Melbourne Itinerary for 5 Days: The Ultimate Guide for First-Timers

Considered one of the most livable cities in the world, Melbourne, Australia, is undeniable one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world. Little did I know, I would fall in love with this city even for a short period of time. I honestly did not know much about Melbourne until my friends kept telling me to visit this city. One main reason why I wanted to visit Australia was to stay in Sydney for about three weeks, but I ended up visiting Melbourne for 5 days. Truthfully, it was the best decision I have ever made for my Australia trip!

If you’re planning your first trip to Melbourne, Australia, I have covered a 5-day Melbourne itinerary—from the top tourist attractions in the city to unforgettable day trips like the Great Ocean Road, Grampians National Park, and Phillip Island. Furthermore, I also listed down some of the essential travel guides and tips, and things that you need to know when traveling to Melbourne!

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or even on a budget, this comprehensive Melbourne itinerary for 5 days will help you make the most of your trip!

Table of Contents

Essential Travel Guides and Tips

melbourne itinerary for 5 days for first timers

Here are a few quick tips if it’s you are visiting Melbourne, Australia for the first time:

Get a Myki card for public transport. Trams are free within the CBD, but you’ll need a Myki if you’re going outside the city. You can get the Myki card from 7-11 convenience stores!
Use a local SIM or eSIM to stay connected.
Visit Queen Victoria Market for affordable meals, souvenirs, and snacks.
Join group tours if you’re traveling solo—it’s a great way to explore and make new friends.
Check out KLOOK for easy activity bookings, and don’t forget to use my discount code “ARAPATRIAKLOOK” to save up to 5%.
Purchase your SkyBus Airport Express tickets in advance!
If you can cook your meals while in Melbourne, better do so, as standard meals cost around AUD 20. Hostels usually have their own kitchen where you can cook!
You can go grocery shopping to save money on meals and eating out.

How to Apply for an Australian Tourist Visa?

If you’re a Filipino traveler planning to visit Australia, make sure to apply for your Australian tourist visa (Visitor Visa Subclass 600) ahead of time. It’s a fairly straightforward process, and I’ve written a detailed step-by-step guide on how to apply for an Australian tourist visa from the Philippines to help you through it.

Australian Tourist Visa Checklist (make sure to save this!)

how to apply for australian tourist visa from philippines

How to Get from Melbourne Airport to Melbourne City

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is about 30 minutes from the city center. The most convenient option is the SkyBus Airport Express, which runs every 10 to 15 minutes and takes you directly to Southern Cross Station. One-way fares cost around AUD 19.

Meanwhile, rideshare services like Uber and Ola are also available at the airport, with fares ranging from AUD 45 to $60, depending on traffic. While public transport is a cheaper alternative, it involves transfers between buses and trains and isn’t ideal if you have luggage or arrive late at night.

In that case, I personally highly recommend purchasing your tickets for the SkyBus Airport Express as it takes you directly to the main district area of Melbourne. You can easily purchase your tickets via KLOOK for cheaper prices!

Getting Around Melbourne

Melbourne is known for its efficient public transport system. You’ll need a Myki card to access the tram, train, and bus networks, but this is mostly applicable if you want to go outside the CBD area, and those routes are not within the free tram zone. These are available for purchase at the airport, train stations, and most 7-Eleven stores.

A major advantage for travelers is the Free Tram Zone, which covers most of Melbourne’s central business district. Within this area, you can ride trams for free, making it easy to get around popular tourist attractions.

Ultimately, Melbourne is also very walkable, especially in areas like Federation Square, Southbank, and the city’s laneways.

Best Day Trips from Melbourne City

If you have extra time, there are more thrilling activities to do outside Melbourne. Its surrounding regions offer incredible natural attractions that can be explored in one day. I stayed in Melbourne for 5 days, and here are the top 3 ultimate day trips from Melbourne that are definitely worth visiting!

The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, known for the Twelve Apostles and dramatic seascapes. I would have to say that this is absolutely my favorite day trip from Melbourne that I’ve ever had! I’ve seen the best sunset of my life at the Great Ocean Road! One for the books!

The Grampians National Park

Located about three hours from the city. This national park is known for dramatic cliffs, native wildlife, and Aboriginal history. Grampians National Park is ideal for those who enjoy hiking, waterfalls, and wildlife. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can consider visiting this place! Hiking up to the Grand Canyon is my favorite thing about this trip! Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water.

Phillip Island Tour

The Phillip Island Tour is famous for the Penguin Parade and wildlife encounters. Another one for the books day trip from Melbourne! Watching the penguins waddle home from the ocean to their burrows after sunset is one of the most fascinating experiences you could ever have!

Melbourne Itinerary for 5 Days

mackenzie falls at the grampians national park

Day 1 – Arrival in Melbourne

Arrival in Melbourne
Check-in at Mad Monkeys Melbourne
Yarra Valley River
Southbank
Flinder’s Station

Day 2: The Great Ocean Road

Surf Coast Shire
Memorial Arch
Port Campbell National Park
Twelve Apostles
Loch Ard Gorge

Day 3: Grampians National Park

Ballarat
The Halls Gap
Grand Canyon
MacKenzie Falls
Boroka Lookout

Day 4: Phillip Island Tour and Penguin Parade

Brighton Beach
Moonlit Sanctuary
Phillip Island and Penguin Parade
Chinatown – Melbourne CBD

Day 5: City Tour and Departure

Queen Victoria Market
Victoria State Library
Royal Botanic Gardens
Hosier Lane
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Flinder’s Street
The Block Arcade
Departure from Melbourne

Where to Stay in Melbourne, Australia

Australia is not a cheap destination! Thus, for backpackers and budget travelers like me, Mad Monkey Melbourne is a budget-friendly accommodation in Melbourne that you can consider staying at! The hostel offers social vibes, great facilities, and even different daily activities.

Regardless of your budget, it’s best to book your stay in or near the CBD for easy access to public transport and major attractions in the Melbourne CBD area.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Melbourne?

The best time to visit Melbourne is during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). These months offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and great conditions for exploring both the city and nearby natural destinations.

Is five days enough to explore Melbourne?

Yes, five days is enough to experience Melbourne’s top highlights and take a few amazing day trips. With this itinerary, you’ll get a perfect mix of city exploration and nature-based adventures.

Can you do day trips from Melbourne using public transport?

While some locations are accessible by public transport, guided tours are highly recommended for destinations like the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians, and Phillip Island. Tours can save time, especially if you’re not renting a car, and these tours can provide more value with included stops and commentary.

Is Melbourne safe for solo travelers?

Melbourne is indeed one of the safest cities in Australia for solo travelers. Just take the usual precautions, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and always check public transport schedules ahead of time.

How much is the estimated budget for Melbourne?

The estimated budget for Melbourne depends on how long you’re staying in the city and your travel lifestyle. To give you an idea, the standard meal in Melbourne is around AUD 20, while the cheapest hostels usually cost around AUD 55.

Is Melbourne better than Sydney?

Based on experience, I personally find Melbourne more laid back than Sydney. People are more chill and look a bit less stressed, while it feels like it is more fast-paced in Sydney than Melbourne. Although I only stayed in Melbourne for 5 days, that was honestly my first impression of the city!

To be honest, Melbourne is not part of my plans in Australia, but I would say that visiting the city, even just for a short period, was the best decision I’ve ever made! I think Melbourne is indeed a must-visit place in Australia. It has so much to offer, and you can even explore beyond Melbourne and see more of the beauty of Australia! I think if I were to ask, I would love to live in this city if I had a chance to move to Australia.

5 Days in Melbourne: The Ultimate Travel Guide + Best Day Trips from Melbourne