Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia and is known for its lively and eclectic culture. It’s often referred to as the cultural capital of Australia, with its many museums, galleries, and music venues.
Melbourne is also famous for its coffee culture, with an abundance of cozy cafes serving up delicious espresso-based drinks. And let’s not forget the food – Melbourne is a foodie’s paradise with a huge variety of cuisines available, from traditional Australian dishes to international delicacies.
The city is home to many iconic landmarks, such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Royal Botanic Gardens, and has a vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues to explore.
All in all, Melbourne is a fun, diverse, and exciting city that has something to offer for everyone.
The locals are called Melburnians.
Make sure you have your Australia Electronic Travel Authority approved. Let’s pack and explore Melbourne.
How to get there
Flights
There are a total of 4 airports around Melbourne: Melbourne International Airport, Avalon Airport, Essendon Airport, and Moorabbin Airport.
Melbourne’s main airport is Melbourne International Airport. Sometimes it is called the Tullamarine Airport. Many of the flights will arrive at this airport. It’s about 20km away from the city center.
Sky Bus runs a regular service from the airport to Southern Cross Railway Station. From here, there are various options for you to travel within Melbourne. I will explain more in the sections below. Get your SkyBus Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) Express Transfer Ticket here.
Other options would be Charted transport, Taxis, Uber, and my personal preference, your own rental car.
Avalon Airport is mainly for domestic flights used by Jetstar and Bonza. Sky Bus service is also available here.
Essendon Airport is Melbourne’s first airport and is being used by Sharp Airlines and Link Airways to fly direct to destinations in NSW and Tasmania’s Bass Islands. It is also a General Aviation and Corporate Jet airport. It is also an emergency air service provider.
Moorabbin Airport is mainly used by flight training organizations, and charter, rotary, and aerial firefighting operations.
If you at other parts of Australia, and you are on an extended long vacation, you may drive over using a Rented Car or Campervan.
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Getting Around Melbourne
Public Transports
Public transport in Melbourne City is provided by trains, trams, and buses. Most parts of the city are accessible by at least one of these means. The Myki contactless card is the card supporting all these services. It can be purchased at select stations and all 7-Elevens.
Melbourne’s trams are available around the city’s Central Business District (CBD) and the inner suburbs. You can actually travel it for free within the Free Tram Zone.
Melbourne’s Metro system is supported by 16 lines. It covers most parts of the Melbourne City Center which makes it your best choice of transportation when you are traveling within the city. For detailed information on the system, please visit their official website.
Melbourne’s bus services service major areas, including Government offices and facilities, Financial Centers, Shopping Centers, Schools, Sports venues, and many attractions. Bus routes intersect with the train and tram lines, making it easier for you to do your planning.
Night network – During the weekends, all-night public transport services are available. There are all-night metropolitan trains and trams, late-night buses, and a 2 am coach service to key regional centers. Standard Myki fares apply. See here for more information.
Taxi and Uber
Metered Taxis and Uber are also widely used within the city which offers more flexibility.
Rental Car or Campervan
My personal favorite mode of transport is always the rental car as it offers more flexibility and allows me to travel far out places not supported by the public transport systems.
Most of the rental car companies are situated across the terminal. May sure you check and take photos of the car carefully before you take over. The whole handover process in general is quite fast and smooth.
Conform to all traffic regulations and you should have a fun time self-driving around Melbourne.
Cellulose Data in Melbourne
With many of our daily activities tied to our phones and apps, and also to help us navigate around, we will need local roaming data as we travel around Melbourne.
You can consider a 4G Portable WiFi (MEL Airport Pick Up) for Australia as you land and share the data with those traveling with you.
For those that reside in Singapore, you may order a 4G Global eSIM, install it on your phone, and use it within Australia or any of the supported 60+ countries.
For those that reside in New Zealand, you can get a 5G/4G/3G SIM Card for New Zealand by Vodafone.
Where to Stay
Within Melbourne, Australia, there are plenty of fantastic hotels with great services to choose from. Here are just a few of them:
Melbourne Marriott Hotel
A short walk away from many top destinations in the city, Melbourne Marriott Hotel offers you unforgettable nights with spacious rooms and plush bedding. Wine and Dine to your heart’s content in their Bar and Restaurant.
Sheraton Melbourne Hotel
Situated within the heart of Melbourne, close to charming restaurants, cafes, and attractions, Sheraton Melbourne Hotel’s rejuvenating services, food, and rooms will get you ready for the next day’s adventures.
Oaks Melbourne on Lonsdale Suites
Affordable and clean rooms. The Oaks Melbourne on Lonsdale Suites is close to Parliament and located near shopping areas. Easy access to parking.
Oaks Melbourne on William Suites
Good romantic hotel. The Oaks Melbourne on William Suites is close to Queen Victoria Market. Located near shopping areas and has easy access to public transportation.
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