Melbourne 3-day Travel Guide
If you can spare 3-days from your schedule, Melbourne is the perfect place to enjoy a weekend of good food, good views and good vibes.
From sky-high views atop a rooftop bar to perusing the streets to score an epic buy, discover some of the best spots to eat, drink, stay and plan in the cosmopolitan capital of Victoria.
Make the most of your stay and budget with The Departure Desk's Melbourne 3-day Travel Guide.
This is Your Travel Guide for an Unforgettable 3-days in Melbourne
Day 1 in Melbourne
Morning
You'll likely be spending the morning travelling to Melbourne from your home destination. Getting to the city from Melbourne airport is easy! Travellers can hop onboard the Skybus straight to Southern Cross Station from A$25.90 per person one-way. Or, grab a convenient Uber into town.
Afternoon
Once you arrive in the city, check into your chosen accommodation from early afternoon. Skip to the bottom of this article to see our recommendations on accommodation in Melbourne
Spend the afternoon exploring Melbourne’s intricate laneways and watch as the city transforms from day-to-night as people begin to finish work and fill the bars and cafes. Stop in at Lune Croissanterie on Russell Street for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Evening
Next, head to the newly opened Hotel Nacional rooftop to kick-off your night. Come for a cocktail and stay for a taco before continuing onto dinner at the very popular Chin Chin restaurant. After that, the night is yours for the taking.
Day 2 in Melbourne
Morning
Rise and shine! Get up nice and early to explore and make the most of Melbourne’s intricate tram system. Catch the number 58 Tram out to the chic suburb of South Yarra and see how Melbourne’s other half live.
Get off on Chapel Street to explore the boutique stores and stylish cafes of the area. Head to Norman South Yarra for an expertly brewed Melbourne coffee and some brekkie, and enjoy the aesthetic vibe of the cafe.
Afternoon
After coffee and brekkie, walk down Chapel Street and to the Prahran Market to peruse the market stalls. The market boasts plenty of fresh and delicious produce and has live music, cooking demonstrations and other events on weekends. Stick around for lunch and taste fresh locally sourced oysters, skewers, cakes, pastries and other delicious specialties.
Evening
For dinner tonight, head to the Southbank precinct and enjoy one of the many wonderful restaurants along the riverbank. You can dine in the Crown Casino complex and enjoy the variety of entertainment on offer, or head further down to the arts and culture district near the National Gallery of Victoria. 400 Gradi is a great option for up-scale Italian and Man Tong Kitchen is ideal for Asian fare. If you're after an even more memorable experience, try the famous Nobu for Japanese by Nobu Matsuhisa.
For dessert or a post-dinner drink, head upstairs to Ocean 12 rooftop bar or even have a crack at karaoke, if that's your thing.
Day 3 in Melbourne
Morning/Afternoon
Dedicate your final day in Melbourne to the fine arts and a bit of culture. Spend the day wandering through world-class exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria or discover the wonders of the world at the Melbourne Museum. General admission to the NGV is free and the museum starts at A$18 but a ticket may be required for specific exhibitions.
Late Afternoon/Evening
After your culture fix, head to Lygon Street — Melbourne’s answer to little Italy, and feast on generational Italian cuisine. Keep it casual and get an Italian focaccia at Sangaweech by internet sensations Sooshi Mango, or carb load at Australia’s oldest pasta house at La Spaghettata, run by three generations of Australian-Italians who have been serving Lygon Street for 50 years!
Finish off with something sweet at Brunetti Classico Carlton, another Melbourne institution and indulge in a tiramisu or another house-made pastry paired with an espresso.
How To Save More on Dining Out in Melbourne
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Where To Stay in Melbourne?
Melbourne offers plenty of great accommodation options, but here are some of our favourites based on budget. Decide if you're going to stay or swap at one of these hotels.
Once-in-a-lifetime Experience - $$$
For a unique experience in Melbourne, try out HOTEL NO and stay in a converted caravan on a rooftop in the heart of the city! Rates start at A$277 per room per night.
High-end - $$$
Stay in style at the swanky QT Melbourne. Located in the east side of downtown, this eclectic hotel is within walking distance to major attractions, shopping and public transport. Don't miss the rooftop terrace while you're there! Rates start at A$175 per room per night.
Mid-range - $$
On a budget? Swap for the unpretentious but still stylish Urban Rest Melbourne. Also located in the east end of town, this no-frills hotel is perfect for those just wanting a comfortable base for their explorations. Rates start at A$112 per room per night.
How to Get to Melbourne?
Getting to Melbourne is easy! You can fly, drive or even take the train! Discover the best transport options for your stay.
Fly to Melbourne
Melbourne Airport is a major international gateway with multiple daily flights coming in from overseas and interstate. Flights from Sydney, Hobart and Adelaide take approximately 1-hour.
Take the Skybus into town from Melbourne Airport from from A$25.90. You can also get to the Mornington Peninsula and other destinations using the Skybus.
Drive to Melbourne
Take the scenic route instead and drive to Melbourne. From Sydney the drive takes about 9-hours on the Hume highway, winding through the Snowy Mountains and Great Dividing Range. If coming from the west, see the mighty Great Ocean Road at 12 Apostles on your way. Allocate at least 12-hours of driving time on this route.
Take the Train to Melbourne
Did you know there are train services between Melbourne and Sydney, and Melbourne and Adelaide? Both services take approximately 10-hours. See our experience taking The Overland from Melbourne to Adelaide.
One Last Thing...
Travelling from overseas to Australia? Save yourself the hassle and get an e-sim from Airalo! Simply download the app onto your phone and install an e-sim directly to your device. Get $5 off your first e-sim purchase using the code GEORGIA0324.
And there you have it, your complete 3-day Melbourne Travel Guide. For more Australia travel planning, tips and tricks, visit thedeparturedesk.com and follow us on social media. Remember, The Departure Desk is where every trip takes off!
