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Where to Stay in Melbourne: The 7 Best Areas for Tourists and Travellers

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Where to Stay in Melbourne — The Quick

Move the fuck over, Sydney, because we all know Melbourne is the best city in Australia… hands down! I mean, ok, I lived there for two years, and from the moment I arrived, I fell in love with this magnificent rascal of a city. 

It just has that vibe, that atmosphere and energy you can’t quite describe. There’s an edginess to it, a feeling that anything is possible, a rebellious soul wrapped up in layers of laid-back, sarcastic humour and friendly acceptance of any and all.

Add to that the unpredictable weather, trams and sporting scene, and I’d almost be forgiven for thinking I was back home in Manchester. And maybe that’s exactly why it became my second home?!

Now, Melbourne is a pretty big place, with a vast array of neighbourhoods and areas stretching in all directions from the coast to the CBD and beyond into areas bordering country Victoria.

Choosing where to stay isn’t as simple as just parking up in the CBD and hoping for the best; in my experience, it’s best to pick an area that suits your vibe, budget and itinerary to get the most out of your visit.

After living here for a few years, I’ve been pretty much everywhere, so I’m gonna pick out the best areas to stay in Melbourne for ya. 

Rightio then, are you coming?

Nic and Shorty among the street art on Hozier lane in Melbourne
Bad bois for lyfe!
Image: The Roaming Renegades

Chapters

  1. Where to Stay in Melbourne — The Quick Snapshot!
  2. Accommodation in Melbourne: The Top 3 Places to Stay
  3. The 7 Best Areas to Stay in Melbourne — The Full Lowdown!
  4. Final Travel Tips for Visiting Melbourne - Bonus Round!

Where to Stay in Melbourne — The Quick Snapshot!

Alright then, sweet, you’re here! Honestly, I’m buzzing for you, because Melbourne is gonna pull you in and make you fall in love with it. Though I have just realised I’m sat here writing this wearing a Sydney t-shirt, but fuck it, I’m a walking contradiction anyway (yes, that was a Green Day reference). I’m chatting shit; let’s get on and discover the best areas to stay in Melbourne!

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)

Click the Areas Below to Skip Ahead to Our Review

1. Melbourne CBD – The Best Place to Stay for Tourists and First-Timers

You can’t go wrong staying in the heart of the action, being close to transport, things to do and a wide range of food options, especially if you’re only here a few days. 

2. Fitzroy – Best for Alternative Vibes (TRR Fave) 

The bohemian heart of the city, Fitzroy is perfect for those searching for street art, independent shops and cafes and LGBTQ+ travellers. 

3. St Kilda – Best for Backpacker Atmosphere and Beaches

Situated on the beach just a short tram ride away from the CBD, St Kilda has become the backpacker hub of the city with affordable prices and great vibes. 

4. Footscray – Best for Budget Travellers

This multicultural area is great for those on a budget looking for somewhere not too far out of the city. It’s also got some of the best Vietnamese food outside of… well, Vietnam!

5. Collingwood – Best for Nightlife/ Live Music

Close to neighbouring Fitzroy, Collingwood offers a similar but livelier and grittier atmosphere, especially when it comes to live music and nightlife. 

6. Williamstown – Best for Beaches & Families

If you’re looking for a seaside base that is quieter (and a bit classier) than St Kilda whilst being close to the city, Williamstown, with its skyline views, is ideal. 

7. Mornington Peninsula – The Best Location to Stay Outside the City

A collection of beachside towns along this stunning peninsula, this area is truly a world away from the city and offers some quaint spots and world-class coastlines. 

Backpacking in Australia Working and travelling Cheap domestic flights Travel tips for Australia Budget travel in Australia on a budget traveling melbourne skyline
The iconic skyline… with us icons in front! :-p
Image: The Roaming Renegades

Accommodation in Melbourne: The Top 3 Places to Stay

If you can’t really be arsed reading any further, then I’ve done the legwork here for you and picked out the best places to stay in Melbourne. I know, I’m a good c*nt!

The Best Backpacker Option: Nomads St Kilda

Nomads St Kilda

For backpackers looking for the perfect spot to base themselves in, you can’t go wrong with beachside St Kilda.

Complete with private rooms, dorms, a pool table, lounge and on-site bar, it’s the ideal place for budget travellers.

