2 Days in Melbourne – What to do?

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, was founded in 1835 and is Australia’s second-largest city after Sydney, with a population of over 5 million. Spanning 9,990 km², the city is shaped by the Yarra River, lush gardens, historic landmarks, and a thriving art scene.

Renowned for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, Melbourne hosts year-round cultural events and boasts entire streets covered in world-class graffiti art. With its perfect mix of art, food, nature, and history, Melbourne offers something for every traveler.

⏳ Only have two days? Here’s how to experience the best of Melbourne in a short stay!

48 Hours in Melbourne: The Perfect Itinerary

🗓️ Day 1: Explore Melbourne’s Cultural & Artistic Side

1. 🚋 Hop on the City Circle Tram for a guided tour of the CBD.
2. 🏛 Visit Federation Square and explore the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) or nearby museums.
3. 🌿 Wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens for a breath of fresh air.
4. 🎨 Discover Melbourne’s famous street art in hidden laneways.
5. 🌆 Experience Southbank’s nightlife, with riverside bars and live entertainment.

🗓️ Day 2: Markets, Shopping & Beach Vibes

1. 🥐 Start your morning at Queen Victoria Market, a paradise for food lovers.
2. 🚶‍♂️ Walk along Victoria Harbour Promenade and soak in the waterfront views.
3. 🏙️ Explore the heart of the city: Chinatown, Carlton Gardens, and Melbourne’s historic arcades.
4. 🛍️ Shop in Fitzroy, Melbourne’s hipster district filled with vintage stores and indie boutiques.
5. 🌊 End the day in St Kilda with a swim and a sunset aperitif by the beach.

Immersion in Melbourne Culture and Art: Day 1

Explore Melbourne with the City Circle Tram (Morning Activity)

The City Circle Tram is a must-do in Melbourne—free, convenient, and educational! This heritage-style tram takes you through the Central Business District (CBD) while providing an audio guide on key attractions. You’ll also find informational brochures on board to help plan your visit.

✅ Easy to Use: Simply hop on at any designated stop within the Free Tram Zone (📍Check the map here). The tram’s retro design makes it easy to spot!
✅ Frequent Service: Runs every 30 minutes in both directions.
✅ Operating Hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 10 AM – 6 PM and Thursday to Saturday: 10 AM – 9 PM

💡 Pro Tip: Hop off at any stop to explore, then rejoin the tram at your convenience. Don’t forget to take a break in one of Melbourne’s hidden laneway cafés and try its world-famous coffee! ☕️✨

Explore Federation Square & Its Museums (Morning Activity)

📍 Federation Square is the cultural heart of Melbourne, buzzing with bars, restaurants, and shops. It’s also home to some of the city’s top museums and galleries—perfect for a morning of discovery.

🏛 Must-Visit Museums:
🎥 Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) – Dive into the world of film, TV, and digital culture.
🎨 National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) – Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum, showcasing Indigenous, Australian, and international masterpieces.

💡 Pro Tip: Federation Square is also a great spot to relax by the Yarra River, grab a coffee, or enjoy a cultural event happening on the square! ☕🎭

Explore Melbourne’s Iconic Street Art (Morning Activity)

Melbourne is Australia’s street art capital, with its world-renowned graffiti scene attracting artists from across the globe. From intricate murals to bold tags, the city’s laneways are an open-air gallery of creativity. Must-Visit Street Art Hotspots include:

🎭 Hosier Lane & Union Lane – The most famous graffiti-covered laneways, always buzzing with visitors capturing these giant works of art.
🎸 AC/DC Lane & Caledonian Lane – A mix of music-inspired murals and bold designs.
🖌 Croft Alley & Rankins Lane – Hidden gems featuring ever-changing street art.

💡 Fun Fact: Legendary artists like Banksy and Space Invader have left their mark on Melbourne’s walls! Bring your camera—you’ll want to capture these masterpieces. 📸✨

Relax at the Royal Botanic Gardens (Afternoon Activity)

Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens is a must-visit oasis, offering lush greenery, stunning landscapes, and diverse plant life just a short walk from the CBD along the Yarra River. Spanning 38 hectares, the gardens house over 8,500 plant species, including both local and exotic varieties.

