Visiting Melbourne during Spring and Summer

Here is a multi-day route planner for a Melbourne CBD–based trip, covering the period from October 20 to November 2, and including both in-depth city exploration and the best regional Victoria attractions. This plan balances city experiences, cultural sites, day trips, and statewide highlights for the spring season, optimizing use of public transport and car rentals for regional excursions.​

2-3 Day: Melbourne CBD Orientation

• Walk Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, Degraves Street, and laneways (Hosier, AC/DC, Centre Place) for murals and coffee.

• Visit the National Gallery of Victoria and ACMI.

• Enjoy the Melbourne Skydeck for skyline views.

• Stroll Carlton Gardens, Melbourne Museum, and Royal Exhibition Building.

• Wander Queen Victoria Market for food and souvenirs.​
  

1-2 Day: Gardens & Inner Neighbourhoods

• Spend time at Royal Botanic Gardens, Shrine of Remembrance, Fitzroy Gardens (see Captain Cook’s Cottage), and Treasury Gardens.

• Explore Fitzroy and Collingwood for vintage shops, street art, and cafes.

• Walk to the State Library Victoria, and on to Chinatown for a meal.

• Evening: Southbank promenade or Arts Centre Melbourne.​

1 Day: St Kilda & Bayside

• Take the tram to St Kilda. Walk the beach, St Kilda Pier, Luna Park, and Acland Street bakeries.

• Cycle or tram along the Bay Trail to Brighton Beach for the colorful bathing boxes.​

Day 7: Sports & Markets

• Tour the MCG or see a game if available.

• Visit Docklands for Harbour Esplanade and Melbourne Star.

• Shop at South Melbourne Market (please check Market dates).​

1-3 Day Mornington Peninsula around 90 mins from Melbourne Other top experiences include:

• Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park: Meet kangaroos, wallabies, and native animals up close.

• Peninsula Hot Springs Or Alba Thermal Hotsprings: Natural geothermal bathing and private spa experiences, very popular for relaxation.

• Beaches: Safety Beach, Sorrento, Portsea, and Rye offer swimming, boating, and coastal walks.

• Vineyards & Wineries: The Peninsula’s cellar doors and award-winning restaurants feature local wine and produce.

• Fort Nepean: Historic military fort with tunnels and scenic coastal trails, great for history buffs.

• Fossil Beach: Hunt for prehistoric fossils on an adventurous, less-traveled coastal walk.

• Ashcombe Maze & Lavender Gardens: Australia’s oldest and most famous hedge maze.

For accessibility, many major sites (Arthurs Seat Eagle, Enchanted Adventure, Mornington Peninsula National Park, and botanical gardens) offer wheelchair-friendly amenities.

The Mornington Peninsula is easiest to explore by car and suits all travel styles, whether you seek nature, history, adventure, or gourmet experiences.

1. https://mornpenandbeyond.com/unusual-things-to-do-mornington-peninsula/

2. https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attractions-g1055530-Activities-Mornington_Peninsula_Victoria.html

3. https://www.searoad.com.au/blog/things-to-do-mornington-peninsula

4. https://www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org/things-to-do

5. https://www.australia.com/en/places/melbourne-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-mornington-peninsula.html

6. https://www.visitmorningtonpeninsula.org

7. https://www.klook.com/en-AU/experiences/list/mornington-peninsula-tours-experiences/c23300/

8. https://www.expedia.com.au/Things-To-Do-In-Mornington-Peninsula.d6051895.Travel-Guide-Activities

1-3 Day: Great Ocean Road Adventure

• Rent a car for a 3-day road trip: Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Otway Rainforest, 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Port Campbell.

• Stay overnight in Apollo Bay or Port Campbell.

• Return via wildlife stops (koalas at Kennett River, surf at Torquay) and Geelong waterfront.​

1 Day: Yarra Valley Wineries

• Day tour/bus to Yarra Valley: wine tastings, chocolate factory, Healesville Sanctuary.

• Lunch at a vineyard; return to Melbourne by evening.​

1 Day: Dandenong Ranges

• Puffing Billy steam train from Belgrave, walks in Sherbrooke Forest or Olinda, and the Rhododendron or Botanic Gardens.

• Explore quaint villages like Sassafras and stop for Devonshire tea.​

1 Day: Ballarat & Sovereign Hill

• V/Line train or self-drive to Ballarat, visit Sovereign Hill (immersive gold rush village), Ballarat Wildlife Park, and historic city centre.

• Option to continue to Daylesford for spa experiences or Kyneton for Macedon Ranges.​

1-2 Day: Phillip Island

• Day tour to Phillip Island: wildlife park, Nobbies Centre, and evening Penguin Parade (Cowes Pier is accessible via Hasting Stony Point Railway station + Ferry)

  
  

Public Transport & Route Tips

• Use Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone and Myki card for easy city and suburban travel.​

• For day trips beyond city limits, V/Line trains and organised tours provide good access (e.g., Ballarat, Yarra Valley).​

• For Great Ocean Road, Grampians, or Daylesford, a rental car is recommended for flexibility and reaching key lookouts/villages.​
  

Best Victoria Attractions in October

• Great Ocean Road and 12 Apostles (Commercial tours available)

• Grampians (peak wildflower season)

• Yarra Valley (spring wine and local produce events) (Private day drive around from $600 - 850 (1-3 people)

• Dandenong Ranges (azaleas, camellias bloom)

• Phillip Island (penguin parade)

• Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill historic village

• Bright and High Country for autumn gold if extending north.​

This planner balances city essentials, major Victoria attractions, food, culture, iconic nature, and local hidden gems during prime springtime in Victoria.