Is Melbourne worth visiting? Is Melbourne expensive? And all the important facts

Are you planning a trip to Australia and wondering, is Melbourne worth visiting? In this guide we go through absolutely everything you need to know before you go. This includes, answering the important questions like is Melbourne expensive, is Melbourne safe, and what is there to do in Melbourne.

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Some Background

Before we answer the question, is Melbourne worth visiting here is a little bit of background.

Melbourne is located in the south eastern part of Australia. It is located in the State of Victoria, and is the third biggest city in the country. The largest is Melbourne, and the 3rd biggest is Brisbane.

Melbourne is famous for its cooler climates, compared to places like Sydney or Brisbane, and it’s thriving art scene. Often referred to as the Australian capital of culture, Melbourne is a hub for food, drink, and the arts.

Is Melbourne expensive?

One question we hear a lot tends to be is Melbourne expensive? The honest answer is yes. Melbourne can be a quite expensive city, particularly when you compare it with US or European standards. It’s also one of the more expensive cities in Australia, alongside Sydney.

If you are staying for a week, we would recommend budgeting somewhere between $1200 – $1400 per person. This will include food, drink, attractions, and transport. You can obviously do things way cheaper depending on your travel style.

We found that food and drink costs in Melbourne were a lot higher than other Australian cities like Brisbane for example.

Accommodation is also pretty expensive especially if you are looking for something centrally located. We ended up finding a really good deal on a 4 star hotel which cost an average of $170 per night. This was during off season though, and we did book well in advance. During peak times you would expect to pay about $250 for the same room.

Do I need cash in Melbourne?

Most places in Melbourne will accept Mastercard and Visa for payments. It’s often referred to as an EFTPOS payment. Limited places accept American Express so you should ask before ordering etc.

We do recommend having a bit of cash as some smaller shops will ask for cash payment only. This is especially the case if you are making a small purchase with some shops asking for a $5/$10 minimum spend for card payments.

What language do they speak in Melbourne?

Melbourne like the rest of Australia speak English as the main language. It is a very multicultural city and you may meet other speaking different languages but the official language is English, and you will find it difficult to get by if you don’t speak it.

Is Melbourne easy to get to?

Australia is a huge country, and the main cities are incredibly spread out. For that reason your trip to Melbourne is probably going to start at Melbourne Airport.

There are a few airports in the city, but the main one is Melbourne Airport. The majority of domestic and all international flights will land here. The airport is about 23km away from the city centre, and you have a number of options for getting here.

The SkyBus is the cheapest option. For $20 for an adult ticket, you can be in central Melbourne in 20 minutes. Buses leave every 15 minutes and run between 4am – 1am. The bus stops at Southern Cross Station in the city centre and you will still need to make you way to your accommodation from here.

If you are in a rush, or have lots of luggage your other option is to get an Uber. This costs about $50 – $60 and on the plus side you can go straight to your hotel.

How long should I spend in Melbourne?

We think 3 days in Melbourne is a good amount of time to visit the city. You will be able to see a lot of the main attractions, and explore the food and drink scene too. If you are wanting to visit galleries or delve a little deeper into some of the neighbourhoods/ suburbs you will probably need at least 5 days.

Is Melbourne safe?

Melbourne is a relatively safe city, particularly in comparison to some US or European spots. Crime rates are lower than other parts of the world, which is good news if you are planning to visit.

Tourists don’t usually have major issues when visiting Melbourne, particularly if you are sticking to the touristy areas or the CBD. There are some neighbourhoods that are best avoided so do your research before visiting.

There is a fair bit of homelessness in Melbourne’s CBD as well. Whilst this may feel intimidating, you shouldn’t have any major issues.

Is Melbourne worth visiting compared to other Australian cities?

If you are wondering is Melbourne worth visiting compared to other Australian cities here is a guide to Brisbane vs Melbourne and Melbourne vs Sydney that might help you decide.

We think Melbourne is very much worth visiting. It’s got a very different feel to places like Sydney or Brisbane. Melbourne is great for cultural activities and culinary delights. If that is your thing Melbourne is definitely for you.

Can I use public transport in Melbourne?

Melbourne is a really easy city to get around. When we visited we found that we either walked or got the tram. And the best thing about getting the tram is that they are completely free in the city centre zone. There is an announcement that tells you when it is no longer free, and at this point you need to tap your card.

