15 Cool Things to Do in Melbourne, Victoria in 3 Days
What to Do in 3 Days in Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria, is a multifaceted metropolis bursting with top-class art and plenty of cultural things to do in 3 days. It’s easy to be captivated by the innovative architecture at the Docklands and Melbourne’s narrow laneways, lined with striking street art murals. The city is full of gems: world-class museums, vibrant markets, top restaurants, and quirky bars featuring live music.
Melbourne also hosts major sporting events, with several renowned arenas and the famous Flemington Racecourse for horse racing.
Based on our experience, we recommend a 3-day itinerary packed with must-see attractions and hidden gems in Melbourne and its surrounding areas – this includes a day trip to coastal Victoria and the iconic Great Ocean Road.
DAY 1: 15 Cool Things to Do in Melbourne – Victoria
Start your sightseeing with a tram tour around Melbourne CBD. The old Circle Line No. 35, featuring iconic W-Class trams, offers a free and convenient way to see key attractions. You can ride clockwise or anticlockwise, as the tram operates in both directions throughout the day. With the flexibility to hop on and off, it’s perfect for exploring the Docklands, St Paul’s Cathedral, Parliament House, the State Library of Victoria, and more. The loop takes about 60 minutes, but you can spend extra time exploring each stop. It is a hugely popular service, with 3 million passengers annually!
Take the City Circle Tram – Melbourne in 3 days | Photo: Travel In Culture
On your morning ride, we suggest hopping off to explore the following sites:
You will get off just in front of Docklands Stadium, also known as Marvel Stadium, due to its sponsorship. This sports and entertainment venue, opened in 2000, is a significant landmark in the area.
Right across the street, you will be greeted by the striking architecture of the Docklands.
Following the gold rush era in the mid-1800s, Melbourne’s old port needed significant development. The West Melbourne Swamp was identified as the perfect strategic location for this expansion. This meant that the course of the Yarra River had to be widened, and from the 1880s onwards, the Docklands began to take shape as Melbourne’s industrial dockland area, complete with an extensive network of wharves and an efficient rail infrastructure.
The Docklands | Photo: Travel In Culture
Towards the end of the 1900s, Victoria Dock was home to transport companies, shipping agents, and numerous cool and wool stores. At its peak, the Dock handled up to 90% of all imports into Melbourne.
However, this industrial heyday eventually faded, and the area fell into decline. In 1997, the authorities called for redevelopment bids, which resulted in a major transformation. What was once a bustling industrial zone was reshaped into the vibrant, modern Docklands precinct you see today.
You will see that the Docklands is no less than a fantastic urban open-air gallery! Walk along the iconic Central Pier featuring fascinating views of inspiring, modern architecture across the Docklands!
Cow Up a Tree by John Kelly | Photo: Travel In Culture
Jump back on the tram and continue to Flinders Street Station, designed by James Fawcett. This iconic station from 1909, built during the Federation/Edwardian period (1902–1918), is a true Melbourne landmark located just opposite St Paul’s Cathedral. The building showcases art nouveau architecture, featuring a prominent dome, a tower, clocks, and an arched entrance.
Take time to walk around and explore the station — especially the famous clocks above the main entrance!
Flinders Street Station was the first urban railway station in Australia – and notably the world’s busiest passenger station in the 1920s.
Flinders Street Station from 1909, designed by James Fawcett, is a landmark in Melbourne | Photo: Travel In Culture
Before lunch, you may also want to visit the Immigration Museum, located just opposite Flinders Street Station and Queens Bridge Station.
Melbourne has a diverse and multicultural population – it is among the ten cities in the world with the largest immigrant population. Nearly 40% of the population was not born in Australia! Ever since the indigenous Australians populated the place, people have more or less continuously immigrated to the city from a wide range of countries. Beginning with the colonists, the city has received immigrants from large parts of the world: English, Chinese, Irish, Italian, Indian, Greek …
The residents in Melbourne today come from about 200 countries and territories, and there is a pronounced diversity of languages and faiths (more than 200 languages and more than 100 religious faiths).
If you want to gain deeper insight into Melbourne’s diverse cultural backgrounds, a visit to the Immigration Museum is an obvious choice. Through personal stories, it highlights the experiences of people and cultures that have immigrated to Victoria and helped shape the city’s vibrant diversity today.
Melbourne in 3 days | Photo: Travel In Culture
Explore the attractive Bourke Street Mall to get a taste of one of Melbourne’s best shopping areas. It is a vibrant precinct with many intriguing boutiques, department stores, cafés and eateries.
Look around — Bourke Street Mall is also popular for its talented street performers!
You might, for instance, wander through the Centreway Arcade between Flinders Lane and Collins Street — a hidden gem! Since it is likely lunchtime by now, explore lunch options here or in the nearby laneways. And do not miss the chance to try a cup of premier coffee in one of Melbourne’s quirky cafés — the city is world-renowned for its coffee culture.
