Melbourne's best travel guide and must-see attractions for 2025

Melbourne, the city known as Australia's cultural capital, is known for its rich arts scene, unique history and diverse food scene. As the capital of Victoria, Melbourne is not only a business and financial center, but also a creative and vibrant city

1. Travel Preparation

• Visa Application
  • Visitors from most countries will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Visa (ETA) to enter Australia. The application process is simple and can usually be completed online. Visit the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs, fill in the application form and pay a small fee, processing time is usually a few hours to a few days.
• Packing your bags
  • Melbourne's climate is variable and it is advisable to pack clothing according to the season. Summer temperatures of 20-30°C are suitable for light clothing and swimwear; fall temperatures are moderate, so jackets are recommended; winter temperatures are cooler, so warmer clothing is required; spring is suitable for outdoor activities, so a light jacket is sufficient.
• Travel insurance
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended to cover unexpected situations such as medical expenses, lost luggage and flight delays. Choose an insurance policy with a wide range of coverage to ensure that you don't have to worry during your trip.
• Local currency
  • The currency in Melbourne is the Australian Dollar (AUD). It is recommended that you exchange a modest amount of cash before you leave and carry an international credit card for purchases in stores and restaurants.
• Mobile phone and data services
  • Purchase a local SIM card or activate an international roaming service to ensure you stay connected during your trip. Many carriers offer prepaid packages suitable for travelers.
• Internet preparation
  • It is recommended to always have a travel esim ready for your trip to Australia, PhoneSIMGo's esim packages are designed for traveling tourists.
• Health and Safety
  • Check your health prior to departure and ensure you have the necessary vaccinations. Find out about Melbourne's medical facilities and emergency contact information in case of emergency.

2. Trip Highlights

• Rich arts and culture
  • Melbourne is known for its rich arts scene, hosting music festivals, art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the works of local and international artists in the city's art galleries and museums.
• Multicultural cuisine
  • Melbourne is a culinary capital with food options from around the world. Whether it's fine dining or street food, visitors will find something to suit their tastes.
• Unique Coffee Culture
  • Melbourne is known for its strong coffee culture, with countless cafes in the city offering great coffee and specialty desserts. Many of the cafes have a unique atmosphere for relaxing and unwinding.
• Fashionable shopping experience
  • Melbourne's vibrant shopping districts offer everything from upmarket fashion brands to independent designer stores for shopping enthusiasts.
• Friendly locals
  • Melbournians are known for their friendliness and warmth, and visitors often feel warmly welcomed into a relaxed social atmosphere here.
• Convenient Transportation System
  • Melbourne has a well-developed public transportation system, offering tram, bus and train services, making it easy for visitors to move freely around the city.
• The perfect blend of city and nature
  • Melbourne combines city life with natural beauty. You can find peaceful parks and beaches in the busy city and enjoy a diverse lifestyle.

3. Transportation

• Arriving by air
  • Choose a flight from your departure point to Melbourne International Airport (Tullamarine Airport). The airport is approximately 22 kilometers from the city center and the drive usually takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
• Airport transportation
  • Upon arrival, you can choose from cabs, shared taxi services (e.g. Uber) or airport buses to the city center. Cabs cost around AUD 60, while buses are relatively cheap for those on a budget.
• Public transportation
  • Melbourne's public transportation is very convenient. You can take trams, buses or trains, and use your Myki Card for cheaper fares, making it easy to travel freely around the city.
• Car rental services
  • If you're looking to explore Melbourne and the surrounding area, you can choose to rent a car at the airport. Make sure you book in advance and know the local traffic rules and parking information.
• Bicycle Travel
  • Melbourne is a great city for cycling, with many areas featuring bike paths and the option of renting a bike for a leisurely ride.
• Walking tours
  • In the city center, many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other. Walking not only gives you a better view of the city, but also allows you to experience the local culture and life.
• Tourist Bus
  • Choose a tour bus service for easy access to major attractions and to learn about local history and culture. Many tour buses offer guided tours to add to the enjoyment of your visit.

