Plan Your Adventure in Melbourne
Best Travel Tips & Guides

Australia

After three weeks in Melbourne, we can honestly say this city stole a piece of our hearts. The Melbourne coffee scene had us mapping out cafés like it was a full-time job, while the maze of laneways revealed street art and hidden eateries we'd never have found on a typical tourist route. This is a city that doesn't show off in glossy brochures - it reveals itself slowly to those willing to wander.

What makes Melbourne special isn't just the laneway culture or the Queen Victoria Market buzzing with locals - it's the laid-back vibe that somehow coexists with creative energy on every corner. Whether you're into food, art, music, or just soaking up city vibes, stick with us as we share our favorite Melbourne spots and the honest tips we wish we'd known before visiting. Trust us, this city has so much more than what first meets the eye!

Last updated on April 5, 2025
Population
5,078,193
Area
9992.5 km²
Average Temperature
15°C
Official Language
English
Current Time
16:42
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Merel

About Merel

Budget Travel Expert Budget Travel Specialist, 30+ countries visited across 5 continents, Expert in maximizing travel value
Merel is a passionate travel expert who has been documenting her adventures across more than 30 countries since 2015. With an exceptional talent for budget optimization and a keen eye for authentic local experiences, she specializes in finding hidden gems and securing the best possible deals for every destination. Together with her partner Michael, she has explored countless destinations - from the lush forests of Costa Rica to climbing volcanoes in Indonesia, experiencing the vibrant city life of New York, and taking an extensive road trip across Europe. Merel takes pride in her ability to create luxury experiences at affordable prices and loves sharing her money-saving strategies with fellow travelers while ensuring they don't miss out on the authentic essence of each location.
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Our must-sees in Melbourne

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The Vertical Drinking Culture We Can't Get Enough Of

Melbourne's Skyline Secrets

While most visitors hunt for Melbourne's famous culture at ground level, we quickly learned the city's real magic happens several stories up. Melbourne's rooftop bars offer this perfect blend of spectacular views, creative cocktails, and seasonal transformations.

Seasonal Transformations

One city, two completely different rooftop experiences

Summer Spectacles

Summer transforms Melbourne's rooftops into buzzing oases, with vibrant crowds spilling onto sun-drenched terraces until late. We loved how many spots convert into outdoor cinemas, hosting everything from cult classics to new releases under the stars.

Summer Must-Experience:
  • Bottomless brunches with city views
  • Rooftop Cinema at Curtin House
  • Palm Springs-inspired pool parties
  • Sunset DJ sessions at QT Rooftop

Winter Wonders

What impressed us most is Melbourne's refusal to hibernate during winter. When temperatures drop, these spaces transform with ingenious adaptations like QT Rooftop's "snow globe" with hourly snowfall shows and other venues installing transparent igloos.

Winter Innovations:
  • Transparent heated igloos for small groups
  • Retractable glass roofs and walls
  • Fire pits and outdoor heaters
  • Winter-inspired cocktail menus

Our 2025 Top Picks

These gems captured our hearts (and Instagram feeds) during our Melbourne adventure

Local Favorite
Naked in the Sky
Fitzroy

If you're looking for the quintessential Melbourne skyline view, this Fitzroy institution is our top pick. The rooftop of Naked for Satan offers the most spectacular vistas of northern Melbourne with the CBD skyline front and center.

Their infamous 20-page drink menu had us sampling everything from house-infused vodkas to local craft beers, while grazing on delicious Basque-inspired tapas. We ended up here multiple times—both for sunset drinks and late-night cocktails.

Outdoor Terrace Great Food Skyline Views
Vibe
Drinks
Views
Seasonal Standout
Rooftop at QT
CBD

This CBD rooftop bar impressed us with its complete seasonal transformations—in summer, it's a buzzing cocktail hub, but winter brings its famous snow globe conversion, complete with hourly snowfall shows that had us feeling like we were in a holiday movie!

Located at the designer QT Hotel on the 11th floor, the large rooftop terrace offers uninterrupted skyline views. Their signature cocktails like the "Rooftop G&T" became our go-to sundowner drinks. Weekend DJs create perfect vibes for night sessions.

All-Weather Cocktail Focus Weekend DJs
Vibe
Drinks
Views
Unique Experience
Rooftop Bar & Cinema
Curtin House, CBD

Melbourne's original and most beloved rooftop cinema sits seven floors up the Curtin House. We spent a magical evening watching "Die Hard" under the stars (yes, it's a Christmas movie) with the CBD skyline twinkling in the background.

