2025 Melbourne Travel Guide for First-Timers: Flights, Attractions, Transportation, Budget, and Itinerary Suggestions
Here’s a rewritten version of the article in English:
2025 Melbourne Travel Guide for First-Timers: Flights, Attractions, Transportation, Budget, and Itinerary Suggestions
Overview of Melbourne for Independent Travelers
Melbourne, located in the southeastern part of Australia, is the country’s second-largest city, after Sydney. It serves as a major economic hub and is widely regarded as one of the best cities to live in globally. As someone working and holidaying in Melbourne, I’m particularly fond of the city’s vibrant cultural atmosphere, including its arts scene, sports, and coffee culture, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and excitement!
Melbourne has an efficient transportation system that includes trams, buses, and trains. The city features a free tram zone, a unique transportation design, where most attractions are located within this area, making it easy for visitors to use the free trams for sightseeing. I especially recommend taking the nostalgic #35 tram, which is free and comes with an onboard audio guide, allowing you to leisurely explore the city’s main sights.
Since the city’s attractions are relatively concentrated, you can easily visit most of them in two days, leaving time to explore nearby neighborhoods. St. Kilda, a beach area just 30 minutes from the city center, is worth a visit and a great spot for watching the sunset. At the end of 2024, the pier in this area was renovated, which is one of the major highlights for 2025. Not only is it a place for boats to dock, but it also features a penguin habitat. Visitors can walk along the pathway to get a close-up view of the penguins in their natural habitat—truly a unique experience!
Best Time to Visit Melbourne
Since Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are opposite to those in Hong Kong. December to February is summer, while July to September is winter. I had my first Christmas with temperatures over 30°C last year—it was quite refreshing! Although summer has many sunny days, the temperature can sometimes rise as high as 40°C, which isn’t ideal for outdoor activities. Additionally, there can be a significant temperature difference between day and night, sometimes as much as 20°C, so always pack a jacket!
Winter in Melbourne is also the rainy season, with frequent overcast weather and even hail. The weather changes quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on forecasts. Personally, I recommend visiting in spring when the weather is dry and temperatures are more stable, making it easier to explore different attractions comfortably.
Melbourne also observes Daylight Saving Time from April to July, during which the time difference from Hong Kong is three hours. In winter, the time difference is two hours. This time difference shift can affect travel plans, so make sure to check the dates carefully.
Flight Prices and Airport Transportation from Hong Kong to Melbourne
There are daily flights from Hong Kong to Melbourne, with direct flights offered by Cathay Pacific and Qantas, taking approximately 9.5 hours. Ticket prices typically range from HKD 5,700 to 6,000, including one checked luggage. For more affordable options, you can consider connecting flights with airlines such as Scoot or Thai Airways, with prices as low as HKD 3,300, but keep in mind that checked luggage is usually not included, and the layover time is at least 15 hours. It’s important to weigh both cost and time when choosing a flight. I recommend taking a night flight so that you arrive in the morning, allowing you to maximize your time once you land.
Melbourne has two main airports: Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) for international flights and Avalon Airport for domestic flights. The city’s airport-to-city public transport service, the SkyBus, takes about 30 minutes to reach one of the city’s largest stations, Southern Cross Station. Tickets can be purchased from self-service kiosks at the departure hall, costing AUD 24.6 (about HKD 120). The buses run frequently, so there’s no need to worry about transportation to the city center.
Australian Currency and Melbourne’s Cost of Living
The current exchange rate is approximately 1 AUD = 4.8 HKD, which is relatively low and makes it a good time to visit Australia. In Melbourne, prices are slightly higher compared to Hong Kong. A meal at a regular restaurant will cost you around HKD 80, while dining at higher-end restaurants is similar to Hong Kong, averaging about HKD 200 per person.
For those looking to cook their own meals, grocery prices are fairly reasonable. While meat prices in large supermarkets are lower than in Hong Kong, vegetables and fruits tend to be more expensive. However, most produce is locally sourced and of high quality.