If you find yourself travelling out of the city centre, then you will need to purchase a Myki Card. It’s essentially a pass which is the size of a credit card that you can top up throughout your time in Melbourne.

You can purchase and top the cards up at selected stores across Melbourne, but the easiest is to find a 7/11 or a newsagent. The card costs $6 and then any additional credit can be added on top.

What is there to do in Melbourne

Here are some of the best things to do in Melbourne, to give you a bit of inspiration for your visit.

Shop the City Centre

If you love shopping the Melbourne city centre is the place to be. There are a number of large malls where you can spend your money, and Bourke Street is especially a shoppers favourite.

Admire the Block Arcade

If you find yourself shopping in the Melbourne city centre like the above suggestion, then we highly recommend taking the time to visit the Block Arcade. It is a heritage shopping arcade, which opened in 1892, and there are some really quirky luxury boutiques, to stroll through.

See Flinders Street Station

Flinders Street Station is not only is it the busiest suburban railway station in Australia but it’s an architectural wonder. It is by far one of Melbourne’s most recognisable landmarks with its copper green dome and distinctive yellow archways and facade.

You definitely have to visit and get some photos of this iconic part of the city.

Hit the beach at St Kilda

St Kilda is a great option for beach lovers. This seaside neighbourhood is full of historic buildings, cafes, beaches, and a pretty rocking nightlife too.

Have fun at Luna Park

Luna Park is an iconic amusement park, located near the beach at St Kilda. It was built in 1912, and is still incredibly popular today. You will know you are in the right place when you come across the iconic clown like face at the entrance (apparently his name is Mr Moon).

Explore the Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market is the largest open air market in the southern hemisphere. It covers a grand total of 7 hectares, and was built in the 19th Century. It is now a historic landmark and it tends to attract a lot of tourists. But it is also popular with locals, who come to buy fresh produce and other bits.

Check out the street art

Street art in Melbourne is a pretty big deal, so do make sure you check it out, particularly in the CBD. Hosier Lane, is one of the more famous places to go to admire the street art. If you want to explore a bit more then you can also book guided tours in advance.

Relax at the Botanical Gardens

Most cities in Australia have botanical gardens, but there is something a little extra special about the gardens in Melbourne. You can go for a bit of a wander around before settling in at one of the cafes for a well earned treat afterwards.

The gardens cover a whopping 38 hectares, and include a lot of tranquil walks by the lake, and through the fern gully to name but a few.

Enjoy the views at the Eureka Skydeck

If you enjoy seeing cities from a height, then we recommend a visit to the Eureka Skydeck. Located on the 88th floor of Eureka Tower, the Skydeck offers you a panoramic view of Melbourne.

The Skydeck is located in the Southbank area of Melbourne, and is the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck. It is well worth doing for the photo opportunities alone.

It is recommended that you book your tickets in advance as lines can get very long.

Visit the MCG

Sport is a pretty big deal in Melbourne, and the MCG or the Melbourne Cricket Ground is one of the most important sporting stadiums in the city.

For starters it is one of the largest stadiums in the world with a capacity of 100,000. It’s not just cricket that is played here, with it also hosting Rugby matches among other things. Sports fans can book tours in advance.

Is Melbourne worth visiting for solo travellers?

If you are travelling solo Melbourne is a great place to visit. It’s safe, and it’s easy to navigate. But on top of that there are so many interesting things to do. And if you get tired of travelling by yourself you can do a group tour and meet some fellow travellers.

Is Melbourne worth visiting for couples?

We visited Melbourne as a couple and think that it is a great place to go for a romantic break. You have places like Luna Park where you can spend a carefree day together, or even lounge at one of the beaches.

Also it is worth noting that date nights couldn’t be easier as you have so much incredible choice when it comes to food and drink in the city.

Is Melbourne worth visiting for families?

If you are planning to visit Melbourne with kids, you might be wondering is Melbourne worth visiting for a family trip. We think it’s an excellent option. Not only is it a safe city, but it is also easy to get around.

There is so much to see and do as well. You have these amazing museums and galleries ready to be explored. Or you can do some of the more touristy things like enjoy one of the interactive experiences at the top of the Melbourne Skydeck.

