Melbourne, the coastal capital of the state of Victoria and also dubbed the coffee capital in Australia. With groovy cafés scattered all over the city and graffiti covering the numerous hidden laneways, this city fuses the best of traditional Western visuals with our modernising world.

Explore the numerous beautifully designed classic Victorian-style buildings and gawk in appreciation at all the jaw-droppingly beautiful natural sights in Melbourne. There is so much to do and explore here, and we’ll cover everything you need to see in this 5D4N Travel Guide in Melbourne.

Photo Credit: Instagram

DAY ONE IN MELBOURNE: GREAT OCEAN ROAD

A two to three-hour drive out from the Melbourne city centre, Great Ocean Road is an Australian National Heritage site that stretches across 243 kilometres along the coast.

This is definitely one of the most visited sites in Melbourne for the iconic natural attractions that are incredibly postcard-worthy. The drive there is absolutely beautiful too, with scenic coastal spots and sparkling waters for as far as the eye can see.

THE TWELVE APOSTLES

Can you really say that you’ve been to the state of Victoria if you haven’t visited the Twelve Apostles?

Originally known as the Pinnacles, the Twelve Apostles are stacks of rock that were formed through erosion from intense weather conditions. Despite being named the Twelve Apostles, there are only 8 left as the other 4 did not stand against the test of time and extreme forces of Mother Nature.

Witness these majestic limestone formations in all their towering glory at the various viewing points along the coast. Ensure you get pictures too; these wonders have withstood over twenty million years and are not a sight you will want to forget!

Photo Credit: Instagram

LOCH ARD GORGE

Situated close to the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge has a pathway that leads toward a beach that gives visitors a spectacular view of the gorge, making for wonderful pictures.

Do not miss out on the opportunity to learn about the site’s history as well. It was said that out of fifty-four passengers and crew members, only two people survived the journey aboard the ship called “Loch Ard” from England to Melbourne! The various plagues around the area provide further detail on this true story.

Photo Credit: Instagram

APOLLO BAY

Head over to Apollo Bay, a quaint coastal town, for a meal before heading over to the beach to dip your feel into the fine grains of sand. Consider visiting the ice cream parlour as well, they serve a uniquely Australian flavour of Vegemite!

Photo Credit: Instagram

GREAT OTWAY NATIONAL PARK

Fill your senses with the earthy fragrance of the koala’s favourite treat, eucalyptus, as you take a trek through the cool rainforest. Discover waterfalls in this cool temperate rainforest, the Great Otway National Park has a mystical and enchanting impression that you don’t want to miss out on.

Photo Credit: Instagram

DAY TWO IN MELBOURNE: PHILLIP ISLAND

Driving from Melbourne to Phillip Island will take an estimated two hours. This is the place to bring your children or that animal lover in your group; from adorable little fairy penguins to fur seals lounging on the rocks. Phillip Island boasts stunning beaches with the finest white sands.

BRIGHTON BEACH

On the drive out to Phillip Island, make a pit stop by Brighton Beach. This is the iconic beach that has been making its rounds on social media, where a row of brightly coloured bathing houses line the sandy shores.

Pick a few of the colourful bathhouses that stand out to you and snap a number of photos to upload to your social media profiles! This is one spot you do not want to miss out on a photo opportunity.

Photo Credit: Instagram

NOBBIES CENTRE

Take a short stroll over to the boardwalk that overlooks The Nobbies and the Seal Rocks where Australia’s largest colony of fur seals reside. There are an estimated sixteen thousand fur seals that live in the area!

On top of spotting fur seals, the view here is stunning too; particularly when the sun lines up and provides the most mesmerising shimmering effect against the reflecting waters.

1320 Ventnor Rd
Summerlands VIC 3922
Tel: +61 3 5951 2800
Daily: 10am – 5pm

Photo Credit: Phillip Island Nature Parks

PENGUIN PARADE

The Penguin Parade is probably the number one reason why visitors make a trip down to Phillip Island, and it completely understandable; these little penguins stand at approximately 30 centimetres tall and are uniquely coloured with white and blue feathers!

Visitors will get the opportunity to closely observe the little penguins as they waddle up the beach after sunset from spending a day of hunting fish from the ocean.

