City Hub · MEL

Moving to Melbourne

What official sources say about arriving, settling in, and working in Melbourne, Victoria. Every point links to the page it came from.

Checked against official sources · last verified 24 Oct 2026

Plan my move to Melbourne Get it on iPhone Get it on Android

Decide

Is this the right city for us?

Melbourne at a glance

The basics about Melbourne, plus official sources for time, holidays, weather and rent.

Greater Melbourne had 5,435,590 residents at 30 June 2025. It grew by 105,030 people (2.0%) in 2024–25, the largest increase of any Australian capital.
Source: Regional population, 2024-25 — Australian Bureau of Statistics ↗
Victoria uses Australian Eastern Standard Time. Daylight saving runs from Sunday 4 October 2026 to Sunday 4 April 2027, when clocks are one hour ahead.
Source: Daylight saving — Business Victoria ↗
Melbourne Cup Day (Tuesday 3 November 2026) and the Friday before the AFL Grand Final (25 September 2026) are public holidays in Victoria.
Source: Victorian public holidays 2026 — Business Victoria ↗
The median weekly rent for new lettings in metropolitan Melbourne was A$580 in the September quarter 2025. Rents rose 3.5% over the year.
Source: Rental report — Homes Victoria (DFFH) ↗
For official forecasts and weather warnings, use the Bureau of Meteorology Melbourne page.
Source: Melbourne, Victoria — Bureau of Meteorology ↗
There are 10 universities in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Source: Victoria's world-class universities — Study Melbourne ↗

External links

Victorian public holidays 2026 ↗Bureau of Meteorology: Melbourne ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Laws and local rules

Everyday Victorian rules that often surprise newcomers.

Call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. For non-urgent police help, or to report a crime that has already happened, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 (24 hours) or report online.
Source: Contact us — Victoria Police ↗
It is against the law to supply alcohol to anyone under 18. Venues check ID: an Australian or foreign driver licence is accepted as evidence of age.
Source: Checking IDs before supplying alcohol — Liquor Control Victoria ↗
If you don't drive, you can apply for a Victorian Proof of Age card from 17 years and 11 months, but you can only use it once you turn 18.
Source: Get a Proof of Age card — vic.gov.au ↗
You cannot smoke or vape in outdoor dining areas while food is being eaten, in a car with anyone under 18, at patrolled beaches, or within 4 metres of school and childcare entrances.
Source: Victoria's tobacco and e-cigarette laws — Better Health Channel ↗
The drink-driving limit for a fully licensed driver is 0.05 BAC. Learner and probationary drivers must have a BAC of 0.00. A first offence at 0.05 or higher means losing your licence for at least 3 months.
Source: Drink driving — Transport Accident Commission ↗
On arrival you must declare risk goods such as food, animal products and plant material, or put them in the airport bins. False declarations can bring an infringement notice of up to A$7,280, and your visa may be cancelled.
Source: Travelling to Australia — Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry ↗

External links

Victoria Police online reporting ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Arrive

The first 72 hours

Arriving in Melbourne

Getting from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) into the city, and your first admin steps.

SkyBus City Express runs daily from 4am to 1am between Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station. Buses leave every 10 minutes at peak times and every 15 minutes otherwise, from outside Terminals 1, 3 and 4.
Source: Bus services — Melbourne Airport ↗
A SkyBus City Express adult one-way ticket costs A$25.90; a child one-way ticket is A$6.60.
Source: Fares — SkyBus ↗
Other SkyBus routes run to St Kilda and Frankston (Peninsula Express), Box Hill (Eastern Express) and Sunshine Station (Sunshine Express). There are no SkyBus services between 1am and 4am.
Source: Bus services — Melbourne Airport ↗
Public Transport Victoria runs 5 timetabled bus services from the Terminal 4 Ground Transport Hub.
Source: Bus services — Melbourne Airport ↗
Once you are in Australia with a work-rights visa, apply online for a Tax File Number. It is free, and the TFN is posted to your Australian address within 28 days.
Source: Permanent migrants and temporary visitors – TFN application — Australian Taxation Office ↗
You must be in Australia to enrol in Medicare. Apply as soon as you have an address if you are eligible.
Source: Enrolling in Medicare — Services Australia ↗

External links

SkyBus fares ↗Check your visa conditions (VEVO) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Getting around

Trains, trams and buses, half-price fares, myki and tap and go.

