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Do you have a quick 48 hours in Melbourne and are trying to maximize your time? Whether it’s a long layover or a weekend getaway, you can still experience a lot of the city in just two days.
As an Aussie native, I’ve traveled to Melbourne countless times. And while I hope you get more time to explore this underrated city, I’ve condensed down the top experiences into this easy-to-follow 2-day itinerary.
So if you like sunset dinner cruises, gorgeous old buildings, street art, and an incredible food and drink scene, you’ll love these two days I have planned for you!
Day 1
Breakfast – Operator25
We were amazed at how many top-rated restaurants are in Melbourne, it was difficult to decide where to begin! So to help your analysis paralysis, we are taking you to our absolute favorite brunch spot to kick off your day of exploring.
Operator25 is a trendy breakfast spot, located in Melbourne CBD and puts you right in the action. The building was once the old telephone exchange, so operators spent hours here connecting calls all around the city. While they still love connection, it’s connecting over food rather than the telephone! I loved their nod to the past with the telephone wires hanging from the ceiling – the vibe was so fun.
Their breakfast menu is huge, whether you’re a sweet or savory person. My mom says I’m sweet enough, so I tend to stick to the savory options, such as the char siu eggs benedict. The yuzu smashed avocado toast is also amazing, unsurprisingly! They offer a wide array of vegan and vegetarian options, like tofu scrambles and black rice porridge, so everyone can enjoy this breakfast spot!
Morning – Go on a Free Walking Tour
We love taking walking tours of a new city, especially if we are on a tight timeline. You can cover a lot of ground, and having a local guide is a fantastic way to learn about the history, culture, and local hot spots. Melbourne even offers a free walking tour with I’m Free Walking Tours (clever name, right?) and we thought it was an excellent introduction to the city.
For the sake of this itinerary, the 10:30 am Melbourne Sights tour works best, although they do offer an afternoon option too. We were impressed by our guide, who was hilarious and truly loves Melbourne. He led us all around the city to some of the can’t-miss areas, like Federation Square and Princess Theater, and told of the history of Ned Kelly and Batman (you’ll have to go to find out!).
This free walking tour is 3 hours long and they ask you to sign up ahead of time, so they know how many people will be on the tour. You can sign up online easily, and even though it’s free you can also tip your tour guide if they were as awesome as ours was!
For those travelers who are keen on the history and culture of Melbourne, this guided walking tour is a great way to get more in-depth. You’ll hit the main staples of the city and also hidden gems, from the Yarra River to Chinatown, Hosier Lane, and more!
This tour is really good for a short 2-day trip because the guides intentionally go deeper into the history and significance of these areas than the free tour might. We really enjoyed it, so if you go with this one, make sure to read our full review of that walking tour before you go.
This three-hour tour includes all entrance fees, your knowledgeable guide, and even an alcoholic beverage! It departs at 11 am. You can check the details and book this tour in advance for $99 AUD,
Lunch – Afloat Floating Restaurant
I’ve mentioned Melbourne’s amazing food scene, and that extends to the unique atmosphere too! Afloat was one of our favorite restaurants in Melbourne, and it actually floats on the Yarra River. Talk about amazing views! We loved it even more because the theme was Viva Mexico, and we are always suckers for a taco and margarita.
Afloat is unique because it changes themes annually and closes during the winter. Turns out, it actually gets cold in Melbourne and dining at an outdoor river restaurant isn’t exactly the preferred vibe. But that makes it all the more enjoyable during the gorgeous summer months!
We ordered a few plates to share, including tacos and grilled cacti, and had a frozen margarita or two! It made for a lovely lunch stop. Afloat is open from 11 am to 1 am daily.
If you want a truly unique experience, you can join Afloat’s Bottomless Brunch river cruise. This experience sounds like so much fun – a 2-hour cruise along the gorgeous Yarra River with free-flowing drinks and an incredible brunch. What could be better!? It takes off at 1 pm, and keep in mind that you have a few other activities to follow, so be sure to pace yourself!
This bottomless brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays for $118 AUD. If you can fit this into your 2-days in the city, it will be a memorable experience! Check out the dates available and book this brunch cruise in advance here.
Related Read: Looking for more unique experiences? Here are our 5 favorite tours in Melbourne that are sure to show you a different side of the city.
