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Best places to exchange currency in Melbourne

Discover how to find the best deal when you need to exchange currency in melbourne..

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Where can i change my money in melbourne, tips for getting the best deal when exchanging money, compare money transfer services.

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Whether you're an international traveller visiting Melbourne or a local planning a trip overseas, there are plenty of convenient places to exchange foreign currency in and around the Melbourne CBD.

Keep reading for details of some of the currency exchanges to compare when searching for the best value for money.

Exchange my cash Send money overseas

S Money is an online currency exchange, but they also have one store in the Melbourne CBD. Based on our research, S Money offers the best exchange rates in Melbourne but charge a percentage-based service fee and a $14 service fee for home delivery. For example, they charge around 1.8% when exchanging AUD to USD. In comparison, Travelex and Travel Money Oz add a markup of 3.70% on conversions to US dollars.

2. Travelex

As one of the most recognised names in the world of currency exchange, Travelex allows you to buy and sell over 45 currencies either online or in-store. Travelex has 2 locations in the CBD and 13 locations within 20 miles of the CBD.

3. Travel Money Oz

Travel Money Oz supports more than 60 currencies, and also a travel money card that can be pre-loaded with up to 10 currencies. You can buy currency from Travel Money Oz online or in-store, with the provider boasting 3 locations in the CBD. Their exchange rates aren't as competitive as S Money's but their customer service is excellent.

4. United Currency Exchange

United Currency Exchange is a Melbourne-based provider with branches in Swanston Street and QV Melbourne. They are open five days a week from 9am to 5:30pm. You can place an order either online or in-store, and there are more than 35 currencies available.

5. Crown Currency

Crown Currency is a currency exchange company that was founded in 1998. They have 11 branches in Victoria but only one in Melbourne CBD. Crown Currency offers a wide range of currency exchange services, including cash exchange, traveller's cheques, and international money transfers. Unlike other services, they don't display exchange rates on their website so you will need to contact them for a quote.

• Know the mid-market rate. Use Google to find the current mid-market exchange rate. This will let you work out whether the rate being offered by a currency exchange service represents good value.
• Shop around online. Rather than visiting several stores in person, shop around online to find the provider with the best rates and lowest fees.
• Check for fees. Make sure you check the fine print to find out what fees apply to your transaction. Remember that even if an exchange bureau claims that it doesn't charge any fees, your transaction will still cost money as the provider always adds a margin to the mid-market exchange rate.
• Avoid airport exchange bureaus. These locations generally offer low exchange rates and higher fees.
• Steer clear of ATMs. Withdrawing money from a foreign ATM may be a simple and convenient option, but the high fees and disappointing exchange rates mean it's also quite expensive.

Looking to send an international money transfer rather than exchange currency? Compare our options below to save money on transfer fees and lock in stronger exchange rates.

We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.

Learn how we maintain accuracy on our site.

Tim Falk is a writer for Finder, writing across a diverse range of topics. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, Tim has reported on everything from travel and personal finance to pets and TV soap operas. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors.

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Is Bangkok a better place for exchange rate to change AUD to Japanese yen?

Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.

If you’re going to Bangkok and considering exchanging AUD for Japanese yen, that would be fine. Most travelers would have their money exchanged for Japanese yen before arriving in Japan. You may also use our travel money guide for Japan .

I hope this helps.

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

Cheers, Jeni

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Where to Find the Best Currency Exchange Rates in the Melbourne CBD

Beat the money changer rates with a prepaid travel card

Going to a currency exchange before a holiday can be exciting, but you will often be paying hidden fees that are baked into the exchange rate.

With a prepaid travel card from Wise , you get the market exchange rate (the one you see on Google) with low fees and complete transparency.

Read the full review

Currency exchange in the Melbourne CBD

The money changers with  the best rates are located in Melbourne's CBD , because there is more competition between those places and you can shop around for the best deal.

Coronavirus Update : Many currency exchange stores such as Travel Money Oz and WeExchange have temporarily closed their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  If you want to exchange money in the Melbourne CBD, there is a good chance that some of your options will be closed or have limited opening hours , especially around Christmas/New Years.

Check this page regularly for updates for when travel money stores open again.

To find the best places to buy travel money in Melbourne's city centre, we compared the exchange rates and fees from over 10 stores. Then we compared their rates to what you can get by ordering online and picking it up in the CBD.

Here's what we found.

Where the best places are to exchange money in Melbourne

There is no money changer that is a clear winner for having the best exchange rate on every currency and amount. Fees vary from a flat $10 fee, to 1% commission, to completely fee-free.

Exchange rates from stores in the Melbourne CBD are best if you are looking to buy larger amounts of popular currencies, such as the US dollars, Euros or Japanese Yen. As for other currencies, some places have limited stock and it's cheaper to order the foreign currency online .

Use this table to find out where and when you can buy travel money in the best places in Melbourne's CBD. Opening hours can change, so check this page regularly.

How we rated the best places to exchange money in Melbourne

Many of you might be wondering how we came up with our scores out of ten. After our exhaustive walk around the Melbourne CBD, we chose 5 categories to judge on, based on what we thought would be most valuable to you, the consumer. They were:

• Exchange Rate - At the end of the day, this is the most important category. The better the exchange rate, the higher the score.
• Customer Service - We all appreciate good customer service, service that is friendly, courteous and knowledgeable.
• Stock of Currency - Being able to walk away with your nominated currency immediately is a prerequisite for most customers. So we asked each money changer if they had a number of common and less popular currencies on hand.
• Safety - This score was based from the location of the store and the security offered.
• Payment Options - We asked all the money changers what type of payments they accepted to score them.

After we choose our categories we weighted them based on importance within the transaction. It is no surprise that exchange rate was weighted the heaviest (40%), customer service was next (20%), stock of currency (15%), followed by safety (15%) and finally payment options (10%).

Foreign currency guides

USD Dollars (USD)

Euro Dollars (EUR)

British Pounds (GBP)

Japanese Yen (JPY)

NZ Dollars (NZD)

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Thai Baht (THB)

All Other Currency

Compare the best online exchange rates in Melbourne

Please note this table shows the rate you'll get and doesn't include any extra fees you'll be charged. The Currency Shop sources its data from foreign exchange providers and has taken reasonable steps to ensure that such data is accurate. There is a risk that the foreign exchange prices quoted on The Currency Shop may be inaccurate, not available to the User, or available but with additional fees and charges. For more details, read our Terms and Conditions

Money exchange reviews

Travel Money Oz Review

The best service in Melbourne. Friendly, professional and no wait time. Reasonable rates, no fees and ID required for amounts over $1000.

• Read more ⟶

Unimoni (formally UAE Exchange)

Friendly, professional, with some of the best exchange rates particularly for selling currency to them. There are bank limits for eftpos and photo ID is required.

The excellent range of products and currencies didn't make up for the average service. Their exchange rates are much better if you order online and pick up in-store.

United Currency Exchange

Excellent rates to buy currency and good rates to sell. There is usually a queue so be prepared to wait. ID is required for any transaction and they only accept cash.

Raffles Forex

Two people at booth waiting to serve. Knowledgeable, nice with a very good stock of currencies. They offered a better rate without asking.

It's in a commercial building and not easy to find. Staff are pleasant and helpful. ID is required for any transactions above $1000 . They only accept cash.

ANZ Foreign Exchange

Long wait times for unresponsive service and uncompetitive exchange rates. Unfortunately this is the only FX centre left in the city for ANZ customers.

Commonwealth Bank

Service is slow, but helpful and friendly. Much like ANZ, their exchange rates are not great. If you are not a Comm Bank member, you need to set up a profile, which takes 10-15 minutes.

It's a little hard to find. You need to enter the building and go up the stairs. Excellent service, pretty good exchange rates and a solid stock of currencies on hand.

exchanged securely

This amount is the total sales of Xc Exchange retail division by the previous business day.

If we cannot beat a rate, we will give you $500*

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Not sure how much money you should bring? Check this out

We have prepared some tips so you know what to consider before traveling

Today's foreign currency rates.