The National Gallery features impressive collections of 75,000 pieces of art | Photo: Travel In Culture
You will spend the afternoon in the outstanding National Gallery of Victoria on the other side of the Yarra River on St Kilda Road. Entry to the permanent collection is free!
The gallery building is one of the iconic buildings in Melbourne, dating back to 1968, with remarkable water art already at the entrance. A Water Trail has been established to show how water plays a role in life, history, and across cultures. Water conservation is significant, and when it rains, water is collected on the roof of the building. The Waterwall, recycling cascading water down the glass at the museum entrance, marks the beginning of the Water Trail.
Art lovers, take note — there is so much to see here that you should allow at least a couple of hours to explore!
The Waterwall, with cascading recycled water down the glass at the entrance of the National Gallery, marks the beginning of the Water Trail | Photo: Travel In Culture
After your museum visit, take a stroll over to the Royal Botanic Gardens, founded in 1846 on the southern bank of the Yarra River. Today, this stunning garden is home to over 8,500 plant species from around the world, representing various climate zones across 30 living plant collections. In the Australian section, you can explore diverse landscapes, including bushland, wetlands, woodlands, and heath. With nearly 2 million visitors annually, it is a serene city oasis.
The Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is the perfect spot to relax for a few hours. It offers Free Guided Walks, an Aboriginal Heritage Walk, a Garden Explorer bus, and much more. Be sure to check the website for the latest activities before your visit!
Melbourne is also Australia’s sports-loving city. Next to the Botanic Gardens on the other side of the Yarra River, you will find Melbourne Park, home to Australian Open Tennis, Melbourne Arena, the National Tennis Centre, and Melbourne Cricket Ground.
In the evening, you will find yourself back in the lively Melbourne CBD, where you will be on the lookout for a tempting spot for dinner!
Melbourne in 3 days | Photo: Travel In Culture
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The Great Ocean Road
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DAY 2: 15 Cool Things to Do in Melbourne Victoria in 3 Days
Start your day at the historic Queen Victoria Market, a Melbourne landmark dating back to 1878. Be sure to check the website for opening hours, special events like night markets, and festivals. The market is generally open five days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Queen Victoria Market, or “Queen Vic” as locals call it, has been a Melbourne icon for over 140 years – with more than 600 small businesses, it’s a buzzing hub of tradition, offering a mix of fresh produce, local treats, and unique things to do.
Queen Victoria Market, established in 1878, is still open five days a week | Photo: F Hocking / Pixabay
The Queen Victoria Market has a rich and fascinating history. In 1837, it was Melbourne’s first official cemetery, established by the city’s early settlers. By 1846, the site was transformed into a hay and corn market, replacing the former hay market located where St Paul’s Cathedral now stands. Over the years, it hosted a variety of markets, including fruit and vegetable stalls, as well as a livestock market. Since 1867, it has exclusively been a reserved marketplace – and Queen Vic was established!
In 2015, the Victoria Market introduced – as one of the new things – a number of worm farms to help reduce food waste and contribute to sustainability in Melbourne. Be sure to check them out while you’re exploring the market!
The iconic State Library Victoria is one of the oldest buildings in Melbourne | Photo: Travel In Culture
As a point of interest, make sure to pass by the State Library Victoria, established in 1854, making it one of the oldest buildings in Melbourne. It is Australia’s oldest public library and one of the first free public libraries in the world.
When it opened, the State Library was regarded as the “people’s university” and also served as a heritage site, housing important cultural and historical items. Over the years, the library has expanded, incorporating new architecture and exhibitions.
For your visit, you may want to locate the octagonal room, the Quad, the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, the Dome, and the Redmond Barry Reading Room.
Explore the fascinating street art during your 3 days in Melbourne | Photo: Travel In Culture
Now continue your walk to discover Melbourne’s famous street art scene in Melbourne CBD.
Head to the narrow lanes between Victoria Street and Flinders Street to explore the whimsical and vibrant street art. Start from the State Library / Victoria Market area and make your way down. Guildford Lane, Drewery Lane, Union Lane, Caledonian Lane, Rutledge Lane, Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane, Duckboard Place, Strachan Lane, and Croft Alley are just a few of the iconic laneways where you will find the spectacular graffiti and street art that Melbourne is so famous for.
Today, it is considered one of Melbourne’s most cherished open-air galleries, with numerous street art tours guiding visitors through the famous alleys and laneways. It is a haven of urban art, created by unconventional and talented mural artists!
Photo: Travel In Culture
Feeling hungry? Why not stroll over to Melbourne’s Chinatown, located at the eastern end of Little Bourke Street, and enjoy a delicious Chinese lunch?