Afternoon – Melbourne Skydeck
There is no shortage of amazing views in Melbourne, but perhaps the best views are seen from the SkyDeck. The SkyDeck is home to the tallest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere, and I’m happy to report that it is just as impressive as it sounds! The tower sits 300 meters (975 feet) tall and there are a few ways to experience it.
We booked tickets to the Edge Experience, which got us out on an all-glass ledge extending over the edge of the building (hence the name!). It was so cool to see Melbourne below, and I’ll admit, a little scary too! But the views were worth it, admission tickets were $43 AUD.
Another fun way to experience the SkyDeck is with the Virtual Reality Experience! We didn’t do this particular one, but it looked like a blast. You can explore Melbourne’s city sights and even a zipline, virtually! This is $49 AUD and includes your general admission to the SkyDeck.
They also have the Cocktails in the Clouds which includes a cocktail and the VR experience for $50 AUD. You can still go enjoy a drink at Bar 88 without booking this experience, which is what we did! If you are there between 4-8 pm be sure to hit the 2-for-1 happy hour.
To take your SkyDeck experience to the ultimate level, book dinner at Eureka 89! This is a beautiful fine dining restaurant that sits within the SkyDeck tower, so the views are just as good as the food. The 6-course tasting menu is $190 AUD, this is definitely a place to go for celebrating or if you have a bigger budget to spend. I highly recommend making a reservation before you go!
Check out all of the SkyDeck experiences here and book yours with FREE cancellation!
Dinner/night – Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Yarra
Our absolute favorite memory of our time here was going on the Spirit of Melbourne dinner cruise. We’ve taken dinner cruises all over the world, and this was one of the best! The views of Melbourne’s skyline and the Yarra River during sunset are not to be matched, and of course, the dining experience was incredible. Oh, and the open bar was also a nice perk!
We had three hours on the boat, which was the perfect amount of time to enjoy drinks on the deck and see the city from a totally new perspective. The ambiance was relaxed and luxurious, we felt so taken care of by the staff! I absolutely loved watching the golden sunset as we sailed along the river.
We made our way to our window-side table for dinner, where you’ll have your choice of mains (we both got the chargrilled beef filet and it was amazing!). The lamb kofta starter and dessert paired with port wine were also memorable. We were absolutely stuffed at the end but it was one of the best meals we had in the city!
Our secret tip is to reach out to the tour company when you book on Viator and request a table by the window! They were able to accommodate our request and the views while we dined made the whole experience even better.
If you can’t already tell, we loved this experience, but if you want more details check out our full review of the Spirit of Melbourne dinner cruise here! Or you can take a look at the 1,000+ raving reviews of the cruise before you book here.
This sunset dinner cruise was $185 AUD, and that included an amazing 4-course dinner, an open bar, and the cruise itself! We thought this was a great price for how lovely this experience was, and they also offer free cancellation three days before departure. This is easily one of the top experiences in Melbourne and an essential addition to your itinerary!
Book your spot on the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Day 2
Breakfast – Lune Croissanterie
Fuel up for your second day of exploring at one of Melbourne’s legendary local spots. Lune Croissanterie is famous for its croissants, whether you like them savory, sweet, or some new sort of variation – they make it all! In fact, they rotate the menu weekly, so there is always something new to try. That’s also why there is often a line out the door, locals (and travelers like us) can’t get enough.
I recommend getting to Lune early to avoid waiting in line. We stopped in here right as they opened at 7:30 am and had to wait a little bit, but it was so worth it! They also serve some of that Melbourne-famous coffee which paired perfectly with our four types of croissants (we couldn’t just choose one!).
Today’s itinerary will have a lot of chances to eat, so a lighter breakfast is a good option. It will be difficult, but try not to fill up on croissants! Lune is open every day except Wednesday. We went to the CBD location, but there is also one in Fitzroy and Armadale, depending on where you are staying in Melbourne.
Morning – Queen Victoria Market
Just a 12-minute drive from Lune Crissantarie is another staple in Melbourne: Queen Victoria Market! This is a massive market that has been around for over 100 years and we spent hours wandering through the stalls. There are over 600, so you’ll need a chunk of time here!
Vendors sell a variety of items, from handmade goods, art, specialty shops, and (my favorite part) food! There’s a huge section of fresh produce too, which is what the market was originally used for.