United states Dollar

BUY : 0.6639

SELL : 0.6586

BUY : 0.6102

SELL : 0.6000

Great Britain Pound

BUY : 0.5226

SELL : 0.5084

Japanese Yen

BUY : 100.7409

SELL : 99.2522

Canadian Dollar

BUY : 0.9013

SELL : 0.8811

Swiss Franc

BUY : 0.5997

SELL : 0.5862

New Zealand Dollar

BUY : 1.0937

SELL : 1.0776

Singapore Dollar

BUY : 0.8924

SELL : 0.8784

Chinese Yuan

BUY : 4.8392

SELL : 4.7067

BUY : 24.1034

SELL : 23.4201

Indonesia Rupiah

BUY : 10488

SELL : 10164

Fijian Dollar

BUY : 1.4855

SELL : 1.4423

South Korean Won

BUY : 897.3294

SELL : 848.1375

Vietnamese Dong

BUY : 16550

SELL : 15629

AUD / USD   Historical Chart

AUD (Australian dollar) to -  

Need help ordering currency?

Our team are available to assist you. Call 03 9999 8996 Lines are open 7 days a week during business hour. Calls may be recorded for training and security purposes.

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The Best Currency Exchange in Melbourne CBD

The overall best: wexchange 80 collins st.

Conveniently located in the bustling heart of Melbourne’s CBD , WeXchange is known by many as the the best Currency Exchange in Melbourne CBD this 2024. Catering to the diverse needs of Melbournians and international visitors alike, WeXchange exemplifies efficiency, reliability, and superior customer service.

Competitive Exchange Rates

At WeXchange, we strive to provide you with the most competitive exchange rates in Melbourne . Our rates are transparent, ensuring you get value for your money without any hidden fees or extra charges . This commitment to fairness and transparency sets us apart in the world of foreign currency exchange. Check our best exchange rates now .

Wide Range of Currencies

At WeXchange, we pride ourselves on offering a wide range of 30+ currencies . This extensive selection means that whether you’re heading to the America, Europe, Asia, or any other part of the globe, we’ve got your currency needs covered. Some of the most popular currencies include:

Customer Service That Makes a Difference

Our customer service team at WeXchange isn’t just good; they’re exceptional. From the moment you step into our store or interact with us online, you’ll experience a level of service that’s unparalleled:

• Friendly and approachable staff who understand your needs.
• Expert advice on foreign exchange and travel money solutions.
• Personalised service that ensures your currency exchange is hassle-free.

Payment Options for Everyone

WeXchange acknowledges everyone prefers different ways to pay and receive money – which is why we offer multiple convenient payment methods:

When Buying Foreign Currency

• Pay AUD in-store using Cash or EFTPOS
• Pay AUD via online order using card or bank transfer
• Receive Foreign Currency in Cash

When Selling Foreign Currency 

• Pay Foreign Currency using Cash
• Receive AUD via Cash or Bank Transfer

24/7 Online Ordering Platform: Secure Your Foreign Currency in Advance 

Experience the ultimate convenience in currency exchange with WeXchange’s 24/7 online ordering system . This innovative service allows you to order your desired currency at any time, ensuring that your cash is secured and ready for collection on your selected pick-up date. Our user-friendly platform makes the process effortless, providing a stress-free way to organise your foreign currency needs. With online ordering, you can secure your order and make sure the cash is ready for you when you arrive, which is especially convenient for large amounts that may take time to prepare. Just order online and pick up in-store at your convenience!

Safe & Convenience Location in Melbourne

Our central location at Shop 6/80 Collins St, Melbourne CBD , is not only convenient but also a testament to our commitment to safety and accessibility. Our store is designed to provide a secure environment for all your currency exchange transactions.

Why Choose WeXchange?

With all of this said, there are a number of reasons why WeXchange comes out on top as the best currency exchange in the Melbourne CBD:

• Proven track record of excellent customer satisfaction .
• Great competitive rates and transparent transactions with no hidden fees .
• Online ordering platform where you can secure currency in advance, 24/7.
• A wide range of 30+ currencies available .
• Central, secure, and convenient location in the heart of the Melbourne CBD
• Multiple payment options for a smooth and easy transaction.

Get in Touch

Ready to experience the best currency exchange service in Melbourne? Visit WeXchange , contact us via phone or chat messenger , or start by checking our competitive rates . At WeXchange, we are committed to making your currency exchange experience the easiest part of your travel journey.

Monday – Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Sunday: 9:30AM – 5:30PM

Mon – Sat 10 AM – 6 PM

Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM

Currency Exchange Melbourne

Snapmoney: the online platform for the best foreign currency exchange in melbourne cbd.

Are you planning to travel overseas from Melbourne soon? If so, you might be wondering where to get the best foreign currency exchange in Melbourne. You don’t want to waste your time and money on expensive or unreliable providers, right? Well, you’re in luck, because we have the perfect solution for you: SnapMoney .

SnapMoney is an online platform that offers you the best currency exchange rates in Melbourne. You can order your travel money online and choose to have it delivered to your door or pick it up locally. It’s fast, easy, and secure.

Here are some of the benefits of using SnapMoney for your foreign currency exchange in Melbourne:

• Save money : SnapMoney offers you competitive exchange rates that are updated live on our website. You can use our currency converter to check the current rate of any currency you need. You can also compare our rates with market rates and other providers such as banks, post offices, or money changers in Melbourne and see how much you can save. Plus, we charge no transaction fees, so you can avoid hidden charges or commissions that other providers may charge.
• Save time : SnapMoney saves you time by delivering your travel money directly to your door or allowing you to pick it up locally. You don’t have to waste your time looking for ATMs or money changers when overseas, or getting ripped off at the airport. You can order your travel money online in a few simple steps and get it within 3 to 5 business days.
• Stay secure : SnapMoney uses the latest security technologies to protect your personal and payment details on our website. We also verify your identity and address before processing your order to ensure that it is you who receives your travel money. Your order is fully insured and tracked until it reaches your doorstep or pick-up location. You can also sign for your package and confirm the delivery with us.
• Be prepared : SnapMoney helps you be prepared for your overseas trip by providing you with a fixed exchange rate and a convenient way to get your travel money. You don’t have to worry about fluctuations in the market or emergency situations that may require cash. You can enjoy your trip with peace of mind and confidence.

How to order your travel money with SnapMoney?

• Step 1: Visit our website and use our currency converter to check the live exchange rate of any currency you need.
• Step 2: Select the currency and amount you want to buy and add it to your cart.
• Step 3: Choose your payment method (Bank Transfer or PayID) and complete the payment.
• Step 4: Enter your delivery details and verify your identity and address with us.
• Step 5: Receive an email confirmation with the tracking number of your order.
• Step 6: Wait for your order to arrive at your door within 3 to 5 business days or pick it up locally.
• Step 7: Sign for your package and enjoy your travel money.

Order your travel money online today with Snap Money and get the best foreign currency exchange in Melbourne. Whether you are travelling for business or leisure, we can help you save time and money on your foreign currency exchange. Don’t settle for less, choose SnapMoney for your travel money needs.

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Home Guides Melbourne CBD – Best Currency Exchange Rates

Melbourne CBD – Best Currency Exchange Rates

In this article we show you how to save money if you find yourself looking for Foreign Cash in the Melbourne CBD.

Australia’s second biggest city is a hive of activity that has a special appeal to those seeking to satisfy their arts and cultural apetites as well as their discerning palates. With reason, (but without conclusive data – just plenty of anecdotal evidence), the neighbourhoods of Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Brunswick as well as the CBD, have been touted as serving the best coffee in the world.

The curious thing behind the huge success of the cafe culture in Melbourne, is there is no template for a “Melbourne cafe”. Each cafe and neighbourhood in which it has been cultivated, has it’s own unique vibe. This in itself provides a great underlying mission for exploring Melbourne.

If not for food or coffee, you may also be in the Melbourne CBD doing some last minute shopping; picking up a backpack for an overseas trip or perhaps ducking out of work to grab some foreign cash for a business trip. Before you hit the streets you are better off ordering your foreign cash online from Travelex and then picking up the cash at a Post Office branch near to where you live or work.

You will find that you can save a couple of percent on the exchange rate margin by pre-ordering your cash. Our Review of Auspost exchange rates includes the following table that shows you an example of how much you can save.

Ordering Cash Online versus buying In-Store in Melbourne

Whatever your reason for visiting, and there are so many possible reasons, before you hit the streets you are better off ordering your foreign cash online from Foreign Xchange or Travelex and then picking up the cash at a Post Office branch near to where you live or work.

Compare the Online exchange rates providers and banks in Melbourne

These tables show the latest rates from some major Australian banks (CBA, ANZ and Westpac) for foreign transfers and travel money. The percentages with the rates show how much margin the bank is charging compared to the market mid-rate.

