Melbourne Australia 6 Day Itinerary

Here is a 6-day itinerary for traveling in Melbourne, Australia:

Day 1: Explore Melbourne’s Inner City

Places to Go:

  • Queen Victoria Market: Start your day with a visit to Queen Victoria Market (Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday) or the weekend markets at South Melbourne. Get here early for the best selection of fresh produce.
  • Melbourne Museum: Stop by the Melbourne Museum, which includes interactive exhibits that tell stories about Melbourne’s history. Don’t miss the IMAX theatre if you have time.

Activities:

  • Take a Street Art Tour (book in advance): Explore Melbourne’s vibrant street art scene with a guided tour. These tours often start from the Hosier Lane area.
  • Walk Through the City: After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the city. Start at Federation Square and head down La Trobe Street towards the Docklands.

Where to Eat:

  • Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar: For breakfast, try this Italian café in the heart of Melbourne for a delicious coffee.
  • The Builders Arms Hotel: This pub offers great food for lunch or dinner. It’s located in the inner city and serves traditional Australian fare with a twist.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Windsor: This historic hotel is within walking distance to most of Melbourne’s main attractions. It has elegant rooms and offers a relaxing atmosphere.
  • The Lygon Arms: If you prefer something a bit more modern, this boutique hotel in the city is close to restaurants, cafes, and shopping.

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Melbourne can be quite chilly, even during summer. Be prepared with layers for your visit.
  • Safety: As with any city, be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas like markets or major attractions.

Day 2: Explore Melbourne’s Culture

Places to Go:

  • National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): The NGV is a must-visit. It hosts international and local exhibitions. Make sure to check the schedule for any special events.
  • Melbourne Theatre Company: If you’re interested in live performances, catch a show here. Melbourne has a thriving theatre scene.

Activities:

  • Visit the Docklands: After lunch, take some time to explore the Docklands area. It’s known for its shopping centres and waterfront views.
  • Take a Tram Ride: Melbourne has an excellent tram system. Consider taking a ride from Federation Square down to St Kilda Beach or another part of town.

Where to Eat:

  • The Market Lane Coffee Roasters: This place serves high-quality coffee in the morning. It’s also great for lunch, with sandwiches and light meals.
  • Lona Bocca Italian Restaurant: For dinner, this Italian restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious food.

Where to Stay (If Not Already Booked):

  • Novotel Melbourne on Collins: This hotel is centrally located and has comfortable rooms. It’s close to many restaurants and shops.

Day 3: Explore the Beaches

Places to Go:

  • St Kilda Beach: A classic Melbourne beach experience includes a visit to St Kilda Beach. Enjoy the amusement park, pier, and markets.
  • Brighton Beach: Another popular beach spot is Brighton Beach, known for its historic bathing boxes.

Activities:

  • Take a Day Trip to Sorrento: If you have time, consider taking a day trip to Sorrento (book in advance), which offers beautiful beaches and a charming town atmosphere. You can also visit the nearby Point Nepean National Park.
  • Visit the Melbourne Beach Box Trail: This is a scenic walk that takes you past many of Brighton’s historic bathing boxes.

Where to Eat:

  • Pom Pom Bar & Restaurant: For lunch or dinner, try this restaurant for its creative Australian cuisine. It has a great selection of wines too.
  • St Kilda Beach Restaurants: The area around St Kilda Beach has plenty of restaurants and cafes offering fresh seafood and more.

Day 4: Explore Melbourne’s Parks

Places to Go:

  • Royal Botanic Gardens: Take a peaceful stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s home to many native Australian plants.
  • Albert Park: After lunch, visit Albert Park for its scenic lake views and walking paths.

Activities:

  • Take a Bike Ride: Melbourne has bike-sharing schemes (book in advance) like “YouBike”. Consider renting a bike for the day to explore the city’s parks or the Yarra River bike trail.
  • Visit the Melbourne Zoo: If you have time, visit the Melbourne Zoo. It hosts a variety of animals and offers interactive exhibits.

Where to Eat:

  • The Garden House Café: This café in the Royal Botanic Gardens is perfect for breakfast or lunch. Enjoy your meal surrounded by greenery.
  • Prairie in Albert Park: For dinner, try this restaurant which serves seasonal Australian cuisine.

Day 5: Explore Melbourne’s Suburbs

Places to Go:

  • South Yarra: Visit South Yarra and explore its upscale shopping area, Toorak Road. It also has great restaurants.
  • Williamstown: This charming suburb by the water offers a historic seaport and waterfront views.

Activities:

  • Take a Day Trip to Williamstown: If you have time, take a day trip (book in advance) to Williamstown. Visit the historic pier, enjoy some fishing or boat tours if available.
  • Explore South Yarra’s Markets: On weekends, there are markets along Toorak Road where you can find unique shopping and local food.

Where to Eat:

  • Toorak Hotel: This pub serves great food for lunch or dinner. It’s a popular spot with locals too.
  • The Waterfront Restaurant in Williamstown: For dinner, enjoy the views of the water at this restaurant serving seafood and more.

Day 6: Last Day Exploring Melbourne

Places to Go:

  • Federation Square: Start your last day with a visit to Federation Square. It hosts various events throughout the year.
  • Melbourne Aquarium: If you haven’t already, consider visiting the Melbourne Aquarium for some marine life.

Activities:

  • Take a Last-Minute Shopping Trip: Use this day to catch any last-minute shopping or visit areas of interest you might have missed earlier in your trip.
  • Reflect on Your Journey: Take some time to reflect on your journey through Melbourne, its culture, and its people.

Where to Eat:

  • Flinders Street Station Food Court: For a quick breakfast or lunch, try the food court at Flinders Street Station. It has many international options.
  • The Australian Brewery: For your last dinner in Melbourne, consider visiting The Australian Brewery for a mix of great food and craft beers.

Transportation:

  • Melbourne Public Transport System: Melbourne’s public transport system is well-connected and includes trams, trains, and buses. You can buy Myki cards or use contactless payments on most public transport.
  • Renting Cars: If you prefer to drive, consider renting a car for some of your days to explore the outer suburbs more easily.

Tips:

  • Be Prepared for Weather: Melbourne’s weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers and umbrellas are always handy.
  • Respect Local Culture: Respect local culture, especially at religious sites or in areas with cultural significance.
  • Enjoy Your Journey: Lastly, remember to enjoy your journey through Melbourne! It has a lot to offer, from its people to its food, and its landscapes.

This itinerary provides a mix of activities that showcase the best of Melbourne’s inner city, its cultural attractions, the beaches, parks, suburbs, and its natural beauty. Enjoy your trip!