Why should you visit Melbourne? Think about exploring vibrant laneways adorned with colorful street art, immersing yourself in cricket fervor at iconic venues like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and sipping artisanal coffee in cafes. These are just a few notable things that Melbourne offers. From the bohemian vibes of Fitzroy suburb to the chic sophistication of South Yarra, Melbourne is a city of diverse neighborhoods bursting with personality. The city loves its coffee with a passion, and places like Queen Victoria Market will make sure your taste buds are satisfied. With its infectious energy and endless experiences, Melbourne promises adventure, fun, and a fulfilling vacation at every turn.
Melbourne is one of the most popular cities in Australia that welcomes millions of travelers every year. So, if you are planning to visit this iconic city, our Melbourne trip planner is here to help you plan the vacation of your dreams.
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Why Travel to Melbourne?
Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. However, it isn’t just a city; it’s a living masterpiece of art, culture, sport, and culinary delights. From the glamorous Hosier Lane, surrounded by vibrant murals and trendy restaurants, to top-tier music and film festivals, the city has something for everyone.
But Melbourne isn’t just about what meets the eye. It’s also about the experiences that linger in your memory long after you’ve left. It’s about the exhilaration as you cheer on your favorite team on the Boxing Day Test or the surreal feeling you get while dancing during the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
And let’s not forget about the food – oh, the scrumptious food of Melbourne! Melbourne is a culinary paradise where you can find all kinds of cuisines and delights. Whether you want to sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine or try freshly baked pastries at local stalls at the Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne offers the best of everything. The nightlife is also fantastic here!
So why travel to Melbourne? Simply because it’s a unique metropolis that embraces diversity, creativity, and innovation at every nook and cranny. You will get a feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself. Isn’t it the best reason to book your flight tickets ASAP?
Fun Facts About Melbourne
Before getting started with your Melbourne trip planner, here are some exciting and fun facts about Melbourne that every tourist should know about.
- Melbourne is Australia’s Sporting Capital. The city lives and breathes sports. It hosts several major sports events like the Australian Open Tennis Championships, the Boxing Day Test Match, the Melbourne Cup horse race, and the Formula One Australian Grand Prix.
- Melbourne was founded by John Batman. The city was almost named Batmania to honor the name of its founder.
- Melbourne is renowned for its thriving coffee culture. The city has countless cafes serving up some of the finest brews in the world. In fact, Melbourne imports 30 tonnes of coffee beans per day. This is enough to make 3 million cups of coffee daily!
- Melbourne is known for its unpredictable weather conditions. In fact, it is said that the city experiences “four seasons in one day.”
- Melbourne is known as the Fox Capital of the World. You can find anywhere between 6 to 23 foxes per square kilometer in Melbourne.
Brief History of Melbourne
Melbourne was founded in 1835 by John Batman and a group of settlers from Tasmania. Back then, Melbourne used to be a very small settlement and not a vibrant metropolis like today. Originally, it was decided that the settlement would be named Batmanina – after its founding father.
However, on April 10, 1837, Governor Richard Bourke announced that the settlement would be named after the then-British Prime Minister William Lamb. He was also known as Lord Melbourne, and hence, the settlement came to be known as Melbourne.
During the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s, Melbourne started growing at a rapid pace. The discovery of payable gold in the Ballarat and Bendigo regions started attracting thousands of immigrants to Melbourne. This gradually transformed it into a prosperous and diverse city.
By the end of the 19th century, Melbourne was Australia’s biggest and most significant urban center. It even became the capital of the newly formed state of Victoria. Throughout the 20th century, the city continued to flourish, blooming into a vibrant hub for culture, commerce, and education.
Top Things to Do in Melbourne
When making your Melbourne trip planner, make sure to include the following things to do in Melbourne:
1. Explore the Iconic Laneways
Thanks to Melbourne’s geometric grid design, Melbourne is home to countless laneways along with larger streets. These laneways have several hidden gems like cozy bookstores, lively bars, homey coffee shops, and more.
You can wander through the popular Hosier Lane, which is always adorned with ever-changing street art. Choose the AC/DC Lane that’s named after the legendary Aussie rock band AC/DC. Along with the fantastic rock music vibes, you will find several charming boutiques and trendy bars tucked away in these narrow alleys.
If you want to check out some energetic street performances, head to Centre Place. It has several popular “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants as well.
2. Spend Time with Art
Melbourne has one of the most beautiful art scenes in the entire Australia. It proudly showcases world-class galleries and theaters, making it a paradise for art lovers. You can check out the National Gallery of Victoria to admire its extensive Australian and international art collection, including works by renowned artists such as Picasso and Warhol.
Australia is also popular for its orchestras, operas, ballets, and other performances. You can catch a show at the Arts Centre Melbourne, which has the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Ballet. In case you are a fan of classical music, make sure to include the Melbourne Recital Centre in your things to do in Melbourne list.
Don’t miss the vibrant street art scene in Fitzroy, where you can see several alleys decorated with colorful murals and graffiti. The pictures will be truly Instagram-worthy!
3. Be Part of the Unmatched Sporting Fever
The people of Melbourne are incredibly passionate about sports. Whether it’s football or cricket, you will find sports lovers, events, and facilities throughout the city. Thus, no Melbourne trip planner is complete without attending a live sporting event.