The rooftop operates as a regular bar year-round but transforms for summer cinema season. Hi-Fi headphones provide crisp audio that drowns out city noise. Their Burger Shack became our pre-movie ritual—we recommend the veggie burger with extra pickles!

Outdoor Cinema Burger Shack Summer Only
Vibe
Drinks
Experience

Neighborhood Rooftop Guide

Each Melbourne district offers its own unique rooftop personality

CBD

Melbourne's central business district hosts the city's most polished rooftops, often perched atop designer hotels and historic buildings with panoramic city views.

We found the CBD rooftops to be perfect for after-work drinks, with a mix of suited professionals and tourists creating an energetic buzz as the workday ends.

Must-visit spots:
  • Rooftop at QT (11th floor snow globe)
  • Siglo (Parliament views, French bistro vibes)
  • Rooftop Bar at Curtin House (summer cinema)
Fitzroy & Collingwood

These northern neighborhoods host Melbourne's edgier, more creative rooftop scene, often housed in converted warehouses and historic buildings.

We loved how these rooftops blend seamlessly with the area's artistic character—expect craft beers, locally-sourced ingredients, and a hipster crowd.

Must-visit spots:
  • Naked in the Sky (best CBD skyline views)
  • Industry Beans (multi-level coffee playground)
  • Farmer's Daughters (regional cuisine)
St Kilda

This beachside suburb offers rooftops with a relaxed, vacation vibe and stunning views across Port Phillip Bay toward the city.

Perfect for watching the sunset behind the CBD skyline, St Kilda's rooftops tend to be more laid-back than their city counterparts.

Must-visit spots:
  • Captain Baxter (beachfront views)
  • The Espy (historic hotel with multiple levels)
  • Gigi Rooftop (intimate space above High St)
Southbank

Home to some of Melbourne's newest and most luxurious rooftop experiences, often atop high-rise hotels with panoramic river views.

We found Southbank's rooftops to be the most glamorous, with sophisticated cocktail programs and sleek, modern designs.

Must-visit spots:
  • Strato Melbourne (40th floor bay views)
  • Mid Air (Mediterranean-inspired terrace)
  • The Stolen Gem (270° city views)

Rooftop Moments

Visual highlights from our Melbourne vertical adventures

Our Photo Tips

The best skyline shots happen about 30 minutes after sunset when the sky turns deep blue but the city lights are bright. From Naked in the Sky, position yourself on the northern corner for the perfect CBD angle.

For drinks photography, QT Rooftop's creative winter cocktails with dry ice and fire elements make for the most dramatic Instagram content—Michael's flaming whisky shot boomerang got more likes than anything else we posted!

Melbourne Weather

What's the weather like in Melbourne?

Melbourne's weather truly lives up to its reputation for unpredictable weather in Melbourne with dramatic changes that caught us off-guard more times than we can count. During our summer visit, temperatures climbed into the 30s (Celsius), and we quickly learned why locals always carry a water bottle. The best time to visit Melbourne might just be autumn, when the city's parks transform with golden colors while offering comfortable temperatures around 20 degrees - perfect for exploring without melting or freezing.

What surprised us most was needing to pack for Melbourne weather in winter even during our spring stay! We'd start our morning with jackets, shed layers by noon, and scramble for umbrellas by afternoon. One local told us, "Just wait five minutes if you don't like the weather," and they weren't joking. We recommend always having a light jacket in your bag and checking Melbourne hourly weather forecast before heading out for the day - a habit that saved us from getting drenched at least three times during our visit.

Melbourne Weather
Melbourne tips

Must do's and try's in Melbourne

Melbourne truly shines through its food scene and unique local experiences. Beyond the (incredible) coffee culture lies a world of flavors and traditions that captured our hearts. Here are the must-try Melbourne food experiences and local traditions we fell in love with that you won't find in typical travel guides.

