Itineraries for Your Trip to Melbourne
1 Day in Melbourne for First Timers
Growing up in Melbourne, I didn't see the appeal of visiting the city as a tourist. We didn’t have a shiny opera house, an iconic tower, or a famous clock. I simply couldn’t imagine how visitors would spend their time, beyond going to see whichever sporting event(s) were taking place.
But once I started showing others around my hometown, I really came to appreciate what the city offers. I saw firsthand how special people found Melbourne’s cafe culture, how novel the Hosier Lane street art could feel, and how pleasant just sitting by the Yarra can be. See the sides of Melbourne that I now appreciate with this itinerary for first-time visitors.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a visit to the Shrine of Remembrance to see Melbourne’s skyline.
Melbourne's weather is famously unpredictable; bring sunglasses and an umbrella no matter the season.
Start your day by getting to know Melbourne's city center, the Central Business District (CBD). Take a walking tour to get your bearings and see city highlights such as Flinders Street Station, Hosier Lane, and Block Arcade. Alternatively, use a local coffee tour to tackle the city on two fronts, familiarizing yourself with the town while also getting to try some premium coffee in the process. Use the various museums at Federation Square to occupy any free time you still have.
After lunch in the CBD, cross the Yarra River to see Melbourne's Inner South area. Start with a walk along the Southbank Promenade outside Melbourne Southgate and zip up to the observation deck of the Eureka Skydeck. Then follow the Yarra River east on foot or by bike, and you’ll reach the sprawling Domain Parklands, a series of gardens and parks that include the Shrine of Remembrance and the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.
Even if you’ve taken advantage of Melbourne’s trams to get around, you’ll probably be pretty tired after a busy day sightseeing. Unwind with a beer or non-alcoholic drink at one (or more) of the bars and pubs that make up the impressive variety of venues across Melbourne’s CBD and riverfront. To find the right spot, you can do your research, try your luck, or let someone else show you around on a nightlife tour. Afterwards, journey into Melbourne’s historic Chinatown for a delicious dinner of dumplings, noodles, or seafood.
