Luxury Serviced Apartments in Melbourne, Australia

What to know before travelling to Melbourne, Australia?

To get you upto speed before your arrival in Melbourne, here is a quick guide to all things you need to know.

Interesting 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 on the southeastern 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 kilometre. 

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

Melbourne holds a key position in matters about 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.

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 Melbourne Airport, the other prominent one can be found outside Geelong City known as Avalon Airport. The former busiest, Essendon airport is located in the central northwestern region of the city.

Tips for Visiting Melbourne

Often dubbed as the nation’s ‘European Enclave’, the city is full of diverse cultures 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.

What are the iconic places of 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 their 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 a homage to the city's 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 centre that is full of eateries, parks, galleries and bars which welcome everyone.

Places to Eat in Melbourne

Melbournian cuisine works with local produce and indigenous flavours to create a 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 bread and dips. Smoked Argentinean food at San Telmo brings out the flavours 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.

Shopping in Melbourne

Not only the fashion capital of the country but even an important centre 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 freeway 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 to 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 centres, 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 make 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 April and May. By June, the weather in Melbourne starts cooling and turning wetter as August approaches.

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