Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australian state of Victoria, and recognized as the cultural and sporting center of Australia. In my opinion, it is one of the most relaxed and extremely welcoming cities I have ever visited. There are fantastic sightseeing activities in and around Melbourne. This beautiful city will certainly not disappoint the adventure travelers, food lovers.
Helpful Information
Before planning a trip to Melbourne, you need to consider climate and school vacations. Also, know that Australian summer is typically from December to February and winter is from June to August. But the good thing is they are milder than most of the countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Australians travel a lot during December and January, so a good idea to avoid not only for the crowd but also for higher hotel rates.
I visited Melbourne at the end of December and found it perfectly beautiful and comfortable weather there. But you can plan your trip based on your likings, here are a few options.
The best time, in my opinion:
Spring – October, November less rain and low humidity, perfect for sightseeing and hiking.
Autumn – February to March for beautiful clear sky, Idean for hiking, the daytime temperate is mild, and less rainfall makes it comfortable for travelers. Hotels rates are relatively low.
Summer – December to February is peak season because schools are closed for the summer holidays. It’s hot and humid, so a little difficult for hiking during the midday. During this season, it rains a lot so that outdoor activities could be impacted.
By Air
Even though Australia is a continent, it is surrounded by water on all sides, so the majority of visitors get there by air, and neighboring countries are far away.
Flying into Melbourne international airport (Tullamarine Airport) is easy. The second busiest airport in Australia serviced by major domestic and international airlines. Getting to the city from the airport is pretty straightforward.
Getting around Melbourne is easy; most of the attractions around the Yarra River and Central Business District are easily accessible by walk. Also, there is plenty of affordable public transportation that you can use.
To & From The Airport
By Bus
The shuttle bus from the airport is the fastest way to get to the city, and it is very much affordable. They are located just outside the terminals and open 24 /7, and leaves every 10 minutes. The cost is about $19 AUD one way.
By Taxi
Taxi is a hassle-free door to door service but comes with a cost. The trip from the airport to the city may cost you around $60 AUD and takes anywhere between 40 – 60 minutes.
Getting Around in The City
By Tram
The city tram zone is entirely free to travel on — a great worry-free way to explore the inner areas.
By Bus
Just buy myki card in order to ride the Melbourne bus system. Alternatively, you can purchase myki explorer pack that is good for one day unlimited travel on public transport in the city.
Uber and Taxi
Uber is available in Melbourne, and another cost-effective way to move around the city. Taxi is relatively expensive, but there are plenty of them available.
Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia, so there is a lot to see and do. For activities in the city, you may need at least 3 days that also depends on out of many famous beaches which ones you are planning to visit. There are also quite a few great day trip locations to consider from Melbourne. You will need additional days for each of those — great Ocean Road trip and Philip Island, to name a few. I was there for 5 days and had to prioritize places I wanted to visit and pubs and restaurants I wanted to try out.
Overall I found Australia is a little expensive so expect to budget accordingly. There are plenty of ATM available all around the city.
To maximize your trip activities and make it as enjoyable a possible, I recommend staying somewhere close to the City Center. You will find good hotels AirBnB and Hostels on both sides of the Yarra River.
12 Best Things To Do in Melbourne, Australia
Being the second largest city in Australia you will find plenty of activities to keep you engaged for days. I have gathered a few best things that I have done during my visit. Check and pick the one interest you most during your trip to Melbourne.
Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
In the middle of the city, the beautiful green gardens one of the favorite places to be if you want to relax and escape city life for a moment.
Boat Tours at the Royal Botanic Gardens
It is a great way to spend a peaceful day taking a guided boat ride through the Royal Botanic Gardens. A trip with plenty of fantastic photo opportunities as you go through the beautiful landscape, spot wildlife along the waterway.
Hangout at Federation Square
Federation Square is located in the heart of Melbourne, one of the popular public spaces to hang out for surprises and experience all the activities.
Visit Melbourne Cricket Ground
Take the scenic Princes Walk along the Yarra River to this locally known “G,” the Melbourne Cricket Ground. There is always something happening here or just check out a game or take a guided tour.
Checkout Melbourne Museum
One of the largest museums in Australia. The beautiful complex houses numerous exhibits, such as cultural presentations, cinemas, natural history, and more.
