Melbourne (MEL), the capital of Victoria, is one of Australia’s most dynamic cities. It’s known for its cultural diversity, coffee scene, sports legacy, and creative spirit but what truly sets Melbourne apart is how effortlessly urban life blends with nature and wildlife.

Within a short drive from the city, you can find rainforests, historic steam trains, native animals, dramatic coastal cliffs, and penguin colonies. Melbourne is ideal for travelers who enjoy slow travel, scenic road trips, and meaningful experiences rather than rushing from one attraction to another.

We spent 4 full days in Melbourne, which allowed us to enjoy long drives and still feel relaxed. While 3 days is possible, 4 days gives you the breathing room Melbourne deserves.

Top Things to Do & Must-See Attractions in Melbourne

• Healesville Sanctuary
• Puffing Billy Steam Train
• Phillip Island Penguin Parade
• Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Stadium Tour
• Flinders Street Station
• Federation Square
• Melbourne Central Business District (CBD)
• Queen Victoria Market
• Great Ocean Road & the Twelve Apostles

Below are the detailed highlights from our trip.

Healesville Sanctuary: Australia’s Wildlife in Its Natural Setting

Healesville Sanctuary is one of the best places in Australia to see native wildlife up close while learning about conservation. Located about an hour from Melbourne, it focuses entirely on Australian animals and recreates their natural habitats.

You’ll see:

• Kangaroos roaming freely
• Koalas resting in eucalyptus trees
• Wombats, dingoes, emus, echidnas, and birds of prey

What makes Healesville special is how peaceful and immersive it feels. It doesn’t feel commercial or crowded—it feels like walking through the Australian bush. Educational talks by animal keepers add depth to the visit, making it meaningful for both adults and children.

This experience is a perfect way to start your Melbourne journey.

Puffing Billy Steam Train: A Ride Back in Time

The Puffing Billy steam train is one of Melbourne’s most loved attractions. Running through the Dandenong Ranges, this historic steam train takes you through lush forests, tall ferns, and scenic bridges.

The most iconic part is sitting on the open-air carriage with your legs dangling over the edge—a moment that feels nostalgic, joyful, and oddly calming. The slow pace allows you to truly soak in the surroundings.

📌 Important tip:
Tickets sell out fast. Book several months in advance, especially during weekends and school holidays.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade: A Magical Evening Experience

The Penguin Parade at Phillip Island is one of the most memorable wildlife experiences in Australia. At sunset, tiny little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle across the beach to their burrows.

Things to keep in mind:

• No photography is allowed to protect the penguins
• Dress warmly—it can get very cold and windy
• Viewing platforms offer excellent visibility

Despite the late timing, this experience is incredibly special and well organized. Watching these penguins return home in silence is both humbling and heartwarming.

MCG Stadium Tour: Inside Australia’s Sporting Icon

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is deeply woven into Australia’s identity. A guided stadium tour takes you behind the scenes and offers insight into the country’s sporting culture.

The tour includes:

• Player dressing rooms
• The Long Room
• Stadium stands and media areas
• Stories from cricket, AFL, Olympics, and concerts

Even if you’re not a sports fan, this tour is engaging and gives context to how important sports are in Australian life.

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Exploring Melbourne CBD: Laneways, Culture & Character

Melbourne’s Central Business District (CBD) is vibrant, creative, and walkable. Highlights include:

• Flinders Street Station – Melbourne’s most iconic landmark
• Federation Square – a cultural hub with museums, events, and cafes
• Bourke Street & laneways – known for street art, shopping, and café culture

The hidden laneways, art-covered walls, and cozy cafés give Melbourne its unique personality. Take time to wander without a plan—this is where the city shines.

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Great Ocean Road: One of the World’s Most Scenic Coastal Drives

The Great Ocean Road is a must-do day trip from Melbourne. This full-day drive offers breathtaking coastal scenery, dramatic cliffs, and multiple lookout points.

Highlights include:

• Scenic coastal viewpoints
• Rainforest stretches
• The iconic Twelve Apostles

We recommend stopping at several lookouts before reaching the Twelve Apostles, as each offers a different perspective. On our drive back, we even spotted a large herd of kangaroos grazing freely in the wild—an unforgettable surprise.

How Many Days Do You Need in Melbourne?

• 4 days (ideal): Relaxed pace with long drives
• 3 days: Possible if you focus on Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, and Puffing Billy

We highly recommend 4 days if you want to enjoy Melbourne without feeling rushed.

Sample 4-Day Melbourne Itinerary

Day 1: Wildlife & Steam Train

• Morning: Healesville Sanctuary
• Afternoon: Puffing Billy Steam Train
• Evening: Drive to Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade

Day 2: City & Culture

• MCG Stadium Tour
• Flinders Street Station
• Federation Square
• Bourke Street & CBD exploration

Day 3: Great Ocean Road

• Full-day scenic coastal drive
• Multiple lookout stops
• Twelve Apostles

Day 4: Easy & Flexible Day

• Queen Victoria Market
• Rose Garden
• Optional: Morning trip to Mornington Peninsula & Arthur’s Seat

Don’t Miss This in Melbourne: Brunetti Oro

If you’re in Melbourne, do not miss Brunetti Oro. It’s one of the best places to experience Melbourne’s dessert culture, offering:

• Macarons
• Cakes
• Italian pastries
• Excellent coffee

A perfect stop after city sightseeing.

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Native Animals You’ll Encounter

Australia’s wildlife is a major highlight of Melbourne travel. You’ll likely see:

• Kangaroos
• Koalas
• Wombats
• Emus and native birds

From sanctuaries to roadside sightings, wildlife feels naturally woven into the journey.

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Best Time to Visit Melbourne

• Spring (Sep–Nov): Mild weather, flowers, fewer crowds
• Summer (Dec–Feb): Warm but unpredictable weather; great for coastal drives
• Autumn (Mar–May): Ideal temperatures, fewer tourists
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Cooler but good for city exploration

👉 Melbourne is known for “four seasons in a day,” so layering is key year-round.

Getting Around Melbourne

• Car rental: Highly recommended for day trips (Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Healesville)
• Public transport: Excellent for CBD travel (trams are very convenient)
• Walking: Best way to explore laneways and city attractions

If you plan multiple day trips, staying outside the CBD with a car is very convenient.

Where to Stay in Melbourne

• CBD: Best for first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere
• West Side: Ideal for road trips and easy access to highways
• Near Phillip Island / Mornington Peninsula: Great if splitting your stay

We stayed on the west side, which made combining attractions on the same day much easier.

Melbourne with Family or Kids

Melbourne is very family-friendly:

• Healesville Sanctuary
• Puffing Billy
• Penguin Parade
• Parks, gardens, and markets

The city is clean, safe, and easy to navigate with children.

Melbourne Is More Than a City

Melbourne is not just a destination—it’s an experience. From wildlife encounters and scenic drives to cultural landmarks and café stops, the city offers something for every kind of traveler. It’s a place where you can slow down, explore deeply, and still feel inspired.