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Melbourne, Yarra Valley & surrounds

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Melbourne Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit Melbourne?
If you want to experience Melbourne's culture and cuisine, nightlife and arts then, travel between March and May or September and November, when the weather is mild and the city is full of life. Enjoy the spring and autumn colours in Melbourne's parks and gardens, and explore its diverse neighbourhoods. Don't forget to check out Federation Square, St Kilda Beach, the Melbourne Zoo, and the Queen Victoria Market.

Where are the things to do in Melbourne?
Name your passion and Melbourne can match it. Explore Melbourne’s eclectic precincts and fringe suburbs and dive in to uncover quirky restaurants for cheap, filling lunches; coffee worth boasting about; underground art; hidden dens and rooftop bars; green spaces; fancy places; and some good yarns along the way.

Melbourne is the gateway to Victoria’s world-class wineries, natural springs, peninsulas, spectacular coastline and alpine villages. Don't miss a visit to St Kilda Beach, the Melbourne Zoo, and the historic Queen Victoria Market. There is no shortage of things to do in Melbourne, with so much to offer right on your doorstep. If you're planning a holiday in Sydney & NSW, explore our Melbourne travel guide crafted with help from our Melbourne experts to make the most of your trip. 

How to find the best holiday package to Melbourne?
Visit our Melbourne deals section on our website or sign up for our newsletter to get the latest holiday package deals sent straight to your email.

Where to stay in Melbourne?
Melbourne offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget. The CBD is perfect for those who want to be close to major attractions and public transport. For a more bohemian vibe, consider staying in Fitzroy or Carlton. Southbank and Docklands offer modern hotels with stunning city views.

What should I pack for my trip to Melbourne?
Melbourne's weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers. Include comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and an umbrella. In the summer months bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. In the winter (June to August), pack warmer clothing and a coat.

Do I need travel insurance for Melbourne?
Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance for your trip to Melbourne. We offer a range of travel insurance options suitable for travel to Australia. Find more information on our website.

Can I use New Zealand dollars in Melbourne?
No, you will need to exchange your New Zealand dollars (NZD) for Australian dollars (AUD). Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and exchange bureaus. Most credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

Do I need to hire a car to get around in Melbourne?
Hiring a car is not essential in Melbourne as it has extensive public transport system, which includes trams, trains, and buses. The free City Circle Tram is great for getting around the CBD. However, we recommend renting a car if you plan to explore the beautiful regional Victoria.

Where is the best place for shopping in Melbourne?
Melbourne is a shopper's paradise with a variety of options. Visit Bourke Street Mall for high-street fashion, Chadstone Shopping Centre for luxury brands, and Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce and unique souvenirs. Explore the laneways and arcades in the CBD for boutique shopping and quirky finds.

How can I get around Melbourne without a car?
Melbourne has an efficient public transport system. Use trams, trains, and buses to get around the city. The Myki card is a convenient way to pay for all public transport. For shorter trips, consider rideshare services like Uber and taxis.


Where are the best places in Melbourne for food and drink?
Melbourne is Australia's culinary capital so whether you're craving Italian, Asian, or something else, Melbourne has you covered. You'll find mouth-watering restaurants and cafes all over the city, but here are some of our favourites. For a taste of Italy, head to Lygon Street in Carlton and enjoy pizza, pasta, and gelato. For a variety of Asian flavours, check out Chinatown in the CBD and sample dumplings, noodles, and more. For the best brunch in town, don't miss Fitzroy and Collingwood, where you'll find hip cafes and cool bars. Make sure you try the best coffee and bagels in Melbourne at Manchester Press café in a converted warehouse in Rankins Lane - it's usually packed, so get there early.

What are some family-friendly activities in Melbourne?
Melbourne is a great destination for families. There's plenty of things to do for the whole family in Melbourne from interactive museums and kids' festivals to zoos and wildlife parks. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens, explore the interactive exhibits at Scienceworks and the Melbourne Museum. If you are looking for some fun and excitement, take a trip to Luna Park in St Kilda for amusement rides and games.

Meet our Victoria specialists

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Bridget Hanrahan

Bridget Hanrahan

House of Travel Prestons

Bridget has an amazing collection of knowledge from 19 years creating wonderful itineraries for all her clients. She takes the role of research very seriously from finding the finest cocktail to ensuring everyone has the best activity tips!

Her knowledge in cruising, as well as other adventure and family travel combined with her easy approachable manner takes the pain out of planning your trip of a lifetime. 

