The Perfect First-Time Itinerary for Melbourne
by HelkaKuusi
Jun 20, 2025
Melbourne is the kind of city that's beautifully understated yet full of exquisite details. Unfortunately, many tourists only realize after arriving: "If only I'd done some research beforehand!"
đHere are 10 super practical Melbourne travel remindersâeach could directly impact your trip, especially the last one. Ignorance could cost you a fine!
đď¸ăDonât Wing It at Popular Attractions!ă
Puffing Billy Steam Trainđ and Phillip Island Penguin Paradeđ§ are extremely popularâyou canât just show up and expect entry. Book tickets online at least a week in advance, either through official sites or reputable platforms.
đŚď¸ăMelbourneâs Weather Is Moodyă
Blazing sun in the morning, sudden downpour at noon, and gusty winds by eveningâMelbourneâs "four seasons in a day" is no joke! đđ Essentials: sunglasses + compact umbrella + light jacket.
đ§ăDonât Mess with Wildlifeă
In protected areas like Phillip Island, flash photography is banned when viewing penguins. No touching penguins or feeding kangaroosđŚârespecting animals means protecting the ecosystem.
đĽăIndigenous Culture Etiquetteă
At Aboriginal cultural sites: no photos, no touching, and stay within boundaries. Listen carefully to guides before taking action~
đŚăTraffic Flows the Opposite Way!ă
Australia drives on the left. Before crossing the street, look right first! If youâre used to right-side traffic, stay extra alertđ§ .
đď¸ăBeautiful Beaches, But Stay Safe!ă
Watch for rip currents, undertows, and stinging marine lifeâ ď¸. Swim only in lifeguarded zones, and donât push your limits if youâre not a strong swimmerâitâs dangerous! And donât forget sunscreenâAustraliaâs UV rays are brutal.
đĽăSummer Fire Warnings Are Seriousă
Melbourne summers are peak bushfire season. Before camping or picnicking in the wild, check local fire danger ratings. Download the ăVicEmergencyă app for official alerts.
đăFree Tram ZoneâNo Need to Tap!ă
Trams within Melbourneâs CBD are freeâno need to tap your card! Tapping will charge you unnecessarily, so donât get fined by mistake~
đăBeware of the "Hook Turn"â ď¸ă
Melbourneâs quirky Hook Turn rule means you canât turn right directly at certain intersections. Instead, wait on the far left for the green light â then turn. Look for signage or use navigation if confused.
đ¸ăDrone Users: Know the Rulesă
Melbourne has many no-fly zones: airports, military areas, and dense urban spaces. Drone altitude, distance, and flight times are strictly regulated! Check CASAâs website or register for permitsâfines are painfully high.
đ§ł Finally, a "Melbourne Survival Checklist":
â
Book tickets earlyâdonât wing it
â
Always carry an umbrella + jacket
â
Admire wildlife from a distanceâno touching or feeding
â
Switch to "left-side mode" for traffic
â
Free trams = no tapping!
đŹ Save + share with friends heading to Melbourneâitâs the ultimate "donât-get-caught-out" guide! đ
For more Melbourne tips, search "Melbourne Local Guide"~
Post by LocalGuides_HK | Jun 4, 2025