We decided to join this food tour of the market so we could find the yummiest food options, and learn some of its history too! This was a really unique food tour because we tried authentic Australian cuisine, such as Coffin Bay oysters, pickled octopus, and peppered kangaroo (yes, Australians actually eat kangaroo!).
If that isn’t your thing though, don’t worry! There are plenty of other options, like fresh dolmades and American-style donuts. This tour lasted for two hours and we loved trying a variety of foods. Our guide also did a fantastic job of sharing the history of the market and Melbourne, so we felt that it was well worth the $99 AUD. This tour is only available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Check out all the food options included, and book the same food tour we went on here!
Morning – Walk the Lanes and Arcades
There is an impressive art scene in Melbourne, from the murals on the street to the intricate architecture. Our next activity will explore both as we spend some time walking the Laneways and Arcades.
The Laneways of Melbourne have been dedicated to artists, as they don’t need a permit to paint here! The most famous laneway is AC/DC Lane, located just off Flinders Lane. The lane itself used to be home to Cherry Bar and Melbourne’s lively music scene. So it is fitting that it’s now a tribute to Rock n’ Roll and Australian-based AC/DC!
I was so impressed by the artwork and we had a lot of fun just wandering from laneway to laneway. If you come back later in the day, you can check out the dive bars and music venues in this area too!
Next, take a 12-minute walk down the street to find The Block Arcade and The Royal Arcade. Arcades are covered walkways with gorgeous designs and full of specialty shops. While it has a very different look than the laneways, both are important to Melbourne’s history!
The Block Arcade was our favorite, the mosaic tile floor was seriously pretty! We poked around the shops, stopping by Haigh’s Chocolates to pick up some truffles (Bailey has a huge sweet tooth!), and by The Tea Room 1892 for a coffee. This tea house has been open since 1892 and they are known for having the best high tea in the city!
After seeing every corner of The Block Arcade, we made our way to The Royal Arcade. This one is similar in its shops and design and dates back to 1870! While we think The Block Arcade is prettier, we love the history of The Royal Arcade.
If you need even more sweet treats, Caffé E Torta specializes in Italian desserts and also has some light dishes. The coffee at Kit Espresso is another good pick-me-up and Paint n’ Powder is a rare perfume shop that was actually pretty interesting to check out.
If you love sweets as much as Bailey does, you’ll appreciate this Arcades Dessert Walking tour. This is not only a good way to experience the Arcade’s history, but you also get 7 chocolate tastings, including a chocolate and cheese pairing. I told you that you’d eat a lot today! This tour takes off at 10:45 am, so you will have to rearrange the itinerary a bit, but it’s worth it for this unique experience.
Lunch – Enjoy a meal on one of the laneways
As you wander through lanes and arcades, you’ll find more restaurants and cafes than you’ll know what to do with! Either follow your nose to find a yummy spot for lunch, or you can hit our favorite place, Vespa Rossa. Nestled in The Block Arcade, we were pleasantly surprised when we stumbled upon this hidden gem!
Featuring Mediterranean-inspired food, everything was fresh and we loved the welcoming atmosphere. Even Bailey had her fill of sweets, so while the French toast looked really enticing, we needed something savory and hearty for lunch. We split the prosciutto pizza, wood-fired to perfection, and the seafood linguine. The portions were ideal for lunch, so we weren’t too full by the end, and even had room for a cocktail! Vespa Rossa is open daily from 7 am to 4 pm, so stop in for a lovely little lunch spot.
Afternoon – Free City Tram
To maximize our time in Melbourne, we hopped on the historic green trams and made our own hop-on hop-off tour. These trams have been in operation since 1885 and have that old-fashioned charm. We found it fitting to explore some of the historic city sites, and there is even commentary and brochures available on the trams, making it a seamless way to travel.
Best of all, there is a “free tram zone” so everywhere you go within that area is a free ride, and many of the attractions are free to enter. We love cheap activities whenever we can find one! There are a handful of stops you can make (check out the tram map and stops here) but we visited the Victoria Library, Flinders Station, and the Melbourne Gaol.
Victoria Library
Our first historic stop dates back to the 1850s, when the State Library Victoria first started its collection! You don’t have to be an avid reader to enjoy this library, the architecture is stunning and we got lost just wandering around this historic place.
