Melbourne is Australia's culture and food capital, with hidden laneways, world-class coffee, sports at the MCG and galleries. Drive the Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles or see penguins on Phillip Island. March to May and September to November are best.
Good to know
- Trams in the CBD Free Tram Zone cost nothing; get a myki card for the rest.
- Melbourne weather changes fast; pack layers.
- Book Phillip Island penguin parade tickets ahead.
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Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Hosier Lane murals, Degraves Street cafes and hidden bars tucked into narrow alleys.
Historic market with produce, deli halls and a summer night market.
Cocktails on a CBD rooftop with skyline views, some with outdoor cinemas in summer.
Spectacular coastal drive past surf beaches and rainforest to limestone stacks.
Australia's oldest public gallery, with a stunning stained-glass ceiling and free collection.
Watch hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at dusk, plus koalas and seals on the same island.
See an AFL or cricket match at the iconic stadium, or take the sports museum tour.
Seaside suburb with Luna Park, cake shops and a pier with penguins at dusk.
Cool-climate wineries, a chocolate factory and a hot-air balloon at dawn.
Lakes, fern gullies and wide lawns beside the Yarra with skyline views, ideal for a picnic.
Melbourne's best cafes and roasters in Fitzroy and Collingwood.
Free museum of film, TV and games with interactive exhibits.