Melbourne is alive with culture, music, art, and fun activities to delight all ages. It’s easily one of the best cities to visit in Australia for food, attractions, and non-stop entertainment. Not to mention you can grab a great-tasting coffee at every turn.
From vibrant St Kilda to beautiful Brighton, there’s always a stunning destination to visit, a delicious dish to try, or an unforgettable activity to complete in the city.
As there is much to see, do, and try, you will not want to make one mistake when organizing an upcoming trip. If so, read the following advice on how to plan a fun visit to Melbourne.
Hire a Car
Melbourne has so much to see and do that it’s wise to hire a car during your visit to the city. It will provide you and your family or travel buddies more freedom to explore its best neighborhoods, landmarks, and attractions.
For example, it will be a breeze to journey to Federation Square, Spring Street, or Flinders Street Station, to name a few options. Reach out to rental car providers in Melbourne to find the perfect vehicle for your needs and budget.
Also, a car rental will allow you to explore the great state of Victoria, as you could drive to:
- Philip Island
- Wilsons Promontory National Park
- Great Ocean Road
- Dandenong Ranges National Park
Hiring a car will allow you to scratch every landmark off your itinerary, ensuring you look back on the city break with no regrets.
Pick Accommodation in Advance
Next, you must identify where you will stay in Melbourne. Fortunately, you can choose from various accommodation options to suit your budget across the city. If money is tight, you will be spoilt for hostel options, with dorm rooms costing between 25-105 AUD per night. Alternatively, you could stay in a tent in one of the many holiday parks outside of Melbourne. Of course, the city has plenty of budget, mid-range, and premium hotels to choose from, but it is smart to book ahead to avoid disappointment and higher room rates.
Choose Where to Stay
The neighborhood you choose will determine your accommodation options, transport access, and the attractions and activities on your doorstep. If you love the idea of relaxing on the beach and dancing the night away at an atmospheric club, you can’t go wrong with St. Kilda.
If you would prefer to fill your trip to Melbourne with trendy restaurants and cultural attractions, make a play for Fitzroy. If live music, great pubs, and beer gardens are more your style, Brunswick is a smart choice. Browse the various neighborhoods to find the right spot for an upcoming visit to Melbourne.
Set a Travel Budget
Before you visit Melbourne, it is important to familiarize yourself with the average prices for food, transportation, and attraction tickets to create a realistic travel budget. The good news is that the city has a diverse food scene, meaning you’re bound to find a great-tasting meal to suit your finances.
For instance, Melbs is home to many fantastic noodle bars, pizza parlors, and cafes, which serve dishes for an average of 15-20 AUD. Also, you can’t visit Melbourne and not step inside one of its affordable sushi and Chinese restaurants, which are arguably the best (and cheapest) in Australia.