The Ultimate 5 Day Itinerary to Explore Melbourne

 

If you're planning a little more than a day trip around Melbourne, and you have the whole week to explore, then do we ever have a great 5 day Melbourne itinerary for you. From the relaxing beaches surrounding the city to the busy markets and streets of the CBD, not to mention the surrounding wine country, there are nearly endless possibilities in terms of sights to see and activities to do in Melbourne Australia. Here's your 5 day Melbourne itinerary to keep you busy while visiting this Australian centre.

Table of Contents

• Day 1 in Melbourne
• Start the Day with a Visit to Albert Park Lake
• Have Lunch at The Kettle Black
• An Afternoon Helicopter Flight Over Melbourne
• Day 2 in Your Melbourne Itinerary
• A Morning at Ceres Community Environment Park
• Lunch at Maha North
• An Afternoon Street Art Tour in Fitzroy and Collingwood
• Day 3 in Melbourne
• A Morning Doing the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Aboriginal Heritage Walk
• Lunch at Smith & Daughters
• See the Scienceworks Museum
• Day 4 in Melbourne
• Go on a Mornington Peninsula Dolphin Swim
• Lunch at Port Phillip Estate
• Explore the Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens
• Day 5 of Visiting Melbourne
• A Morning at the Werribee Open Range Zoo
• Lunch at Fonda Mexican
• An Afternoon Wilsons Prom Helicopter Tour
• Explore the Queen Victoria Market
• Other Destinations Worth Visiting During Your 5 Days in Melbourne

Day 1 in Melbourne

Day 1 of your Melbourne Itinerary looks as follows:

• Start the Day with a Visit to Albert Park Lake
• Have Lunch at The Kettle Black
• An Afternoon Helicopter Flight Over Melbourne

Start the Day with a Visit Albert Park Lake

Albert Park Lake is just south of Melbourne’s CBD,  a great way to start your day. The lake is a popular spot for morning walks and bike rides.

You can walk the paths, take in the views of the Melbourne CBD, and watch the waterbirds. If you prefer an active start to your day, bike rentals are available.

This is for people who like nature and light outdoor activity, and are close to the Melbourne CBD.

The peaceful atmosphere is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Albert Park Lake is also next to the Formula 1 Grand Prix Circuit, if you’re a motorsport fan.

Including Albert Park Lake in your Melbourne itinerary means a relaxed and refreshing start with opportunities to take in the city’s beauty while being active.

Have Lunch at The Kettle Black

An Afternoon Helicopter Flight Over Melbourne

A 30 minute helicopter flight over Melbourne city and the beaches of Port Phillip Bay is a thrilling way to see the city from above. Flights depart from Essendon Airport, which is 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the lounge for a pre-flight briefing by an experienced pilot, and then photo opportunities with the helicopter before boarding.

The flight starts with a climb to 1,500 feet and takes in the city’s skyscrapers and landmarks. As the helicopter flies over the CBD, you’ll see Melbourne Central Business District landmarks like Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and the Yarra River snaking through the city.

The flight then heads towards the coast and flies low and slow over Port Phillip Bay. Highlights include St Kilda Beach, the Brighton Bathing Boxes, and the sunken World War I submarine near Sandringham Marina.

On the return journey, the helicopter offers another perspective of the city’s landmarks. You’ll fly over Albert Park Lake, home of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, and take in the views of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Rod Laver Arena, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The pilot will provide commentary throughout the flight, point out the key sights, and share some of Melbourne’s history and culture. Advanced noise-canceling headsets mean you can hear the commentary and talk to the pilot all throughout.

This is a great activity for those looking for a unique way to see Melbourne. It’s perfect for couples, families, or solo travellers who want to add some adventure to their Melbourne itinerary.

The guaranteed window seats make it easy to take stunning photos, whether it’s the city circle tram winding through the CBD, the turquoise waters of Port Phillip Bay, or the greenery of the Yarra River below.

