How to spend 72 hours in Melbourne

Not many cities take their coffee as seriously as Melbourne.

Follow the aroma of espresso down cobblestone laneways, and you’ll find there’s no better way to cure your jet lag and acquaint yourself with your new surroundings than sipping on a single-origin coffee enjoying a long lazy brunch.

Wondering where to start? A City Circle Tram is a convenient way to see the sights of central Melbourne. The tram is a great way to begin your stay by visiting major attractions, including the renowned Queen Victoria Market, and all for free.

When exploring any new destination, a great way to get the flavour of where you are visiting is to find and explore its local markets. The Queen Victoria Market has been a Melbourne landmark for more than a century, offering fresh produce and food at one of the many cafés or coffee spots (by now, Melbourne would have converted even the non-coffee drinkers out there). The options extend beyond food to locally made art, homewares, plants, books, and more.

Once you’ve seen the sights of this historic market, you’ll want to spend the afternoon walking off your market indulgence at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Located right in the city’s centre, the sprawling gardens are home to thousands of plant species, lakes and lawns - perfect for a picnic or a casual wander. 

If you prefer a guided walk through the gardens, try booking a spot on the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, where you’ll learn about the rich history and thriving culture of the First Peoples of Australia. A significant site for the local Kulin Nation, learn about native plants and their uses, customs and more with a First Peoples guide.

Did someone say day trip? Set your sights a little further afield on your second day with a trip to the Mornington Peninsula.  

A must-see and popular outing in Metropolitan Melbourne, hire a car and head just an hour from the city centre. The peninsula is home to beaches, wineries, highly acclaimed restaurants, and orchards – so there’s plenty to see, do and taste! Visit the town of Sorrento to tackle the lovely clifftop walk, Millionaire’s Walk. Roughly an hours-long route, you’ll experience panoramic and breathtaking views across Port Philip Bay. Due to the closeness to Melbourne City Centre, you can either travel back the same day or stay overnight and take a leisurely drive back the following morning.

On your final day, it’s time to soak up the culture of Melbourne City. Hop on the City Circle Tram again to the famous Federation Square or Fed Square as it’s locally known. A venue with art galleries, museums, shops, bars, and more – Fed Square is Melbourne’s cultural beating heart.

Here you’ll find the ACMI (formerly Australian Centre for the Moving Image), which hosts exhibitions, cinemas and more. But don’t let the culture trip stop there, as Fed Square is also home to the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, which is the world’s first major gallery dedicated solely to Australian art - housed in a landmark architectural complex.

Another must-see is the Koorie Heritage Trust, a place for people to learn, promote, support and celebrate the continuing journey of the Aboriginal people of south-eastern Australia. The trust has a vast art collection, and you can buy handcrafted goods. They also run regular walking tours, which provide an opportunity to delve deep into the culture.

By now, you’ll no doubt be wanting something to eat. If so, stop at Big Esso by Mabu Mabu, in Fed Square - directly across from ACMI and beside the Koorie Heritage Trust. An all-day bar and kitchen located on the land of the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung peoples, Big Esso looks to celebrate Indigenous ingredients and cuisine, making make them more accessible and bringing them back to the banks of Birrarung (Yarra).

Stepping outside of Fed Square, you’ll want to head to the laneways of Melbourne, which pocket secrets around every corner. These threaded cobbled passageways are bursting with cafés, bars and boutiques and are coated in fascinating street art. Melbourne’s street art scene is famous – so don’t miss your opportunity to see what local and international artists have contributed.

With all that walking, you’ll want to have some good walking shoes, and you’ve certainly earned that cold beverage at one of the many rooftop bars dotted around the city.  

On the morning of your last day, we’d recommend dragging yourself out of bed before dawn to fly over Melbourne during sunrise in a hot air balloon: a life-pausing moment and an unforgettable way to start your last day. While weather dependent, it’s a great way to let the magnificence of Melbourne wash over you, not to mention ideal for spotting some last-minute places to head to on your last day!  

Inspired? Now we’ve helped answer what you should do in Melbourne, let’s move on to when you should go. Melbourne can easily be visited year-round, with lots on offer. December to March are the best months for longer days and better beach days. However, this time of the year is also the ‘high season’ when temperatures can become uncomfortable. March to May and September to November are known as the ‘shoulder seasons’ and boast great weather and fewer crowds, so it can equally be a great time to visit!

Constantly on the move – in more ways than one – Melbourne’s eclectic mix of culture, coffee, and creativity makes it an unforgettable destination and one that you’ll find yourself heading back to time and time again.