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 Melbourne itinerary with breakfast at Higher Ground, a heritage-listed venue in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Housed in a historic brick building with massive 15-metre-high ceilings, Higher Ground combines café and restaurant elements to provide a refined dining experience.

It features six tiered platforms that create intimate spaces, making it ideal for both solo visitors and small groups. The upstairs lounge offers a relaxed atmosphere with its own barista station, perfect for those who want to ease into their day in Melbourne.

The breakfast menu caters to a wide range of preferences. Signature dishes include Chilli Scrambled Eggs served with herb and garlic flatbread and smoked yoghurt, or the Blueberry and Ricotta Hotcakes topped with maple syrup and seasonal berries.

For those seeking a twist on a classic, the Avocado Pretzel pairs whipped ricotta and a poached egg with a toasted pretzel base. The menu is carefully curated, offering vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring there’s something for the whole family.

Higher Ground is not just about food because it’s also a destination for coffee enthusiasts. Their specialty espresso blend is exclusive to Darling Group venues, and they even offer a barista’s breakfast tasting board for those keen to explore different brew styles.

Known for some of the best coffee in Melbourne CBD, the light-filled space and carefully designed interior make it a memorable starting point for a one-day itinerary in Melbourne.

Breakfast at Higher Ground combines quality, variety, and an iconic location, making it a perfect first stop on a day in Melbourne.

Go On A Melbourne City Helicopter Ride

A Melbourne City Helicopter Ride is a perfect addition to your one day in Melbourne itinerary. This guided tour offers a 20-minute private flight over the city, showcasing some of Melbourne’s most iconic areas and landmarks.

Taking off from Essendon Airport, conveniently located just 20 minutes from the CBD, this experience is ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers looking for a unique way to explore the city.

The helicopter ride covers Melbourne’s most famous sights, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Rod Laver Arena, and Albert Park Lake.

As you fly above the city, you’ll see Port Phillip Bay, St Kilda Beach, and the Formula 1 racetrack at Albert Park.

Other highlights include the Melbourne Skydeck at Eureka Tower and the Melbourne Star Ferris Wheel, offering unparalleled photo opportunities.

The flight also provides aerial views of iconic areas such as the Royal Botanic Gardens and the Yarra River.

You’ll even spot animals at Melbourne Zoo, with the pilot pointing out where the elephants and giraffes are located. This helicopter tour ensures you experience Melbourne from a perspective you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

For those visiting Melbourne for a day in Australia, this tour is an excellent way to cover major landmarks quickly.

With guaranteed window seats and expert pilots providing commentary, it’s a memorable way to explore the city.

A helicopter tour in Melbourne combines convenience, excitement, and unforgettable views, making it a standout activity 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 an essential part of any day trip to this great city. Melbourne’s downtown area is a vibrant cultural hub, offering a mix of historic sites, street art, and shopping, all within walking distance.

Start your exploration at Flinders Street Station, an iconic landmark and the perfect gateway to the city's heart. From here, you can walk to Federation Square, a popular public space known for its modern architecture and proximity to key attractions.

For art enthusiasts, the Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square showcases Australian art across various periods, making it a must-visit cultural destination.

As you continue exploring Melbourne, head to Degraves Street, a bustling laneway famous for its cafés and unique shops. This area is perfect for grabbing a coffee or a quick bite before moving on.

Melbourne’s reputation for street art is world-renowned, and the laneways near Degraves Street offer some of the best examples.

Take a stroll through Hosier Lane or AC/DC Lane to see incredible murals and graffiti art. This area is a highlight for visitors interested in Melbourne's creative side and a key reason why exploring Melbourne’s CBD is so rewarding.

For a mix of history and shopping, visit the Block Arcade, a beautifully preserved shopping precinct with intricate architecture. Nearby, Queen Victoria Market offers an entirely 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 respite in Melbourne Gardens and other beautiful parks within the CBD. These green spaces provide a peaceful break from the city’s hustle and are just a short walk from most downtown attractions.

The Melbourne Museum, located near Carlton Gardens, provides insights into the city’s history, science, and culture, making it another great stop for an afternoon itinerary.

Wrap up your afternoon with a ride on the free City Circle Tram, which loops around Melbourne’s key attractions. This tram makes it easy to see landmarks like Melbourne’s Chinatown, where you can explore the city’s Chinese heritage and enjoy authentic cuisine.

If time allows, consider a day trip to nearby areas, such as St Kilda or the Yarra River, to extend your adventure beyond the CBD.

Melbourne’s downtown area blends historic charm, modern art, and vibrant energy, making it ideal for anyone on a one-day itinerary.

With its variety of attractions like Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, and the Ian Potter Centre, as well as hidden gems like laneways filled with street art, this part of the city has something for everyone.

Whether you’re here for the history, the food, or the shopping, Melbourne’s CBD is a must-visit destination on your day trip.

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

A visit to Oakridge Wines in the Yarra Valley is an excellent addition to any one day in Melbourne. Known for its award-winning single-vineyard wines, Oakridge is one of Australia’s premier wineries.

The estate combines stunning views of the Yarra Valley with a focus on sustainability and innovative winemaking practices.

The restaurant offers a four-course degustation menu that highlights fresh produce from the region. Dishes like Yarra Valley truffle tart and King George Whiting are expertly paired with Oakridge’s signature wines. Visitors can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the vineyard while sampling these world-class creations.

Easily accessible from Melbourne, Oakridge Wines provides an unforgettable experience for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

Whether you’re enjoying the scenic surroundings or indulging in fine wine and gourmet food, Oakridge perfectly showcases the Yarra Valley’s reputation as one of Australia’s top wine regions.

Jack Rabbit Winery on the Bellarine Peninsula

Perfect Itinerary for 1 Day in Melbourne

Jack Rabbit Winery, located on the Bellarine Peninsula, offers a combination of fine dining and breathtaking views, making it an excellent option for a day trip from Melbourne.

The winery is well-known for its cool-climate wines and panoramic views over Corio Bay, Geelong, and even Melbourne’s skyline on clear days.

The three-course lunch menu, crafted with fresh produce, includes standout dishes like Bellarine beef eye fillet and dark chocolate mousse cake.

Jack Rabbit wines, including Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Shiraz, are expertly matched to complement the flavours of the meal.

Perfect for a relaxing afternoon, Jack Rabbit Winery captures the charm of Australia’s wine culture while showcasing the natural beauty of the Bellarine Peninsula.

Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, this is a must-visit destination for one day in Melbourne.

St Andrews Beach Brewery on the Mornington Peninsula

St Andrews Beach Brewery, located on the Mornington Peninsula, is a unique venue housed in a former racehorse training facility.

This brewery blends history and modern craft beer culture, offering a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for groups or casual travelers.

The menu features fresh produce from the region, with highlights like beer-battered fish and chips and the "Brew & Chew" platter, which includes items like Carolina wings and slow-cooked beef brisket.

Their craft beers, including 6 Furlongs Pale Ale and Box 54 Golden Ale, showcase the best of locally sourced ingredients.

With its stunning surroundings and commitment to quality, St Andrews Beach Brewery provides a refreshing alternative to traditional winery tours.

Whether enjoying the beer garden or sampling the brewery’s signature creations, this venue offers a memorable way to experience the Mornington Peninsula during a one day in Melbourne itinerary.

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.