Two-Week Melbourne Adventure: Culture, Cuisine, and Coastal Charm

Day 1: City Exploration

Melbourne, Australia on May 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Société

Start your Melbourne trip at this beloved cafe known for its French-inspired breakfast like the famous lobster benedict. Opens at 7am.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Federation Square and ACMI Museum

Explore Melbourne’s cultural hub with modern architecture, street art, and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Opens 10am, plan for some outside exploration beforehand.
Free entry, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chin Chin

Enjoy vibrant Southeast Asian dishes at this popular restaurant, perfect for a flavorful Melbourne lunch.
AUD30, 1h

1:30pm

Royal Botanic Gardens

Walk through these lush gardens and enjoy the peaceful setting beside the Yarra River. Open 7am to sunset.
Free entry, 2h

4:00pm

Eureka Skydeck

Catch breathtaking views of Melbourne skyline from one of the highest observation decks in the Southern Hemisphere. Open until 10pm.
AUD26, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vue de Monde

Experience fine dining with panoramic city views and innovative Australian cuisine, booking recommended.
AUD150, 2h
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Day 2: Coastal Relaxation

St Kilda, Melbourne on May 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at St Ali Coffee Roasters

Fuel up with expertly brewed coffee and delicious pastries at this renowned Melbourne spot. Opens at 7am.
AUD20, 1h

10:00am

St Kilda Beach and Pier

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach and pier, famous for its iconic views and diverse birdlife. Open all day.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Republica St Kilda Beach

Dine by the waterfront with Mediterranean inspired dishes and fresh seafood.
AUD35, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Luna Park

Have fun at the historic amusement park with rides and games. Check for seasonal operation hours.
AUD20, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset drinks at Stokehouse

Enjoy cocktails or wine with a stunning sunset over the bay.
AUD25, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Donovans

A beachside restaurant offering modern Australian cuisine with beautiful sea views, perfect to end your day.
AUD50, 2h
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Day 3: Art and Shopping

Melbourne CBD on May 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Higher Ground

Indulge in inventive breakfast dishes in an industrial-chic space near the city center, opens at 7am.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Explore Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum with a collection ranging from classical to contemporary art. Opens at 10am.
Free entry, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Degraves Street

Enjoy casual dining with a variety of cafes offering fresh local dishes in this bustling laneway.
AUD20, 1h

2:30pm

Shopping at Bourke Street Mall and Melbourne Central

Spend your afternoon shopping at iconic department stores and boutiques in the heart of Melbourne.
Free to browse, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Cutler & Co.

Dine at this elegant Fitzroy restaurant known for its modern Australian cuisine and sophisticated atmosphere.
AUD80, 2h
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Day 4: Wine Country

Yarra Valley on May 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast to go from Manchester Press

Grab gourmet coffee and breakfast sandwiches for the road. Opens at 7am.
AUD15, 30m

9:00am

Travel to Yarra Valley

Depart Melbourne for approximately 1.5 hour scenic drive to the wine region.
Fuel/AUD20, 1h30m

10:30am

Yarra Valley Winery Tour

Visit several top wineries such as Domaine Chandon and De Bortoli for tastings and wine education. Tours typically run 10am - 4pm.
AUD60, 4h

3:00pm

Lunch at Innocent Bystander

Enjoy wood-fired pizza and great local wines in a relaxed setting.
AUD40, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax in Yarra Valley accommodation

Check into a charming local B&B or winery lodge.
AUD150, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at your accommodation or nearby restaurant

Savor seasonal farm-to-table cuisine paired with regional wines.
AUD60, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Nature & Local Produce

Yarra Valley to Melbourne on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at lodging

Enjoy a hearty breakfast made with local ingredients to start your day well.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Healesville Sanctuary

Visit this native Australian wildlife sanctuary to see kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses up close. Opens 9am to 5pm.
AUD38, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Healesville Hotel

Dine on traditional pub fare in a welcoming atmosphere.
AUD25, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Melbourne

