5 Days in Melbourne: Laneways, Markets and Day Trips

Melbourne is a city that wears its soul on the streets. With glittering laneways filled with street art, a pulsating market scene, and easy access to some of Australia’s best day trips, it’s a destination that rewards curious travelers who want to taste, see and feel every facet of a vibrant city. This five day itinerary blends the best of Melbourne’s hidden lanes, beloved markets, and unforgettable day trips into a complete, easy to follow plan. By the end, you’ll know where to crave breakfast, where to wander for art, and which day trips you want to book again tomorrow.

Introduction to Melbourne’s magic

• Laneways that feel like urban art galleries
• Markets that pulse with locals and food lovers
• Day trips that showcase Australia’s coastline, wine, and wildlife
• A logical rhythm for 5 days that minimizes travel time and maximizes experience

This guide is written for travelers who want a well rounded Melbourne experience: immersive laneway wanders, superb coffee, iconic markets, and day trips that can be done with a comfortable pace. Each day includes practical tips on where to go, what to eat, and how to move around the city with ease.

Day 1: Laneways and the Melbourne CBD

Morning: Start with street art and coffee culture

• Hosier Lane: No Melbourne itinerary is complete without a stroll down Hosier Lane. The walls change frequently, so you’ll see fresh murals each visit. Standout pieces often feature vibrant colors and bold messages.
• Centre Place and Degraves Street: Just a short wander from Hosier Lane, these narrow arcades feel like stepping into a cafe postcard. Bright signage, rustic awnings, and a constant aroma of espresso create the perfect morning vibe.
• Global coffee crawl: Melbourne is one of the world’s coffee capitals. Hop between a couple of cafes to sample a varied coffee style. Look for latte art and single origin brews.

Lunch suggestions: Cheap and cheerful or refined bites

• Time Out for iconic Melbourne bites: try a meat pie with sauce, or a fresh, handmade pasta dish.
• Chinatown choice: If you’re craving dumplings or roast duck, Chinatown has a strong lineup of reliable restaurants.

Afternoon: The heart of the city and a touch of heritage

• Federation Square: A hub of culture, architecture, and events. Check if there’s a free exhibition or live performance during your visit.
• Flinders Street Station and the Yarra River promenade: A classic Melbourne photo moment. Walk the riverfront and watch ferries glide by.
• Block Arcade and Royal Arcade: These heritage shopping arcades feel like stepping back in time. Lace up for boutique stores, sweet boutiques, and a touch of old-world charm.

Evening: Dinner and sunset views

• Southbank dining: A riverfront array of restaurants with views of the city skyline.
• Rooftop bars for cityscape views: If weather allows, a sunset drink on a rooftop terrace is a perfect cap to Day 1.
• Optional night stroll: The city takes on a different mood at night. A stroll around the Docklands or along the river can be magical.

Why Day 1 works

• You get up close with Melbourne’s most iconic laneways and a sense of the city’s architectural soul.
• The CBD is compact and walkable, so you can cover a lot without long transit times.
• You’ll set a benchmark for Melbourne’s coffee culture and culinary energy.

Day 2: Markets, Food Halls and a Taste of Melbourne’s Neighborhoods

Morning: Queen Victoria Market – a Melbourne institution

• What to expect: A vast, historic market with fresh produce, gourmet foods, artisanal products, and ready-to-eat bites.
• Must-try foods: Turkish kebabs, bratwursts, donuts, freshly shucked oysters, and farmstead cheeses. Don’t miss the bagels from select stalls if you love a bakery fix.
• Market tips: Arrive early to beat the crowds, especially on weekends. Bring cash for small stalls, though many accept cards now. Wear comfortable shoes; there’s a lot of walking.

Midday: Carlton Gardens to Fitzroy for a foodie stroll

• Carlton Gardens walk: A leafy detour that also links you to nearby cafes and small eateries.
• Fitzroy food scene: The pocket of inner-city hippest cafés, international eats, and quirky shops. Try a modern Australian brunch with seasonal ingredients.

