People used to call Melbourne Australia’s cultural capital, with its melting pot of inhabitants and European ambience—its have all art gallery, nightlife, and delightful brunch scene.
One will never run out of things to do in Melbourne. Discover the city’s diverse galleries, cafés, and shops; walk through lush gardens; cruise along the Yarra River; and or to hop on a heritage tram to explore Melbourne’s beauty and magic.
Previous post, Part 1 – we had been sharing must do things and places in Melbourne. And Part 2, which you should read as we are sharing creative ways to save money in your pocket while you still get to enjoy trip to Melbourne like a local!
This post, we are sharing how to get around Melbourne with easy navigate transportation system.
Let’s begin. Hoo-ray!
From the extensive Melbourne transport system to car rentals and things to see, below are everything you need to know about getting around the beautiful capital. Let’s begin!
Airport to City
Melbourne has four different airports. If you’re travelling from different country, you’ll likely land at Melbourne International Airport (locals call it ‘Tullamarine Airport’); but if your flight is with Jetstar or Air Asia, you’ll likely land at Avalon Airport.
There are two ways to travel to and from both airports: either by car or by bus.
You can take the SkyBus from Melbourne Airport and Avalon Airport from Southern Cross Railway Station. Trip will takes around 22 minutes, you need to plan your time accordingly. There are trips every day, with departures every 10 minutes during peak hours. Melbourne Skybus has WiFi in it and wheelchair access for a comfy and kids friendly journey.
Another option is to hire a airport transfer service that will pick you up from the airport to your hotel door step. It’s probably convenient for people or family with luggages, as you not need to worry luggages at all.
There are two smaller airports that are connected to the Melbourne transport system and host domestic flights: Essendon Airport and Moorabbin Airport. To get to Essendon Airport, you can take the tram service 59 to Stop 56, bus route 477 to the English Street stop, or the train to Essendon station. As for Moorabbin Airport, you can take train to Cheltenham railway station and hop on a taxi or book an airport transfer service.
Tip : Airport transfer service can be pre-purchase online in few webs. We have tried on Klook before, very convenient that could cater to different needs with good price too. Strongly recommend if you have young child and seniors travelling together.
Around the City
By Public Transport
Melbourne’s public transport system is working efficiently (on time) as its well-connected network of trains, trams, and buses. You can reach the CBD and the surrounding suburbs in short time. To help you navigate, you check from Public Transport Victoria’s very handy journey planner. The best part of it all: you can access everything using only one card, the myki. Check here, we shared on earlier post about myki card/app. Card can be purchase at counter of train stations, top up at any ticket machine so as convenient stores. For hassle free, you may download myki app which using digital card to tap on and off as you go!
Tip : Check here, myki details that all you need to know!
By Car
If public transport is not convenient for you and your family, you can also rent a car. By car travelling, you could easily bring kids and seniors around to your planned spot or places with more flexibility on timing too! But finding parking lot can be challenging and costly at the same time. Study on road rules as there’s trams operating from day to night.
Tip : There’s many car rental webs offering different options, do survey and explore reviews before engaging. Read up T&C to signing up, to ensure smooth and happy holiday in Melbourne!
By Ferries and Water Taxis
Yes, you are reading them correctly. Wants to have a different experience on your holiday trip? Looking for new experience to kids too? Instead of train or car, you can do sight seeing of the city with cruise ferries to soak along Yarra River. Beautiful scenes and strong winds to complete your city view, definitely not a missed if you keen to try on new thing in the city.
Another option is to take a water taxi which has different stops throughout the river and departures until midnight. It’s a great opportunity if you want to see the city lights at night while skipping the city heat.
By Bicycle
Another fun way to explore the city, is by bicycle! If you an outdoor person, rent a bike and start your ride on one of the best cycle-friendly cities in the world. With plenty of trains throughout the CBD and its surroundings, you can explore the beauty of Melbourne easily on two wheels. Best part is bike paths are surrounded by shades or alongside the river, so it’s a breezy cooling ride even during the hot Aussie summer. Kids should try this outdoor activity out, cycling with cooling wind under safe circumstances.
Tip : You can do pre-book on several webs, offering groups or unique types to couple bike and even child seat available. And yes, you could opt in manual bicycle and also e-bike or e-scooter that you helps to save some your energy on equal fun!
There’s many more in our recommendation list to share and list is not ending here, will be updating from time to time for you!
Planning for a holiday trip? Want to know just all about of Australia before deciding which states to go first? Let us help you up!