Melbourne Travel Forum

i'm backpacking from cairns to sydney...but im wondering if it is worth travelling to melbourne..therefore is there much to do there and if so what? and also how is the best way to get there from sydney?
Henry

well melbourne is very amusing

it has always amused me

Hi Henry

It depends on whether you like big cities or not! Melbourne has a population of over 3.5 million and is Australia's second largest city (after Sydney).

Melbourne is a place which has great restaurants, clubs, bars and a fantastic coffee scene. There is plenty to do in the city and great day tours in the surrounding area. There are quite a few backpacker establishments and very popular with the young crowd. If you are more into the beach/surfing scene then I recommend you come anyway and perhaps head down towards Torquay etc.
If your into nightclubs etc, then Melbourne is the place.

It also depends when you are coming as it gets colder here than where you will be coming from! Let us know your interests so we can advise more specifically.

It seems that Melbourne is overlooked quite a bit! There is heaps to do here, it all depends on what interests you. There are heaps of backpacker (nice) places in the city and St Kilda. If you like art, sports, nature etc then I think you should come to Melbourne! The Great Ocean Road, Philip Island, Dandenong ranges, Yarra Valley and the mornington peninsula are all places outside of Melbourne that are worth visiting as well. You can go on tours or hire a car to get to these places.

Oh, and Melboure is known for its food and coffee too....

The best and more often than not, cheaper way to get to Melbourne is to fly. Go to www.webjet.com.au for current airfares. You can sometimes get as cheap as $50 one way, but this depends on when you are travelling and how far in advance you can book.

It is around 12 hours to drive and 1 1/2 hours to fly.

You haven't given any info about yourself on your homepage so I don't know if you are from Cairns or from another country. If you live in Cairns then if you don't have the time to go to Melbourne this time then you can always go at a later date. However, if you are in fact from overseas, then it would be a pity to come all the way to Australia and not see Melbourne. It is a fabulous city. as all the previous posters have indicated. There is plenty to do for everyone, no matter what your age or likes or dislikes. Do it - you'll love it.

Thumbs up to the webjet suggestion. Flying inbetween cities in Australia is the way to go these days. If you are thinking of going to Melbourne and you can afford it....then definately go! Melbourne has a distinct European flavour and is well known for having a very warm and vibrant feel! I loved visiing Melbourne and everyone I know who has visited says the same thing!
Have fun downunder! Cheers, Ann :o)

Sydney is surely more spectacular than Melbourne but if I had to choose where I would want to live it would be Melbourne. It has such a great vibe, such a good atmosphere, a more down to earth feeling than Sydney, is fantastic for shopping, great walking and running options straight from the city centre, a lot of green spaces along the Yarra River, very appealing Greek and Italian influence... And still great beaches - although no harbour in the world matches Sydney Harbour. And the already mentioned great day or two days trips, wildlife etc. And they have the better sports events.

Melbourne is a fantastic city to visit. It is I believe our most friendly city, used to having many international guests. The food and markets in Melbourne are outstanding!

Always sporting events on there, excellent arts and theatre

the little cafes and bars and the narrow alleys and the street art - so cool and hip and human - great place

If you decide to fly be aware that Jetstar flies into Avalon and that's in Geelong - over an hours drive from the city. Even if it's a few dollars more, you're better off on QANTAS, Virgin or Tiger who all fly into Melbourne Airport.

Good point Eva. We all know it, but we need to remind those who live outside Australia. Good thinking! Thumbs up matey!! :o)

Thanks for all the tips...sorry its took me soo long! im actually from England, but i hear right now the weather down the whole east coast is shocking! at the moment i am in singapore but going to cairns in 2 days...ive just been told i dont really want to stay in Sydney for too long and Melbourne is better! i am travellin oz for 3months and have been advised to spend longer in areas such as Cairns which are obviously more rural and 'beachy'

well there is a lot to do and see in australia - just follow your nose - you might love Sydney! lots do

Well if you can get to Perth Henry, the weather here has been perfect! Perth has a mediteranian climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. At the moment we are having wonderful weather and it won't get cool here until late May. The wet weather doen't really kick in until July through till end of August. You should not have any problem getting work here either...just put your name down at a job finding agency...and if you need to know more about that, then just ask and I'll put you on to a few :o)
Cheers, Ann.

Absalutly, I lived there for about 6 months and liked it better then Sydney. i traveled between Sydney and Melbourne by bus about 12 hour trip not so bad when you do it at night and save yourself a night accomodation bus are quite comfortable and they play movies to keep you entertained. You could do it by train as the train leaves you right into the city of Melbourne.

I would visit St Kilda, Great Ocean Road, The Casino is good fun (in the mall it has one of the best cheese cake resturant, been honest there is always something going on in Melbourne

hope this helps if you need any more info let me know

I lived in Geelong, which is about an hour from Melbourne. It is a nice (small) city. If you have time go, but if you don't Melbourne is not much compared to Sydney. I loved Sydney, but wished I had more time there. I would estimate 12-14 hour drive. The flight from SYD to MEL is a pretty cheap flight. Thats how we went. Things I enjoyed doing in Melbourne: Riolta Tower (go up really high and get a great view of the city, but its indoor), If you plan ahead you can skuba with sharks, sting rays, and sea turtles at the Aquarium. I loved this experience, but it was a bit pricey.Also, at the Aquarium they have a sealed off car that is full of tropical fish. Its Pretty unique! Phillip Island is a little drive, but very cool if you like Penguins. Theres the Crown Casino which is nice, but just another Casino. I hope this helps!! Enjoy your travels!