  • 5-min walk from the beach
  • Close to the main street
  • Social atmosphere
  • Laundry and Kitchen

The Mid-Range Option: Batman’s Hill on Collins

Batman's Hill on Collins

Located right in the heart of the CBD close to transport connections, this historic hotel offers luxury on a budget.

There’s an on-site restaurant and bar, room service, minibar, refrigerator and tea/coffee making facilities, and some rooms have a kitchen.

  • Located right in the CBD
  • Close to Southern Cross station
  • Onsite lounge and bar
  • Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner

The beachside Resort Option: InterContinental Sorrento IHG

InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula by IHG

If you’re here for a proper holiday on the coast, then the InterContinental down on the Mornington Peninsula is worth the splurge.

With a swimming pool, fitness centre, sun terrace, restaurant, and bar, it’s also only a 3-min walk from Sorrento Front Beach.

  • A short walk from the beach
  • Free on-site private parking
  • Breakfast buffet included
  • 5-star experience
Nic and Shorty of The Roaming Renegades standing on a summit in Laos and smiling broadly while holding a Laotian flag.

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The 7 Best Areas to Stay in Melbourne — The Full Lowdown!

Alright then, I’ve teased you enough, you eager beavers, you! Let’s get into the deets so you can get picking out the best place to stay in Melbourne. 

1. Melbourne CBD – The Best Place to Stay for Tourists and First-Timers

A colourful picture showing the street art and graffiti covering every surface of Hozier Lane in Melbourne, Australia
Hosier Lane is one of the coolest places to visit in the CBD.
Image: The Roaming Renegades

If you’re coming for a short time and looking for the best place to stay in Melbourne for tourists who mostly wanna hit up the highlights and maybe explore areas like Southbank, Docklands and South Yarra, then the City Centre is ideal. You’re basically right in the heart of the action for exploring anything and everything in the city. The CBD isn’t too stuffy either; it’s not full of suits like Sydney, with places like Hosier Lane and Carlton Gardens being in such proximity, there’s a vast array of things to do just in the centre, and many of them are free or budget-friendly.

It’s the most expensive place to find some digs, that’s for sure, but you’ll save time and money on transport as you’ll be able to walk to pretty much all the main attractions and even some of the closer neighbourhoods. The CBD also has a great selection of places to eat, including cheaper areas like Chinatown and Queen Victoria Market, but it’s also the perfect place to splurge if you fancy it.

Overall, staying in Melbourne City is perfect for first-time visitors, business travellers and casual tourists who want to make the most of their limited time. It’s home to highlights such as various famous laneways, Flinders Street Station and the Old Melbourne Gaol. There’s also plenty of green spaces to relax in too, and a walk down the Yarra River is always a great way to end the day.

The Top Accommodation Picks in Melbourne CBD

Best Mid-Range Hotel

The Dorsett Melbourne

This place sounds proper fancy, and honestly it feels it with an indoor swimming pool, rooftop terrace and fitness centre, but you can often find it for around AUD 200 a night – which, given its central location, is a bargain.

Best Budget Hotel

Batman's Hill on Collins

Yeah, you read the name right, but it’s nothing to do with the superhero! This place is honestly pretty swish for the price, and you’re not going to get much else for the money rated so highly. It’s also mega close to Southern Cross Station.

Best Hostel

Mad Monkey Melbourne

You can’t go wrong with a Mad Monkey hostel, and this is one of the top-rated backpackers in the city for a reason. It’s a no-frills kinda place, but it’s clean, sociable, has a massive kitchen, communal areas, a TV room and even a rooftop terrace and free food nights.

2. Fitzroy – Best for Alternative Vibes (TRR Fave)

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Where all the cool kids hang out!
Image: The Roaming Renegades

Fitzroy sits just outside of the CBD and quickly became a firm favourite of ours during our time in Melbourne. This hipster neighbourhood is home to endless locally owned shops, cafes serving the best coffee in the world (and a healthy amount of smashed avo) as well as every kind of restaurant or bar you might want to visit. 

A queer veggie, covered in tattoos who studied art at uni- yeah, I pretty much fit the Fitzroy stereotype, and ya know what, I’m proud of that. This is the sort of area you come as a misfit because there’s a place for everyone here. Just beyond Carlton Gardens, it’s also easy to walk here from the CBD. 

If scouting for vintage finds in quirky shops, drinking craft beer with the rainbow mob, searching for the best Magic coffee or just getting lost down graffiti-covered laneways (that aren’t full of tourist groups!), then welcome, my friend, Fitzroy is for you! Honestly, during my time in Australia, I spent many a happy day wandering these streets.

