Tips for Living in Melbourne

The city is sometimes known for having "four seasons in one day," referring to isolated convective rain showers during warmer months. When cold air hits the area during a warm day, Melbourne often experiences heavy rain and even hail. These storms pass quickly and then the skies clear and the temperature rises back to where it was prior to the rain shower, as if it never happened.

Employment in Melbourne

Though the city has a diverse economic landscape, Melbourne is particularly strong in industries such as finance, manufacturing, education, transportation and tourism. It is also a sweet spot for industries like IT, research and logistics--especially because of its location on the Port Phillip Bay, which features the busiest seaport in the country. Five of the ten largest corporations in Australia call Melbourne home for their headquarters.

Since it's such a diverse city, Melbourne is a great place to find work and settle down with a family. It's also perfect for young professionals because of all the opportunities in different industries. 

FUN FACT: The Port of Melbourne handles over $75 billion in trade annually.

Cost of Living in Melbourne

Your first step should be figuring out where in Melbourne you'd like to live. Whether you are making this decision based on your office location or a school for your children, it is ultimately up to you. Anywhere in Melbourne is an ideal living area, but certain areas may differ in price from others. For example, rent would cost significantly higher in the heart of the city than it would in one of its suburbs. But you get what you pay for, so it could be worth the extra money for the prime real estate and easy access to public transportation and activities.

Education in Melbourne

In Victoria, students go through thirteen years of schooling. These are divided into primary and secondary school, running on the calendar year. Most schools in Victoria teach students one or more languages besides English, and bilingual programs are available in multiple government schools across the state. Unlike many other places in the world, Melbourne schools prepare students for further education and even for their careers.

You'll have the option between government/state schools and private schools, which are further divided into Independent and Catholic classifications. Melbourne is the perfect place to raise children because of its multitude of education options, as well as its wide variety of services for special needs kids and people with disabilities. Victoria's education system knows how to accommodate any student and put him or her in a position to succeed.

Culture and Activities in Melbourne

The heart of Australian culture lies in Federation Square in Melbourne. If you're into the arts, the city centre is the place to be! It's home to destinations like the Ian Potter Centre--the Australian section of the National Gallery of Victoria, as well as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. There are also many hidden bars and adorable little cafes throughout the city. The Melbourne Visitor Centre is located at Federation Square, which is an important stop for first-time visitors!

Some major events in the area include the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, the Melbourne International Film Festival, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and the Australian International Air Show. If you want to take a drive to explore the surrounding Victorian towns, you'll find plenty of famous vineyards and wineries, as well as beautiful national parks.