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3 Days in Melbourne - Travel by Example

3 Days in Melbourne – Detailed Itinerary for a Perfect Visit

Posted on 23 July 202421 June 2025
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Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria state and one of the largest cities in Australia. It’s known for its culture, coffee and dining, architecture, museums and art galleries, sunny beaches and green parks. Moreover, Melbourne has been constantly voted as one of the most livable cities in the world. We visited Melbourne a few times and in this post we’d like to share our detailed itinerary for 3 Days in Melbourne.

If you are visiting Australia for the first time, Melbourne is a great place to start. Spend a few days in the city, go to a beach, explore places nearby and visit wildlife park. If you have even more time – take a road trip to the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park. 

Here is our detailed itinerary of what to see and do in Melbourne, Australia in 3 days.

Day 1 – Melbourne City

Spend the first day exploring the many sights of Melbourne city.

Walking in Melbourne City (Hotel Windsor and Stanford Fountain)
Walking in Melbourne City (Hotel Windsor and Stanford Fountain)

Walk in the CBD (Central Business District)

Explore Melbourne CBD on foot to see its many landmarks, busy streets, urban spaces, skyscrapers as well as historic Victorian buildings.

Flinders Street Railway Station
Flinders Street Railway Station

Start with the iconic Flinders Street Railway Station, then continue on to the adjacent Federation Square – a modern urban plaza with cafes and art venues. Next, visit the neo-gothic building of St Paul’s Cathedral. Walk a little further to see Melbourne Town Hall – an iconic city landmark situated on Swanston Street. 

Enjoying the sun on Federation Square
Enjoying the sun on Federation Square

At the edge of the CBD stands the grand neo-Renaissance building of Melbourne’s Parliament House. Adjusted to it – Parliament Gardens – a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the greenery in the heart of a busy city.

Coles Fountain at Parliament Gardens
Coles Fountain at Parliament Gardens

Wander a bit further to Treasure Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens next. Check out original James Cook’s family cottage, tiny Tudor Village, cute Dolphin Fountain and even a playground if travelling with small children.

Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne
Fitzroy Gardens, Melbourne

Pay a visit to Melbourne’s Chinatown – a vibrant neighborhood with rich cultural heritage.  It offers a wide variety of Asian cuisine, from dim sum to hot pot to traditional Chinese dumplings. Chinatown is a great place to grab a bite or stop for lunch or dinner later in the day.

Melbourne’s Chinatown in evening
Melbourne’s Chinatown in evening

Next, go to State Library Victoria – a gorgeous historical building hosting Victoria state library. It’s free and open to the public, so make sure to go inside to admire its vast collection of books, spacious reading rooms and hosted exhibitions.

A reading room in Melbourne's State Library Victoria.
A reading room in Melbourne’s State Library Victoria.

Walk to Flagstaff Gardens – urban park with nice views (and a playground – if you’re travelling with small kids).

Take a tram to Docklands

Take a free tram to Docklands – a modern suburb with tall buildings, trendy waterfront cafes and lively public spaces. 

Cross the river via Webb Bridge – a pedestrian bridge over Yarra river with unique design and structure.

Docklands pedestrian bridge - Webb Bridge
Docklands pedestrian bridge – Webb Bridge

Docklands suburb is nicely lit and makes a great photo spot when visiting in the evening – with the illuminated structure of Webb Bridge and all the tall buildings reflecting in water.

Stroll along Yarra River

From the Webb Bridge stroll along the Yarra River in the direction of Princes Bridge. Take in the panoramic views of the city skyline and enjoy the sight of the river and many bridges that span across it.

3 Days in Melbourne - stroll along Yarra River
3 Days in Melbourne – stroll along Yarra River

The waterfront is lined with numerous cafes and restaurants. Make a stop for lunch in one of the cafes before continuing your exploration of Melbourne city. 

Yarra river and Melbourne's city skyline
Yarra river and Melbourne’s city skyline

For a panoramic view of Melbourne, visit the Skydeck observation deck located on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower. We haven’t been ourselves, but I hear it’s a popular tourist attraction where you can experience the thrill of standing on the Edge – a glass cube that extends out from the building. 

