Eat and drink your way through Australia's second city on this delicious, six-day introduction to Melbourne. Admire the modern skyline from a scenic river cruise, see the wineries of the Yarra Valley by hot air balloon, and taste the many flavors of Queen Victoria Market on a food lover's walking tour. As the trip winds down, you'll escape to the coast for an unforgettable drive along the spectacular Great Ocean Road.

Highlights

  • Discover the hidden gems of Melbourne 
  • Cruise down the scenic Yarra River
  • Go vineyard-hopping in the Yarra Valley wine country
  • Taste your way through the open-air Queen Victoria Market
  • Take a coastal drive along the Great Ocean Road

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Melbourne, Explore the City Melbourne
Day 2 Melbourne City Tour & River Cruise Melbourne
Day 3 Morning Yarra Valley Balloon Flight with Breakfast & Wine Tasting Melbourne
Day 4 Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Tour, Explore Queen Victoria Market Melbourne
Day 5 Great Ocean Road Trip Adventure Melbourne
Day 6 Depart Melbourne  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne, Explore the City

Morning light over Melbourne

Welcome to Melbourne! Upon arrival at Melbourne International Airport, you will meet your driver for a private transfer to the hotel. Australia's second-largest city and capital of the state of Victoria, Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant energy, world-class restaurants, and bohemian shopping districts, while large parks and village-like inner suburbs give the city a distinct, laid-back character.

After settling in, it's time to explore! Grab your walking shoes and discover more of the city center on foot. See the murals on Hosier Lane or Blender Lane, pop over to the beachfront esplanade at St Kilda, grab a bite on Degraves Street, or visit one of the city's many world-class museums. 

Day 2: Melbourne City Tour & River Cruise

Cruise down the Yarra River in Melbourne 

Today you'll get to know the ins and outs of Melbourne with a guided tour. Go beyond the classic routes and visit local hotspots like Fitzroy Gardens and Queen Victoria Market, explore the famous laneways and arcades, and take a scenic drive through Chinatown

After discovering more of the city, stroll down to the riverside for a relaxing cruise along the Yarra River. This is a great photo opportunity to capture Melbourne's spectacular city skyline. Back on dry land, the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure. If you're a sports fan, you'll find lots of unforgettable experiences on offer in Australia's sporting capital—including backstage tours of the Melbourne Cricket Grounds and an interactive visit to the Australian Sports Museum.

Day 3: Morning Yarra Valley Balloon Flight with Breakfast & Wine Tour

Yarra Valley
Vineyards in the Yarra Valley

Rise early this morning and meet your driver for a scenic transfer to the Balgownie Estate—an award-winning winery with spectacular views. Here a hot air balloon awaits to take you on a soaring journey over the rolling vineyards of the Yarra Valley. As you float over wine country, relax and take in the views of the picturesque vineyards and majestic Yarra River set aglow by a colorful sunrise.

Upon landing, head back to Balgownie Estate for a hearty champagne breakfast to toast the morning's adventure. Then it's on to Yering Station Winery to set off for a day of wine tasting at four premium wineries. Stop for lunch back at the Balgownie Estate before returning to Melbourne in the afternoon.

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Day 4: Melbourne Lanes & Arcades Tour, Explore Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market
Meet local vendors at the Queen Victoria Market

This morning's walking tour takes you through Melbourne's famous shopping lanes and 19th-century arcades to discover over 30 local designers, local artists, and independent artisans. Along the casual stroll, you'll come across some of the quirkiest cafés and specialty shops in the city, as you admire colorful street art and satiate your sweet tooth with a chocolate tasting at master chocolatiers.

In the afternoon, get an insider's view of the iconic Queen Victoria Market with a behind-the-scenes journey through the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere. Soak up this Melbourne institution's sights, sounds, and flavors as you taste the freshest produce, discover rare ingredients, learn more about the market's history, and meet some of its most beloved traders—sampling an abundance of local treats and specialty foods along the way.

Day 5: Great Ocean Road Trip Adventure

Great Ocean Road
Take a scenic trip along the Great Ocean Road 

Experience one of the world's most scenic coastal drives today with an unforgettable trip along the Great Ocean Road. Join your small group and hit the road, where you can sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking views and natural wonders of the famous route.

Keep your eyes peeled as you try to spot whales, dolphins, echidnas, and bandicoots. Stop for lunch at Apollo Bay, a tranquil seaside town set among the soft rolling hills, then enjoy a walk among the lush ferns and towering forests of the Otway Ranges. A nature lover's dream, this full-day excursion is capped off by a visit to the famous rock formations of the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. As the evening falls, you'll return to Melbourne and enjoy your final evening in the city.

Day 6: Depart Melbourne

Sunset in Melbourne
Sunset over Melbourne 
It's time to say goodbye to vibrant Melbourne! Meet your driver at the hotel for a private transfer to the airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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Map

Map of Foodie Highlights of Melbourne - 6 Days
Map of Foodie Highlights of Melbourne - 6 Days