9 Days City Snacks: Melbourne, Adelaide and Margaret River

Australia serves up some of the most exciting snack-sized experiences on the planet. Think laneway coffee and dumplings in Melbourne, market-to-mouth bites in Adelaide, and vineyard platters with ocean breezes in Margaret River. This 9 day City Snacks itinerary packs the best flavors into a smooth, scenic route that moves from cosmopolitan culture to coastal wine country, with plenty of time for tasting, sipping, and discovering local favorites.

Whether you are a devoted foodie or simply love grazing your way through a destination, this trip balances must-try icons with local-only finds, and it keeps travel time simple so you can spend more time eating and exploring.

Trip at a Glance

• Duration: 9 days
• Route: Melbourne to Adelaide to Margaret River (via Perth)
• Themes: Coffee culture, markets, street food, small bars, wineries, coastal produce
• Highlights:
  • Melbourne laneways, Queen Victoria Market, St Kilda cakes, Fitzroy bites
  • Adelaide Central Market, Peel Street bars, Glenelg beach fish and chips
  • Margaret River wineries, farmers market, chocolate and cheese, limestone caves, surf beaches
• Best for: Food lovers, wine fans, couples, small groups, culture-focused travelers
• Pacing: Snack-friendly stops with short flights and one scenic road trip

Why This Itinerary Works

• Bite-sized experiences in every stop. You will graze through markets, laneways, and cellar doors, rather than committing to long formal meals every day.
• Efficient routing. Two short domestic flights keep time in the air to a minimum, and the one road trip is a beautiful coastal-forest drive to Margaret River.
• Variety of flavors. From Asian street eats and Italian gelato in Melbourne, to Mediterranean and modern Australian in Adelaide, then artisan produce and biodynamic wines in Western Australia.
• Plenty of flexibility. Each day includes optional add-ons so you can scale up with tastings and tours or take it easy with beach time and casual bites.

Day-by-Day City Snacks Itinerary

Day 1: Melbourne Arrival and Laneway Grazing

Welcome to Melbourne. Check in, freshen up, and dive straight into the city’s snack capital status.

• Morning or early afternoon:
  • Degraves Street and Centre Place for your first flat white and a pastry. Melbourne’s coffee culture is legendary, and this is the classic laneway introduction.
  • Wander to Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane for street art, then slip into Flinders Lane for boutique browsing and contemporary bites.
• Lunch:
  • Queen Victoria Market food halls for a grazing lunch. Mix oysters, borek, hot jam doughnuts, and local cheese for a true market sampler.
• Afternoon:
  • Coffee round two at a local favorite such as Market Lane Coffee or Dukes, followed by the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade for heritage architecture and sweet treats.
• Evening:
  • Chinatown dumpling crawl along Little Bourke Street. Order xiao long bao and pan-fried dumplings at a local stalwart, then hop to a second spot for hand-pulled noodles.
  • Nightcap in a small bar on Hardware Lane or a rooftop with skyline views.

Snack spotlight: Try the classic South Melbourne Market style dim sim at a vendor in QVM if you missed it. It is a cult favorite for a reason.

Day 2: Markets, Bayside Bites and St Kilda Cakes

Start with a market breakfast, swing by the bay, then settle into Melbourne’s classic cake strip.

• Morning:
  • South Melbourne Market for breakfast rolls, artisan doughnuts, and coffee. This market is beloved by locals for fresh produce, deli counters, and a relaxed vibe.
  • Stroll Albert Park Lake or take a tram to St Kilda.
• Lunch:
  • St Kilda for fish tacos or a bakery pie near the beach. Walk the pier afterward for sea air and city views.
• Afternoon:
  • Acland Street cake shops for a pastry tasting flight. Choose a few slices to share, from continental tortes to classic sponge.
  • Optional: Luna Park photos and a quick wander along the Esplanade.
• Evening:
  • Head to Fitzroy for a casual progressive dinner. Start with natural wine and small plates on Gertrude Street, then slide to Brunswick Street for gelato or a late-night slice.

Insider tip: Trams are free within Melbourne’s central Free Tram Zone. Tap on with a Myki card when traveling beyond that boundary.

Day 3: Fitzroy Brunch, Carlton Italian and Fly to Adelaide

Wrap your Melbourne days with a brunch and Italian snacks, then hop to South Australia.