The Top Accommodation Picks in Fitzroy

Best Mid-Range Hotel

The StandardX

This chic, modern hotel offers a luxurious feel at a reasonable price. With industrial design cues, a rooftop terrace and an effortlessly cool vibe, it’s the perfect base in Fitzroy.

Best Budget Hotel

The Royal Derby

This cheap and cheerful hotel offers private rooms with the social atmosphere of a hostel. This includes access to a terrace, outdoor seating area and an on-site bar.

Best Apartment Rental

District Apartments Fitzroy

If a light, clean and modern apartment is more your style, you can’t go wrong with this stunning development offering 1 and 2 bed fully equipped spaces. You’ll also find impressive views over the city.

3. St Kilda – Best for Backpacker Atmosphere and Beaches

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Trust me, you don’t want to look up at that face whilst drunk… not that I’d know!
Image: The Roaming Renegades

Most backpackers in Melbourne seem to end up in St Kilda at some point or another! This one-time rundown seaside neighbourhood has had a resurgence of late as a trendy area to stay in if you’re looking for beach vibes within a short distance from the city. Despite its recent glow-up, it remains an affordable spot to stay with very few compromises. 

But that’s not even the best part. So, ok, we’ve established that there is a beach here; it’s a pretty decent one given how close you are the the CBD, but that’s not what I’m talking about. Nor is it Frankie’s, where you can get the best coffee and cake in the area…

In St Kilda, you’ve got that classic combination of an old-school amusement park with a creepy-ass moonface gate… and a colony of little penguins that comes home every night at the pier! I know, why doesn’t everywhere have this right?! Legit though, Luna Park, which dates back to 1911, is an icon of the city and a mega fun place to hang out. And I mean yeah, need I say any more than little penguin – they’re fucking penguins that are small and cute!! Imagine staying somewhere you can see that every night!

The Top Accommodation Picks in St Kilda

Best Mid-Range Hotel

In The Brick Spa And Hotel

The mega cool hotel features Japanese-style rooms in a restored heritage building in the heart of St Kilda. With the on-site spa and the zen vibes of the rooms, it’s the perfect place to

Best Budget Hotel

Novotel St Kilda

With a Novotel, you know exactly what you’re going to get. A comfortable, clean and well-catered for stay here inlcludes an off-site fitness facility, co-working spaces

Best Hostel

Nomads St Kilda

Nomads is a fun and social hostel just a 1-min walk from the high street and a 5-min walk to the beach. Here you’ll find a lively atmosphere with a bar, pool table and plenty of common areas as well as a huge kitchen. They also offer private rooms.

4. Footscray – Best for Budget Travellers

australia melbourne best areas to stay footscray

Sitting about 5km from the CBD in Melbourne’s inner west, Footscray is the best location to stay in Melbourne if you’re after a different vibe. It offers a distinctly less polished feel than the areas that attract most tourists, and for that, you’ll get a more local and budget-friendly stay. Footscray is easy to reach from the CBD, yet offers more backpacker-friendly accommodation, food and evenings out, all with a more laid-back and relaxed energy.

Shaped by waves of immigration, the area is home to some of the best Vietnamese food you’ll find outside Vietnam  (Co Tham Can Tho, Co Thu Quan and Sapa Hills are my faves). Not only that, but if you’re after some East African or South Asian cuisine, then you’re in the right spot (top tip for Australia – eat the Asian food here!!). Footscray is basically the poster child for the melting pot that is modern Australia.

Beyond this, it has an emerging bar and brewery scene, with local breweries like Hop Nation being a real highlight. Add to this the post-industrial, gritty feel, with graffiti and street art adorning the walls and laneways, and it’s kinda got a Williamsburg atmosphere to it without quite so much of the gentrification.

The Top Accommodation Picks in Footscray

Best Mid-range Hotel

The Plough Hotel

A stylish hotel located in a heritage building, the Plough is a comfortable base right in the heart of Footscray featuring an on-site restaurant.

Best Budget Hotel

Nightcap at Ashley Hotel

This no-frills budget-friendly motel is perfect for those hiring a car with its free on-site parking. There’s also an on-site restaurant and billiards table if you fancy staying in for the evening.

