72 Hours in Melbourne: The Ultimate Itinerary for First-Timers
Melbourne isn’t a city you simply “see” — it’s one you soak up. From the rattle of its iconic trams to the scent of freshly ground coffee drifting through narrow laneways, this southern gem invites you to slow down and savour the details. Known as Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne blends buzzing street art alleys, hidden cafés, and a food scene that rivals any major city in the world.
Spend a morning tracing murals splashed across brick walls, an afternoon wandering leafy parks or riverside paths, and an evening tucked into a rooftop bar watching the skyline glow. Beyond the city, rolling vineyards, dramatic coastlines, and wildlife encounters are just a short trip away — whether it’s penguins waddling along Phillip Island or the salty breeze of the Great Ocean Road.
In just 72 hours, you can sip, stroll, and explore your way through the best of Melbourne: its iconic heart, eclectic neighbourhoods, and unforgettable day trips. This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to feel the city’s creative pulse, taste its flavours, and leave with a real sense of what makes Melbourne so easy to fall in love with.
Day 1 – City Core and Laneway Culture
If you only had one day in Melbourne, the city centre would be the place to spend it. This is where the city’s personality shines brightest — a patchwork of historic landmarks, buzzing laneways, world-class art, and a café culture that locals treat almost like religion. Melbourne’s CBD is compact and easy to explore on foot, but what makes it special is how it surprises you: grand architecture sitting side by side with graffiti-splashed alleys, modern galleries tucked behind Victorian façades, and hidden cocktail bars you’d miss if you weren’t looking.
Day one is about soaking up this eclectic mix and getting a real taste of what Melbourne is all about.
Morning: Federation Square and Flinders Street
Begin at Federation Square, Melbourne’s cultural hub. Opened in 2002, its angular architecture sparked controversy, but today it’s become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. On any given day you might find open-air markets, art installations, or free screenings on the giant outdoor screen. Inside, the Ian Potter Centre showcases Australian art — from Indigenous works to contemporary pieces — while ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) is a must for film and media buffs. Federation Square represents Melbourne’s modern, creative edge, and starting here sets the tone for your trip.
Directly opposite stands Flinders Street Station, opened in 1910 and one of the city’s most beloved icons. Its domed roof, arched windows, and row of clocks above the main entrance are more than just architecture — they’re part of Melbourne’s cultural memory. Locals still say “meet me under the clocks,” making it not just a station, but a symbol of the city’s rhythm and identity.
Late Morning: Laneway Cafés and Street Art
No trip to Melbourne is complete without experiencing its laneways. Degraves Street and Centre Place are the best places to start: narrow alleys lined with cafés, tiny tables spilling onto the pavement, and the smell of espresso filling the air. This is the epicentre of Melbourne’s coffee culture — a city where baristas are treated like artists and locals debate the merits of flat whites versus long blacks. Eating breakfast here isn’t just about food; it’s about being part of a ritual that Melburnians live every day.
From there, wander to Hosier Lane, the heart of Melbourne’s street art scene. The walls here are in constant flux, layered with giant murals, stencils, and graffiti tags — some politically charged, others playful and colourful. While Hosier is the most famous (and busiest), nearby AC/DC Lane and Duckboard Place are equally striking, with fewer crowds and a more underground vibe. Street art is more than decoration here: it’s a reflection of Melbourne’s rebellious, creative spirit, and its willingness to let art thrive in public spaces.
Afternoon: Art, Gardens, and the Yarra
Spend your afternoon immersed in culture and nature. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) is Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, with a collection that spans everything from Indigenous Australian works to European classics. Its entrance, with the cascading water wall, is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Even if you’re not an art enthusiast, the NGV is a fascinating glimpse into Melbourne’s cultural backbone.
If you’d rather step outside, the Royal Botanic Gardens are a short stroll away. Spread across 38 hectares, they showcase over 8,500 plant species and are a haven for picnics, birdwatching, or simply recharging on a shaded lawn. For locals, the gardens are as much a social space as a natural one — a place to jog, walk the dog, or spend lazy afternoons.
Before the day winds down, walk along the Southbank Promenade beside the Yarra River. Once a gritty industrial zone, Southbank has been transformed into a lively strip of restaurants, open-air bars, and performance spaces. Buskers play for the crowds, office workers unwind with after-work drinks, and the skyline reflects beautifully in the river at sunset. It’s the perfect place to feel the city’s daily rhythm.