4. Food Recommendations

• Melbourne Fish Market
  • As one of the largest seafood markets in the world, it offers fresh seafood and visitors can enjoy oysters, lobsters and other seafood delicacies, definitely a must-visit for seafood lovers.
• Chinatown
  • Melbourne's Chinatown is home to a wide range of Chinese restaurants and Asian cuisines, where you can sample a rich variety of dishes such as authentic Chinese dim sum, Vietnamese river noodles and Thai curries.
• Cafe Culture
  • Melbourne's unique cafes, such as Degraves Street and Alpha Cafe, offer freshly brewed coffee and specialty desserts and are a great place to experience the local coffee culture. A great place to experience the local coffee culture.
• Street Food Markets
  • Melbourne's street food markets, such as Victoria Market, offer a wide range of delicious snacks and international cuisine, making them a great place to sample local and global favorites.
• Fine dining
  • For those looking for a luxury experience, choose a fine dining restaurant such as 'Attica' or 'Vue de Monde', which offers top-notch service and cuisine for a luxurious dining experience.
• Indigenous Culinary Experience
  • Take part in a local Indigenous Gourmet Experience to learn about traditional Indigenous ingredients and cooking styles, and sample unique Indigenous flavors.
• Dessert Shops
  • Melbourne's sweet stores such as 'Brunetti' offer a variety of exquisite desserts and pastries for those with a sweet tooth.

Travel safety and emergencies

• Stay alert
  • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings during your trip. Avoid walking alone in isolated areas.
• Emergency contact numbers
  • Make a note of local emergency contact numbers such as police, fire and medical emergency numbers (emergency number 000 in Australia).
• Medical facilities
  • Find out about Melbourne's medical facilities and make sure you know where the nearest hospitals and emergency centers are located in case of emergency.
• Security of belongings
  • Take care of your personal belongings, especially in crowded places. Try to use anti-theft bags and fanny packs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Follow local laws
  • Know and follow Australian laws and regulations such as smoking, drinking and traffic rules to avoid legal problems caused by ignorance.
• Emergency assistance
  • In the event of an emergency, call the emergency contact number and give your location, stay calm and follow the instructions of the rescuers.

6. Suggested itinerary

• Classic Day Tour
  • Morning: Visit Melbourne Museum to learn about local history and culture.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near Federation Square.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
  • Evening: Watch the sunset and enjoy a beachfront dinner at St. Kilda Beach.
• Family Tour Itinerary
  • Morning: Visit the Melbourne Aquarium and learn about marine life.
  • Lunch: Dine at a nearby restaurant.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Melbourne Science Museum and participate in interactive exhibits.
  • Evening: Enjoy a family dinner in the city center and experience local cuisine.
• Cultural Discovery Itinerary
  • Morning: Visit the Melbourne Arts Center and enjoy the art exhibitions.
  • Noon: Enjoy lunch at a nearby cafe.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Victorian Market and experience the local market culture.
  • Evening: Experience Melbourne's music scene with a live music show.
• Nature Adventure Itinerary
  • Morning: Travel to Phillip Island and visit the Little Penguin rookery.
  • Lunch: Dine at one of the island's restaurants.
  • Afternoon: Visit the island's nature reserves and enjoy the beautiful beaches.
  • Evening: Return to Melbourne and enjoy the local nightlife.
• Gourmet Tour
  • Morning: Fresh seafood breakfast at Melbourne Fish Market.
  • Lunch: Sample Australian specialties at a city center restaurant.
  • Afternoon: Join a food tour and explore hidden restaurants in side streets.
  • Evening: Experience luxury dining with dinner at an upscale restaurant.

7. Description of the vicinity of the attraction

Philip Island

• This island is famous for its nesting little penguins, which can be watched at dusk, as well as its abundance of natural attractions and marine activities. There is also a Koala Conservation Center where you can get up close and personal with the adorable koalas.

Great Ocean Road

• The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's most famous driving routes, with a spectacular coastline and many natural wonders such as the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. This is an unmissable scenic tour for those who enjoy photography and nature.

Yarra Valley

• This is a famous wine region where visitors can visit wineries, taste the excellent local wines and enjoy the peaceful countryside. The beautiful scenery here is also perfect for hiking and cycling.

Grampian National Park

• Located about two hours from Melbourne, this park has magnificent mountains and abundant wildlife, making it perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures. Attractions such as Centaurs and Golden Stream are a hiker's paradise.

Sunshine Coast

• This is an ideal beach resort for swimming, surfing and sunbathing, with many restaurants and shopping nearby. The sandy beaches of the Sunshine Coast are perfect for families and offer a wealth of water activities.

Melbourne Zoo.

• A family-friendly attraction showcasing a variety of animals where visitors can get up close and personal with the animals and learn about conservation and educational information. The zoo's 'Aboriginal Australia Zone' showcases unique native wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas.

