Melbourne holidays

How to reach Melbourne

• Flight time: Flights to Melbourne from London take around 21 to 23 hours. There are no direct connections so there’s always a stopover, typically at Dubai, Singapore or Doha.

• Transfer time: From the airport you can reach the city centre in approximately 25 to 30 minutes by car or taxi. The SkyBus service, running every 10 minutes, will take you to the heart of the city in about 20 minutes.

• Price: The SkyBus ticket fares start at AUD19.95 one-way. If you take a taxi, you’ll have to part with around AUD55–AUD65 for a trip to central Melbourne or around AUD45 if you choose rideshare services.

Best time to visit Melbourne

Melbourne lies in the temperate climate zone, so it’s pleasant to visit any time of the year. Nailing the perfect time to arrive in the city will largely depend on your expectations.

• March to May is regarded as the autumn season in Melbourne with temperatures ranging between 12°C and 25°C. It’s the best time to sit at one of the city’s cafés or take a walk around the Royal Botanic Gardens.

• June to August are winter months in Melbourne but it’s never freezing, with average temperatures between 6°C and 15°C and still around 4 to 6 hours of sunshine every day. If you’re into indoor attractions like museums and galleries, do come at this time of the year.

• September to November brings spring to the city, offering pleasant temperatures between 12°C and 22°C, with up to 9 hours of daylight. Whether you want to do some sightseeing, take long strolls in one of Melbourne’s parks or engage in sporting activities, this is your time to visit.

• December to February brings summer in Melbourne. Temperatures are pretty high and range from 20°C to 30°C, with plenty of sunshine (8 to 11 hours daily) and little rain (around 30 to 50mm). It’s the perfect time to come for families with children fond of beach trips and outdoor activities, and for tourists interested in participating in day trips in the area.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the official language in Melbourne, but it’s not a rare thing to hear many other languages, such as Italian, Greek or Mandarin.

• Local habits and customs: Melburnians are usually laid-back and friendly people, and will be happy to help you with directions or advice. A tip of around 10 percent will always be appreciated at restaurants.

• Currency: The local currency is the Australian Dollar. Major credit cards are widely accepted while ATMs are readily available across the city.

• Getting around: The city boasts an excellent public transport system, with trams, trains and buses available. Trams in the city’s Central Business District are free, but for any other journey you’ll need a Myki card (AUD6). You may top it up as needed, for example a 2-hour zone 1 fare will set you back AUD4.60.

• Electricity and plug types: The supply voltage in Melbourne is 230V and the Australian three-pin socket plug type is used so UK nationals need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Melbourne uses Australian Eastern Standard Time, which is GMT+10.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authority visa to enter Australia, which can be applied for online and costs around AUD20.

Local dishes in Melbourne

Melbourne is definitely a place for gourmets, so during your Melbourne holidays don’t think twice and dive into the city’s diverse culinary scene.

Some typical dishes

• Meat Pies: This flaky pastry filled with rich gravy and minced beef or lamb is an ideal snack, not only during sports events.

• Chicken Parmigiana: A breaded chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, ham and melted cheese is one of the local favourites and a classic pub staple.

Tapas dishes

• Small Plates of Seafood: Melbourne’s tapas bars offer a wealth of mouthwatering seafood dishes, from grilled calamari to fresh oysters. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

Meat dishes

• Barbecue Ribs: Many local eateries in Melbourne serve slow-cooked ribs smothered in tangy sauce. Simple but delicious!

• Lamb Roast: After a day fully packed with sightseeing, order a lamb roast which is tender meat served with roast potatoes, vegetables and gravy.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Barramundi: Grilled or pan-seared, this iconic Australian fish is often served up accompanied with a fresh salad or seasonal vegetables.

• King Prawns: King prawns are typically grilled and dished out with a garlic and herb sauce.

Street food

• Dim Sum: Steamed buns, dumplings and spring rolls are just a few of the yummy choices you’ll find at street food stalls across the city.

• Gozleme: Originating from Turkey, this savoury flatbread, filled with spinach, lamb, cheese or other ingredients, is usually freshly made at outdoor markets and food stalls across the city.

Sweets and desserts

• Pavlova: Admired around the world, this famous meringue-based dessert, topped with fresh fruit and cream, is definitely one of the sweet treats to die for.