Best Apartment Rental

Liberty One

For those wanting a little more space and to save on eating out, this large apartment with  a kitchenette, balcony and washing machine is perfect. With sweeping views over the Melbourne skyline, gym and a terrace, it’s a great base.

5. Collingwood – Best for Nightlife/ Live Music

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Who doesn’t want a grass-covered bike?!
Image: The Roaming Renegades

The once working-class neighbourhood of Collingwood has been transformed into a trendy area of Melbourne to stay, visit, party and avoid supporters of the local footy team! :-p. It kinda has some of that Fitzroy energy, yet its more industrial past means it has a grittier personality, with repurposed factories and warehouses now being home to apartments, restaurants, bars, clubs and hostels. 

Where Collingwood really stands out from nearby Fitzroy, and Richmond is the music and bar scene. If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Melbourne for nightlife, then I would highly recommend basing yourself here. Pubs like The Tote go hard, as do The Gasometer and The Grace Darling, plus Smith Street has an abundance of pubs, bars, music venues, cafes and restaurants – so you’ll find somewhere to fit your vibe… or just stick to Collingwood Yards! 

Collingwood has this rough-around-the-edges, yet sophisticated energy. The independent arts and design scene, with its many galleries and artist studios, combines perfectly with the craft beer scene and breweries like Stomping Ground Brewing Co. for this sorta industrial, urban and not up its own arse charm!

The Top Accommodation Picks in Collingwood

Best Mid-range Hotel

Veriu Collingwood

With a rooftop swimming pool, fitness centre, sun terrace, and free bicycles, this spot in Collingwood offers an ideal location to combine exploring the city with relaxing and self-care whilst staying in Melbourne.

Best Budget Hotel

lyf Collingwood Melbourne

If you’re on the lookout for an effortlessly cool and budget-friendly place to stay, then Lyf in Collingwood offers exactly that. Each room also comes with a desk for those working on the road.

Best Hostel

The Mansion Melbourne

Offering a 5-star hostel experience, large kitchen, garden and lounge, it’s the perfect place to meet other backpackers whilst saving money on your accommodation. It’s also a short walk from both Collingwood and Fitzroy, for the best of both worlds.

6. Williamstown – Best for Beaches & Families

australia melbourne best areas to stay williamstown
Now to remember where I parked the boat!
Image: The Roaming Renegades

Williamstown offers a charming and laid-back seaside town vibe while still being within a short commute to the CBD. If you’re travelling as a family (or just a traveller wanting to slow down and experience a different side of Melbourne), it’s a great neighbourhood to base yourself in. It’s a relaxed base that offers the perfect antidote to the fast-paced city with plenty of historic buildings, waterfront promenades and independent shops to explore. 

It’s the perfect place to slow down, hit the beach, have a waterfront coffee from The Kiosk and take in the skyline of Melbourne from afar. If you’re looking for a spot where there’s a lovely, warm, community feel with local shops, cafes and a quieter place to return to after a day of adventures, you can’t go wrong here. 

One caveat is that it is a little further out of the city than the other spots, but that’s its charm. Whilst you can take the train into the CBD, a fun option is to jump on the ferry over to Southbank instead. Overall, if you’re deciding where to stay in Melbourne for families, Williamstown is a brilliant choice.

The Top Accommodation Picks in Williamstown

Best Family Suites

MainStay Suites Williamstown

If you’re travelling as a family or group of friends, these waterside self-contained apartments with onsite parking are perfect. They feature either full kitchens or kitchenettes, a lounge, TV and dining area and pets

Best Accommodation With a Pool

Quest Williamstown North

Offering an outdoor heated swimming pool, BBQ area, complimentary on-site parking and shuttle services, these sea view apartments are ideal for travelling families.

Best Budget Accommodation

Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre, St Joseph's by the sea

Offering direct beachfront access with a sun terrace and garden, this unique converted heritage home is the perfect escape. With a large communal kitchen lounge and outdoor seating area, it has a warm social vibe.

7. Mornington Peninsula – The Best Location to Stay Outside the City

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One of my favourite views in Melbourne.
Image: The Roaming Renegades

The Mornington Peninsula is one of my all-time favourite areas of Melbourne, and we’re lucky enough to have friends who live there with a spare room! It really is one of the most stunning areas of the region, with miles of unspoilt beaches, quaint little towns, epic surfing spots, wildlife (I once saw an echidna getting about down there!), campgrounds and even a national park, vineyards and hot springs!

