Melbourne is the second-largest city in Australia and the capital city of the state of Victoria.
Consistently listed as one of the most livable cities in the world, Melbourne is known to offer a good mix of exciting and eclectic experiences to locals and visitors. A city that boasts of cultural diversity, it is not a surprise that Melbourne is once again listed in the recent the Economist Intelligence Unit’s “Global Liveability Report,” which ranks the best places to live in the world against five categories: stability, healthcare, culture & environment, education, and infrastructure.
Melbourne has always been one of the top cities in Australia that international students aim for. In the latest QS Best Student Cities 2022, Melbourne ranked six based on affordability, desirability, and the opinions of current students. Furthermore, seven universities from Melbourne made it to the QS World University Rankings® 2022, including the University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT, and Swinburne University of Technology.
For aspiring international students or someone ready to cross the Australian borders once it opens for tourists, Melbourne is truly a remarkable place to experience. We listed some of the most amazing things to do and see within and just outside the city to help you plan your “next normal” itinerary.
Travel on Trams. Melbourne is the only city in Australia with a network of over 400 trams that share road space on most thoroughfares within the city. You can travel for free via tram within the city centre and must have a valid myki card when travelling outside the Free Tram Zone.
Visit Melbourne Zoo and SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. Located within Royal Park in Parkville, Melbourne Zoo is part of Zoos Victoria, a not-for-profit zoo-based conservation organisation. Right in the Melbourne CBD is SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, which offers underwater experiences such as diving with sharks and the underwater dining experience as well as an icy encounter with King and Gentoo penguins.
Take the Great Ocean Road Adventure. Explore the outdoors by going on a one-off road trip from Melbourne to navigate the changing coastal views and landscapes along the 242-kilometre stretch of road of the Australian National Heritage-listed Great Ocean Road. Take a quick stop at the12 Apostles, a towering magnificent rock stacks formed by constant erosion of the limestone cliffs.
Have Fun at the Luna Park Melbourne. Located in St Kilda, Melbourne, Luna Park Melbourne is the oldest and one of the most iconic theme parks in Australia. With over a hundred years of history, the amusement park remains to be one of the top destinations for both tourists and locals.
Do a Tandem-Skydive. For adrenaline junkies, no other place to try skydiving but in Melbourne. SkyDive Australia offers tandem, solo, and group skydiving for those who want to marvel over Port Phillip Bay and St Kilda mid-air.
Wine at Yarra Valley. Situated at the north-east of Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is home to more than 80 vineyards surrounded by the rolling hills near Lilydale, Coldstream, Yarra Glen, Healesville and Seville. Being in the country’s premiere cool-climate region, Yarra Valley is known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and méthode traditionnelle sparkling.
Take a selfie in front of the iconic Flinders Street Railway station; have a sip of local coffee and delicacies at Queen Victoria Market; be amazed by art exhibitions at Fed Square; and take a 360 view of Melbourne at Eureka Skydeck. The list goes on so be armed and ready for Melbourne soon!