🌸 What to Do at the Gardens:
✅ Take a scenic stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens.
✅ Join a guided tour to discover rare flowers, unique trees, and Indigenous plant use.
✅ Experience the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, exploring the history of the Koolin people.
✅ Relax with a picnic or unwind under the shade of towering trees.

📍 Open year-round from 7:30 AM – 6 PM, and entry is free! 🌿✨

Admire Melbourne from the SkyDeck (Afternoon Activity)

For the best panoramic view of Melbourne, head to the Eureka SkyDeck on the 88th floor of Eureka Tower—one of the tallest skyscrapers in the Southern Hemisphere at 297 meters.

📍 Located in Southbank, along the Yarra River, the SkyDeck offers unmatched 360° views of the city skyline. For an extra thrill, step onto “The Edge”, a glass-floored observation deck that extends out of the building!

💰 Admission: ~$28
⏳ Worth It? Absolutely! A must-do for breathtaking views, especially at sunset.

Dinner & Nightlife in Melbourne (Evening Activity)

🌆 Dinner on Southbank
End your day with a delicious meal along the Southbank promenade, overlooking the Yarra River. This lively waterfront area is home to top-rated restaurants, offering both local and international cuisine with stunning skyline views.

🍸 Nightlife in Fitzroy
After dinner, head to Fitzroy, Melbourne’s bohemian hotspot, known for its vibrant bars, eclectic restaurants, and indie boutiques. Stroll down Brunswick Street to soak in the local culture and discover live music venues and artsy hangouts.

🌃 For the best city views, don’t miss a rooftop bar—the perfect way to admire Melbourne’s skyline at night while enjoying a cocktail!

🏨 Recommended hotels in Melbourne

There is a wide variety of accommodation in Melbourne, to suit every budget. Take a look at some of our favourite spots below.

Luxury hotel apartments: The Marker Apartments
Mid-range accommodation: Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
Budget accommodation: Melbourne Central YHA

Exploring the markets and CBD: Day 2

Start Your Day at Queen Victoria Market (Morning Activity)

The Queen Victoria Market is a must-visit in Melbourne, offering a vibrant atmosphere, mouthwatering aromas, and an incredible variety of fresh produce. As one of the city’s top tourist attractions, it’s the perfect place to grab a delicious breakfast and experience local flavors. You will find fresh produce, meats, seafood, and specialty foods in the Food Hall. There are also non-food stalls selling clothing, jewelry, and handcrafted items.

📅 Market Opening Hours

✅ Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 6 AM – 3 PM
✅ Saturday: 6 AM – 4 PM | Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM
✅ Wednesday Night Market (5 PM – 10 PM) – A festive transformation with live shows, bars, and street food!

Go for a walk on the Victoria Harbor Promenade (Morning Activity)

East of the city centre you will find the port built along the Yarra River. At the edge of the river, the Victoria Harbour Promenade offers a pleasant moment of relaxation. Take a moment to stroll along this small road and take in the sights. You can get to the Promenade with the free tram. 🚶

Explore Melbourne’s CBD & Cultural Hotspots (Afternoon Activity)

Melbourne’s city center is a vibrant mix of historical landmarks, dynamic squares, and artistic laneways, offering something for every traveler. Whether you prefer wandering the streets at your own pace or joining a Free Walking Tour, there’s no shortage of places to explore!

📍 Chinatown – A lively district filled with authentic restaurants, hidden bars, and cultural heritage.
📍 Centre Place – One of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways, known for its street art, cozy cafés, and boutique shops.
📍 Carlton Gardens – A beautiful UNESCO-listed park, home to the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum.
📍 Melbourne’s Historic Arcades – Discover elegant 19th-century shopping arcades, like the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade.

With its world-class museums, year-round cultural events, and renowned street art scene, Melbourne has earned its title as Australia’s cultural hub.

