If you have just 3 days in Melbourne to explore the city centre and the surrounding area, then you've got a lot to cover if you want to see everything that this Australian centre has to offer. With so many stunning attractions, perhaps the most in the Southern hemisphere, you want to make the most out of your time in Melbourne Australia. This is why we've put together an itinerary for 3 days in Melbourne, so you can see the most iconic landmarks, destinations, and restaurants that this vibrant city has to offer. Here is your three day Melbourne itinerary.
Table of Contents
- Day 1 in Melbourne
- Day 2 in Melbourne
- A Morning at the Royal Botanic Gardens with a Punt Boat Ride
- An Afternoon at Healesville Sanctuary
- Dinner at Vue de Monde
- Day 3 in Melbourne
- A Drive Along the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles
- A Visit to Bells Beach
- Dinner at The Stokehouse
- Other Famous Landmarks and Sites in Melbourne to Visit
Day 1 in Melbourne
The first day in Melbourne looks like this:
Breakfast at Cibi
Start your Melbourne trip with breakfast at Cibi, a Japanese café in Collingwood, not far from the central business district. The menu features a traditional Japanese breakfast with grilled salmon, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), miso soup, pickled vegetables, and steamed rice.
It’s a wholesome and balanced way to start your day, offering a unique experience in Melbourne Australia’s multicultural food scene.
Cibi’s location near downtown Melbourne makes it easily accessible. After breakfast, take time to explore the area, known for its street art and vibrant character.
Collingwood’s creative atmosphere adds depth to your introduction to the city. This activity is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families looking to combine good food with cultural exploration.
This breakfast spot is a great way to begin your Melbourne itinerary, providing you with a small glimpse into Melbourne Australia’s culinary world while preparing you for the day ahead.
Melbourne City Scenic Helicopter Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a 20-minute private helicopter ride with Rotor One over Melbourne city. Taking off from Melbourne Airport, the tour gives you stunning views of Melbourne CBD and the entire city, making it a highlight of any Melbourne trip.
The tour takes you over the Yarra River, Albert Park Lake, the Melbourne Star Ferris Wheel, and St Kilda Beach. You’ll also pass landmarks like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena, and the Formula 1 racetrack at Albert Park. The helicopter’s window seating guarantees uninterrupted views, and the pilot provides commentary to enhance the experience.
This activity is perfect for travelers seeking a unique perspective of Melbourne Australia. Whether you’re taking photos or just enjoying the ride, the helicopter tour offers a memorable way to see Melbourne’s most iconic tourist attractions. It’s ideal for couples, families, and anyone interested in exploring Melbourne from above.
Dinner at Chin Chin
End your first day of your 3 days in Melbourne with dinner at Chin Chin, a popular restaurant in Melbourne CBD. Known for its Asian food, the menu features dishes like pad see ew, crispy pork belly, green curry, and kingfish sashimi. For dessert, the palm sugar ice cream sundae is a favorite.
Chin Chin’s central location makes it convenient for travelers staying in or near downtown Melbourne. Its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu cater to groups, couples, and solo diners. The restaurant’s mix of Thai and Australian flavors reflects Melbourne Australia’s reputation as a food capital.
This dining experience provides the perfect conclusion to your first day of exploring Melbourne, offering bold flavors and a lively ambiance that complement the day’s adventures.
Day 2 in Melbourne
Here’s what your second day in Melbourne city could look like:
- A Morning at the Royal Botanic Gardens with a Punt Boat Ride
- An Afternoon at Healesville Sanctuary
- Dinner at Vue de Monde
A Morning at the Royal Botanic Gardens with a Punt Boat Ride
Begin your second day at the Royal Botanic Gardens, located in the city center and accessible via the free tram zone.
The gardens feature walking trails, diverse plant collections, and Ornamental Lake. The highlight is a punt boat ride, where guides take you around the lake and share insights about the flora and fauna.
This activity is ideal for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts. The gardens offer a peaceful environment, making it a great way to balance the excitement of the previous day. Visitors can take photos, birdwatch, or relax by the water.
The Royal Botanic Gardens are an essential addition to any Melbourne itinerary for those who like exploring the more natural side of cities.
An Afternoon at Healesville Sanctuary
Take a day trip to Healesville Sanctuary, located about an hour from downtown Melbourne. This wildlife sanctuary is home to native Australian animals, including kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses. Visitors can enjoy close encounters, zookeeper talks, and wildlife shows.
