Solo Travel / Solo Travel in Australia

Things to Do in Melbourne in 3 Days for Solo Travelers

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TL;DR

Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital, offers a perfect mix of art, history, food, and vibrant street life. This 3-day itinerary will guide you through Melbourne’s must-see attractions, from exploring hidden laneways and street art to visiting world-class museums, cafes, and lush gardens. Whether you’re into art, food, or exploring new neighborhoods, Melbourne has something for every solo traveler.

Highlight

  • Discover the laneways and street art in Melbourne’s hidden alleys.
  • **Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of the most beautiful green spaces in Melbourne.
  • **Visit the National Gallery of Victoria and other cultural institutions.
  • **Wander around Fitzroy, Melbourne’s bohemian neighborhood.
  • **Take a day trip to the Yarra Valley for wine tasting and scenic views.
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Nearest Airport and Popular Connections

Melbourne is served by Melbourne Airport (MEL), located about 23 kilometers from the city center.

  • Flights from Europe: Round-trip flights from cities like London, Paris, or Berlin to Melbourne typically cost between $1,100 and $1,800, with layovers in Asia or the Middle East.
  • Flights from North America: Flights from cities like New York or Los Angeles usually range from $1,200 to $1,800, with at least one layover.
  • Flights from Asia and Australia: Flights from major Australian cities or Asian cities are typically around $50-$300, with direct connections to Melbourne.

From Melbourne Airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle bus, or SkyBus to the city center in about 30-40 minutes.

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Testimonials from Fellow Travelers

Emma, 30, USA
“Melbourne was such a surprise! I loved wandering through the laneways and seeing all the amazing street art. The Royal Botanic Gardens were a great place to escape the city, and the food scene is amazing!”

Alex, 27, UK
“Melbourne is a perfect city for solo travelers. I had the best time exploring Fitzroy, the art galleries, and enjoying coffee in local cafes. The day trip to the Yarra Valley was also incredible—such beautiful scenery!”

About Melbourne

Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, renowned for its vibrant arts scene, coffee culture, and multicultural vibe. With an impressive mix of modern architecture and historic buildings, Melbourne offers an abundance of activities for solo travelers. From its laneways filled with street art to its famous coffee culture, beautiful gardens, and world-class museums, Melbourne promises an exciting, enriching, and social experience.

Top Attractions for Solo Travelers in Melbourne:

  • Laneways and Street Art: Discover Melbourne’s hidden laneways, full of vibrant street art and unique cafes.
  • Royal Botanic Gardens: A peaceful and beautiful garden in the heart of the city, perfect for a relaxing day.
  • National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): Australia’s oldest public art museum, featuring a diverse collection of local and international art.
  • Fitzroy: A bohemian neighborhood with quirky shops, cafes, and a laid-back atmosphere.
  • Yarra Valley: A beautiful wine region near Melbourne, offering wine tastings and scenic views.

Where to Sleep in Melbourne

Melbourne offers a variety of accommodation options for solo travelers, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some recommendations:

  • The Nunnery: A lively, social hostel located near the city center. Prices start from $25 per night.
  • The Langham, Melbourne: A luxurious hotel with a prime location along the Yarra River and great amenities. Prices start from $150 per night.
  • Space Hotel: A mid-range option with a modern vibe and great social spaces. Prices start from $60 per night.

Pro Tip: Stay near Fitzroy for a vibrant and artistic neighborhood, or Southbank for easy access to the city center and cultural attractions.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Melbourne enjoys a temperate climate, with warm summers and cool winters.

  • Summer (December to February): Warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 26°C (57°F to 79°F). Ideal for outdoor adventures, exploring the gardens, and visiting beaches.
  • Autumn (March to May): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Great for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and wine tasting.
  • Winter (June to August): Cool and often rainy, with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 15°C (43°F to 59°F). Perfect for indoor activities like visiting museums and art galleries.
  • Spring (September to November): Mild with temperatures between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing before the summer rush.

When to Visit: The best time to visit Melbourne is during autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November), when the weather is mild, and the crowds are thinner.

Meeting Fellow Travelers

Melbourne is a fantastic city for solo travelers to meet others. Here’s how you can connect with fellow travelers:

  • Hostel Events: Many hostels, like The Nunnery, organize social activities such as pub crawls, walking tours, and group dinners.
  • Coffee Shops and Cafes: Melbourne is known for its coffee culture, and cafes are a great place to meet locals and travelers. Try spots like St. Ali or Axil Coffee Roasters.
  • Art Galleries: Join a guided tour or attend an opening event at the National Gallery of Victoria or ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image).
  • Nightlife: Melbourne has a buzzing nightlife scene, especially in Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Northcote, where solo travelers can meet others at bars, music venues, and nightclubs.