🎨 Top Museums to Explore:
🏛 Melbourne Museum – Showcasing postmodern art and interactive exhibits.
📖 Immigration Museum – Tracing the stories of Australia’s multicultural identity.
🖼 Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) – A hub for cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions.
🖌 National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) – Featuring modern, traditional, and contemporary masterpieces across two locations.

Explore Fitzroy: Melbourne’s Bohemian Hub (Afternoon Activity)

Fitzroy is Melbourne’s most eclectic district, buzzing with street art, live music, and indie culture. This artistic neighborhood is a must-visit for those seeking a bohemian atmosphere and a true local experience.

🎸 Top Things to Do in Fitzroy:
📍 Brunswick Street – The heart of Fitzroy, packed with bars, restaurants, and independent boutiques.
🎶 Live Music Venues – Experience Melbourne’s thriving music scene at The Old Bar or the Evelyn Hotel.
🌆 Rooftop Bars – Don’t miss the chance to sip a drink while enjoying panoramic city views.

Unwind in St Kilda (Evening Activity)

Just a short ride from the city, St Kilda is one of Melbourne’s most popular beachside spots, offering a relaxed coastal vibe with plenty to do.

🏖️ Why Visit St Kilda?
✅ Beachside Bliss – Take a refreshing swim after a busy day of exploring.
🎡 Entertainment & Dining – Enjoy beachfront bars, restaurants, and Luna Park’s iconic amusement rides.
🍹 Sunset Drinks – Nothing beats a cocktail by the ocean to end your day in style!

💡 Pro Tip: Stick around until sunset—you might spot the famous St Kilda penguins returning to shore! 🐧✨

If You Have More Time: Amusement Parks & Attractions

If you’re looking for thrills and family-friendly fun, Melbourne and its surroundings offer some of the best amusement parks in Victoria!

🎠 Luna Park – St Kilda’s Iconic Theme Park

📍 Located in St Kilda, Luna Park is Melbourne’s most famous amusement park, instantly recognizable by its giant smiling entrance—a perfect photo spot! Open year-round, this 100+ year-old park is home to:
✅ The largest carousel in the Southern Hemisphere 🎠
✅ Scenic roller coasters offering breathtaking views of St Kilda Beach 🎢

🎢 Adventure Park – Victoria’s Largest Theme Park

📍 Geelong (1 hour from Melbourne)
With 20+ attractions, this action-packed amusement park includes:
✅ Karting, mini-golf, climbing walls, carousels & ferris wheels
✅ Fun for all ages—great for families and thrill-seekers alike

💦 Funfields – The Ultimate Summer Water Park

📍 Whittlesea (1 hour north of Melbourne)
If you’re visiting in summer, cool off at Victoria’s top water park, featuring:
✅ Massive waterslides, wave pools & splash zones
✅ Perfect for a full-day adventure under the sun ☀️

🎡 Melbourne Star Observation Wheel – Panoramic City Views

📍 Docklands
Not an amusement park, but still a must-visit attraction! Hop on the Melbourne Star Ferris Wheel for:
✅ Spectacular 360° views from the Dandenongs to Port Phillip Bay 🌊🏙️
✅ A relaxing way to admire Melbourne from above

💡 Pro Tip: Plan ahead and allow at least one full day for each amusement park to make the most of your visit! 🎢✨

The Best Beaches in Melbourne

While Melbourne’s beaches may not rival those in Sydney or Queensland, they still offer great spots for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing by the ocean.

🌊 St Kilda Beach – The Backpacker Hotspot

📍 Just 30 minutes from the CBD by tram, St Kilda Beach is Melbourne’s most popular seaside destination. While it’s not the most picturesque beach, it’s a great place to:
✅ Swim, sunbathe, and relax by the bay.
🍹 Enjoy beachfront bars & restaurants—perfect for sunset drinks.
🐧 See wild penguins returning to St Kilda Pier at dusk for an unforgettable experience!