Afternoon: South Melbourne Market – a seafood and crusty bread heaven

• What makes it special: A coastal spin on a city market with a lively vibe, prepared foods, and seafood stalls that showcase the best of Victoria’s catches.
• Highlights: Pies, pastries, fresh oysters, and a curated selection of farmers market products.
• For families and food lovers: Plenty of seating to savor bites and a great place to pick up charcuterie and cheeses for a relaxed evening.

Evening: Neighborhood dining and a riverside stroll

• Alternative dinner options: Italian in Lygon Street, Greek in Brunswick, or modern Australian in Fitzroy.
• Sunset river walk: If you enjoyed the morning, return to the Yarra River for a gentle post-dinner stroll.

Why Day 2 shines

• Melbourne’s markets are a gateway to local life, offering flavor and color in abundance.
• The combination of Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market gives you a full spectrum of Melbourne’s culinary culture.
• This day is a delicious balance of indoor and outdoor experiences, with easy transit in between.

Day 3: Great Ocean Road Day Trip – An Iconic Coastal Classic

Why this day trip

• The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most legendary drives. It’s long but exceptionally rewarding with dramatic cliffs, rainforests, and the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations.
• Practical tips: Start very early to maximize daylight and reduce crowds at key stops. join a guided tour if you prefer not to drive the full route yourself.

Itinerary snapshot

• Early departure from Melbourne: Leave by bus or car before sunrise to arrive at the coast for sunrise light on the rock formations.
• Stops along the way: Bells Beach for a quick surf vibe, Apollo Bay for lunch with ocean views, Loch Ard Gorge for a touch of maritime history, and the Twelve Apostles for classic photo moments.
• Optional detours: If you want a more nature-forward stop, add a rainforest walk in the Great Otway National Park or a quick stop at Port Campbell for quieter scenery.

What to pack and plan

• Layers for changing coastal weather, sunscreen, hat, water bottle, comfortable walking shoes, camera or smartphone with a good lens.
• Food options: Pack snacks, though there are several cafes along the route for a proper lunch.

Where to stay or base near the city

• Most travelers do the day trip as a long day from Melbourne CBD. If you prefer a shorter drive, consider staying in Geelong or the Ocean Road towns such as Lorne for a night to break up the journey.

Why Day 3 is compelling

• It’s a world class landscape experience within reach of Melbourne.
• The road trip format gives you a sense of scale and adventure that complements city exploration.

Day 4: Yarra Valley or Phillip Island – Choose Your Wildlife and Wine Adventure

Option A: Yarra Valley wine and gourmets

• Why visit: Rolling vineyards, cellar doors, and chef driven dining. The wine culture here is accessible, with chardonnays and pinots that pair beautifully with local produce.
• Key stops: A mix of mainstream and boutique wineries, plus a gourmet lunch at a vineyard restaurant.
• Optional experiences: Hot air balloon ride at dawn (book in advance), chocolate factory tasting, or a local beer or cider stop.

Option B: Phillip Island wildlife and coastal scenery

• Why visit: Penguin Parade at dusk, rugged coastlines, and the chance to see seals and short-beaked dolphins.
• Must-see: The Nobbies boardwalk, the Koala Conservation Centre, and the Nobbies Centre for a scenic view of Seal Rocks.
• Dinner suggestion: Fresh seafood by the water on your return to Melbourne.

Itinerary notes

• For Yarra Valley: Plan to stay in the valley area for a wine tasting experience, and allow a scenic drive back to the city in the evening.
• For Phillip Island: It’s a longer day due to the drive, but the penguin parade is a must for wildlife lovers.
• Transport: A guided tour can simplify logistics, or rent a car for flexibility.

Packing and planning tips

• Dress in layers; weather can be cooler in the valley or by the sea.
• If you have a preferred winery or a must do at Phillip Island, book ahead for tastings or penguin viewing times.

Why Day 4 matters

• These day trips reveal a different side of Victoria, whether in the wine country or the wildlife coastline.
• They balance the urban energy with calm, scenic landscapes and memorable experiences.