An important tip in arranging your itinerary for the day at Phillip Island: ensure that you check online for the time that the penguins are estimated to arrive back on the shores. This typically changes depending on the season since Melbourne experiences four seasons. Thus, the time of sunset differs and affects what time the penguins come back to the beach, from as early as 5.30pm to as late as 8.30pm.

1019 Ventnor Rd
Summerlands VIC 3922
Tel: +61 3 5951 2800
Daily: 10am – 9.15pm

DAY THREE IN MELBOURNE: YARRA VALLEY

Ninety kilometres east of Melbourne CBD and an estimated hour’s drive out, Yarra Valley is a popular destination for day trips with lush greenery and an abundance of Australian agricultural produce to discover.

WINE TASTINGS

Yarra Valley has a cool temperate that makes it particularly suitable for making wine, as can be seen with the countless vineyards scattered around the area. The thriving wine industry at Yarra Valley specialises in chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wines.

Sip on your choice of wine, or try a few of the samples, while looking out at the picturesque vineyards, and perhaps even pair it with a scrumptious cheese platter.

Photo Credit: Cherryhill Orchards

FRUIT PICKING

Yarra Valley also boasts a plethora of orchards that offer the freshest and juiciest fruits. Depending on the season, different fruits are available for fruit picking, including peaches, cherries and strawberries. This means filling your baskets with as many fruits as you can pluck fresh from the plants!

This is a one-of-a-kind experience you don’t want to miss out on, particularly if you are looking for a child-friendly activity in the area.

Photo Credit: Instagram

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES

Yarra Valley poses the wondrous opportunity of a ballooning tour, with scenic views of the mountains and vineyards. Allow yourself to relax and take in the unblocked and unparalleled view of the area on a hot air balloon.

Photo Credit: Innocent Bystander

INNOCENT BYSTANDER

For lunch, make your way over to Innocent Bystander for mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas. Order the Quattro Fromaggi, which comes with four different types of delectable cheeses as well as their Mushroom Pizza Bianca, which is served with drool-worthy mushrooms with black truffle oil.

We recommend that you pair your meal at Innocent Bystander with their Moscato, or head over to the bar for a wine tasting after.

316-334 Maroondah Hwy
Healesville VIC 3777
Tel: +61 3 5999 9222
Mon to Thu: 11am – 8pm
Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 9pm

Photo Credit: Instagram

HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY

After a fulfilling meal at Innocent Bystander, prepare to be greeted by the adorable furry animals at Healesville Sanctuary.

Jump at the chance to pet the cuddly and fluffy eared koalas and feed the kangaroos, along with their smaller cousins the wallabies! Look forward to observing other Australian native animals as well, such as the wombat, echidna, dingo, platypus and Tasmanian devil.

A sanctuary is the best way to observe Australian wildlife. Unlike zoos, sanctuaries do not buy, sell, trade or breed animals, and they also do not capture them from the wild. They acquire animals who are unable to survive in the wild on their own and also rescue those that are surrendered or confiscated.

Badger Creek Rd
Badger Creek VIC 3777
Tel: +61 1300 966 784
Daily: 9am – 5pm

DAY FOUR IN MELBOURNE: EXPLORING MELBOURNE

QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET

Get an early start to your day and head over to the famed Queen Victoria Market. Melbourne is known as the coffee capital in Australia; thus, it is vital that visitors grab a cup of coffee at every opportunity possible. Visit Market Lane Coffee for a quick and warming cup before heading inside the market to explore.

Check out the various seasonal fruits available, ask the stall owners for a taste of them and perhaps even purchase a bundle of them. Explore the different aisles here and consider picking up a local homemade bar of soap or even some fragrant soy candles as a gift for loved ones back home.

If you love seafood, you absolutely have to check out the seafood and fresh meat section. Purchase a dozen freshly shucked oysters for a taste of Australia’s salty oceans.

Photo Credit: Instagram

LYGON STREET

Lygon street is known for the numerous authentic Italian restaurants that line the street. If you’re craving for pizza, pay DOC Pizza & Mozzarella Bar a visit for their Pizza San Daniele which is served with prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella.

Universal Restaurant is a popular choice amongst students and visitors for the immensely huge portions of delicious food. Order the Marinara with cream sauce, this tasty pasta is served with fresh seafood and will have you finishing up the entire dish in no time.

