Globetrotters
| Morning | Federation Square & street art |
| Afternoon | Bourke St |
| Evening | Flinders Lane |
Flinders St Station
Not only is getting public transport a breeze in Melbourne, but all trams within the CBD ‘grid’ are free! If you want to take the scenic/tourist route though, try to get a historic City Circle tram (no. 35). Get out near Flinders St station and head to Degraves St for your first taste of amazing Melbourne coffee and the city’s laneway culture. This European-inspired laneway has some good cafes, restaurants and boutique shops.
Cafe’s in Degraves St
Back in the direction of Flinders St station, directly opposite is Melbourne’s most popular meeting spot and architecturally its most controversial – Federation Square. Experimental, modern, industrial, by many seen as just an eye sore. But love it or hate it, there’s a lot to explore within the square including the Australian Centre of Moving Image (ACMI) and the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Both offer free admission to their permanent galleries.
Interior of Federation Square
Street art in Hosier Lane
DAY 2
| Morning | Queen Victoria Market |
| Afternoon | Southbank, NGV & Arts Centre |
| Evening | St Kilda |
Queen Victoria Market
Starting in the northern end of the city this morning, the Queen Victoria Market is like Melbourne’s version of Covent Garden in London. The market is massive and includes quality Australian handmade products, shoes, as well as cheaper products and bargains too. There’s also a great Deli Hall where you could get some items for a picnic.
If the weather is right, what better place for that picnic than in the Royal Botanical Gardens (just a few tram stops away). Alternatively head to one of the restaurants by the river at Southbank or at Ponyfish Island under the pedestrian bridge.
Music buffs could next check out the Australian Music Vault in the neighboring Arts Centre. There’s a Sunday artisans market here also. If you only visit one art gallery in Melbourne don’t miss National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International), which has free entry. Not far from here is the unmistakable Eureka Tower which is Australia’s 2nd tallest building. Eighty-eight levels up is the Eureka Skydeck 88 observation deck which has some of the best views over Melbourne and a unique ‘edge’ experience for those not-at-all afraid of heights.
In the late afternoon hop on a 30-35 minute tram ride out to St Kilda, a hip waterside suburb with a nice beach without waves. Didn’t picture yourself swimming in Melbourne? Well, even when the sea is chilly there’s an indoor pool, as well as Melbourne’s Luna Park and the Palais Theatre for entertainment. Sunday is also market day here along The Esplanade. Take a walk along the St Kilda pier. 30mins after dusk keep a look out for the penguins (behind the pier). St Kilda has a relaxed vibe and is a great place to linger and spend your evening. Have dinner either by the waterside or in Ackland street. Either way, make sure you leave plenty of room for dessert! The European coffee shops along Ackland street and their selection of cakes, tarts and biscuits is too good to refuse.
Luna Park at St Kilda
Vacationers
Follow the Globetrotters itinerary for Days 1-2.
DAY 3
| Morning | Fitzroy Gardens |
| Afternoon | Chapel St |
| Evening | Yarra Cruise & Docklands |
Webb Bridge near Docklands
Culture Buffs
Culture buffs could never get enough of what Melbourne has to offer, but at a bear minimum could spend at least two extra days in the city for some extra cultural sights most suited to their specific interests and tastes.
Follow the vacationers itinerary for days 1 – 3. However on Day 1 if you intend to check out more than one gallery at the Ian Potter Center & ACMI, you could reserve shopping along Bourke St mall for another afternoon.
Day 2 could actually be spread out over 2 days if you want to spend more time at the NGV & see a show at the Arts Centre. History buffs should also check out the Shrine of Remembrance whilst in the Royal Botanical Gardens, which includes a museum about Australian soldiers & the World Wars.
DAY 4
| Morning | Smith St |
| Afternoon | CBD north |
| Evening | Lygon St |
For breakfast this morning head up to Smith St in Collingwood which is becoming known as Melbourne’s hippest street with great eats, shops & vintage markets. Then venture back down towards the city and check out one of the sights in the northern pocket of the CBD that suit your interests, such as the Melbourne Museum, Old Melbourne Gaol or the City Baths. For lunch head a few blocks south for Chinatown or the Greek Precient on Lonsdale St.
Melbourne Central
Have you had enough of Melbourne’s great shopping yet? If not, spend some time at Melbourne Central which has all the major international brands under one roof (or ‘dome’). History buffs will appreciate this mall as it has been built around a historic shot tower and is the centerpiece of the centre.
In the evening get a tram further north to Lygon Street in Carlton, which is also known as Little Italy. Tons of great Italian restaurants line the street, the trouble is picking just one!
DAY 5
Depending on your interests dedicate the day exploring some sights specific to your interests, here is just a pick from many…
Shopping buffs
Brunswick St
Gertrude St
Bridge Rd
History buffs
Immigration Museum
Parliament House
Shrine of Remembrance
Royal Exhibition Building
Sports buffs
Melbourne Cricket Grownd (‘MCG’) and the sports precinct
Travelling with kids
Melbourne Zoo
For those ready for a big night out, there’s loads of entertainment options and things to do to at the Crown complex. Check out the What’s On schedule to see what shows are on whilst you’re in town. There’s also numerous bars, clubs, shops, a cinema, restaurants, shows and family-friendly attractions at Crown also. It’s an extravagant venue but certainly will make for a memorable night out.
Got more time? Consider these day trips
After seeing all the sights around town, if you have more time up your sleeve why not venture to some of these fascinating destinations within close proximity:
Great Ocean Rd
- Great Ocean Road. Take a road trip through small towns, beaches, see rock formations in the ocean (such as the Twelve Apostles, through there are no longer twelve), waterfalls, and a whole lot more.
- Mornington Penninsula. Beaches, wineries, hiking opportunities. A great way to completely unwind from the city life.
- Yarra Valley. Visit the cellar doors of Victoria’s oldest wine region, specialising in cool climate wines, Pinot Noir, sparkling wine and Chardonnay.
Days mapped out
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