  • Melbourne specialty breakfast cafes: Brunch here isn't just a meal—it's practically a competitive sport! We became obsessed with spots like Higher Ground and Hardware Société where dishes like ricotta hotcakes with honeycomb butter or chili scrambled eggs on house-baked bread transformed our morning routine. We quickly learned that Melbourne locals take their breakfast seriously, with cafés opening at 6am and filling up completely by 8:30.
  • Melbourne Moomba Festival dates: We accidentally timed our visit with this quirky riverside festival and were treated to water skiing competitions, carnival rides, and the hilarious Birdman Rally where locals launch themselves off a platform in homemade flying contraptions. The parade was smaller than we expected but had this charming community feel that made us appreciate Melbourne's local spirit.
  • Fitzroy hidden bar scene: Some of our favorite nights happened in Fitzroy's secretive speakeasies. We spent an evening at Bar Americano (which only fits 10 people!) and discovered The Everleigh behind an unmarked door. Michael became friends with a bartender who introduced us to native Australian ingredients in cocktails—wattleseed and finger lime in a gin fizz was a revelation!
  • Queen Victoria Night Market food stalls: Wednesday nights at the Queen Vic Market became our ritual, with global street food stalls, live music, and local makers selling their crafts. The market has this electric atmosphere that brings together tourists and locals. Pro tip: go for the Portuguese custard tarts and the kangaroo sliders—both surprisingly delicious!

Each neighborhood offers its own flavor of Melbourne, from the Italian pastries on Lygon Street to the dumpling houses of Chinatown. We found ourselves constantly discovering new tastes and traditions around every corner, each one adding another layer to our understanding of what makes this city so special.

Sightseeing in Melbourne

  • Federation Square
  • Royal Botanic Gardens
  • Melbourne Zoo
  • Queen Victoria Market
  • Yarra River Cruises
  • Flinders Street Station
  • Melbourne's Laneways (for the best coffee and street art, and yes, the occasional pigeon!)
Plan your activity

What to do in Melbourne?

Melbourne stole our hearts with its incredible street art, coffee culture, and foodie scene! From exploring hidden laneways to catching stunning views along the Great Ocean Road day trip from Melbourne, we were constantly amazed. We absolutely loved the penguin parade at Phillip Island (those little waddling cuties!), and the Yarra Valley wineries were perfect for tasting Australia's finest. Want to experience Melbourne the way we did? Check out these Melbourne activities and create your own unforgettable Victorian adventures!

Great Ocean Road Highlight Tour with Morning Tea

Yarra River Sightseeing Cruise

Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos

Puffing Billy Railway & Penguin Parade Day Tour
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Where to Work, Eat & Connect?

The Best Digital Nomad Spots in Melbourne

After countless flat whites and wifi password hunts across Melbourne, we've put together this digital nomad guide to the city's best work-friendly cafes. From the artsy laneways of Fitzroy to the beachside vibes of St Kilda, here's where to park your laptop when you need to get things done in Australia's coffee capital.

World-Class Connectivity

Melbourne cafes often boast internet speeds that outperform most Australian cities, with many offering 30+ mbps connections.

Superior Coffee Culture

Melbourne's internationally renowned coffee scene means your workday will be fueled by some of the best beans and baristas in the world.

Digital Nomad Community

You'll find fellow remote workers at these hotspots, making it easy to network and connect with like-minded professionals.

CBD & Cultural Precinct

Guild Cafe

What we love: Tucked inside the State Library of Victoria, Guild Cafe offers the perfect blend of productivity and inspiration. High ceilings, large windows, and those gorgeous library vibes create an atmosphere that seems to make everyone more focused.

The large communal tables are perfect for spreading out, and we love that it attracts a diverse crowd of students, writers, and professionals. Plus, their St Ali coffee will keep you perfectly caffeinated through any workday.

Digital Nomad Score
WiFi Speed:
Power Outlets:
Workspace Comfort:
Budget Guide
  • Coffee: $5-6
  • Light Meal: $14-20
  • Stay Limit: Generous
Address: State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston St, Melbourne | Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-5pm, Fri 8am-6pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm

Auction Rooms

What we love: Set in a former auction house (hence the name), this North Melbourne institution is a spacious warehouse conversion with industrial-chic aesthetics and seriously impressive coffee offerings.

The varied seating options mean you can choose between the social buzz of communal tables or tucked-away corner spots for heads-down concentration. It's popular with the creative crowd, making it a great place to network with photographers, writers, and designers.

Digital Nomad Score
WiFi Speed:
Power Outlets:
Workspace Comfort:
Budget Guide
  • Coffee: $5-7
  • Light Meal: $16-24
  • Stay Limit: 3-4 hours
Address: 103-107 Errol St, North Melbourne | Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm

Fitzroy & Collingwood

Industry Beans

What we love: This award-winning roastery and cafe in Fitzroy has transformed a warehouse into a multi-level coffee playground. The industrial design with timber elements creates a space that's both sophisticated and welcoming.

While it can get noisy during peak hours, the background buzz actually helps some of us focus better. Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate their complex house roasts and innovative coffee-based drinks like the bubble cup cold brew.

