Flinders Street Station in Melbourne Australia

10 Things to Do if You Only Have 3 Days in Melbourne, Australia

Yarra River in Melbourne Australia with text overlay Beach boxes in Melbourne Australia with text overlay Melbourne city in Australia with text overlay Flinders Street Station in Melbourne Australia with text overlay

Let me help you compile a list of the best things to do in Melbourne so that you can eat, drink and play to your heart’s content!

Melbourne is one of the top destinations in Australia, second only to Sydney (curse you, Sydney Opera House for being so damn iconic) and is renowned for incredible food, coffee, wine and world-class street art just to name a few. I studied at the University of Melbourne and have fond memories of the city, though most of the time I was itching to get back to Hong Kong and/or studying like a nerd. As a student, I also didn’t have a wad of cash to throw around so most of my time in Melbourne consisted of $10 parmagiana and $2 beer nights!

Brighton Beach Melbourne Beach Boxes

These days, I am fortunate that I still have great friends in Melbourne (i.e. an excuse to visit) and have been able to go back and visit every year-or-so to devour the food, drink and sights in all their glory. Here are some of the most amazing things to do in Melbourne, where to eat and drink and the best places to stay in Melbourne!

Heading down under? Head on over here for even more Australia travel tips and destination guides!

Important things to know before visiting Melbourne

Free Tram Zone in Melbourne CBD Australia

✈️ To get into Melbourne you’ll likely need to fly into Tullamarine International Airport. An Uber from the airport to the city costs approximately 45 AUD (32 USD) and takes about half an hour, or you can hop on a shared Skybus airport shuttle to Spencer Street Station in the CBD (Central Business District) for 18 AUD (US$13) if you aren’t in a hurry. Click here to book your Melbourne airport shuttle ahead of time and get 10% off! There is also a smaller airport, Avalon Airport, about 50 minutes from the Melbourne CBD.

🛂 You may need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter Australia. You can download an app or use ImmiAccount to lodge the application. Read more about the ETA and eligibility requirements here.

💱 The currency is the Australian Dollar. The exchange rate is approximately US$1 to 1.4 AUD, though most places accept credit card. Credit card payWave/contactless payment in particular is widely accepted and a convenient way to pay in Australia.

🚋 Get around Melbourne on foot, tram, Uber or train. However, Melbourne has pretty much eradicated paper tickets so you should purchase the Myki card (a stored value card similar to London’s Oyster or Hong Kong’s Octopus card). You can buy a Myki at all 7-11 outlets, from a Myki machine (only in select locations) or one of the premium train stations – complete list of places to buy your Myki here.

The unique thing about traveling in Melbourne is that trams within the CBD are free. Stops within the “Free Tram Zone” are marked clearly. If you are traveling outside of the free tram zone, tap on with your Myki (there’s no need to tap off). If you are traveling by train, you will need to tap on and tap off at the station.

📱 Stay connected and pre-buy a local SIM card. The airport sells prepaid SIM cards for 20 AUD for 12 GB of data – I typically go with Optus.

🎟️ You pretty much never have to pay full price for admissions tickets and tours in Melbourne. Just click here and search for places you want to go, and book online for discounted entry or head on over here to read more about how to use Klook to book travel experiences.

🌤️ The weather in Melbourne is notoriously unpredictable, and can be cold/rainy even during the summer months. That being said, the Australian summer from December to February is the most popular time of year to visit Melbourne, though the months on either end of the peak season are great too. If you want to avoid the crowds and peak season hotel prices, visit Melbourne in October, November, March or April.

Melbourne is cooler than most other Australian cities – expect sudden rain showers and windy days. Make sure you pack warm clothes, even if you’re visiting in summer!

Where to stay in Melbourne

The Larwill Studio in Melbourne Australia

If it is your first time to Melbourne, you should aim to stay in the CBD or in Carlton, Parkville, Richmond, Southbank or South Yarra where you can reach the CBD easily via tram or train. We stayed at The Larwill Studio, a boutique hotel in Melbourne that is design-focused with modern amenities, a 24-hour gym and spacious rooms.

Skyline in Melbourne Australia

The hotel offers both twin or king bed configurations, and some rooms have a view over the park or the city. Just outside the hotel is the tram station where you can hop on a tram straight to the CBD and Flinders Street Station, and the airport is a AUD$35-40 Uber ride away. You can check out room availability and current prices at The Larwill Studio by clicking here, or take a look at some other highly rated accommodation options in Melbourne here instead.