A must order is the restaurant’s Universal Chicken Schnitzel. This unbelievably gigantic chicken schnitzel is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Served with their special mushroom sauce, we promise you won’t be able to put your fork down.

Pidapipó’s artisanal gelato makes for a phenomenal sweet treat to end your meal. Choose from diverse flavours such as Sticky Date Pudding, Salted Caramel and Honeycomb & Vanilla Bean. They also have various sorbet flavours that are dairy-free!

Our favourite pairing is Pistachio and Hazelnut. Did we mention that they have a Nutella fountain at Pidapipó?

DOC Pizza & Mozzarella bar
295 Drummond St
Carlton VIC 3053
Tel: +61 3 9347 2998
Mon to Wed: 5pm – 10.30pm
Thu to Sun: 12pm – 11.30pm

Universal Restaurant
Tel: +61 3 9347 4393
141 Lygon St
Carlton VIC 3053
Sun to Thu: 11am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 11am – 11.30pm

Pidapipó
299 Lygon St
Carlton VIC 3053
Tel: +61 3 9347 4596
Daily: 12pm – 11pm

Photo Credit: St Kilda penguins

ST KILDA BEACH

Take a stroll along St Kilda beach, enjoy the refreshing salty air and breeze as the Australian sun warms your skin. We particularly love people-watching here as the locals sunbathe and take their dogs on a relaxing walk.

Stay to watch as the sun bids goodbye with its final rays of sunlight, the view here is remarkable with the water reflecting the vibrant shades of purple and orange of the sky.

If you missed out on the chance to observe the little penguins at Phillip Island, visit the pier at St Kilda beach. Not only is entry free, but you might just get lucky with the chance to observe them up close and personal!

DAY FIVE IN MELBOURNE: DISCOVERING LANDMARKS

The city centre of Melbourne itself also holds many attractions that are popular amongst visitors, particularly for the classic Victorian architecture that has been well-preserved. Melbourne also boasts a myriad of hip and groovy cafes for delectable brunch and a cup of warming coffee to kick start your day.

CAFE FOR BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

Home to some of the best cafes with the most enjoyable brunch grub, Melbourne has cafes scattered at every corner and crevice of the city. From bagels to pancakes, eggs benedict to pulled pork burgers, and even vegan and gluten-free options; there truly is something for everyone.

Some of our favourite cafes close to the city include Seven Seeds Specialty Coffee Roasters, Humble Rays, Higher Ground and Flovie Florist Cafe.

Seven Seeds Specialty Coffee Roasters
114 Berkeley St
Carlton VIC 3053
Tel: +61 3 9347 8664
Mon to Sat: 7am – 5pm
Sun: 8am – 5pm

Humble Rays
71 Bouverie St
Carlton VIC 3053
Tel: +61 3 8354 8459
Daily: 8am – 4pm

Higher Ground
650 Little Bourke St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: +61 3 8899 6219
Mon to Wed: 7am – 4pm
Thu & Fri: 7am – 10pm
Sat: 8am – 10pm
Sun: 8am – 4pm

Flovie Florist Cafe
261-263 Queensberry Street
Carlton VIC 3000
Tel: +61 3 9348 1279
Daily: 8am – 5.30pm

STATE LIBRARY VICTORIA

The State Library Victoria is the oldest public library in Australia and boasts gorgeous Neoclassical architecture that leaves most visitors awe-inspired. A must visit at the library is the La Trobe Reading Room, where the desks and chairs are made of old school furniture and a domed ceiling looms overhead.

Play a game of chess or observe the peace as students pour over their notebooks, the State Library Victoria is an extremely charming spot in Melbourne every visitor must check out.

71 Bouverie St
Carlton VIC 3053
Daily: 8am – 4pm

BOURKE STREET & LANEWAYS

Bourke Street is one of the main streets that line the Central Business District in Melbourne. With two major Australian department stores on Bourke Street, this is the place to be if you’re looking to do some shopping.

Bourke Street is also lined with laneways that are covered in vividly coloured graffiti, so ensure that you snap a couple of photos of these beautiful artworks too!

Photo Credit: Instagram

Head over to the Royal Arcade and take in the elegant interior that is filled with natural light and Italianate-style architecture. For a quick bite, purchase some of the flavour infused croissants from Agathé Pâtisserie.