Digital Nomad Score
WiFi Speed:
Power Outlets:
Workspace Comfort:
Budget Guide
  • Coffee: $5-8
  • Light Meal: $18-26
  • Stay Limit: 2-3 hours
Address: 3/62 Rose St, Fitzroy | Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-4pm

Faraday's Cage

What we love: This bakery-cafe hybrid in Fitzroy offers the perfect combination of freshly baked sourdough and a laptop-friendly environment. On weekdays, it's surprisingly quiet and relaxed, making it ideal for focused work sessions.

The smell of fresh bread and pastries creates a homey atmosphere that somehow boosts productivity. And when you need a break, there's nothing better than treating yourself to one of their incredible pastries or brunch dishes.

Digital Nomad Score
WiFi Speed:
Power Outlets:
Workspace Comfort:
Budget Guide
  • Coffee: $4.50-6
  • Light Meal: $15-22
  • Stay Limit: 3-4 hours
Address: 325-329 Gore St, Fitzroy | Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm

Best Neighborhood Options

Melbourne's diverse neighborhoods each offer their own unique cafe cultures. Here's where to base yourself depending on your digital nomad style.

St Kilda

For beach-loving digital nomads, St Kilda offers the perfect balance of productivity and relaxation, with plenty of cafes along Acland Street and Fitzroy Street.

After work, you can unwind with a sunset walk along the beach or visit the famous Luna Park.

Why work here:
  • Beachside lifestyle
  • Great for work-life balance
  • Diverse food options
  • Easy tram access to CBD
Brunswick

Brunswick is Melbourne's hipster heartland, with an eclectic mix of converted warehouse cafes, vintage shops, and multicultural eateries along Sydney Road and Lygon Street.

The creative, laid-back vibe makes it popular with writers, designers, and other creative professionals.

Why work here:
  • Creative atmosphere
  • Lower prices than CBD
  • Diverse local community
  • Great live music scene
Richmond

Richmond offers a comfortable middle ground between CBD proximity and neighborhood charm. Swan Street and Bridge Road are lined with cafes that transition from morning work hubs to evening dining spots.

The neighborhood attracts a mix of corporate remote workers and freelancers.

Why work here:
  • Excellent transport links
  • Mix of modern and historic cafes
  • Close to CBD and MCG
  • Victoria Gardens for shopping breaks

Melbourne Digital Nomad Pro Tips

Coffee Loyalty Pays Off

Melbourne cafes often run unofficial loyalty systems. Become a regular at your favorite spot, and you might find yourself being offered free upgrades, extended stays, or even after-hours access when you need to finish a big project.

Library Workspaces

The State Library of Victoria offers free wifi, plenty of power outlets, and gorgeous study spaces when you need a completely quiet environment. It's a perfect alternative when you've maxed out your cafe budget for the week.

Tram Zone Savings

All tram travel within the CBD and Docklands is free, making it easy to hop between different workspaces throughout the day without transportation costs. Just stay within the Free Tram Zone boundaries.

Weather Contingencies

Melbourne's "four seasons in one day" reputation is real. Always have a backup indoor workspace planned if you were counting on that sunny courtyard. The weather can change dramatically in just 30 minutes.

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Where to go?

The best areas in Melbourne

Melbourne captivated us with its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality. During our three-month stay, we explored these areas extensively, finding unique spots in each that made us feel like locals rather than tourists. These best neighborhoods to visit in Melbourne offer something special whether you're after amazing food, cultural experiences, or just wanting to soak up the authentic Melbourne vibe.

Fitzroy

We fell in love with Fitzroy, Melbourne's coolest hipster neighborhood, where street art covers nearly every available surface and vintage stores sit next to third-wave coffee shops. Brunswick Street became our weekend ritual - browsing record stores, sampling pastries at Lune Croissanterie, and watching locals in their natural habitat. The Rose Street Artists' Market on weekends showcases local creators that perfectly capture this area's creative spirit.

St Kilda

Whenever we needed beach time, we headed to St Kilda beach Melbourne with its palm-lined esplanade and surprising penguin colony at the end of the pier. This beachside suburb balances tourist attractions like Luna Park with local gems such as Acland Street's cake shops. We discovered that sunset at St Kilda Pier offers stunning views of Melbourne's skyline that most travel guides don't mention.

South Yarra

For shopping in Melbourne's trendy districts, South Yarra was our go-to spot. Chapel Street offers everything from high-end boutiques to quirky local designers. We spent too many afternoons people-watching from cafés here, amazed by the fashion parade passing by. The Prahran Market nearby became our favorite place for fresh produce and specialty foods during our extended stay.

