Melbourne, Australia: The Ultimate City Guide for 2025

Explore Melbourne’s culture, geography, lifestyle, and must-know facts.

From laneway cafés and iconic beaches to world-class universities and sporting arenas, the city blends tradition with innovation.

Whether you’re planning a visit or moving here, this guide gives you everything you need to know in one place.

Where is Melbourne located?

Melbourne is in southeastern Australia, situated on Port Phillip Bay.

Located at 37.8136° S, 144.9631° E, Melbourne lies south of Canberra and southwest of Sydney. It’s a coastal city known for its bayside suburbs, proximity to Tasmania across the Bass Strait, and access to international destinations via Melbourne Airport.

What country is Melbourne in?

Melbourne is in Australia and serves as the capital of Victoria.

It is one of the major cities in Australia and a significant economic and cultural centre for the country.

Does Melbourne have a capital city?

Melbourne does not have a capital city because it is a capital itself.

Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria and the administrative centre of the region.

What cities surround Melbourne?

Neighbouring cities around Melbourne include Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Frankston, and Werribee.

These cities offer historic sites, coastal escapes, and day-trip experiences, all within 30–150 km of the CBD.

What is Melbourne’s area and geographic layout?

Melbourne spans 2,453 km² and includes flat plains, coastal bays, and hilly ranges.

The city stretches:

• North to Craigieburn and Whittlesea
• East to the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley
• South-east to Mornington Peninsula
• West to Melton and Geelong

The Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay shape much of the city’s geography.

How many people live in Melbourne?

As of 2025, Melbourne’s population is 5,392,000 people.

This makes it the second most populous city in Australia, after Sydney.

What time zone does Melbourne follow?

Melbourne operates on AEST (UTC+10) and AEDT (UTC+11) during daylight savings.

Daylight Saving Time begins the first Sunday in October and ends the first Sunday in April.

What is Melbourne’s main language?

English is Melbourne’s primary language, but over 100 languages are spoken.

Common community languages include Mandarin, Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, and Arabic.

What is Melbourne’s phone area code?

Melbourne’s international dial code is +61 3.

To call a Melbourne landline from overseas, dial: +61 3 XXXX XXXX.

What is Melbourne’s vehicle registration code?

Vehicles in Melbourne carry number plates with the “VIC” code.

This abbreviation stands for Victoria, the state Melbourne is part of.

What is Melbourne’s internet domain extension?

Melbourne uses Australia’s country code top-level domain: .au.

Businesses often use:

• .com.au for commercial
• .vic.au for Victorian government
• .edu.au for education

What is the short form of Melbourne?

Melbourne is commonly abbreviated as “Melb.”

It is used in transport signs, event listings, and news media.

How many councils govern Melbourne?

Melbourne has 31 local councils managing various suburbs and districts.

These councils oversee services like waste collection, libraries, urban planning, and community programs.

What are the top 10 places to visit in Melbourne?

Melbourne’s most visited attractions include art, nature, sports, and coastal icons.

Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

1. National Gallery of Victoria – World-class art, 180 St Kilda Rd
2. Queen Victoria Market – Historic marketplace, Queen St
3. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – Iconic stadium, Brunton Ave
4. Great Ocean Road – Coastal drive west of the city
5. Eureka Skydeck – 88th floor views, Southbank
6. Royal Botanic Gardens – Lush inner-city greenery
7. Melbourne Museum – Natural and cultural history, Carlton
8. Federation Square – Cultural heart and events, CBD
9. St Kilda – Beachside suburb, penguins and nightlife
10. Shrine of Remembrance – War memorial with panoramic views

What are Melbourne’s best beaches?

Top beaches in Melbourne include St Kilda, Brighton, Elwood, and Port Melbourne.

Each offers a different vibe:

• St Kilda Beach – Penguin spotting and long walks
• Brighton Beach – Colourful bathing boxes
• Elwood Beach – Calm, family-friendly
• Half Moon Bay – Scenic cliffs and snorkelling
• Williamstown Beach – Laid-back with skyline views

What currency is used in Melbourne?

Melbourne uses the Australian Dollar (AUD), symbolised as $

This is the national currency for all of Australia.

How do people travel around Melbourne?

Melbourne has one of the most connected transport systems in Australia.

The network includes:

• Trains – Operated by Metro Trains
• Trams – Largest tram network in the world
• Buses – Services by Public Transport Victoria
• Cycling – Dedicated bike lanes and share schemes
• Taxis/Ride-share – Uber, Ola, and traditional cabs
• Cars – With toll roads like CityLink and EastLink
• Ferries – Leisure and commuter routes on Port Phillip Bay

Is Melbourne traffic congested?

