UPTOWN OR DOWNTOWN, GETTING AROUND OUR CITY

For many a visitor, a trip to Melbourne means being based in the buzzing heart that’s home to our fabulous museums, theatres, restaurants, bars and shops. Bus, train, Uber or on-foot – no matter how you choose to explore our city centre, it’s the perfect place to travel around.

Hop on a tram
Everybody knows that Melbourne is the city of trams. Did you know Victoria’s first trams were powered by horses? The first horse tramway was built in Fairfield in 1884. Two horses pulled a carriage of up to 20 passengers along rails, providing considerably more comfort than the original ‘horse bus’ which offered a bumpy ride on Melbourne’s early roads!

Soon, private companies operated tramways all around Melbourne – with one in Sandringham using large double decker cars that seated 40 people and required three horses to pull. Today, Melbourne has the largest tram network in the world, with 250km of double track. Efficient and cost-effective, passengers can board trams at signposted stops displaying maps, route numbers and timetables. Best of all, the City Circle Tram within the central area of Melbourne is free!

Taxi!!!
Sportily dressed in yellow, silver or white, Melbourne taxis are simple to spot. Book a pickup, grab one from a cab rank – or simply hail one in the street, New York style. If the rooftop lamp is lit, the taxi is usually unoccupied and available for hire. Safe and easy, Uber and other rideshare trips are also on offer. Apps make booking a snap – showing fare estimate, driver’s picture, vehicle details and tracking your trip on a map.

Luxuriate in a limo
How about ‘un petit’ luxury? Taking a limousine will make your day in Melbourne one to remember. Limousine hire companies can provide customers with many thrilling choices in Melbourne day trips. From Queen Victoria Market to the enchanting Royal Botanic Gardens, the Shrine of Remembrance and the National Gallery of Victoria, a limousine is perfect for people who want to tour the city in style.

Bike up
Itching for adventure? Saddle up and explore Melbourne on two wheels. With a few exceptions, ours is a largely flat city, making it perfect for cycling. Melbourne boasts many trails frequented by both serious and recreational bike riders. Better still, these cycling trails cover everything from beachfront boardwalks to twisting river paths, all but ensuring you have a great day out. Try the Capital City Trail, a popular central loop consisting mostly of sections of other trails, including the Merri Creek, Yarra Trail, Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and Inner Circle Rail Trail. The loop passes landmarks like Southbank, Melbourne Zoo and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Jump off wherever you please.

There are so many great ways to get around and see the sights of Melbourne. Alors, go explore!

More Reading:
Visit Melbourne
Best Bike Trails
Melbourne Limo Hire