Moving to Melbourne
13-08-2015 01:51:15pm
Moving to Melbourne? Get the lowdown on things you need to know and what Melbourne has in store for you.
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A mecca for foodies, caffeinistas, art lovers, hirsute hipsters and sporting fanatics alike, Melbourne, the once capital of Australia, has been voted the most livable city in the world on many occasions because it is a city that really does have something to offer for everyone.
Four Seasons in One Day
Melbourne has a reputation for its volatile, erratic weather. And it's well founded. Despite needing to take an umbrella with you when the sun gleams down deceptively from a cloudless sky, it's really not that intolerable. It's all a matter of perspective. You may grow to love the abundance of offerings that a Melbournian winter has to bestow. Hearty food from a plethora of diverse restaurants. An abundance of winter sports. Open fires in Melbourne's countless bars. A winter in Melbourne can be a cozy affair!
Melbourne's Sporting Addiction
Melbournian's are renowned for their passion for sport. Nothing unites or divides the city's inhabitants more. A stroll through Melbourne's EPIC sporting precinct will be enough to assure you of the importance of sport in Melbourne's culture. Built into the very heart of the city - The MCG, AAMI Park, the sprawling courts and arenas of Melbourne Park (home of the Australian Open), Albert Park Lake (home of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix), Flemmington Racecourse (home to the race that stops a nation) and the Docklands stadium; these are all a testament to how beloved sport is to the Melbournian. If you love sport there simply is no better place to be.
Love it or hate it - understand that a significant number of people in Melbourne are absolutely fanatical about AFL. Prepare yourself to be asked one question repeatedly: "who do you follow?". If you don't have an answer you may end up with uncomfortable silence, a glazed stare and a distinct lack of anyone to talk to. You're going to have to choose a side. If you're indifferent, go for a team that has a wide supporter base and isn't overly controversial. Hawthorn, for example, is a reasonably safe bet and you'll likely negotiate your way through opening conversations relatively unscathed. While you're at it, you may want to invest in some more tunes for your music library. The radio waves in Melbourne are congested with discussion and debate over AFL sagas, the latest gossip and relentless dissection of what occurred in this weeks games.
Football (soccer) has become a force to be reckoned with amongst the sporting codes and Melbourne has embraced the world game more than any other city - and then some. The choice between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City is somewhat polarising. For many reasons, theirs a fairly strained relationship between supporters of both teams. Melbourne Victory is the older, bigger adversary to its younger, budding rival. Unlike AFL - you're not at risk of being shunned if you don't choose a team. Despite media coverage to the contrary, Melbourne's football games are pretty family friendly environment with an atmosphere that is unrivalled in other states.
Also of note, there is a history, and somewhat ingrained, loathing between some supporters of Football and AFL. This just serves as another example of how Melbournian's approach sport with a relgious-like fanaticism.
If you're moving to Melbourne from Queensland or New South Wales, you will get a taste of the familiar through Melbourne's own League team - Melbourne Storm. Even if you cannot stand to play Judas to your old team and switch to the Storm, you'll get a chance to see your old heroes when they come to town and play at the stunning, state of the art, AAMI park.
If you're a sport lover, here are just some of the major annual events that you'll have to look forward to when you arrive:
- The Australian Open Tennis
- The F1 Grand Prix
- The Spring Racing Carnival
- Melbourne Cup, The Race That Stops a Nation
- Motorcycle Grand Prix & Superbike World Championship
- Rip Curl Pro
- ISAF Sailing World Cup
- The Melbourne Boxing Day Test
- AFL Grand Final
In addition to annual sporting events, Melbourne is host to a torrent of one-off major sporting events like:
- 2010 UCI Road Cycling World Championships
- 2011 President's Cup Golf
- 2012 UCI Track Cycling World Championships
- 2014 World Cup of Golf
- 2015 AFC Asian Cup
- 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup
When it comes to sport in Melbourne, there's always something to see! So, even if you're not of the sporting persuasion, soak up the atmosphere and abundance of festivities that sport in Melbourne delivers.
You Love the Nightlife?
Melbourne prides itself on a healthy abundance of places to visit when the sun goes down. There is no end to the number of restaurants, bars, clubs and live music venues in the city and inner suburbs. You may need to enlist the help of a local to guide you in your quest to uncover those well hidden gems lying behind unmarked doors in alleyways that one would never expect to find a lively and unique venue.
