Melbourne is the cultural hub of Australia. It boasts to offer history, modernity and nature wonders. Below is a 7- day itinerary that can be followed while visiting the city in winter plus tips on how to best enjoy the trip.
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To begin with, make sure that you have secured a VISA to visit the country. You can apply online, here. To ensure approval, make sure that you have the document requirements. Check out the website of the Australian Embassy in the Philippines, here for the list and tips.
Prepare and bring winter appropriate clothes. You can score discounted items during end of season sale before summer comes between mid January to early March. You can also check out our neighborhood Ukay- ukay or thrift shops for legitimate winter clothes. Make sure to check the weather forecast during the dates of your stay to know how cold it is. Based on my experience, it is very cold in the morning and at night.
The city is moving toward a cashless direction. Credit or Debit Cards are widely accepted, as in all establishments. Make sure that you activate your cards to be used in Australia to have no problem. Cash is also accepted but I advise, use your cards. Just have cash in your hand as back ups.
Book your accommodation at a very reasonable price! Cheap Hotel Deals with CheapOair.com.
Download the Google Maps application in your mobile phones for it will be your best friend during the duration of your stay. Free wifi is all over the city but best to get a prepaid SIM with data plan. Local SIM card can be bought in the airport as soon as you land. Major providers like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone have dedicated stores or stands in the airports. You can also buy SIM in convenience stores. You can check out this website for more information.
Tip: It is best to book fun activities and tours in advance. Enjoy easy and hassle free booking online via Klook!
Here is our 7- Day Itinerary Winter in Melbourne, Australia
Day 1
- Arrival in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.
- Check-in to the hotel.
- Dinner @ Ponyfish Island Cafe– restaurant in the middle of the Yarra River, below the Yarra Pedestrian Bridge. You can check their website, here. You can skip this if you are on a budget.
- Yarra River– take a stroll and relax after a long flight. Be in love with Melbourne’s skyline at night.
Tips: Book accommodation near Southern Cross Station. There is an array of affordable hotels, hostels and lodging in this area plus full with dining and shopping options. The station is the gateway to almost all modes of transportation in Melbourne.
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is about 30 minutes travel to the city center. Take the SkyBus that runs 24 hours. Book your ticket via electronic machines. Take note that cash is not accepted in these machines. Best to book online in Klook. Click here to get a discounted rate. You can book as well through the SkyBus website. You can also get to the city through Uber or Taxi. Public bus is also available.
Melbourne Morning City Sightseeing Tour
Sovereign Hill Day Tour from Melbourne
Melbourne Coffee Lovers Walking Tour
Melbourne Ghost Tours
Day 2
Fill your day with history of Australia and architectural grandeur. The below are within the FREE Tram Zone. You can just hop on and hop out in trams. If you love to enjoy the chilly weather, you can explore it on foot.
- Flinders Station– Oldest train station in Australia with distinctive facade and green copper dome. Address- Flinders cor Swatson Sts , Melbourne.
- St. Peter’s Cathedral– One of the architectural glories of Melbourne. Situated at the center of the city just across Flinder Station. Address- 15 Gisborne St, East Melbourne
- Hosier Lane Street Art- One of the most popular places to visit in the city. Popular for the sophisticated urban street art. Just few walks from the cathedral.
- Federation Square– Just across Hosier lane, this is a unique cultural place. Venue for arts, culture and public events on the edge of the Melbourne central business district. Address- Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne
- Immigration Museum– Discover the immigration history of Australia. It displays cultural and educational materials. Address- 400 Flinders St, Melbourne.
- Victoria State Library– Oldest public library in Australia and central library of Victoria. The building is of neoclassical architecture. Don’t miss the design of the dome from the inside. Address- 328 Swanston St, Melbourne.
- Chinatown– Longest continuous Chinese settlement in the world of westerners. Address- Little Bourke St, Melbourne .
- Parliament Building- One of Australia’s most architecturally distinguished buildings. Very rich in history. Public tours available that lasts for an hour to two. Address- Spring St, East Melbourne.
- Royal Exhibition Building– World’s only surviving Great Hall. It was constructed as an exhibition space and still being used for that purpose. The dome is one of the highlights of the building. Address- 9 Nicholson St, Carlton.
- Melbourne Museum– Explore Australia’s history, culture, science and nature in this place. Address- 11 Nicholson St, Carlton.
- Shrine of Remembrance– war memorial for the men and women of Victoria who served during World War I. Address- Birdwood Ave, Melbourne.
Tips: Google Map is going to be your best friend on this day. You can also download the PTV app (Public Transport Australia) for the use of myki card, an electronic reloadable card (cost 6 AUD) and its Journey Planner to know the schedule of trains, trams and buses and for directions. Check out PTV website here, for more information. Cash is not accepted in the public transportation system of the city. The card is used in trains, trams and buses. Maximum expenditure for a day if you will only travel within the city and suburbs is 8.80 AUD. Standard fare is 4.40 AUD good for 2 hours, from the moment you use the card. But if you are traveling just within the Free Tram Zone, you will not be charged.