You can also read this Melbourne neighbourhood guide for more ideas on where to stay. Melbourne room rates tend to go up from early December to around February during the Australian summer, so make sure you book your room ahead of time!

What to do in Melbourne in 3 days

Brighton Bathing Boxes in Melbourne Australia

There are many beautiful places to visit in Melbourne and the city features unique European-esque architecture. It’s a wonderful city to wander around aimlessly in, and you’re sure to stumble upon a hidden gem or two. Putting together a Melbourne itinerary? Read on for my recommendations for 10 things to do in Melbourne if you don’t have much time in the city!

1. Check out the Melbourne Coop’s Shot Tower

Shot Tower in Melbourne Central Australia

What is a shot tower, you ask? A shot tower is a tower designed for the production of small diameter shot balls used for shotguns, ballast and radiation shielding. This one located in Melbourne Central shopping mall is one of only three 19th century shot towers remaining in Australia and stands at 50-metres tall. It is an important heritage site in the state of Victoria and you can tour the shot tower museum inside the second floor of the tower.

2. Eat up at Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne Australia
Photo credit: Linda Xu via Unsplash

Queen Victoria Market is one of the most important landmarks in Melbourne dating back to the late 1800s. Spanning two city blocks on the fringe of the CBD, the market attracts nearly 10 million visitors each year and is home to more than 700 small businesses, most of which are family-owned and operated. It’s a fantastic place to explore if you love fresh food, good coffee, handmade products and unique souvenirs.

The market closes Mondays and Wednesdays, and closes early at 2 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, during the summer months you can check out the night market which runs on Wednesday evenings.

Ready to book your Melbourne stay? I recommend booking yourself into The Larwill Studio, a short tram ride away from the Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne CBD. Click here to check current rates at The Larwill Studio or head on over here for more accommodation options in and around Melbourne’s CBD.

3. Marvel at the Dome in the State Library

La Trobe Reading Room in the State Library Melbourne Australia

The glass dome and La Trobe Reading Room is one of the most Instagram-famous places in Melbourne. It was officially opened by the Governor-General in 1913 but experienced a number of issues including falling plaster and rainwater leakage. The dome has since undergone significant renovation works and today is a popular Melbourne tourist attraction.

You can take the elevator to the 4th floor and take an elevator or walk up to the dome observation deck, but make sure you are quiet and not obnoxiously stampeding around for that Instagram shot – is it a library, after all!

4. See the Brighton Bathing Boxes

Brighton Bathing Boxes in Melbourne Australia

These colourful beach boxes are one of the best sights in Melbourne (and very popular with Instagrammers, as you can imagine). The 82 Brighton bathing boxes are unique because of their uniform scale and proportion and building materials, and are the only remaining structures of their kind close to the Melbourne CBD.

The Brighton beach boxes are a bit of a pain to get to – your best bet is to take the Sandringham line from Flinders Street Station and get off at Middle Bright station. From there, it is an easy 10-15 minute walk to the beach. Brighton is a great place to explore with lots of shops and cafes – check out Brighton Soul on Church Street for scrumptious brunch options.

5. Venture out to St Kilda

Luna Park in St. Kilda Melbourne Australia
Photo credit: TKKurikawa via Depositphotos.com

Though St Kilda beach isn’t one of the best beaches in Australia, it’s still worth heading over to this neighborhood to check out the boardwalk (home to a penguin colony – you can see them occasionally if you’re lucky) and grab a bite to eat at one of the local pastry and cake shops.

If you’re traveling with kids, one of the most popular things to do in St Kilda is to visit Luna Park, an amusement park that has been around for more than a century.

6. Drink on a floating bar

Arbory Afloat Bar in Melbourne Australia

This has to go on your Melbourne itinerary: Arbory Afloat is a floating bar that is open during the summer and spring – the perfect venue for summer cocktails and wine! It is seriously chic and is one of the coolest places to visit in Melbourne. Get here early to grab a table, or book a table for lunch via their website.

Wondering where to stay in Melbourne? I enjoyed my stay at The Larwill Studio, a boutique hotel in North Melbourne just a short tram ride away from the Melbourne CBD. Click here to check current rates at The Larwill Studio or head on over here for more accommodation options in and around Melbourne’s CBD.

7. Visit a rooftop bar

Rooftop bar in Melbourne

Heck, visit all of the rooftop bars! There is no shortage of them in Melbourne, all boasting unique views and the perfect place for sun-downers. Some of my favorites include Siglo, Goldilocks, Cookie and Naked in the Sky.

