48 Hours in Melbourne: Urban Gems & Green Retreats

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by Sofia

May 7, 2024 · 2 min read

Melbourne 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a thrilling 2-day adventure through Melbourne's bustling streets and serene gardens with Trip.com's meticulously planned itinerary. Day 1 kicks off with an underwater journey at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, where you'll spend an hour marveling at marine life. Next, elevate your perspective at the Melbourne Skydeck, soaking in panoramic views for another hour. Continue to immerse yourself in culture at Fed Square, a historic site pulsing with city life for an hour. Then, witness architectural grandeur at St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne, a master building that demands a 30-minute visit. Stroll through the characteristic Hosier Ln for a quick 15-minute graffiti art encounter before wrapping up with the sculptures at State Library Victoria for an hour. Day 2 invites you to breathe in the tranquility of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens for 2 hours, followed by a 3-hour exploration of the diverse wildlife at Melbourne Zoo. This compact yet comprehensive itinerary ensures you experience the essence of Melbourne's art, history, and natural beauty.

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Top 6 Hotels in Melbourne
TOP 1
Pullman Melbourne Albert Park
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PARKROYAL Monash Melbourne
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Mercure Welcome Melbourne
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Best Western Melbourne City
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2 Days in Melbourne Itinerary: Day 1

1

SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium

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Begin your Melbourne adventure with a splash at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, nestled on King Street. As the first stop of the day, immerse yourself in an underwater world for an hour, where you'll encounter a kaleidoscope of marine life. Marvel at the vibrant coral habitats and the graceful dance of tropical fish. The aquarium offers a unique opportunity to learn about the ocean's ecosystems and the importance of conservation, making it an educational yet thrilling experience.

Attraction Info

  • King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 03/27-03/28,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 04/15-04/19,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 04/22-04/24,10:00am-5:00pm;Open 10:00am-5:00pm on 04/26;Open from 04/29-05/03,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 05/06-05/10,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 05/13-05/17,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 05/20-05/24,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 05/27-05/31,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 06/03-06/07,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 06/11-06/14,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 06/17-06/21,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 06/24-06/28,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 03/29-04/14,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 04/20-04/21,9:30am-5:00pm;Open 9:30am-5:00pm on 04/25;Open from 04/27-04/28,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 05/04-05/05,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 05/11-05/12,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 05/18-05/19,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 05/25-05/26,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 06/01-06/02,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 06/08-06/10,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 06/15-06/16,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 06/22-06/23,9:30am-5:00pm;Open from 06/29-06/30,9:30am-5:00pm,The specific business hours are subject to the opening conditions of the attraction on that day. You can check the official website for accurate information.

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The Grain Store
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The Atlantic
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11 min,0.82 km
2

Melbourne Skydeck

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Elevate your perspective at Melbourne Skydeck, just a short journey from the aquatic wonders. Spend an hour gazing out from the highest vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere. Located on Riverside Quay, Southbank, this observation deck provides breathtaking panoramic views of Melbourne's skyline. It's a perfect spot to capture memorable photos and to witness the city's layout from an eagle's eye view.

Attraction Info

  • 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 12:00pm-9:00pm
9 min,0.69 km
3

Fed Square

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Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to the iconic Fed Square. A stone's throw from the towering views, this historic site is the heart of Melbourne's artistic and cultural scene. Spend an hour soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, with its modernist architecture and buzzing public spaces. Fed Square is a hub for events, cafes, and museums, offering a taste of Melbourne's dynamic urban life.

Attraction Info

  • Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
  • Open 24 hours
7 min,0.47 km
4

St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne

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A short stroll will lead you to the divine St Paul's Cathedral, Melbourne. Dedicate half an hour to admire this architectural masterpiece and place of worship. The cathedral stands as a testament to Melbourne's historical reverence and offers a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle. Its Gothic Revival style and stained-glass windows create a serene ambiance, inviting visitors to reflect and appreciate the artistry.

Attraction Info

  • Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
  • Open on Mon-Sat,10:00am-5:00pm,The specific business status is subject to the opening situation on that day.
2 min,0.18 km
5

Hosier Ln

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Next, meander through the colorful alleys of Hosier Ln for a quick 15-minute adventure. This characteristic neighborhood is an ever-changing tapestry of street art, where the walls serve as a canvas for local and international artists. It's a snapshot of Melbourne's creative pulse, with vibrant murals that tell stories and capture the city's spirit.

