Are you someone who is coming to Melbourne for the first time? Perhaps you’re travelling interstate or maybe even across the globe to visit this fine city and all its glory. Melbourne is a diverse, multicultural melting pot of sights and wonders that will leave any traveller nostalgic for more once the trip is over. Now, with any travelling journey, it’s always good to have a sneak peek into local tips and tricks to truly get the most out of your time at any destination.
In this article, we will look into the key tips you’ll need to know when visiting Melbourne, so read on to find out more!
1. Find Somewhere To Stay
The most important thing to sort out before travelling to Melbourne is finding somewhere to stay. Thankfully, there is no shortage of serviced apartments in Melbourne, along with hundreds, if not thousands of Airbnb rental properties that you can hire for your entire duration of your stay. If you’re travelling with family and plan on renting a car, always ensure that your accommodation offers parking space for a vehicle so that you needn’t worry about finding parking every single night.
Another thing to look into is that your accommodation offers you WiFi, a television, and any other services or amenities that suit your personal needs. For solo travellers who aren’t too fussed about luxuries, you may want to consider booking a room in one of the multitude of hostels that are scattered all over the Melbourne CBD. You’ll be able to make some new friends in a hostel environment, and you won’t be breaking the bank too much at the same time.
2. Buy A Myki Card As Soon As You Land
Most travellers choose to travel via public transport within Melbourne, whether that be with buses, trams or the metro train line. In order to use these public transportation services, you will need to ensure that you purchase a Myki card beforehand. A Myki card costs you only $6, and you can top it up with funds at most convenience stores, tram stops, train stations and select supermarkets. Whenever you board a tram, train or bus, all you have to is ‘touch on’ with your Myki and ‘touch off’ before you get off.
Do take note that within the Melbourne CBD, there are select “free tram zones” that do not require you to tap on when hopping on a tram. Always be sure to check that you’re paying in accordance to your zone or location, as should a tram conductor perform a random inspection and find out you haven’t paid for your trip, you’ll end up with a hefty fine that can amount up to $250.
3. Sign Up For A Tour
One of the best ways to explore the sights of Melbourne is to sign up to a tour package which will ferry you from the city to places such as The Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, Twelve Apostles and the Yarra Valley. Whilst you can indeed rent a car and drive to these locations yourself, we would suggest joining a tour group as they often include packages that include food and tickets to places such as wildlife parks, all as part of the deal.
You’ll also be able to experience these sights with some fellow travellers, and perhaps even make a friend or two along the way! Most tours will pick you up in a central location and drop you off at the same location, ensuring that you needn’t worry about driving at night or having to find somewhere to stay in regional Victoria.
4. Immerse Yourself In Food Culture
If you ask anyone who has visited Melbourne what one of the main attractions for them was, they’ll probably say the coffee and food. Melbourne is renowned for having some of the best coffee in the world, along with some of the most popular brunch spots in the country. Cafes are always buzzing, and you’ll be sure to find something you like, regardless of what suburb you’re in.
If brunch isn’t your thing, consider heading down to the famous Lygon Street in Carlton for some amazing Italian food, or to the Greek Precinct for some delicious Keftedes and Gyros. Those who fancy some Asian fare will be spoilt for choice in the Melbourne CBD and Chinatown, where you’ll find a noodle shop or a sushi bar at every corner. Whatever your taste, Melbourne will have something to accommodate
5. Shop In The Day Time
Melbourne is a shopper’s dream come true – from places such as Chapel Street and Jam Factory to large malls such as Chadstone, Emporium and Melbourne Central, you’ll probably not have enough time to visit all of these locations unless you extend your trip! However, it is good to take note that even though Melbourne is a shopper’s paradise, shops and malls do tend to close early in the day, with most of them shutting their doors around 6pm on the average day. If you’re looking to shop a little later, your best bet is to head out on a Thursday or Friday nights, when many shops open till 9pm or so for late night shopping.
6. Pack For All Seasons
Last but not least, you’re going to have to pack for all seasons. Yes, that myth of Melbourne experiencing 4 seasons in one day is, in actuality, far from a myth. Melbourne has some of the most unpredictable weather you’ll find in Australia, so even if you travel in Summer, we suggest bringing a coat or two along in your suitcase, just in case. Similarly, if you’re here in Winter, don’t forget to head out with an umbrella just in case it decides to pour down
We hope that this article has given you a little insight into what you’ll need to know when travelling to Melbourne!
What would you like most about visiting Melbourne?
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