You can head to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), also known as the “G,” to witness cricket matches. It is also the home ground of legendary cricketer Shane Warne. The stadium also hosts several Australian Rules football games as well as major events like the AFL Grand Final. You can even book an MCG tour to get a glimpse of some behind-the-scenes activities, locker rooms, media centers, and more.
In case you love tennis, a Melbourne trip won’t disappoint you either. The Australian Open at Melbourne Park is a must-see for tennis lovers. It attracts several top players from around the world every January.
The Best Time to Visit Melbourne
Deciding the right time to visit Melbourne is an important part of your Melbourne trip planner. Since Melbourne experiences a temperate oceanic climate, the summers are quite hot, and the winters are pretty cool. Thus, the best time to visit Melbourne is during the shoulder seasons of autumn (including March to early May) and spring (including September to November).
During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant. So, you will have a more comfortable traveling experience than the peak summer or winter season.
If you plan your trip between these months, you can also be a part of some popular local festivals and sporting events. For example, the world-famous Melbourne International Comedy Festival occurs between March and April. Similarly, the Melbourne Cup Carnival is held in November. Including such events in your Melbourne trip planner is an excellent way to understand the city’s culture.
What Do You Need to Do Before Traveling to Melbourne
The quality of your trip often depends on how well you plan and prepare for it. So, to ensure you have the best time, make sure to do the following things before leaving for Melbourne:
- Check Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa before traveling to Australia. To learn more about the visa requirements, eligibility, and application process, check the official website of the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs to determine your visa eligibility and application process.
- Arrange Travel Insurance: Reliable travel insurance is an important part of Melbourne trip planner. Make sure you have good travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and loss of belongings.
- Plan Your Melbourne itinerary: Research and carefully plan your Melbourne itinerary based on your interests, preferences, and time constraints. Make reservations for accommodations, tours, and attractions in advance to avoid last-minute confusion. You can use the Travel-Wise AI itinerary generator to make the best Melbourne itinerary easily.
- Currency Exchange: Melbourne’s official currency is the Australian dollar (AUD). While most places accept credit cards and other digital payment options, it’s always handy to have cash in local currency for small purchases and transportation.
- Pack Accordingly: Lastly, pack appropriate clothing for Melbourne’s variable weather, including layers for temperature fluctuations and waterproof gear for rain. Don’t forget to include essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and any specific medications or toiletries in your Melbourne trip planner.
What to expect from the culture of Melbourne
Etiquette
- Melbourne has a laid-back and friendly atmosphere. The city is quite diverse, so you can expect locals to be welcoming, open-minded, and approachable.
- As far as general etiquettes go, when interacting with Melburnians, maintain eye contact, offer a friendly smile, and use polite language.
- Lastly, Australia doesn’t have an obligatory tipping culture. So, you are not bound to tip, but it’s appreciated for exceptional service.
History
As discussed above, Melbourne’s history and rich culture are shaped by its indigenous roots, Tasmanian settlers, and high rate of immigration fueled by the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s. The city was a center of trade and commerce. Even today, it remains a vibrant metropolis with a focus on business, innovation, and growth.
When you travel to Melbourne, you will be able to see that the city’s architecture reflects its colonial past. The grand Victorian-era buildings are juxtaposed against modern skyscrapers, and countless laneways blend with large streets of contemporary designs. All this tells the tale of its colonial past and history.
Is it Safe to Solo Travel to Melbourne?
Melbourne is considered a pretty safe place for travelers, including solo travelers. It has an impressive overall safety rating of 80%. So visitors can explore its streets with a sense of security. Melbourne is also one of the top ten destinations for female solo travelers.
While the city is generally safe, here are some general safety tips you must consider for your Melbourne trip planner:
- The chances of mugging and theft are pretty low. However, travelers are still advised to stay vigilant and take care of their belongings.
- Melbourne’s public transport system, including trains, trams, and buses, is generally safe and reliable. However, make sure to stick to well-lit and busy areas, especially when traveling alone at night.
- Ensure you have all the emergency contact numbers in case something goes wrong and you need assistance. Australia has a well-established emergency response system, including police, fire, and ambulance services, which can be reached by dialing 000 in case of emergencies.
Best Ways to Get to and Around Melbourne
Being the second-most populated city in Australia, Melbourne has a superb transportation network. Thus, getting around the city becomes a breeze. However, here are some essential things about getting around in the city you should note in your Melbourne trip planner:
If you are arriving by air, the Melbourne Airport, also called the Tullamarine by the locals, will serve as your primary gateway. It offers both domestic and international flights.
Upon arriving, navigating Melbourne is made easy with its extensive public transport system operated by Public Transport Victoria (PTV). The city has a fantastic network of trains, trams, and buses, providing convenient access to key destinations. Flinders Street Station is the central hub for train travel. You can also explore the city using Melbourne’s iconic trams.
Budget for Melbourne
Budget is an integral part of your Melbourne trip planner. A week’s trip to Melbourne will cost around $2500 (AU$3838) for two people. This includes accommodation, traveling, food, etc. If traveling solo, expect to spend anywhere between $177 to $200 per person per day.
Conclusion
So, that’s all about our Melbourne trip planner. If you need more help planning your trip to Melbourne, consider checking out Travel-Wise! We already have a comprehensive Australia trip planner that will give you an idea about how we can help you plan your dream vacation.
Make sure to check out our AI itinerary generator to generate an effective and quick Melbourne trip itinerary. You can also use Travel-Wise as your travel journal app to record your experiences and memories!