Attraction Info

  • Melbourne VIC, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 15-30 minutes
  • Open 24 hours
15 min,1.05 km
6

State Library Victoria

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Conclude your day at the State Library Victoria, a sanctuary for knowledge seekers. Spend an hour amidst the grandeur of its reading rooms and the silent company of sculpture statues. Located on Swanston Street, the library is not just a repository of books, but also an architectural landmark. Its majestic domed ceiling and classical columns make it a place of inspiration for visitors and locals alike.

Attraction Info

  • 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 10:00am-6:00pm
4.3/5192 Reviews
4.3/5Excellent192 Reviews
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Melbourne Central Business District
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|0.26km from State Library Victoria

2 Days in Melbourne Itinerary: Day 2

1

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens

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Kickstart your second day in Melbourne with a serene stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria - Melbourne Gardens. As the morning sun casts a gentle glow over the historic site, you'll have the opportunity to explore a verdant oasis in the heart of the city. Spanning over 38 hectares, these gardens are a living encyclopedia of flora, offering a tranquil retreat from the urban hustle. Dedicate a couple of hours to meander along the well-manicured paths, discover exotic plant species, and perhaps even spot local wildlife that call this green haven home.

Attraction Info

  • Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 7:30am-7:30pm

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2

Melbourne Zoo

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After immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the botanic gardens, continue your day with an adventure to the Melbourne Zoo. Just a short journey from the gardens, this zoo acts as a conservation sanctuary and an art gallery, where the majesty of the animal kingdom meets human creativity. Spend around three hours here, engaging with a variety of exhibits that showcase creatures from around the globe. From the majestic elephants and the roaring lions to the vibrant butterfly house, the Melbourne Zoo offers an unforgettable experience for all ages, making it a perfect follow-up to the morning's peaceful garden exploration.

Attraction Info

  • Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-5:00pm

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Top Things to Do in Melbourne-2024

TOP 1
Puffing Billy Railway
Puffing Billy Railway
4.7/5 · 407 review
Highlights:

The ancient Puffing Billy Railway started in the early 20th century and is now a famous tourist train, becoming one of the more popular tourist activities in Melbourne. The small train has witnessed historical changes in Melbourne for the past hundred years. The small train, with a speed of only 20 kilometers per hour, takes you back to the not so distant past. The open wooden carriage allows you to intimately connect with nature and breathe in the purity of forest air. Shortly after the train leaves the Belgrave station, passengers will see the most famous landmark of the Puffing Billy railway line, the Monbec Creek Trestle. In addition, there are many stations along the way where passengers may exit the train.

△ Ride the small train with a history of more than 200 years

△ Breathe the fresh air and enjoy the natural scenery

△ Put your legs outside the carriage and feel as if you have traveled back to the 20th century

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TOP 2
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
4.7/5 · 687 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 4,035 review
Highlights:

The Melbourne Aquarium is located on the banks of the Yarra River. It's a circular structure decked out in a blue-white color scheme. The aquarium has many exciting areas to explore for an unforgettable travel experience. It's home to Australia's massive Australian saltwater crocodiles, a rich variety of seahorse and sea dragon species as well as king and gentoo penguins. The idea of having a bit of fun with huge sea turtles and hide and seek with Nemo is no fantasy here. You can even take a transparent glass bottom boat for an adventure behind the curtain while traveling back and forth on the water yourself in search of excitement.

△ Watch and feed jellyfish up close

△ Go behind the scenes to see how penguins live

△ Watch divers dance with fish

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TOP 3
Melbourne Skydeck
Melbourne Skydeck
4.6/5 · 509 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 8,056 review
Highlights:

Melbourne Skydeck,the Eureka Skydeck 88, is located on the 88th floor, is 285 meters above the ground. With a direct elevator, you can overlook the entire city of Melbourne, 360 degrees, in a few seconds. There is a viewfinder for accurate observation of important landmarks throughout Melbourne. There is also a glass cube called The Edge that extends out of the edge of the building, and extremely exciting to stand up and look downstairs. You can also enjoy VR experiences at

here, such as traveling through 16 Melbourne landmarks at the Voyager Theater and experiencing the thrilling VR zipline adventure.

