A Complete Melbourne 3 Day Itinerary
Are you searching for a comprehensive Melbourne 3 day itinerary? Well here it is. The city is known for its quirky art scene, delicious food and world-renowned coffee. However, if you’re into world-class sport or a beach lover, then Melbourne should be on your list too. There’s a famous saying that in Melbourne you can experience all four seasons in one day. This is absolutely true.
Be prepared for a break of a lifetime.
How to get into the city from the airport
Where to stay in Melbourne
Melbourne is an expensive city to stay in and you will have a lot of choice. Think about what you want from this trip. Do you want to be in the hustle and bustle? Stay in the CBD. Do you want a laid-back beach vibe? Head to St Kilda. Or do you fancy an alternative, edgy scene? Stay in a leafy suburb. For example, Carlton or Fitzroy.
After all, there are many options to consider, hotels, Airbnb and hostels. If you are a budget traveller then you should stay in a hostel. Book on HostelWorld and look at the latest deals and reviews. We have stayed in a few hostels in Melbourne and found our favourite to be Flinders Backpackers. It’s central, clean, and cheap with free food and activities. No brainer.
When to go to Melbourne
If you’re a sports lover, follow the sport. Ultimately, there’s nothing like watching a Grand Slam Tennis Match at the Aussie Open, the cricket at the MCG, the Australian Grand Prix or the Australian Football League (which evolved in Melbourne in 1858).
On the contary, if sport is not your thing and you want to visit for the Aussie sun, head to Melbourne for the summer months (December- February). It does get cold if you visit outside of summer, but that won’t stop you from having fun.
Melbourne 3 Day Itinerary - The Outline
Day 1
Morning
Firstly, you should begin your Melbourne 3 day itinerary with a coffee. It is argued that it is the coffee capital of Australia, so the first thing you should do is try the coffee for yourself. Of course, there are many coffee shops to try but we recommend Market Lane Coffee. Try it. They have 3 coffee shops across the city and showcase what the craze is all about.
If you’re keen to explore the city by foot, there’s no better way than through a walking tour. Besides, there are a few tours available, but why not join a free one? They leave every day at 10:30am and 2:30pm, and are around 2 and a half hours long.
They offer insider knowledge about Melbourne’s culture, art and history and leave from the State Library Victoria. Check out up to date information here. You will get to visit Federation Square, Flinders Street Station and Parliament House (amongst other stops).
Afternoon
Furthermore, it is a good idea to venture inside the impressive State Library Victoria. If you’re a book nerd, and even if you’re not, it’s worth a look around the iconic 1854 structure. Did you know this was one of the first free public libraries in the world?
Another possibility, whilst you are in the CBD, is to take a ride on the free city circle tram around the city. It is well signposted and they announce when you are leaving the ‘free zone’. Hop on and off and discover new places that perhaps weren’t on your walking tour.
If you want to venture further you will need to pick up a MyKi card and you can get these at 7/11 stores.
Evening
A great way to spend your evening is to head up the Eureka Skydeck. Our top tip would be to time this for sunset to see the city in the light and dark. It’s 300m high and you’ll see impressive Melbourne from above. You will be able to catch a sight of Australia’s highest post-box, see the many sporting arenas, and there’s even an option to stand on a glass floor. But do so at your own risk…
Finally, to end your first day in this vibrant city, take a walk down below on the Southbank, take a picture on Princes Bridge of the skyline at night and have a drink, food or ice cream in one of the many bars and restaurants along the river bank.
Day 2
Morning
Calling all art lovers. Victoria’s capital is well known for its street art and the phenomenal National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). Now is your chance to explore further. You’ve probably visited Hosier Lane already, but if you haven’t this street is full of artistic wonders that change often.
Personally we have visited Melbourne on 3 separate occasions over a 2-year period and I have never seen the same art-work. It’s exciting, fresh and really shows what Melbourne, Victoria has to offer. Also visit Union Lane, Croft Alley, Rankins Lane and Duckboard place if this is up your street.
Do not miss the unbelievable NGV. You will discover world-class, free exhibitions and make sure to check what is on before you go. There are sometimes evening attractions which bring in Melbourne’s hipster, youngish crowd. It’s an unforgettable experience.
Afternoon
You might want to spend the afternoon having a picnic in Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s tranquil and encompasses walking paths, lakes and gardens to explore. Also this is a popular running route for the locals. If you can’t beat them, join them.
Nearby there is the Shrine of Remembrance which has an amazing view of Melbourne’s skyline as well as important historical information remembering the ANZACs who lost their lives during WW1.
Evening
Depending on the time of year you go, you have a couple of options for your evening.
1) You can divulge into Melbourne’s food scene in one of its hip suburbs. We recommend heading either to Fitzroy , Brunswick, or Richmond. There are so many options available, so it really depends on what food you like, Melbourne has EVERYTHING. If you can’t choose, we loved Vegie Bar in Richmond. Try it!
2) You can catch a film at an outdoor cinema, but remember they are closed in winter and you will need to book in advance (they sell out).There is the Rooftop Cinema and the Moonlight Cinema to choose from and you can see new releases and old classics. Get ready for a night under the stars, bring a blanket (it gets cold) and relax and unwind after an eventful day.
Day 3
Morning
To begin your final day, spend your morning walking along Brighton Beach’s white sands to beat the crowds that will get there by the afternoon. It is not too far out of the CBD.
There are 90+ bathing huts that date back from the 1900s. This is a popular photograph spot and it’s easy to understand why. The colourful bathing boxes provide a remarkable backdrop, whilst you relax, read or take a dip in the water.
Afternoon
You can catch a bus or an Uber, but why not take a 2-hour (7km) stroll to St Kilda from Brighton Beach. Known to be ‘Melbourne’s most scenic walk’. You can see the boats, beaches and Melbourne’s skyline in the distance. Pure bliss.
When you arrive at St Kilda there is an abundance of things to do. Whether you want to visit Luna Park or have a beer or food in one of the many bars or restaurants. You can’t go wrong. Check out if there are any local events happening, in the summer there is the St Kilda Festival and there are regular food markets that will satisfy everyone’s hunger.
If you go to the pier at night, you can see wild penguins, but be warned not to take pictures of them using flash and not to get too close by respecting these amazing creatures.
Evening
Finally, when you have watched the sunset on the beach, catch the 30 minute tram back to the city. Depending on the time of year, why not catch a sporting event? From personal experience, we can recommend the cricket at the MCG and the AO Tennis. Both events are incredible and you really feel like you are part of the city.
If sport is not your cup of tea, then head Queen Victoria Market for some local delicacies. This marketplace comes alive every Wednesday night in the hotter months (November to April) and you can taste samples, listen to live music and shop from 5pm-10pm!
If you aren’t visiting for the night market, it is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Friday from 6am-3pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-4pm. ENJOY.
There you have it: a jam-packed Melbourne 3 day itinerary. For food, sport, art, beach and coffee lovers. Discover this trendy city for yourself and we can guarantee it’s somewhere you’ll not forget soon.
If you are more of a Sydney soul, then click here for 10 ten free things to do in Sydney.