• Morning:
  • Fitzroy brunch. Think ricotta hotcakes or smashed avocado, paired with a pour-over. Browse street art and independent shops on Smith and Johnston Streets.
• Lunch:
  • Carlton’s Lygon Street for pizza by the slice, arancini, and gelato. It is Melbourne’s Italian heart and perfect for a light lunch.
• Afternoon:
  • Time your airport transfer for a late afternoon or early evening flight to Adelaide, around 1 hour 20 minutes.
• Evening:
  • Check into your Adelaide hotel, then stroll to Peel Street or Leigh Street for small bars, craft beers, and share plates.

SEO note for planners: If you prefer not to switch cities in the evening, push your Melbourne flight to the morning of Day 4 and adjust accordingly.

Day 4: Adelaide Central Market and East End Eats

Adelaide is compact, creative, and delicious. Your first full day is all about the city’s famous market and nearby laneways.

• Morning:
  • Adelaide Central Market tour. Go stall to stall for charcuterie, cheese, olives, native ingredients, and pastries. Many vendors offer tastings that are ideal for snackers.
• Lunch:
  • Keep it light with a market bowl or a Mediterranean plate. Save room for an afternoon chocolate stop at Haigh’s.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore the East End. Rundle Street is lined with cafes and boutiques. The Botanic Garden offers a peaceful pause between bites.
• Evening:
  • Peel Street dining precinct. Book a table at a modern Australian spot or graze across two or three venues, pairing small plates with South Australian wines.

Optional add-on: Join a small-group gin or whisky tasting. South Australia’s distilling scene is growing fast.

Day 5: Adelaide Hills or McLaren Vale, Then Sunset at Glenelg

Spend day five among rolling vineyards or German-influenced villages, followed by beachside bites.

• Morning:
  • Choose your adventure:
    • Adelaide Hills and Hahndorf for German bakeries, apple strudel, and cool-climate wines. Stop at a cheese maker for a tasting board.
    • McLaren Vale for shiraz and Mediterranean varietals, plus olive oil and dukkah tastings. Many cellar doors offer shareable snack menus and lawn picnics.
• Lunch:
  • Vineyard platter lunch. Book ahead for a shaded table and a curated spread of local produce.
• Afternoon:
  • Return to the city via Glenelg Beach. Grab fish and chips to enjoy on the sand, then stroll the jetty.
• Evening:
  • Light dinner and a nightcap on Gouger Street or Hutt Street, or keep it simple with gelato on the go.

Designated driver tip: If you plan to taste multiple wines, consider a guided tour or a private driver so everyone can sip safely.

Day 6: Fly to Perth, Scenic Drive to Margaret River

Time for Western Australia’s legendary wine and surf coast. The transit is part of the fun.

• Morning:
  • Fly Adelaide to Perth, about 3 hours. Pick up a rental car at Perth Airport.
• Lunch:
  • Hit the road south on the Kwinana Freeway to Bussell Highway. Stop in Bunbury or Busselton for a quick bite. If time allows, walk a section of the Busselton Jetty.
• Afternoon:
  • Continue to Margaret River town, approximately 2.5 to 3 hours from Perth. Check in and stretch your legs with a café stop on the main street.
• Evening:
  • Easy dinner at a local bistro or a wood-fired pizza spot, pairing your meal with a glass of semillon sauvignon blanc or a local pale ale.

Driving note: Western Australia distances are long. Keep water in the car, observe speed limits, and watch for wildlife at dusk.

Day 7: Margaret River Winery and Chocolate Trail

Today is a greatest hits tasting run, designed to balance wine with sweets, cheese, and scenic downtime.

• Morning:
  • Start at a founding winery like Vasse Felix for a guided tasting. Continue to a biodynamic producer such as Cullen for a contrasting flight.
• Late morning snack:
  • Margaret River Chocolate Company for samples and a coffee. Nearby Providore offers spices, sauces, and jams for tasting.
• Lunch:
  • Vineyard lunch at Leeuwin Estate or Voyager Estate. Book a set menu or a casual platter depending on your budget. Both are known for manicured gardens and refined dishes.
• Afternoon:
  • Cheese at Margaret River Dairy Company, then a brewery like Colonial Brewing Co or Cheeky Monkey for a refreshing schooner.
• Evening:
  • Relaxed dinner in town. The classic choice is the Margaret River Bakery for a pre-dinner pastry on a stroll, then a casual seafood or modern Australian spot nearby.

If you prefer spirits, swap a brewery for a craft gin distillery tasting. Many offer native botanical blends that echo the region’s bush scents.

Day 8: Caves, Coast and Farm Gates

Beyond wine, Margaret River delivers world-class coastal scenery and underground wonders.

