One of Australia’s most populous cities, Melbourne is a vibrant cultural hub that’s renowned for its arts scene, exceptional restaurants and love of football. It’s a popular base for visitors to Australia who want to explore the southeast and everything Victoria has to offer.
In this guide, discover everything you need to know about long-term travel in Melbourne and enjoying an extended stay in the Victorian capital.
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Things to do in Melbourne during a long-term stay
When you stay in Melbourne long-term, it’s an opportunity to experience the city like a local and do all of the top tourist things, plus many more. Aside from visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Queen Victoria Market and St. Kilda Beach, you can explore the National Gallery of Australia and discover Melbourne’s iconic laneway culture.
In the summertime, be sure to experience the buzz of St. Kilda Beach or drive the Great Ocean Road to view the 12 Apostles en route to Adelaide. Wine lovers can tour the cellar doors of the Mornington Peninsula and the Yarra Valley while foodies shouldn’t miss Daylesford and the Dandenong Ranges. Also near Melbourne are several national parks where you can embrace the great outdoors, such as the Grampians, the Otways and Wilsons Promontory.
Within the city, there is a never ending choice of cafes and restaurants to discover, whether you want to dine on globally-inspired cuisine or enjoy a festive afternoon tea. Throughout the year, Melbourne hosts plenty of festivals celebrating art, music and multiculturalism that long-term visitors can take advantage of.
Accommodation options when staying long-term in Melbourne
While hotels and hostels are great for a short-term stay, the prices can become exorbitant for those wanting to visit Melbourne for an extended period. Rentola is a great option if you want to save money on accommodation during a long-term stay in the city, with this user-friendly platform offering a huge range of apartments for rent in Melbourne. It lists properties in the city centre and the leafy suburbs, as well as the picturesque rural surroundings. Prices start from around 2,000 AUD for a one-bedroom apartment and 3,000 AUD for a three-bedroom place. This platform not only provides diverse options in terms of location but also caters to different budget preferences, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of travelers.
When searching at Rentola, you can browse based on location, number of bedrooms and price, offered by property owners for long-term stays. There’s no pressure to be locked into a 12-month lease, with the freedom to negotiate a length of stay and weekly rate that suits you.
Money-saving tips for long-term travel in Melbourne
Australia is an expensive destination for a long-term stay and Melbourne is no exception. To make your travel money get you further, find a rental that enables self-catering and prepare as many meals (and coffees) as possible at home. Melbourne’s culinary scene is incredible and not to be missed. But eating out all the time can quickly eat into your budget.
For exploring the city, use the free City Circle tram, a hop-on/hop-off service that accesses some of Melbourne’s most famous attractions. Alternatively, you can learn all about the city’s architectural and cultural history on a free walking tour. Remember, Melbourne’s water is safe to drink and there are plenty of places where you can fill up a reusable water bottle around the city.
If you want to experience Melbourne’s exceptional arts and cultural scene, check to see what shows are available at Halftix, which offers discounted tickets for a huge diversity of performances.
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Getting around Melbourne
Melbourne’s efficient public transportation system makes it easy to get around the city, with buses, trains and trams all available. From the airport, there is a convenient Skybus service that stops at various city locations. Bicycle rentals are also readily available and the city has more than 135 kilometres of designated bike trails to explore.
While taxis are relatively expensive in Melbourne (from the airport to the CBD is around 90 AUD), they are a convenient option for getting back to your rental after a night out. Rideshare services are also available. If you have a driver’s license and want to venture further afield on day trips, you’ll find a number of car rental companies in the city centre and at Melbourne Airport.
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Best time to visit Melbourne
Melbourne is a year-round destination, with plenty of cultural and sporting events taking place throughout the year. Summer tends to be the busiest time in the city when the temperatures are at their highest (mid-to-high 20s°C) and Northern Hemisphere tourists arrive to escape the cold back home. For fewer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of March to May or September to November when you can expect daytime highs of around 20°C.
Source: visitmelbourne.com/practical-information/melbourne-weather
While winter in Melbourne can be quite chilly (max around 15°C), with long stretches of dreary weather, it’s also the height of the footy season. It’s a great time for a long-term stay in the city if you want to immerse yourself in Australian Rules culture at the legendary MCG. With less demand for rental accommodation, it’s also an affordable time to be in the city.
