Explore Melbourne
As the capital of the Australian state of Victoria, Melbourne is the second most populous city in Australia and is incredibly famous for its coffee, café culture, vibrant nightlife and its diverse food culture making it a popular spot for gastronomical tourism. This beautiful city has a European feel to it and has a lot to offer for both luxury and budget travelers. This ultimate Melbourne travel guide will help you put together an unforgettable trip to Land Down Under.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Climate: You will experience all 4 seasons in one day and that is not a joke. Melbourne’s weather varies from hour to hour. It can go from being really cold to really hot in one day during summertime. In winter (May-August) the average weather ranges from 6.5 C to 14.2 C.
Credit Cards: There are plenty of ATMs located around the city and all most all shops except credit and debit cards.
1. Getting around
Melbourne’s grid layout makes it an easy city to navigate.
- Train: The fastest way to travel significant distances across the city. Flinders Street Station is the main train hub for Melbourne’s 17 trainlines which means you can catch any trainline from here.
- Tram: The best way to get around Melbourne is by Tram. The city’s trams crisscross through the City Centre and into the surrounding suburbs. The entire City Centre is a free tram zone hence this is the best way to get around within the limits of the City Centre.
- Bus: Fills the gaps left by the trains and the trams and gets caught in traffic jams.
- Taxi: Meter taxis are available and easy to find.
- Uber: Operates in Melbourne and it is cheaper compared to other Taxi services. It is also the easiest way to travel significant distances during non-traffic hours.
*Myki card – Payments for bus, train and tram journeys beyond the free tram zone are charged through a Myki card. This is a “touch on – touch off” travel pass system. Travelers should consider buying a Myki Explorer for $15 which includes the card, one day’s travel (you’ll have to top up for the rest of your trip) and discounts on various sights; its available from SkyBus terminals, PTV hubs and some hotels. If not, you can purchase the standard Myki card from a 7-eleven or any major train station in the area.
2. Where to stay
Best Luxury Hotels
The Langham Melbourne
From stunning views over the Yarra to the grand sweeping staircase and fountain in the foyer, everything about the Langham screams British elegance. This centrally located luxe hotel is a 2-minute walk from the Flinders Street Train Station and an 8-minute walk to the Crown Casino.
LKR – 43,000 / Aussie $ – 290-300
Grand Hyatt Melbourne
From warm amber hues of the rooms to the shiny golden reception, the Hyatt will likely be a 24-karat experience. This posh high-rise luxury hotel is a 7-minute walk from the Federation Square and a 13-minute walk from the National Gallery of Victoria.
LKR – 48,000 / Aussie $ – 320-330
Sofitel Melbourne
This luxury hotel on Collin Street puts you in the heart of Melbourne, connected to a shopping Centre and a 9-minute walk from Federation Square and 2 km away from the legendary Melbourne Cricket Grounds. The beautifully decorated rooms with floor to ceiling windows at the Sofitel offer panoramic views of the city, bay or park area.
LKR – 40,000 / Aussie $ – 270 -280
Intercontinental Melbourne The Rialto
This five-star luxury hotel in Melbourne is located on prestigious Collins Street is a timeless heritage building offering modern luxuries. This upscale hotel is 3 blocks away from the Yarra River and an eight-minute walk from SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.
Crown Towers Melbourne
Crown Towers’ rooms are some of the best in the city – providing uninterrupted views of the Yarra and the City of Melbourne. This centrally located high end hotel is a 10-minute walk from the Flinders street station and a 14-minute walk from the National Gallery of Victoria.
LKR – 54,000 / Aussie $ – 360-370
Apartment Style Hotels in Melbourne
The Jazz Corner Hotel
Located opposite Flagstaff Gardens, you can take in the commanding views of the city skyline or the parkland during your stay at this boutique hotel in Melbourne. These apartments provide you with in room washer and dryer facilities and fresh guest toiletries.
LKR – 21,000 / Aussie $ – 140-150
Lyall Hotel and Spa
You can choose from One- or Two-Bedroom Suites in contemporary oriental style all with thoughtful design touches, separate living rooms and balconies. This all-suite hotel is a 5-minute walk from the South Yarra Station and is 2km from the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Treasury on Collins
The heritage-listed Treasury on Collins Apartment Hotel is situated in the heart of Melbourne’s city centre & offers the convenience of self contained apartment-style accommodation with kitchenette, laundry facilities and complimentary business grade WiFi. This stately apartment hotel is 1 km from Crown Casino, Federation Square and the National Gallery of Victoria.
LKR – 25,000 / Aussie $ -165-175
The Punthill Apartments
Punthill Apartments offer stylish accommodation in Melbourne CBD with Studio, One, Two- or Three-bedroom apartments to choose from. All apartments have floor to ceiling glass windows offering panoramic views of the city and its surrounding neighborhoods.
- Melbourne CBD
- Flinders Lane
- Little Bourke
- Manhattan
- North bank
- South Yarra Grand
- Veriu Queen Victoria Market – Opening in 2022
LKR – 20,000 / Aussie $ – 135
Highlights
Language: English is the predominantly used language anywhere in Australia.
Currency: The Australian Dollar. Australia in general is a tad bit expensive when compared to other big cities. Meals can easily cost you up to 20-25 AUD per person while breakfast options are a cheaper compared to lunch and dinner.
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