So, you might be wondering, why isn’t it my number one pick then? Well, unfortunately, the public transport down here leaves a lot to be desired. Once you get beyond Frankston, getting around by public transport becomes much more complicated, and for those wanting to head into the city often, it can be a bit of a pain. The trade-off for that, of course, is to spend most of your days exploring the many beaches, viewpoints, and walks of the rugged coastline of the peninsula. 

It’s truly about escaping the city and embracing the beachside Aussie lifestyle here, while still having Melbourne on your doorstep. Towns such as Sorrento, Rye, Portsea, Mornington and Red Hill are among my favourites, and I’d recommend hitting up spots such as Sorrento Back Beach, Diamond Bay Beach, Point Nepean National Park and London Bridge Lookout when you’re visiting the Mornington Peninsula.

Top Tip:

If you’re staying on the Mornington Peninsula, I’d seriously consider hiring a car. It’ll give you so much more freedom to bounce between beaches, wineries, viewpoints and little towns without spending half your time trying to figure out bus connections. Plus, it will make taking day trips from Melbourne even easier to organise.

The Top Accommodation Picks on The Mornington Peninsula

Best Seaside Splurge

InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula by IHG

This elegant 5-star resort offers a swimming pool with a view, fitness centre, sun terrace, restaurant and bar in the beautiful and convenient town of Sorrento. Breakfast is also included, and for what you get, the price ain’t bad.

Best Budget Hotel

Mornington Hotel

Located in the town of Mornington itself, this is a great budget option if you don’t want to sacrifice location, comfort or cleanliness. It’s a solid all-rounder offering good on-site facilities such as a bar, kids play area, terrace and parking.

Best Budget Motel

Peninsula Beach Motel

If you’re renting a car whilst staying on the Mornington Peninsula, this beachside motel in the quaint town of Rosebud is perfect. With rooms set around a lush garden and being just a stone’s throw from the beach, it’s a tranquil hideaway.

Final Travel Tips for Visiting Melbourne – Bonus Round!

Alright then, I’ve given you the lowdown on the best areas to stay in Melbourne, but before you go running off and booking something and planning your itinerary… I’ve got a bonus round for you! It’s not a full travel guide for Melbourne, but I’ve put together a few extra tips and tricks to make planning your trip even easier. 

Oh, and if you come back and tell me you’ve started baracking for Collingwood after your trip to Melbs, then you can get FACKED! 

Jokes aside, I bloody love this place and I’m so glad we chose it as our home base whilst living in Australia. I’ll always have such fond and incredible memories from that time, and well, I even got a tattoo of Flinders Street Station to show my appreciation.

In reality, wherever you stay in Melbourne, I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as we do. But selecting the right place to suit your vibe does make a huge difference.

For first-timers on a short trip with a reasonable budget, hit the CBD. Backpackers might find St Kilda or Footscray better options. Cool kids (like us) either looking for nightlife or an alternative scene will fit in well in Fitzroy or Collingwood. Those looking for beach time to balance the busy city or families should look towards Williamstown or The Mornington Peninsula.

Free things to do in Melbourne cheap backpacking Australia budget Backpacker things to do in Melbourne non touristy budget victoria CBD federation square
Meet ya under the clocks.
Image: The Roaming Renegades

How to Get Around Melbourne

📍 Transport at a glance – Which transport is best for your area?

  • CBD: Walk + tram
  • Fitzroy: Walk + tram
  • St Kilda: Tram + walk
  • Footscray: Train + tram
  • Collingwood: Tram + train + walk
  • Williamstown: Train + ferry + walk
  • Mornington Peninsula: Car

More Detailed Information Below:

Below, I’ve put together a short guide to transport in Melbourne, concentrating on the best areas to stay in Melbourne.

Trains are particularly useful if you’re staying further from the CBD, with Footscray, Collingwood and Williamstown all offering convenient rail connections into the city. You can also take the train out into regional Victoria and beyond into NSW, including connections to Albury and Sydney.

If you’re staying on the Mornington Peninsula, the main lines go to Frankston and beyond on the regional Stony Point Line, which doesn’t directly serve many of the places most visitors will want to visit or stay. So realistically, beyond Frankston Station you’ll need buses, Ubers or your own transport.

Melbourne’s iconic trams are one of the easiest ways to get around the CBD and inner suburbs (including Fitzroy, Collingwood and St Kilda, where the connections are excellent). The Free Tram Zone covers the central city, while journeys outside it require a myki card/contactless payment.

