- Purchase the complete Expat Arrivals Melbourne Guide (PDF)
Expats will find weekends in Melbourne vibrant and exciting. A thriving culture of eating, drinking and enjoying oneself means there is always something new on the agenda, and an assortment of restaurants, bars, museums and gardens present expats with plenty of things to see and do in Melbourne.
Recommended attractions in Melbourne
Federation Square
Federation Square is a public open-air area popular with locals. There is always a hive of activity here with various events, cultural showcases, art displays and public broadcasts on the go.
Eureka Skydeck
At more than 80 storeys high, the Eureka Skydeck is a popular attraction to get a bird’s-eye view of Melbourne. Thrill seekers can step into ‘The Edge’ – a glass cube which projects out of the side of the building – for an even more breathtaking view of the city’s skyline.
National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery of Victoria, or the NGV, is a must see for art lovers. It has the distinction of being Australia's largest, oldest and most visited art museum. With more than 75,000 pieces in its collection, the NGV boasts a wide selection of art for visitors to explore.
Queen Victoria Market
Covering around seven hectares, the Queen Victoria Market is the southern hemisphere's largest open-air market. It's a perfect spot to buy affordable fruit, vegetables and meats as well as clothes, souvenirs, shoes and accessories.
Old Melbourne Gaol
The building that houses this three-storey museum functioned as a prison for nearly a century between 1842 and 1929. During this time, more than a hundred criminals were hanged, including serial killer Frederick Bailey Deeming and bushranger Ned Kelly. The Old Melbourne Gaol provides an eerie but fascinating look into the darker side of the city's history.
Further reading
►See Frequently Asked Questions About Melbourne for answers to some common queries
Are you an expat living in Melbourne?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Melbourne. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
Expat Health Insurance
Cigna Global
With 86 million customer relationships in over 200 countries, Cigna Global has unrivalled experience in dealing with varied and unique medical situations and delivering high standards of service wherever you live in the world.
GeoBlue
GeoBlue is one of the best international health insurance plans for US expats abroad or internationals residing in the USA. The GeoBlue Xplorer plan includes worldwide coverage and great customer service with access to a premium international network of hospitals and doctors including the Blue Cross Blue Shield network in the USA.
Moving Companies
Moving Internationally?
Sirelo has a network of more than 500 international removal companies that can move your furniture and possessions to your new home. By filling in a form, you’ll get up to 5 quotes from recommended movers. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.