Collingwood

Collingwood gave us the best craft beer bars in Melbourne experience with its warehouse-turned-brewery spaces and underground music venues. Smith Street has this raw energy that feels more authentic than some of the more polished areas. We stumbled upon some fantastic Ethiopian restaurants here too - a delicious surprise that became a weekly tradition during our Melbourne stay.

Docklands

When we wanted modern Melbourne, we explored Melbourne Docklands waterfront attractions with its sleek architecture and harbor views. While it lacks some of the character of older neighborhoods, we found the Friday night fireworks and the District Docklands shopping center perfect for rainy days. The Melbourne Star observation wheel gave us breathtaking views over the entire city - worth doing once, especially at sunset.

Transportation tips

How to get around in Melbourne

Getting around Melbourne is straightforward with plenty of options that work well for visitors. The city's layout makes it easy to navigate, though rush hour traffic can slow things down just like back home.

Public Transport

The Melbourne public transport ticket system runs on Myki cards, which you'll need for all trains, trams and buses. We found the free tram zone in the CBD incredibly useful for exploring central Melbourne without spending extra. Just tap your card when boarding and you're good to go.

Daily fares cap at around $9.20 for unlimited travel across all zones. We recommend loading about $30 on your Myki for a few days of sightseeing. The Melbourne tram map PTV app helped us plan routes easily and showed real-time arrivals.

Taxi Services

Both traditional taxis and rideshare options in Melbourne like Uber and DiDi are plentiful. We found DiDi slightly cheaper than Uber most times, but both apps worked reliably throughout our visit.

Expect to pay from $4 base fare with prices climbing during peak hours. A trip from the CBD to St Kilda typically cost us around $20-25 depending on traffic. Airport trips run about $55-65 one way, so budget accordingly if you're planning airport transfers.

Biking

The city has decent bike paths in Melbourne with several rental options available. We tried the Melbourne Bike Share system which was simple to use with pickup and drop-off points throughout the central areas.

Rentals start at about $5 per hour or around $25 for a full day. The Capital City Trail Melbourne offers a fantastic 30km loop around the city that we highly recommend for active visitors. Just pack water and sunscreen even on cloudy days - the Australian sun is no joke!

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Getting around in Melbourne

Miky Cards and How They Work

Melbourne's public transport operates exclusively with the myki card system—and there's no option for single-use tickets. Even if you're visiting for just a day, you'll need to purchase a myki. It may seem inconvenient at first, but our guide makes navigating Melbourne's trains, trams, and buses straightforward, helping you save both time and money.

Where to get your myki

Avoid airport markup by purchasing your card at these locations:

  • 7-Eleven stores - Found throughout Melbourne, including central locations like Flinders Street and Elizabeth Street
  • Major train stations - From ticket windows at Flinders Street, Southern Cross, or Melbourne Central
  • PTV Hub - Located at Southern Cross Station near the corner of Spencer and Collins Streets

Card options and costs

Melbourne doesn't offer disposable tickets, so everyone needs a reloadable myki:

  • Full Fare card - $6 (non-refundable) plus whatever amount you load
  • Concession/Child/Senior card - $3 (non-refundable) plus your loaded amount
  • myki Explorer - Tourist pack with $10 preloaded (full fare) or $5 (concession) plus attraction discounts for $16/$8
Free Tram Zone hack

Melbourne's CBD and Docklands are covered by the Free Tram Zone—a genuinely free way to explore the city center.

Within this zone, you don't need to touch on or touch off, or even have a myki at all. But the moment your journey starts or finishes outside this zone, you must touch on with a valid myki. Look for "Free Tram Zone" signage at stops to know the boundaries.

Digital alternatives

If you have an Android phone, you can skip the physical card completely with Mobile myki.

Add it to Google Wallet, and you can tap your phone at readers instead of using a plastic card. Unfortunately, iPhone users are still waiting for compatibility (expected in future upgrades). Credit/debit card payments are also coming, with trials beginning in 2024, but the full rollout isn't expected until 2026.

Zone system explained

Melbourne has a straightforward zone structure:

  • Free Tram Zone - Central Melbourne (no myki needed)
  • Zone 1 - City and inner suburbs
  • Zone 2 - Outer suburbs

Travel between Zones 1 and 2 is charged at the Zone 1+2 rate. If traveling only in Zone 2, you'll pay a lower fare.