3 Days in Melbourne Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Cultural Exploration

Morning: Arrive in Melbourne

Arrive at Melbourne Airport and take a taxi or shuttle to your accommodation. After checking in, head to Federation Square, a cultural hub that hosts museums, galleries, and cafes.

  • Budget: Taxi fare from the airport to Federation Square costs around $30-$40.
  • Pro Tip: Check out ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) for an immersive cultural experience.

Afternoon: Explore the Laneways and Street Art

After exploring Federation Square, head to Melbourne’s famous laneways, including Hosier Lane and Degraves Street, to discover vibrant street art, quirky cafes, and hidden boutiques.

  • Budget: Free to explore.
  • Pro Tip: Grab a coffee at one of the laneway cafes and take time to admire the artwork.

Evening: Dinner at Southbank

Head to Southbank, Melbourne’s dining and entertainment precinct, for dinner by the Yarra River. Enjoy the variety of international cuisine and fine dining restaurants available.

  • Budget: Expect to spend $20-$40 for dinner.
  • Pro Tip: Try Chin Chin for modern Thai cuisine or The Meat & Wine Co for steak and wine.

Day 2: Nature and Neighborhoods

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Morning: Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens

Start your second day by visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of Melbourne’s most beautiful green spaces. Take a walk around the Tan Track or relax by the ornamental lake.

  • Budget: Free entry.
  • Pro Tip: Visit the Melbourne Observatory for a view of the city and gardens from above.

Afternoon: Discover Fitzroy

Explore Fitzroy, Melbourne’s bohemian neighborhood known for its unique boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Stop by the Rose Street Artists’ Market to check out local crafts and art.

  • Budget: Free to explore; market purchases will vary.
  • Pro Tip: Have lunch at Mimi’s for excellent local food or grab a bite at Smith & Daughters for plant-based dishes.

Evening: Explore Melbourne’s Nightlife

End your day by heading to Fitzroy or Collingwood for a night out. These neighborhoods are home to Melbourne’s best bars, live music venues, and vibrant nightlife.

  • Budget: Drinks can range from $10-$20 each.
  • Pro Tip: Check out Cherry Bar for live music or The Everleigh for classic cocktails.

Day 3: Day Trip to Yarra Valley and Final Exploration

Morning: Day Trip to the Yarra Valley

Take a day trip to the Yarra Valley, one of Australia’s best wine regions, located about 1.5 hours from Melbourne. Explore local wineries, enjoy wine tastings, and enjoy scenic views.

  • Budget: Wine tours can range from $100-$150.
  • Pro Tip: Visit Domaine Chandon for wine tastings and beautiful vineyard views.

Afternoon: Continue Wine Tasting or Explore Healesville

After lunch, explore more wineries or head to Healesville Sanctuary, a wildlife park that showcases native Australian animals, including koalas and kangaroos.

  • Budget: Entry to Healesville Sanctuary is around $40.
  • Pro Tip: Visit Piggery Café for lunch with a view of the sanctuary.

Evening: Return to Melbourne and Dinner

Return to Melbourne in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner in Chinatown or Lygon Street, known for its fantastic Asian restaurants and lively atmosphere.

  • Budget: Expect to spend $20-$40 for dinner.
  • Pro Tip: Try Flower Drum for fine Chinese dining or Trattoria Emilia for Italian pasta.

Budgeting for 3 Days in Melbourne

Here’s a breakdown of typical costs for 3 days in Melbourne:

  • Accommodation: $25-$60 per night in a budget hostel or guesthouse
  • Food: $20-$35 per day for local meals
  • Transportation: $10-$20 for public transport or day trips
  • Attractions & Activities: $50-$150 for galleries, markets, wine tours, and local sightseeing
  • Miscellaneous: $10 for drinks, snacks, and souvenirs

Total estimated budget for 3 days in Melbourne: $100-$250, depending on your travel style.

Time to Reflect

As your 3-day Melbourne adventure comes to a close, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of vibrant street art, lush gardens, delicious food, and local culture. Whether you spent your days exploring the laneways, hiking in nature, or tasting wine in the Yarra Valley, Melbourne offers a mix of excitement, relaxation, and culture for solo travelers.

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