Moving to Melbourne is easy with these 15 tips
Moving interstate is possibly one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. It’s an exciting, yet overwhelming time, and the more prepared you are the easier it will be.
Let’s have a look at 15 things you need to be aware of moving to Melbourne.
- Public transport: The public transport system is fantastic in Melbourne. All forms of transport run off the one card – the Myki card. Getting around is easy and the ticket system is simple – just make sure you have the correct zone. Zone 1 covers all of inner Melbourne and zone 2 covers everywhere else. You can buy your card from a newsagent or train station, and validate it every time you board a train, tram or bus.
- Road rules: Melbourne has a toll system to overcome traffic congestion – these tolls are operated by CityLink and EastLink. Tolls are paid in each direction and the amount you pay depends on how many sections you pass through.
If you plan to drive in the CBD, you need to be aware of “hook turns.” You’ll need to turn right from the far left lane – which prevents right-turning drivers from waiting, or crossing tram lines, which isn’t allowed in Melbourne. Unlike Adelaide, dedicated right-turn lanes are not present. - Drivers License requirements: You need to apply for a Victorian driver’s licence within three months of arriving in the State (or from the time a permanent visa was issued to you).
- Car registration: The vehicle you drive must be registered with Vic Roads. All registered vehicles in Victoria must have a roadworthy certificate.
- Choosing a suburb: Melbourne is known for its beautiful, leafy suburbs. Here are a few popular suburbs.
- Carlton/Fitzroy – inner north, great café culture
- Albert Park – close to the beach, full of young professionals
- South Yarra – affluent area, great for shopping
- St Kilda – beach, backpacker culture with great cafes
- Richmond – multicultural, great café culture
- Brunswick – multicultural, full of vegan cafes
- Yarraville – community, village feel.
- Weather: There’s truth to what people say about Melbourne weather – you can experience four seasons in a day. The city can be cold, even in summer, so always be prepared with a jacket in hand.
- Universities: Melbourne is the home of seven public universities: the University of Melbourne, Monash University, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Deakin University, La Trobe University, Swinburne University of Technology, and Victoria University.
- Hospitals: There are dozens of public and private hospitals in Melbourne’s metropolitan. Some of the major hospitals include the Royal Children’s Hospital, the Royal Women’s Hospital, and the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
- Utilities: Some of the major gas and electricity providers in Melbourne are Origin, Country Energy, Red Energy, and AGL. The power system is privatised in Melbourne, which means there are multiple companies to choose from to power your house.
- Airports: Melbourne has two airports – Tullamarine and Avalon. Tullamarine is approximately 25km north of the city and Skybus offers a shuttle service to and from the airport into Southern Cross station. Buses go every 30 minutes and fares are $16 one-way, or $26 return. Avalon is 55km west of Melbourne. Sunbus offer $18 one-way, or $32 return fares into Southern Cross station.
- Banks: Alongside the 4 major banks that operate in Australia – NAB, ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and Westpac – there are a number of small banks that operate in Melbourne. These include the Bank of Melbourne, UBank, Members Equity Bank, Rural Bank, Delphi Bank, and the Defence Bank.
- Public holidays: Melbourne has all the same public holidays as the rest of Australia, with the exception of Melbourne Cup in the first week of November.
- Entertainment: Melbourne is filled with cool laneways, hidden shops, art galleries and independent theatres. It’s one of those cities you can just wander around and find great things to do. Be sure to check out the Queen Victoria Market, a footy game, or Luna Park – just to name a few.
- Shopping hours: In Melbourne, late night trading until 9pm on Thursday and Friday. Most of the larger supermarkets – including Coles and Safeway – are open until midnight, 7 days a week.
- Day trips: Victoria is home to beautiful natural scenery, and luckily enough in driving distance for people who live in Melbourne. One of the most popular natural destinations close to Melbourne is Phillip Island. 2 hours south, you can take a day trip to the beach and explore this stunning area. Alternatively, head southwest to one of the best drives in Australia – the Great Ocean Road.
You may be required to sit some tests to get this licence, although in some cases, you may be exemp. For more information about the test and exemptions, visit the VicRoads website.
Planning and forward thinking will make your move to Melbourne a much more enjoyable experience. If you’re moving to Melbourne, talk to Taylor’s Relocations today!
