Melbourne, the state capital and Australia's second largest urban centre, has a population of just over 5 million. Founded in 1835 on the shores of Phillip Harbour Bay, the city gradually expanded eastward along the Yarra River. Its name was given in honour of British Prime Minister William Lamb, 2nd Viscount of Melbourne (1779-1848). From the creation of the Federation in 1901 to the construction of Canberra - Australia's capital - in 1927, Melbourne served as the federal seat of government. During the gold rush in the 1850s, port activities expanded very rapidly and the excitement of Melbourne became undeniable.In the years that followed, the city became the second largest city in the British Empire and was nicknamed "Melbourne the Wonderful". After having been the seat of the Universal Exhibition in 1880, it was one of the first cities in the world to equip itself with a tramway in 1885. The city continued to expand at XXe siècle with the arrival of many immigrants after the Second World War (Melbourne now has the largest Greek community in Australia) and the prestige brought by the organization of the 1956 Olympic Games. The city retains many Victorian buildings from its great era, with other Gothic style buildings and remarkable glass and steel towers from the new architecture.Despite significant growth, Melbourne had to face competition from Sydney, its major rival. In the 1990s, the government undertook to revitalize the city, including the construction of new buildings, including the Crown Casino, the Melbourne Museum and the Melbourne Exposition Centre. Melbourne Docklands, one of the last major projects to be completed, has become a must when visiting the city.Melbourne is a major financial centre of the Australian economy, in constant competition with Sydney. It is the headquarters of about a third of the country's major multinationals. The city is home to several renowned universities such as the University of Melbourne, Monash University and the Victoria University of Technology.Every year, the city organizes a wide variety of cultural events and shows. It is considered the Australian capital of live music with a high proportion of emerging artists. It is known for its street arts classified as a major attraction. It is also appreciated as one of the great cities of the Victorian era with its historic buildings but is also known for its urban and dynamic centre. In recent years, Melbourne has claimed the title of World Capital of Major Sports. Every year it hosts three of the main competitions: the Australian Open (tennis), the Melbourne Cup (horse racing at the gigantic Flemington Horse Centre) and the Australian Automobile Grand Prix.Melbourne is also known as a great place to live. In 2017, it was voted the best city in the world to live in for the 7th consecutive year by the renowned Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). It is one of the most creative cities in the country but is also known for its diverse and gourmet cuisine. It is undoubtedly one of Australia's best places to discover art in all its forms.ClimateMelbourne has a humid subtropical climate, remarkable for its abrupt changes due to the proximity of the Dandenong Ranges. In summer temperatures can exceed 40 °C for a few days before a drop in temperature. In winter, the weather is cool, with temperatures between 6 and 14°C in July, the coldest month of the year. The phrase "the four seasons in one day" is part of popular language here.

What to visit Melbourne?

When to go to Melbourne?

When to go to Melbourne? You can travel to Australia and Melbourne all year round, but May to September are the coldest and least sunny months. In Melbourne, the peak season for foreign tourists is December-January, as it is for Tasmania and the Perth region. However, there is a wide range of tourist attractions, so it is rare not to find what you are looking for. In Melbourne, you can plan your stay taking into account the events that interest you, such as the Tennis Open in January/February, the Food and Wine Festival in March and the Comedy Festival in March/April. As for the honeymooners, it's up to them to give their dates!

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Weather all year round

Melbourne has an oceanic climate where the heat is pleasant all year round, barely cool in summer, and where rains fall frequently. The weather changes several times a day. Be proactive! In the south, the seasons are reversed compared to France. Winter being in July-August and summer in November-December. The average water temperature ranges from 19°C in January to 15°C in July.

Budget

The Australian currency is the Australian dollar (AU$ or AUD). The overall cost of living in Australia is higher than in Europe. Even if car rentals remain attractive and there are many forms of cheap accommodation. To save on transport, you can buy a bus pass, monitor flight offers or bring back empty rental vehicles. In Melbourne, the free tram saves money.

Procedures

To enter Australia and stay in Melbourne, you will need a valid passport for at least 6 months after your departure date and either an e-Visitor visa (free for 3 months) or ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) or a specific visa. Australia offers one-year Working Holiday visas for young people up to 35 years of age.

Health

For a classic stay, Australia does not present any major health risks, especially if you are staying in a large modern southern city like Melbourne. However, make sure that your compulsory vaccinations in France are up to date before you leave. Depending on the duration and modalities of the stay, vaccination against hepatitis B and Japanese encephalitis may be recommended. Note: your worst enemies will be the sun and sandflies. Solar radiation in Australia is particularly strong, as it is close to the equator and the hole in the ozone layer. It is imperative to use a sunscreen with a very high index. Sandflies (or biting midges) are tiny insects whose bites are very irritating and are found near beaches and estuaries in tropical or subtropical areas (QLD, NT, WA). A repellent will be enough to keep them away.

How to go to Melbourne? Our advice & tips

Australia is a very popular destination. Many travellers offer tailor-made or turnkey tours. One coast per trip is generally preferred, most often the east coast, from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef. The northern national parks, the desert centre, the west coast from Perth to Broome or the south from Melbourne to Adelaide via the Great Ocean Road are often the subject of a second trip.

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It is very easy to travel alone in Australia. Several hundred thousand young people visit the country alone every year thanks to the Working Holiday visa. There is a great deal of public transport and modern infrastructure. However, if you are going on an adventure in remote areas or hiking in national parks, please always give your itinerary to someone else.

Only one major road goes all the way around the continent, the Highway n° 1. The distances between each city are however consequent. An international permit is necessary, in addition to your national permit. We drive on the left. It is easier and faster, of course, to travel by plane. Many companies compete for the market, offering reasonable prices. However, buses remain the most common and economical means of transportation.

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Skyline de Melbourne. Mscottnz - iStockphoto
Melbourne. Neoellis - iStockphoto
La gare Flinders Street, Melbourne. LiveLifeTraveling - iStockphoto

Discover Melbourne

When to travel?

When to go to Melbourne? You can travel to Australia and Melbourne all year round, but May to September are the colde...
Read more about it

Weather forecast

Melbourne has an oceanic climate where the heat is pleasant all year round, barely cool in summer, and where rains fa...
Read more about it

Budget

The Australian currency is the Australian dollar (AU$ or AUD). The overall cost of living in Australia is higher than...
Read more about it

Formalities

To enter Australia and stay in Melbourne, you will need a valid passport for at least 6 months after your departure d...
Read more about it

Health

For a classic stay, Australia does not present any major health risks, especially if you are staying in a large moder...
Read more about it

How to travel by yourself?

It is very easy to travel alone in Australia. Several hundred thousand young people visit the country alone every yea...
Read more about it

How to get organized?

Australia is a very popular destination. Many travellers offer tailor-made or turnkey tours. One coast per trip is ge...
Read more about it

Getting around

Only one major road goes all the way around the continent, the Highway n° 1. The distances between each city are how...
Read more about it

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