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Melbourne Travel Guide

A cultural city in Australia's southeast, packed with graffiti lanes, cafes, galleries and parks, and easy to explore by tram. It's also the base for day trips to the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island's little penguins.

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At a glance

Currency: AUD (A$)
Power & plugs: 230V · Type I
Driving side: Left
Tipping: Optional (small, for good service)
Local language: English
How long to stay: 4 to 6 days (including day trips)

Emergency numbers

Police000
Ambulance000
Fire000

When to go

Spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are mild and great for walking. Summer (December-February) is hot and dry with occasional heatwaves; winter (June-August) is cool and damp. Weather changes quickly in a single day, so carry a layer.

Airport to the city

SkyBus airport express

Runs from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Southern Cross Station in the city, where you change to trams or trains.

Time about 20-40 min to the city depending on trafficCost about A$22-26 (cheaper per trip with a return ticket; check official)

Taxi or ride-hailing

Easiest with luggage or late at night; use the designated pickup areas.

Time about 30-45 min to the cityCost about A$60-90

Flights from Asia

Many flights from North Asia involve a connection. Compare connection points and total travel time with airlines.

Time varies by connectionCost varies by season

Getting around

Trams

Melbourne's icon, covering the city densely. Part of the central city is a Free Tram Zone.

Transit card (myki)

Outside the Free Tram Zone, use a myki card or the new tap-and-go option (contactless bank card, phone or smartwatch) on trams, trains and buses; bus rollout is progressive, so check official information. Always tap on.

Trains

From Flinders Street and Southern Cross stations to the suburbs and beaches.

Walking

The central city's grid is ideal for exploring laneways and cafes on foot.

Day tours and rental cars

Reach the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island by day tour or rental car. Australia drives on the left.

Where to stay

Central city (CBD)

Good for: First visit, transport, laneway cafes

Inside the Free Tram Zone, with laneway cafes and restaurants everywhere.

Southbank

Good for: River, views, galleries

South of the Yarra River with riverside walks, galleries and theaters; lots of high-rise hotels.

Fitzroy and Collingwood

Good for: Cafes, vintage shops, art

A youthful area of street art and independent shops, a short tram ride from the city.

St Kilda

Good for: Beach, sunsets

A seaside suburb for walks and sunsets, about 30 minutes by tram from the city.

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Top sights

Graffiti laneways (Hosier Lane and others)
Lanes covered wall to wall in street art that changes constantly.
Queen Victoria Market
A big historic market for produce, food and souvenirs. It opens Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (closed Monday and Wednesday); check official hours.
Flinders Street Station and Federation Square
The yellow historic station faces a modern square at the heart of the city, a classic meeting point.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Vast gardens right next to the city, great for walks and picnics. Free entry.
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
A major gallery of Australian and international art. The permanent collection is generally free; special exhibitions are ticketed, so check official information.
St Kilda Beach
A beach promenade and pier. Little penguins can sometimes be seen near the pier at dusk; follow viewing rules.
Great Ocean Road (day trip)
A coastal drive past cliffs and sea stacks. It takes a full day by tour or rental car.
Phillip Island (day trip)
Watch little penguins return from the sea at dusk. Tickets are required, and photos and video are not allowed during the Penguin Parade.

Tours & tickets →

What to eat

Coffee

Melbourne is famous for its cafe culture. A flat white is about A$5-6.

Brunch

Laneway cafes serve creative brunch plates for about A$20-35.

Multicultural food

Italian, Greek, Vietnamese and more in migrant neighborhoods, each with its own feel.

Meat pies

Australia's classic savory pie, a quick meal for about A$6-10.

Wine

Wine regions like the Yarra Valley are close by; take a tour rather than driving to wineries.

Daily budget (per person)

Budgetabout A$100-150 per day: hostel, groceries, public transport

Mid-rangeabout A$250-350 per day: city hotel, cafes, restaurants

Comfortabout A$600+ per day: luxury hotel, fine dining, private tours

Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.

Sample itinerary

Day 1
SkyBus to the city, Flinders Street Station and Federation Square, graffiti laneways and cafes, then Southbank in the evening.
Day 2
Queen Victoria Market in the morning (open Tue, Thu-Sun), the Royal Botanic Gardens and NGV in the afternoon, then dinner in Fitzroy.
Day 3
Great Ocean Road day trip (early start, late return).
Day 4
A morning walk at St Kilda Beach, then a Phillip Island penguin tour or city shopping.

Local tips

Most visitors need an electronic travel authority or visa for Australia. Check requirements and how to apply on official Australian government information.
Outside the Free Tram Zone, always tap on with your card; inspectors check fares.
UV levels are very high; wear sunscreen and a hat even on cloudy days.
Tipping isn't required. Some restaurants add a Sunday or public holiday surcharge, noted on the menu.
Swim only between the flags on patrolled beaches.
Day trips cover long distances; check departure times and whether meals are included.