The most impressive part was the La Trobe Room. This room has a beautiful dome roof and is six stories high. But the most impressive part was how many books were in this room – over 30,000!
We were also impressed to find artifacts from Melbourne’s most famous outlaw Ned Kelly. They have the armor he wore during his final showdown, which leads me to believe this armor wasn’t the most effective!
Flinders Station
The next stop is one that you’ll probably recognize, as it’s hard to miss! Flinders Street Station is a massive train station dating back to 1854. It was the first steam engine rail station in Australia, and today is one of the busiest train stations in the Southern Hemisphere.
The outside of the train station has a historic facade, with a clock tower and all. It towers over the street and sits right near the Yarra River, so you’ll likely pass by it a few times. But, it’s worth stopping for a photo and to see it up close. The interior isn’t very impressive, so you can go in if you wish, but you aren’t missing much!
Melbourne Gaol
Finally, checking out the Melbourne Gaol is one of the most fun stops in this area! The Old Melbourne Gaol was once a jail, and it still looks like it could be used (watch out or they might lock you up!). We learned so much about Melbourne’s dark history and those who once lived in the jail. Ned Kelly, Melbourne’s most famous criminal, was held here, as was Frederick Bailey Deeming, who they speculate to be Jack the Ripper.
A self-guided audio tour is included in general admission for $35 AUD. They also offer guided tours, such as an Escape Artists tour to learn about those lucky enough to escape, or the Nighttime Ghost Tour, for a spooky evening activity! Whichever you choose, you’re sure to have a fun time checking out the old gaol – we sure did!
Night – Walk along the river
And just like that, we’ve come to the final activity of your two-day Melbourne itinerary! We are going to squeeze in just a few more “can’t miss” city sights and spend the evening simply enjoying downtown Melbourne.
We loved walking along the Yarra River, as there was so much to see. After dining at the floating restaurant, Afloat, and also taking a boat cruise down the Yarra, we think walking along it gives another perspective of this outdoor haven in the city.
We followed the Main Yarra Trail to get our bearings and crossed over the Evan Walker pedestrian bridge to check out the other side. The bridge itself is really pretty when it’s lit up, as you can see in the photo above! We even found out about a secret set of stairs that lead you to a floating bar called Ponyfish Island (but mum’s the word, this is a local hidden gem!).
If you enjoy art, the Enterprize Wharf and Park has some really cool art installations. The wharf is home to five sculptures called “Constellations” which portray a dragon, a bird, a lion, a woman, and a man and they are quite beautiful! Enterprize Park is full of old pier posts that have been turned into art pieces.
You can also follow the free art walk on a self-guided tour. There’s a lot to see and it’s a fun way to find some unique things in the city. Find the art walk trail map here!
Federation Square is another one of those “can’t miss” areas, so if you have missed it so far, be sure to swing by here! Known as Fed Square by locals, there is always an event going on. It is the hub for arts and festivals, and it’s quite large, taking up several city blocks. Fed Square is home to art galleries and museums, as well as shops and restaurants, and has a great outdoor space. Its architecture is stunning!
I recommend checking their website before you go, just in case you can catch a fun event. Or do what we did, and simply wander into the square and see what you can find! This is also a good area to stop for dinner, you’ll be spoilt for choices.
Chocolate Buddha is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the city, for our fellow sushi and ramen lovers. For something more casual, Beer DeLuxe is a fun pub atmosphere with great local craft beer. Our favorite place was the Transit Rooftop Bar for drinks and amazing city views! We had to soak those up while we could, as it’s the last night in Melbourne!
But really, you’ll pass by lots of restaurants, bars, and unique things to look at as you wander along the Yarra River. Just keep your eyes open and stop wherever you’d like!
Related Read: Another one of our favorite activities was taking a day trip. There is a lot to explore right around the city, so check out our favorite day trips from Melbourne here!
Other Things to do in Melbourne
If you have a little extra time in your itinerary, we have even more epic Melbourne activities. You can check out our full list of the best things to do in Melbourne or check out our top recommendations below!
- Drive the Great Ocean Road – This 240-kilometer (150-mile) scenic drive follows the southern coastline and is one of the most epic things to do in Melbourne. We joined this guided tour so we could stop at the iconic areas, like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Apollo Bay, while someone else did the driving so we could enjoy the views! This day trip from the city was our favorite Melbourne experience, it’s stunning and a great break from the bustling city life. Check out our favorite stops between Melbourne and the Twelve Apostles to get all the info!