Melbourne Star Observation Wheel Ticket
Melbourne Zoo Entry Ticket
Melbourne Museum Ticket
Eureka Skydeck Entry Ticket
Sovereign Hill Entry Ticket
Day 3
Experience snow at the land down under.
- Mt. Buller Sightseeing Day Tour– Provides first-timers to experience snowboarding or skiing, explore the resort and play toboggan between 5-8 hours on the mountain. Tour’s pick up point is in Melbourne to Mt Buller and vice versa. The shuttle leaves at the city between 5am to 6am, so be prepared to wake up early. I personally tried booking in SighSeeing Tours Australia for as low as 85AUD, click here.
Tips: Make sure that you are prepared for the freezing weather conditions. Bring gloves, scarf, earmuffs and wear heattech innerwears. Don’t forget to bring something to eat and drink while traveling to Mt. Buller. It is 3-4 hours travel time. For more information about Mt. Buller, you can check out our post, here.
Day 4
- Brighton Beach– holds the most popular beach destination in Victoria, Australia. Probably because of the colorful bathing boxes lined up here.
- St. Kilda– just few kilometers from Melbourne CBD, this beach suburb is home to Esplanade Market, Luna Park and Palais Theatre. The place is teeming with restaurants. Don’t forget to visit the St. Kilda Pier because you might just spot little penguins at the breakwater.
- Fitzroy Gardens– historic and one of the most beautiful gardens in the southeastern edge of Melbourne CBD. Address- Wellington Parade, East Melbourne.
- Melbourne Zoo– the world of wildlife of Melbourne. Be close with Australia’s endemic animals. Address- Elliott Ave, Parkville.
Tips: From CBD, take the train going to Brighton then just walk going to the beach. You can just take the bus from Brighton going to St. Kilda. Take the Tram going to Fitzroy Gardens. You can count on the Google Maps for the directions or the PTV app.
Melbourne Sea Life Aquarium & Legoland Discovery Centre Attraction Pass
Melbourne Gardens and Days Gone By Historic Tour
Melbourne Gold Fever Walking Tour
Around the Bay Sightseeing and Bay Cruise Day Tour in Melbourne
Day 5
- Great Ocean Road Day Tour, a breathtaking journey that highlights the wonders of nature. Immerse yourself with the wild and unpredictable Southern Ocean. Highlights of the tour are the 12 Apostles, London Bridge and Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge, the Archway, Razorback and the Dumpling Pots. Visit coastal towns and have a walk to be close to local wildlife and spot Koalas. You’ll see Kangaroos too.
Tips: It is best to join a guided group tour. The tour is approximately 12-14 hours. Though you have the option to drive, but it will be a tiring long drive. Great Ocean Road is 243- km long. I have personally booked a guided group tour with SighSeeing Tours Australia. Service is commendable. You can book, here.
Great Ocean Road Day Tour from Melbourne
Phillip Island Day Tour from Melbourne
1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour
Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles Day Tour from Melbourne
Phillip Island Penguin Parade Day Tour
Great Ocean Road Reverse Itinerary Tour from Melbourne
Phillip Island Penguin Express Day Tour from Melbourne
Day 6
- Queen Victoria Market– best to visit early in the morning. Find bargains and affordable souvenirs plus taste delicacies of Australia. Make sure to check the below schedule. The market is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Schedule:
Monday- Closed
Tuesday- 6am–2pm
Wednesday- Closed
Thursday- 6am–2pm
Friday- 6am–5pm
Saturday- 6am–3pm
Sunday- 9am–4pm
- Polly Woodside– Just next to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is the Polly Woodside Tall Ship. It was built in 1885 in Belfast as a cargo ship transporting coal and wheat between England and South America. You can also visit the Convention and Exhibition Centre.
- Visit Outlet Stores– Be prepared because the prices of the items are very tempting. You’ll find 50%- 70% discounted items from the Outlet Stores of Coach, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste, CK and many other brands.
Tips: Bring extra bag for the things that you will buy in Queen Victoria Market. Sunday is a not so perfect to visit because of the influx of people. Best to visit the market on a weekday. Best to have breakfast here.
Melbourne Vintage Shopping Tour
Melbourne Shopping Tour
Melbourne Food Crawl (Small Group)
Melbourne Hidden Bars Tour
Day 7
Flight going back to Manila
The above itinerary can be interchanged depending on your likings and priorities. It can also be squeezed into 5 days only if you wish to skip some of the places to visit like the shopping part.
You can check out other activities and tours outside Melbourne, here.
The Freelance Traveler 