Melbourne Australia 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

  • Morning: Arrive at Melbourne Airport and take a taxi or public transport (SkyBus) to your accommodation
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Brunetti (Italian café) in the gardens or nearby Lygon Street, Carlton
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic Melbourne City Centre, including:
    • The State Library Victoria (free public tours)
    • The iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral
    • Bourke Street Mall shopping precinct
  • Evening: Head to the famous Laneway Festival area, where you’ll find vibrant street art and live music

Day 2: Beaches and Cultural Attractions

  • Morning: Visit St. Kilda Beach, a popular spot for beachgoers and those who want to try the famous St. Kilda Pier
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Prince of Wales Seafood Restaurant in St. Kilda
  • Afternoon: Explore the cultural attractions:
    • ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), featuring interactive exhibitions and screenings
    • The historic Melbourne Museum, with a collection of natural history, science, and culture exhibits
    • La Trobe’s Melbourne exhibition, showcasing the city’s history and growth

Day 3: Sports and Entertainment

  • Morning: Visit the iconic Federation Square, where you’ll find:
    • The Australian Football League (AFL) Museum
    • Melbourne Star Observation Wheel for panoramic views
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Auzzie Burger Co. in Federation Square
  • Afternoon: Catch a live sports game or event:
    • MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), one of the world’s most famous cricket stadiums
    • Etihad Stadium, home to the Melbourne Storm and City Football Club

Day 4: Queen Victoria Market and Fitzroy

  • Morning: Visit the bustling Queen Victoria Market, where you’ll find fresh produce, local handicrafts, and souvenirs
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Queen Vic food court or nearby shops
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy suburb of Fitzroy, with its:
    • Gertrude Street shopping precinct
    • Carlton Gardens parkland

Day 5: Royal Melbourne Zoo and Carlton

  • Morning: Visit the world-class Royal Melbourne Zoo, featuring Australian wildlife, Asian elephants, and a rainforest exhibit
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Zoo’s café or restaurant
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby suburb of Carlton, with its:
    • Italian precinct restaurants and cafes
    • University of Melbourne campus

Day 6: Docklands and Harbour Esplanade

  • Morning: Visit the Docklands Stadium and surrounding area, featuring a:
    • Sail Melbourne Centre (sailing club)
    • Docklands Beach
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Docklands’ restaurants or food outlets
  • Afternoon: Explore the harbour esplanade, with its:
    • St. Kilda Marina
    • Waterfront dining options

Day 7: Departure and Last-Minute Shopping

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs in one of Melbourne’s many shopping precincts
  • Afternoon: Head back to the airport or continue your journey from a nearby departure point

Tips, Transportation, and Things to Know

  • Transportation: Melbourne has an extensive public transport network, including trams, buses, trains, and bike-share schemes. You can purchase a Myki card for easy travel.
  • Food: Melbourne is renowned for its food scene, with many high-quality restaurants, cafes, and food outlets serving international cuisine.
  • Safety: Melbourne is considered one of the safest cities in Australia. However, as with any city, take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Weather: Melbourne’s climate varies from spring (September to November) through summer (December to February), autumn (March to May), and winter (June to August). Be prepared for seasonal weather changes.

Accommodation Suggestions

  • Budget: St. Kilda Beach Hostel, Melbourne Central YHA, or Fitzroy Backpackers
  • Mid-range: Hotel Carlton*, Quest Melbourne*, or Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne
  • Luxury: The Langham Melbourne, The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, or Park Hyatt Melbourne

Other Tips and Recommendations

  • Book restaurants, tours, and attractions in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
  • Be prepared for crowds and long wait times at popular spots during peak tourist season (December to February).
  • Explore Melbourne’s many laneways, alleys, and hidden corners to discover unique street art, shops, and eateries.