Our favourite is the Pandan Croissants which are coloured a bright and vivid shade of green, though don’t be intimidated by its colour, the croissant is so buttery and flaky you’ll find yourself purchasing another one.

BRUNETTI

Close to Flinders Street Railway Station is Brunetti, an Italian café that is a favourite amongst visitors and locals alike for their beautifully decorated cakes and pastries, gelatos and light bites.

Order a few of the baked goods to share between your companions and pair it with some of their incredibly aromatic coffees; this will be a tea break that will have you dreaming for more.

250 Flinders Ln
Melbourne VIC 3000
Tel: +61 3 9347 2801
Sun to Thu: 6am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 6am – 12am

FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY STATION

Serving the entire metropolitan rail network, Flinders Street Railway Station is the busiest railway station in Australia. Also, a quirky fact to know is that it was also the world’s busiest passenger station in the late 1920s!

This beautiful classic railway station is an iconic attraction in Melbourne for its domed top, and the numerous clocks above the arched entrance that tell the time of various regions in the world. Do not miss a photo opportunity of this magnificent structure in Melbourne.

YARRA RIVER

Just a couple steps away from Flinders Street Railway Station is the Yarra River, which stretches across the city and provides the perfect landscape for a well-deserved dinner after an entire day of exploring.

Several bars and restaurants line both sides of the Yarra River, with delicious gourmet fare and drinks to unwind as you take in the picturesque cityscape around you.

From isolated beaches, snowy mountains to stunning wineries, we have created a guide to 10 Best Road Trip Destinations from Melbourne that you will regret not visiting. These attractions offer a diverse range of interesting activities and its highlights can usually be covered within a day. Hotel accommodation and camping sites are available if you would like to prolong your stay.

#1 BALLARAT

Ballarat is known for its rich cultural heritage and glorious history of gold rush. Located 105 km away from Melbourne, Ballarat is Victoria’s third largest city. This old Australian town once flourished in the 19th century with its gold mining opportunities; the worn out but magnificent Victorian architecture is a living testimony to the city’s once-prosperous gold digging period.

Spend a day at Sovereign Hill and experience the olden days with costumed characters, horse carriages and mining demonstration. If time permits, catch a performance at the iconic Her Majesty’s Theatre and pay the relatively new Museum of Australian Democracy at Eureka (M.A.D.E) a visit.

You can also interact with kangaroos, emus and koalas at the wildlife park. If you do not intend to drive, take a VLine train to Ballarat from Southern Cross station, which takes about 90 minutes.

#2 DANDENONG RANGES

Situated an hour drive away is the Dandenong Ranges – a series of rolling hills characterised by valleys and rainforests, which are best explored by Australia’s century-old steam train, Puffing Billy. Return tickets on Puffing Billy start from AUD 10.50, depending on the route you are going for.

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You may sit with your legs dangling out of the train while enjoying the 25-km long scenic route. Hike along Sherbrooke Forest or find a picnic spot and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the towering Eucalyptus ‘Mountain Ash’ trees. Visit the National Rhododendron Garden for free, which has been coined as the jewel of the Dandenong Ranges. It is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna, making it a delight to visit at anytime of the year.

#3 FALLS CREEK

Located in the Victorian Alps, The Falls Creek is a popular winter ski resort amongst Australians. Its snowy mountain has over 90 runs; 17% beginner, 60% intermediate and 23% advanced. The longest run is called Wishing Well, which spans over three kilometres.

You can board a coach or drive for five hours from Melbourne to Falls Creek (snow chains are mandatory). The snow season starts from June to the end of September, but you can also visit during its off-peak season. When the summer heat becomes unbearable, Falls Creek acts as a base camp for people to explore the surrounding Alpines National Park. Elevated at 1585 meters above sea level, the temperature is 10 degrees cooler than Melbourne City.

#4 GREAT OCEAN ROAD

Conquering the Great Ocean Road – one of the most popular road trips from Melbourne – is not an easy feat. The 243-km long road spans from Torquay to near the Southern Australian Border. Dramatic waves crashing onto empty shores line up the winding drive and snaps from any angle make an instagram-worthy shot. The four-hour drive feels far from eternity when one is surrounded by jaw-dropping panoramic coastal views.

