15-Day Ultimate Melbourne, Australia Itinerary: Explore Culture, Nature & Cuisine

Day 1: City Culture Start

Melbourne, Australia on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hardware Societe

Enjoy French-inspired breakfast dishes like baked eggs or croque madame in an intimate laneway setting.
AUD30, 1h0m

9:30am

Federation Square and ACMI Museum

Explore Melbourne’s iconic cultural precinct and visit the Australian Centre for the Moving Image showcasing film and digital art.
AUD15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Chin Chin

Indulge in modern Thai street food favorites in a lively and trendy atmosphere.
AUD35, 1h0m

1:30pm

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Stroll through beautiful landscapes and vibrant gardens, perfect for relaxation and photos.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Hosier Lane Street Art

Experience Melbourne’s famous colorful graffiti and urban artwork in a dynamic open-air gallery.
Free, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Vue de Monde

Dine fine with stunning city views and upscale modern Australian cuisine.
AUD200, 2h0m
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Day 2: Mornington Peninsula

Mornington Peninsula, Australia on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Cups Mornington

Savor a fresh breakfast menu featuring local produce and specialty coffee before starting the day’s adventure.
AUD25, 1h0m

9:00am

Mornington Peninsula National Park

Explore dramatic coastal landscapes with walking trails; visit spots like Bushrangers Bay for scenic views.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Montalto Vineyard & Olive Grove

Enjoy fresh Mediterranean-inspired dishes paired with local wines in a beautiful vineyard setting.
AUD50, 1h30m

2:30pm

Peninsula Hot Springs

Relax in natural thermal mineral springs that offer pools and spa treatments ideal for rejuvenation.
AUD65, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ten Minutes by Tractor

Dine on elevated modern Australian cuisine with a focus on wines from the Mornington Peninsula wine region.
AUD100, 2h0m
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Day 3: Phillip Island Wildlife

Phillip Island, Australia on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Isle of Grain Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked goods and coffee to fuel your day on the island.
AUD20, 0h45m

8:00am

Koala Conservation Centre

Visit this sanctuary to see koalas in their natural environment along treetop boardwalks. Open 9am–5pm.
AUD15, 2h0m

11:00am

Explore Nobbies Centre

Discover rugged coastline and seal colonies from scenic viewpoints. The center is open 10am–4pm.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Foreshore Bar & Restaurant

Seafood-focused menu offering fresh local catches with waterfront views.
AUD40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Phillip Island Penguin Parade

Watch Little Penguins return to shore at sunset in a world-famous natural spectacle. Park opens 6:00pm–9:30pm.
AUD28, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Pino’s Trattoria

Warm up with hearty Italian dishes and local wines after the parade.
AUD45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Dandenong Ranges Nature

Dandenong Ranges, Australia on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Miss Marple’s Tea Room

Taste traditional scones and tea in a charming vintage setting in Sassafras village.
AUD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Puffing Billy Railway

Take a nostalgic steam train ride through scenic mountain forests, running daily 9:30am–4:30pm.
AUD45, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Cherry Tree Hotel

Quaint riverside pub with classic Australian comfort food and outdoor seating.
AUD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens

Visit these peaceful gardens featuring waterfalls, fern gullies, and walking paths.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Explore Olinda Village

Browse local shops, cafes, and galleries in this picturesque mountain town.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Miss Marple’s Tea Room

Return for a cozy dinner experience with homemade dinner options in a nostalgic setting.
AUD40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Melbourne Markets & Shopping

Melbourne, Australia on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Operator 25

Enjoy specialty coffee and unique breakfast items in a trendy Fitzroy cafe.
AUD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Queen Victoria Market

Explore Melbourne’s largest open-air market with fresh produce, souvenirs, and gourmet foods. Open 6am–3pm.
Free, 2h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at St Ali Coffee Roasters

Sample delicious cafe fare with excellent coffee in South Melbourne.
AUD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping on Chapel Street