Let’s not forget Luna Park either. It’s the perfect place to go with kids. There are a number of rides, and it’s very close to the beach. You can pretty much make a day of it and create some fantastic family memories.

Is Melbourne worth visiting for foodies?

Melbourne is honestly a foodies dream. You have everything from fancy nibbles and seafood at places like the Pearl Chablis and Oyster Bar in the CBD. Or Gimlet, for oysters and caviar paired with incredible wine. And these are only two places in the culinary delight that is Melbourne.

The good thing is that you don’t need to spend a fortune though for decent food in the city. In fact one of our favourite things about Melbourne is the brunch scene. We especially recommend Higher Ground, which is honestly one of the best brunches we have ever had. The food is incredible. The ricotta pancakes are unbelievable, as is the crab eggs benedict. It’s one of those places that actually does live up to the hype so definitely give it a go.

Coffee culture is another huge thing in Melbourne. Make sure you visit one of the fantastic independent coffee shops dotted around the city, and nab yourself a tasty flat white.

Is Melbourne worth visiting for the nightlife?

Melbourne is very much worth visiting if you are into your nightlife. You’ve got chilled out dive style bars, fancy cocktail spots, clubs, and so much more.

It is fair to say that Melbournians take their nightlife very seriously. And with the warm weather outdoor drinking in beer gardens or rooftops are a big deal.

Music is also a big deal in Melbourne, with lots of incredible venues hosting amazing gigs and club nights.

No matter what your budget or your nightlife style you will find something to enjoy in Melbourne.

Is Melbourne worth visiting for culture lovers?

Melbourne is often refered to as the Australian capital of culture. It is a very vibrant and multicultural city. These international influences can very much be seen in the food and art that Melbourne showcases.

A lot of creatives tend to flock here, and if you are into arts, design, fashion, live music, or the theatre you absolutely need to visit Melbourne.

Is Melbourne worth visiting in the summer?

Summer is of course peak travel season in Melbourne. This falls in December – February and also coincides with school holidays which are usually in December and January.

Because it is peak season accommodation costs can be high, so book well in advance. You are also more likely to encounter crowds at the main tourist spots.

The temperature ranges from 20-27 degrees Celsius. But honestly it can be really unpredictable. We visited in January and on one day I was wearing a cardigan because I was cold. Two days later it hit 38 degrees Celsius.

The good thing with Melbourne is that there are beaches close by that you can visit to cool down. Also a lot of bars have sprinklers spraying a fine mist of water over you if you happen to be sitting outside.

Is Melbourne worth visiting in the winter?

Winters in Melbourne can feel slightly European and a massive contrast to places like Brisbane for example. Temperatures range on average between 7 and 16 degrees Celsius. It’s also pretty rainy at this time of year.

You will need a jacket or coat particularly at night, and umbrellas are also a must. Tourist numbers tend to drop in winter, but this is a great time to explore some of the museums, or get cosy in a trendy Melbourne bar.

What to pack when visiting Melbourne?

Melbourne is certainly unpredictable when it comes to weather. For that reason you should have a good think about what you need to pack. Here are some must haves to get your started.

• Jacket and warm clothes for the winter months
• Suncream, hat, sunglasses for the summer months
• A light cardigan (even for the summer months)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Umbrella (the weather can turn quite quickly in Melbourne)

What should I know before visiting Melbourne?

Here are some final tips before booking your trip to Melbourne.

• Book your accommodation well in advance
• Take advantage of the free city centre trams
• Melbourne is known as the sporting capital of Australia, if you aren’t there to watch sport though check for any big matches/ games in advance as accommodation gets expensive due to the high demand
• Melbourne also gets crowded over school holidays so check before booking at these times
• Don’t just stick to the city centre, the real charm of Melbourne lies in the different neighbourhoods

So Is Melbourne worth visiting?

Hopefully you have now answered the question is Melbourne worth visiting. And hopefully that answer is yes.

Melbourne is a really beautiful Australian city. The people are friendly, and there is so much to see and do. But the best thing about Melbourne in our opinion is the incredibly food and drink scene. It’s possibly the best in the country, and we highly recommend you give it a go.

The city is also the cultural capital of Australia, so if you love museums, art, and experiencing different cultures Melbourne is very much the place for you.

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Happy Travels!