6D5N Muslim-Friendly Itinerary To Plan The Perfect Melbourne Vacay

Credit: Sacha Fernandez

Melbourne is packed with attractions, ranging from laid back laneways and lush parks to iconic landmarks and easy-going cafes. For those of you looking to spend your next holiday in Australia’s second most populous city, and would like to make the most of it, why not take a look at our 6-day itinerary? From crowd favourites to hidden gems, this packed program will take you all over the city – and don’t worry, we’ve got your halal meals covered!

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Traveling from Melbourne Airport to your hotel

Depending on traffic, the journey from Melbourne’s main airport at Tullamarine to the city can take from 20 to 35 minutes. One of the cheapest ways to get to the city is via the SkyBus, an airport shuttle service that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can catch the SkyBus from Terminal 1, 3 and 4, and tickets are $19 one way/$38 return for adults (up to four kids travel free). Buses depart every 10 minutes, with on-board Wi-Fi and a complimentary shuttle service from Southern Cross Station to most hotels in the city, including Southbank and Docklands.

Alternatively, hop into a taxi for a faster journey to the city. However, expect to fork out between $55 and $65 per trip.

#HHWT Tip: Hotel stay in the city can carry a hefty price tag. We’re a fan of AirBnB because of the range of choices in terms of space, facilities, and even a more home-y feel… So, as long as it’s located near a tram station, you’re good to go!

Day 1

See Melbourne from the water on a Yarra River cruise (2 hours)

Starting from Federation Square, take a cruise on Melbourne’s famous Yarra River.
Sail upstream past the scenic Birrarung Marr Park, The Royal Botanic Gardens and Herring Island, as well as iconic sporting arenas such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Rod Laver Arena, and Olympic Park.

Credit: City River Cruises

Explore Federation Square (3 – 4 hours)

For lunch, sink your teeth into halal flame-grilled chicken at Nando’s.
Then discover the world of the moving image in the galleries, cinemas and studios at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image at Federation Square.
While you’re at Federation Square, visit the Ian Potter Centre – a gallery that’s dedicated exclusively to Australian artists and has around 25,000 works of art in its collection.

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Wander around one of the busiest railway stations in the world (1 hour)

Stand beneath the clocks of Melbourne’s iconic Flinders Street Station, as tourists and locals have done for generations.
Take a selfie at the 106-year-old station.
Go underneath the station to see the changing exhibitions that line Campbell Arcade.

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Hankering for a juicy burger? At Royal Stacks, the burgers are halal, with King burger (stuffed with a mac and cheese croquette!) being their signature dish. Please note that there are two outlets in Melbourne, but only the Brunswick outlet serves halal burgers.

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Day 2

Explore Queen Victoria Market (2 – 3 hours)

Wander through the bustling halls to pick up artisan cheese, seasonal fruit and vegetables.
Check out Melbourne-made apparel, jewellery, handicrafts, homewares and souvenirs.
Get your caffeine fix from Market Lane Coffee, a company known for its high quality, seasonal beans.

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Shop and grab a bite at QV Melbourne (1.5 – 2 hours)

Shop at departmental store Big W for cheap souvenirs or head to Coles supermarket for groceries and essentials.
For lunch, have a bite at PappaRich. Please note that while the restaurant itself doesn’t have a halal certification, the meats served here are halal-certified.

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Treat yourself to churros and hot chocolate at San Churro.

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Join a free guided tour (2.5 – 3 hours)

Walk off lunch and dessert by exploring the city on foot with I’m Free Walking Tours Melbourne, which starts from the State Library of Victoria.
The friendly and knowledgeable tour guides will cover the city’s history as you walk past Federation Square, laneways, Eureka Tower, Chinatown, Princess Theatre, State Parliament of Victoria, Royal Exhibition Centre and more.

[Check out other free thing to do in Melbourne that you can add to your itinerary!]

Reading Room at State Library of Victoria.

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Take a stroll through the Treasury Gardens (1 hour)

End the day with a break from the hustle and bustle.
Before you go, have dinner at Mama Wong’s Kitchen which serves halal Chinese food just 5 minutes away from Treasury Gardens.

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Day 3

Put your bargaining hat on at Camberwell Sunday Market (2 – 3 hours)

If you’re in the city on a Sunday, shop at this second hand and craft market that’s popular amongst Melbournians.