Having a rest with the view to Prince Bridge and the city skyline
Having a rest with the view to Prince Bridge and the city skyline

What we really liked about Melbourne is the abundance of walking spaces that line the banks of the Yarra River. Not just in the city center, but further away too – past Princes Bridge, along the Botanical Gardens and so on. There are lots of walkways, cycleways and nice green spaces and parks along the river.

Walking along the banks of Yarra River in Melbourne
Walking along the banks of Yarra River in Melbourne

Take a river cruise

In the afternoon, after all the walking, take a river cruise on Yarra for a relaxing way to see Melbourne’s city from the water. 

A river cruise is a nice way to see Melbourne from a different angle (from the water)
A river cruise is a nice way to see Melbourne from a different angle (from the water)

There are few options to cruise along the Yarra River. During one of our visits we took a 2-hour City Highlights cruise. The kids were small back then and it was a nice way to see some city highlights from a comfort of the boat. The last time we visited we were planning to go on one of the evening cruises – City Lights Melbourne River Cruise. However, due to constant heavy rain in previous weeks and elevated water levels in the river all cruises were cancelled when we were visiting. Hopefully, you will have better luck! 

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Dine at Lygon Street

Finish the day at Carlton suburb known for its vibrant Lygon Street – a mecca for authentic Italian cuisine. On Lygon Street you will find lots of Italian cafes and restaurants. Dine in or take away – a nice way to finish your first day in Melbourne!

Day 2 – Museums/Galleries, Gardens and Beaches

Visit a museum or a gallery

Melbourne is known as Australia’s capital of sports, arts and culture. It has numerous museums and galleries – from the National Gallery of Victoria, home to an extensive collection of Australian and international artworks, to the grand Melbourne Museum, with exhibitions on natural history and Aboriginal culture, there is something for everyone.

Start the Day 2 of Melbourne Itinerary with a visit to a museum or gallery of your choice. 

If you’re travelling with children we can recommend the Scienceworks Museum west of Yarra (you will need to take a bus or a train from CBD to get to the museum). 

Another great place to visit for adults and children alike is SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium – a huge multi-level aquarium located right in the CBD.

If you’re visiting Melbourne Museum, make sure to also explore Carlton Gardens and Royal Exhibition Building nearby.

Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne
Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne

Take a tram to Shrine of Remembrance

After visiting museum or gallery of your choice, take a tram to Shrine of Remembrance – a memorial to all Australians who served in war and conflicts. 

Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne
Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne

The Shrine of Remembrance monument is located atop a small hill and provides stunning panoramic views of the Melbourne skyline, making it a serene spot for reflection and appreciation.

Beautiful views from the Shrine of Remembrance
Beautiful views from the Shrine of Remembrance

Escape to the Royal Botanic Gardens

Next, escape to the vast greenery and tranquil space of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria located on the 36 hectares of land by Yarra river. 

Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens offer a peaceful retreat in the heart of a busy city. Explore its many themed gardens and areas, wander many alleys and walking pathways, check out the Government House building, walk around the lake and have a rest and a bite at Terrace cafe.

Spend the afternoon at St. Kilda

Spend the afternoon at St. Kilda suburb (25-30 minutes by tram from Royal Botanic Gardens) – home to one of Melbourne’s most popular beaches and the iconic Melbourne Luna Park. 

St. Kilda beach, Melbourne
St. Kilda beach, Melbourne

St. Kilda is home to a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Stroll along the waterfront, have dinner at one of St. Kilda’s cafes and just enjoy the natural beauty of St. Kilda beach. 

Broadwalk at St. Kilda - with the cafe lined up on one side and the beach on the other side
Broadwalk at St. Kilda – with the cafe lined up on one side and the beach on the other side

St. Kilda beach is a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a busy day exploring Melbourne’s city attractions.

Finish the day at Brighton Beach

If you still have time left on the day, visit another Melbourne’s popular beach – Brighton Beach. It’s further away from the city center and it will take about an hour to get there. 