Loading your myki

You have two options for using your myki:

myki Money - Pay-as-you-go option. Top up any amount (minimum $1) and the system calculates the best fare as you travel.

myki Pass - Buy 7 days or 28-365 days of consecutive travel. Much cheaper if you're using public transport daily.

The quickest ways to top up are at 7-Eleven stores or via the PTV app (though app top-ups can take up to 90 minutes to process).

Getting refunds

You can refund unused myki Money before leaving Melbourne, but the $6/$3 card cost is non-refundable.

Visit the PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station with your card and ID. They'll refund any amount over $0 left on your card.

Do this a day before your departure to avoid long lines. The PTV Hub can get busy during weekday rush hours.

Money-saving myki hacks Melbourne locals use

Weekend cap

On weekends and public holidays, there's a discounted daily cap of just $7.60 for unlimited travel (half price for concessions). Take advantage by scheduling tourist activities on weekends.

Early Bird fare

Touch on and off before 7:15am on weekdays (15-minute buffer from 7:00am cutoff) and your train journey is completely free. Perfect for early risers wanting to beat the crowds at popular attractions.

2-hour transfer window

A single touch-on gives you 2 hours of unlimited travel. Plan multiple short trips within this window to avoid paying twice. This is particularly useful for quick stops at different attractions.

Card sharing for couples

To avoid multiple $6 card fees, couples or friends can share one myki by taking turns. Just remember to touch on twice (wait for the reader to process each touch) for two passengers. This isn't technically allowed but widely practiced.

Typical Melbourne transport costs (2025 rates)

2-hour Zone 1+2

$5.30

With myki Money
Daily Zone 1+2

$10.60

Maximum daily cap
7-day Zone 1+2

$53.00

Using myki Pass
Weekend daily cap

$7.60

Sat-Sun & holidays
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Plan your journey

Ready-to use itineraries for Melbourne

Browse our itineraries and find the perfect plan for your trip!

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Get to know Melbourne

Frequently asked questions about Melbourne

Can I bring my own coffee into cafes?

Absolutely, but don’t be a jerk about it. Melbourne has a serious coffee culture, and most cafes will side-eye you if you waltz in with your own brew. While it’s technically not illegal, it’s frowned upon. If you’re desperate, just ask if you can sip it quietly in a corner, but be prepared for some judgmental glances. Bring your own coffee to a café is like bringing your own steak to a restaurant—just don’t.

What’s the deal with Melbourne’s unpredictable weather?

Four seasons in one day, my friend! Seriously, Melbourne weather is like a moody teenager—sunny one minute, pouring rain the next. It’s not unusual to experience a heatwave and a chilly breeze in the same afternoon. Always carry a compact umbrella and wear layers. If you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes; it’ll change. And no, you can’t blame the locals for being grumpy; they’ve just been caught in a downpour while wearing shorts.

Can I use my Uber in the city, or will I get lost in the labyrinth?

Yep, but keep your GPS handy! Uber is a thing in Melbourne, but the city’s layout can be a bit of a puzzle. The grid system is mostly easy to navigate, but some streets are one-way, and others are downright confusing. Plus, don’t be surprised if your driver takes a detour to avoid a tram line. Always double-check your route and be ready to direct them if you’re familiar with the area. And for the love of coffee, don’t forget to tip your driver—they’re not just your chauffeur; they’re your lifeline in this maze!

Is it true that you can’t drink alcohol on public transport?

True, and the fines are hefty! Melbourne has strict laws about consuming alcohol on public transport. If you’re caught sipping on a bottle of wine while riding the tram, you could be slapped with a fine of up to $200. If you’re desperate for a drink, try to keep it discreet and wait until you reach your destination. You’ll also want to avoid looking like a walking party bus; the last thing you want is to be the entertainment for a bunch of sober commuters.

Can I wear shorts in winter, or is that a fashion crime?

Go for it, but be prepared for side-eye! Melbourne’s winter can be chilly, and while locals often sport shorts year-round, it’s a bold move for a visitor. If you want to channel your inner Melburnian, rock those shorts, but pair them with thick socks and sturdy shoes. Just know that you might be mistaken for a tourist—or a madman. But hey, fashion is subjective, right?

Why is it so hard to find a decent public toilet?

Welcome to the struggle! Public toilets in Melbourne are like unicorns—rare and sometimes magical. While there are some available, they can be few and far between, especially in the CBD. You might end up in a fancy department store or a café just to relieve yourself. Pro tip: download a toilet locator app or use Google Maps to find the nearest facilities. And always, always carry hand sanitizer; you never know what you’ll encounter!

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