Evening: Chinatown and Hidden Bars
As night falls, head into Chinatown, one of the oldest and most continuous in the Western world, dating back to the 1850s gold rush. It’s more than just a place to eat — it’s a cultural anchor for Melbourne’s large Chinese community, with historic laneways, red lanterns, and restaurants ranging from bustling dumpling houses to refined Cantonese dining. Whether you’re after cheap eats or a multi-course feast, Chinatown delivers an atmosphere that’s always lively and authentic.
To finish the evening, dive into Melbourne’s hidden bar scene, which is practically an art form in itself. Many bars are unmarked, disguised as ordinary shopfronts, or tucked down laneways you’d never wander into by accident. Eau de Vie is a speakeasy-style bar with a 1920s flair and some of the city’s best cocktails, while Section 8 offers a complete contrast — an outdoor bar built in a converted car park, buzzing with DJs and live acts. These spots encapsulate Melbourne nightlife: quirky, creative, and never quite what you expect.
By the end of your first day, you’ll have experienced the full spectrum of Melbourne’s city core — from iconic landmarks and cultural institutions to laneway discoveries and late-night adventures. It’s the perfect introduction to the city’s mix of tradition and reinvention.
Melbourne’s iconic laneways.
Day 2 – Neighbourhoods and Local Flavours
If day one was about Melbourne’s iconic city core, day two is about experiencing the city through its neighbourhoods. Melbourne’s real soul lives in its suburbs — each with its own character, flavour, and pace. From the creative edge of Fitzroy to the leafy grandeur of Carlton and the seaside charm of St Kilda, today is about exploring what locals love most about their city.
Morning: Fitzroy’s Creativity and Café Culture
Start your day in Fitzroy, Melbourne’s bohemian heart. Once a working-class suburb, it has reinvented itself as a hub for artists, musicians, and free spirits. The streets here are lined with independent galleries, vintage clothing shops, and second-hand bookstores. Wander down Gertrude Street and Brunswick Street, where every corner café seems to compete for the title of best brunch in the city.
This is also one of the best places to see Melbourne’s street art beyond the CBD. Walls and laneways in Fitzroy and neighbouring Collingwood are a constantly shifting gallery, less polished than Hosier Lane but more authentic to the community vibe. Having breakfast here — whether it’s a plate of corn fritters, poached eggs on sourdough, or something plant-based — feels like you’ve tapped into Melbourne’s lifestyle at its core.
Late Morning: Carlton and a Touch of Europe
From Fitzroy, it’s an easy walk to Carlton, where leafy boulevards and 19th-century terraces showcase Melbourne’s Italian heritage. This suburb was home to many of the Italian immigrants who helped shape Melbourne’s food culture, and today Lygon Street is still known as “Little Italy.” You’ll find espresso bars, pizzerias, and gelato shops lining the street — a perfect place for a late-morning coffee or pastry.
Carlton is also home to the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1880 for the Melbourne International Exhibition. Its grand dome and sweeping gardens speak to the city’s ambition during the gold rush era, when Melbourne briefly became one of the richest cities in the world. Nearby, the Melbourne Museum offers fascinating insights into natural history and local culture, including the story of the First Nations peoples of Victoria.
Afternoon: St Kilda by the Sea
Head south to St Kilda, Melbourne’s iconic seaside suburb. Just 20 minutes from the CBD by tram, it feels like a different world. Start with a walk along the St Kilda Esplanade and the historic St Kilda Pier, where you might spot the colony of little penguins that come ashore at dusk.
St Kilda has always had a slightly rebellious streak — from its heyday as a holiday resort in the 19th century to its reputation for live music and alternative culture in the 20th. Today, it’s known for its beach, its eclectic food scene, and the kitschy charm of Luna Park, a historic amusement park with its famous “Mr Moon” entrance. On Sundays, the St Kilda Esplanade Market is a great place to browse local art, jewellery, and crafts.
Evening: Rooftops and River Views
Return to the city for your evening, but this time head upwards. Melbourne’s rooftop bar scene is legendary, with venues dotted across the CBD offering skyline views and a relaxed, local vibe. Try Rooftop Bar on Swanston Street, where deckchairs face the skyscrapers, or Naked for Satan in Fitzroy, which pairs tapas with panoramic city views.
For dinner, Southbank is always a strong option, but if you want something more local, stay in Fitzroy or Carlton for lively pubs and wine bars. Melbourne’s food scene is famously diverse, so whether you’re craving modern Australian, authentic Italian, or inventive vegan dishes, you’ll find it within a few blocks.
