This plan pairs Melbourne’s laneways and gardens with its bayside neighbourhoods, keeping each day focused on nearby places. Costs are rough Australian dollar estimates per person, before transport and accommodation.
Budget
About A$190–360 per person for the listed food and paid admission, excluding accommodation and local transport.
Best time to visit
March–May or September–November for generally mild weather; Melbourne’s weather can change quickly in any season.
CBD laneways and the Yarra
Explore the city centre on foot, from its coffee-famous laneways to the river and Southbank arts precinct.
Morning
Coffee and laneways
Start at for coffee, then stroll about 5 minutes to for its ever-changing street art.
About A$8–18Morning
See
Browse the murals and nearby laneways; allow about 5 minutes to walk here from .
FreeAfternoon
Explore the
Walk about 10 minutes across the Yarra to this major art gallery; general collection entry is free, though some exhibitions cost extra.
FreeAfternoon
Walk the
Head about 5 minutes to the riverfront for a relaxed stroll and views back toward the city skyline.
FreeEvening
Dinner at
Walk about 15 minutes back toward the CBD for lively modern Thai sharing plates; booking ahead is a good idea.
About A$40–70
Carlton gardens and Fitzroy
Spend the day among landmark gardens and museums, then wander Fitzroy’s independent shops and food spots.
Morning
Wander the
Enjoy the tree-lined paths and fountains; from the gardens, it’s about a 2-minute walk to the .
FreeMorning
Visit the
Admire this UNESCO-listed landmark from the gardens; access inside depends on events and tours.
FreeAfternoon
Explore
The museum is next door, about a 3-minute walk from the ; allow a few hours for its exhibitions and gardens.
About A$15Afternoon
Browse
Take a tram or walk about 20 minutes to Fitzroy’s main strip for boutiques, street art and a late lunch.
About A$20–40Evening
Dinner at
Return to the CBD by tram in about 15 minutes for handmade pasta; reserve ahead, especially on weekends.
About A$45–75
St Kilda and the bay
Trade the city streets for a seaside neighbourhood, with a market, beachside stroll and sunset by the water.
Morning
Browse
On Sundays, browse local art and craft stalls along the foreshore; check the market schedule if visiting another day.
FreeMorning
Walk
From the market, stroll about 5 minutes to the pier for bay views; penguin sightings are not guaranteed.
FreeAfternoon
Relax at
Walk about 10 minutes from the pier to the beach for a swim or a leisurely stretch of sand.
FreeAfternoon
Have lunch on
Walk about 15 minutes inland for cafés, bakeries and a relaxed lunch in the heart of St Kilda.
About A$20–40Evening
Catch sunset at the foreshore
Walk about 10 minutes back toward the water and settle in for sunset; the light over Port Phillip Bay is a lovely end to the trip.
Free
Good to know
Transport
Use a myki or contactless payment for public transport, and check current fares and service updates before heading out.
Weather
Bring a light layer and a compact rain jacket—conditions can shift within a day.
Bookings
Reserve popular dinner spots in advance, and check opening hours and market days before you go.