Not forgetting the famous 12 Apostles, a collection of gigantic limestone formation that were formed when its original coastline were eroded. Venture further down Great Ocean Road and you will discover alternative beautiful views in less touristy areas such as Lord Ard Gorge. You can visit the Great Ocean Road by renting a car or join a guided day tour.

#5 MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Mornington Peninsula is only an hour drive away, making it an ideal day trip destination from Melbourne. Its sophisticated yet cool coastal-style living characterises this region. You can swim with seals, pluck fresh strawberries, relax at the hot springs, explore beautifully sculpted garden mazes and even ride a horse to visit wineries!

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Indeed, all that has been mentioned is only the tip of the iceberg on what Mornington Peninsula has to offer. It also boasts 19 spectacular golf courses, multiple water sports, fishing charter, cooking classes, premium spas and camping sites. We highly recommend a trip down to Enchanted Maze (AUD 29 per adult) where you can spend a day picnicking in the pretty gardens or have a go at the tube rides!

#6 MOUNT BULLER

Mount Buller is the closest and most accessible ski resort from Melbourne International Airport. Rent a car and embark on a three-hour drive from Melbourne (AUD 45 per entry) or board one of the many coaches (prices vary). A one-day chair lift pass may be costly at AUD 116, but is necessary for you to explore the skiable terrains. If winter sport is not your forte, you can pick up a ski/snowboard lesson or simply explore the mountain at your own pace.

Treat yourself to a movie night at Australia’s highest cinema (from AUD 12 per ticket), luxurious massage, gourmet meal or a scenic helicopter flight (from AUD 85 per person).

#7 MOUNT MACEDON

The enchanting Mount Macedon is only an one-hour drive away from Melbourne. Alternatively, you can get there via train on the Bendigo line from Southern Cross Station, which will take about an hour too. If you visit Mount Macedon during autumn or spring, do check out Tieve Tara Gardens. It showcases a spectacular collection of flowers that are bound to impress even the skeptics.

Have a picnic at the serene Sanatorium Lake before heading north to the Hanging Rock for a day of adventure. It takes about two hours to hike around the six-million-year-old pinnacle-like formation. Pay respects to the heroes of World War I at the tranquil Memorial Cross on the summit of Mount Macedon and watch in awe as the beautiful sun descend into the horizon.

#8 PHILIP ISLAND

A 90-minute drive away from Melbourne, Philip Island is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations made famous by its wild penguin parade. Animal enthusiasts should also join the island’s whale-watching and bird watching activities.

While the creatures do put on a great ‘show’, they are not all Philip Island has to offer. There are many other exhilarating outdoor activities i.e. paintball, surfing and kayaking that will get your adrenaline pumping. Visit Rhyll Trout & Bush Tucker Farm and learn to fish for a rainbow trout.

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You can choose to take it home or have the in-house chef to cook a fresh meal. Do not leave Philip Island without visiting The Nobbies! It offers breathtaking views of large crashing waves along the island’s coastal line.

#9 WILSONS PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK

The gorgeous Wilson’s Promontory National Park remains largely untouched by human activities till date. If you are looking to reconnect with nature, look no further. Wilson’s Promontory National Park’s pristine beaches are almost magical. The deserted Squeaky Beach produces squeaking noises when you step on the lily-white sand.

Climb up Mount Oberon and marvel at Mother Nature’s impressive creations or lay low and admire the beautiful Tidal River, which changes its colours from yellow to dark purple across different depths. The National Park is a gem with bountiful of wildlife and lush vegetation. Be still and you may witness kangaroos and emus roaming freely.

#10 YARRA VALLEY

An hour drive away from Melbourne is Yarra Valley, a world-class winery region with over 150 wineries and vineyards. With so many vineyards to choose from, selection gets a little tough. Top-rated wineries Dominique Portet and Domain Chandon are unmissable. If you intend to sample wines from various wineries, it is best to join a guided wine tasting tour to maximize your time.

You should still visit the Yarra Valley even if you do not drink alcohol as you can tour the Yarra Valley region on a hot air balloon (from AUD 225 per person), get up and close with Australian animals at Healseville Sanctuary (from AUD 13.60 per ticket) or take a leap of faith and jump off a plane (sky diving package start from AUD 299)!

For more recommendations, read our guide to 21 Best Cafes in Melbourne You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Life.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.