St Kilda Pier, Melbourne, Victoria © Visit Victoria

3 days in Melbourne

Discover Melbourne’s gourmet gems, legendary sports, lively music venues and world-class art scene during this three-day city escape.

The must-do experiences

Discover Melbourne’s laneway secrets
Feel the city come to life at a sporting event
Experience the city’s celebrated culinary scene

Day 1: City centre and South Bank

Melbourne’s cool, quirky character permeates through the entire city – its colourful laneways, trendy cafés and legendary live music venues. Here’s how to get yourself acquainted with Melbourne.

Adelphi Hotel, Melbourne, Victoria © Visit Victoria

Where to stay in Melbourne

Whether you are looking for a buzzing city hotel or a discrete neighbourhood hideaway, Melbourne’s best hotels have you covered.

Read time • 5min

Day 2: Melbourne’s south-east

Hop on a tram to experience Melbourne’s laid-back beach suburbs and the Royal Botanic Garden’s rich cultural heritage.

Day 3: Melbourne’s east and north suburbs

Melbourne’s surrounding suburbs are full of surprises, from hip craft breweries to lively rooftop bars and exhilarating sports events. Here’s how to spend your final day in Melbourne.

Aerial view of the Royal Botanic Gardens © Visit Victoria

Melbourne suburb guide

From laid-back seaside suburbs to the city centre’s street art-clad laneways, Melbourne’s neighbourhoods are as eclectic as they are exciting.

Read time • 4min

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Melbourne from the USA?

Getting to Melbourne from the United States is easier than you think, with direct and one-stop options available.

Direct flights: Fly non-stop to Melbourne (MEL) from major US cities including Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Dallas (DFW).
One stopover: If you'd like to visit Australia's east coast, fly into another Australian city – like Sydney (SYD) or Brisbane (BNE) – and onward to Melbourne (MEL).

How do I get to Melbourne from the UK?

Getting to Melbourne from the United Kingdom is straightforward, often requiring only one stopover.

Via Perth: Fly non-stop from London Heathrow (LHR) to Perth (PER) on Australia's west coast, then hop on a domestic flight to Melbourne (MEL).
Via long-haul hubs: You can also fly via hubs such as Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH) or Singapore (SIN), then hop on a connecting flight to Melbourne.

How do I get to Melbourne from China?

Getting to Melbourne from China is easier than you think, with both direct and one-stop routes available.

Direct flights: Fly non-stop to Melbourne from Chinese cities including Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Shenzhen (SZX) and Xiamen (XMN).
One stopover: Fly via hubs such as Singapore (SIN) or Hong Kong (HKG). You can also fly into cities like Sydney (SYD) or Brisbane (BNE) and then take a short domestic flight to Melbourne.

How do I get around Melbourne?

Getting around Melbourne is straightforward. The city centre is highly walkable, making it easy to explore on foot and discover its famous laneways. Melbourne is also known for its extensive tram network, perfect for getting across the city or heading out to nearby suburbs filled with shopping, breweries and rooftop bars.

Is Melbourne a good destination for families?

Melbourne is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities for the whole family.

A few highlights include:

A stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria,
Soaking up the sand and sun at St Kilda Beach
Exploring kid-friendly museums including Melbourne Museum and ACMI
Saying 'g'day' to the resident kangaroos and Tasmanian devils at Healesville Sanctuary, just outside the city

What should I pack when visiting Melbourne?

The weather in Melbourne can be a little unpredictable, so layers are key. Conditions can change throughout the day, so it’s best to pack clothing you can easily add or remove. In summer (December to February), light layers are ideal, while winter (June to August) can get quite chilly, so be sure to bring warm layers and a coat.

What’s the best time of year to visit Melbourne?

Melbourne can be enjoyed year-round, but particularly great times to visit are spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May).

These months bring comfortable weather that’s perfect for wandering through the city centre, relaxing on a picnic boat along the Yarra River, exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria or strolling along St Kilda Beach and Brighton Beach – all without the extremes of summer heat or winter chill.

Explore more nearby

The Great Ocean Road, Lorne, VIC © Visit Victoria

Trips and itineraries

Melbourne to Adelaide: A 5-day road trip

Portsea Pier, Mornington Peninsula, VIC © Mornington Peninsula

Places to go

Places near Melbourne to visit

Beech Forest, Otway National Park, VIC © Great Ocean Road Tourism

Trips and itineraries

10-day road trip through regional Victoria