Australian Travel: Exploring Melbourne in 72 Hours, A Street Art and Culinary Paradise

Melbourne offers a distinct experience for travellers looking to make the most of their transit time in Australia. This city in the state of Victoria is renowned for its arts culture, mural-covered laneways, historic markets, cafes, and dynamic urban atmosphere.

Travellers who meet the eligibility requirements for the Transit Visa (subclass 771) are permitted to explore the city.

The Australian government provides this transit Visa with no application fees, allowing a maximum stay of 72 hours for visitors before they continue their journey to another country.

Melbourne's appeal is reflected in the growth of Victoria's Tourism sector. Data from Victoria's Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions shows the state received 2.8 million overnight international visitors for the 12-month period ending June 2026.

International visitor expenditure reached 10.5 billion Australian dollars, representing a 12.9 percent increase compared to the previous reporting period.

One location that best embodies Melbourne's creative identity is Hosier Lane.

This central city laneway is famous as an open public street art space, with every wall covered in murals and graffiti. Artworks here are continuously updated, meaning the area presents a new appearance on every visit.

It sits within walking distance of Federation Square and Flinders Street Station. Travellers can visit multiple attractions in a single walking trip, while soaking up the atmosphere of Melbourne's central Business district.

Federation Square is a public space regularly used for festivals, exhibitions and arts events. Located directly opposite Flinders Street Station, this precinct is also a common meeting point for local residents and visitors looking to engage with city life.

For food lovers and shoppers, Queen Victoria Market is an unmissable addition to any itinerary. Operating since 1878, this historic market offers a wide range of fresh produce, prepared food, Coffee, souvenirs, clothing and handicrafts from local traders.

Queen Victoria Market also showcases Melbourne's culinary diversity. Visitors can sample dishes from cultures across the globe, purchase local goods, or simply enjoy the lively market atmosphere that forms part of everyday city life.

Those with more available transit time may consider a trip to the Great Ocean Road. This coastal route offers sweeping ocean panoramas, dramatic cliffs and the iconic Twelve Apostles limestone rock formations rising from the Southern Ocean.

Note however that the Great Ocean Road is located outside the city centre and requires dedicated travel time. For those with limited transit windows, this destination is only suitable for travellers who have properly accounted for full round-trip travel duration.

Melbourne also offers numerous alternative attractions close to the city centre, including the Royal Botanic Gardens and the St Kilda precinct. This City Park provides calm green space for rest, while St Kilda is known for its beachfront and laid-back coastal atmosphere.

For Indonesian Travellers, a short stopover in Melbourne is an excellent option to experience Australian culture without needing to travel far outside the city.

ABS data records that Victoria received 169,450 foreign Visitor Arrivals in September 2026, marking a 7.3 percent increase compared to the same month in the prior year.

During this period, Indonesia ranked among the top ten largest source markets for visitors to Victoria, with 4,930 recorded arrivals.

Prior to travel, visitors must confirm all requirements for the Transit Visa subclass 771 are satisfied. Applications are submitted via ImmiAccount while the applicant remains outside Australian territory.

Proof of onward Flight departing within 72 hours, valid passport, entry documentation for the next destination country, and outline of planned activities in Australia are required components of the Application.

This transit visa cannot be extended, and is only valid for travellers undertaking genuine onward transit to another country.

This means visitors must align their itinerary around their arrival time, travel distances between attractions, and their onward Flight schedule.

Melbourne delivers a memorable stopover experience through its street art, historic markets, public spaces and culinary culture. Hosier Lane, Queen Victoria Market and Federation Square are ideal choices for short visits within the city centre.

Meanwhile the Great Ocean Road offers a different Travel Experience for travellers with extended available time.