Tips for First-Time Travellers to Melbourne
Take advantage of the Free Tram Zone
There’s an excellent tram network to use while on holiday from Nelson to Melbourne, and one of the best parts – it’s completely free in the CBD! If you’re riding the tram between two stops in the Free Tram Zone, you don’t need to tap on. Several tram routes go through the Free Tram Zone including the City Circle tram – a heritage tram that loops around the CBD and passes many Melbourne attractions along the way.
Explore Melbourne’s exciting laneways
There are dozens of unique laneways dotted around the Victorian capital. Some are known for colourful street art while others are home to cool cafes and restaurants. Some of the top laneways to have on your radar while visiting Melbourne include Hosier Lane, Degraves Street, Hardware Lane, and AC/DC Lane.
Try the local coffee
Melbourne is known around the world for its coffee. Checking out the local cafe scene is one of the best ways you can get to know the local culture while holidaying on Nelson to Melbourne flights. Grab coffee and breakfast from a new cafe each morning, and check out another cafe if you need an afternoon pick-me-up.
Top Experiences for Visitors
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens are located just southeast of the CBD and provide a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The gardens house a collection of more than 8,500 plant species – many local ones and others that come from other parts of the world. Some of the plant collections and landmarks to see around the gardens include the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Guilfoyle’s Volcano, Rose Pavilion, and Australian Forest Walk. After spending some time at the Royal Botanic Gardens, head over to the western edge where you can visit the Shrine of Remembrance.
Old Melbourne Gaol
Old Melbourne Gaol was built in the mid-19th century and operated from 1842 to 1929. During that stretch of time, some of Australia’s most infamous criminals passed through its doors. The most notable was bushranger Ned Kelly who was hanged there in 1880. Today, visitors can tour the Gaol to get a glimpse into this period of Melbourne’s history. You can opt for a standard daytime tour or choose a spookier option by heading there at night for a ghost tour.
Yarra Valley
There are a handful of exciting day trips you can take while holidaying on Nelson to Melbourne flights, and the Yarra Valley is one of the best. The Yarra Valley is Victoria’s oldest and most famous wine region. Vineyards specialise in cool-climate wines like chardonnay, pinot noir, and shiraz. Of the Yarra Valley’s 80 vineyards, many open their cellar doors to visitors. Head to a few vineyards to sample their wines and take in the gorgeous vineyard views. If you have a designated driver in your group, you could hire a car and do a self-guided tour. Otherwise, there are several guided tours available from Melbourne.
The Best Time to Visit
Summer is the high season and most popular time of year to visit Melbourne. There are plenty of fun events and festivals to look forward to during the summer months, including New Year’s, the Australian Open, and White Night Melbourne. Temperatures are warm, hitting average highs of about 24° to 27°C. Summer is an excellent time to spend time outdoors, and it’s the best time to travel from Nelson to Melbourne if you’re looking to spend time at the beach.
The autumn and spring shoulder seasons are also excellent times to visit Melbourne, and some travellers would argue that they’re even better than summer. Temperatures are still pleasant, averaging highs of 17° to 23°C and lows of about 10° to 15°C. There’s some rain in the spring, but you can still enjoy some time outdoors. Visit the Royal Botanic Garden when visiting in autumn or spring – they come alive with colourful autumn foliage and pretty spring blooms. The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is a fun autumn event, and the spring hosts the Melbourne Fringe and Melbourne Cup.
Winter is the low season in Melbourne with cooler weather and some grey, wet days. Temperatures reach highs of about 14° to 16°C and dip to lows of around 7° to 8°C. You may consider booking cheap flights from Nelson to Melbourne for a winter getaway if you’re after a bargain. Since there are fewer tourists, you’ll likely be able to find lower hotel rates compared to other seasons. Even in winter, you can enjoy outdoor activities while the sun is out. Melbourne also has plenty of indoor activities to enjoy on the gloomier days – visit the museums, check out the famous cafe culture, and indulge at the city’s many restaurants and bars.
FAQ
What airlines offer flights from Nelson to Melbourne?
You can use Webjet to book cheap flights from Nelson to Melbourne on Air New Zealand or Qantas. There are currently no direct routes between the two cities, so each flight includes a stopover on the way.
How long does it take to fly from Nelson to Melbourne?
Nelson to Melbourne flights are available from just under seven hours including a stopover.
Which airport near Melbourne has the most flights from Nelson?
Most flights arrive into Melbourne Airport (MEL), which is one of Australia’s busiest airports and also the closest airport to Melbourne CBD.
How much does it cost to travel from Nelson to Melbourne?
Flights from Nelson to Melbourne are available from about $400 to $465 NZD each way. Flights tend to be more expensive during the summer high season and on the weekends versus weekdays.
