If you haven't read my blogpost on Best Things to Do In Melbourne, make sure you check it out here. Today, I decided to continue my Melbourne series by giving you some important insights before traveling there. No doubt, it's easy to get carried away with the excitement to visit one of the most incredible cities in Australia. However, there are some crucial things you should know that can save you from embarrassment and confusion.
1. Layering is key
Regardless you are traveling in the Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter, layering is always the key. I didn't believe it until I visit there. If you google about Melbourne's weather, you will see that a lot of Melburnians love to say that they can experience four seasons in a day. Yes, it may be over exaggerate a little, but the weather can alternate between sunshine and rain MORE than you could imagine. You will tend to experience it if you're traveling between Spring and Summer. Not to mention, a quick change in the direction of wind can lead to a massive drop in temperature, known as a "cool change". I remembered I experienced this on my recent trip, when the morning is scorching hot and all of the sudden its freezing!
Hence, always bring a light jacket or sweater with you whatever season you visit, so you could easily add a layer to keep you warm.
2. Always wear sunblock
No doubt that everyone who travels to Australia wants to hit the breathtaking beach and enjoy some sun bathing, but DON'T until you smother yourself in sunblock! This is due to the absence of ozone layer makes Australia heats up very quickly and the rays are also harmful to your skin! Trust me, you can actually feel your skin sizzling! Thus, if you don't want to get burnt during your trip, wear sunblock, put on your hat or put on shirt or sundress to keep your skin covered!
3. Make the most of the coffee culture
If you're a coffee lover, you're going to love more about Melbourne with its availability of excellent coffee throughout every part of the city! If you're first time visitors to Melbourne, you may be overwhelmed by the choices. However, you don't need to worry as I have come out with a list of cafes you could try!
1. Market Lane
Address: 8 Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia | To get here
2. Mister Close
Address: 246 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia | To get here
3. Seven Seeds
Address: 106-114 Berkeley St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia | To get here
4. Aunty Peg's
Address: 200 Wellington St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia | To get here
5. Hardware Societe
Address: 120 Hardware St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia | To get here
6. Patricia
Address: Little Bourke St & Little William St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia | To get here
7. Higher Ground
Address: 650 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia | To get here
8. Wide Open Road
Address: 274 Barkly St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia | To get here
9. Everyday Midtown
Address: 213 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia | To get here
10. Brother Baba Budan
Address: 359 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia | To get here
4. Wear black to blend in
Melbourne is a fashion capital of Australia and if you prefer to fit in with the local fashion trends, be sure to include black clothing in your suitcase. Melbourne is like another version of New York where you literally see everyone in black. According to some of my Melburnian friends, when the weather turns gloomier or colder, they will wear darker shade but if the day is fine, you will start to spot some colours. Hence, when in doubt, wear black!
PS. Cassie and I literally wear all black during our entire trip, not to fit in with the locals but you know black is SO versatile!
5. Follow the rules especially when you are driving
If you plan to drive in Melbourne, make sure you play by the rules as Australians has been called the 'Swiss of the Pacific' when it comes to regulations enforcement. There are five different types of cameras designed to catch drivers who break the rules, including the point-to-point cameras that average out your speed over a long distance. These are still not the challenging part, the most challenging part is driving at CBD or areas with lots of trams, cyclists, parked cars and worst of all, the hook turns! My friend told me that if you're driving in Melbourne, make sure you watch out for the "hook turn" signs and be prepare to move your car to the far left lane, in order to make a right turn across traffic.
6. Trams are great!
If all the driving rules stated on point five make you nervous about hiring car, no worries as Melbourne's tram network is great! All you need is a myki card, which you can either get it at train stations or newsagents. Remember to touch your card every time you board a tram, train or bus. But make sure to touch off, if you're taking a train.
7. Aussie don't tip
Although its common to tip in places such as Europe and America, but its not necessary in Australia. This is due to all service charges are included in the bill, so you will never have to worry about adding extra, but if you choose to tip, thats based on how much you feel their services should be tipped.
8. Not only Philip Island has penguins
If you have limited budget, it is not necessary to go all the way to Philip Island to see penguins! All you need is board the number 16 tram in the evening and go St Kilda Pier. St Kilda has approximately 1000 penguins and when the sun sets, these cute penguins will emerge from the water. But make sure you bring a torch covered with red cellophane, and do not take flash photographs.
Posted by Luulla Admin
Wednesday 22 Nov 2017