Browse stylish boutiques, designer stores, and unique local shops along this popular street.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tipo 00

Experience handcrafted Italian pasta and wine in a cozy, vibrant setting.
AUD60, 1h30m
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Day 6: Art & History

Melbourne, Australia on May 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Top Paddock

Enjoy inventive breakfast dishes and great coffee in an airy, stylish cafe.
AUD28, 1h0m

10:00am

National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

Visit Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum featuring international and contemporary art collections. Open 10am–5pm.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Eighty Melbourne

Chic venue offering global cuisine with vegetarian options in the CBD.
AUD40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Melbourne Museum & Royal Exhibition Building

Explore Melbourne’s diverse cultural and natural history exhibits. Museum open 10am–5pm.
AUD15, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Cumulus Inc.

Early European-inspired dishes served in a bright, modern space downtown.
AUD75, 2h0m
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Day 7: St Kilda & Beaches

St Kilda, Melbourne, Australia on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Kettle Black

Indulge in creative dishes and specialty coffee in a stylish cafe setting near the beach.
AUD30, 1h0m

9:30am

St Kilda Beach & Pier

Walk along the beach, visit the St Kilda Pier for views and possible penguin spotting.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Republica St Kilda Beach

Enjoy waterfront dining with fish and chips or classic bistro fare.
AUD40, 1h0m

2:00pm

St Kilda Sea Baths

Relax in heated pools and spa facilities (open 7am–9pm).
AUD25, 2h0m

5:30pm

Acland Street Cake Shops

Sample famous cakes and pastries at this iconic street lined with bakeries.
AUD15, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Donovans

Upscale beachside restaurant serving fresh seafood and modern Australian cuisine.
AUD90, 2h0m
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Day 8: Yarra Valley Wine

Yarra Valley, Australia on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Brother Baba Budan

Start the day with specialty coffee and light breakfast in central Melbourne.
AUD20, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Yarra Valley

Enjoy scenic 1-1.5 hour drive northeast to the renowned wine region.
Fuel costs, 1h30m

10:15am

Wine tasting at Domaine Chandon

Taste sparkling wines in elegant surroundings with stunning vineyard views.
AUD35, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Yering Station

Dine at a historic winery restaurant offering seasonal local cuisine with wine pairings.
AUD80, 1h30m

2:00pm

Healesville Sanctuary

Meet native Australian wildlife including kangaroos and platypus in this open-range zoo. Open 9am–5pm.
AUD37, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Melbourne

Drive back to the city for evening relaxation.
Fuel costs, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Press Club

Indulge in Greek-inspired degustation tasting menu with elegant service.
AUD150, 2h0m
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Day 9: Melbourne Laneways & Libraries

Melbourne, Australia on May 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Manchester Press

Enjoy hand-made doughnuts and specialty coffee in a modern industrial space.
AUD20, 1h0m

9:30am

State Library of Victoria

Explore the iconic La Trobe Reading Room and exhibitions showcasing history and architecture. Open 10am–6pm.
Free, 1h30m

11:15am

Explore Degraves and Centre Place Laneways

Wander through bustling laneways filled with cafes, boutiques, and street art.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Movida

Taste authentic Spanish tapas in a lively and award-winning setting.
AUD50, 1h0m

2:30pm

NGV Triennial Exhibition

Experience the world’s largest contemporary art exhibition happening every three years. Included with NGV general admission. Open 10am–5pm.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Rice Paper Scissors

Savor Asian shared plates and vibrant flavors in a fun atmosphere.
AUD60, 1h30m
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Day 10: Day Trip to Ballarat

Ballarat, Australia on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Ballarat

Drive 1.5 hours northwest to historic gold rush town Ballarat.
Fuel costs, 1h30m

9:00am

Sovereign Hill

Step back in time at this outdoor living museum that recreates the 1850s gold rush era. Open 9:30am–5pm.
AUD45, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Forge Pizzeria