The tables are updated hourly, for the latest comparison goto our comparison calculators for Foreign Transfers and Travel Money .

You can click the rates to goto directly to the comparison table for the currency and transaction type of your choice – the percentage margins for each rate are to the latest market midrate

Pre-Order Foreign Cash & Save

Order travel money online

Get better rates than available to you in-branch by first ordering online from Foreign Xchange for home delivery, you can still pick up in person at any Australia Post branch.

Further Reading

Disclaimer: Please note any provider recommendations, currency forecasts or any opinions of our authors or users should not be taken as a reference to buy or sell any financial product.

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QV Branch (1) - Jane Bell Lane: 5 Days

Shop 26, Level 3 QV Melbourne 22-24 Jane Bell Lane Next to QV1 Apartments Entrance Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia Mon - Fri: 10.00 a.m to 5.30 p.m Sat - Sun: Closed Public Holidays: Closed

QV Branch (2) - Albert Coates Lane: 5 Days

QV Melbourne, Shop QVA01, Albert Coates Lane Corner Swanston & Lonsdale Street Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia Mon - Fri: 10.00 a.m to 5.30 p.m Sat - Sun: Closed Public Holidays: Closed

Sydney Haymarket Branch: 5 Days

Shop 14 (Enter from 28 Harbour Street) / 1 Dixon Street Number One Dixon Street Shopping Centre Level 2 Number One Dixon Street Shopping Centre Next to Harbour Garden Towers Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Mon - Fri: 10.00 a.m to 6.00 p.m Sat - Sun: Closed Public Holidays: Closed

Swanston Street Branch - Head Office: 5 Days

Level 5, Suite 3 55 Swanston St Corner of Flinders Lane & Swanston St Melbourne, Victoria 3000 Australia Mon - Fri: 10.00 a.m to 5.30 p.m Sat - Sun: Closed Public Holidays: Closed

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International

Travel money card

The Worldwide Wallet is a prepaid Mastercard® that lets you lock in your exchange rates before you travel or shop. Pay no foreign transaction fees when you use your card to spend and enjoy access to Flight Delay Pass.

A smart and safe way to pay in foreign currencies

How it works, before you leave.

1. Order a Worldwide Wallet online or pick one up in branch

2. Activate your cards in Internet Banking

3. Transfer AUD to your card and convert into your choice of up to 10 currencies to lock in your rates.

Logon and order now

While you're away

• Pay for things using the local currency loaded on your card
• Avoid ATM fees at Global ATM Alliance partners 5
• Reload your card as you go using the Bank of Melbourne App, with no load or reload fees.

When you get home

• Convert leftover currency back to AUD or another available currency, with no unload fees
• Remember , you can avoid foreign transaction fees while shopping online by paying with your Worldwide Wallet.

Save on fees 

• Avoid ATM withdrawal fees Through our  Global ATM Alliance  and overseas partner ATMs which you can find using the ATM locator in the Bank of Melbourne app.  
• No foreign transaction fees Avoid a 3% foreign transaction fee whenever you use your Worldwide Wallet to shop online or in person.
• No load or unload fees Reload your account on the go, whenever you need.
• No account keeping fees You won’t pay any inactivity or account keeping fees, so any funds left in your account will be there ready for your next trip or purchase.

Other fees may apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 325KB)  for full list of fees. 

Like to shop online?

Use your Worldwide Wallet for online purchases in foreign currencies and avoid a 3% foreign transaction fee.

Complete visibility and control

All in one view.

See your account balance and transactions in your Mobile Banking app or in Internet Banking.

Move money easily

Transfer money to and from your Worldwide Wallet and convert AUD into foreign currencies while you’re on the go in your Mobile Banking app.

More ways to pay

Add your Worldwide Wallet to Google Pay™ or Samsung Pay™, or use your card to tap and go.

A spare card for peace of mind

Both cards give you access to the same funds and can be locked and unlocked instantly at your convenience via Mobile Banking. 6

Add up to 11 currencies

Lock in your rate head of time by converting currency in advance.

You'll still be able to spend in currencies not listed here and avoid Westpac's 3% foreign transaction fee.

Use our  currency converter  to view the latest foreign exchange rates.

• AUD - Australian Dollar
• USD - United States Dollar
• GBP - British Pound
• NZD - New Zealand Dollar
• CAD - Canadian Dollar
• JPY - Japanese Yen
• THB - Thai Baht
• ZAR - South African Rand
• SGD - Singapore Dollar
• HKD - Hong Kong Dollar

Order online or pick up in branch

Order online.

You can open your travel money card account online and we’ll mail your cards to your address in 5-8 business days.

Pick up in branch

If you need your cards within 8 business days its best to pick them up in branch and activate them online.

Already have your cards? Activate now

A Bank of Melbourne Worldwide Wallet is a prepaid travel money card that can help you save on foreign transaction fees and give you control over your spending. With the Bank of Melbourne Worldwide Wallet, there are no load, reload or unload fees, or ATM withdrawal fees at Westpac Group ATMs and over 50,000 ATMs overseas. 5

Before you shop or travel, you can also choose to convert your loaded AUD into any of the following currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, THB, ZAR, SGD, NZD and HKD. By locking in your exchange rate in advance and knowing exactly how much of a foreign currency is loaded on your card, the Bank of Melbourne Worldwide Wallet can make it easy for you to stay on top of your spending. When you sign up to a Bank of Melbourne Worldwide Wallet, you’ll also get access to exciting Mastercard travel and shopping perks - Flight Delay Pass , Priceless Cities and Mastercard Travel Rewards . 

With the Bank of Melbourne Worldwide Wallet, you can avoid a 3% foreign transaction fee when you shop online in available currencies.

You can shop safely by loading only what you need into any of the following currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, THB, ZAR, SGD, NZD and HKD. By knowing exactly how much of a foreign currency is loaded on your card, you can stay on top of your spending.

You’ll also benefit from Mastercard Zero Liability protection, 1 so you can shop worry-free from fraudulent transactions.

To apply for a Bank of Melbourne Worldwide Wallet, you must be aged 14 years or older and be an existing Bank of Melbourne customer who is registered for Internet Banking. If you haven’t registered for Internet Banking, see this helpful guide to learn how to get started. If you’re new to Bank of Melbourne and would like to apply for a Worldwide Wallet, you’ll need to become a customer first by opening a Bank of Melbourne savings or transaction account and meeting our identification requirements. You can visit bankofmelbourne.com.au/personal/bank-accounts/tools/customer-identification  for more information on how we identify you. 

If you have insufficient funds to complete a transaction in a currency loaded on your account, or the transaction is in a currency not loaded on your account, the transaction will be automatically processed by drawing down from another currency in your account (provided that there are sufficient funds available in one or more other currencies to complete the transaction). Funds will be withdrawn according to the drawdown sequence, and the applicable exchange rate will apply. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 325KB) for the drawdown sequence.

Yes, you can withdraw money or check your balance at overseas ATMs using your Worldwide Wallet. The balance displayed will be in the currency of the country you are visiting. You won’t pay an ATM withdrawal fee when using a Global ATM Alliance ATM. 5 However, fees may apply if you use an ATM outside of the Global ATM Alliance network.

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15 Melbourne Travel Tips Every Visitor Should Know in 2024

Looking for some handy Melbourne travel tips to make sure you have a smooth stay?

First time visiting Melbourne? Welcome! I bet you have a lot of questions. When’s the best time to visit ? What should you do here? Where should you stay ? How can you save some money ?

As a Melbourne local, I’ve spent some time putting myself into “traveller mode” to think about some of the things I’d want to know if I was visiting Melbourne, particularly for the first time.

So, here are a few travel tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect Melbourne trip.

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

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1. Consider the seasons

While Melbourne is a great city to visit year-round, if you’re flexible with your travel plans it’s definitely worth spending some time taking a look at the pros and cons of each season.

I outline these in my post about the best time to visit Melbourne , but here’s a quick and dirty:

• Summer in Melbourne is so much fun – there are plenty of events on and the warmer weather is making everyone happy! Daylight savings is in effect, so you can squeeze a whole lot more into longer days. The downsides: crowds (so book hotels well in advance ) and stinking-hot weather.
• In autumn , the leaves in Melbourne start to change, making for some beautiful leaf-peeping around the city. The weather is (usually) fairly mild around March and April, but May cools right down and is the month with the highest rainfall. (If it does rain on your visit to Melbourne, check out a few ideas for indoor activities in Melbourne .)
• Winters in Melbourne can be freezing – but we don’t get snow in the inner city. Even though it’s cold, there are still plenty of fun events on the schedule. And, of course, you can always slip into a cosy bar with a fireplace.
• Finally, spring in Melbourne is gorgeous. Everyone is emerging from the winter hibernation – including all the lovely flowers. 