Fares are half price across Victoria from 1 June 2026 until the end of 2026. A full daily fare costs A$5.70 to travel anywhere in the state, instead of A$11.40.
Source: Extra month of free PT, then half-price fares for all — Premier of Victoria ↗
Current metropolitan myki Money fares: A$2.85 for 2 hours in Zones 1+2 (A$1.80 Zone 2 only), A$5.70 daily, and a A$4.00 weekend and public holiday daily cap. Travel in the Free Tram Zone is free.
Source: Metropolitan train, tram and bus fares — Transport Victoria ↗
A 7-day myki Pass costs A$28.50 for Zones 1+2. If you tap on but don't tap off, you are charged a default fare.
Source: Metropolitan train, tram and bus fares — Transport Victoria ↗
Since 1 January 2026, under-18s travel free on Victorian public transport with a Youth myki. Victorian Seniors Card holders get free travel on weekends.
Source: Free travel for children and eligible concession travellers — Transport Victoria ↗
A Youth myki costs A$5 and can be bought online or at staffed stations. Children aged 5 to 17 must carry it and keep tapping on and off.
Source: One million young Victorians now travelling for free — Premier of Victoria ↗
You can tap on with a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card, phone or smartwatch. Contactless fares are the same as myki fares; tap off the same way you tapped on.
Source: Contactless payments — Transport Victoria ↗
Tap and go reached all Melbourne bus routes by 26 July 2026, so it now works at every myki-enabled train station, tram and bus. Concession holders and under-18s should keep using their concession or Youth myki.
Source: Tap and go rolling out on buses — Premier of Victoria ↗
The Metro Tunnel is open, with new stations at Arden, Parkville, State Library, Town Hall and Anzac. Cranbourne, Pakenham and Sunbury line trains run through it.
Source: The Metro Tunnel now open — Victoria's Big Build ↗

External links

Metropolitan fares ↗Contactless payments ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Settle

Home, school, doctor, bank

Neighbourhoods and renting

Rents by suburb and the Victorian rules that protect renters.

Homes Victoria publishes median rents by suburb from bond data, by dwelling type and number of bedrooms. The latest release covers the September quarter 2025.
Source: Rental report — Homes Victoria (DFFH) ↗
In most cases a bond can't be more than one month's rent. A higher bond is only allowed if the rent is more than A$900 a week, or VCAT approves it.
Source: Bond amounts and payments — Consumer Affairs Victoria ↗
The bond must be lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) within 14 days. The RTBA sends you a receipt with the bond number within 7 days.
Source: Bond amounts and payments — Consumer Affairs Victoria ↗
Rent can't usually be increased more than once every 12 months. Since 25 November 2025 you must get at least 90 days' notice on the official form.
Source: Rent increases — Consumer Affairs Victoria ↗
Since 25 November 2025, agents can't accept more rent than the advertised amount (rental bidding), and no-fault evictions are banned. Since 31 March 2026, businesses can't charge fees for rental applications or rent payments.
Source: More rights for Victoria's renters as Housing Statement reforms take effect — Consumer Affairs Victoria ↗
You must get a signed condition report before you move in. Check it, add your comments and photos, and return it within 5 business days.
Source: Condition reports — Consumer Affairs Victoria ↗
Rental homes must meet minimum standards. Consumer Affairs Victoria publishes a checklist and explains your rights if a property doesn't meet them.
Source: Minimum standards — Consumer Affairs Victoria ↗

External links

Homes Victoria rental report ↗Renting: Consumer Affairs Victoria ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Schools

Finding your zoned government school and enrolling.

