Things to do in Melbourne

Visiting Melbourne? Explore with this handy Melbourne travel guide

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Melbourne Travel Guide?


Melbourne is the capital of the Australian state of Victoria. Golden beaches, art-infused streets, botanical gardens, and an ultra-liberal city life transpires Melbourne. There are plenty of things to do from skydiving, visiting the various attractions, to taking an epic road trip along the great ocean road. Your visit to the garden city will be made easy-peasy with this latest Melbourne Travel Guide. It sums up the top things to do, tips about the culture, journey and stays in Melbourne.

Why Melbourne?


Melbourne was ranked as the world’s most livable city in Global Liveability Ranking by the Economist Intelligence Unit for 7 years. Wonder why? The city is packed with year-round sports events, art galleries, music festivals, food carnivals, fascinating attractions, sandy beaches and a zillion more things to explore. This has put the city on top of the list for not only Australian settlers but also travelers from across the globe.

Top 10 Things To Do in Melbourne


Melbourne Essentials


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LanguageEnglish

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Time zoneGMT+10

☎

Country Code+61

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Socket Type I

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CurrencyAustralian Dollars

Melbourne Trip Planner


Take a look at all the travel essentials before you zip your bag!

  • Weather

  • When to visit

  • Budget

  • Visa

  • Travel Tips

Weather in Melbourne

The garden city is known for its fitful weather which means you will have to plan your visit ahead. Here is a glimpse of Melbourne’s weather throughout the year. You can check the weather here.
spring in london
Melbourne in Spring

Spring is the most unpredictable of all seasons and extends from September to November. October is the wettest month of the year and receives a lot of rainfall. Pack a pair of umbrellas, warm jackets and boots before you head towards the city.

summer in london
Melbourne in Summer

Melbourne is blessed with a warm summer when the temperature is just right for a nice swim along Brighton Beach. Spanning from December to February, summer is the time when the city is most flocked with tourists. Attend music festivals run all week, watch the Australian Tennis Open, and hit the Great Ocean Road.

autumn in london
Melbourne in Autumn

Known for being the best time to visit the city, Autumn sees considerably colder weather to make up for the hot summers. Early mornings are covered with fog while the afternoons are bright and sunny. You can take a stroll through the city’s gardens, and try out all the outdoor activities. It stretches from March to May.

winter in london
Melbourne in Winter

Before all the leaves fall off the trees, winter sets into Melbourne. The weather is quite windy and often experiences snowfalls. A cup of coffee will surely improve your evening since Melbourne is the coffee capital of Australia. The season lasts from June to August.

How to Save Money in Melbourne


Make use of the free tram rides

Riding within the CBD via trams is free. Since Melbourne’s public transport is well connected, you need not worry about not finding a tram station near the top attractions within the city.

Try the local street delicacies

Street food brings the best blend of any region’s palate to your taste buds. Queen Victoria Market, South Melbourne Market, Prahran Market, and Rose St Artists’ Market buzz with bonafide street food while not burning a hole in your pocket.

Tips to tipping

Unlike the USA, Australia has no rules over tipping. There is no mandatory tipping percentage on your bill. Nevertheless, you may tip 10% of your bill or as you like.

Catch a SkyBus for airport transfers

The ride from the airport to the city and back can be taxing. To solve the problem for tourists travelling in and out of the city, Skybus, an airport shuttle, makes transfers from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport to the city with tickets costing as little as $15.

Day Trips From Melbourne


Blue beaches, unique wildlife, spa towns, piquant vineyards, penguin parades and spectacular skydiving spots - find all this and more within a few hours' drive from Melbourne. Breakfree from the inner-city grid, take a day trip from Melbourne to any of the destinations listed below. Get out and explore Melbourne's beautiful backyard!

Skydiving In Melbourne


Melbourne Travel guide

Skydiving is perhaps one of the most bucket-listed activities. The thrill of jumping off a plane and plummeting towards the earth with terrific views overcoming your fears is an experience of a lifetime. It was first successfully performed over 200 years ago in Paris and ever since, it has made its way to every globetrotter's list. Skydiving in Melbourne is an insanely popular activity. Before you make this 15,000 feet plunge in Melbourne, here's all you need to know about it - the best locations, prices, tips and more.

PS: Headout is an official reseller of Skydive Australia experiences. Earn additional cashback and discounts on your Skydive Melbourne tickets, exclusive to Headout.

Hotels in Melbourne


Melbourne Travel guide

Melbourne is an extremely picturesque city. One of the best ways to experience the breathtaking skyline of this bustling metropolis is by staying in a room with a view. The hotels here are top-notch and offer more than just a room with an alluring view; splendid, leaving“infinity” pools, world-class lounge, luxury restaurants, well-stocked bars and flattering hospitality.

