A guide to living in Melbourne

Festivals

Melbourne and the state of Victoria boast an ever-expanding performing arts scene. Melbourne is the birthplace of Australia's first professional theatre company, the Melbourne Theatre Company, and is home to a variety of independent theatres and exhibitions.

Local Travel

Melbourne is surrounded by stunning sights, many of them easily accessible on a day trip. Head down the Mornington Peninsula for the ultimate weekend getaway or make your way down the Great Ocean Road for some dramatic cliffs and stunning beaches.

Live music

Melbourne has produced a range of artists who went on to succeed across Australia and internationally. There are plenty of live music venues spread out across the city. You will find what you're looking for, whether that's a midweek gig at a local pub or a stadium show featuring international superstars.

• Rent: 150 to 300
• Food: 80 to 150
• Electricity/gas: 40 to 100
• Transport: 40 to 50
• Internet and phone: 20 to 50
• Other: 50+
• Total: 380 to 700

1) Trains

Melbourne has 15 train lines taking you from the CBD into the outer suburbs. They are an effective solution for travelling to these outer suburbs but can become very busy during peak hours. On busy lines at peak hours, trains can run every 4 or 5 minutes. During off-peak times, most trains only run every 20 minutes.

2) Trams

Melbourne’s tram network is one of the largest in the world. During peak times, trams will run every 7 to 10 minutes. Trams are free within the centre of the city and will get you quickly around the CBD.

3) Buses

If you live in the outer suburbs you might want to consider buses over trams. Bus frequency varies depending on the time of day. Popular routes have buses running every 10–15 minutes during peak times, and once every 20 or 30 minutes during the evenings.

4) Uber

With the introduction of a levy in 2017, Uber has become legalised and regulated in Victoria, making Uber a safe option to get around the city.

City Centre

Melbourne's city centre offers everything. Come here if you're looking for cultural events, outstanding food and coffee, bustling nightlife and relaxing parks and gardens. The city is pretty by day and it comes to life during nighttime with lights sparkling along the Yarra River.

North Melbourne and Parkville

North Melbourne is one of the oldest parts of Melbourne, packed with classic terraced houses, historic buildings and large outdoor spaces. The area has a strong migrant history. Wander around the Queen Victoria Market (or “Queen Vic”) to experience the neighbourhood feeling.

Carlton and Fitzroy

Carlton and Fitzroy are the go-to destination for anything food related. If Italian food is what you're after, wander around Carlton and choose one of the many, traditional Italian eateries. Fitzroy will serve up the latest food trends and hip fashion shops. And in Fitzroy, vegans and vegetarians are most welcome.

Brunswick and Northcote

Brunswick and Northcote are popular with students for two good reasons: their proximity to many study institutions and low prices. Both areas also offer a variety of music venues, markets and outdoor venues, making it easy to always find something to do.

Museums

• Melbourne Museum
• Immigration Museum
• National Sports Museum
• Australian Centre For The Moving Image
• Scienceworks

Galleries

• National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
• Australian Centre for Contemporary Art
• Anna Schwartz Gallery
• Heide Museum of Modern Art
• Gertrude Contemporary

Markets

• Queen Victoria Market
• Rose Street Market
• Prahran Market
• South Melbourne Market
• Fitzroy Market

Music venues

• Corner Hotel
• Northcote Social Club
• The Tote
• Howler
• Palais Theatre

Bakeries

• A1 Bakery
• Gontran Cherrier
• Ox The Baker
• Faraday's Cage
• Convent Bakery