The Ultimate 1 Day Itinerary Melbourne

January 1, 2025 Edward Taylor

Whether you want to go on a free walking tour around Melbourne or explore as much of the Australian centre as you can, there's plenty to do in Melbourne. The problem is that if you only have one day in Melbourne, you'll have to choose which destinations to visit and which sights to see. That's what we're here for, to provide you with an itinerary for one day in Melbourne, so you can experience as much of the city and the surrounding area as possible. This cultural centre is certainly worth the visit!

Your One Day in Melbourne Itinerary

Your one day in Melbourne could look as follows:

Start with Breakfast at Higher Ground
Go On A Melbourne City Helicopter Ride
Spend the Afternoon Exploring Melbourne CBD
Have Dinner at Maha Melbourne

Start with Breakfast at Higher Ground

Start your day in Melbourne at Higher Ground, a heritage listed cafe in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. This stunning 15-metre-high ceilinged cafe is a combination of cafe and restaurant, and offers a refined dining experience.

There are six tiered platforms that create intimate spaces, it’s perfect for solo diners and small groups alike. The upstairs lounge has its own barista station, just in case you want to ease into your day in Melbourne.

The breakfast menu caters for all tastes. Signature dishes include Chilli Scrambled Eggs with herb and garlic flatbread and smoked yoghurt or Blueberry and Ricotta Hotcakes with maple syrup and seasonal berries.

For something a little different ,the Avocado Pretzel pairs whipped ricotta and a poached egg with a toasted pretzel base. The menu is well curated with vegetarian and gluten-free options as well, so there’s something for the whole family.

As you might be able to tell by its name, Higher Ground is also also a coffee destination. Their specialty espresso blend is exclusive to Darling Group venues and they even have a barista’s breakfast tasting board for those who want to try different brew styles.

Known for some of the best coffee in Melbourne CBD, the light-filled space and beautifully designed interior makes it the perfect starting point for a one day trip in Melbourne.

Go On A Melbourne City Helicopter Ride

Add a Melbourne City Helicopter Ride to your one day in Melbourne itinerary for an extra touch of adventure. This 20 minute private flight takes in some of Melbourne’s best sights and landmarks.

Departing from Essendon Airport, just 20 minutes from the CBD, this experience is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a unique way to see the city.

The helicopter flight lets you see Melbourne’s most famous sights, including the MCG, Rod Laver Arena, and Albert Park Lake.

As you fly over the city you’ll see Port Phillip Bay, St Kilda Beach, and the Formula 1 track at Albert Park. Other highlights include the Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower and the Melbourne Star Ferris Wheel for great photo opportunities.

The flight also takes in iconic sights of the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Yarra River. You’ll even spot the animals at Melbourne Zoo, with the pilot pointing out where the elephants and giraffes are. This helicopter tour is the only way to see Melbourne like this!

For those visiting Melbourne for a day, this tour is a great way to see major landmarks quickly and from an amazing viewpoint.

With guaranteed window seats and commentary from expert pilots, it’s a must do experience. A Melbourne city helicopter ride is convenience, excitement, and views in one, perfect for anyone spending a day in Melbourne or visiting from across Australia.

Spend the Afternoon Exploring Melbourne's Famous Laneways

Spending the afternoon in Melbourne’s CBD is a must for any day trip to this great city. Melbourne’s city centre is a cultural hub with historic sites, street art, and shopping all within walking distance.

Start at Flinders Street Station, the iconic landmark and gateway to the heart of the city. From here, you can walk to Federation Square, a popular public space and hub for key attractions. For art lovers, the Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square showcases Australian art across all periods so a must visit cultural attraction.

As you continue to explore Melbourne, head to Degraves Street, the laneway famous for its cafes and shops. It's perfect for a coffee or bite to eat before moving on. Melbourne’s street art is world famous, and the laneways near Degraves Street have some of the best examples.

Walk through Hosier Lane or AC/DC Lane to see incredible murals and graffiti, just for ataste. This is a highlight for visitors interested in Melbourne’s creative side and one of the reasons why spending the afternoon in Melbourne’s CBD is so rewarding.

For history and shopping, visit the Block Arcade, a beautiful preserved shopping precinct with intricate architecture. Next door, Queen Victoria Market is a whole different experience, with its sprawling array of local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts or fresh snacks, this iconic landmark is worth a stop.

Nature lovers can find some peace in Melbourne Gardens and other parks in the CBD as well. These green spaces are just a short walk from most city attractions. The Melbourne Museum near Carlton Gardens gives you an insight into the city’s history, science and culture, yet another great stop for your afternoon.

