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There’s no denying that Victoria offers unique experiences that suit all types of travellers. Whether you want to enjoy some conversation over a good coffee in Melbourne, catch a ride on a ferry to Geelong, or even plan a camping trip here in Yarrawonga, Australia’s garden state provides oodles of ways to switch off for a bit.
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But it’s well worth noting that navigating Victoria and its many coastal highways can feel very different to other Australian cities. Despite the Melbourne CBD’s grid network, and the many maps of the Great Ocean Road, there are still local quirks that you’ll need to be prepared for – and we’re not just talking about hook turns.
To help out, we’ve prepared this quick little list of top tips for those looking to cross state lines in order to visit Victoria.
Prepare your vehicle
First and foremost, if you’re looking to drive over to Victoria, you’ll need to make sure your car is up to the task. This means having it serviced before you hit the road, packing basic auto repair essentials (i.e. fluid replacements, a spare tyre, etc.), and securing the right insurance for your journey.
If you’re looking to book a hire car, however, you’ll need to pay extra attention to your insurance cover. Yes, your rental car provider can offer their own insurance, but premiums across these cover types can be notoriously high. Thankfully, you can get insurance for domestic travel that also includes rental car excess options.
Note: if you’re travelling with a caravan in tow, you’ll also want to consider servicing and insurance for this asset as well.
Melbourne’s public transport network is surprisingly large, offering both metropolitan services and even regional coach and train services via Transport Victoria. Even just Melbourne’s tram network alone is one of the biggest and most extensive transportation networks not only in Australia, but in the whole world, covering over 250km of tram tracks that stretch from north to west, east to south, and even smaller tram lines across the city’s outskirts.
Interstate travellers are also advised to purchase a Myki card before they hop on any tram services. You can enjoy free tram stops in the Melbourne CBD’s free tram zone, but outside of the CBD, boarding trams without touching on your Myki card can get you written up or even fined. Mykis are also used for train and bus networks in Victoria.
If you’re planning to travel across multiple weeks or even upwards of a month, it can be more cost-effective to use a Myki pass over Myki money top ups.
When it comes to Greater Melbourne, you really can expect ‘four seasons in one day’. Due to Antarctic and climatic winds, Melbourne’s sub-temperate climate can change drastically. This is why it’s essential to pack for outer layers as well as breathable base layers for your trip.
A warm but breathable long sleeved shirt (for UV protection), sunscreen, and hat is wise at any time of the year, and while it may sound odd for the sun, an umbrella or parasol for your own makeshift shade at the beach is always a good idea.
Note: if you’re going for a beach walk anywhere along the coastline or even for some evening or overnight hikes to see some nighttime wildlife like the fairy penguins at St Kilda or Phillip Island, it’s also sensible to at least bring a jacket, as the sea breeze can get particularly chilly in the evenings.
Melbourne has a strong reputation for being a walkable city, offering a great variety of urban, suburban, and bush walking trails, as well as pedestrian- and bike-friendly infrastructure. As such, visitors should be ready to get plenty of steps in every day.
This means packing comfortable walking shoes is an absolute must. For those looking to do a little hiking in the Grampians or the Dandenongs alongside plenty of city walking, you can greatly benefit from packing hiking and camper-friendly shoes that offer great ankle support for traversing varying terrain.
And for those looking to do plenty of beach walking, you can’t go wrong without a good pair of hiking sandals or at least a pair of thongs that offer arch support. Not only will these help you run across sandy beaches, but they can also make exploring all the uneven cobblestones of Melbourne’s many laneways a little more comfortable too.
Admittedly, there’s plenty to experience in Melbourne across all seasons. Country Victoria can come alive in autumn and winter with the season’s falling leaves, rolling mists, and all the earthy scents of eucalyptus forests after rainfall. If you’re looking to enjoy milder weather and warmer sea breezes, however, travelling between autumn and spring is sure to delight.
We recommend booking your trip to Melbourne based on what kinds of experiences you’re looking to enjoy. If you’re after sun, surf, and sand with maybe a penguin viewing thrown in, we’ll see you in the summer! And if you want to enjoy a little cold weather urban escape, you’ll be able to keep your hands warm in Melbourne over a piping hot flat white and a croissant from Lume.
Whether you’re after city explorations or country escapes, the Greater Melbourne region surely won’t disappoint. So if you’re yet to visit Victoria and Australia’s cultural capital, why not set your sights on Melbourne over these coming school holidays? Guaranteed, there’ll be plenty of experiences for the whole family to enjoy.
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