It's not just the sights and experiences that make the city great, it's the easy-to-use transportation system as well. In no time at all, you'll be able to visit all the attractions you want to see thanks to trains, trams, buses, chauffeur services, and more.
Here's everything you need to know about getting around Melbourne, from the extensive transport system to car rentals and tourist attractions.
From the Airport to the City
The city has four airports, a testament to its size. You'll likely land at Melbourne International Airport (locals call it Tullamarine Airport) if you come from another country, but if you fly with Jetstar or Air Asia, your flight will likely land at Avalon Airport. You can travel to and from both airports with a chauffeur or by bus.
1. Local Bus Service
You can take the bus facility from Melbourne airport and Avalon airport to Southern cross railway station. It takes an average of 22 minutes, so make sure you plan accordingly. Buses depart every 10 minutes during peak hours. They are equipped with WiFi and wheelchair accessibility.
2. Chauffeur Car Service
Having a chauffeur-driven car to transport you from the airport to the hotel after a long flight with fatigue is the best option. People with a lot of heavy luggage will appreciate this, so they don't have to carry it around the city. In Melbourne, you can hire a chauffeur car and choose the size and type of vehicle for a fixed price for an easy start or end to your trip.
The city is also home to two smaller airports connected to the Melbourne transport system that handle domestic flights: Essendon Airport and Moorabbin Airport. If you need to reach Essendon Airport, you can take tram 59 to Stop 56, bus 477 to English Street, or book a chauffeur that drops you off at the airport on time. If you are flying into Moorabbin Airport, you can get a chauffeur car service or take a train from Cheltenham railway station.
Around the City :
1. Melbourne Public Transport
Thanks to its well-connected network of trains, trams, and buses, Melbourne's public transport system is among the fastest and most efficient in the world. Within minutes, you can reach the CBD and its surrounding suburbs. You can use public transport for navigation. One of the best features is that all of this is accessible with just one card, the myki.
Myki cards are available in train stations, at ticket machines, and in convenience stores. For Android users, a digital card is available that they can use and top up through the Mobile myki app.
2. Melbourne Chauffeur Car
If public transportation isn't your thing, you can also book a Melbourne chauffeur car. You can use it if you plan on taking day trips to different parts of the state and want to explore the city at your own pace. The upside is that you don't have to find expensive and challenging parking spots.
3. Melbourne Ferries and Water Taxis
Melbourne's transport system offers many options, which is one of its best features. Interested in trying something new? Rather than taking the train, take a Yarra River cruise to Williamstown and take in the city's sights.
You may also take a water taxi, which departs until midnight and makes stops along the river. If you want to see the city lights at night while avoiding the heat of Melbourne, this is the perfect opportunity.
4. Rent a Bike
Looking for an alternative to Melbourne's typical transportation options? Enjoy one of the largest cycle-friendly cities in the world by renting a bike. You can explore the sights of Melbourne on two wheels thanks to the many trains in the CBD and its surroundings. During the hot and humid summer in Australia, a lot of bike paths are surrounded by trees or along rivers so it's a breezy ride.
Where to Go :
Now that you know how to navigate Melbourne. Now it's time to choose your destination. When you have so many unique experiences and amazing sights to choose from, it can be hard to decide. To give you some holiday ideas, we picked three of our favorites.
1. Melbourne Skydeck
Why not discover Melbourne from the top after getting to know the city from the ground? A panoramic view of Melbourne's skyline awaits you at Melbourne Skydeck, the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere. There are plenty of viewfinders and binoculars to spot the city's landmarks like the National Gallery of Victoria, the University of Melbourne, and more.
When you book Melbourne Skydeck on Klook, you'll get free WiFi access and an audio guide tour.
2. Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium
Are you curious about the ocean's bottom? At Sea Life Aquarium, you can see a variety of aquatic animals, from stunning jellyfish and penguins to terrifying sharks and crocodiles. Daily talks and feedings are a must! The aquarium is also easily accessible by public transportation. A tram or train will take you to Flinders Street.
3. Puffing Billy Railway
A train ride like this is unlike any other. Puffing Billy Railway train rides are like stepping back in time since it was built in 1900. You'll hear the whistle of the train and see steam coming out of the chimney, giving you a glimpse of how people traveled years ago. There is also a beautiful view outside. During the trip, take in the vibrant Dandenong Ranges from the window.