If budget is driving your trip to Melbourne or you’re particularly averse to crowds, then it may be worth considering the high and low seasons:

• High/peak season: The summer months of December to February are the peak travel periods for Melbourne. School holidays begin in mid- to late-December and last until the end of January.
• Shoulder season: March to May and September to November are usually the shoulder seasons, so you can likely nab some good accommodation deals.
• Low season: June to August bring lower prices and fewer crowds – a benefit offsetting the cooler weather.

2. Plan your visit around a festival

Melbourne is the events capital of Australia. With something on every month (every day!), time your trip to the city around one of our amazing festivals or events.

We’ve got the Australian Open and Midsumma in January, Laneway Festival in February, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in March, the comedy festival in April, RISING winter festival in June, Melbourne Fashion Week and Fringe Festival in October, Melbourne Queer Film Festival in November, and all the Christmasy fun in December.

While it’s great to time your trip with one of these events, it’s also good to be aware that they’re on – because you might actually want to avoid them! When the Aus Open and Grand Prix are on, you can guarantee that hotels are booked out or prices have totally skyrocketed.

3. Plan ahead  

Outside of the peak travel season (December to February), you can usually rely on being able to book events and attraction tickets a few days beforehand.

But no matter what time of the year, it pays to seriously think through your Melbourne itinerary and book your must-do activities, whether that’s seeing a show or dining at a particular restaurant, to avoid disappointment. Melbourne is a popular city for tourists, and locals love getting out and about.

Need itinerary ideas to help you plan your trip? I’ve got guides to:

• Weekend in Melbourne
• 3 days in Melbourne
• 5 days in Melbourne

4. Choose where you stay wisely

If you’ve only got a short time in Melbourne, then pick your neighbourhood carefully. 

If you want hang out in Fitzroy and Collingwood, then it doesn’t make sense to book accommodation in St Kilda – you’ll end up spending most of your time getting from one place to another on public transport or in an Uber.

Think about the things you absolutely must do on your trip to Melbourne: do you want to be by the beach? Do you want to stay up all night drinking in cool bars? Do you need somewhere quieter so your kids sleep at night?

Each of the Melbourne neighbourhoods I recommend visitors stay in have their various pros and cons, so it’s definitely worth having a think through before you book. I think the Melbourne CBD is a great area to base yourself, and you can check out my guide to the best hotels in Melbourne CBD .

5. Know your airports

If you’re flying in to Melbourne, then you need to know that there are two airports that service the city.

Most flights come into Melbourne International Airport (also known as Tullamarine), which is the closest airport to the city, about a 30-minute drive into the CBD.

The second airport is Avalon, which is further from the city, near Geelong. It’ll take you about an hour to get to the city from here. The airport is currently only servicing a few domestic routes.

Whatever you do, make sure you book a flight to/from the right airport! You don’t want to think you’re flying into Melbourne but actually end up at Avalon. To make your booking process easier, look for the airport codes: Melbourne International Airport is MEL and Avalon Airport is AVV.

6. Get a myki card

Melbourne’s a super walkable city, but we also have an extensive public transport network. If you’ve only got a short amount of time in Melbourne, a car won’t be necessary – and will probably be more trouble than it’s worth.

Despite Melburnians’ regular complaints about our public transport system, it’s actually quite decent. As a visitor to Melbourne, it’ll get you to most places you need to go fairly directly.

We’ve got a range of trams, trains and buses to get you from A to B. You’ll need to purchase a myki , which is a pain for short-term visitors because it does cost a one-off fee of $6. The maximum you’ll pay on public transport is $10 a day. You can calculate fares online .

If you’re sticking to the inner city, take advantage of the Free Tram Zone .

Read more in my full guide to Melbourne transport .

7. Don’t just stick to the CBD on your visit

Melbourne’s central business district (CBD) is where you’ll find many of the city’s main attractions. But you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don’t explore outside of this area.

Neighbourhoods like Fitzroy , Collingwood, Carlton, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra – and even further out like Brunswick and Northcote – are where you’ll experience “local” Melbourne life. Outside of the city is where the majority of Melburnians live and play, so there are plenty of cool cafés and restaurants to discover, bars to drink in, live music venues to enjoy and shops to spend money at.

Check out my guide to the best Melbourne neighbourhoods to find something that suits your style.

8. Pack appropriately

There’s an adage that all Melburnians live by: this city has four seasons in one day. 

It’s not uncommon to wake up to a cloudy day with a chill in the air, before it hits 35°C by midday, ending with a thunderstorm and wild winds at night.

This means you need to pack appropriately. Always carry an umbrella and a light, packable rain jacket. Wearing layers is a great idea!

9. Come hungry

Melbourne is a foodie’s paradise. In this city you can eat your way around the world, from Afghani food to Italian dishes to Yemeni cuisine. There’s something for every budget, as well. I highly recommend planning your itinerary around food! I’ve got a guide to 75+ of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne .

Many restaurants have had to introduce securing reservations with a credit card because people were booking and then not turning up – resulting in significant lost income to already struggling businesses. Even if you don’t need to leave a credit card with your reservation, if you change your mind, give the restaurant 24-48 hours’ notice so that they can open up your reservation to someone else. Hospitality in Melbourne has been hit hard, so show them some love and respect!

9. Pay at the counter

Speaking of food, if you’re visiting Melbourne from overseas, you may be confused about how to pay at the end of a meal. In cafés and more casual restaurants, the staff will usually leave the bill on your table once you’ve finished eating but you need to pay it at the counter.

In more upscale restaurants, they’ll bring the bill and an EFTPOS machine to you.

I wanted to include this tip here because I have lived in multiple countries and I had completely forgotten this was how things happened in Australia when we moved home! It took me a while to get used to, and even now I still ask where to pay.

10. Expect to pay more on public holidays

If you’re eating out on a public holiday, then expect to pay a 10% or even 15% surcharge.

This frustrates me to no end, but it’s there to cover the higher wages restaurants need to pay their staff on public holidays.

Check with restaurants before booking because some even add a weekend surcharge!

11. Dine early to save money

If you’re willing to eat dinner early, then the new First Table app can serve you up some huge discounts.

Book the first table of the evening at a participating restaurant and you can get a whopping 50% off your meal.

Using First Table is straightforward. Visit the First Table app or website to find a list of participating restaurants in Melbourne offering the discount for their first tables of the day or night. A small booking fee of $10 secures this early bird offer, unlocking half-price meals.

11. Take a tour for local insights

I used to avoid tours and preferred to explore on my own – that’s how I’d discover those local secrets and hidden gems, right?

Wrong. Having a local guide when you visit a new city can open up your eyes to history, culture and hidden secrets that you’ll never discover on your own. 

In Melbourne you can join some amazing tours that celebrate our city’s Indigenous culture, food, street art and history. I’ve got a guide to the best Melbourne tours (including some free ones), as well as excellent walking tours in Melbourne and the best Melbourne food tours .

12. Save some money

Melbourne is expensive, there’s no doubt about that! But there are ways to save money here.

• Book accommodation in advance. I like using Booking.com .
• Do some or all of the many free things to do in Melbourne , or check out these tips for saving money in Melbourne .
• If you’re hankering to see a show, see if you can save some money through TodayTix , Halftix or TIXAT12 .
• If you’re travelling as a family, one of the best Melbourne tips to save money is to buy an iVenture Card or Melbourne City Card . I have a post that compares all the Melbourne attractions passes , but I think the Melbourne and Beyond Pass is the best option, as you have 90 days from purchase to use the pass (you can read my full Klook Melbourne and Beyond Pass review for all the details).

13. Learn the road rules

If you’re only in Melbourne for a short time, you really don’t need to rent a car .

The only time you’d need to rent a car is if you’re planning to take a day trip from Melbourne and want to drive yourself (rather than take a day tour).

If you do decide to drive in Melbourne, there are a few unique rules you’ll need to know about.

Sharing roads with trams

You’ll be sharing the road with trams. Trams can’t swerve or get out of your way. They’re also a lot heavier than your rental car, so don’t mess with them.

