Luxury Serviced Apartments in Melbourne, Australia

 Facts About Melbourne

Post its European establishment in 1835, the city of Melbourne has consistently drawn migrants from several nationalities to establish their settlements, thereby leading to the exponential economic and cultural growth of the area, blossoming into the vibrant, melting pot it is today. Located at the south eastern coast of Port Phillip Bay, the heart of the city is run over by an extensive metropolitan culture. 

• Home to more than 1 million people, it is only behind Sydney in terms of population.

• Its tramway system is the fourth largest in the world and holds the top position outside Europe. 

• The city is the world’s official fox capital home to 6 to 23 foxes in urban areas for each square kilometer. 

• Historically Melbourne was to be named after one of its founders John Batman, as ‘Batmania’.  

Melbourne holds a key position in matters pertaining to the state of Victoria. It is the financial center and the seat of the government drawing businessmen and bureaucrats alike to attend to matters of finance and commerce.

In 2019 alone the economy of the city accounted for 40% of the country’s total growth, with the GDP nearing $369 billion; making a 4% increase for the city and a 1.9% increase for the country. 

The vibrant and upbeat vibe of the city can be felt as soon as you exit the Melbourne airport which is colloquially known as the Tullamarine. The primary airport in the city is also the second busiest in the country.

Apart from the Melbourne airport, the other prominent one can be found outside Geelong city known as Avalon airport. The former busiest, Essendon airport is located towards the central north western region of the city. 

Cost of Living

Aligned with its modern standards of living, visiting or long term lodging in Melbourne is financially indulgent. Monthly rent for long term accommodation simmers around AUS$2000 plus utility expenditure. Alternatives such as serviced apartments can provide better deals, particularly for long term accommodation. This makes TheSqua.re’s extensive portfolio of serviced apartments an ideal place to start. 

Traveling through parts of the city via busses, trams or trains can incur a monthly expenditure of around AUS$150. The choices in dining out, watching a movie or personal care are extensively catered to diverse financial needs. Planning ahead is always a good idea.

Tips for Visiting Melbourne

Often dubbed as the nation’s ‘European Enclave’, the city if full of diverse culture which makes it important to know how to navigate through the many streets, cuisines, markets and people. A general set of tips can make your trip smoother: 

• Buy the Myki card.
• Make sure to carry clothing for all four seasons.
• Walk to explore hidden gems.
• Explore your love for coffee.
• Don’t be shy to discover new parts of the city. 
• The boutique culture makes it such that shopping is best enjoyed early.
• Visit the free galleries and museums.
• Currency exchange booths are found in abundance and are mostly fair.
• Taxis can get expensive during peak rush hour. 

Things to Do in Melbourne

The cosmopolitan Melbournian culture offers a wide range of activities to indulge in. From great food, immersive architecture, chic fashion to urban heritage, you are spoilt for choice. 

Q. What are some relaxing things to do in Melbourne?

With an abundance of sights to choose from a great way to get acquainted with the city is to head towards the sprawling city center. En route, there is a lot of street art that will capture your attention with its vibrant designs and bold patterns. Follow the lanes through tinsel town towards the botanical gardens which are a green oasis of tranquility and serenity. The stunning views account for postcard-like pictures.

Q. What are the free things to do in Melbourne?

A great opportunity to dwell into the roots of the city is by visiting its many free museums, libraries and bustling markets. Arts galleries such as The National Gallery of Victoria have the capacity to exhibit more than 73,000 pieces of stunning art. Furthermore, several city corners turn into their own art exhibitions with decorated sculptures scattered around parts of the city. 

Q. What are things to do in Melbourne at night?

The city has a vibrant live music circuit and a pulsating nightlife which can be explored by visiting the many pubs, bars, restaurants and lounges. With local and international musicians frequently dropping in, this is the chance for most people to catch their favorite rock musicians live. You could even beat the crowd and head to the beach to catch the sunset at St. Kilda. 

Q. What are some fun active things to do in Melbourne?

The average Melbournian is outdoorsy and full of energy, which has led to a tradition of outdoor life. Indulging in water sports at the St. Kilda is a common sight as is getting the occasional glimpse of little penguins in isolated corners of the beaches. Towards the outskirts of the city, adrenaline seekers and nature lovers could visit the Dandenong mountain ranges. Ride a bike, hike, bird watch or even plan a romantic getaway at these mountains. 

Places to Visit in Melbourne

The city has a year-round travel appeal that equates to visitors being present all through. No matter the weather and time of year, there is something for everybody. 

