3 Days of Fun, Food & Art in Melbourne

Experience the vibrant culture of Melbourne without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Melbourne, Australia is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with lots to offer on a limited budget. Its CBD is easily navigable on foot or by tram and there are many free or low-cost activities such as visiting the Queen Victoria Market and exploring the street art in the laneways. Additionally, affordable dining options are abundant, with diverse cuisines available in the city's many food halls and markets.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Coffee, Brunch & Artsy Alleys

  • Start with a cup of Joe at Manchester Press, a hidden gem for coffee lovers.
  • Explore the nearby Hosier Lane, an ever-changing street art gallery.
  • Head to the Queen Victoria Market for some authentic brunch options.
  • Visit ACMI, a museum of the moving image showcasing interactive exhibits.
  • Wander through Degraves Street, a vibrant alley filled with shops, cafes and street performers.
  • Hotel Recommendation: The Nunnery, a charming budget-friendly hostel located in the historic Fitzroy area.
Day 2

Parks, Penguins & Pints

  • Take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens, admire the stunning flora and fauna.
  • Hop on a tram to St Kilda and enjoy the beachside views.
  • Watch the adorable little penguins waddle back to their burrows at sunset.
  • Head back to the city for some craft beer & pub grub at one of Melbourne’s many breweries.
  • Catch a show at The Butterfly Club, a quirky cabaret-style theatre.
Day 3

Culture, Cuisine & Rooftops

  • Soak up some culture at the National Gallery of Victoria, featuring a vast array of exhibitions.
  • Stop for lunch at Chinatown for some delicious dumplings and noodle soups.
  • Take a tour of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and learn about its history.
  • Head to Rooftop Bar for breathtaking views of the city skyline and tasty cocktails.
  • End the day with dinner at Naked for Satan, a rooftop bar and restaurant offering Spanish-inspired cuisine.
  • Melbourne is a city full of personality, diversity and passion. Whether you want to embrace its art scene, immerse yourself in its culture, or simply relax and enjoy its scenery, this itinerary is a great way to experience the best of everything Melbourne has to offer!

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Melbourne, Australia by plane is to fly into Melbourne Airport (MEL) from your nearest major airport. Many airlines offer flights to Melbourne, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar.

Car

To drive to Melbourne, you can take the Hume Highway from Sydney or the Eastern Freeway from Adelaide. The journey can take anywhere from 8-10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train that runs to Melbourne from any other country or state. However, you can take a train from Sydney or Adelaide to Melbourne, which is a scenic route that takes approximately 12-14 hours.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no direct boat services that run to Melbourne from any other country or state. However, you can take a cruise from Sydney or Tasmania to Melbourne, which is a relaxing way to see the coast and take in the scenery along the way.

Bus

A cost-effective way to get to Melbourne is by bus. Greyhound Australia offers bus services from major cities such as Sydney, Adelaide, and Canberra to Melbourne. The bus stops at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne.

More travel plans

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Melbourne, Australia offers an enriching and family-friendly experience. From exploring the city's vibrant arts and culture scene, such as visiting the National Gallery of Victoria or taking a walk down street-art adorned laneways, to enjoying local parks and playgrounds like the Royal Botanic Gardens or Melbourne Zoo, there is something for everyone. Additionally, families can indulge in delicious food at famous food markets like Queen Victoria Market, making Melbourne an ideal destination for a memorable and child-friendly trip.

The Melbourne Family Fun Guide: The Ultimate 5-Day Adventure

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As a tourist, visiting Melbourne provides a perfect mix of culture, nature and urban sophistication. With world-renowned street art, vibrant culinary experiences and bustling city life, Melbourne caters to diverse interests. From the Great Ocean Road to the Royal Botanic Gardens, take in the scenic beauty by foot, bike or even hot air balloon for a memorable adventure Down Under.