You'll feel relatively safe and comfortable when exploring the inner city and surrounds at night. This safety is facilitated by the mature and sophisticated nature of those who frequent inner city Melbourne. As you move away from the city into suburbia, however, the quality of clubs and bars is less, well, refined. As is the case with many other Australian cities, you're more likely to find beer barns that cater to the young and uninitiated. There are many dining experiences to be had across greater Melbourne - especially as you move further out towards the Dandenong Ranges, Yarra Valley or coastal regions.
Let the Festivities Begin
Whether it be art, music, film, comedy - or just for the sake of it, there is always as festival going on somewhere in Melbourne. There are too many to cover here, but we'll highlight a few that are unmissable or need a little more light shone on them.
- Moomba Festival
- Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
- White Night, Melbourne
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- Good Beer Week
- Royal Melbourne Show
- Melbourne Fringe Festival
- Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
Best Places to Explore in Melbourne
There's much more to Melbourne than its bustling, cosmopolitan centre. Some of the real highlights lay in greater Melbourne, on the outskirts and beyond the city's boundary.
The Dandenongs: The Dandenong Ranges are less than hour away from the CBD - but they feel like they're someplace entirely different. Mt. Dandenong, Sassafras and Olinda boast beautiful vistas, quaint (and interesting) shops, wildlife, challenging and scenic bush walks, local artisans and more. The Dandenongs are an enchanting and welcome escape from the city and suburbs.
The Yarra Valley: Extending from the eastern border of Melbourne and beyond is Victoria's answer to the Barrossa, Margaret River and the like. The Yarra Valley is home to Victoria's premiere wine region. Here you can find dozens of wineries, micro breweries, local food and restaurants set amongst the picturesque, rolling hills and vineyards of the Valley. On the weekend, there's always a farmers or craft market to explore and pick up some local wares.
The Mornington Peninsula: 'The Peninsula' is located south-east of Melbourne's CBD. It is similar in many ways to The Yarra Valley, but has the added benefit of being home to many beautiful beaches and all the activities and captivating scenery that affords.
Great Ocean Road: At least once, you must take a drive down the Great Ocean Road. It is stunning. Along the winding coastline you'll be treated to magnificent views, gorgeous beaches and lovely towns with laid-back and hospitable locals.
Shopping Experiences in Melbourne
No article on Melbourne would be complete without mentioning discussing shopping. There's so many great places to shop around the city and surrounds. Here's a round up of some of the best places to go with the some short adjectives or descriptions to let you know what you're in for:
- Bourke Street Mall: Pedestrian only. Department stores.
- Queen Victoria Market: Colossal. Fresh food. Souvenirs. Everything.
- Collins Street: Swanky. Expensive.
- Collins Place: Beautiful.
- Melbourne Central: Mall. All budgets.
- Southgate: Food. Boutiques.
- Docklands: Big retailers.
- Victoria Gardens, Richmond: Clothes.
- Chapel Street: Eclectic. Cool. FASHION.
- Chadstone: MEGA Mall.
Driving in Melbourne
It can be unnerving trying to navigate your way around any new city. Here's some things you need to know before setting out in your car.
- The dreaded hook turn. If you've never driven in Melbourne's inner city you've likely never even heard of this maneuver. It's crucial that you familiarise yourself with it before attempting to negotiate intersections in central Melbourne where trams operate. Watch out for the signs and be prepared to turn right from the leftmost lane. The rules for hook turns can be found on the VicRoads website.
- Trams. Melbourne's trams are a great way to get about the city. In fact, you can explore the inner city and Docklands for free on the 'City Circle Trams'. They can be a little scary at first and special road rules apply where trams are present. To avoid hefty fines and ensure that you're driving safely, you can read about the rules here.
- Revenue Raisers. There's speed cameras everywhere in Melbourne. Fixed or mobile - the state of Victoria in general has, arguably, more than its fair share of money-hungry speed cameras.
- Toll roads. Several of Melbourne's major freeways are tolled electronically. You're likely going to need to travel along them at some point and fines will ensue if you don't open an account or pay online with CityLink. If you've already got a tag from another city it should work in Melbourne too.
Moving to Melbourne from Brisbane or somewhere in between?
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