Day 5: Bayside strolls, markets revisited, and a final Melbourne sendoff

Morning: St Kilda and the beach scene

• St Kilda Beach: A quintessential Melbourne beach with a laid-back vibe.
• Acland Street cake shops: A sweet breakfast or snack stop with iconic cakes and pastries.
• The Esplanade: A gentle stroll with a pier and great views of the bay.

Midday: South Melbourne Market revisit or a neighborhood stroll

• If you loved Day 2 markets, revisit a favorite stall or try something new you missed earlier.
• Alternatively, wander through the nearby parks and cafes of Albert Park or Southbank for final city views.

Afternoon: Final shopping and cultural detours

• Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) or the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) for a last dose of culture.
• Deeper dive into a neighborhood you enjoyed earlier in the trip, such as Fitzroy or Carlton, for a last bite or souvenir hunting.

Evening: Farewell Melbourne

• Choose a restaurant with a view: a rooftop or riverside dining to cap off your Melbourne experience.
• If you’re departing late, consider a relaxed nightcap in a cozy laneway bar before you head to the airport or your hotel.

Five day recap: what you’ll remember

• The texture of Melbourne’s laneways: art, coffee, and a sense of discovery at every turn.
• The vibrancy of markets: flavors, conversations, and the sense that you’re tasting the city in real time.
• The pull of day trips: dramatic coastlines, celebrated wine regions, and wildlife encounters that make Melbourne feel expansive.

Practical tips to maximize your Melbourne experience

Getting around

• Myki card: The easiest way to pay for trains, trams, and buses. Buy a card at stops or convenience stores.
• Trams: Free tram zone in the central city offers a convenient way to explore the core neighborhoods.
• Walking: Melbourne is a city built for walkers. Most key sites in the CBD are within a comfortable stroll.

Where to stay

• Central options: East End, CBD, or Southbank provide excellent access to laneways, markets, and starting points for day trips.
• Alternative neighborhoods: Fitzroy for a bohemian vibe, St Kilda for bayside proximity, or Carlton for a touch of European charm.

What to eat and drink

• Coffee culture: Melbourne’s coffee is a daily essential. Try a flat white or a piccolo latte at a local favorite.
• Market bites: Queen Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market offer an array of eats. Bring an appetite and a curiosity for new flavors.
• Dinner highlights: Italian, Greek, and modern Australian cuisines all shine in Melbourne’s neighborhoods.

Seasonal tips

• Spring and autumn are ideal for walking tours and laneway exploration with mild weather.
• Summer can be hot in the city; stay hydrated and plan early morning or evening laneway strolls to escape the heat.
• Winter offers cozy cafes, warm pies, and vibrant indoor markets.

Frequently asked questions

• How many days should I spend in Melbourne?

  • This five day plan provides a balanced blend of laneways, markets, and day trips. You can expand or shorten any day depending on your pace and interests.

• Are the Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley doable in a day from Melbourne?

  • Yes, both are feasible as day trips. Great Ocean Road is longer, so consider a guided tour or staying closer to the coast if you want to reduce driving time.

• What is the best way to see laneways?

  • Start in the CBD, walk through Hosier Lane, Degraves Street, and Centre Place, then explore lanes in nearby precincts like hardware lane or AC/DC Lane. A guided street art tour can add context.

• Which markets are must visits?

  • Queen Victoria Market is iconic for breakfast and shopping, while South Melbourne Market offers a wonderful food-centric experience near the water.

Conclusion: five days that unlock Melbourne’s heart

Melbourne rewards curious travelers who want depth and variety. In five days you can immerse yourself in the city’s iconic laneways, savor its market culture, and create memories on day trips that showcase the diversity of Victoria. Whether you spend mornings chasing art in sunlit lanes, afternoons tasting fresh produce at legendary markets, or full days along the coast and through wine country, Melbourne invites you to slow down, savor, and explore.

This itinerary is designed to be practical, flexible, and deeply enjoyable. It points you to the best coffee, the most venerated markets, and the most memorable day trips, all while keeping you close to the city’s energy. If you crave a balance of urban discovery and outdoor adventure, Melbourne is ready to deliver. Safe travels, and may your five days be filled with discovery, delicious bites, and the kind of memories you’ll want to relive again and again.