Chinatown was founded during the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s. It has a unique history since it is the most enduring Chinese settlement in Western countries and the oldest Chinatown in the Southern Hemisphere! In 1854, the first Chinese immigrants moved into Little Bourke Street. The Chinese worked as storekeepers and importers in the production and restaurant industry and as wholesale fruit and vegetable traders. In 1859, 8.5% of the population were Chinese immigrants, 45,000 people.
The oldest Chinatown in the Southern Hemisphere is the Chinatown in Melbourne, established in the 1850s during the gold rush | Photo: Travel In Culture
A few streets north of Chinatown, there is another iconic Melbourne building – the Old Melbourne Gaol.
Its penal history goes back to 1842 when two Aboriginal Tasmanians were brutally hung here.
One of the legends related to Old Melbourne Gaol was the bushranger Ned Kelly, who was hanged here in 1880. He was accused of being a bank robber, a horse thief and a murderer. After later being dug up at the Gaol Cemetery, his skull was presumably kept at the Gaol for many years before it was stolen in 1978. It appeared again in 2009. However, DNA tests later revealed that the skull was not actually Ned Kelly’s. Anyway, Kelly is still in the Australians’ consciousness. Over time, he has even got a legendary hero status in Australia!
The bushranger Ned Kelly was executed by hanging at the Old Melbourne Gaol in 1880 | Photo: Travel In Culture
In 1909, the City Watch House opened next to the Gaol as a holding facility for criminals awaiting court, whether for minor offences or more serious crimes. It became a place where Melbourne Police could safely detain offenders for short periods. Over the years, many drunkards, criminals, and gangsters found themselves behind its bars! The City Watch House remained in operation until 1994.
After visiting the Old Melbourne Gaol, you might want to squeeze in a visit to the South Melbourne Market (check if it is open today) or, if you prefer, head directly to St Kilda for more time exploring, perhaps with a visit to see the famous penguins!
Alternatively, if you prefer to visit the South Melbourne Market, take a tram from Melbourne Central Station or Flinders Street Station. When you are ready to continue to St Kilda, you can hop on a tram from the South Melbourne Market (check the same website for tram connections).
Photo: Travel In Culture
The South Melbourne Market was established in 1867 and is Melbourne’s oldest general market. In 1904, the South Melbourne Council took control of the trading place.
Over the years, the market has gradually been modernised, beginning with electric lights in 1924.
It is now an enticing place with everything you can think of, including fruits, vegetables, meat, grocery, fashion, flowers, books, events … – and has a great vibe!
Today, you will only have time for a brief ‘taste’ of the market. However, if you have more time in Melbourne, consider checking out events like the Mussel Festival, Night Market, or taking part in cooking classes and tours — all of which are worth experiencing if you are in town during the right season! Check out the South Melbourne Market website for more info and opening hours. Generally, the Market is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Afterwards, hop back on the tram for a unique experience at St Kilda Pier.
The iconic St Kilda Pier is the perfect place to see small penguins coming in from the ocean at sunset | Photo: Scozzy / Pixabay
You will definitely want to be in Melbourne’s beachside suburb by late afternoon, well before dusk. St Kilda Pier, a stunning landmark built in 1853, is the perfect spot to witness the extraordinary sight of tiny penguins waddling in from the ocean around sunset. It is a truly exceptional experience! The penguins spend the night in their nests among the rocks, returning to the sea again at sunrise.
To catch a glimpse of the penguins, make sure you are on the pier before dusk! Check out the sunrise and sunset times in Melbourne. Notice: You are not allowed to use flash when taking photos of the penguins.
St Kilda Beach is a popular spot on sunny days, perfect for a relaxing stroll!
For dinner, there are plenty of excellent restaurants in the area. Afterward, why not visit Luna Park? Opened in 1912, it is home to the world’s oldest continuously operating roller coaster.
Today, only seven of the iconic Twelve Apostles remain, making them a must-see stop along the Great Ocean Road | Photo: Travel In Culture
DAY 3
No visit to Melbourne and Victoria is complete without including a day trip to the Great Ocean Road – with numerous things to do along the road.
When comparing tours, you will likely find one that includes several stops on the way to the Twelve Apostles. Some tours even offer opportunities to spot native wildlife, like kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses, while passing through charming coastal towns. Highlights often include the Memorial Arch, the rainforest, and the Loch Ard Gorge.
For a more detailed guide on what to see along the Great Ocean Road, check out: Exploring The Great Ocean Road Australia – G’day Mate!
On the last of your 3 days in Melbourne, you will probably have to get up very early! It will most likely be a long day – but it is totally worth it!
If you have more time in Australia beyond your 3 days in Melbourne, you can find more inspiration in this itinerary guide: 10-Day Itinerary in Queensland
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15 Cool Things to Do in Melbourne Victoria in 3 Days
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Things to do in Melbourne, Victoria – 3 days in Melbourne