Every child has the right to attend their local government school, which is set by school zone. In metropolitan Melbourne it is usually the nearest government school in a straight line from your permanent address.
Source: School zones — vic.gov.au ↗
Use the official Find my School website to see your zone, your local school and the 5 closest schools. The department does not endorse zone advice from real estate agents.
Source: School zones — vic.gov.au ↗
Children can start Foundation (Prep) if they turn 5 by 30 April in the year they start. Children must be enrolled in school, or registered for home schooling, between the ages of 6 and 17.
Source: Enrolling in school — vic.gov.au ↗
To enrol, give the school evidence of your child's name and date of birth (such as a passport) and an Immunisation History Statement. Copies are fine.
Source: Enrolling in school — vic.gov.au ↗
Schools may ask for documents proving your permanent address. If you apply out of zone and places are limited, siblings come first, then distance from the school.
Source: Enrolling in school — vic.gov.au ↗
Some government schools have no zones, including specialist, language and selective entry schools. Catholic and independent schools enrol separately.
Source: School zones — vic.gov.au ↗

External links

Find my School ↗Enrolling in school ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Healthcare

Medicare, urgent care and ambulance cover in Victoria.

You can enrol in Medicare if you live in Australia and are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident, applying for permanent residency, or covered by a ministerial order.
Source: Enrolling in Medicare — Services Australia ↗
Visitors from 11 countries with a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement may get some care under Medicare: Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Source: When Reciprocal Health Care Agreements apply and you visit Australia — Services Australia ↗
You can enrol online through myGov. If approved, your Medicare card is posted to the address you gave.
Source: Enrolling in Medicare — Services Australia ↗
In Victoria, ambulance services are not free or covered by Medicare. A road transport costs about A$1,400 in metropolitan areas. Ambulance Victoria membership costs A$56.47 a year (single) or A$112.95 (family).
Source: Membership — Ambulance Victoria ↗
Urgent Care Services are free, need no appointment or GP referral, and are open to everyone with no Medicare card needed. Options include Urgent Care Clinics and a 24/7 Virtual Emergency Department.
Source: Urgent Care Services Victoria — Better Health Channel ↗
NURSE-ON-CALL (1300 60 60 24) is free, open 24 hours and answered by a registered nurse. For life-threatening emergencies call 000 or go to an emergency department.
Source: NURSE-ON-CALL — Better Health Channel ↗
For Medicare claims, enrolments and general enquiries call 132 011. An interpreter is free if you ask.
Source: Phone us — Services Australia ↗

External links

Enrolling in Medicare ↗Ambulance Victoria membership ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Banking and IDs

Tax File Number, a bank account and a myGov account.

If you hold a valid work-rights visa and are in Australia, apply for a Tax File Number online through the ATO's Individual Auto-Registration. It is free and you don't send documents.
Source: Permanent migrants and temporary visitors – TFN application — Australian Taxation Office ↗
Expect your TFN by post within 28 days. Don't lodge a second application during that time.
Source: Permanent migrants and temporary visitors – TFN application — Australian Taxation Office ↗
Open a bank account within six weeks of arriving. After six weeks you will need at least two items of identification.
Source: Managing your finances — Department of Home Affairs ↗
Some transaction accounts charge monthly and ATM fees, but not all do. Look for a no-fee account.
Source: Transaction accounts and debit cards — Moneysmart (ASIC) ↗
Deposits are protected by the Financial Claims Scheme up to A$250,000 per person, per bank, credit union or building society.
Source: Savings accounts — Moneysmart (ASIC) ↗
Create a myGov account with a personal email address that only you can access. You can then link the ATO, Medicare and Centrelink.
Source: Create a myGov account — myGov ↗

External links

Apply for a TFN ↗Create a myGov account ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Driving and cars

Using your overseas licence, converting it, and Victoria's road rules.