• Lamingtons: One of Australia’s sweet favourites, these soft sponge cakes, coated in chocolate and rolled in coconut, can be found at many local cafés and bakeries.

Local drinks

• Coffee: Melbourne is renowned for its coffee culture, so trying a flat white or a long black at one of the city’s coffee shops is a must.

• Craft Beer: Local breweries abound with ales, stouts and lagers, with popular brewers including Stomping Ground and Mountain Goat.

Best things to do in Melbourne

Melbourne has something in store for everyone, from stunning historical monuments to a wealth of cultural events and wide array of sporting activities.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Eureka Skydeck: Occupying the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower, it’s the highest public vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere. The point allows 360-degree sweeping panoramas of the entire city which are particularly fascinating when the sun goes down.

• Royal Botanic Gardens: Affording breathtaking views of the city skyline, these lovely gardens are an ideal place to take some rest from busy Melbourne life.

The best districts

• Southbank: Art lovers should head straight for Southbank which is home to many arts venues, including the Crown Casino, the Arts Centre Melbourne, and the National Gallery of Victoria. Afterwards continue to soak up the atmosphere of the district by taking a stroll along the Yarra River and sitting down at one of the local cafés.

• Fitzroy: Brimming with vibrant street art, and tons of trendy cafés, Fitzroy offers an opportunity to explore Melbourne’s creative side.

Parks and gardens

• Carlton Gardens: It’s an ideal spot for a tranquil walk but also the place to see the iconic Royal Exhibition Building, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004.

• Albert Park: If you prefer to have a jog, cycle, or picnic by the lake, go for Albert Park. Bonus: the park is famous for hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix!

Historical monuments

• Shrine of Remembrance: Enjoy sweeping views of the city from the balcony of the monument built to honour Australians who served in World War I.

• Flinders Street Station: This beautiful 19th-century building, one of Melbourne’s key landmarks, is the number one go-to place for any visitor to the city.

• Old Melbourne Gaol: If you’re a history buff, a visit to this historic prison is a must. Take a guided tour, get some fascinating insights into the gaol’s past and listen to stories about Ned Kelly who was once put under lock and key here.

Day trips in the area

• Great Ocean Road: The Great Ocean Road, considered one of the world’s most scenic drives, promises awe-inspiring coastal views, including the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations.

• Phillip Island: If animal watching is your thing, take a trip to Phillip Island and wait until dusk to watch Penguin Parade, during which little penguins return to shore.

• Dandenong Ranges: A visit to Dandenong Ranges promises great walking trails, but an atmospheric ride on the Puffing Billy steam train is not to be missed either.

Activities for families in Melbourne

The city is certainly not short on activities which will keep entire families entertained from dawn to dusk.

• SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: A visit to this family-friendly aquarium, teeming with sea life from penguins to crocodiles and sharks, will keep your children’s excitement running all day long.

• Melbourne Zoo: Home to some 300 species, including lions, elephants, and native Australian animals like kangaroos and koalas, Melbourne Zoo is one of Australia’s oldest zoological gardens and a fascinating place to visit for both children and adults.

• Scienceworks: This interactive museum with plenty of hands-on exhibits makes science real fun for kids. Don’t miss it, budding scientists!

Free things to do in Melbourne

One of the greatest attractions of holidays to Melbourne is that you can get involved in a number of activities that won’t cost you a penny.

• St Kilda Beach: You’ll not have to shell out any money to take a swim or walk along the pier at St Kilda Beach. And at dusk be sure to have your eyes peeled for the resident penguins!

• Federation Square: Federation Square is your place if you want to take part in free outdoor screenings, live music performances and exhibitions.

• National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): The gallery offers free entry to its excellent permanent collection, with works by top Australian and international artists on show.

Nature and outdoor activities in Melbourne

• Rock climbing and abseiling: The Grampians National Park attracts rock climbers and abseilers, offering routes for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

• Hiking in national parks: Melbourne is located close to stunning national parks, one of them being Wilsons Promontory National Park. It’s famous for challenging hikes, including Mount Oberon and Mount Bishop.

• Cycling: Melbourne has an extensive network of cycling paths, with the Capital City Trail being one of its best routes. The trail loops around the city and takes in major landmarks including Melbourne Zoo, Royal Park and the Yarra River.