Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is Australia’s 2nd largest city and it has rapidly become a popular stop for backpackers and digital nomads while they tour around and explore Australia.

In this guide, we'll provide all the necessary information to make the most of your stay in Melbourne as a digital nomad. Ready? Let's dive in!

Why Visit Melbourne as a Digital Nomad?

While cities like Canberra offer a quieter, more structured vibe, Melbourne stands out for its creative energy, multicultural scene, and endless things to do. Whether you’re here to work remotely or simply enjoy the city as a traveler, it’s easy to see why Melbourne has long been rated one of the world’s most livable cities.

It has a multiculturally diverse population, which will make you feel right at home no matter where you come from. It has modern amenities at your fingertips and everything a digital nomad might need to make it feel like a place they belong.

With hundreds of things to do, we swear, you will never struggle to find something new to explore or enjoy in Melbourne. As a city with a bustling CBD (central business district) and a relatively safe city to live in, you will most definitely feel welcome when you arrive.

Best Areas To Stay in Melbourne as a Digital Nomad

If you're looking to get the full city experience, look to find accommodation downtown in Melbourne CBD. This will provide easy access to a wide variety of things to do within close proximity.

One of the most popular hostels to stay in downtown is Melbourne City Backpackers. It's great for solo travelers and digital nomads, but also nothing wrong with it if you're coming with a group. It has a great location, friendly vibes, and good rates are only a few of the items that make this place so popular.

If yoyou want to upscale your stay as a digital nomad, you should check out The Langham Hotel. As a higher-end luxury hotel, this accommodation surely won't disappoint. It offers amazing food and it's along the Yarra River, so you are close pretty much to all the top attractions.

Beyond the CBD, here are some other areas we would recommend staying to get a great experience in Melbourne:

Richmond
South Yarra
Fitzroy
St. Kilda
South Melbourne

Internet and WiFi in Melbourne

There are several ways digital nomads can connect to the internet in Melbourne. Local cafes, restaurants, and bars all offer free Wi-Fi to their guest, so this would be the easiest way to find data/internet to work.

State Library Victoria, showing the studying desks in La Trobe Reading Room. Taken November 2017

Hotels and hostels generally offer fast Wi-Fi, so that's also another option if you don't want to move from your accommodation.

You can set up a SIM with a local provider if you prefer. We personally used Boost Mobile, and it cost around $30. If you want no commitment and something easier to install, you can opt for an eSIM instead from top providers in Australia like Airalo and Holafly.

Best Places To Work From in Melbourne

When it comes to local cafes and coffee shops, Melbourne is the place to be! With its world-class coffee options available on every corner, you will never struggle to find a place to sit down with a coffee and work. Personally, we think it's fantastic for digital nomads. Below is a list of places we would highly recommend:

Coworking Spaces

Laptop-Friendly Cafes

What's the Cost of Living in Melbourne?

The best part about living in Melbourne is that it offers various price points. From high-end luxury to budget accommodations, there's truly something for everyone.

Below are some examples of prices that you can expect:

Small 1-bed apartment in the city center – $1,500/month
Local transport – $3.50 for a one-way ticket
Decent internet – $50/month
Domestic Beer – $7.50/pint
Small coffee – $3.50

If you want to stay on a budget, staying at a local hostel, or eating local takeout might be your best bet.

If you're looking to live a more average life with an apartment, cook your own food, and take public transport, you could spend about $2,000/month. We recommend looking for a roommate to save even further as several websites cater to this.

Is There a Digital Nomad Visa for Melbourne?

No, currently there is no digital nomad visa option for Australia. The Working Holiday Maker visa is one of the most popular visas for people to visit Australia instead.

The 417 is open to anyone under the age of 31 (under 35 for Canadians) and allows you to work and live in the country for up to 12 months.

The only restriction is that you must not work for any employer for more than 6 months.

