5-Day Melbourne Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Melbourne packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — australia's cultural capital of coffee, street art, and sporting obsession. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in CBD laneways — hidden bars, street art, and specialty coffee. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Federation Square for your first taste of what makes Melbourne special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the CBD laneways — hidden bars, street art, and specialty coffee area. Try Flat White — the coffee that Melbourne perfected and exported to the world — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Queen Victoria Market. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the South Yarra and Prahran — upscale dining along Chapel Street neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Dim Sum — excellent yum cha in Chinatown on Little Bourke Street at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Hosier Lane street art — one of Melbourne's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $17 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Collingwood and Richmond — craft breweries and Vietnamese cuisine on Victoria Street district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Greek souvlaki — Melbourne has the largest Greek population outside Athens. Expect to spend around $40 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Degraves Street — narrow laneway with the best independent coffee shops — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Brighton Beach Boxes — colorful bathing boxes along the sandy shoreline. The St Kilda — beach promenade with Luna Park and live music area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Melbourne's nightlife scene — CBD laneways — hidden speakeasy bars behind unmarked doors.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Abbotsford Convent — arts precinct in a former convent with gardens and cafes or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Queen Victoria Market — food, fashion, and souvenirs in a heritage shed — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: Free City Circle Tram loops around the CBD and Docklands
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $160 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack layers for Melbourne's famously unpredictable weather You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Melbourne has a strong coffee culture — do not order drip coffee at a specialty cafe
• Safety: Melbourne is safe overall — standard precautions in the CBD at night

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$55	$160	$430
5-Day Total	$275	$800	$2150

Final Thoughts

Five days in Melbourne is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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