If you’re behind a tram, only overtake them when they’re moving. You’ll know passengers are alighting from a tram when the doors open (with big “STOP” signs on them) and the tram lights are flashing. NEVER drive past a tram when the doors are open because you could hit someone.

In the CBD, we have a unique/weird/scary thing called a hook turn when you want to turn right into some streets.

Instead of sitting in the right lane and waiting until it’s clear for you to turn, you sit in the left lane and then turn right as the lights turn orange (and if no cars are oncoming).

These hook turns can be very complicated if you’ve never done one. I still plan my trips in the city to avoid them!!

14. Leave your luggage

Have to check out of your hotel but your flight’s not until later in the day? No problem – leave your luggage and head out to continue your city exploration.

There are several luggage storage options around Melbourne . My top pick is Bounce , because it has the most luggage storage locations around the city. Bag storage charges start from $8 per bag per 24-hour period.

Other handy services are Mind My Bag and Stasher , and there are also luggage storage lockers at Southern Cross Station or a Travellers Aid at Flinders St Station.

15. Know your escalator etiquette

Okay, this is just my personal gripe, but if you’re visiting Melbourne you need to know that you stand on the left side of the escalator if you just want to take a ride to the top/bottom. If you’re in a hurry, then use the right side to walk up or down. Don’t stand still on the right hand side – you’ll be holding up a bunch of grumpy Melburnians.

And if you want a thrill ride… take the escalator at Parliament Station.

Found this article useful? Consider buying me a coffee as a way to say thanks!

What other Melbourne travel tips do you have for visitors?

Related posts

Before you go… you might like these other Melbourne travel blogs:

• The absolute best things to do in Melbourne
• Where to stay in Melbourne
• How to spend a weekend in Melbourne
• What to do with 3 days in Melbourne
• The ultimate 5 days in Melbourne itinerary

Best Melbourne resources

• Check out my Melbourne travel guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Melbourne
• Look for flights to Melbourne on Skyscanner .
• Book accommodation on Booking.com or Expedia for your Melbourne trip. The Ovolo Laneways Hotel is a good choice in the CBD.
• You won’t really need a car in Melbourne, but if you do want to get out of the city, then rent a car through DiscoverCars .
• Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Pocket Melbourne to help plan your trip.

MELBOURNE TRAVEL GUIDE: PIN IT FOR LATER

Save these Melbourne travel tips to Pinterest so you can plan your trip to Melbourne later.

About THE AUTHOR

I’m Rebecca, a Melbourne local excited to show you the best of Melbourne. I've visited more than 40 countries and have a Master of International Sustainable Tourism Management. After living abroad for 8 years, I’m back home in Melbourne, rediscovering this city that I love and have missed. My aim is to help you find the best things to do in Melbourne.

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10 tips for seeing the best of Melbourne on a budget

Nov 23, 2023 • 9 min read

Use our insider tips to have a wonderful trip to Melbourne without breaking the bank © James Braund / Getty Images

With its thriving laneway restaurants, cool coffee culture and lively arts and sports scene, Melbourne is one of the most popular urban destinations for visitors to Australia.

Unfortunately, it’s not a cheap city to visit by international standards. Accommodation is pricey across the board and gets higher the closer you get to the city’s center.

The food scene presents a happier prospect for the budget traveler. Melbourne is one of the world’s great food cities with a dazzling array of options. There are plenty of expensive high-end restaurants, as well as loads of good-quality affordable eateries representing a range of cuisines thanks to Melbourne’s culturally diverse population.

Public transportation is also affordable, with daily caps on transit passes allowing you to get the most for your money. There are also inexpensive ways to delve into the city’s famous art scene when you know how. Here’s how to enjoy Melbourne on a budget.

Daily costs in Melbourne

• Hostel bed in shared bunk room: $50 - $80
• Basic room for two: $150 - $200
• Self-catering apartment including Airbnb): $150 - $220
• Public transport ticket: $10 (per day)
• Sandwich: $13
• One-course dinner for two, with a drink: $80
• Pint at the pub: $13
• Average daily cost per person: $180-$250

1. Stay outside the city center during the shoulder season 

Melbourne is a busy city throughout the year, but its accommodation does dip slightly in price in late autumn and winter (May to August) – late summer (January and February) is the most expensive period.

If you’re not bothered about the weather, winter can be a good time to enjoy Melbourne’s great indoor attractions – dining, coffee, culture and shopping. This is when the city’s major art museum, NGV International , stages its annual “Winter Masterpieces” blockbuster exhibition featuring artists of worldwide renown.

Aside from seeking off-season room rates, your best bet is to stay in a hostel. Not just for backpackers, Melbourne’s best “flashpackers” resemble budget hotels with private rooms at reasonable rates. One of the finest is the Space Hotel on Russell Street, which has both dorm beds and private rooms.

If you prefer a hotel, there are some inexpensive options in the city center, such as Ibis Budget Melbourne CBD . Its rooms are compact and clean, and you can’t beat the central location on busy Elizabeth Street, a short walk from Flinders Street Station.

Another neighborhood that offers inexpensive accommodation – while maintaining good access to public transportation – is bayside St Kilda. Long a popular haunt of backpackers, it has various options including hostels (try Nomads St Kilda ), budget hotels and Airbnb properties.

2. Take advantage of free (yes, free!) public transportation

Melbourne is a sprawling city, but it’s easy to travel across the metropolitan area via its integrated network of trams, trains and buses. For a start, the entire central business district (CBD) is inside the Free Tram Zone, which is exactly what it sounds like – travel on trams within this area is free.

Beyond that, all travel is covered by the Myki card, the city’s public transport card which you need to get around (there are no single-ticket options in Melbourne). You can buy a Myki card for $6 from train stations, convenience stores and other retailers, then add credit to cover fares. A single trip of any length costs $5 for two hours, and there’s a daily cap of $10 ($7.20 on weekends) – so once you’ve made two separate trips you can keep traveling as much as you like that day without any further cost.

Even better, the entire state of Victoria is included in this daily fare cap, so you can use your Myki to take a day trip to regional cities such as Bendigo, Ballarat and Geelong for the same maximum cost.

Another thing that even few locals know about – after 6pm each day the two-hour limit on fares ceases to operate. So, if you’re boarding public transport for the first time that day in the evening, wait until after 6pm to pay only $5 for all your trips taken before midnight.

3. Skip an expensive Uber and take public transit to the airport instead

Most people will travel between the city and the airport via taxi or rideshare vehicle for about $75, or aboard the frequent Skybus for $22. However, if you have time to spare you can get there for $5 using your Myki card. From the city center, catch a Craigieburn Line train to Broadmeadows Station, then a 901 bus to Melbourne Airport (but check that it’s not going in the other direction to Frankston).

Alternatively, if you love Melbourne’s trams and want to use one on your way out – catch a number 59 tram from Elizabeth Street in the CBD all the way to its terminus in the suburb of Airport West. From here, cross the road and walk to the bus stop next to the Red Rooster fast food outlet. Buses run every half hour to the airport on weekdays (hourly on weekends, via routes 478 and 479).

For an overview of transportation options to/from the airport, visit the Public Transport Victoria website.

4. Eat like a student

If you like good food but don’t have a big budget, you’re in luck. As a city that’s home to hundreds of cultures and millions of people who like eating out, Melbourne has food outlets catering to all prices and tastes. Thanks in part to the city’s healthy student population – including international students from around the globe – there are many places serving cheap eats.

You’ll find them on the CBD’s northern edge, which sits in close proximity to the university campuses. The stretch of Elizabeth Street from Melbourne Central Station north to Queen Victoria Market is a great place to start, as it’s dotted with inexpensive restaurants that turn out good Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Korean dishes, among others.

Melbourne’s historic Chinatown is also a good place to look for affordable meals, packed as it is with pan-Asian restaurants offering a range of dishes at competitive price points. A long-time favorite with price-conscious hungry Melburnians is the Camy Shanghai Dumpling House in Tattersalls Lane, where a bowl of delicious dumplings will run you a mere $12.

Another great option is Lygon Street in Carlton. Traditionally the home of Melbourne’s Italian migrants, it’s broadened its offerings in recent years – but you’ll still find plenty of affordable and tasty pizza and pasta along its length.

Footscray is another great food hub that’s close to the city but overlooked by visitors. A 10-minute train ride from the CBD will drop you at Footscray Station. Nearby, there’s a cornucopia of budget-friendly restaurants serving Vietnamese and Ethiopian food.

