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Melbourne

Always alive. Never Mel-boring!


Got a passion? Melbourne’s got a match!

Melbourne’s buzzing energy will have you falling head over heels from the moment you arrive. From bustling thoroughfares to quirky laneways and charming arcades waiting to be discovered, this city is filled with delightful surprises at every turn.

Dive straight into Melbourne’s vibrant lifestyle, whether that’s sipping vino at cosy wine bars, treating your tastebuds at iconic eateries, catching a thrilling game, or hunting down one-of-a-kind finds in colourful boutique stores.

Venture beyond the CBD and explore Melbourne’s diverse neighbourhoods: wander Lygon Street for a true taste of Italy, soak up Fitzroy’s creative vibes, or stroll the sands and sample seaside life in St Kilda. And when you’re ready for more, Melbourne is your gateway to Victoria’s vine-tastic wineries, soothing natural springs, breathtaking coastlines, and alpine villages straight out of a fairytale.

Chat to our Melbourne travel specialists today to create your perfect holiday.

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Flight time

A 4-hour flight from Auckland will land you in Melbourne, one of Australia’s most vibrant cities.

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Best time to go

The best times to visit Melbourne are during the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November. These months offer mild temperatures, ideal for exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods and cultural attractions.

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Time difference

Melbourne is 2 hours behind New Zealand, so you’ll need to set your watch back slightly.

Our favourite things to do in Melbourne

Melbourne Streets

Wander through Melbourne's hidden laneways

Melbourne's lively laneways have an Alice in Wonderland feel - you never know what lies around the next corner.

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Road along the coast

Cruise the famous Great Ocean Road

Hire a car, grab some snacks and cue up Spotify for what might be most staggeringly beautiful drive you’ll make.

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Women looking out the window of the train

Do a classic “dine and dance” evening onboard a steam train

Get date night back on track when you step into the romance of train travel onboard Puffing Billy.

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Margarita pizza coming out of the oven

Feast in Little Italy

If you want real parmesan, cut from the block, grated over your pasta with a twist of style, Lygon Street is the place ot go.

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People shopping

Shop 'til you drop!

The shopping and fashion culture of Melbourne is one that is almost impossible to keep up with, but it is so fun to try!

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Person getting ready to play tennis

Game, set, match

Love Tennis? There's no better time to visit than mid-to-late January when the Australian Open takes over for two weeks.

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View of the outside of the MCG

Go behind the scenes at Melbourne’s sporting venues

Take an unforgettable guided tour of the MCG and visit the National Sports Museum to discover what makes Australia such a great sporting country.

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Hot air balloon over Yarra Valley

Take a day trip to Yarra Valley

Did you even go to Melbourne if you didn’t make the 1-hour trip to Yarra Valley?

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Expert tips, insider info and bucket-list inspiration for your next adventure

93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"Within 24 hours of submitting a request we had an itinerary for travel to Europe that catered for all our requests as well as useful suggestions."

Angus

"I have known Sarah as my travel agent since 2018 when I retired here in Matamata. In that time I have had 4 out of 5 overseas trips organized by Sarah, who is very calm and a lovely person, a delight to deal with. i"

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"Alicia worked hard to secure the right flights at the best price for us. Her attitude of nothing is a problem is a point of difference."

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Meet our Melbourne specialists

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Jared Wilson

Jared Wilson

House of Travel Christchurch City


No. of countries visited: 40+ 

Favourite place to visit: Anywhere in South America

Next place on the list to visit: Kenya


Quote: “Never pass up a bathroom”

About me: With over 2 years of solo travel across 40+ countries, I am passionate about immersing myself in new cultures and uncovering the unique experiences each destination has to offer. Fluent in Spanish, Latin America is my particular area of experience and expertise. Whether you're after an exciting adventure or a peaceful getaway, I’m committed to designing a memorable and seamless trip tailored specifically to you. 

Why I love travel: It allows me to escape the sometimes repetitive nature of daily life. I enjoy experiencing new places or returning to ones that I love. I like making connections with people from places around the world and having experiences that can’t be replicated.