View Melbourne From Eureka Skydeck 88
Just take the elevator to Eureka Skydeck 88 for an unmatched view over Melbourne from the 88th floor. Take a table at the cafe and enjoy the beautiful view from the top.
Checkout Queen Victoria Markets
I would definitely recommend visiting this historical landmark in Melbourne. The Queens Victoria Market is the place to be for fresh fruits, vegetables, food, souvenirs, clothing, art, and interior goods,
Visit The Central Business District of Melbourne
It’s the heartbeat of Melbourne. From the beautiful view surrounding the Yarra river, docklands, royal botanical gardens to the upscale shopping at the Melbourne Centre, and Bourke Street Mall, this area of the city will keep you engaged for days. You will find great restaurants, street food, and lovely cafes all over. You don’t want to miss the charming view of the area at nightfall.
Stop By At Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance is the Victoria state memorial to honor the Australian who served in global conflicts throughout the nation’s history. The beautiful architecture of this Sheine was designed and built by WWI veterans.
Visit The Brighton Beach
Brighton Beach is just 30 minutes away from Melbourne’s city center, an ideal place for fun activities such as swimmers, sunbathers, and surfers. It is popular for its impressively colorful beach houses (bathing boxes). Brighton Beach station is easily accessible from the central business district by car or bus.
Spend a Day in St Kilda Beach
Unlike Brighton Beach, this popular beach is a little quiet but there is a lot to do other than surfing. Its soft white sandy beach attracts a lot of tourists and locals alike. Popular among kite surfers, paddle boarders, and beach joggers.
Swim at Elwood Beach
Only 20 minutes drive from Melbourne city center, an excellent place for swimmers and sunbathers. It attracts beachgoers for its long stretches of soft clean sand.
Visit Hampton Beach, Melbourne
The suburb of Hampton is well known for its beautiful beach. Only 15 km from Melbourne on Port Phillip between Brighton and Sandringham.
Hampton offers visitors secure swimming with a vast range of sandy beaches, which highlights several groins surrounded by boulders extending into the sea. There are also picnic and BBQ areas, walkways, and bicycle path that attracts locals and tourists alike.
Where Did I Stay in Melbourne, Australia
Arrived at Melbourne airport very Early in the morning, took a bus to the Central Business District, the bus dropped me off right in front of this centrally located hotel opposite to the Flinders Street Railway Station.
DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne, 270 Flinders Street, Melbourne
DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne, 270 Flinders Street, Melbourne
Located in Melbourne CBD, about 656 foot walk from Federation Square and is opposite the free City Circle Tram stop. Some rooms feature lovely views of the city or the Yarra River.
The Lobby Restaurant specializes in modern Australian cuisine, and The Lobby Bar is the perfect place for a relaxing drink.
Travelodge Hotel Melbourne Southbank, Melbourne
This hotel is centrally located just 1,950 feet from Southbank Promenade on the Yarra River, Travelodge Southbank, offers rooms with private bathroom, kitchenette and cable TV. The popular Bourke Street Mall shopping area is 10 minutes’ walk away.
Have Local Food in Malbourne
Pure South Dining, Southgate Building, 3 Southgate Ave, Southbank
Pure South Dining is a modern, exclusive occasion restaurant in central Melbourne with beautiful scenes down on the Yarra river with a stunning CBD skyline in the background. The food draws influence from growers, fishermen, and artisan farmers of King Island, Flinders Island & Tasmania.
Featured Travel Pictures
My Opinion and Last Word
Have you been to Melbourne, Australia? Any cool tips to share?
I loved being to this country down under and want to go back again. Hope my story have motivated you to visit.
Please leave a comment below! I’d love to hear from you to improve my knowledge.
Was this travel guide helpful for you?
If you’d like to help me continue making free guides, here is one way you can help:
- Share This Guide – If you have a friend that would benefit from this guide, share it with them. Or post this guide on Facebook, Twitter or Google+
Your Support would definitely help me making more free guides like this. Thank you in advance!
Affiliate Link – This post in Dizzy Traveler contains affiliate links, which means I receive a referral commission if you purchase after clicking at no additional cost to you. These funds go to maintain the site. Thank you for your support.
Book Your Sightseeing Trip
There are a lot of beautiful places to visit and some exciting sightseeing activities to bring unforgettable memories back home. Please click on our below affiliate link to see your options.
Planning a Trip?
Here is a few affiliate links that may help plan a perfect trip while staying within budget.
From admin