5. Visit markets for picnic supplies

Melbourne is blessed with a number of Victorian-era markets within easy reach of the CBD and the empress of them is the Queen Victoria Market , just north of the central grid (take trams 19, 57, or 59).

In addition to stalls selling top-quality ingredients suitable for a picnic in the nearby Flagstaff Gardens (olives, cheeses, bread and deli meats), the market is dotted with stalls and vans serving hot dishes. The bratwurst sausages in a bun are a longtime Melburnian favorite. Also track down the doughnut van, which sells a bag of five hot jam-filled doughnuts for $10.

Other markets within an easy tram ride from the center include South Melbourne Market (tram 96), and Prahran Market (tram 72). Two distinctly less touristy but fun choices reachable by train are Footscray Market (Footscray Station), and Preston Market (Preston Station).

6. Wander through parks and gardens

No activity is easier on the wallet than a stroll through a public garden, and Melbourne is lucky to have many wonderful options with free entry. Top of the list is the Royal Botanic Gardens , a sprawling repository of nature within a short tram ride south of the CBD. Take picnic supplies and relax in the greenery.

Other notable nature reserves include Royal Park north of the city, with large stands of native trees. Finally, a clutch of beautifully landscaped spaces can be found on the CBD’s edge, including Fitzroy Gardens, Treasury Gardens, Carlton Gardens and Flagstaff Gardens.

7. Browse fine art at great institutions

Entry is free at many of Melbourne’s best art museums. The standout is NGV International , whose sizable Modernist building sits just south of the Yarra River. Though special exhibitions come with a price tag, the permanent exhibitions are free.

Its sister campus in Federation Square, NGV Australia , displays a wealth of Australian art, including works by First Nations creators. Also located in Fed Square, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image celebrates television and film via free exhibitions.

To explore Melbourne’s heritage in the great outdoors, download the free MV Tours app created by Museums Victoria, which contains detailed walking tours of three different precincts. The tours cover everything from the role of industry to the glamor of the 19th-century gold rush era.

8. Head to the beaches

Although it doesn’t front onto an ocean, Melbourne is well-supplied with beaches around the long curve of Port Phillip Bay. Many can be reached by tram or train and have affordable cafes and other food outlets in their vicinity.

One easy beachside excursion is to catch the number 109 train to Port Melbourne, then walk along the beachside footpath, admiring both waves and 19th-century architecture, until you reach the number 1 tram terminus in Albert Park. There’s a pub and a fish-and-chip shop nearby, which provides a cheap and cheerful lunch break before you walk on to the ever-popular St Kilda or head back to the city.

From Flinders Street Station in the CBD, a train to Brighton Beach Station will drop you within walking distance of the colorful Brighton Bathing Boxes, a Melbourne icon.

9. Rock out to live music

Melbourne is Australia’s capital of live music and it often comes without a high price tag. Ignore mega-concerts and head instead to inner-city venues that host local bands where you’ll rub shoulders with Melburnian music lovers and see the talent close up. The Tote , Northcote Social Club , and Mamma Chen’s are three venues that host regular free gigs, with other shows ranging between $10 and $50.

10. Score cheap tickets for shows and more

Though Melbourne is famous for its theater scene, those seats don’t come cheap. One way to trim the price is to visit Halftix , the city’s long-running discount ticket booth. Some tickets are only available in person, so drop in and see what’s on offer. Another option is TodayTix , which hosts ticket lotteries and offers for cheaper tickets.

Looking for dinner and a show? First Table is the spot for a hefty discount (up to 50%) on restaurant bills if you’re happy to eat at an early time slot.

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‘Scope for exploitation’: investors eye rooming house conversions amid Melbourne rental crisis

Explosion of interest has advocates worried about vulnerable residents and unregistered dwellings

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Late last year, outside a house in Melbourne’s inner-west, an auctioneer tried to drum up some interest.

The suburb is sought-after by families looking for a home within easy access of the CBD, but the agent had other investors in mind.

The house, a run-down three-bedroom property with a price range of between $1.25m and $1.35m, represented a wonderful investment, he said, for someone wanting to set up a rooming house.

“I hear you can get $200 a week for a room,” he told the small crowd gathered outside. “This has three bedrooms. You do the maths.”

The auctioneer’s angle might have left aspirational homeowners taken aback, but it comes as little surprise to property and investment managers, who say there has been an explosion of interest in rooming houses from investors.

In a time of high interest rates, property managers say, rooming houses offer a higher rental yield to owners than even record-high rents , and the Victorian government’s recent tightening of land tax concessions for investments has prompted many investors to ask questions about converting their existing properties.

But with rooming houses a “housing of last resort” for renters, many of whom are living with entrenched vulnerability, the trend has advocates worried.

“We have seen first-hand that more people who are older and more vulnerable are moving into rooming houses,” said Amy Frew, director of client services at Tenants Victoria. “Due to the housing crisis there has been a lot more scope for exploitation.”

Census data shows that 8,599 people were living in rooming houses in Victoria in 2021, nearly double the number from 2016, with a huge spike in those aged 24-35.

According to Tenants Victoria, the two main cohorts of rooming house residents are international students and people with complex needs experiencing entrenched vulnerability such as those with mental health issues, substance use problems, experience of family violence, a recent incarceration or who are in poverty.

At the beginning of April this year, there were 1,550 premises on the Victorian rooming house register – a 10% increase on December 2022. Rooming houses are supposed to be registered by the local council, which is also responsible for monitoring and enforcing public health standards, while Consumer Affairs Victoria is responsible for monitoring compliance with the rooming house operation and residential tenancy law.

The sector, however, is rife with problems. And property managers say that the number of registered dwellings is a vast underestimate – that for every registered rooming house, there are five to 10 more operating illegally.

Rick Stapleton, managing director of the housing investment company the Property Room, said investor interest in rooming houses had “taken off” as a direct result of the rental crisis.

“I don’t even advertise for rooming houses and I get three or four inquiries a day, especially in the last few months,” he said. “I think demand for rooming houses will just increase as the rental crisis gets worse in the next year or two and there’ll be a lot more private investment in the rooming house space.”

Michael Williams, managing director of the Hopkins Group, said interest in the space had grown ever since the company entered the industry about eight years go.

“Demand and inquiry is growing all the time,” Williams said, noting that the cost to convert a property so that it was compliant with the relevant building codes often put investors off. “We hope that councils do more work to get rid of unregistered rooming houses,” Williams said.

Frew said that despite significant changes to regulation of the sector since a 2009 blitz, Tenants Victoria had seen little change in the living conditions in rooming houses.

In a 2022 submission to the rental commissioner, Tenants Victoria said rooming house residents regularly reported unhealthy and dangerous living conditions, including “unsafe and poorly maintained internal and external areas, insufficient shared facilities, overcrowding, lack of cleanliness, and other issues” such as serious violence and physical safety risks. There had been no improvement since that report, Frew said.

Ross McKenry, chief executive of the Registered Accommodation Association of Victoria, said rooming houses were often unfairly maligned.

“There are some bad ones out there. They choose to do nothing for their residents and take as much money as they can,” McKenry said. “We too often hear only about the worst case scenarios, particularly the unregistered accommodation, which we’re concerned about. They give the industry a bad name.”

According to Frew, however, they saw “no substantial difference” in conditions between registered and unregistered houses.

“It’s about the person who runs them and how they take care of the property and the residents,” Frew said. “The living conditions in registered rooming houses can be extremely poor. Some operators who have run registered rooming houses have never been compliant with the law.”

Councils were inconsistent in regulating rooming houses, she said, and Tenants Victoria had not observed more active monitoring by Consumer Affairs Victoria.

“In our experience, breaches of standards and regulations by rooming house operators are often not investigated, prosecuted and enforced,” Frew said. “In most instances we are aware of, councils will still give the operator notice of their intention to visit.”

A spokesperson from Consumer Affairs Victoria said in a statement: “Rooming house safety is a top priority for us, and we carry out hundreds of inspections each year to make sure rooming house operators are complying with the law. Rooming houses are often the last resort for some of the most vulnerable Victorians, and rooming house residents have the right to a safe and secure home.

“We take reports on rooming house safety very seriously and we encourage anyone concerned about a rooming house not meeting the minimum standards to contact us.”

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Man hit by tram in melbourne cbd fighting for life.

A man is fighting for life after being hit by a tram in Melbourne’s CBD .