My travel tips:

  • Meet the locals Almost all of my favourite and most cherished travel experiences have involved meeting and making friends with the local people. It is a sure-fire way to have a more unique and intimate holiday experience.
  • When in Rome A cliché but one to that will enrich your travel, observe how the locals live and learn from it. Try the local brew or dish, join in on the fun. Also respect local customs and traditions, this will allow a richer and safer experience.
  • Expect the unexpected- Be ready for unforeseen circumstances that will inevitably occur at some point during a trip. If you are expectant and prepared for troublesome scenarios you can save yourself a lot of grief. After all, you want to make your break from reality as stress free as possible.

My top 3 favourite destinations:

  • Colombia- An up and coming travel destination, a country cursed with the reputation earned from its past. It is extremely geographically diverse and amazing bang for your buck. I still haven’t found a country with warmer and friendlier people.
  • Spain- A country full of amazing destinations to discover, with a rich history and a world class gastronomical scene. The fun loving people, the nightlife and the picturesque towns with uniquely their Spanish architecture are a must experience.
  • Mexico- Mexico is a country which is truly fascinating, an amazing place to get to know. It’s a big country with lots to explore - like the US it is made up of states (32), the more you see the more you’ll want to see. It is full of the most beautiful places you’ve never heard of. The locals are extremely friendly and of course the cuisine one of the best and most famous on the globe.

What’s in my suitcase:

  • Spare phone, cables and a travel adaptor- Fact is electronics are a very important travel tool and to be prepared is important so you don’t have to go in the dark.
  • A Journal- A great way to record all the little details and memorable moments. When moving fast and or experiencing a lot we naturally forget things. Writing it down will help to recall in future and also to have what you’ve written forever is something special.
  • Travel cubes- Will help you to keep your suitcase nice and organised for easy packing and ultimately will save you time making things easier to find.

My most memorable travel stories:

  • Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain together with part of the Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Porto – totalling 1200kms. My hiking shoes broke so I did the last 1000kms in Sandals.
  • Doing a 32 day Top Deck bus tour around Europe. Easily one of the best months of my life full of laughs and all round good times. I made some strong friendships and saw a lot in such a short space of time.


Jared

Petra Otte

Petra Otte

House of Travel Wellington City

Having spent 40+ years, 30 owning my own HOT outlet here in the heart of Wellington, in this exciting and ever changing industry you could say that extraordinary resilience is at the top of my skite sheet given the many and varying challenges that have faced travellers over the years.

My clients and colleagues describe me as a passionate people person, who endeavours to get the best out of a traveller's investment.

It is important for me to be inclusive of everyone within a travelling party, to hear the voice of each traveller, and ensure everyone's wishes are met.

Having been to all continents bar Antarctica which is high on my list, I have also travelled in all styles from budget overland backpacking to luxury cruises which allows me to relate to all clients and work with you for what is best for you. 

Petra

Charlotte Coles

Charlotte Coles

House of Travel Riccarton

I absolutely love organising travel and turning every trip into a seamless adventure that’s perfectly tailored to you. My passion for travel is all about the details—whether it’s finding the best local spots, securing that perfect beachfront hotel or ensuring you have unforgettable experiences at every turn.

I’m all about creating stress-free, personalised journeys that suit your style, making sure every part of your trip is smooth, fun, and unforgettable. With me on your team, you’re in for a trip that’s as unique as you are!


Charlotte

Robyn Oretsky

Robyn Oretsky

House of Travel Wellington City

For me, travel has been more than just a series of destinations,  it has been a transformative journey that has sculpted my character and contributed to my personal evolution.  My travel experiences are not merely about ticking off destinations from a bucket list, but about immersing myself in the heart and soul of each place I’ve visited visit.  

My early travels began with frequent road trips around my home country of Canada and the USA, and I am fortunate enough to have now been to six of the seven continents.  Exploring the world through various modes of transportation has been a thrilling adventure for me, from cruise ships, to trains, to rickshaws, and I have an appreciation for the experiences that local transport offers.  I am comfortable with sleeping in a hammock in the rainforest, an overwater bungalow in the South Pacific, and everything in between.  

My experiences have taught me to adapt to different situations and understand diverse perspectives, and my background in customer service and sales has equipped me with valuable skills that I believe make me well-suited for various client needs. I believe this makes me well-suited to meet your needs as a client. Whether it's finding solutions to problems or anticipating your preferences, I strive to provide an exceptional service tailored to you. My aim is to not just meet but exceed your expectations by drawing on my varied background.

My enthusiasm for travel is infectious, and it is my goal to inspire others to embark on their own adventures and discover the beauty of our planet.


Robyn

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FAQS

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.

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