MELBOURNE 7 DAY ITINERARY: WHAT TO SEE, EAT & EXPERIENCE IN AUSTRALIA’S COOLEST CITY+PENGUINS PART 1

Melbourne Travel Recap – Coffee, Culture & Coastal Adventures Day 1 – Arrival & Settling Into the City Our Melbourne trip began with a smooth 1.5-hour flight followed by a one-hour bus ride into the city. After checking into Aspire Apartments, we took some time to settle in. The apartment was clean, spacious, and bright, with a partial skyline view from the 11th floor. If you stay here, request a higher floor for even better views. The only downside was limited airflow in the bedroom since the AC unit was located in the living room — but overall, it was a comfortable base right in the heart of the CBD. Day 2 – Markets, Coffee & Melbourne Icons Our first full day was dedicated to exploring the Central Business District, which is extremely walkable. Public transport within the CBD is free, though we didn’t need it at all. We started at Queen Victoria Market, a great stop for souvenirs and casual bites. Even though some shops were closed on a weekday morning, there was still plenty to see. Coffee from Market Lane Coffee was worth the wait — Melbourne’s coffee reputation is well deserved. Lunch at Kentaro was a highlight, and reservations are highly recommended. Just steps away, the stunning State Library Victoria impressed us with its grand reading room and exhibits — easily one of the architectural highlights of the day. We also explored Melbourne’s famous street art at Hosier Lane, located next to Federation Square. The vibrant murals and creative energy give the city so much personality. We stopped by the iconic Flinders Street Station and stepped into St Paul's Cathedral for a quiet break from the busy streets. Day 3 – Puffing Billy & Penguin Parade Day three took us beyond the city. We joined a tour to ride the historic Puffing Billy Railway. Tickets should be booked in advance, and sitting on the right side when traveling from Belgrave to Lakeside offers the best views. The ride is scenic and nostalgic, and staying toward the back helps avoid soot from the engine. In the evening, we headed to Phillip Island for the famous penguin viewing. Watching the little penguins return to shore at sunset was one of the most memorable experiences of the entire trip. Day 4 – Rainy Day Cafés & Fitzroy Finds Our 4th day in Melbourne was rainy, but it turned out to be perfect for enjoying Melbourne’s café culture. We explored Fitzroy, starting with brunch at Pony White, known for its creative drinks and dishes. The food and coffee were among the best we had in the city. We also checked out Rose Street Artists' Market for unique handmade goods — ceramics, jewelry, paintings, even vintage maps. We ended our evening with a memorable Italian dinner featuring handmade pasta — the squid ink pasta and fresh prawns were outstanding and a perfect . ________________________________________ Melbourne completely surprised us — world-class coffee, incredible food, vibrant street art, historic architecture, scenic train rides, adorable penguins… this city truly has it all. Would we come back? Absolutely. If you enjoyed this travel recap, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow along for more adventures! ✈️✨ 00:00 - Intro 00:15 Day 1 - Arrival & Settling Into the City 01:30 Day 2 - Markets, Coffee & Melbourne Icons 05:35 Day 3 - Puffing Billy & Penguin Parade 08:00 Day 4 - Rainy Day Cafés & Fitzroy Finds