It's fairly simple to apply for and quick to obtain. Be sure to have:

a valid passport
sufficient funds in your account before you apply
be a resident of an eligible country

If you want to extend your stay, there are 2nd and 3rd-year options with additional requirements. To be approved for the 2nd year, you must complete 88 days of regional farm work before your 1st year visa expires and apply through the government website. You never know, you may enjoy it just as much as we did!

What Are The Top Things To Do in Melbourne?

There are plenty of things to see and do throughout this amazing city. Here are some of the top activities you must absolutely try:

1. Explore the city

With its amazing laneways and street art, there is so much to see by just simply walking the streets of Melbourne. From Hosier Lane to ACDC Lane, be sure to check out some of the world's most amazing street art talents.

2. Coffee and Food

As already mentioned, there are hundreds of different cafes and restaurants to choose from. Be sure to take a stroll down DeGraves, as you'll be sure to find some amazing cafes and food choices.

3. Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Melbourne is the iconic home of cricket and Melbourne's AFL games, so take a tour of this enormous stadium. Welcoming approx. 100,000 people at some of its events, you definitely don't want to miss the opportunity to see this amazing structure.

4. Royal Botanical Gardens

If nature is more your thing, take a walk through these amazing gardens.

5. Yarra River

Book a river tour down the Yarra River. With amazing sightlines of the city, sit back and enjoy the views while someone else tours you down the river that splits Melbourne in half.

6. Formula 1

If you're into car racing, check out Formula 1 as it visits the city every year for its iconic Melbourne, Australia race week.

Other Useful Information for Digital Nomads

When Is The Best Time To Visit Melbourne as a Digital Nomad?

There is never a bad time to visit Melbourne. If you're looking to soak up the hot sun and enjoy the amazing beaches, visit during the summer months of December-February. If you're looking for some cooler temperatures and don't mind the rain, winter might be the season for you.

The weather in Melbourne is hard to monitor. Summers can get as high as 40°C (104°F), and winters can get as low as 5°C (41°F). You just never know what you're going to expect on any given day.

Something to think about is to watch out for that Aussie sun if you tend to burn easily. Be sure to apply that sunscreen if you're visiting during the summer, as you can burn in as quickly as 15 minutes. And if you're visiting during the winter months, be sure you have an umbrella as the rain can really settle in.

If you're looking to visit during the summer, know that it's probably high season for tourists as the beaches are among Australia's most popular attractions.

If you're looking for a little quieter of a season but still decent weather, visit during the fall (March-April) or spring (September-November).

Queen Victoria Summer Night Market in Melbourne, Australia

How To Get Around in Melbourne

Getting around Melbourne is extremely easy. With its amazing public transportation system and the usual big city options, you surely won't struggle in this amazing city. Your options are unlimited, from trams, buses, taxis, Uber, bikes, scooters, and even trains.

With the train you’ll see that a train arrives along the city loop every 15 minutes. It is by far the easiest mode of transportation if you can follow simple train maps and schedules.

If you’re looking for something that offers a few more stops in between but may take a little more time, we will opt for the tram or bus. Filling up a Myki card at your local convenience shop or train station is all you’ll need to hop on and off the local buses, trams, and trains.

Either way you cut it, Melbourne has an option for everyone to get around. The only choice is what you are most comfortable with.

How Can I Get to The City Center From The Airport?

Melbourne has 2 airports, but the most common airport t you'll probably be arriving from internationally is known as Tullamarine Airport.

Located just 45 minutes from the city center, you have several options available to you:

Taxi, uber, or private transfer: takes 45 minutes and costs approx. $60-$100
The Skybus: offers regular service to the CBD for $20 one way (or $32 return)

Is Melbourne Safe To Visit?

As any big city endures, there is always a risk of running into some unkind people. But for the most part, Melbourne is a safe place to visit.

Walking the streets of downtown, whether night or day, we always felt safe. But, of course, you must take that with a grain of salt as you always need to be cautious of your surroundings.

Overall, we'd rate it as a fairly safe city to live in and/or visit. Just be mindful of where you are and respectful to those around you.

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Aly and Mike

Articles by Aly and Mike

Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Melbourne