Whilst the bus network around Melbourne is extensive, in practice as a visitor, you’re much better off using the trams and trains, especially for pretty much all locations covered in this guide. I personally used them mostly for those pesky gaps on the metro train line where the stations don’t interconnect as they should.

The exception to this is Mornington Peninsula. As mentioned, the train only goes as far as Frankston; beyond that, you’ll need buses to reach places like Mornington, Mount Martha, Dromana, Rye, Sorrento and Portsea, but services are generally less frequent than trains/trams.

Melbourne’s inner areas are very walkable, and areas like the CBD, Fitzroy and Collingwood are all reachable on foot and exploring them this way is by far the best way to take it all in.

Renting a Lime bike is ideal for covering more ground, especially if you want to scoot between a few different areas either side of the city. Riding down to St Kilda or over to Footscray is also very doable and means you can take in the scenery along the way rather than just zooming through on public transport.

Note: Lime bikes do not operate down in Mornington Peninsula or Williamstown currently.

Taxis and Ubers are the most expensive way to get around Melbourne, and within the CBD traffic can be heavy. However, they do have their uses, for example, when travelling with kids, lots of luggage, late at night or exploring areas with poor public transport options.

Taxis and rideshares in Melbourne are generally trustworthy and safe, but sticking to either Uber or trusted companies like 13cabs, Silver Top Taxis, and Black & White Cabs is preferable.

Myki is a reusable card used to pay for most Melbourne public transport, such as trains, trams and buses.

It works by topping it up at major train stations, myki machines, online and authorised retailers such as 7-Eleven (where you can also buy the card itself). There are also machines where you can check your balance. To use it, you simply tap on and off (no need to tap off on trams) either when boarding or when going through gates at stations.

On compatible Android devices, there is also now a digital Myki card, and compatible contactless bank cards/devices can also be used for tapping on and off – but check beforehand.

Melbourne uses a zone-based/fare-capped system, so your travel is charged according to the applicable fare, up to the daily fare cap. The Free Tram Zone doesn’t require a ticket or to tap on beforehand, but make sure you do tap once you go beyond the free zone.

For the majority of areas to stay in Melbourne, you won’t need or frankly want a car (as parking can be tricky in central areas).

However, the exception is the Mornington Peninsula, where having your own car makes exploring the beaches, wineries, viewpoints and smaller towns considerably easier.

If you’re looking at taking a few day trips from Melbourne, having a car for visiting places like Great Ocean Road, The Grampians, Philip Island and Wilson’s Promontory is also pretty much the only way to do it other than taking organised tours.

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Just look at how beautiful it is!
Image: The Roaming Renegades

Getting to and From the Airport

Getting to and from Melbourne Airport is easy enough, but not as simple as it could be if you want to use train travel. Check out the guide I’ve put together below.

AUD $25.90 one-way or $43.40 return per adult

SkyBus is the easiest option for most travellers heading into central Melbourne and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

The Melbourne City Express runs between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station, with frequent departures throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

From Southern Cross Station, you can either walk or connect with other transport to your final destination depending on where you stay in Melbourne.

There’s also a Peninsula Express service connecting the airport with St Kilda, Brighton and Frankston, which may be useful if you’re staying outside the CBD.

Allow approximately AUD $55-65 for a taxi to the CBD, although fares vary.

Taxis and rideshares such as Uber are convenient if you’re travelling with lots of luggage, kids, arriving late at night or sharing the cost with friends. The journey to the CBD typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares to areas further away such as Williamstown and The Mornington Peninsula will be higher, and it will take a while longer, but are in most cases a little more warranted in my opinion. 

There are designated taxi ranks and Uber stands at the airport.

Melbourne Airport doesn’t currently have a direct train connection to the CBD, which is frankly perplexing and frustrating! 

The workaround for this is to take the 901 bus or a short taxi ride to Broadmeadows Station, where you can connect to the CBD and beyond (you can also connect to V/Line trains here). However, you’ll need a Myki card for this journey.

If you’ve decided on staying on the Mornington Peninsula and you’re renting a car, then picking up and dropping off at the airport is the most convenient way to go about it. This way, you’ve got your airport transport organised alongside your daily transportation. This is also true if you’re thinking about renting a campervan in Australia.