We haven’t been there ourselves, but if you want to see and take a pic of the famous colorful Brighton Bathing Boxes then Brighton Beach is your destination. Alternatively, if you don’t have enough time to visit Brighton Beach on the Day 2, but you really want to, then make a detour on your way to a wildlife reserve on the morning of Day 3 (see below).

Day 3 – Australian Wildlife and Phillip Island

After spending two days walking and exploring Melbourne city and its attractions, it’s time to venture further away from the city. For the Day 3 of our Melbourne itinerary we recommend renting a car for a day trip to one of Melbourne’s wildlife parks and to Phillip Island.

Start the day early as there is a lot to see on this one day trip from Melbourne.

Visit a wildlife park

When travelling to Australia, exploring one of the many wildlife parks with native Australian fauna is a must. It’s an unforgettable experience to learn about and interact with Australia’s diverse wildlife in a safe environment.

The Melbourne area has a few parks offering to get up close with native animals like kangaroos, koalas, and wombats. We chose to visit Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park as it is conveniently located on the way to Phillip Island. Plus, they have options for close-up animal encounters in a safe (for both humans and animals) environment, and they have free-roaming kangaroos in the park. 

3 Days in Melbourne - visit a wildlife park
3 Days in Melbourne – visit a wildlife park

You can buy admission ticket(s) in advance on Moonlit Sanctuary website. It is approximately 1-hour drive from Melbourne city center, and then allow another 2-3 hours to spend in the park.

I’m sure many other wildlife parks around Melbourne offer similar experiences, so you can choose to visit a different park. So far, we’ve been to 2 or 3 wildlife parks in Australia and all of them have high standards of animal care and offer lots of positive experiences and animal encounters for visitors.

Explore Phillip Island

The picturesque Phillip Island is known for its beautiful landscapes, wildlife and the charm of small coastal towns.

Explore Phillip Island on a day trip from Melbourne
Explore Phillip Island on a day trip from Melbourne

There are so many opportunities for hiking, natural sightseeing and wildlife spotting on Phillip Island, that you can easily spend a whole day there. But if you have an afternoon or just a few hours to spare then we recommend driving around the island and make at least the following stops.

Phillip Island Chocolate Factory – just as you enter (or exit) the island make a short stop at the paradise for chocolate lovers. Taste their hot chocolate, buy some candies or take a factory tour to learn about the chocolate-making process.

Check out the Forrest Caves – caves and rock formations formed by waves eroding the limestone cliffs over thousands of years. Caves are only accessible at low tides (so, check the tides before visiting).

Drive to the charming town of Cowes with its beautiful coastal views. See the Red Rocks Beach, walk to the Cowes Jetty and have lunch at one of the lovely cafes in town. 

Have lunch at Cowes town of Phillip Island
Have lunch at Cowes town of Phillip Island

Drive to the Nobbies View Point for panoramic views of the ocean and cliffs. Then walk to Southpoint Lookout – for more stunning views of the surrounding landscape and oceanscape. 

Next, make a stop at Summerlands Lookout – another beautiful spot with the views of the ocean, coastal landscape and overlooking the Penguin Parade.

View from Summerlands Lookout towards the Pinguin Parade
View from Summerlands Lookout towards the Pinguin Parade

Visit Penguin Watchout to see the iconic Penguin Parade – the best time to visit is at sunset to observe cute penguins waddling up the beach. 

Pyramid Rock Lookout – a short walk to the scenic lookout towards the ocean and the unique rock formation.

Pyramid Rock Lookout, Phillip Island
Pyramid Rock Lookout, Phillip Island

That concludes our 3 Days in Melbourne itinerary. Hope you enjoyed it! To help planning your trip to Melbourne I’m also including some tips and practical information, such as public transport and where to stay in Melbourne.

Transport options in Melbourne

Getting to/from Melbourne Airport

There are few transportation options to get to/from Melbourne Airport to Melbourne City:

Taxis or Uber. Melbourne CBD is about 30 minutes drive from the airport by car. You can find taxi stands near Terminals 1 and 4. If you pre-booked a taxi or prefer an Uber then use the designated pick up area outside of Terminal 2 or at the Terminal 4 carpark. 