Drive back to central Melbourne in the late afternoon.
Fuel/AUD20, 1h30m

5:00pm

Free time in Melbourne

Use this time for rest, a stroll, or exploring neighborhoods like Fitzroy or Collingwood.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Supernormal

Relish modern Asian fusion dishes inspired by Japan, Korea, and China.
AUD50, 2h
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Day 6: Coastal Roadtrip

Great Ocean Road on May 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Higher Ground

Fuel up with a great breakfast before a day-long road trip. Opens 7am.
AUD25, 1h

8:00am

Begin Great Ocean Road Drive

Drive from Melbourne to Torquay, the official start of the Great Ocean Road. Scenic stops along the way include Bells Beach. Drive time approx 1.5h to Torquay.
Fuel/AUD25, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Torquay Surf Coast Brewery

Enjoy craft beers and hearty pub food near the beach.
AUD35, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Anglesea and Lorne

Stop at picturesque coastal towns with beaches and cafes on your way down the Great Ocean Road.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Arrive Apollo Bay and check in

Rest overnight at this charming coastal town to break up the road trip.
AUD150, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at La Bimba

Enjoy fresh local seafood with mesmerizing ocean views.
AUD60, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Great Ocean Road Highlights

Apollo Bay to Melbourne on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Apollo Bay

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at a local cafe like Dooleys Ice Cream & Coffee Bar.
AUD20, 1h

9:30am

Great Ocean Road National Park & Twelve Apostles

Visit iconic limestone stacks at the Twelve Apostles and explore rainforest walks in the Great Otway National Park.
Free entry, parking fee AUD5, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gibson Steps Café

Casual lunch with views of the ocean and limestone cliffs.
AUD25, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Melbourne

Drive back to Melbourne city, approx 3-hour drive.
Fuel/AUD30, 3h

6:00pm

Rest and freshen up

Take some time to relax before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Grossi Florentino

Savor high-end Italian cuisine in a classic Melbourne setting.
AUD70, 2h
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Day 8: Dandenong Ranges

Dandenong Ranges, Melbourne on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Prepare for your nature day with a chic breakfast featuring innovative dishes in South Melbourne. Opens 7am.
AUD30, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Dandenong Ranges

Drive approx 1 hour to this lush mountain area known for gardens and forest walks.
Fuel/AUD20, 1h

10:00am

Sherbrooke Forest Walk

Enjoy a peaceful forest walk among towering trees and spot native wildlife.
Free entry, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Miss Marple’s Tea Room

Feast on a traditional Devonshire tea or hearty lunch in a cozy atmosphere.
AUD30, 1h

2:00pm

Ride Puffing Billy Steam Train

Experience a scenic historic steam train ride through the forest. Check times; runs daily various departures.
AUD45, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Melbourne

Drive back to Melbourne city center.
Fuel/AUD20, 1h

6:00pm

Free evening

Relax or explore local neighborhoods at your leisure.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The European

Enjoy European-style shared plates in a lively Melbourne setting.
AUD50, 2h
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Day 9: Museum Day

Melbourne, Australia on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Grain Store

Start with a wholesome breakfast emphasizing seasonal and local produce in a bright space. Opens 7:30am.
AUD25, 1h

9:30am

Melbourne Museum & Royal Exhibition Building

Discover Melbourne’s history, natural environment, and indigenous culture. Museum opens 10am.
AUD15, 3h

12:45pm

Lunch at Museum Café

Casual and convenient dining inside the museum precinct.
AUD20, 1h

2:00pm

Scienceworks Museum

Interactive and fun science museum perfect for all ages, located a short drive away. Opens 10am-5pm.
AUD12, 3h

5:30pm

Return to city and rest

Relax after an educational day exploring Melbourne’s museums.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Movida

Savor exquisite Spanish tapas and dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.
AUD60, 2h
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Day 10: Street Art & Laneways

Melbourne, Australia on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Market Lane Coffee

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast, opens at 7am.
AUD15, 1h