By the end of day two, you’ll have discovered the neighbourhood character that makes Melbourne so liveable: a mix of creativity, heritage, seaside charm, and a food culture that punches well above its weight.
St Kilda.
Day 3 – Day Trip Beyond the City
One of Melbourne’s greatest strengths is what lies just beyond the city limits. In less than two hours, you can swap laneways for vineyards, skyscrapers for ocean cliffs, and rooftop bars for penguin colonies. Your third day is the perfect chance to experience the landscapes that make Victoria such a standout region. Depending on your interests — wine, wildlife, coastlines, or relaxation — here are four day trip options worth considering.
Option 1: Great Ocean Road – Dramatic Coastal Beauty
If you only do one day trip from Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road is the most famous. Winding along the southern coast of Victoria, it’s considered one of the world’s most scenic drives. The highlight is the Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks rising from the ocean, best viewed at sunset when they glow golden.
But the journey itself is just as rewarding: surf beaches at Bells Beach, koalas lazing in the trees near Kennett River, and charming towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay where you can stop for lunch. Even on a whirlwind day trip, you’ll get a sense of why this coastal drive is iconic — it’s wild, rugged, and impossibly beautiful.
Option 2: Yarra Valley – Wine and Gourmet Experiences
For food and wine lovers, the Yarra Valley is heaven. Just an hour from Melbourne, this region is famous for its cool-climate wines, especially Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Spend the day visiting cellar doors, sampling local cheeses and chocolates, or enjoying a long vineyard lunch with rolling hills as your backdrop.
The Yarra isn’t just about wine — you’ll also find breweries, cider houses, and the Healesville Sanctuary, where you can meet native wildlife like kangaroos, wombats, and platypuses. It’s a relaxed, indulgent escape that shows off Victoria’s gourmet side.
Option 3: Phillip Island – Wildlife and Coastal Adventure
Animal lovers should head to Phillip Island, about 90 minutes from Melbourne. The island is most famous for its penguin parade, where hundreds of little penguins waddle ashore at dusk after a day of fishing — an unforgettable sight for all ages.
But there’s more to discover: seal colonies at Seal Rocks, dramatic coastal scenery along the Nobbies boardwalk, and family-friendly beaches. Phillip Island combines classic Australian wildlife encounters with sweeping coastal landscapes, making it a brilliant option for those who want something unique.
Option 4: Mornington Peninsula – Relaxation and Coastal Charm
If you prefer something more laid-back, the Mornington Peninsula is a perfect blend of beaches, wineries, and wellness. The peninsula is dotted with seaside villages, gourmet food stops, and award-winning vineyards. You can hike along rugged coastal trails, relax in the Peninsula Hot Springs, or simply enjoy fish and chips by the water.
It’s the kind of day trip that feels like a real escape while still being close to the city — easy, restorative, and full of local flavour.
Yarra Valley.
What to Pack
Bring layers, a light rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes — you’ll want to cover plenty of ground. A reusable water bottle is handy, as tap water is safe to drink. If you’re planning day trips, sunscreen and a hat are musts, even outside of summer.
Local Quirks
Coffee is serious business in Melbourne. Don’t expect a quick drip coffee — order a flat white, latte, or long black, and be prepared for barista perfection.
AFL (Australian Rules Football) isn’t just a sport here — it’s practically a religion. If you’re visiting between March and September, catching a game at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) is a must for sports fans.
Street art is ever-changing, so even if you’ve seen Hosier Lane before, it’ll look completely different the next time.
Money-Saving Tips
Take advantage of the Free Tram Zone and free-entry attractions like the NGV and the State Library of Victoria.
For dining, look out for weekday lunch specials or wander into Fitzroy for affordable eats that rival fine dining in flavour.
If you’re planning a Great Ocean Road trip, consider a group tour — it’s often cheaper than hiring a car and less stressful for first-time visitors.
The Yarra.
“Melbourne is a city that rewards curiosity. In just 72 hours you can sip world-class coffee in buzzing laneways, wander leafy parks and grand galleries, watch penguins waddle home at dusk, or stand in awe before the crashing waves of the Great Ocean Road. It’s a place where old meets new — Victorian architecture beside bold street art, heritage suburbs sitting alongside creative hubs, and a culture that thrives on reinvention.
Three days is enough to get a real taste of Melbourne’s spirit: its neighbourhood charm, its coastal escapes, and its love of good food, art, and community. You won’t see it all — but that’s the point. Melbourne isn’t about rushing through a checklist. It’s about soaking in the details, finding your own favourite laneway café, and leaving already planning your return.”