Explore the best rated hotels in Melbourne.

Dining in Melbourne


Melbourne Travel guide

Must-try Food in Melbourne
While there is a wide assortment of dishes and desserts, here are some firm favourites.

  • Salt and pepper calamari
  • Fairy bread
  • Chicken Parma
  • Anzac biscuits
  • Dim sim
  • Pigs in a blanket
  • Spag bol
  • Pie floater

Romantic Date Ideas in Melbourne


Melbourne travel guide

Couples will find that there are many romantic experiences and attractions to indulge in. If you’re out of date ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a list put together to help you plan your perfect date - one filled with endearing memories, featuring different places and date ideas in Melbourne.

Festivals in Melbourne


Melbourne has a year long calendar of festivals - some cultural, some religious, some patriotic, a few music festivals and so on. Here are the top recurring festivals that you should know of:

  • Midsumma Festival: January/February
  • Chinese New Year: January/February
  • Lonsdale Street Festival: February
  • Moomba Festival: March
  • Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival: March
  • Melbourne International Comedy Festival: March/April
  • Melbourne Knowledge: May
  • Melbourne International Film Festival: July/August
  • Melbourne Fringe Festival: September/October
  • Melbourne Festival: October
  • Melbourne Music Week: November

Melbourne Culture Tips


A trip to Fitzroy

Fitzroy, Melbourne’s oldest suburb, is a hipster capital. A cosy mix of bluestone and bohemia has resulted in the town bearing the most interest in emerging art, fashion and design. Head to the town to explore the fuse of old and new Melbourne.

A land of many cultures

Although English is the most widely spoken language in Australia, it is a country of many cultures. Before colonization, the indigenous people of Australia resided in lands for over 65,000 years. Today, 25% of Australian citizens were not even born in the country. Melbourne is one of the most populated cities of the country, and is a melting pot of cultures. Hence, don’t identify everyone you see with English roots.

A booze-loving city

Australians love alcohol so much that they came third in the booziest country outside Europe. No wonder so many wineries lay just outside of Melbourne. You cannot miss a drink of Ginger beer, the regional favourite when you are in Melbourne.

Stop by the Melbourne food and wine festival

A gastronomic event awaits you in March. Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is Australia’s largest food festival that presents the longest selection of wine. It is a great way of enjoying the food and understanding the culture of the locals.

FAQs


What are some things to do in Melbourne?

There are plenty of things to do in Melbourne! For the outdoorsy type, there are plenty of parks and gardens to explore, as well as hiking and biking trails. For those who enjoy shopping, Melbourne is home to many great shopping malls and districts. And of course, no visit to Melbourne would be complete without checking out some of the city's great restaurants, cafes, and bars.

What is the best time of year to visit Melbourne?

The best time of year to visit Melbourne really depends on what you want to do while you're here. If you're looking to enjoy the outdoors, then spring and autumn are the best times to visit, when the weather is milder. However, if you're more interested in checking out the city's nightlife and restaurants, then winter (June-August) is a great time to visit, as this is when Melbourne really comes alive.

What are some must-see sights in Melbourne?

Some of the must-see sights in Melbourne include the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Federation Square, and Flinders Street Station. Of course, no visit to Melbourne would be complete without taking a ride on the city's famous trams!

What is the best way to get around Melbourne?

The best way to get around Melbourne is by public transport. The city has an extensive tram and train network that covers most of the city, so getting around is relatively easy. If you're staying in the CBD, then walking is also a great option, as many of the main sights and attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Where should I stay when visiting Melbourne?

There are a number of great places to stay in Melbourne, depending on your budget and preferences. If you're looking for something central and convenient, then staying in the CBD is a great option. For those on a tighter budget, there are plenty of great hostels and budget hotels located around the city. And for those who want a bit more space and privacy, there are also a number of apartments and vacation rentals available.

What are some tips for visiting Melbourne on a budget?

There are a number of ways to visit Melbourne on a budget. One great way to save money is to use public transport instead of taking taxis or ubers everywhere. You can also take advantage of the many free attractions and activities that the city has to offer, such as walking tours, museum visits, and markets. And of course, eating out can be expensive, so cooking your own meals or grabbing something from a food court is a great way to save some money.

What are some travel tips while visiting Melbourne?

Some travel tips for visiting Melbourne include being aware of your surroundings, as the city can be quite busy and crowded. It's also a good idea to have cash on hand, as many places only accept cash payments. And finally, make sure to dress appropriately for the weather, as Melbourne can get quite hot in summer and cold in winter.

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Melbourne Travel Guide