The incident occurred on Elizabeth Street near Therry Street about 4.20pm on Monday.

The pedestrian, who is yet to be identified, was taken to Royal Melbourne Hospital in a critical condition.

Transit police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Elizabeth Street trams on Routes 59, 57 and 19 were disrupted, however, have since resumed. Yarra Trams said, “delays may occur” as the timetable is restored.

Any witnesses are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Sydney gets a drenching as heavy rain, severe weather forecast for NSW today and tomorrow

It has been a wet and wild day across New South Wales with more extreme weather expected over the weekend.

In Sydney more than 160 millimetres of rain has fallen since 9am on Thursday, its heaviest in 4 years.

More than 45 flood alerts remain active across New South Wales on Friday night after intense rainfall saturated the state with the worst to come overnight.

• 7:13 AM 7:13 AM Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 7:13am Sydney cops heaviest rainfall in 4 years
• 7:01 AM 7:01 AM Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 7:01am Six injured in wet-weather crash
• 6:24 AM 6:24 AM Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 6:24am BOM issues flood warning for Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers

Live updates

Where to find emergency assistance and information.

By Luke Royes

For emergency assistance, contact SES in NSW or QLD on 132 500

If your life is at risk, call Triple-0 (000) immediately

For the latest weather updates visit the   Bureau of Meteorology   in   NSW here

ABC Emergency   contains planning and advice, an incident map and more

If you're not sure what to do when there's a flood,   here's the best way to plan

Tune in to your local ABC Radio Station

Sydney cops heaviest rainfall in 4 years

By David Hirst

Here's a few facts and figures from our weather boffin Tom Saunders:

• Sydney has already received its heaviest rain total in 4 years with more than 160mm since 9am yesterday (highest 48-hour total)
• The heaviest rain today has been on the Mid North Coast. Taree with more than 100mm since 9am
• A deluge will arrive overnight across parts of Sydney and the Illawarra, Blue Mountains and Hunter leading to severe flash flooding and rapid river rises, including up to 220mm in 6 hours on the Illawarra Escarpment
• The torrential falls are part of a broader rain event which is soaking eastern Australia, and has triggered flood watches and warnings from southern Queensland to the NSW South Coast
• More than 40 flood watches are current for NSW
• The band of torrential rain is moving south and will clear from Sydney by about 8am, clear the Illawarra by late morning and clear from the South Coast by the evening

Six injured in wet-weather crash

Reporting by Adriane Reardon from the ABC South East NSW newsroom.

Six people, including two children, have been taken to hospital with injuries following a crash in wet weather south of Mudgee in the NSW central west.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash on the Castlereagh Highway, about 2pm today, where a ute and four-wheel drive had collided.

The male passenger in the ute, believed to be in his 60s, was flown to hospital with serious injuries, while the male driver, 55 was taken to Mudgee Hospital.

The driver of the four-wheel drive, a 34-year-old man, was also flown to hospital with serious injuries, while his 32-year-old female passenger was flown to hospital with critical injuries.

Two children in the back-seat, aged two and six, sustained minor injuries and taken to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead for observation.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation is underway.

Flooding at Parramatta River in Sydney's west

ABC photographer Timothy Ailwood is at Parramatta River. He's just filed this pic.

Storm damage to create 'significant work' for SES

NSW SES chief superintendent Dallas Burnes has this afternoon given an update on ABC News 24.

Mr Burnes said storm damage was going to "create more significant work for us".

He said the majority of call-outs had been for leaking roofs and fallen trees and there had been about half a dozen rescues.

Mr Burnes urged people to stay indoors tonight.

"If it's at nighttime and the road is flooded? Do not cross that roadway. You do not know what is under it. "The flood rescues we've undertaken today, the majority related to cars entering floodwater. That puts our volunteers' lives at risk."

Rain and thunderstorms continue in southern Queensland

A south-west Queensland town has shut its flood levee ahead of major flooding, as the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasts heavy falls for the south-east of the state into the weekend.

Senior forecaster Laura Boekel said rain and thunderstorms would continue today and tomorrow, with possible falls of up to 100 millimetres.

"It's very important to note that in some parts of the south and south-east, we're seeing moisture of the soil and the catchments quite high, so that means catchments, rivers, creeks can respond quite rapidly," she said.

"We could see responses from moderate rainfall this weekend."

Read more here .

BOM issues flood warning for Hawkesbury and Nepean rivers

The people at the Bureau of Meteorology have certainly had a busy day. They've just released another weather update.

• Major flooding possible at Menangle and North Richmond from Saturday morning
• Moderate flooding possible at Windsor and Putty Road from overnight Friday
• Minor flooding likely at Camden Weir, Wallacia Weir, Penrith, Sackville and possible at Lower Portland from Friday evening

Rainfall totals of up to 150mm have been observed in the Hawkesbury Nepean catchment since 9am on Thursday.

Further heavy rainfall is forecast through the catchment for the remainder of Friday and into Saturday.

Minor flooding is likely along the Hawkesbury, Nepean and Colo Rivers from overnight Friday. With the forecast rainfall, further river level rises and moderate to major flooding is possible from Saturday morning along the Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers.

Transport update for commuters

This is the latest from the Transport Management Centre.

Motorists and public transport passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow plenty of extra travel time due to severe weather in Sydney and surrounding areas.

• Wakehurst Parkway is closed in both directions due to flooding between North Narrabeen and Oxford Falls.
• Oxford Falls Road is closed in both directions due to flooding between Wakehurst Parkway and Aroona Road.
• Other roads where motorists are advised to take extra care due to water on the road include: The Pacific Highway at Pymble, Centenary Drive at Strathfield, Pittwater Road at North Manly and Euston Road at St Peters

On public transport:

• Passengers who need to travel on the Sydney Trains network are advised to allow plenty of extra travel time due to severe weather damaging equipment at Redfern, as well as slower boarding times.
• Trains are running on all lines but there are some delays and gaps in service.  
• Plan ahead and avoid travel where possible.
• Buses are supplementing trains between Campbelltown and Macarthur, and between Riverstone and Richmond.
• Passengers are advised to listen to announcements and check information displays for service updates.​
• Buses are replacing ferries between Parramatta and Rydalmere due to the weir overflowing.

Parramatta River overflowing

This is the latest from the ABC's Elinya Chenery.

Heavy rainfall has caused minor flooding in Sydney's west this afternoon.

The Parramatta River is overflowing in low lying areas after the water level raised above 2 metres in height.

Areas affected by the flooding include the Parramatta Ferry Wharf and footbridges across the river.

Authorities say further flooding is expected in the area in the coming hours.

Communities on Mid North Coast without power

Some communities along parts of the Bellingen River on the NSW Mid North Coast are completely isolated by flood water and without power.

Residents in the localities of Thora and Darkwood are affected, and NSW SES crews will be undertaking welfare checks.

"We've got some communities there that are completely isolated by floodwater," NSW SES spokesperson Andrew Edmunds said on the ABC statewide drive program.

"They may find themselves without power, water and other essential services."

Isolated residents in those communities are being urged to contact the NSW SES on 132 500 if they need assistance with supplies.

NSW SES advises people not to go outside

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) is advising people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as significant rainfall impacts much of the NSW east coast.

A severe storm warning is in place for communities from Gosford in the north, to Batemans Bay in the south, across to Goulburn, with damaging winds and very heavy rain possible. Meanwhile, residents on the Bellingen River at Thora and Darkwood have been advised to prepare for isolation.

Residents in these communities may find themselves cut off by flood water and without power, water and other essential services.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns said conditions were likely to worsen over the next few hours.

"There's potential for very large downpours of rain between the Blue Mountains and Narooma, which could lead to life-threatening flash flooding," Assistant Commissioner Kearns said.

The NSW SES said it had responded to more than 800 incidents in the last 24 hours.

Prepare to evacuate alert in Chipping Norton

The NSW SES has issued a prepare to evacuate and watch and act notice for people in low lying areas of eastern parts of Chipping Norton.

Those in the following area are being told to prepare to evacuate due to predicted dangerous flooding:

• All properties in the following streets in Chipping Norton:
• Newbridge Road between Riverside Road and east to Georges River
• Riverside Road between Childs Road and Newbridge Road
• Davy Robinson Drive
• Rickard Road
• Arthur Street

You should monitor the situation and prepare to evacuate so that you can safely evacuate when instructed to do so by NSW SES. There's more detail on Facebook here .