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For the sweet-toothed, you can’t leave without trying some homemade jelly doughnuts from Richard & Faye’s Yummy Donuts truck.

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#HHWTip: Wait until the market is nearing the end and pick up some flowers at amazing prices. The car-booters will usually discount everything down to $1 or $2 then because unlike the regular stalls, they don’t plan on coming back.

Melbourne Museum (2 hours)

Explore the wonder and fascination of natural history, science, culture and more at Melbourne Museum.
Our favourite exhibits: ‘Dinosaur Walk’ (skeletons of the prehistoric animals!), ‘Wild’ (600+ taxidermy animals on display), and ‘The Human Body’ (a view of our body inside, outside and up close).

Credit: Victoria Tourism Industry Council

Pack a sandwich and have lunch at Carlton Gardens (1 – 1.5 hours)

The 64-acre garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum and IMAX Cinema.
Let the kiddos burn off some steam at the garden’s children’s playground.
Look out for the Victorian-era Hochgurtel Fountain and circular French Fountain, plantings in honour of the Dalai Lama and two ornamental lakes created in 1880.
Take a picture in front of the avenue of oak trees at Carlton Gardens.

Explore the Little Italy of Melbourne (1.5 – 2 hours)

Lygon Street is a picturesque and leafy street dotted with quaint shops and eateries.
Have a cuppa at DOC Espresso and watch the world go by.
Make a pit stop at Casa Del Gelato to sample delicious gelati made by award-winning gelato maker Ottorino Pace. With 170 flavours to choose from, you might end up like this:

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Day 4

Great Ocean Road (Entire Day)

Drive along one the world’s most scenic roads to experience amazing coastal scenery at every turn.
- Check out our Muslim-friendly travel guide to Melbourne’s Great Ocean Road!

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Day 5

Say hello to the animals at the Melbourne Zoo (Half Day)

This beautifully landscaped zoo is home to over 300 species from around the world.
Pack a picnic and plonk yourself on any of the grassy knolls at the zoo.

Credit: By Taken by fir0002 | flagstaffotos.com.au Canon 20D + Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L (Own work) [GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons

See Melbourne sparkle from Eureka Skydeck 88 (1 hour)

Time your visit for dusk and watch the city light up.
For adrenaline junkies, opt for The Edge – a glass box that’s suspended nearly 300 metres over Melbourne.

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Have halal Indonesian cuisine for dinner (1.5 hours)

Take a 20-minute walk to Nelayan Indonesian Restaurant and try their ayam bakar perahu, which is grilled chicken with green chilli paste.

Turmeric rice served with chilli chicken, crispy fried anchovies, and braised tofu.

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Tour Melbourne’s oldest prison – at night! (1.5 hours)

If you’re feeling really brave, come along after dark to take a night tour with the hangman or an evening ghost tour.
Most of Australia’s infamous characters, including bushranger Ned Kelly and gangster Squizzy Taylor, spent time at the Old Melbourne Gaol.
The night tours aren’t recommended for children 12 years and under.

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Day 6

Kick up your heels by St Kilda – Melbourne’s fave beachside suburb (3 – 4 hours)

Hop on a tram and head to St Kilda.
Acland Street is famous for its cake shops. It’s also busy with cool cafes, fashion boutiques and independent music and book stores.
Get an adrenaline rush on Luna Park’s exhilarating rides like the Scenic Railway Roller Coaster, Twin Dragon and the Coney Island Top Drop.

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Have lunch at Null Faur Indian Takeaway, a halal Indian restaurant just 5 minutes away from Luna Park.

Spot art in and around Melbourne’s famous laneways (2 – 3 hours)

To see some of the city’s best street art locations, head to the following areas:
- Hosier and Rutledge Lane, opposite Federation Square
- Caledonian Lane, off Little Bourke Street
- Union Lane, off Bourke Street Mall
- Rear of 280 Queen Street in Finlay Avenue
- 21 Degraves Street
- Corner Flinders Lane and Cocker Alley
- 122 Palmerston Street, Carlton
- Centre Place, between Collins Street and Flinders Lane

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Get your last minute shopping done at Bourke Street Mall (2 – 3 hours)

Shop at departmental stores Myers and David Jones or the flagships of Zara, Sportsgirl, H&M and Forever 21.