The helicopter flight is more than just a sightseeing tour, it’s an experience that will leave a lasting impression. Including this in your 5 days in Melbourne means a balance of exploring the city on the ground and from the air.

Day 2 in Your Melbourne Itinerary

Day 2 of your 5 days in Melbourne looks as follows:

• A Morning Ceres Community Environment Park Adventure
• Lunch at Maha North
• An Afternoon Street Art Tour in Fitzroy and Collingwood

A Morning Ceres Community Environment Park Adventure

Ceres Community Environment Park is an urban oasis in Brunswick East. It’s all about sustainability and education, perfect for anyone interested in environmental initiatives and local community projects.

You can visit the organic market for fresh produce and handmade goods or join a workshop on gardening, composting, and renewable energy.

The park has walking trails and a café serving ethically sourced coffee and snacks. This is great for families, solo travellers, or anyone who wants to learn about sustainable practices in a green space in the city. 

A visit to Ceres takes only a few hours, so you have plenty of time for other activities in your Melbourne trip. Including Ceres in your 5 days in Melbourne adds variety to your itinerary by showing you the city’s focus on sustainability and community. It’s a great introduction to the city culture Melbourne is famous for.

Lunch at Maha North

Maha North is a Middle Eastern inspired restaurant in Collingwood, a truly unique dining experience in Melbourne Australia. The menu has bold flavours and dishes designed for sharing.

Popular items include Turkish bagels with spiced dips and slow cooked lamb shawarma. Vegetarian options like roasted cauliflower with tahini are also available. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with a focus on communal dining.

This is great for foodies and anyone looking to try something different in your Melbourne itinerary. It's in the free tram zone and close to other attractions in the area as well.

Lunch at Maha North is a great addition to your 5 days in Melbourne, a chance to eat Middle Eastern food, and take a break from exploring. It’s also close to Fitzroy and Collingwood so perfect for the next activity on the itinerary.

An Afternoon Street Art Tour in Fitzroy and Collingwood

The street art tour in Fitzroy and Collingwood is one of the most popular activities when visiting Melbourne. Melbourne is famous for its street art, and this area has some of the best murals, stencil art, and graffiti in laneways and walls.

You can do a self guided tour or join an organised walk with a local guide who will tell you about the artists and their work.

Key stops include Hosier Lane and Rose Street, both filled with colourful and thought provoking pieces that reflect Melbourne’s identity as a creative hub in the Southern Hemisphere. The tour also goes past small galleries and independent shops, so you can see local art beyond the streets.

A few hours on a street art tour is a great way to see a different side of the city. This is perfect for art lovers, photographers, or anyone who wants to experience the city’s cultural pulse.

Adding a street art tour to your Melbourne itinerary shows the city’s reputation as a creative city. It’s a must for any Melbourne trip and wraps up day two nicely, sustainability, food and art.

Day 3 in Melbourne

Day 3 of your 5 days in Melbourne could look as follows:

• A Morning Doing the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Aboriginal Heritage Walk
• Lunch at Smith & Daughters
• See the Scienceworks Museum

A Morning Doing the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Aboriginal Heritage Walk

Start your day at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria with the Aboriginal Heritage Walk. This guided tour offers insight into the Wurundjeri people and their enduring connection to the land.

Participants learn about indigenous traditions, the use of native plants for food and medicine, and dreamtime stories that have shaped local culture.

The walk takes approximately 90 minutes and includes demonstrations of traditional tools and artifacts. It’s suitable for anyone interested in history, culture, and sustainability.

The tour is set against the backdrop of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, with its lush greenery and tranquil settings.

This experience fits well into a Melbourne itinerary as it provides a deeper understanding of the area’s history.

Including this walk in your 5 days in Melbourne helps visitors connect with the heritage of the Southern Hemisphere while enjoying one of Melbourne Australia’s most iconic landmarks.