🎨 Brighton Beach – Famous for Its Colourful Beach Houses

📍 Brighton Beach is iconic in Melbourne thanks to its 82 vibrant beach huts, dating back to the Victorian era.
🏝️ Why Visit Brighton Beach?
✅ Calm waters & soft golden sand—great for a peaceful swim.
✅ Spectacular city views with the bathing boxes as a colourful backdrop.
✅ A must-visit for photography lovers & postcard-worthy snaps! 📸

For those looking for a more peaceful beach experience, here are some quieter alternatives to Melbourne’s popular coastal spots.

🌅 Williamstown Beach – Relax with City Views

📍 20 minutes by train from the CBD, Williamstown Beach offers a tranquil escape without the tourist crowds.
✅ Less crowded than St Kilda, yet still lively.
✅ Gem Pier provides stunning skyline views of Melbourne.

🏝️ Edithvale Beach – White Sand Paradise

📍 If you’re after soft white sand, Edithvale Beach is one of the best spots in the bay.
✅ 1.5 km of pristine shoreline—ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
✅ A peaceful retreat, away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

🌊 Sorrento Beach – A Coastal Gem (Perfect for a Day Trip!)

📍 90 minutes from Melbourne, Sorrento Beach is a must-visit for nature lovers.
✅ Stunning sunset views over the ocean.
✅ Starting point for scenic hiking trails along the coastline.

Best Gardens & Parks in Melbourne

Melbourne is home to stunning green spaces, perfect for relaxing, exploring history, or enjoying outdoor activities.

🌿 Fitzroy Gardens – A Historic Oasis

📍 East of the city, Fitzroy Gardens is one of Melbourne’s most picturesque parks.
✅ Visit Captain Cook’s Cottage – Originally built in England, it was relocated to Melbourne brick by brick in the early 20th century.
✅ Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens filled with flower beds, fountains, and tree-lined paths.

🏛️ Carlton Gardens – A Victorian-Style Escape

📍 A UNESCO-listed park, Carlton Gardens feels like a classic English garden, with:
✅ Manicured lawns & elegant fountains – A great spot for reading, picnicking, or playing sports.
✅ The Royal Exhibition Building & Melbourne Museum – Iconic landmarks within the park, perfect for history and culture lovers.

🏏 Edinburgh Gardens – A Local Favorite for Sports & Relaxation

📍 Located in Fitzroy North, Edinburgh Gardens is a hub for sports enthusiasts.
✅ Facilities for AFL, cricket, basketball, tennis & even a skate park.
✅ Popular among locals for casual games, jogging, or just relaxing in the open space.

💡 Pro Tip: For history & nature, visit Fitzroy or Carlton Gardens; for sports & a local vibe, head to Edinburgh Gardens! 🌳✨

🐾 Where to See Animals in Melbourne?

Melbourne offers several incredible wildlife experiences, from zoos and aquariums to open-range safaris. Whether you’re interested in iconic Australian animals, African wildlife, or marine life, here’s where to go!

🦘 Melbourne Zoo – A Classic Wildlife Experience

📍 5 minutes from the CBD, Melbourne Zoo is home to 320+ species from around the world.
✅ See koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and emus alongside tigers, orangutans, and monkeys.
✅ Explore tropical forests & aquatic habitats, home to Victoria’s tiny penguins and Australian sea lions.
✅ A leader in conservation, the zoo houses 21 endangered species, including rock wallabies bred for reintroduction into the wild.

🦁 Werribee Open Range Zoo – An African Safari in Australia

📍 40 minutes from Melbourne CBD (accessible by public transport).
✅ 225-hectare open-range savannah, replicating African landscapes.
✅ Spot gorillas, lions, cheetahs, rhinos, and antelopes roaming freely.
✅ Feed a giraffe or pet a serval for a hands-on experience.
✅ Join a mini safari tour on an open-sided bus across the savannah!

🦈 SEA LIFE Melbourne – Dive into the Marine World

📍 Melbourne’s Aquarium, home to 10,000+ species.
✅ Meet Pinjarra, Australia’s largest saltwater crocodile.
✅ Walk through the 2.2-million-litre oceanarium, where manta rays and grey sharks swim above your head.
✅ Explore “The Garden of Mermaids”, home to fascinating sea creatures.

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