For coffee lovers, Melbourne offers great value. A basic latte costs around AUD 5 (about HKD 25), which is much cheaper than in Hong Kong.
In Melbourne, many stores only accept electronic payments, and some don’t accept cash at all. Credit card payments usually come with an extra 1-2% fee, which is standard. Unlike in Hong Kong, Australian shops typically don’t charge service fees, but you may see an additional 10-15% fee during weekends and public holidays.
Must-See Attractions in Melbourne
As someone who has lived in Melbourne for a while, I’ve selected five must-see attractions to help you plan your itinerary:
- Great Ocean Road Known as Australia’s most scenic road, the Great Ocean Road stretches 276 kilometers and is a must-see for anyone visiting Melbourne. The road offers stunning coastal views, and the Twelve Apostles rock formations are particularly famous. On my visit, I was fortunate enough to catch the sunset, which was postcard-perfect. However, it’s about a 4-hour drive from the city, so plan accordingly if you’re doing a day trip.
- Philip Island Located 1.5 hours from Melbourne, Philip Island is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. The highlight is watching the penguin parade at dusk. The little penguins here are the world’s smallest species, and watching them return to their burrows to feed their chicks is adorable. Be sure to avoid taking photos as the flash can confuse the penguins. Don’t miss the Nobbies Centre, where you can enjoy the coastline and possibly spot more wildlife like kangaroos and seabirds.
- Puffing Billy Steam Train Built in 1900, the Puffing Billy Railway is one of Australia’s oldest and best-preserved steam trains. The stations retain their 19th-century charm, offering a nostalgic experience. The open-air carriages let you stretch your legs and enjoy the scenic route through forests and residential areas. The train journey lasts about 30 minutes, and there are winter night tours with special lighting effects for a unique experience.
- South Melbourne Market For an authentic taste of local culture, visiting South Melbourne Market is a must. The market features seafood stalls, ready-to-eat food, and even local bakeries like Agathe Pastry and Cobb Lane Bakery. There’s also a variety of artisanal shops where you can find unique souvenirs. After exploring the market, you can relax in nearby cafes or restaurants.
- Brighton Beach Colorful Beach Huts Just 30 minutes from the city center, Brighton Beach is famous for its colorful beach huts. There are over 80 huts, each with its own unique design. The most popular is hut number two, which is inspired by the Australian flag. It’s a great spot for photos, and visiting early in the morning is recommended to avoid the crowds.
Is It Necessary to Rent a Car in Melbourne?
Melbourne’s transportation system is excellent, and visitors can easily use public transport to reach city attractions. However, for suburban destinations like the Great Ocean Road and Philip Island, public transportation isn’t available, so renting a car is a better option. Car rental companies like AVIS and SIXT are available, and you can also book in advance through platforms like KLOOK or KKDAY for convenience.
If you’re planning to drive in rural areas, be aware of animals on the road, especially at night. During my road trip along the Great Ocean Road, I encountered a group of kangaroos, but thankfully, there was no incident. If you’re unsure about driving, you might consider joining a day tour.
Suggested 7-Day Itinerary for Melbourne
Here’s a sample 7-day itinerary for Melbourne:
Day 1: City Attractions – Victoria State Library, Flinders Street Station, Queen Victoria Market, Coffee Lane Way.
Day 2: Recommended: Self-Drive or Tour – Philip Island (Penguin Parade, Nobbies Centre, Koala Conservation Centre).
Day 3: City Attractions – Brighton Beach, Elwood, St. Kilda.
Day 4: Recommended: Self-Drive or Tour – Great Ocean Road (Marriner’s Lookout, Apollo Bay, Gibson Steps, Twelve Apostles).
Day 5: City Attractions – Fitzroy/Collingwood/Brunswick, Weekend Markets, select bakeries and cafes.
Day 6: Recommended: Train or Self-Drive – Puffing Billy Steam Train, Dandenong Ranges National Park, Yarra River Night Views.
Day 7: City Attractions – South Melbourne Market, Royal Arcade.