△ Enjoy the sunset over Melbourne city

△ Feel the exciting Edge experience

△ Experience the thrilling VR Plank zipline adventure

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TOP 4
Melbourne Museum
Melbourne Museum
4.6/5 · 294 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 4,291 review
Highlights:
The Melbourne Museum was built in July 1996 and officially opened to the public in November 2000. It is the largest and innovative museum in the southern hemisphere. It is located in Carlton Gardens with the Royal Exhibition Hall. 1. Regional introduction The museum has three floors. The first floor includes the Bangiraka Indigenous Cultural Center, the Pacific Exhibition Hall, the Forest Exhibition Hall, the Science and Life Exhibition Hall, the Children's Hall, as well as shops and cafes; the second floor includes the Melbourne Exhibition Hall, the Mind and Body Exhibition Hall, Evolution Showroom; lower level includes Discovery Center and IMAX Cinema. 2. Collections and displays The collections and displays of the Melbourne Museum are amazing. You can see dinosaur fossils at the entrance, and there is also a 20-meter-long blue whale skeleton specimen, which is extremely rare. In more than 20 exhibition halls and independent exhibition halls, the museum has prepared all-inclusive content, and there are more than a dozen permanent exhibitions currently open. 3. Natural culture Nature is obviously the focus of the museum. The Science and Life Pavilion offers "Bees", "Life of Insects", "Ocean Life: Exploring Our Sea", "Human Body", "Consciousness: Enter The Labyrinth" and "From Darwin to DNA" at the Evolution Pavilion. 4. Indoor forest area The three-story indoor forest area introduces the ecological functions of the forest from the forest hierarchy, water conservation, plant composition, the seasonal distinction of Australian forests, and forest fires that often occur in Australia's dry season. There are also some Australian forests in it. Common birds and ants. The "Forest Secret" in the pavilion is at the center of the building, creating an ecosystem that is exactly the same as the natural environment, showing the trees, plants, wildlife and insects in Victoria's high mountains. Walking into the forest corridor, you will see more than 8,000 Australian plants planted here. In addition, there are insect exhibition areas and evolution areas that display the mysteries of the biological world. 5. The style of the style museum is very modern, which forms a strong contrast with the classical style of the Royal Exhibition Hall next to it. In addition to creating a visual effect, the metal frame and glass curtain wall also draw more natural light into the public spaces of the pavilion. You will see that the staff in the museum are wearing brightly colored work clothes, exuding a strong aboriginal cultural style, which contrasts with the avant-garde architectural form.
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TOP 5
Australian Open
Australian Open
4.6/5 · 69 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 286 review
Highlights:

Australian Open is the first Grand Slam tennis event of the year, usually held in Melbourne Park, in January every year. Melbourne Park is a comprehensive sports center, starting from Federation Square in the center of Melbourne and only a 10-minute walk southeast along the Yarra River. The park includes venues and facilities such as Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena, and John Cain Arena.

1.Rod Laver Arena

As the venue for the Australian Open men's and women's singles finals every year, Rod Laver Arena is a multi-purpose venue in Melbourne Park with a capacity of 15,500 spectators. It is the first stadium in Australia to have a retractable roof. Depending on rainy weather or extreme heat, the roof of the stadium can be closed within 20 minutes to ensure the normal conduct of games or activities.

2. Margaret Court Arena

Margaret Court Stadium is one of the main venues for the Australian Open. The interior of the court is composed of wooden structures and metal fittings that resemble the trajectory of a beating tennis ball. The retractable roof can be closed in less than 5 minutes. Margaret Court Stadium has a total of 7,500 seats. The upper floors of the north and south stands and the east and west stands are in the shade, and the player boxes are reserved in the lower level of the northeast stand.

3. John Cain Arena

John Cain Stadium (formerly known as Melbourne Stadium) is another multi-functional stadium in Melbourne Park. It is used as one of the main venues for the first eight days of the Australian Open. The venue can accommodate 10,500 spectators and also has a retractable roof. , the roof can be closed or opened in just 10 minutes.

The three major entrances to the Australian Open:

City Entrance(the closest entrance to Melbourne city center)

Grand Slam Oval Club Entrance (convenient for self-driving & taxi pick-up)

Garden Square Entrance(the closest entrance to the tram station)

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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Melbourne 2 Days Itinerary