Best of Melbourne in One Day - A Complete Self-Guided Walking Tour

Melbourne is known to be athletic, artsy, foody, and cosmopolitan with many highlights. You are wondering how to get the best out of this dynamic city with only one day at hand? We have been in your shoes as we kicked off our 18-day road trip in Melbourne.

In this article, I will show you what is possible for you to see, explore, and do in one day in the energized city of Melbourne. As it is world-famous for its restaurant scene, you will have plenty of opportunities to indulge in different tastes throughout the day, from waterfront restaurants along the Yarra River to the many Laneways in the CBD and East End.

Be sure to put your running/walking shoes on, as Melbourne is super walkable and best explored on foot. This itinerary covers about 9 km / 5.5 miles of walking and pure walking time; without stops will be approx. 2.5 hours.

This article covers day 1 of our 18-day road trip itinerary along the southern East Coast of Australia. Click on the yellow 'Show Entire Route' tab, to view our in-depth guides to each stop for an even greater insight for your own road trip through Australia.

Below I have included a map with highlights to explore and a walkable route for you to take in downtown Melbourne. Take this map as an example guide and never forget to roam for yourself. In Melbourne, you never know what you will discover around the next corner. Also, this map itinerary is a loop, so join wherever most convenient for you.

Get lost in the insanely superb coffee culture

In case you haven't heard yet - Melbourne is the world capital of coffee! So they say. Seriously though, Melbourne is listed in any top 5 coffee places in the world list and deserves to be there. Coffee brewing is celebrated as art here, and as such, you will find a variety you have never seen at home. We have never had such smooth, soft, and creamy coffees ever!

One of the many awarded breweries is Patricia Coffee Brewers. The entry is in the back alley, and there is pretty much always a line of 15 people waiting to order. Also, grab one of their tasty pastries!

Walk along the Yarra River to discover the Southbank & South Wharf

Water makes everything more magical. The same goes for Melbourne and its glittering Yarra River, especially with sunshine. Starting in the CBD (Central Business District), head down to the water and cross the Princess or Queens Bridge and turn right to stroll along the Southbank past its many shops and restaurants.

Continue to the South Wharf, take a coffee break at the Boatbuilders Yard and just marvel at city views surrounding you, including a restored cargo sailing vessel.

As you keep on walking, you will pass by the DFO South Wharf. DFOs in Australia are basically outlet shopping centers, so if you are keen on shopping, especially athletic brands, this is your stop.

Walk across the award-winning Webb Bridge

At the end of the South Wharf promenade, you will find the Webb Bridge. It was built re-using the remaining sections of the Webb Dock Rail Bridge to connect the South Wharf with the Docklands. It is famous for its design constructed out of steel representing Aboriginal fishing baskets, fishing traps, and drums. It won various Urban Design awards in 2005.

Use the bridge to cross over to the north shore of the Yarra River.

Discover the modern architecture of the Docklands

After crossing the Webb Bridge, you have arrived at the Docklands, a modern waterfront suburb (so they say, I think it is pretty close to the city center and shouldn't be called a suburb). You will be surrounded by modern skyscrapers reflecting the water and sun, as well as art sculptures along the sidewalks. In the Docklands, you will find the Marvel Stadium, home of the Melbourne Victory soccer team. The abundance of waterfront restaurants, of course, continues left, right, and center.

Hop on the free City Circle Tram

To relax your feet a bit, after walking for about an hour (without stops) so far, hop on the City Circle Tram, also known as Tram route 35 at the Ethiad Stadium stop, and head back up to the CBD. During the tram ride, you will learn more about the cities attractions over the audio narration.

This tram line is free of charge and designed as a tourist tram, operating in heritage tram wagons. As the name says, the line circles around the inner city district. See the below map for the entire route.

Take in the different smells at the Queen Victoria Market

Hop off the City Circle Tram at Queen Street to take a detour to Queen Victoria Market, the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, although it is covered by a massive roof stretching over two city blocks. It is Melbourne's marketplace for food, clothing, and arts & crafts. It is rich in history and adds another cultural hotspot to the city. In the summer months, it stays open at night and turns into outdoor bars with live music.

After exploring this market, hop back on the tram. The tram will pass by the Carlton Gardens, and you will have a chance to admire through the window. Next stop: the Parliament, where I recommend you to hop off and start the second leg of your walking tour.

Indulge in Melbourne's street art

The East End is world-famous for its street art, especially at Hosier Lane. In any other city, you would not enter a small and rather dark alley full of graffiti. In Melbourne, though, you will find tourists and locals alike taking pictures, leaning against the colorful walls. It really is a remarkable experience taking in the colors and designs and interpreting them your way.

Walk as many Laneways as possible

The Laneways of Melbourne are a big part of what makes this city so hip, diverse, and European. Small alleys lined with street art, restaurants, and bars crisscrossing through the East End and the CBD. Start by walking from the Parliament to Meyers Place, your first lane. Grab a bite in whatever place spikes your interest.

Next, head down to ACDC Lane and continue to Hosier Lane and Degraves Street; all three are full of street art. Keep following the walking, eating, and drinking tour through Center Place, Block Arcade, and Royal Arcade.

Take a small break while listening to local buskers on the Bourke Street Mall before you head back into the lanes. This time discovering Driver Lane and Postal Lane. Finish your laneway tour on the nearby Hardware Lane with yet another snack or drink.

Dive into the diverse rooftop culture

A visit to a city like Melbourne is not complete without introducing you to its rooftop culture. Why culture? There are easily over 30 rooftop bars across the city center, some on the laneways others in hotels often with a garden-style feeling. The after-work drink scene is big in Australia, and this is the moment when co-workers bond. Grab yourself a drink and enjoy the vibe and meet some locals. We went to the Good Heaven's Rooftop and Loop Roof & Loop Top bar. By far, I am no expert, so for a bigger and vetted selection, take a look at The Rooftop Guide.

Run along the Yarra Ricer and through the Royal Botanic Gardens

For all those active souls of you, be sure to include a short morning run into your time in Melbourne. Our favorite route is leaving the CBD behind and crossing the Princess Bridge to enter the Alexandra Gardens and pass by the various rowing clubs. Ideally, you time your run for sunrise, to experience a magical red sky (we didn't take our phone this time, so no pictures 😔) and see the city slowly waking up.

We experienced quite a number of rowers gliding over the calm Yarra River. Either follow along the river until you reach the Royal Botanic Gardens and return via the park or cross the river to pass by the Rod Laver Arena and the grounds of the Australian Open.

Where to stay in Melbourne

We can absolutely recommend you to stay at the Adina Apartment Hotel on Queen Street, in the heart of the CBD. The location is superb for explorations on foot, and the price and value were great. There are tons of cute cafes around the corner for a delicious breakfast as well.

Drive along the bay to discover St. Kilda & Brighton Beach

Should you be on a campervanning road trip, like we were, I recommend you to drive along the Port Philip Bay to pass along St. Kilda and the famous Brighton Beach with its colorful beach huts on your way to Wilsons Promontory.

The beaches along the Port Philip Bay are disappointing compared to the beaches along the coast East (Wilsons Promontory) and West (Great Ocean Road) of Melbourne, yet the drive is worth it.

Continue reading about our next stop on our road trip: 'Highlights of the Great Ocean Road: Be Prepared for Magic'

What are your favorites or must-dos in Melbourne? We look forward to reading your comments.