More than 100 flights cancelled at Sydney Airport

The wild weather has not surprisingly caused issues at Sydney Airport with more than 100 flights cancelled through domestic arrivals and departures.

A Sydney Airport spokesperson urged passengers to check with their airline regarding the status of their flight.

Is public transport in Sydney affected by the weather?

• Sydney Trains and Ferries   asked commuters to take "extra care"   as surfaces can be slippery when wet
• Transport for NSW is advising to allow for extra travel time on the T1, T2, T3, T8 and T9 train lines due to weather damaging equipment at Redfern
• Transport for NSW says there are no significant delays on Sydney's bus network

Hundreds of sandbags at the ready in Gosford

Hundreds of sandbags are ready and waiting for collection at the NSW SES Gosford depot on the Central Coast in preparation for more rain to come.

Members of the community volunteered their time to help fill the bags today, along with those from the Terrigal Rugby Union Club.

Gosford has received more than 70 millimetres so far today, according to data from the Bureau of Meteorology.

BOM updates flood warning

The Bureau of Meteorology has updated its Flood Watch which now includes major flooding on:

• Myall River
• Lower Hunter River
• Upper Nepean River
• Hawkesbury and Lower Nepean River
• Georges and Woronora River
• Macquarie River to Bathurst

Click here for regular Flood Watch updates from the BOM .

Major delays on state's rail networks

Transport for NSW says there are "major delays" across the Sydney Trains and NSW Trainlink networks because of the heavy rain.

Passengers are advised to avoid non-essential travel.

Buses may supplement some services.

If you do need to travel though, Transport for NSW advises you to allow plenty of extra time.

Flooding impacts Newell Highway

Flooding continues to impact the Newell Highway in the state's north, which remains closed between Boggabilla and Moree.

Motorists travelling north from Moree can take a diversion using the Carnarvon Highway and the Barwon Highway to Goondiwindi.

The southbound diversion is the same in reverse and is also suitable for all vehicles.

The alternate route between the two towns is about 2.5 hours long.

Hawkesbury SES commander says it's a 'waiting game' at the moment

By Millie Roberts

Jessica Kidd from the Sydney newsroom spoke to Kevin Jones from the Hawkesbury SES just then.

He said the volunteers were busily checking equipment and making sure everything was "good to go" as the unit prepared for rain in the Hawkesbury expected tonight.

"We're really at the moment just playing a bit of a waiting game, waiting for the rain to come," he said. "It seems to have not been as bad as they were predicting up on the north coast, but as it comes further south it looks like … there's still a chance that it's going to be a bit more intense."

Mr Jones said the local community is "definitely much more aware" on this occasion after going through "so many floods", which has helped with preparations today.

Power restored to hundreds of buildings in Sydney's CBD

Ausgrid says power has been restored to hundreds of businesses and homes after "significant rainfall" caused a major power outage.

It said 1,300 customers were affected after a substation flooded on Goulburn and Pitt streets.

Power has now been restored to more than 1,250 customers after the water was pumped offsite.  

It said the "bulk" of affected customers have their lights back on, but a small number may still be out at this point in time.

• Real Estate

Economics firm makes huge call on Aussie home prices, tipping sharp increases over the next three years

The state of housing markets in Australia’s capital cities will be virtually unrecognisable in a few short years, a startling forecast reveals.

Renter’s outrage at housing investors

Mansion with links to Westfield empire listed

Wallaby great lists investment pad

Stark forecasts for home prices across the country are tipping mammoth growth in the next three years, according to a leading economics firm.

House prices in Sydney are predicted to reach an average of nearly $2 million by 2027, thanks to anticipated rate cuts and a supply shortage, research by Oxford Economics Australia predicts.

And it’s not the only capital city expected to post strong price growth, with Melbourne set to see growth in the order of 20 per cent and Perth tipped to be hammered by a 30 per cent increase.

The research, published today in the Australian Financial Review , paints a bleak future of deteriorating housing affordability.

Maree Kilroy, a senior economist at Oxford Economics, told the newspaper surging demand would continue to far outstrip the available supply of homes.

“You have a fundamentally undersupplied market and with net overseas migration running at half a million people, a growing participation by foreign buyers, downsizers and cash buyers, demand has outweighed the drag interest rates would typically have,” Ms Kilroy told the AFR .

To put the growth forecasts into perspective, look at where prices are now and where they’re expected to be by 2027.

Oxford Economics Australia is also forecasting median unit prices to grow, although not as sharply as houses.

Home prices – houses and units combined – at a national level posted their 14th consecutive month of growth in March, according to CoreLogic.

Home prices began to slide in April 2022, coinciding with speculation the Reserve Bank would begin hiking interest rates, which it did the following month.

Its multiple increases, which inflicted severe pain on mortgage holders, saw national dwelling values slid 7.5 per cent until January 2023 when the market bottomed out.

Since then, home prices nationally have rebounded by 10.2 per cent. In dollar terms, that equates to more than $71,000, CoreLogic reported.

“At one end of the scale, we have Perth’s housing market where values were up 1.9% over the month, followed by Adelaide and Brisbane with 1.4% and 1.1% growth,” the firm’s research director Tim Lawless said of March’s results.

“The remaining capitals are showing much lower rates of change, although Melbourne is the only capital city to record a negative quarterly movement, down 0.2 per cent over the first three months of the year.”

To put the market’s extraordinary movements into perspective, home prices in Sydney are 25.4 per cent higher since the onset of Covid in early 2020.

In Brisbane, they’ve surged 55 per cent on pre-pandemic levels, while in Adelaide they’re 57 per cent higher and in Perth they’re up 56 per cent.

“The diversity in housing value outcomes can be explained by significant differences in factors like housing affordability, demand-side pressures from population growth and shortcomings in housing supply,” Mr Lawless explained.

“Focusing on the extreme growth conditions in Perth, despite such a rapid pace of capital gains, housing values remain relatively affordable compared with the larger capital cities.

“Housing remains in short supply and purchasing demand is still high due to interstate and overseas migration rates that are well above average.”

Nerida Conisbee, chief economist at Ray White, said high demand is unlikely to ease any time soon, especially when looking at the latest population projects from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

“While getting long-term projections correct is notoriously difficult, the reality is that in the next 48 years we are very likely to have a much bigger Australia,” Ms Conisbee said.

“The ABS estimates that there will be around 13 million [more] people. Based on this, and a continued decline in average household size, these people will require around 6.2 million new homes.”

That equates to about 129,000 new homes needed every single year for the next 48 years, Ms Conisbee said.

“By 2037, Melbourne is set to be bigger than Sydney and then continue to see far greater rates of population growth than the rest of the country.

“Of the 6.2 million new homes required, Melbourne will require around 22 per cent of them. Sydney will follow, requiring 15 per cent and then Brisbane at 8 per cent.”

In June, the Federal Government’s ambitious housing supply targets come into effect, with 1.2 million homes hoped to be built in the coming five years.

But before the starting gun has even been fired, experts are concerned there’s little-to-no hope of the goal being met.

The latest data from the ABS on lending for the purchase and construction of new homes lifted by 3.6 per cent in February compared to January but was lower over the quarter compared to the same time period last year.

Housing Industry Association chief economist Tim Reardon said the number of loans issued over the past year is at the lowest level in two decades.

“This is a deeper and more sustained downturn in lending for home building than any other period observed in the past 20 years,” Mr Reardon said.

“This low level of lending is consistent with other leading indicators of home building activity, such as new home sales and building approvals, which continue to signal an ongoing slowing in the volume of homes commencing construction.”

The number of housing approvals fell by one per cent in January to a seasonally adjusted figure of 12,850.

In order to reach the government’s target, at least 20,000 new homes will need to be built every month from July for the next five years.

The HIA recently convened a meeting of leaders from the construction sector and the sentiment was far from positive.

“The overwhelming consensus of the group was that the government’s housing targets cannot continue to be just another ‘aspirational target’ but must result in the actual delivery of these much-needed homes,” HIA boss Jocelyn Martin said.

In January, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns admitted the state won’t meet its own housing supply targets this year.

And Mr Minns said he couldn’t commit to meeting further annual targets under the agreed National Housing Accord.

A disgruntled renter has called out east coast property investors who are hiking up prices in Western Australia.

A stately Bellevue Hill home with links to the Westfield retail empire has hit the market.

Wallaby great Adam Ashley-Cooper has listed his inner-city investment pad, hoping to make a modest gain on the purchase price of 13 years ago.