Relocate to Melbourne

Why Relocating to Melbourne? Vibrant, Diverse and Dynamic!

Considering becoming a Melburnian? The energetic capital of Victoria is a warm and welcoming city that holds a great deal of cultural and historical significance for Australia. Melbourne is a popular destination for travellers and is one of the top ten most visited cities in the world. Home to almost 5 million people, the city’s vibrant urban culture will draw you in immediately.

Thanks to the worldly demographic of Melbourne’s residents, this city is a diverse and dynamic place to call home where you’ll see and learn something new every day! The city centre is a dream world of cool bars and eateries with an exciting coffee culture and internationally-renowned street art. The city also has a rich archive of public art, historical artefacts and contemporary pieces that add to its creative ambience.

Melbourne’s history

Founded on the Yarra River in 1835, Melbourne is located on the traditional land of the Kulin Nation that consists of the Wurundjeri, Boonerwrung, Taungurong, Djajawurrung and the Wathaurung. The gold rush in the 1850s caused a massive boom in Melbourne as the value of imported goods peaked and the city’s population rapidly grew from 80,000 to 300,000. Over 100 million dollars’ worth of gold was mined during this time.

Nearing the end of the 19th century, Melbourne was already well-established as a major city with a strong trade market and large-scale development of housing, schools and churches. The city attracted many people from Europe after World War ll, the impact of which can still be seen in Melbourne’s diverse creative and culinary scene. (The lively Lygon Street is packed with international cuisine and is a must-visit for foodies in Melbourne!)

What is Melbourne’s climate like?

Melbourne has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. During spring and summer, the city often gets cold fronts which are sometimes accompanied by heavy rain and thunderstorms. You may hear people speaking about Melbourne’s famous four-seasons-in-one-day climate, which is quite accurate! Because the city is located on the border of the warm inland and the cool southern ocean, weather conditions can be a tad unpredictable at times. If you live here, you’ll quickly get used to the occasional weather mood swings from sunshine to rain and back to sunshine again.

Getting around the city

Melbourne Airport (or Tullamarine Airport) is one of the country’s busiest airports. The city also has the largest urban tram network in the world, and this is by far the best way to get around town. The same ticket used on trams can also be used to board buses and trains. The broader public transport system in Melbourne is safe, efficient and affordable, and trams in the CBD can be used free of charge!

Life in Melbourne

Melbourne is a cultural melting pot with a long list of festivals ranging from art and music to film and comedy taking place year-round. The city’s prioritisation of the arts makes it a valued destination for young artists and performers. The Melbourne International Arts Festival, Melbourne Fringe Festival and Moomba, the largest free community festival in Australia, are some of the highlights on the city’s cultural calendar.

If you enjoy live music, you’re in for a treat in Melbourne! The city has one of the richest live music (especially rock music) scenes in the world with many international artists performing here each year. For lovers of theatre and classical music, the Arts Precinct in Southbank is the place to be with its collection of cultural institutions such as the State Theatre, the Melbourne Theatre Company (the oldest professional theatre company in Australia), the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Ballet and more.

Melbourne was named a UNESCO City of Literature in 2008 and hosts a number of renowned literary events each year, including the Melbourne Writers Festival and the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards. The State Library of Victoria is one of the oldest and most-visited free public libraries worldwide.

The contrast between modern and historical buildings in Melbourne is something quite extraordinary to see. Although the city is known for being one of the greatest Victorian-era cities in the world, there are plenty of skyscrapers and modern buildings in the city, particularly in the CBD. By walking through the city, you’ll be amazed at how this contemporary architecture exists in harmony with impressively preserved historical buildings like the Royal Exhibition Building, the General Post Office and Hotel Windsor.

Melbourne is also the sports capital of Australia with a range of regular prestigious sports events taking place. In 1956, the city hosted the first Olympic Games outside Europe and America, while the annual Australian Open, the Melbourne Cup and the Formula One Australian Grand Prix are all massive tourist attractions.

If you want to escape the bustling city streets, the Botanic Garden is located walking distance from the town’s centre and is always ready to welcome you into its peaceful green arms. Locals can often be spotted strolling or jogging through the garden, or taking a break from their workday to enjoy lunch underneath the beautiful trees. For a burst of fresh air, the Dandenong mountain range on the outskirts of the city is the ideal spot for hiking, cycling or bird-watching.

Another must-do activity in the city is enjoying a cruise down the Yarra River. If you’re up for it, you can even opt to take a kayak down the river! In Melbourne, you’ll always find something inspiring to do. This magnificent city has something to offer for everyone and is a fantastic place to explore if you want to revitalise your life.

We acknowledge Wurundjeri Country. We acknowledge the custodianship of its people and the privilege and responsibility to Connect with Country. We acknowledge the inspiration and responsibility to design with Country and her Kin.