9:00am

Street Art Walking Tour

Join a guided tour or self-explore Melbourne’s famous laneways filled with vibrant street art.
AUD30 (guided), 2h

11:30am

Visit Queen Victoria Market

Browse fresh produce, unique crafts, and local goods in this historic market. Open 6am-3pm.
Free to enter, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch from Market Stalls

Try diverse ethnic and local foods from the stalls for a flavorful, affordable meal.
AUD20, 1h

3:00pm

Coffee Break at Patricia Coffee Brewers

Visit this acclaimed hidden gem for a superb brew.
AUD10, 30m

4:00pm

Explore Fitzroy

Wander this artsy neighborhood with indie shops, galleries, and cafes.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Transformer Fitzroy

Enjoy contemporary vegetarian and vegan dishes crafted with seasonal produce.
AUD50, 2h
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Day 11: Relaxed Day

Melbourne, Australia on May 11, 2025

9:00am

Brunch at Industry Beans

Delight in specialty coffee and creative brunch dishes in a stylish setting. Opens 8am.
AUD30, 1h30m

11:00am

Visit Fitzroy Gardens & Cook’s Cottage

Stroll the beautiful gardens and visit the historic Cook’s Cottage, open 10am-4pm.
AUD12, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Kirin Chinese Restaurant

Enjoy some of Melbourne’s best traditional Chinese dishes in Chinatown.
AUD40, 1h30m

3:00pm

Afternoon Tea at Hopetoun Tea Rooms

Experience a classic Melbourne institution known for its pastries and cakes.
AUD25, 1h

5:00pm

Leisure time

Relax or explore nearby around the city center at your pace.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Attica

Dine at one of Australia’s top restaurants featuring innovative contemporary Australian cuisine, advance booking required.
AUD220, 3h
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Day 12: Day Trip Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula, near Melbourne on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Early breakfast at Degraves Espresso Bar

Grab a quick coffee and small breakfast before setting out. Opens 7am.
AUD15, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Mornington Peninsula

About 1.5 hours from Melbourne city, enjoy scenic coastal views on the way.
Fuel/AUD20, 1h30m

9:30am

Hot Springs Mornington Peninsula

Relax and rejuvenate in natural thermal mineral waters. Open 9am-9pm weekdays.
AUD45, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Flinders Hotel

A historic coastal pub serving fresh seafood and seasonal dishes with ocean views.
AUD40, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit local wineries or coastal walks

Explore nearby vineyards or walk the stunning coastal trails in the afternoon.
Varies, 2h

4:30pm

Drive back to Melbourne

Return to the city for your last few days of exploration.
Fuel/AUD20, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cumulus Inc

Enjoy a contemporary dining experience with Mediterranean-inspired small plates in the city.
AUD60, 2h
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Last Full Day

Melbourne, Australia on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lune Croissanterie

Taste some of the best croissants in the world to energize your final full day. Opens 7am.
AUD15, 1h

9:30am

Visit Melbourne Zoo

Spend the morning exploring a diverse array of animals in open habitats. Opens 9am-5pm.
AUD42, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Zoo’s café

Casual lunch onsite before heading back to city center.
AUD20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Southbank Promenade

Spend the afternoon wandering riverside with shops, cafes, and galleries.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Afternoon Coffee at ACMI Cafe

Enjoy a relaxed coffee break inside Federation Square.
AUD10, 30m

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at The Atlantic

Celebrate your Melbourne trip with outstanding seafood and views of the Yarra River.
AUD100, 2h
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Day 14: Departure Day

Melbourne, Australia on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your accommodation or local café

A relaxing final breakfast with local flavors before heading to the airport.
AUD20, 1h

9:00am

Pack and check-out

Ensure all belongings are packed and prepare for your transfer to the airport.
Free, 1h

10:00am

Travel to Melbourne Airport

Leave ample time for airport check-in and security procedures, about 30-45 min drive from city center.
Taxi/AUD60, 1h
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