Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Melbourne

ColingUnther

Vegetarian and Vegan are well catered for especially in Fitzroy Carlton for Italian, and Chinatown is several blocks. Down at Flinders Lane queuing is common but De Graves st and Hardware Lane are not to be missed.

bukbuk51

Prepare for variable weather; 4 seasons in one day is common and occasionally 4 seasons concurrently. But that is part of the charm. Any sporting event at the MCG = Melbourne Cricket Ground is full-on crowd engagement, whether that is cricket, football or any other event. Add a visit to the great museum.

Jeffry b

A car is not necessary in central Melbourne. You can catch a tram almost everywhere you want to go. The city is laid out on a very simple grid system. Get a simple map and you will soon find your way around.

In the words of those who've been there before ...

snuff82Melbourne

Melbourne has so many things to offer; from the sporting scene, to the arts, to the nightlife and finally the food, there is something for everyone. I love to explore my city and to play tourist - there is always something new to experience and discover.

bukbuk51

… Older buildings blend with contemporary architecture to help define The World's Most Liveable City. Wide streets show off the major museums, theatres, galleries and major department stores but it is the lane-ways that lead to boutique shops, funky restaurants and Chinatown. Home to 4 million folk from most nations in the world, locals love to eat and enjoy some of the best cuisine in the world. Shopaholics have a feast of choices. Grand Theatres with great shows plus festivals galore. A garden city but Sport is King!

LeonieshorncliffeQLD

Originally coming from Melbourne, I love going back. Melbourne is the Paris of Australia with lots to see and do. You will never be bored, but more than that Melbourne is a vibrant, exciting city that inspires and fulfills.

What is the best way to get there?

Flying:

Melbourne is served by two major airports, Tullamarine (MEL) and Avalon (AVV), which is closest to the city of Geelong.

Bus:

Greyhound Australia offers service to Melbourne; the bus terminal is located next to Southern Cross station. Airport buses also arrive and depart from here.

Driving:

If you’re arriving in Melbourne by car, you’ll likely come via the Princes Highway.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting from overseas, see if you need a visa.

When is the best time to visit?

The streets and parks of Melbourne lend themselves well to wandering, so visit March-May or September-November for weather that’s mild and dry and for the lowest concentration of crowds. Expect average daily temperatures those times of year to be highs of 24-17 C (76-63 F) and lows of 14-9 C (58-49 F).

During the summer months, the Royal Botanic Gardens hosts events such as concerts and an outdoor cinema, while spring sees an abundance of cultural events focused on comedy, fashion, and coffee.

Find more information on Melbourne’s weather and when to go.

Trams

Trams service most of Melbourne CBD and its suburbs. The City Circle tram—which covers popular Melbourne attractions such as Docklands, State Library Victoria, and Federation Square—is free.

In addition to the route 35 City Circle, there are more than 20 other tram routes operating within Melbourne. To access routes outside of the CBD free zone with ease, purchase a rechargeable Myki card at tram stops, train stations, or 7-Eleven stores.

Taxis

All of Melbourne’s taxis operate on a meter system and a prepaid system comes into effect after 10:30 p.m.

Rideshare

Uber, Ola and Bolt rideshare services are also readily available.

Trains

The City Loop light railway connects the five inner city stations of Southern Cross Station, Flagstaff, Melbourne Central, Parliament, and Flinders Street. Melbourne also has an overground train system that connects the city to the suburbs. Check timetables and routes.