SkyBus. The most popular option to/from Melbourne airport is SkyBus City Express. A regular express bus service runs every 10-15 mins with stops at Terminals 1, 3 and 4. For up-to-date fares and other details visit SkyBus website.  

Car Rental. If you’re planning to hit the road once you land in Melbourne it may be worth renting a car right at the airport. Rental car kiosks are located on the ground floor of the airport Terminal Car Park at Terminal 1, 2 & 3.

Public Transport in Melbourne

When visiting Melbourne, using public transport is a convenient option to get around and explore the city sights and attractions. You can buy myki card – a reusable card for payments in public transport – at many locations across the city (e.g. at the airport, vending machines at train stations, 7-Eleven and other stores); load it with credit and use it to pay for travel on trains, trams, and buses.

There are all kinds of transport in Melbourne :)
There are all kinds of transport in Melbourne 🙂

In the CBD there is an iconic Melbourne vintage tram that runs around the central city. The tram is a nice way to travel and sightsee in the CBD, and the ride is free! 

If venturing further away from Melbourne (and don’t have a car or don’t want to rent one) then you can travel by trains. Train network connects Melbourne city center with suburbs and destinations like Frankston, Mornington and Yarra Valley.

Where to stay in Melbourne

There is no shortage of accommodations when staying in Melbourne. Whether you prefer a luxury or a budget-friendly stay, Melbourne has a wide range of options for any traveller.

Staying in the CBD area is a great choice for easy access to main city landmarks, many cafes and restaurants, shopping, nightlife and the picturesque Yarra River. Another great option next to the CBD is Carlton suburb – known for its cultural heritage, close proximity to Melbourne Museum and its vibrant Italian precinct with authentic cuisine. For a more relaxed and seaside atmosphere pick accommodation at St. Kilda with its picturesque St. Kilda Beach and the famous Luna Park amusement park.

When is the best time to visit Melbourne

The best time to go to Melbourne depends on your personal preferences and what type of experience you’re looking to have. 

Australian summer is during the months of December to February, with lots of sunshine-filled days and daily temperatures ranging from 24 to 27 °C. First time we visited Melbourne it was in December and the weather was really pleasant around 22-24°C during the day – nice for visiting beaches and parks, but a bit too hot for our liking for walking and exploring the city.

Visiting Melbourne in summer - Merry Christmas!
Visiting Melbourne in summer – Merry Christmas!

Australian spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are probably the best times to explore the city on foot, go for a walk on a beach, visit a vineyard or a wildlife reserve, or go for a road trip. We visited in October for a road trip from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road, and the temperature was warm enough to swim in outdoor pool, but also not too hot to take lots of walks and short hikes during the trip.

During the winter months (June to August) you will find Melbourne less crowded and accommodation less pricey. It’s still a good time to go to Melbourne if you plan visiting museums, galleries and explore its cafes and restaurants. But be prepared for colder temperatures (on average 6-7°C at night, and 13-15°C at daytime) and more rain if travelling to Melbourne in winter.

Read next: 3 Days in Sydney, Australia: Sightseeing, Beaches & Blue Mountains.

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3 Days in Melbourne - Detailed Itinerary for a Perfect Visit
3 Days in Melbourne – Detailed Itinerary for a Perfect Visit
3 Days in Melbourne - Detailed Itinerary for a Perfect Visit
3 Days in Melbourne – Detailed Itinerary for a Perfect Visit

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Amersfoort Amsterdam Asia Auckland Australia Austria Bavaria Belgium Busan Coromandel Delft Europe France Frankfurt Germany Gouda Hiking Iceland Innsbruck Koblenz Leiden Louvre Luxembourg Maastricht Melbourne Munich Netherlands New Zealand Oceania Paris Reykjavik Rhine RoadTrip Rothenburg ob der Tauber Rotterdam Salzburg Seoul South Korea The Hague TravelWithKids Tulips Utrecht Waikato Zaandam Zaanse Schans
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