3 days in Melbourne

Melbourne is known as Australia’s coffee capital. Start your day in true Melbourne fashion with coffee and brunch. Exploring the city on foot, it won’t take you long to find cool cafés serving top-notch coffees made by seriously talented baristas.

You’ll find some of the city’s best art splashed across its cobbled laneways. Make a beeline for AC/DC Lane, Duckboard Place and Hosier Lane to see bold graffiti murals painted by local and international artists.

From the artistic ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) to the oldest art gallery in the country, Melbourne’s art and culture scene is diverse. Whether you love sports, science, art or film, you’ll find a Melbourne museum to suit you.

Visit Melbourne’s celebrated Queen Victoria Market, a historic landmark that boasts over 600 market stalls selling everything from fresh coffee to seasonal produce, clothing and Australian souvenirs.

Captain your own electric boat along the Yarra River to feel the beating heart of Melbourne. No boat licence is necessary, and all you need for an afternoon on the water is a packed picnic and a sense of adventure.

Melbourne locals are passionate about music, and it’s evident in the city’s ever-present live music scene. Experience ‘Australia’s live music capital’ for yourself at these legendary music venues across the city.

Feel grounded in nature during an Aboriginal guided walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Experience a traditional smoking ceremony before learning about the history of the city’s Aboriginal people and their traditional uses for plants.

For all things fresh, gourmet and locally produced, head to Prahran Markets – Melbourne’s biggest fresh food market – to explore colourful stalls of tasty eats. Think seafood, cheese, organic produce and coffee beans.

Hop on the city’s beloved tram to the bustling beach suburb of St Kilda. Take a stroll along the esplanade and the historic St Kilda Pier, throw a towel down on the sand or grab a bite to eat overlooking the ocean.

Follow the coastal path from St Kilda to Brighton Beach for sweeping views over Port Phillip Bay. Stop to snap a few photos of the beach’s 82 bathing houses, all painted with bright colours and patterns.

Having worked up an appetite, get ready for dinner at one of Melbourne’s best restaurants. The city’s dining scene boasts diverse cuisines, but these restaurants all have one thing in common: it’s all about fresh, local food in stylish settings.

Start your day with a mouthful of buttery goodness; Lune’s croissants have a reputation that attracts visitors from all over the country. Be sure to get in early; the bakery is known to have a queue wrapping around the corner.

Melbourne is a mecca for shopping. Explore 19th-century arcades, brilliant boutiques, luxury Australian brands and art galleries peppered throughout the city. You’re sure to find something local to bring home as a souvenir.

Melbourne is a city known for its top-notch food and drink, so it's only right that you'll find a stellar craft brewery scene. Taste sour ales, delicious stouts and eco-friendly IPAs at the city’s best beer breweries.

Feel Melbourne come to life at one of the city’s many sporting events, known for their buzzing party atmosphere. Tennis, cricket, Formula 1, Aussie Rules Football and more are all on offer. Check out the calendar and get ready for an almighty show.

Wondering where to go when the sun begins to set? Head to one of Melbourne’s many rooftop bars. Sit back with drinks and a casual bite to eat as you enjoy the bustling vibes of this vibrant city at dusk.