Recommended Accommodation

• Downtown Hotels
  • Choose a downtown hotel such as the Melbourne Marriott for easy access to major attractions, comfortable accommodations and excellent service.
• Boutique B&Bs
  • In Melbourne's inner city, many boutique bed and breakfasts offer a unique accommodation experience, such as the Melbourne Art Hotel, for those who prefer personalized service.
• Beach resorts
  • If you love the beach, choose a beachfront resort in St Kilda for a relaxing time on the waterfront.
• Budget hotels
  • For those on a budget, budget hotels such as 'Ibis Melbourne' offer comfortable and cost effective accommodation for short breaks.
• Home Stay Apartments
  • For families, choose a home-from-home apartment, such as 'Melbourne Serviced Apartments', which offers kitchen and laundry facilities for more flexible eating and living arrangements.
• Luxury hotels
  • For those looking for a luxury experience, choose an upscale hotel such as the Banyan Tree Melbourne, offering top-notch service and facilities for a luxurious stay.
• Hostels
  • Backpacker-friendly hostels, such as YHA Melbourne Central, offer affordable accommodation options and social opportunities for younger travelers to meet new people.

9. Cultural context

• Multiculturalism
  • Melbourne is a multicultural city with a unique blend of cultures and customs from around the world.
• Artistic scene
  • Melbourne is renowned for its rich arts scene, with music festivals, art exhibitions and sporting events held throughout the year, providing visitors with a rich cultural experience.
• Sporting culture
  • Australians' love of sport runs deep and Melbourne is a city that hosts a wide range of sporting events such as Aussie soccer, cricket and tennis matches.
• Aboriginal culture
  • Australia has a long history of Aboriginal culture and there are many Aboriginal sites around Melbourne where visitors can gain insight into this unique culture through guided tours.
• Friendly social atmosphere
  • Melbournians are known for their friendliness and warmth, and visitors often feel welcomed and friendly by locals here.
• Gourmet culture
  • Melbourne has a diverse food culture with a mix of Asian, European and local specialties to suit all tastes.
• Festivals and events
  • Melbourne regularly hosts a variety of festivals such as the Melbourne International Film Festival and the Melbourne Music Festival, which attract visitors from all over the world.

10. Local Weather

• Climate in all seasons
  • Melbourne's climate has four distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers and cold, dry winters, making it suitable for different seasonal tourist activities.
• Summer
  • Temperatures in summer (December to February) usually range from 20-30°C and the sun shines brightly, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor adventures.
• Autumn
  • Autumn (March to May) offers pleasant weather and moderate temperatures for sightseeing and a variety of outdoor activities.
• Winter
  • Winter (June to August) is characterized by cooler temperatures, usually between 6 and 14°C, making it suitable for indoor activities such as visiting museums and enjoying art exhibitions.
• Spring
  • Spring (September to November) temperatures warm up for outdoor activities and the parks are beautifully blooming with flowers.

Introduction to Australia travel esim

Ready to travel to Australia? Don't forget to buy PhoneSIMGo's eSIM package! This high-speed internet service designed for travelers ensures you stay connected on the go and avoid high roaming charges. The partnership with Vodafone guarantees your network quality and activation is easy, just scan the QR code and start your adventure with ease!

Melbourne Travel FAQs

1. When is the best time to travel to Melbourne? The best time to travel to Melbourne is during the spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) when the climate is mild enough for outdoor activities.

2. What are the transportation options in Melbourne? Transportation options in Melbourne include trams, trains, buses and cabs. Public transportation is easily accessible with the Myki Card.

3. What are the must-see attractions in Melbourne? Must-see attractions include the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Federation Square, Melbourne Museum, National Gallery of Victoria and Eureka Tower.

4. What are the food and drink recommendations in Melbourne? Melbourne is known for its coffee culture and diverse cuisine. We recommend trying local cafes, fresh ingredients from Melbourne markets and a wide range of international cuisines.

5. How do I get from Melbourne International Airport to the city center? From Melbourne International Airport to the city center you can take a SkyBus (about 30 minutes), cab or shared mobility service.

6. What cultural activities are available in Melbourne? Melbourne has a wealth of cultural events including concerts, art exhibitions, theater performances and festivals such as the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Melbourne International Arts Festival.

7. What is the weather usually like in Melbourne? Melbourne's weather is variable, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C in the summer (December to February) and 6-14°C in the winter (June to August), with heavy rainfall.

   

8. What are some family-friendly activities in Melbourne? Family-friendly activities include visiting the Melbourne Zoo, Science Museum, Family Park and boat tours.

9. What are the accommodation options in Melbourne? There are a variety of accommodation options in Melbourne, from luxury hotels to budget hostels and bed and breakfasts, and it is recommended to choose somewhere close to the city center or major attractions.

10. What are the best places to shop in Melbourne? Great places to shop include Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne Central Mall, Victoria Market and South Melbourne Market.