- Explore the Melbourne Gardens – The Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne are another great way to escape the city, without leaving city limits. This huge garden is home to over 8,500 species of plants and has been around for over 170 years. It’s simply gorgeous, and spending a few hours strolling through the gardens makes for a lovely afternoon. There are often special events going on, so check the website here before you go!
- Rent a boat and float down the Yarra River – If you haven’t seen enough of the Yarra River yet, rent a boat and explore it for yourself! That’s right, you can be the captain of your own ship (more like a dingy) and cruise along the river. On a Boat rents the boats and they are really easy to use, you don’t even need a boating license!
- Explore St Kilda – This cute beach town is just 15 minutes from downtown Melbourne, and is a great place to grab a coffee and take in those ocean views! St Kilda is famous for its coffee scene, there are many to choose from – but our favorite is Galleon Cafe. If you’re visiting on the weekend, check out Esplanade Market for some unique souvenirs or Luna Park, super fun for families!
- Day trip to Phillip Island – Phillip Island is another one of our favorite day trips from Melbourne because you can see the world’s largest Little Penguin Colony! Famous for their “Penguin Parade” taking a day trip here allows you to see hundreds of Little Penguins waddling back to their burrows. We took this organized tour, which also included stops at the Brighton Boxes and the Moonlit Sanctuary, where we got to hand-fed wallabies and koalas!
Where to Stay in Melbourne
With two days in Melbourne, you’re going to need somewhere comfy to call home! There are a lot of accommodation options to fit every budget, so check out our top picks from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here’s what you need to know!
The Langham Melbourne – $$$
For an elegant stay – think marble staircases, fountains, and chandeliers – The Langham Melbourne is the perfect place. The hotel is in the middle of Melbourne overlooking the Yarra River. You’ll get beautiful city views from the hotel’s restaurant and from the indoor pool. It’s also within walking distance of a number of top attractions.
Rooms here start at $300 – $400 AUD per night. Check availability and reserve a room here.
Grand Hotel Melbourne – $$
Stay in the Melbourne Central Business District at this historic hotel that has plenty of character. The studios and apartments at the Grand Hotel Melbourne give you more space than a typical hotel and even include a kitchen. You can also take advantage of the heated indoor pool and the fitness center with a sauna. Plus, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Crown Casino, Southbank, Docklands, and more.
A studio starts at around $200 AUD per night and can be reserved through Booking.com here.
Space Hotel – $
You don’t have to sacrifice style for money at this hostel. The Space Hotel is a modern hostel with lots of extra guest amenities like a gym, a hot tub, and even a mini-theater. You can head to the rooftop terrace to relax and enjoy the views. The hostel is conveniently located in the Central Business District and is not far from the Queen Victoria Market and Chinatown.
Accommodation options include both private rooms and shared dorm rooms. A bed in a dorm starts at $55 AUD and private rooms begin at $100 AUD. You can reserve a spot in advance through Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is driving yourself!
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time. Plus, we love the freedom to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
You have three options: a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A rental car is the most affordable option – especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. It gets you to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels along the way (no camping). The easiest place to rent a car in Australia is on DiscoverCars.com where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van with a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what many budget travelers use to get around Australia since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting Australia. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in Australia!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: We’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for our readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Phew, that’s a lot to see in just two days! We loved visiting Melbourne and try to get there as often as possible. These are just the highlights, if you have more time there are even more epic things to do in the city and surrounding areas. But, we think this 2-day itinerary hits the can’t-miss Melbourne items and more!
Thanks so much for reading our blog. We hope you found this helpful as you plan your Melbourne vacay! If you’re continuing your travels, check out our other Australia blogs – we have a lot of expertise here as Daniel is a Perth native! Here are a few of our favorite places and travel tips to get you started:
Our One-Day Melbourne CBD Itinerary to See All the Sights!
Great Ocean Road Tours from Melbourne – the 5 BEST Tours for this Scenic Drive!
The Best Phillip Island Tour from Melbourne – My Honest Review!
12 BEST Tours in Sydney, Australia – To Get the Most of Your Visit!