8. Check out the Block Arcade

Block Arcade in Melbourne Australia

You might not end up buying anything, but the Block Arcade is still worth a gander if only to admire the unique architecture featuring mosaic floors and stained glass windows. It’s one of the most beautiful heritage buildings in Melbourne and deserves its place on your Melbourne city tour itinerary. The complex dates back to the late 1800s – the arcade cost over 46,000 Pounds to build back in the day!

9. Discover the laneways and street art

Street art in Melbourne Australia

Melbourne is famous for street art and it does not disappoint.

Street art in Hozier Lane in Melbourne Australia

Don’t limit yourself to Hozier Lane though as beautiful murals can be found throughout the city.

Presgrave Place Melbourne Australia

Make sure you also check out AC/DC Lane, Strachan Lane, Union Lane, Hardware Lane and Presgrave Place.

10. Eat, eat and eat

Chicken Parmigiana

Melbourne is chock-full of incredible restaurants. Head to Pacos Tacos for, you guessed it, tacos; Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar, GoGoBar or Chin Chin for Asian fusion; and Tonka for modern Indian. Also make sure you don’t miss out on the Australian classics – hit up a pub for a chicken parmigiana or steak! More ideas for where to eat in Melbourne here.

Looking for the best place to stay in Melbourne? I enjoyed my stay at The Larwill Studio, a lovely design-focused hotel in a quiet neighborhood, yet just a short tram or Uber ride away from the heart of Melbourne city. Click here to check current rates at The Larwill Studio or head on over here for more accommodation options in and around Melbourne’s CBD.

The best day trips from Melbourne

If you have some more time and are looking for places to visit outside Melbourne, here are some fantastic Melbourne day trips for you to go on!

1. Yarra Valley

Domaine Chandon winery in Yarra Valley Australia

This day trip is the perfect addition to your 3 day Melbourne itinerary if you want to get off-the-beaten-track in Melbourne (yes, there’s more to the city than the street art and coffee): go on a Yarra Valley winery tour to try the award winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir! Though the Yarra Valley wine region is best known for these two types of wine, there’s plenty of options including sparkling wine, dessert wine, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Domaine Chandon winery in Yarra Valley Ausrtalia 2

If you’re looking for things to do near Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is only 1 hour away by car. The best way to travel to the Yarra Valley from Melbourne is by booking yourself into a small-group day tour – but the question is, which one? There are dozens and dozens of Yarra Valley wine tours, all at varying price points and with slightly different itineraries. After reading through hundreds of reviews, we decided to book the Yarra Valley Food & Wine Day Tour with Vinetrekker.

Read more about visiting the Yarra Valley here!

2. Phillip Island

Phillip Island is located about 2-3 hours away from Melbourne and is home to the famous Penguin Parade, where you can watch hundreds of penguins come ashore at dusk. You are not allowed to take photos of the penguins in order not to disturb them, but it is well worth the long day trip to see these fluffy little creatures waddle their way out of the ocean and onto the beach. There are many Phillip Island day trip tour operators, you can check them out on Klook and book in advance here.

3. Great Ocean Road

Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road in Australia

Going on a day trip along the Great Ocean Road is a must-do if you are spending time in Melbourne or Victoria, especially as Mother Nature has been grinding away at the rock formations and many have disintegrated over the past few decades. The road is filled with outrageously beautiful pit stops where you can stop and marvel at the craggy coastline.

London Bridge Great Ocean Road

It is incredibly easy breezy to do the trip if you have access to a car; otherwise, there are plenty of tour companies that offer group day trips to the area, albeit you will lose some flexibility in your agenda. Check out some of the organized tour itineraries and offerings for the Great Ocean Road here, if you book via Klook you can get approximately 10% off the price of the tour!

Ready to book your trip to Melbourne? I recommend booking yourself into The Larwill Studio, a short tram ride away from the CBD, or within the city itself. Click here to check current rates at The Larwill Studio or head on over here for more accommodation options in and around Melbourne’s CBD.

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I joined Vinetrekker for a full-day tour of Yarra Valley as a guest; however, no compensation was received for the review, and as always, the opinions on Yogawinetravel.com are (and always will be) my own!

This article contains affiliate links. If you choose to book using these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you – thank you for supporting my website by using these links!

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4 Comments

  1. Amazing blog and I love to travel in Melbourne specially in Yarra valley and Ocean road. You have mentioned almost all tourist destinations places in your blog. This will definitely help for the one who wants to travel to Melbourne.

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