You can drive on a current overseas licence for up to 6 months from the day you start living in Victoria. Leaving and coming back does not restart the 6 months.
Source: Driving with your overseas licence in Victoria — VicRoads ↗
If your licence is not in English, carry an English translation or an international driving permit. For conversion, translations must come from a NAATI-accredited translator or your country's consulate.
Source: Convert overseas licence — VicRoads ↗
Most people with a licence from a recognised country do not need tests. Since 1 May 2025, holders aged 25+ from countries including Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, South Africa and Poland must sit the learner permit, hazard perception and drive tests.
Source: A guide to converting your overseas licence — VicRoads ↗
Converting costs a A$22.10 appointment fee, plus the licence: A$96.50 for 3 years or A$330.70 for 10 years.
Source: Driver licence fees — VicRoads ↗
The drink-driving limit is 0.05 BAC for fully licensed drivers and 0.00 for learners and P-platers.
Source: Drink driving — Transport Accident Commission ↗
A drink-driving offence at 0.05 or higher means losing your licence for at least 3 months, a behaviour change program, and an alcohol interlock for at least 6 months.
Source: Drink driving — Transport Accident Commission ↗

External links

Convert overseas licence ↗Driver licence fees ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Thrive

Work, study, belong

Jobs and work

Minimum pay, super and your rights at work.

From 1 July 2026 the National Minimum Wage is A$26.44 an hour or A$1,004.90 a week. It applies to employees not covered by an award or agreement.
Source: Minimum wages — Fair Work Ombudsman ↗
Award-covered employees got a 4.75% increase to their minimum wages from 1 July 2026.
Source: Minimum wage increase starts today — Fair Work Ombudsman ↗
Employers must pay super of 12% of qualifying earnings. Since 1 July 2026, under Payday Super, they must pay it each payday.
Source: Tax and superannuation — Fair Work Ombudsman ↗
Visa holders and migrant workers have the same workplace rights as all other employees. Your visa won't be cancelled for contacting the Fair Work Ombudsman for help.
Source: Visa holders and migrants — Fair Work Ombudsman ↗
For free workplace advice, call the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94.
Source: Contact us — Fair Work Ombudsman ↗
Student visa holders can work up to 48 hours a fortnight while their course is in session.
Source: Student visa (subclass 500) — Department of Home Affairs ↗
To work you need a valid work-rights visa. Check your visa conditions in VEVO before you start.
Source: Permanent migrants and temporary visitors – TFN application — Australian Taxation Office ↗

External links

Minimum wages ↗Visa holders and migrants ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Universities

Melbourne's universities and the rules for international students.

The University of Melbourne's main campus is in Parkville. It is ranked first in Australia in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
Source: Victoria's world-class universities — Study Melbourne ↗
Monash University has more than 98,000 students and Melbourne campuses at Clayton, Caulfield, Parkville, Peninsula and Alfred.
Source: Victoria's world-class universities — Study Melbourne ↗
RMIT University has three Melbourne campuses: City, Brunswick and Bundoora. La Trobe's main Melbourne campus is in Bundoora, and Victoria University's is in Footscray.
Source: Victoria's world-class universities — Study Melbourne ↗
Student visa holders must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) unless exempt, and can work up to 48 hours a fortnight during study periods.
Source: Student visa (subclass 500) — Department of Home Affairs ↗
The Study Melbourne Hub at 17 Hardware Lane gives international students free welfare support, interpreters, a Work Ready Program and free employment and housing legal advice.
Source: Our Hub — Study Melbourne ↗

External links

Study Melbourne ↗Student visa (subclass 500) ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Newcomer support

Free help with English, interpreters and settling in.

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) offers free English classes to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants, with free childcare during classes.
Source: About the Adult Migrant English Program — Department of Home Affairs ↗
TIS National, run by the Department of Home Affairs, provides interpreting for people with limited English. Call 131 450.
Source: Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) ↗
City of Melbourne Libraries has 7 permanent locations, English learning programs including a Conversation Club, and a free toy library.
Source: Libraries — City of Melbourne ↗
International students can visit the Study Melbourne Hub (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or call 1800 056 449.
Source: Our Hub — Study Melbourne ↗
For renting and consumer problems, call Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday).
Source: Contact us — Consumer Affairs Victoria ↗

External links

AMEP ↗City of Melbourne Libraries ↗ReLoc doesn’t review listings on these sites and isn’t paid for these links.

Every point links to its official source.Verified 24 Oct 2026

Turn this into your own plan

ReLoc builds your visa roadmap, document checklist and budget for a move to Melbourne, and keeps track of what you’ve done.

Start free Get it on iPhone Get it on Android