For those sticking to the CBD or other more central areas, it’s best not to hire a car at least while you’re in the city.

Is Melbourne Safe for Tourists?

In a word, yes! The city is super safe for tourists, but like anywhere, there are better or worse spots to base yourself. The best area to stay in Melbourne for safety is undoubtedly the CBD, but everywhere I’ve recommended in this guide is among the safest areas. 

Generally though, Melbourne is a friendly, welcoming, open-minded and safe city to visit. As with any big city, though, it pays to keep your wits about you, especially when out late at night or exploring somewhere unfamiliar.

For that reason, and the dropbears of course, it’s always best to take out comprehensive travel insurance for your stay in Melbourne and beyond.

SafetyWing Travel Insurance

SafetyWing

Travel insurance is one of those annoying things that no one likes to think about, let alone pay for, when you’re planning your next trip. It can also be bloody annoying as a backpacker/long-term traveller to find affordable coverage that meets the itinerary-less lifestyle (*cough* World Nomads *cough*).

So instead of getting subpar travel insurance, now we just always go with  SafetyWing. It takes like 5-10 minutes to purchase your policy and essentially functions as a monthly subscription plan with near-global coverage!

Staying Connected in Melbourne

As you’ll be using heaps of public transport as well as navigating the city on your own two feet, it’s best to stay connected so you can use Google Maps (and the like) to find your way. 

Also, FYI, Melbourne is an absolute hotspot for Pokémon Go, so if that’s your thing (read: it’s very much our thing!), then ya’ll gonna want a decent bit of data, innit! 

Physical SIM cards can be purchased at the airport and around the city (places such as Aldi offer very affordable options), which will also give you an Australian phone number. 

However, they can be a bit more of a pain to organise, so if you want to be connected as soon as you land without any messing around, I recommend setting yourself up with an eSIM before you even leave home. Use the code “AIRALOESIM10” for 10% off your first purchase below.

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You can’t beat a stroll along the Yarra on a sunny day.
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Frequently Asked Questions

That all depends on your vibe and the type of trip you want. 

If you’re mostly wanting to visit the main sights and don’t have much time, the CBD is your best shout. 

For those wanting to stay by the beach, St Kilda is perfect for budget travellers, Williamstown for families and The Mornington Peninsula for the best coastline in the city – but you might need a car. 

Those wanting a central stay with a bit more character should hit up Fitzroy or Collingwood, especially if the alternative scene is your kinda thing. 

Mega budget travellers might want to opt for Footscray, where you’ll be able to eat like you’re back in Saigon… for almost the same price and quality. 

Southbank is close enough to the CBD that it almost counts as part of it – it’s just across the river! So I wouldn’t stress too much about the difference.

Having said that, Southbank does offer riverside views and easier access to walks along the river and a slightly quieter atmosphere whilst still being close to the action and Flinders St Station.

However, the CBD itself is probably more convenient for most travellers, but that does also depend on which side you stay on.

If you’re torn, choose which accommodation suits you better; location-wise, it’s not going to make a huge difference. 

Staying in more central locations such as the CBD, Fitzroy or Collingwood is ideal for your first time, as it makes visiting all the city’s main attractions easy and you’ll have good access to public transport. All three neighbourhoods are pretty close but offer a slightly different vibe depending on what you’re going for. 

If you desperately want to be by the coast on your first visit, I would recommend St Kilda over other areas further out of the city centre. It’s easy to reach via one tram and has a buzzing atmosphere of locals and budget travellers alike.

Undoubtedly, Fitzroy, Collingwood and the areas around here, such as Richmond, Carlton and Brunswick, are the coolest areas to stay in Melbourne. They offer that grungy, alternative, hipster vibe with plenty of underground bars, independent shops and unique restaurants to visit, as well as some of the city’s best street art. 

Having said that, St Kilda has also recently become the place to be with a resurgence in the high street, Luna Park, and its resident little penguins. 

Many of the towns down on the Mornington Peninsula have also become pretty trendy, with Rye, Sorrento and Portsea being perfect places to grab a flat white and smashed avo.

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Chief Editor

Nic Hilditch-Short

Yo, I’m Nic (they/them), one-half of The Roaming Renegades.

I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia! I am also a proud member of the LGBT+ community.

I’ve explored 80 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, all while trying to avoid growing up!

Did it work? I dunno, but my back hurts, and I still collect Pokémon cards! Who wants in?!

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