• Melbourne Zoo - Native, exotic wildlife and lush animal habitats at its finest. 

• Eureka Tower - Climb atop the Eureka Skydeck for unparalleled panoramic shots of the city.

• Australian Center for the Moving Image - The exclusive national museum of the country commemorates art, digital culture, video games and film.

• St. Paul’s Cathedral - This baroque, gothic style building is an homage to the cities religious grassroots.

• Melbourne Star Observational Wheel - This 30 minute Ferris wheel ride allows passengers a great chance to photograph the city from panoramic angles and perspectives. 

• Shrine of Remembrance - Built as a sight of tribute for Victorians who had served the country during WW1.

• Federation Square - Completed in 2002, this nuanced minimalistic piece of architecture incorporates deconstructive elements to create a trilogy of unique public spaces.

• Royal Exhibition Building - Host of the annual Melbourne international exhibition, there are regular festivals for locals to immerse in.

• City Circle Tram - Hop on and off vintage tram models as you explore parts of the city, for free.

• Abbotsford Convent - This contemporary village is a multi-facility social arts center that is full with eateries, parks, galleries and bars which welcome everyone.

Places to Eat in Melbourne

Melbournian cuisine works with local produce and indigenous flavors to create stark, bold and adventurous palate. Innovation, science and vibrancy have led the city to become a forerunner in Australian cuisine. 

Heading to the CBD comes with the opportunity to explore such culinary delights, amidst unmarked stairs, down graffiti jazzed lanes and on glittering rooftops. Look for Tipo 00 for Italian cravings and get served the most authentic ribbon-like pasta; explore Mediterranean palates at Bar Lourinhã along with great vegetarian options. Excelling in Middle Eastern cuisine, Bar Saracen makes the most authentic pita breads and dips. Smoked Argentinean food at San Telmo brings out the flavors of South America.  

For dining around the beach at St Kilda, a popular spot is Stokehouse which provides regionally cooked seafood whose menu varies as per the season. Donovans is another beachside classic that offers picturesque views as you chow down. Towards South Yarra, a variety of native Australian meals can be tried at Da Noi, and fine Australian dining can be enjoyed at Matilda. 

Street Food in Melbourne

The bustling street food culture across the city has made compromising on flavor obsolete. The several convoys of food trucks and legions of street markets make it so that you can enjoy fine dining as you stroll through the graffiti-laden streets.

The sheer diversity in food across several local markets and vendors will leave anybody spoilt for choice. Options in Melbourne include Butcher’s Diner, Dodee Paidang, Miznon and ShanDong MaMa. Closer to Footscray you can explore Slice Shop for pizza, Roman’s Original for bistro cuisine or Issan Thai Street Food for piping Thai curry. 

Shopping in Melbourne

Not only the fashion capital of the country but even an important center for fashion across the globe; the city of Melbourne is extremely fashion-forward, often setting trends for the rest of the country to follow. Destinations such as the Chadstone Shopping Complex harmonically blend the tradition of shopping arcades with modern multi-level shopping complexes. Bridge Road in Richmond, Block Arcade and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy are also great spots to find the trendiest clothing and accessories.  Other notable shopping areas in Melbourne include the following:

• Chapel Street

• Queen Victoria Market 

• St. Collins Lane

• Melbourne Central

• Flinders Lane

• Melbourne GPO

• Toorak Road

Transportation in Melbourne

There are several transit options in and around the city including busses, trams, trains, taxis and even riverboats. A free way to move around the city is to opt for the tram network. Access the free tram zone map and obtain your myki card which gives you entry at the free tram zones.

The city circle tram offers a free guided tour of the city with commentary along with several points of interest. The metro trains of the city operate between flinders Street station and along the edge of the suburbs. The underground network covers all the important stations in the central business district including:

• Parliament Street

• Flinders Street

• Southern Cross Station

• Melbourne Central

• Flagstaff

Busses also operate along the length of the city covering all major hubs such as the shopping centers, sports venues, eateries and architectural landmarks. A trio of ferries operates in certain areas shuttling passengers through the day.

Weather in Melbourne

The city has different climatic conditions year-round which makes it important to research and plan an itinerary. December to February is marked by sweltering heat which can reach as hot as 27 degrees Celsius.

At this time outdoor festivals and summer swims are a common sight. Through autumn both food and fashion festivals are organized city-wide all through the months of April and May. By June, the weather in Melbourne starts cooling and turns wetter as August approaches.

This is a great time to travel since fares and tariffs are heavily discounted. Spring season in October sees a revival of festivities and outdoor sports. At this time of the year, vineyard tours are also common.