Day one in Melbourne is like diving into a bottomless brunch—exciting and a little overwhelming. Start your morning at the famous Queen Victoria Market. Arrive by 9 AM to beat the crowds and get the best pick of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and artisanal goods. Grab a coffee from one of the local stalls; trust me, it’s crucial to kickstart your day. As you wander, don’t forget to sample some hot jam doughnuts. You can thank me later. Around 11 AM, make your way to Fitzroy, a neighborhood bursting with character. Explore the quirky shops along Brunswick Street. If you fancy a quick snack, stop by Smith & Daughters for some delicious vegan tapas. After indulging, head to Collingwood Children’s Farm for a leisurely stroll among the animals. It’s a charming spot, and you can pretend to be a farmer for an hour. By 2 PM, it’s lunch time again. Pop into Chin Chin for some Thai cuisine that could make even your grandma rethink her cooking. The wait might be long, but the food is worth it. Afterward, take a walk down to the Yarra River and enjoy the view. You could even hop on a boat cruise if the weather’s nice; it’s a great way to see the city from a different angle. As the sun sets, head to Southbank for dinner. Choose from a myriad of restaurants, but I’d recommend Rockpool Bar & Grill if you’re feeling fancy. After dinner, stroll along the river and check out the Federation Square area, where you might catch a live performance or just enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to wrap up your first day.
Day two: Nature and culture collide
Day two starts bright and early with a trip to the Yarra Valley. Leave the city by 8 AM to make the most of your day. It’s about a one-hour drive, so grab some breakfast on the go. Once you arrive around 9 AM, get ready to sip some of the best wines in Australia. Start at Domain Chandon for a sparkling wine experience. By 11 AM, head to Yering Station. Do a wine tasting and take a stroll through the vineyard. If you’re feeling ambitious, pack a picnic to enjoy the scenery. Around 1 PM, stop for lunch at Healesville Hotel. Their menu will have you asking why you don’t live here permanently. Post-lunch, make a stop at the Healesville Sanctuary to meet some of Australia’s unique wildlife. You’ll have the chance to see kangaroos, koalas, and maybe even a platypus. Plan to spend about two hours here. By around 4 PM, start heading back to Melbourne. Once you arrive, unwind with a casual dinner at The Night Noodle Markets (if it’s the right season) or check out Chinatown for dumplings. As the night rolls in, consider catching a show at the Melbourne Arts Centre to soak up the local culture. After all, who needs sleep when you have culture?
Day three: Art and relaxation
On your final day, sleep in a bit and start your morning with brunch at Hardware Société around 10 AM. This French-inspired café serves breakfast that could inspire you to take up cooking—spoiler alert: you probably won’t. After brunch, take a stroll to the National Gallery of Victoria by 11:30 AM. The gallery houses an impressive collection of Australian and international art. Make sure to spend at least a couple of hours here. You might leave feeling cultured and slightly smarter. By 1 PM, grab lunch at the Laneway cafés. You’ll find everything from gourmet sandwiches to artisanal pastries. After lunch, explore the nearby street art laneways. Don’t forget to take pictures; your Instagram feed needs it. Around 3 PM, it’s time to unwind. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens for a relaxing stroll. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the city center, perfect for clearing your mind after all that art. As you wrap up your last day, head back to the city for a farewell dinner at Attica, one of Australia’s top fine dining restaurants. Be sure to book ahead. This meal will be a fitting end to your Melbourne adventure, leaving you full and satisfied. Now that you’ve experienced the best of Melbourne in three days, you might find yourself dreaming of when to return. Just remember to pack your appetite and your sense of adventure, and who knows? You might just discover something new every time you visit.