Traffic is heavy during peak hours but managed through infrastructure projects.

Rush hour: 7–9am and 4–6pm
Updates: VicTraffic and RACV apps
Projects: West Gate Tunnel, North East Link aim to reduce congestion

What is Melbourne’s social structure like?

Melbourne’s society is defined by multiculturalism, economic diversity, and inclusivity.

Key features:

• Diverse migrant population
• LGBTQ+ inclusive culture
• Active community organisations
• Strong public services (education, housing, healthcare)

What are Melbourne’s cultural highlights?

Melbourne is a hub for art, music, theatre, and literature.

Important entities:

• Art: NGV, Hosier Lane, Gertrude Contemporary
• Music: Palais Theatre, Sidney Myer Music Bowl
• Literature: Wheeler Centre, Melbourne Writers Festival
• Theatre: Princess Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne

What food is Melbourne famous for?

Melbourne’s signature foods reflect its multicultural flavours.

Must-try dishes include:

• Dumplings (Chinatown)
• Chicken Parma
• Banh Mi
• Falafel Pitas
• Fish and Chips
• Flat White coffee (a Melbourne café staple)

What is the most popular drink in Melbourne?

The flat white is Melbourne’s iconic coffee choice.

For alcohol, gin and tonic is the city’s warm-weather favourite.

What beers are popular in Melbourne?

Top 5 popular beers include:

1. Carlton Dry
2. Victoria Bitter (VB)
3. Great Northern
4. Coopers Pale Ale
5. Asahi

What sports are most followed in Melbourne?

Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia.

Major sports:

• AFL
• Cricket
• Tennis (Australian Open)
• Horse Racing (Melbourne Cup)
• Soccer, Rugby, Basketball

Who are some famous Melburnians?

Notable personalities from Melbourne include:

• Sport: Cathy Freeman, Shane Warne, Lleyton Hewitt
• Music: Kylie Minogue, Nick Cave, Gotye
• Art: Milo Horner, Theo Papathomas
• Literature: Helen Garner, Christos Tsiolkas

How safe is Melbourne?

Melbourne is one of the safest major cities globally, ranked 10th worldwide.

As of December 2023:

• Crime incidents: 385,782
• Offence rate: 7,698.2 per 100,000 people
• Source: Crime Statistics Victoria

What’s the cost of living in Melbourne?

Melbourne’s cost of living is high but matched by quality infrastructure and services.

Estimates (excluding rent):

• Single: $1,657/month
• Family of four: $5,883/month
• City rent average: $1,360/month

What types of housing are available in Melbourne?

Housing options include apartments, townhouses, and family homes.

More affordable in outer suburbs. Prices are rising steadily in 2025.

How good is healthcare in Melbourne?

Melbourne has a world-class healthcare system with over 200 hospitals.

Available services:

• GPs and specialists
• Public and private hospitals
• Emergency and mental health support
• Allied health: physios, dentists, pharmacists

How strong is Melbourne’s education system?

Melbourne offers comprehensive public and private education from prep to PhD.

• Schools: Free public, Catholic, and private options
• TAFE: Vocational training
• Universities: University of Melbourne, Monash University
• International Education: Strong global student population

What is the quality of life in Melbourne?

Melbourne consistently ranks high in global liveability for its transport, healthcare, and culture.

Despite high housing costs, the city’s green spaces, job market, and social services contribute to a high standard of living.

What religions are practiced in Melbourne?

Melbourne is religiously diverse, with Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism widely practiced.

A significant portion also identifies as having no religion.

What landforms and climate define Melbourne?

Melbourne has flat urban plains, a coastal bay, and surrounding hills.

• Yarra River Valley
• Port Phillip Bay coastline
• Dandenong Ranges to the east

Climate:

• Summer: 25–35°C
• Winter: 6–14°C
• Known for changeable weather – “four seasons in a day”

How do you travel to Melbourne?

Melbourne is accessible by air, rail, road, and sea.

• Airports: Tullamarine (main), Avalon (regional)
• Trains: Southern Cross Station hub
• Car: Hume, Princes, and Calder highways
• Bus: Intercity services to/from CBD
• Ferry: Spirit of Tasmania from Devonport

What documents do I need to enter Melbourne?

Entry requirements vary for international and domestic travellers.

• International: Passport, visa (ETA, Visitor, Working Holiday), proof of funds
• Domestic: Valid ID
• COVID-19: Vaccination and test proof (if applicable)