There’s nothing better than soaking up that newly wed bliss in picturesque lanes, buzzing live music bars, colourful boutiques and stunning natural attractions that Melbourne has to offer.
You can unpack, unwind and discover exactly why so many flock to Melbourne for their Aussie honeymoon. Use our extensive guide to plan the perfect romantic trip that will be remembered for years to come.
After spending so much time and energy planning the perfect wedding day, it’s no secret that you deserve to jet off on a dream vacation to enjoy your first days of married bliss. Melbourne is the ideal destination, regarded as the culture and sporting capital of Australia.
You will find the best baristas, waking up to the most delectable coffee to start your sightseeing as you appreciate it sip by sip. Navigate your way through the urban laneways where you can experience funky street art, quirky bars and plenty of delicious cafes and restaurants. Dine out on one of their incredible rooftop bars, or get shopping at the local markets before relaxing back on the sandy shores of the nearby beaches.
You guessed it, Melbourne is a cultural and foodie heaven, encompassing all the essential elements of a truly romantic holiday. Whether you stay in the city or venture further afield, there’s so much to see and do in your own time.
Melbourne is well-known for being extremely generous with its weather and treating you to four seasons in a single day, so it’s always a good idea to pack for all conditions!
Between March and May and September and November is ideal if you’re after moderate weather without the huge crowds. Of course, Summer is always tempting (from December to February), but you will get met with hot sun and sweaty tourists to contend with.
Spend your days pursuing the quirky shops dotting the laneways or settling back in their rustic cafes and sampling the art of coffee. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, there’s also plenty to check out.
There’s no better space for two love birds to jet off to in Melbourne than the Botanic Gardens. Covering an area of 38 hectares, there’s plenty to explore, including the Fern Gully and Wellbeing Garden where you can settle back with a picnic in tranquility.
If you’re looking for a little culture, you can take The Aboriginal Heritage Walk and explore the heritage and history of Indigenous Australians.
Insider tip: during the Summer months they run a Moonlight Cinema under the stars. It’s a gorgeous spot to snuggle up together and enjoy a film, while also soaking up the abundant nature.
If there’s one thing you have to do during your honeymoon in Melbourne, it’s head up to Eureka Skydeck 88 and enjoy 360-degree sweeping views of the gorgeous city.
Head up 297 metres (don’t worry, there’s an elevator!) and walk straight to The Edge for a thrilling experience. You’ll find a large glass cage that suspends out of the tower, offering crystal clear views of the city below.
Insider tip: book your visit as a pre-dinner drink. You can enjoy a glass of sparkling at the cafe nestled within while soaking up the surrounding views, before heading to a proper restaurant for a meal after. The best of both worlds.
Melbourne is known as the sporting capital of Australia, so it stands to reason that a trip to the sports stadium should be on your to-do list. There’s no better way to bond in those early newlywed days than cheering on a sporting team together.
The MCG has a history that dates all the way back to 1853, and is the largest and oldest sports venue in Australia. While you can book a tour to see the grounds, the best way to experience it in all its glory is by booking in a game. In summer, you will get treated to some good old Aussie cricket, while in the winter months, AFL is abundant. Perfect opportunity to learn about Australian sporting culture and history in one spot.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to museums and galleries in Melbourne to dive into a little culture. Start at the National Gallery of Victoria in Southbank, which is the oldest and most-visited gallery in all of Australia. It is home to a wide variety of artists and exhibitions from fashion and design to architecture, sound and dance.
Melbourne Museum located in the Carlton Gardens is a great spot to check out the natural environment, culture and history of the city. Head to ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) in Federation Square for film, TV, video games, screen art and more.
The best way to get around is on the City Circle Tram - it’s free and takes you around some of the top sights in the CBD and Docklands. Plus, you can’t visit Melbourne without jumping on a tram!
While meandering around central Melbourne will keep you occupied for days on end, a day trip to the outer regions is a must during your trip. Here’s some of our the top places to venture.
Just an hour and 15 minutes from Melbourne, the hot springs at Mornington Peninsula are well-worth the visit. The Peninsula Hot Springs also double as a day spa where you can settle back with moonlit bathing and massages and really relax into your honeymoon together.
It’s also beach and winery central, where you can spend a day hopping from Ontalto to Jacklope, Ten Minutes by Tractor, Polperro Winery, Red Hill Estate and more. With a few drinks in you, there’s nothing better than settling down on the sandy shores of Rye Beach, Frankston Beach, Mount Marth or Sorrento Beach.
If you’re looking to escape it all for some well-spent time together, then head to Victoria’s best vineyards in Yarra Valley. There’s more than 80 vineyards here, through Healesville, Coldstream, Yarra Glen, Seville and Lilydale.
Just 1.5 hours from Melbourne CBD, it’s a nice and easy drive with a stop at Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery when you arrive to give you the best boost.
There’s so much more to do than just the wineries (which are a must). Make your way from Hubert Estate to Helen and Joey Estate, Rob Dolan Wines, Yering Station, Dominique Portet Winery and Seville Hill Winery, just to sample a few, then hit the road. Check out Steavenson Falls, which stands at an impressive 84 metres tall.
It’s also worth visiting the famous Redwood Forest, which is home to about 1500 Redwood trees that are lined together to create a very enchanting space that you can't help but be charmed by.
If it’s wildlife you’re after, then head straight to Phillip Island. Just 90 minutes from Melbourne you can witness penguin paraders, lay back on the beaches, discover amazing food and soak up a little sunshine.
At dusk, this is the place to be. You can watch Little Penguins dash across the sand, exploring with their friends. While you’re there, you can also look out for wallabies, geese and bandicoots. It’s a visit you won’t quickly forget.
Of course, you can keep busy during the day as well. Head to Koala Conservation Centre to get up close and personal. Check out Nobbies Boardwalk and take in the sweeping views. Walk to Cape Woolamai Trail or visit the Chocolate Factory!
If there is one thing Victoria is famous for, it’s the Great Ocean Road, which is an Australian National Heritage listed 240-kilometre road between Torquay and Allansford. If you’ve got the time, then pick up a car and get driving to experience this spectacular coastal drive.
You will discover nature, food, wine and plenty of adventure at each stop along the way, travelling at your own pace to take it all in. Feast your eyes on the 12 Apostles and make your way to Port Campbell National Park, Bay of Islands, the picturesque town of Lorne, Shipwreck Coast and more, depending on how long you have and where you choose to stop.
It’s worth splitting the trip into about three days, and planning out what you want to see and do each day.
Melbourne is well and truly an experience, and one you want to take at a nice and leisurely pace. It helps to set aside 7-10 days, so you can explore the city indepth and have enough time to spend days here and there relaxing on beaches and taking it nice and slowly.
With so many different ways to experience Melbourne, from walking the streets to planning day trips, it can be hard to know where to start on this honeymoon destination. Of course, you can still make it work no matter your budget with the help of FLT who can do the planning for you.
As soon as the wedding planning starts, it helps to set aside a separate bank account just for your honeymoon funds. After all, after planning such an event you’re going to need to escape for a little while to relax and unwind.
If you’re staying for a week, on top of accommodation and airfare costs we recommend setting aside about $3000 for food and travel expenses.
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