How to Navigate Melbourne Like a Local: Transportation Tips – A Complete Guide for a Beginner

To get in and out of the airports, you have two main options: by road or the SkyBus. This bus shuttles between the airports and Southern Cross Railway Station, and an average ride is about 22 minutes – they run pretty frequently, every 10 minutes during busy times. The bonus is that the SkyBus is kitted out with Wi-Fi, and it's wheelchair-friendly. If you have heavy luggage, you should think about booking a taxi or transferring straight from the airport to your hotel.

There are a couple of smaller domestic airports: Moorabbin, which is only 30 minutes from lyf Collingwood Melbourne, and Essendon. To reach Essendon, hop on a bus or a tram or catch a train to Essendon station. For Moorabbin, take a train to Cheltenham station, then jump in a taxi or book a transfer.

Most hotels are located close to transport links and popular tourist attractions. If you’re considering shared living in Melbourne, chances are there’s a bus stop right outside your lodgings.

Melbourne's public transport is up there with the world's best – it's efficient with its top-notch network of trains, trams, and buses. You'll be in the CBD or nearby suburbs before you know it. The best part is that you only need a travel card to use public transport. You can grab one and top it up at train stations, ticket machines, or even your local corner shop. There’s also a mobile app that lets you top up your travel passes.

If you're not keen on public transport, you can always hire a car. It's handy if you're looking to visit various parts of the county or fancy exploring the city at your own speed. Just bear in mind, parking can be a bit tricky and might cost a fair bit. Plus, with the trams about, you'll need to watch out for the road rules.

Melbourne's transport system works well because of its diverse choices. Fancy a change? Swap the train for a sightseeing cruise and enjoy the city views from the Yarra River. You can also catch a water taxi. They have various stops along the river and run till midnight – a midnight cruise is the best way to see the city lights without getting caught in the afternoon heat.

Want a break from the usual Melbourne travel methods? Why not hire a bike? Melbourne is one of the top cycle-friendly cities globally. With heaps of trails around the CBD and beyond, you can get the best of Melbourne on two wheels. It's a bonus that many bike routes are shaded or run by the river, making for a cool ride even during the summer months.

Now that you know how to get about in Melbourne, the next question is – where to head to? With so many fabulous places and sights, it's a tough pick. But here are some of the must-visit places:

• Melbourne Skydeck: To see Melbourne from the very top, head over to the Melbourne Skydeck – the tallest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere. You can easily pick out landmarks like the National Gallery of Victoria and the University of Melbourne.
• Puffing Billy Railway: This isn't just any train journey. Hopping on the Puffing Billy Railway feels like stepping into yesteryears. With steam puffing and whistleblowing, it's a nostalgic peek into travel from ages past.
• SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium: Curious about the deep blue? Dive into a day at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium and meet a range of sea critters. To get here, you can hop on a tram or train and head to the Flinders Street stop.