Lunch at Smith & Daughters

Smith & Daughters in Fitzroy is a plant-based restaurant known for its creative approach to dining. The menu offers dishes inspired by Spanish and Latin American cuisine, crafted to highlight bold flavors and fresh ingredients.

Popular options include tacos filled with jackfruit and smoky chipotle or a hearty Spanish paella made with seasonal vegetables and saffron rice.

The restaurant is ideal for those looking to explore Melbourne’s culinary scene, particularly visitors who prefer vegetarian or vegan options.

Smith & Daughters is a short tram ride from the city centre, making it easy to reach from the free tram zone or the city circle tram. Its Fitzroy location also places it near some of the best street art Melbourne has to offer.

Dining here adds variety to your 5 days in Melbourne. It’s a chance to enjoy innovative cuisine in a relaxed environment while exploring one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

See the Scienceworks Museum

Scienceworks Museum is an interactive science and technology center located in Spotswood, a short drive or day trip from the city centre.

The museum features hands-on exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. Highlights include the Lightning Room, where live demonstrations explore the power of electricity, and the Sportsworks exhibit, where visitors can test their skills in a range of physical challenges.

The Planetarium is a must-see, offering immersive stargazing experiences that explore the night sky of the Southern Hemisphere. This activity is suitable for families, students, and anyone with an interest in science and innovation.

Adding Scienceworks to your Melbourne itinerary ensures a balance of education and entertainment. It’s a great way to spend a few hours during your 5 days in Melbourne and is perfect for visitors seeking an engaging indoor activity.

Day 4 in Melbourne

Day 4 of your 5 days in Melbourne could look as follows:

• Go on a Mornington Peninsula Dolphin Swim
• Lunch at Port Phillip Estate
• Explore the Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

Go on a Mornington Peninsula Dolphin Swim

The Mornington Peninsula, about an hour's drive from Melbourne's CBD, is where your day begins. You'll be heading there to join a guided dolphin swim tour in Port Phillip Bay. That boat is equipped for snorkelers, and the professional guides on board will ensure you have a safe, memorable interaction with the marine life.

That experience is perfect for adventurous types and nature lovers alike. Swimming alongside wild dolphins, or just watching them from the boat, is an unforgettable way to connect with the natural environment. If you'd rather stay dry, that's okay too.

A dolphin swim adds a unique outdoor adventure to your five days in Melbourne. The Mornington Peninsula provides a serene escape from the city, making it a great addition to any Melbourne itinerary.

Lunch at Port Phillip Estate

After the morning's adventure, you should head to Port Phillip Estate for lunch. The estate is famous for its modern architecture and stunning vineyard views. 

The menu showcases seasonal ingredients sourced locally, paired with the estate's award-winning wines. You might find cured salmon with pickled vegetables, roast lamb with seasonal accompaniments, or a handcrafted lemon tart on the menu.

Dining at Port Phillip Estate is a must for food and wine lovers visiting Melbourne. It's an excellent way to unwind and indulge after a busy morning. That combination of culinary excellence and scenic surroundings makes this stop an absolute must for your 5-day Melbourne itinerary.

Explore the Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens

Later in the day, visit Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens in the Mornington Peninsula. The property features Australia's oldest hedge maze, with winding pathways that are a fun and engaging challenge for visitors. 

You can explore the maze, learn about the varieties of lavender grown on-site, and enjoy some light refreshments at the on-site café.

This attraction is suitable for families and solo explorers alike looking for a laid-back yet interactive outdoor activity.  

The combination of natural beauty and an  engaging experiences makes it a memorable addition to your Melbourne itinerary. If you have some extra time, consider extending the day trip to include nearby Phillip Island, famous for its penguin parade and coastal views.