The Birds of Prey demonstration is a highlight feature, showcasing hawks and eagles in flight. Another highlight is the platypus enclosure, where you can see these unique animals up close. Families will find the sanctuary educational and engaging, while animal lovers will appreciate its focus on conservation.
Adding Healesville Sanctuary to your Melbourne itinerary makes sure that you have a meaningful experience that combines entertainment and education. Its location also makes it a convenient stop for those planning further day trips along the famous Great Ocean Road.
Dinner at Vue de Monde
For dinner on the second day of your 3 days in Melbourne, head to Vue de Monde, a fine dining restaurant on the 55th floor of the Rialto Tower in Melbourne CBD. The menu includes a multi-course tasting experience with dishes like saltbush lamb, smoked eel, and native herbs. Guests can also enjoy expertly paired wines.
The restaurant’s panoramic views of the entire city make it a memorable dining spot. Its innovative approach to cuisine and commitment to sustainability have earned it a place among Melbourne’s top restaurants.
Vue de Monde is an excellent choice for special occasions or for travelers wanting to end their day with a luxurious experience. This dining option adds a touch of sophistication to your Melbourne itinerary.
Day 3 in Melbourne
The final day trip in your three day Melbourne itinerary might look as follows:
- A Drive Along the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles
- A Visit to Bells Beach
- Dinner at The Stokehouse
A Drive Along the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles
The final day of your Melbourne itinerary begins with a day trip along the famous Great Ocean Road, one of the most iconic drives in Australia. This scenic route offers incredible views of the coastline, lush forests, and picturesque towns. The highlight of this drive is the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean.
Stopping at the Twelve Apostles is a must for travelers. There are designated viewing platforms where you can take in the natural beauty of these formations. Visitors often enjoy taking photos and walking along the trails nearby to fully appreciate the surrounding landscape.
This activity is ideal for nature lovers and photographers. The drive also provides a chance to experience the Yarra River estuary and other coastal landmarks, making it a key addition to any Melbourne trip.
It’s suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers looking to explore beyond the city. Adding the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles to your Melbourne itinerary ensures a memorable finale to your visit.
A Visit to Bells Beach
After experiencing the Twelve Apostles, continue your journey along the Great Ocean Road with a visit to Bells Beach. This location is famous for its surfing, attracting professional surfers from around the world. Even if you’re not surfing, the beach offers stunning views of the ocean and a peaceful atmosphere for walking or relaxing.
Visitors can enjoy watching surfers tackle the waves or explore the surrounding trails. Bells Beach provides a quieter, more laid-back experience compared to busier attractions, making it an excellent way to unwind after a morning of sightseeing.
This activity is a great addition to your Melbourne trip for those who enjoy the outdoors. It’s also a fitting way to further explore the coastline and add variety to your Melbourne itinerary.
Dinner at The Stokehouse
End your 3-day Melbourne itinerary with dinner at The Stokehouse, a seafood restaurant in St Kilda. The Stokehouse is known for its fresh, high-quality seafood, offering dishes such as grilled snapper, oysters, and Moreton Bay bugs. Vegetarians and non-seafood eaters will also find options like seasonal vegetable dishes and pasta.
The restaurant’s location by the beach provides an opportunity to enjoy a meal with a view of Port Phillip Bay. Watching the sunset while dining makes this an ideal spot for couples or anyone looking for a relaxed yet elegant way to close out their trip.
The Stokehouse is a perfect conclusion to your Melbourne trip, combining exceptional food with a picturesque setting. It reflects Melbourne Australia’s reputation for excellent dining experiences, making it an essential part of any Melbourne itinerary.
Other Famous Landmarks and Sites in Melbourne to Visit
The fact is that if you only have 3 days in Melbourne, you might have specific things you'd like to do or see, things other than what we've listed above. Well, there are plenty of other sights to see in Melbourne Australia, including the following:
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Melbourne Museum
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Flinders Street Station
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Queen Victoria Market
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South Melbourne Market
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Royal Exhibition Building
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Southern Cross Station
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Melbourne Gaol
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Brighton Beach
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Bourke Street Mall
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Apollo Bay
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Eureka Tower (great view of the city skyline)
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Federation Square
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Luna Park
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National Gallery
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Royal Arcade
