Flight time
A 4-hour flight from Auckland will land you in Melbourne, one of Australia’s most vibrant cities.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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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Our Aussie travel blogs
93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5
"Tania always covers all the bases and thinks through my plans with me."
Delight"I had two alter an existing booking and add two new bookings for family do we all meet up. Many flights and an airline change as suggested by Dennis made this work well for us. I was very impressed."
Royden"My daughter organized it for me and l like the result"
Barbara
Chloe McKellar
House of Travel Wellington City
Hi all - please note that I am on maternity leave until September 2026 :)
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
Megan Stirling
House of Travel Ashburton
I'm so excited to be back
working in travel and would love the chance to talk travel with you!
Travel to me is about saying 'yes!' to all new experiences, immersing yourself
in the culture and creating memories.
With experience in multiple areas of the industry, a secret plane nerd and a
love of organising and planning I can help you turn your ideas into a reality
with matched enthusiasm and excitement!
Megan
Courtney McCormack
House of Travel Morrinsville
Travel is truly in my blood. My grandparents sparked the travel bug in my mum, and she passed that passion on to me. From the moment I took my very first holiday at age three, a magical trip to Disneyland, I was hooked. Growing up, I listened to my mum’s stories from her OE, my cousins’ globe-trotting adventures, and my sister’s explorations, all of which fueled my own wanderlust.
Over the years, I’ve lived in Scotland, as well as in England and Ireland, soaking up different cultures and ways of life. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively, exploring incredible destinations including Jordan, Israel, the USA, Australia & Europe. I’ve experienced the security and ease of organised solo travel with Contiki and Topdeck tours, but I’ve also embraced the challenge and freedom of planning my own trips, like eloping in Denmark, which remains one of my most cherished adventures.
With a background in hospitality, I combine practical knowledge with genuine care to craft holidays that are personalised, meaningful, and seamless. I love getting to know your unique travel style and what matters most to you, whether that’s family fun, a romantic escape, or a bucket-list adventure.
I’m not just your travel consultant; I’m your travel cheerleader. I’ll celebrate every countdown with you, smooth out any bumps along the way, and be just as excited when everything comes together perfectly. My goal is to take the stress out of travel planning, so you can focus on making memories.
Let’s work together to create a travel experience that’s not only unforgettable but uniquely yours.
Courtney
Cheryl Edwards
House of Travel Albany
I’ve been fortunate to
travel extensively and live in some amazing cities.
I'd love to inspire you to travel more by drawing on my personal experiences
& knowledge to make your dreams a reality
As a travel agent with 30+ (gulp) years of experience, I’ve learned that
no two journeys are ever the same—and that’s what keeps this job exciting.
While travel is one of life’s greatest pleasures, planning it can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s where I come in. I’ll take care of every detail so you can focus on what matters most: making unforgettable memories.
"Because life’s too short not to see the world"
Cheryl
Best. Holidays. Ever!
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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.