Day 5 of Visiting Melbourne

Day 5 of your Melbourne itinerary is as follows:

• A Morning at the Werribee Open Range Zoo
• Lunch at Fonda Mexican
• An Afternoon Wilsons Prom Helicopter Tour
• Explore the Queen Victoria Market

A Morning at the Werribee Open Range Zoo

Start the day with a short day trip to Werribee Open Range Zoo, about 30 minutes from the Melbourne CBD. The zoo has an African-style safari experience where you can see giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and antelope roaming free across the open plains.

The safari bus takes you on a guided tour of the savannah and tells you all about the animals and their habitats.

This is great for families, wildlife lovers, and anyone visiting Melbourne who wants to experience nature without traveling far. The zoo also has walking trails, Australian animal exhibits, and kids activities. A visit here is education and adventure combined so it’s a must do for your Melbourne itinerary.

Lunch at Fonda Mexican

After the zoo head back to the Melbourne CBD and stop at Fonda Mexican in Richmond for lunch. Fonda is known for its fresh  Mexican food.

The menu has burritos with slow cooked pork, tacos with crispy fish, and bowls with grilled chicken and black beans and rice, along with refreshing drinks like watermelon agua fresca or classic margaritas to go with your meal.

This is perfect for casual dining with big flavours. Its close to the city circle tram route, so it's easy to get to, and the vibe is all about Melbourne food culture. Add Fonda to your Melbourne itinerary and you’ll get a diverse food experience for your 5 days in Melbourne.

An Afternoon Wilsons Prom Helicopter Tour

The Wilsons Prom Helicopter Tour is a half day trip departing from Essendon Airport, 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD. This private flight takes you to Wilsons Promontory, the southernmost tip of mainland Australia, where you’ll see pristine beaches, granite hills, and vast natural landscapes.

The tour starts with a scenic flight over the Melbourne CBD, showing you the Yarra River, Albert Park Lake, and the city circle tram area. Flying over Port Phillip Bay, you’ll see Brighton Beach Boxes, Phillip Island, and the San Remo Bridge.

The helicopter then descends over Wilsons Promontory National Park where you can see Squeaky Beach, Mt Oberon, and Sealers Cove.

This helicopter tour gives you 360 degree views of areas you can’t get to on foot, so it’s a great way to see the Australian outback. The flight has noise-canceling headsets for clear communication and is led by experienced pilots who will tell you all about the landscape.

Add this to your Melbourne itinerary and you’ll have a memorable end to your 5 days in Melbourne. It’s perfect for visitors looking for adventure and scenery and to see why Melbourne is the gateway to some of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.

Explore the Queen Victoria Market

Finish the day with a visit to Queen Victoria Market, a cultural hub in the heart of the Melbourne CBD. The market is famous for its food stalls with a wide range of cuisines from fresh seafood to handmade pasta.

Dinner options include paella, dumplings, gourmet burgers, and so much more. Shoppers can browse stalls with local produce, crafts and souvenirs, all of which can be found in abundance at Queen Victoria Market.

The market is on the city circle tram and has a lively atmosphere, so it’s a must do when visiting Melbourne. Spend the evening here and you’ll get a taste of Melbourne food culture and meet the locals.

Other Destinations Worth Visiting During Your 5 Days in Melbourne

Although we've provided you with a fully packed Melbourne itinerary, it really doesn't even begin to cover all of the amazing sights you can see when you visit Australia. With that being said, below are some more options in terms of top destinations too see when you visit Australia.

• Yarra Valley Wineries

• Collins Street

• Elizabeth Street

• Royal Exhibition Hall

• Princess Bridge

• Federation Square

• Parliament House

• Flinders Street Station

• Crown Casino

• National Gallery of Victoria

• Bourke Street Mall

• Fitzroy Gardens

• Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles

• Melbourne Cricket Ground

• Brighton Beach and Brighton Bathing Boxes

• Luna Park

• Melbourne Gaol

• Ian Potter Centre

• La Trobe Reading Room

• Melbourne Zoo

• St Kilda Pier

• Carlton Gardens

• Southern Cross Station

• Melbourne Museum