Melbourne is the most liveable city to live in in the world by being rich in culture and the food capital of Australia. If you are a coffee lover, Melbourne has some of the arguably best coffee in the world. The city is also popular for its sports activities and has been named as the sports capital of the world after hosting globally renowned events for many years.
Melbourne has consistently won the world’s most enjoyable city and for good reason. Many people traveling to Australia, consider Melbourne as their favorite city. Not just is it close to the water, but a short trip to Melbourne offers access to world-famous restaurants, cultural events, architecture, a laid back atmosphere, and one of the best street art scenes. While you could spend weeks lounging around the city, one day is all you need to see the main sights and get a feel for the city. So, what are you waiting for? Get a rental car, and start exploring this amazingly beautiful city at your leisure.
Melbourne Day Trip Itinerary
Check out this to make the most of your trip even if you’ve only one day to spare. Following is the itinerary for top sights and things to do during your day trip to Melbourne.
Start your day at Flinders Street Station
Start your day in Melbourne from Flinders Street Station, which is one of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings. It is also the busiest station in Melbourne, Australia. Flinders Street Station certainly stands out in terms of architecture, and its central location makes it an ideal meeting spot. Flinders Street Station is perhaps Melbourne’s biggest landmark though, it’s no Sydney Opera House, it is still worth a look!
Head to Federation Square
Right across the street from Flinders Street Station, is the Federation square. Melbourne is known for some stunning architecture, and one of the best places to see that firsthand is Federation Square. This modern architecture is a deconstructionist style with some abstract, angular, and geometric features. The building is also popular as Melbourne’s event hub as it is one of the city’s most important cultural places. Thousands of events are held here each year, from food festivals to music performances to sports on the big screen. You can enjoy the free interactive Australian Film Exhibition, which has something interesting to offer for all ages. You can also walk around and enjoy the surrounding views of the Yarra River, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Flinders Street Station.
Stroll through Laneways for amazing street art
From Federation Square, head up the street to Hosier Lane and its nearby laneways, which showcases Melbourne’s best street art with ever-changing graffiti or tall murals. Other laneways you should check out include Union Place, ACDC Lane, Caledonian Lane, Croft Alley, or Duckboard Place, and Centre Place. On weekends, you can come across several wedding parties using some amazing street art as a backdrop for their wedding shots. If you are lucky, you are likely to bump into some street artists creating their latest tags while simply strolling around the city.
Lunch in Melbourne’s ChinaTown
After trying many free cheese samples and donuts, you can head over to Melbourne’s fantastic Chinatown, one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere, for lunch. With so many beautiful historic buildings around, you will love the vibe of Melbourne’s CBD. Also, a visit to Melbourne is incomplete without having a coffee. While admiring Melbourne’s laneways, head to Degraves Street. This European-style laneway is a hub for many coffee shops and restaurants.
Watch Melbourne from up high
Take one of several footbridges that cross the Yarra River to the Southbank region and head over to Eureka Skydeck. It is the tallest skyscraper with a height of 297. 3 m in Melbourne, Victoria. You can head to this tower in the Southern Hemisphere with floor to ceiling windows, to experience the outstanding 360-degree views of the city and beyond.
Explore Southbank
Southbank is a neighborhood along the banks of the Yarra River. Enjoy city views alongside the river and the murmur of the many street performers along the way. You can also head down to Ponyfish Island, which is a bar on an island under a bridge in the middle of the river. Check out this area by simply strolling along the Yarra River on Southbank Promenade. There are also plenty of restaurants facing the water, which is worth checking out, or you can float down the river on a dinner cruise. Isn’t it amazing?
Have a great Dining
With an array of different cuisines and top-notch restaurants, there are endless dining options in the Southbank region. And, you are looking for more affordable options, head back to Chinatown on Little Bourke Street. This region is known for its Chinese delicacies that include Peking duck, dumplings, and Sichuan. Enjoy a cheap but delicious meal along with a bottle of wine or whisky in a cozy and lively atmosphere.
You can extend your day trip by staying in the city, or after your day in Melbourne, you can get out of the city to explore the state of Victoria, which is the famous Great Ocean Road.