Melbourne

Australia

Melbourne is a vibrant cultural capital known for its laneway cafes, world-class dining, thriving arts scene, and major sporting events. It offers a sophisticated urban experience with a strong focus on food, fashion, and culture.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay5 days
Budget$70/day
Mid-range$100/day
Luxury$300/day

Known For

MelbourneVictoriaAustraliaYarra RiverFederation SquareSt KildaFitzroy

🇦🇺 Country Information: Australia

CapitalCanberra
CurrencyAustralian dollar ($)
Language English , Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek
Phone Code+61
Electricity230V (Type I)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for excellent service (\~10% in restaurants, rounding up for taxis, a few dollars for hotel staff)
  • Tipping is not customary in cafes or pubs

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
  • Credit cards are widely accepted
  • It is good to have some cash for smaller purchases and markets
  • There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Casual dress is common
  • Punctuality is appreciated but a bit flexible
  • "No worries" is a common phrase meaning "no problem"
  • Australians are generally direct and friendly, but overly effusive greetings might be unexpected

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Australia has robust LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage is legal nationwide.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 18 nationwide
  • Drug laws are strict, with varying penalties for possession, use, and supply
  • Cannabis laws vary by state/territory

Special Laws

  • Sun protection is legally required for outdoor workers
  • It is illegal to feed wild animals
  • Jaywalking is illegal in many areas
  • Strict quarantine laws apply to bringing food and biological items into the country

Common Phrases

HelloG'day (guh-day)
CheersCheers (cheerz)
Thank youTa (tah)

Climate

Generalized climate for Melbourne, a major coastal city with a temperate climate.

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Vegemite on Toast breakfast

This iconic Australian spread is made from leftover brewers' yeast extract, dark brown, and very salty. It's typically spread thinly on toast or crack

Freddo Frog snack

A small, chocolate bar molded into the shape of a smiling frog. Created in Melbourne in 1930, it's a beloved, inexpensive treat found everywhere from

Fosters Beer alcohol

An internationally recognized lager that originated in Melbourne, although it is now less popular locally compared to other Australian beers. It was f

Yum Cha in Chinatown must_try

Melbourne's historic Chinatown, the longest continuous Chinese settlement in the Western world, offers excellent Yum Cha (Dim Sum). This involves enjo

Coffee non_alcoholic_beverage

Melbourne is famous for its vibrant cafe culture, prioritizing quality specialty coffee over big chains. The city's laneways are packed with world-cla

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

High-Demand Accommodation Accommodation
Book 2–6 months in advance

Accommodation, especially high-quality hotels and apartments, books out far in advance, particularly during major events and the summer holidays.

Phillip Island Penguin Parade Tickets Attraction
Book 3 weeks to 3 months in advance

The premium viewing platforms (Penguin Plus, Underground) have very limited capacity and sell out quickly, especially during peak school holiday periods.

Spirit of Tasmania Ferry (if traveling to/from Tasmania) Transport
Book 3–12 months in advance, especially with a vehicle

Vehicle spaces, cabin accommodation, and peak season sailings frequently sell out, as there is limited daily capacity for this essential link to Tasmania.

Fun Facts

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