"Designing unique travel experiences is my passion. My attention to detail and always looking for exclusive options ensures that all client's experiences are seamless right from the initial enquiry". 

When Bridget is not pouring over brochures for inspiration, you can find her having a game of tennis, finding the next best HOT Chocolate, or spending time with her family. 

Years in the industry: 19+ 
No. of countries visited: 25 
Favourite place to visit: Africa

"Travel is the healthiest addiction" - Anonymous


Why I love travel: 

For me life is about experiences, not things! I love exploring new places, cultures, environments. I see travel for me as an addiction - I just can't stay away and helping people is so rewarding. 


My travel tips: 

  • Travel as soon as you can, don't delay as life is too short. 
  • If you want an adventure head to Antarctica or the Arctic before anywhere else. 
  • Always carry a change of clothes, any valuables and medication in your carry-on luggage. The House of Travel online brochures are a great source of information when planning your journey then we can finetune your holiday for you. 


My top 5 destinations: 

  • Africa- Serengeti plains!!! Perfect place to go to create family memories with our young adult kids! Adventure to encounter wildlife and camping in the Serengeti!
  • Dubai- the mix of culture, sights, architecture, markets, desert and the malls - even though shopping is not my thing. 
  • Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska - I was incredibly fortunate to have a family holiday in Canada, Alaska, Las Vegas and California and I'll never forget rafting on the Nenana River, rounding a bend to see a moose and her two calves taking a drink …. we all forgot to keep paddling; it was an incredible sight!
  • Rome - the history and the chaos of a bustling city it offers so much culture with a cool vibe. 
  • Thailand - I lived near Chiang Mai as an exchange student many years ago and have been back to the country three times. It is great for families, couples, singles with so much to see and do. 


What's in my suitcase?

  • Happiness - I'm always in my happy place as soon as I travel.
  • Active wear - Our holidays always include adventure and plenty of travel. 
  • A copy of my passport and insurance policy number and phone number, in case I lose my carryon bag and phone. 

Bridget



Jessica Osbourn

Jessica Osbourn

House of Travel Papamoa

I have always been a lover of travel, family holidays as a child sparked my love of seeing the world. I was born in England, moving to New Zealand with my family at the age of six. Drawn to the outdoors and the natural beauty of the world, I enjoy nothing more than exploring new landscapes, immersing myself in local living or being a major tourist. Whether that’s wondering narrow streets, exploring a big city or lounging on a sun-soaked beach.

In addition to my knowledge of travel, I'm currently training to become a Contiki champ with a passion for adventure and a love of meeting new people, I am eager to help you plan your own exciting Contiki, Top Deck, G-adventures or Intrepid tour and create unforgettable memories. 

I was fortunate enough to be sent to Disneyland California and loved every aspect of its adrenaline packed adventure. It is an unforgettable trip and I cant wait to help others book their magical Disney holidays. 

With a passion for adventure and a keen eye for detail, I’m always on the lookout for hidden gems, unique experiences and trending destinations. Whether you're looking for a thrill-seeking adventure or a peaceful escape into nature, I have the drive to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

Jessica
Nicole Hogan

Nicole Hogan

House of Travel Palmerston North: The Square

I am a cruise specialist who lives and breathes travel, I have a wide range of skills and knowledge.

I love the excitement of sitting down with my clients to share my experiences from around the world and help plan their trip of a lifetime!

Nicole

Chloe McKellar

Chloe McKellar

House of Travel Wellington City

Customer service has always been drilled into me. After begging my way into a cafe job at 14, I then spent 12 years working in the hospitality industry supervising restaurants and managing specialty cafes which also founded my love for all different types of foods.

After spending 3 years in Melbourne, 6 months in South East Asia and a few years in the UK I finally made the switch to the travel industry where I have been able to share my love for travel and customer service ever since.

I made it through the dark years of COVID in the industry which has led me to know to dig that little bit deeper into my clients' travel plans to create that perfect trip, and ensure we really have the best option for you in terms of comfort, reliability, and service. As we just don't know what is round the corner, do we!

I've travelled extensively across Southeast Asia, UK and Europe, spent a lot of time exploring properties in Fiji (and relaxing by the beach), road tripped in California and in 2024 I visited South Africa in Feb, Japan, South Korea and Taipei! I've got many more places on my bucket list to visit, but if I haven't been, I've got a superb team of people behind me who have and we'll work out the best trip for you! My ultimate passion when I travel is trying local foods, and finding the best possible places to have that authentic experience that we wouldn't be able to have at home. So if that resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you and let's put together your foodie adventure, together :)

Chloe

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