Australia's cultural capital takes pride in being different from Sydney. Where Sydney has beaches and Harbor Bridge, Melbourne has laneways, live music, and Australia's best food. The city rewards exploration on foot: ducking down alleys to find tiny bars, stumbling upon street art, discovering the Vietnamese restaurant that locals guard jealously. Melbourne's neighborhoods each have distinct personalities. Fitzroy is grungy and artistic, St Kilda is beachy and backpacker-friendly, South Yarra is polished and expensive. The CBD itself hides countless surprises. Flight deals to Melbourne appear regularly, especially from Asian hubs, making this liveable city increasingly accessible.
Best Time to Fly to Melbourne
Peak Season
November through March brings Australian summer with warm weather and major events including the Australian Open (January). December-January is peak domestic holiday season.
Off Season (Best Deals)
June through August is winter with cool, rainy weather but fewer tourists and lower prices. Melbourne's reputation for 'four seasons in one day' applies year-round.
Summer (December to February) brings warm weather at 70-95°F with occasional heat waves. Fall (March to May) is pleasant at 55-70°F. Winter (June to August) is cool and rainy at 45-58°F. Spring (September to November) is variable at 55-70°F.
💡Book 2-3 months ahead for major events. Shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) offer good weather and fewer crowds.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Melbourne
Cheapest Months
June, July, August
Most Expensive
December to January, Australian Open (January), Grand Prix (March)
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Must-Try Foods in Melbourne
Melbourne Coffee
Melbourne takes coffee seriously; it's arguably Australia's best coffee city. Flat whites are the specialty. Third-wave cafes cluster in every neighborhood, each with devoted followings. Patricia, Market Lane, and St Ali are legendary, but random discoveries often satisfy equally.
$4-6
Melbourne Brunch
Brunch culture here rivals any city on Earth. Avocado toast, shakshuka, elaborate egg dishes, and creative combinations fill menus. Top Paddock, Higher Ground, and Kettle Black draw crowds. Weekends mean queues; weekdays offer easier access to the same quality.
$15-30
Multicultural Eats
Melbourne's diversity means excellent food from everywhere: Vietnamese in Richmond, Greek in Oakleigh, Italian on Lygon Street, Ethiopian in Footscray. Eating your way through Melbourne's neighborhoods reveals the city's multicultural heart better than any museum.
$10-25
Top Attractions in Melbourne
Laneway Exploration
Melbourne's laneways hide street art, tiny bars, and excellent restaurants behind unassuming facades. Hosier Lane has the famous street art; Degraves Street has the cafes; Hardware Lane has the restaurants. The joy is wandering without a plan.
Queen Victoria Market
The historic market has operated since 1878. Fresh produce, gourmet food, clothing, and souvenirs fill the sheds. Wednesday evening markets (summer) and night markets add entertainment. Go hungry and graze through food stalls. Closed Mondays and Wednesdays (daytime).
Great Ocean Road Day Trip
The coastal drive to the Twelve Apostles sea stacks is Australia's most scenic road trip. Self-drive allows flexibility; tours handle logistics. Apollo Bay makes a good lunch stop. The full trip takes 8-10 hours from Melbourne. Sunrise or sunset at the Apostles is magical.
Daily Costs in Melbourne
Melbourne is expensive by global standards but offers value compared to Sydney or European cities. Food quality is excellent at every price point. Public transport is efficient. Accommodation is the main budget challenge.
Accommodation (per night, pick one)
Budget
$60-100
Mid-Range
$150-250
Airbnb
$100-180
Food (per day)
Street Meal
$12-20
Restaurant
$25-50
Coffee
$4-6
Transport
Local Transport
$4-8/ride
Comfortable Daily Budget
(excluding flights)
$120-200
Getting Around Melbourne
From the Airport
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport is 25km from the CBD. SkyBus runs 24/7 to Southern Cross Station ($20, 30-40 minutes). Uber/taxis cost $50-70 depending on traffic and time.
Getting Around
Melbourne's tram network is extensive and free in the CBD (Free Tram Zone). Buy a Myki card for travel beyond the free zone. Walking the CBD and inner suburbs is pleasant. Uber and taxis are readily available. Driving in the CBD is unnecessary and frustrating.
Tips
- •Get a Myki card immediately for tram and train travel outside the Free Tram Zone.
- •Trams in the CBD are free. The Free Tram Zone covers the city center; look for signs.
Where to Stay in Melbourne
CBD / Southbank
Central Melbourne puts you within walking distance of laneways, Federation Square, and Southbank's riverside dining. Free trams connect everything in the center. Hotels are expensive but convenient. Many visitors never need to leave the inner city.
Fitzroy / Collingwood
The bohemian inner north has Melbourne's best bar scene, from dive bars to cocktail lounges to live music venues. Brunswick Street and Smith Street anchor the action. Street art, vintage shops, and excellent restaurants fill the surrounding blocks.
St Kilda
The beachside suburb has a seaside promenade, Luna Park, and a backpacker-friendly vibe. The Sunday market on the Esplanade is popular. It's slightly removed from the CBD but accessible by tram. The sunset views from the pier are worthwhile.
Smart Travel Tips for Melbourne
FAQs About Flights to Melbourne
Melbourne is expensive by global standards. Meals cost $15-50, coffee $4-6, and hotels $150-250. Free trams help with transport costs. Budget $120-180 daily for comfortable travel. Australia's minimum wage means service is included in prices.
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