Australian Cities ②｜What Is Melbourne Like?

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Australia is an extremely popular country for working holiday seekers and language study abroad students, for a variety of reasons.

Following Sydney, the largest city, this time we'll introduce in detail **Melbourne**, a highly popular destination for language study abroad.

< What Is Melbourne? >

Melbourne is such a beautiful city with a European atmosphere that it's often called "the Europe of the Southern Hemisphere."

It is Australia's second-largest city and also the capital of the state of Victoria. For this reason, it's also referred to as "Australia's second city."

Its cityscape, café culture, and thriving arts scene give it a calm, intellectual charm.

< Basic Information: Time Difference, Cost of Living, and More >

• Time difference: +1 hour compared to Japan

• Daylight saving time (around March to October): +2 hours

• Maximum stay (tourist visa): Up to 3 months

• Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

About the cost of living

Like Sydney, the cost of living is generally higher than in Japan.

To keep living costs down, it's recommended to buy ingredients at the supermarket and cook for yourself.

< Melbourne's Climate >

Melbourne has four seasons, but there isn't a huge temperature difference throughout the year.

• Average winter temperature: about 17°C

• Average summer temperature: about 27°C

It's warmer than Seoul and tends to have relatively clear skies.

It's easily affected by sea breezes, so compared to northern cities like Brisbane, it can feel somewhat cooler. In winter, it's often more "chilly" than truly "cold."

< Recommended Spots in Melbourne >

1. Queen Victoria Market

This is a traditional market that represents Melbourne.

You can buy ingredients, produce, crafts, and clothing at relatively reasonable prices. It's also helpful for cutting living costs during a language study abroad or working holiday.

Opening hours (reference)

• Tue, Thu, Fri: 6:00–15:00

• Wed: 17:00–22:00

• Sat: 6:00–16:00

• Sun: 9:00–16:00

• Mon: Closed
  
  

2. Melbourne Zoo

This large zoo within the city is accessible by tram. It's a popular spot where you can experience nature and animals even in an urban area.

Opening hours
9:00–17:00

3. Melbourne Museum

From dinosaur fossils to the history of Australia's Aboriginal peoples, you can enjoy a wide range of exhibits spanning from ancient times to today.

Even if you're not into history, there's a lot to see, including the garden space inside the building, making it a spot worth visiting at least once during your studies.

Opening hours
9:00–17:00

4. Fitzroy Gardens

This beautiful garden in the city center is known for its well-maintained greenery and tree-lined paths.

There are also exhibits recreating 18th-century life, making it a lovely place for a relaxing stroll.

Opening hours
Open 24 hours

Summary

Melbourne offers:

• A calm, European-style cityscape

• A relatively mild climate

• An urban environment with a thriving arts and café culture

• A city well suited to both language study abroad and working holidays

For these reasons, it's an extremely attractive option for studying in Australia.

Choosing a city that matches your personality and learning style is the first step toward a fulfilling study abroad experience.

If you'd like to learn more about studying in Australia, please feel free to contact Awork Academy.