes, enjoying fresh coastal dishes and scenic views.
Drive to Cowes.
AUD 25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Koala Reserve

Get up close with koalas at the Koala Reserve, walking the trails to observe their natural environment.
Short drive to the Koala Reserve.
AUD 15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Penguin Parade

Experience the iconic Penguin Parade at dusk, watching little penguins return home.
Return to the Penguin Parade viewing area.
AUD 30, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at a local pub

Conclude your day at a local pub in Phillip Island for hearty meals and camaraderie.
Around Cowes area.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Local Culture

Melbourne, Australia

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Little Mule

Indulge in a delicious breakfast of hearty fare at The Little Mule, known for its homey vibe and specialty coffee.
Head to North Melbourne by tram.
AUD 25, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Fitzroy Street Art Tour

Join a street art tour in Fitzroy to appreciate some of Melbourne's best-documented urban creativity.
Tram to Fitzroy.
AUD 20, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Vegie Bar

Enjoy a hearty vegan lunch at the iconic Vegie Bar, offering a large variety of creative dishes.
Short walk or tram to Vegie Bar.
AUD 20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Royal Exhibition Building

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building and Gardens, an architectural beauty.
Tram to Carlton Gardens from Fitzroy.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at East End DeCafe

Unwind with dinner at East End DeCafe, a local favorite known for its comfort food and casual site.
Tram back to the café.
AUD 40, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Day of Leisure

Melbourne, Australia

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Bagel Shop

Start your day with a variety of freshly baked bagels at The Bagel Shop, offering excellent spreads.
Tram to the café.
AUD 20, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Shopping at Chapel Street

Spend the late morning shopping at Chapel Street, known for its boutiques and unique finds.
Tram to Chapel Street.
Free (shopping extra), 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Prahran Market

Enjoy a casual lunch at Prahran Market, filled with gourmet food stalls offering various cuisines.
Walk from Chapel Street to the market.
AUD 25, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Brighton Beach

Take a stroll on Brighton Beach to relax and soak up sun with its iconic bathing boxes.
Train to Brighton Beach station.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The European

Conclude your trip with a delightful dinner at The European, a stylish restaurant offering a variety of European dishes.
Train back to the city center.
AUD 50, 2 hours
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Day 9: Farewell Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Chinta Ria Mood for Love

Start your final day with a unique breakfast experience at this Southeast Asian restaurant, famous for its Nasi Lemak.
Short tram ride to the restaurant.
AUD 20, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit the Shrine of Remembrance

Pay your respects at the Shrine of Remembrance, a war memorial that honors Australians who served in war.
Just a short tram ride away.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Collins Street

Enjoy a leisurely lunch along Collins Street, choosing from a variety of gourmet cafes.
Walking distance from the Shrine.
AUD 30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Last-minute sightseeing

Use your remaining time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Federation Square.
Walking or tram distance.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Departure

Conclude your memorable trip as you head back for your departure.
Tram or taxi to the airport.
AUD 30, 1 hour
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