Enjoy wood-fired pizza in a casual and stylish eatery in Ballarat town centre.
AUD30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Ballarat Wildlife Park

See Australian native animals including koalas and wombats in a relaxed setting. Open 8:30am–5pm.
AUD25, 2h0m

5:30pm

Return to Melbourne

Drive back to Melbourne for evening rest.
Fuel costs, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Supernormal

Experience modern Asian fusion dishes and share plates in a chic downtown venue.
AUD70, 1h30m
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Day 11: Outer Melbourne & Wildlife

Dandenong Ranges & Melbourne, Australia on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden Cafe

Enjoy light rustic breakfast surrounded by lush bushland.
AUD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Sherbrooke Forest Walk

Explore this ancient rainforest with a chance of sighting lyrebirds on well-maintained trails.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at William Ricketts Sanctuary Cafe

Relax with refreshments near the unique indigenous sculpture garden.
AUD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

William Ricketts Sanctuary

Discover haunting sculptures set in the natural forest environment expressing Aboriginal themes.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Melbourne City

Travel back to central Melbourne for evening activities.
Fuel costs, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Movida Aqui

Enjoy modern Spanish dishes in a lively Melbourne restaurant with excellent ambiance.
AUD65, 1h30m
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Day 12: Science & Aquatic Life

Melbourne, Australia on May 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Higher Ground

Savor contemporary breakfast dishes and specialty coffee in an airy industrial setting.
AUD30, 1h0m

10:00am

Melbourne Aquarium

Explore diverse marine species and underwater exhibits in central Melbourne. Open 9am–5pm.
AUD45, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Atlantic

Enjoy fresh seafood and modern Australian fare in a stylish waterfront restaurant.
AUD60, 1h0m

2:30pm

Scienceworks Museum

Interactive science and technology museum with family-friendly exhibits. Open 10am–5pm.
AUD15, 3h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ezard

Relish Asian-inspired degustation menu from one of Melbourne’s top chefs.
AUD180, 2h0m
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Day 13: Relax & Culture

Melbourne, Australia on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brother Baba Budan

Start your day with specialty coffee and light breakfast in a buzzing cafe atmosphere.
AUD20, 0h45m

9:00am

Melbourne Zoo

Visit Australia’s oldest zoo housing native and exotic animals; open 9am–5pm.
AUD38, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Kettle Black

Return to this trendy cafe for lunch with vibrant menu options.
AUD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Arts Centre Melbourne and Southbank Promenade

Walk along the Yarra River, visit galleries, and explore performing arts venues.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Attica

Dine at one of Australia’s best restaurants offering innovative dishes with native ingredients. Reservation recommended.
AUD250, 2h30m
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Day 14: Day Trip to Great Ocean Road

Great Ocean Road, Australia on May 31, 2025

6:30am

Travel to Great Ocean Road

Early morning 3-hour drive heading southwest to begin the scenic coastal drive.
Fuel costs, 3h0m

10:00am

Visit Twelve Apostles

Marvel at the spectacular limestone stacks rising from the ocean along the iconic coastline.
Free, 1h0m

11:15am

Great Otway National Park Walk

Explore rainforest trails and waterfalls in this lush park close to the coast.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-op

Enjoy fresh seafood right by the beach in relaxed surroundings.
AUD40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive back to Melbourne

Return trip to Melbourne after an unforgettable coastal adventure.
Fuel costs, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Coda

Cap your day with Asian-fusion dishes and cocktails in a chic city venue.
AUD70, 1h30m
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Day 15: Departure Day

Melbourne, Australia on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bourke Street Bakery

Grab artisanal pastries and coffee for a light and delicious start.
AUD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Last-minute shopping at Melbourne Central

Purchase souvenirs or gifts in this large shopping complex close to transit for easy access to airport.
Varies, 2h0m

12:00pm

Check out and transfer to Melbourne Airport

Allow enough time for airport check-in and travel to departure.
Taxi costs, 1h0m
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