Finish the afternoon with a ride on the free City Circle Tram, which loops around Melbourne’s main attractions. This tram makes it easy to see landmarks like Melbourne’s Chinatown, where you can explore the city’s Chinese heritage and eat some authentic food.

If time allows, consider a day trip to nearby St Kilda or the Yarra River .

Melbourne’s city centre has historic charm, modern art, and energy, making it perfect for a one day itinerary. Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the Ian Potter Centre and laneways with street art, this area has it all.

Have Dinner at Maha Melbourne

End your day in Melbourne with dinner at Maha, a renowned Middle Eastern fine-dining restaurant located in the heart of downtown Melbourne. Centrally located on Bond Street, Maha offers a unique culinary experience that has earned it accolades across Australia.

The venue is a sub-basement space designed to transport guests to another world, blending the flavours and opulence of the Middle East with a modern twist.

Maha is perfect for those seeking an immersive dining experience, whether you’re visiting Melbourne for the first time or looking for a memorable meal in the city.

The restaurant’s innovative menu includes dishes like smoked hummus with slow-roasted garlic, beef kefta with grilled eggplant, and the signature prickly pear and rosewater granita.

Each dish highlights seasonal produce and Mediterranean influences, creating a dining experience that stands out in the Southern Hemisphere.

Guests can choose from à la carte or set menus, such as the Soufra menu, which showcases a curated selection of dishes. Maha also offers a vegan menu, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

The wine pairings are thoughtfully selected, with options featuring local Victorian wines and international choices from regions around the world.

Centrally located near Melbourne Central and just a short walk from key attractions in downtown Melbourne, Maha is an excellent option for visitors ending their day in the city.

Its proximity to Flinders Street Station and other iconic locations makes it a convenient choice for dinner after exploring Melbourne.

With its award-winning reputation and refined approach to Middle Eastern cuisine, Maha offers an unforgettable dining experience and is a fitting conclusion to a one-day Melbourne itinerary.

Alternative Tours to Take Around Melbourne

For those who would like a little more variety, and for those who would perhaps like to see a little bit more of Australia outside of Melbourne, there are plenty of other great places to visit and tours to take.

Tour to Oakridge Wines in the Yarra Valley

Add Oakridge Wines to your Melbourne day, one of Australia’s best wineries and home to award winning single vineyard wines.

The estate has Yarra Valley views, with focus on sustainability and innovative winemaking.

The restaurant has a four course degustation menu featuring local produce that will make your tastebuds dance. You can try the Yarra Valley truffle tart and King George Whiting paired with Oakridge’s iconic wines, just to name a couple of options. Enjoy the vineyard atmosphere while you sample these masterpieces.

Easy to get to from Melbourne, Oakridge Wines is a must visit for wine lovers and foodies.

Whether you’re taking in the views or indulging in fine wine and food, Oakridge is the Yarra Valley at its best.

Jack Rabbit Winery on the Bellarine Peninsula

Perfect Itinerary for 1 Day in Melbourne

Jack Rabbit Winery on the Bellarine Peninsula is a perfect day trip from Melbourne, complete with fine dining and views!

The winery is famous for its cool climate wines and views of Corio Bay, Geelong, and even Melbourne on a clear day.

The three course lunch menu features fresh produce and has stand out dishes like Bellarine beef eye fillet and dark chocolate mousse cake. Jack Rabbit wines (Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Shiraz) are matched to the meal, making for the perfect pairing.

A trip to Jack Rabbit is a relaxing afternoon where you get to experience Australia’s wine culture and Bellarine Peninsula scenery.

Whether you’re a wine buff or just looking for a special dining experience, this is a must do for one day in Melbourne.

St Andrews Beach Brewery on the Mornington Peninsula

St Andrews Beach Brewery is found on the Mornington Peninsula, and built in an old racehorse training facility, making it a unique venue, to say the least.

This brewery combines history and modern craft beer culture, making it perfect for groups or solo travellers.

The menu features local produce with highlights like beer battered fish and chips and the “Brew & Chew” platter, which has items like Carolina wings and slow cooked beef brisket.

Their craft beers such as the 6 Furlongs Pale Ale and Box 54 Golden Ale use only the best of local ingredients and deliver a kick of flavour with each sip.

With its beautiful surroundings and focus on quality, St Andrews Beach Brewery is a refreshing change from traditional winery tours. Whether in the beer garden or sampling the brewery’s signature beers, this is a great way to spend a day on the Mornington Peninsula.

Other Notable Melbourne Destinations to Visit

The fact is that there are so many places to visit in Melbourne, that you won't be able to do it all in one day, but here are just a few more locations you might want to see.