• Morning:
  • Cave visit. Choose Jewel Cave or Lake Cave for spectacular formations. Tours are guided and usually run around an hour.
• Midday:
  • Beach time at Meelup or Yallingup for turquoise water and white sand. Pack a picnic of yesterday’s market finds or grab fish tacos from a beach kiosk when available.
• Afternoon:
  • Olive oil tasting at Olio Bello, nougat at Bettenay’s, or a quick coffee in the arty village of Yallingup. If you love lighthouses, head to Cape Naturaliste for panoramic views.
• Evening:
  • Sunset at Surfers Point in Prevelly. The golden hour light makes a beautiful backdrop for a simple cheese and cracker spread.
  • Dinner in town or at a countryside restaurant. Keep it snack-forward with shared plates, leaving room for one last gelato or a local chocolate.

Optional add-on: If you are traveling during wildflower season from September to November, include a short bush walk for native blooms.

Day 9: Farmers Market and Return to Perth

Squeeze in a final taste of the region before you head back.

• Morning:
  • Margaret River Farmers Market on Saturday mornings is the perfect wrap. Chat with growers, try hot food stalls, and pick up snacks for the road.
• Midday:
  • Drive back to Perth, aiming for a late afternoon or evening flight. If your schedule allows, stop in Busselton for lunch and a final seaside walk.

Travel buffer tip: Add an extra night in Perth if you prefer a relaxed pace on departure day.

Where to Stay

Choosing the right base enhances your snack-hopping style. Aim for walkable neighborhoods in Melbourne and Adelaide, and a central yet quiet spot in Margaret River.

• Melbourne:
  • Central Business District for laneway access and transport.
  • Fitzroy or Collingwood for street art, bars, and brunch within a short tram ride to the city.
  • St Kilda if you want beach sunsets and cake shops at your doorstep.
• Adelaide:
  • CBD near the Central Market for easy food-focused days.
  • East End for Botanic Garden proximity and Rundle Street eateries.
  • Glenelg if you want sea breezes and an easy tram ride to the city.
• Margaret River:
  • Margaret River town for walkable dinners and cafés.
  • Yallingup or Wilyabrup for vineyard stays and scenic drives.
  • Prevelly for ocean views and quick access to Surfers Point.

Book early if you are traveling during school holidays or harvest season. Vineyard lunches and boutique stays can fill weeks in advance.

Getting Around

• Flights:
  • Melbourne to Adelaide: around 1 hour 20 minutes, frequent daily departures.
  • Adelaide to Perth: around 3 hours, multiple carriers.
• Local transport:
  • Melbourne: Trams and trains are efficient. Use a Myki card for travel outside the Free Tram Zone.
  • Adelaide: Walkable CBD with trams and buses. Rideshare and e-scooters are common.
• Western Australia driving:
  • Car rental is essential in Margaret River. Drive times: Perth to Margaret River 2.5 to 3 hours, Margaret River to Yallingup around 35 minutes, to Augusta around 45 minutes.
  • Fuel up before long stretches, and avoid driving at night due to wildlife.

Best Time to Go

• Melbourne:
  • Year-round destination with lively events. Spring and autumn offer mild weather, perfect for café hopping.
• Adelaide:
  • Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. The city is vibrant during festival season from February to March.
• Margaret River:
  • Peak season is summer from December to February with beach weather and busy cellar doors.
  • Vintage runs late summer to early autumn, a great time for wine lovers.
  • Spring from September to November brings wildflowers, clear light, and cooler temperatures that are perfect for tastings and hikes.

If flexibility allows, shoulder seasons deliver pleasant weather and fewer crowds across all three regions.

Budget and Costs

Approximate mid-range budget per person per day in AUD:

• Melbourne and Adelaide: 180 to 250
  • Breakfast and snacks: 25 to 40
  • Lunch: 25 to 40
  • Dinner and drinks: 60 to 100
  • Public transport or rideshare: 5 to 20
  • Activities and coffee: 20 to 50
• Margaret River: 200 to 300
  • Tasting fees: 10 to 20 per winery, often waived with purchase
  • Vineyard lunch: 40 to 80
  • Casual dinner: 30 to 60
  • Fuel and car rental: variable, budget 70 to 100 per day for a compact car shared between two

Ways to save:

• Mix sit-down meals with market picnics.
• Share tasting flights and platters.
• Use public transport in cities.
• Book winery lunches on weekdays when specials are more common.

Packing and Practical Tips

• Layers for changeable weather in Melbourne and coastal breezes in Margaret River.
• Comfortable walking shoes for markets, laneways, and cave tours.
• Reusable water bottle and tote for market snacks and winery purchases.
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. UV levels are high year-round in Australia.
• International driver’s permit if required, plus a designated driver plan for tasting days.
• Keep a small cooler bag in the car for cheese and chocolate between stops.

