The Perfect Melbourne Itinerary: Guide to 3-, 5- & 7-Day Trips

Melbourne is the cool cousin of Australia’s capital cities. Hip, laid-back, and always in the know about the best local bars and cafes, this is the place to get away for a weekend or a week.  

It’s in the top five of most liveable cities in the world, and these Melbourne itinerary suggestions offer a taste of why locals would swear it should be at number one. There’s culture, incredible food, plenty of attractions, temperate weather, and even great public transport options.  

Let’s start with the basics; transport and accommodation, and weather. 

Getting Around & Where to Stay In Melbourne

The heart of the city is home to a free Tram Zone. You can jump on and off these trams to get around the main centre and attractions, and you don’t need a card or pass to do it. This zone includes the Victoria Harbour and Docklands, Queen Victoria Market, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and more.  

Outside of the free zone, you’ll need a Myki card. You will use it to tap on and off trains, trams, and buses all across the city. You can buy a Myki card online, or from a Myki machine, ticket office, or even on your Android phone.  

 Of course, staying centrally minimises the travel you’ll need to do. So for where to stay in Melbourne, there are few places better located, or simply better, than Crown Towers. City views, five-star facilities, and a getaway within a getaway, this is the perfect place to wind down after days exploring the city.   

Weather

Melbourne is a city that knows how to differentiate its seasons. But sometimes, all those seasons come in a day.  

Typically: 

• January – February: Warm, summer days 
• March – May: Crisp, autumn days 
• June – August: Chilly, winter days 
• September – December: Bright, spring days  

However, always check the weather forecast and dress in layers so you’ll be prepared for anything.  

DAY 1: Iconic  

Tick off all those iconic central city attractions in Melbourne on day one:  

• The Eureka Sky Deck 
• St Paul’s Cathedral 
• Queen Victoria Market 
• Federation Square 
• The Melbourne Laneways 
• Docklands 

Don’t forget to wear your most comfortable shoes, and take advantage of those free tram rides around the city centre.  

H3:  DAY 2: Feeling artsy

With the central attractions fresh in your memory and your camera roll, it’s time for some heroes of Melbourne arts, sports & culture. Pick a couple of these for your second day in the city:  

• The Melbourne Museum 
• National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) 
• Marvel Stadium 
• The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) 
• Rod Laver Arena  

Double check to see if there are any shows or sports games on while you’re in town, and be sure to fuel up with some of the city’s famous coffee in between each attraction.  

DAY 3: Max Out Your Baggage Allowance

On your final day, hit the shops.  

The South Melbourne Market is a beautiful, historic location brimming with delicious treats, beautiful accessories, gorgeous trinkets, and plenty of bits and pieces you’ll want to take home with you.  

Melbourne Central – or the MC – is another great shopping destination with more than 300 retailers across five levels. Or for something a little more luxurious, try the Emporium or Collins Street.  

At the end of your whirlwind few days in Melbourne, treat yourself to dinner and a drink at Crown Melbourne.  

Casual. Buffet. Fine. Crown’s restaurants  run the gamut. Fidels offers Cuban cuisine for something a little different, Conservatory is an international buffet to please everyone, and Rockpool Bar & Grill promises delicious modern Australian fare.  

DAYS 1-3

See above.

DAY 4: Go coastal

Pack your swimmers, your sunscreen, and a towel, and make your way to St Kilda for the day.  

This hip beachside hotspot is magic in a suburb. Start by exploring Luna Park for rides, games, and general fun, before picking a restaurant or café for lunch. Then take yourselves down to the waterfront for swimming, paddling, or simply relaxing on the beach.  

As the evening rolls in, take a stroll along the pier to watch the sunset, then keep an eye out for little penguins as they return from their day at sea.  

DAY 5: Treat the tastebuds

With all that adventuring, you will have worked up an appetite. Time to treat your tastebuds to one of the things Melbourne is known for: Coffee, food, and drink.  

Get lost in the laneways and let your senses guide you. Keep an eye out for Fieldwork Coffee for your caffeine hit, Pidapipo for some of the best gelato in the city, and Kirk’s Wine Bar for a sneaky afternoon vino.  

If you have any appetite left, head to the waterfront at Southbank and pick out any one of the local restaurants. This is one place you simply can’t go wrong.  

DAYS 1-5

See above.

DAY 6: Relax

Time to slow it down.  

Make your way to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Here, you’ll feel like you’ve left the city behind, without ever leaving it. Relax on a punt ride for a luxurious tour of the lake, and bring a picnic to enjoy on the Princes Lawn (or in Fern Gully on a hot day).  

Extra for garden experts: The stunning Fitzroy Gardens are only 20 minutes away, and well worth a visit for its historic structures and indoor floral displays.  

DAY 7: Playtime 

From bowling to karaoke, escape rooms to live performances, there’s a world of play all in one Melbourne location – Crown.  

Our entertainment options are more than enough to fill a day. View the line up to see what’s on while you’re in town, or take your pick of the activities on site that you can enjoy any day of the year. You can even try your luck at our Casino.   

Finish your night with a bitter (because you’re leaving) sweet (because it’s fantastic) meal at one of the many Crown restaurants.  

Want to swap out a day, or have an extra day to spare? There are some jaw-dropping day trips you can take from Melbourne.  

• The Great Ocean Road 
• Yarra Valley 
• Phillip Island 
• Mornington Peninsula

Whatever you’re after – Melbourne has it. And then some. Follow this itinerary to a T, or pick and choose your favourite parts. Either way, prepare to fall in love with Melbourne and everything it has to offer.