Flights from Townsville to Melbourne

A Guide to Melbourne

Know Before You Go

• If you need to get online and don't want to pay for a data bundle, head to the city centre. There is free 250MB of public WiFi you can use every day
• Always pack layers. It's not uncommon for Melbourne to experience four seasons in one day. To make sure you're prepared it's a good idea to never leave your hotel without sunglasses, an umbrella as well as some warm layers.
• Stick to the speed limits. Melbourne has strict speed restrictions and boasts over five different types of cameras to catch drivers who break the rules. If you don’t want to pay a fine on your holiday, it's best to stick to obey the law or only use public transport.
• The tap water is drinkable. You don't need to worry about using filtration tablets, but bottled water is available at local supermarkets.
• You don't need to tip. It's not customary in Australia, but if you feel the service was excellent, you can leave a 10% tip at restaurants. For taxis, all you need to do is round up the payment.

Getting Around Melbourne

• Catch a ride on the tram. The service runs throughout the day with multiple routes going across the city. There is also the free City Circle Tram. It operates in the central business district and travels to major attractions and city landmarks.
• Take the bus. Melbourne's bus service has more than 300 routes that go through the city and to nearby suburbs. Rates start at AUD 2.70, and bus schedules depend on the route.
• Go on the train. The City Loop is the most convenient for travellers and goes past five stations in Melbourne. Tickets start at AUD 2.70, and most trains run from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. Monday to Friday; 24 hours on Saturdays and 3:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Sundays.
• Walk around the city. Most of Melbourne's top attractions are close together, making it easy to explore the city on foot.
• Hail a taxi. Yellow cabs and Ubers are available throughout of the city. You can flag one down or book a ride in advance. Keep in mind, there is a surcharge added to trips between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
• Hire a car. It's not recommended to hire a car in Melbourne due to all the trams, pedestrian traffic and metered street parking. But if you want your own set of wheels, there are car rental agencies at the airport as well as in the city.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Melbourne?

The best time to visit Melbourne is between March and May or September and November. These months are the city's shoulder seasons, and you'll find fewer crowds, lower airfare prices and comfortable temperatures.

You also won't have to worry about long lines outside of the National Gallery, and you'll be in time for the change of seasons. September signals the beginning of spring, blooming flowers and rising temperatures. Whereas May is autumn and the natural scenery becomes awash with gold, orange and red hues.

December to February is Melbourne's high season. Hotels and hostels fill up fast, so make sure you book your room well in advance. Temperatures are high with days sometimes creeping up to 30°C. Stay hydrated and pack light clothing to prevent heat stroke.

If you want to escape the heat and keep the crowds to a minimum, visit Melbourne in its winter months. From June to August, temperatures drop, but there's a host of cultural events that will keep you warm.

Airports in Melbourne

Melbourne Airport

Melbourne Airport (also known as Tullamarine) is the second busiest airport in Australia. It services flights to 33 domestic destinations as well as countries in the Pacific, Europe, Asia and North America. The airport is also a major hub for Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar as well as other domestic carriers.

Getting To and From Melbourne Airport

The fastest way to and from the airport is with the SkyBus. The service runs every 10 minutes and costs only AUD 19 for a one-way trip.

Other bus options include the Airport Shuttle as well as charter, regional and regular public buses.

If you don't want to use public transportation, the airport has a fleet of cabs. The taxi ranks are located outside the arrival terminals and charge between AUD 42-52 for a one-way trip.

Ride-sharing services are also available. Once you've requested your ride meet your driver at the pickup zone on level 2 inside the T4 Ground Transport Hub.

Avalon Airport

Avalon Airport is served by only one passenger airline, Jetstar Airways. It operates flights from Melbourne to Sydney, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.

Getting To and From Avalon Airport

Skybus operates a bus service called the Avalon City Express that runs between Melbourne's CBD and Werribee. The service meets every major flight at the airport and costs AUD 22.

The airport also has ride-sharing services and metered taxis available as well as car rental desks inside the Arrivals Hall.