Plan 3–4 days for the city itself, plus one day each for the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island. Melbourne’s weather changes fast, so locals joke about “four seasons in one day”. Pack a light jacket even in summer.
Top things to do in Melbourne
- The laneways and arcades: Degraves Street, Hosier Lane street art and the Block Arcade.
- Queen Victoria Market for breakfast, produce and souvenirs.
- The National Gallery of Victoria, free to enter (except special exhibitions).
- The Royal Botanic Gardens and the Shrine of Remembrance, both free.
- A game at the MCG, or an AFL footy match in season (March–September).
- St Kilda beach and pier at sunset.
- Fitzroy and Collingwood for cafés, vintage shops and bars.
See all 20 best things to do in Melbourne, or
Where to stay in Melbourne
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| CBD | First visit, Free Tram Zone, laneways |
| Southbank | River views, theatres, walk to the CBD |
| Fitzroy / Collingwood | Cafés, nightlife, local feel |
| St Kilda | Beach, backpackers, sunsets |
| South Yarra | Shopping, upmarket dining, gardens |
More detail in where to stay in Melbourne.
Getting around Melbourne
Melbourne has the world’s largest tram network. Inside the Free Tram Zone (the CBD and Docklands) you don’t need to tap on at all. Outside it, trains, trams and buses use one fare system: a full-fare 2-hour fare is A$5.70 and the daily cap is A$11.40 (A$8 on weekends and public holidays) in 2026. Visitors can tap on and off with a contactless bank card or phone, or buy a myki card. Check fares on Transport Victoria.
Airport to the city
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) has no train yet. The SkyBus runs about every 10 minutes to Southern Cross Station (around 30 minutes, fare in the mid-A$20s one way). A taxi or Uber to the CBD usually costs A$60–90. The cheapest option is public bus 901 to Broadmeadows station, then a train, for the normal fare. Full comparison: Melbourne Airport to the city.
Day trips from Melbourne
- Great Ocean Road: the Twelve Apostles, surf beaches and rainforest. See our Great Ocean Road day trip guide.
- Phillip Island: little penguins come ashore at sunset. See Phillip Island Penguin Parade.
- Yarra Valley: wineries and the Healesville wildlife sanctuary, about an hour away.
- Mornington Peninsula: hot springs, beaches and wineries.
Best time to visit Melbourne
March to May (autumn) brings mild, stable weather and fewer crowds. October and November are also very good. Summer (December to February) is warm with occasional heatwaves, and January is busy with the Australian Open tennis. Winter (June to August) is cool, around 14°C by day. Month by month: best time to visit Melbourne.
Visa and before you go
Most visitors need permission before flying. US, Canadian, UK, Japanese, Singaporean and several other passport holders apply for an ETA through the official app (A$20 service fee). Most EU passport holders apply for a free eVisitor online. See our Australia ETA and eVisitor guide.
Melbourne guides
- 20 best things to do in Melbourne
- Melbourne itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Where to stay in Melbourne
- Best time to visit Melbourne
- Melbourne Airport to the city
- Great Ocean Road day trip
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade
- Australia ETA and eVisitor
Also in Australia: our Sydney travel guide.
FAQ: Melbourne travel
How many days do you need in Melbourne?
Three to four days for the city, plus a day each for the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island if you can.
Are trams free in Melbourne?
Yes, inside the Free Tram Zone covering the CBD and Docklands. Outside it, you pay the normal fare.
Is Melbourne expensive?
It is similar to Sydney. Save money with free museums and gardens, the Free Tram Zone and the weekend fare cap.
Melbourne or Sydney?
Sydney has the harbour and beaches; Melbourne has the food, coffee, arts and sport. With a week or more, visit both: the flight takes about 1.5 hours.
Plan your trip to Melbourne
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
