By Guestpostlinks 
Planning a Melbourne getaway? You’ve picked the right city. With its world-class food, buzzing art scene, and easy access to scenic escapes, Melbourne is made for travellers who love variety.
If you’ve got five days to spare, here’s how to spend them — with the bonus of having a rental car to go beyond the tram lines and explore at your own pace. (Hot tip: pick up your car right from Melbourne Airport to save time and hit the road straight after landing.)
Day 1: Arrival + City Essentials
Land at Melbourne Airport, grab your rental car, and head into the city.
· Check-in: Find a boutique stay in Carlton, Fitzroy, or the CBD
· Explore: Wander Flinders Lane, laneways, and Federation Square
· Art fix: Visit the NGV International or ACMI
· Dinner: Book a table at Chin Chin or Supernormal for modern Aussie-Asian fare
🚗 Parking tip: Many inner-city hotels offer secure parking — great for day trips ahead.
Day 2: Food + Coffee Trail in the Inner North
Today’s about brunch, boutiques, and street art.
· Start in Fitzroy: Grab coffee at Industry Beans and browse local shops
· Lunch in Brunswick: Explore multicultural eats — Turkish, Lebanese, or Italian
· Arty detours: Check out Gertrude Street Gallery or street art in Collingwood
· Evening: Casual dinner and craft beer at Welcome to Thornbury or Easey’s
🚗 A car makes it easy to zip between neighbourhoods without juggling tram transfers.
Day 3: Great Ocean Road Day Trip
Time to hit one of the world’s most iconic drives.
· Morning: Early start from Melbourne, head toward Torquay
· Stops: Bells Beach, Lorne, Teddy’s Lookout, and Twelve Apostles
· Lunch: Fresh seafood in Apollo Bay
· Evening: Return to the city or stay overnight along the coast
🚗 Self-drive = full control over photo stops, snack breaks, and detours.
Day 4: Wine + Views in the Yarra Valley
Swap sea views for vines and rolling hills.
· Brunch: Stop at Healesville on the way
· Wine tastings: Domaine Chandon, Yering Station, Oakridge Wines
· Afternoon treat: Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
· Evening: Chill countryside dinner or head back to the city
🚗 Having a car means you can visit smaller cellar doors not covered by group tours.
Day 5: Markets + Gardens + Departure
Ease into your final day with something slower.
· Morning: Coffee and browsing at Queen Vic Market
· Stroll: Wander the Royal Botanic Gardens or Albert Park Lake
· Lunch: Picnic or a farewell feast at South Melbourne Market
· Drive back: Return your car at Melbourne Airport and fly out relaxed
✨ Why Drive?
This five-day trip covers city cool and natural beauty — and having your own car makes it all seamless. Skip tour bus schedules, go off-route, and make every moment yours.
Ready to explore Melbourne your way? Book your Melbourne Airport car hire and turn your itinerary into an adventure.