Dietary Needs and Accessibility

• Vegetarian and vegan: Melbourne and Adelaide have many plant-based options. Margaret River’s wineries often offer vegetarian platters, but check menus in advance.
• Gluten-free: Commonly accommodated in cafes and restaurants. Always advise staff to avoid cross-contamination.
• Halal and kosher: Options exist in major cities. Research specific venues and consider self-catering elements if needed.
• Accessibility: Central markets and major attractions are wheelchair accessible. Cave tours vary in accessibility, so review facility information or choose scenic lookouts and coastal boardwalks as alternatives.

Responsible and Sustainable Tasting

• Choose wineries with sustainable and biodynamic certifications where possible.
• Use spittoons during tastings if you are driving.
• Bring a reusable cup or bottle, and avoid single-use plastics at markets.
• Respect country and culture. Seek out experiences that share Indigenous food knowledge and stories where offered.

Book Like a Pro: Step-by-Step

1. Lock in flights into Melbourne and out of Perth. Add checked baggage if you plan to bring home wine.
2. Reserve city hotels near food hubs, then secure a Margaret River stay that suits your vibe, town or vineyard.
3. Pre-book at least two winery lunches and any must-do restaurants or bars with limited seating.
4. Hold a rental car in Perth with pickup at the airport and check that the contract allows wine transport.
5. Add market and food tours for insight and skip-the-line tastings, especially at Adelaide Central Market and Melbourne’s laneways.
6. Sketch daily snack goals rather than rigid meal plans. Leave space for spontaneous finds.
7. Travel with a small wine shipper or bubble wrap sleeves for safe transport.

FAQs

• Is 9 days enough for Melbourne, Adelaide, and Margaret River?
  • Yes. This itinerary gives you three flavors of Australia in one smooth arc. If you have more time, add a night in Perth or extra days in Margaret River for beaches and hikes.
• Do I need a car for the whole trip?
  • No. Use public transport and rideshare in Melbourne and Adelaide. Rent a car only for Western Australia to explore Margaret River freely.
• How do tasting fees work?
  • Most cellar doors charge a small fee, often waived with purchase. Shared flights are a savvy way to sample widely.
• Can I travel with kids?
  • Absolutely. Markets, beaches, and caves are family friendly. Choose wineries with lawns and casual platters rather than formal set menus.
• What should I book ahead?
  • Winery lunches, popular restaurants in Melbourne and Adelaide on weekends, cave tours in peak season, and your rental car.

A Flavor Map of the Itinerary

• Melbourne food itinerary keywords: Melbourne laneway cafes, Queen Victoria Market, Chinatown dumplings, Fitzroy brunch, St Kilda cakes.
• Adelaide food itinerary keywords: Adelaide Central Market tour, Peel Street small bars, Hahndorf bakeries, McLaren Vale wine tasting, Glenelg fish and chips.
• Margaret River wine itinerary keywords: Vasse Felix tasting, Cullen biodynamic wines, Leeuwin Estate lunch, Margaret River Chocolate Company, Meelup Beach, Jewel Cave.

These are here to help searchers find the experiences you are planning, and they reflect the natural flow of the trip.

Sample Daily Snack Lists

A few quick inspiration lists to make planning even easier:

• Melbourne must-try bites:
  • Flat white and a lamington
  • Borek and hot jam doughnut at QVM
  • Xiao long bao in Chinatown
  • Acland Street cake slice
  • Gelato on Brunswick Street
• Adelaide must-try bites:
  • Cheese and olive plates at Central Market
  • Market-fresh pasta or Mediterranean wraps
  • Haigh’s chocolates
  • Glenelg fish and chips
  • Small plates with SA shiraz on Peel Street
• Margaret River must-try bites:
  • Semillon sauvignon blanc flight
  • Vineyard platter with local cheddar
  • Chocolate samples at a factory shop
  • Olive oil and dukkah tasting
  • Craft beer schooner after a beach walk

The Bottom Line

This 9 Days City Snacks journey is designed to feed your curiosity as much as your appetite. You will sip expertly pulled espresso in enchanting Melbourne laneways, graze across Adelaide’s legendary market scene, then drift through vineyards and coastal farm gates in Margaret River. The pace is easy, the distances are friendly, and the flavors are world class.

Set your dates, pack your hungry curiosity, and give yourself permission to snack your way through three of Australia’s tastiest destinations. Each day delivers a few big hits, a handful of unexpected gems, and just enough space for the delicious surprises that make a trip unforgettable.