How to make the most out of your layover in Melbourne

Melbourne, Australia’s most cosmopolitan city, has so much to offer, from arts and culture to shopping, architecture, food, and nature excursions. It may not be your destination (at least for now), but a layover in Melbourne is a pleasant surprise in your travel journey. Instead of sitting in the terminal and watching the clock, take this opportunity to relax, get some fresh air, stretch your legs, or turn it into a mini adventure.

Whether you're a backpacker, a business traveler, or on a family trip, you won't run out of things to do in Melbourne on a short layover. With a conveniently located airport just a 25-minute drive from Melbourne CBD, you can easily shop for souvenirs at the Queen Victoria Market, shower at a nearby hotel, or brush up on your surfing skills at URBNSURF, an inland surf park. You can also board the SkyBus with stops outside Terminals 1, 3, and 4 to get to the city center.

Make your Melbourne layover a wonderful, hassle-free experience by storing your luggage in a secure Bounce luggage storage facility near the airport or your destination. This way, you can explore Melbourne freely and not deal with the hassle of checking bags multiple times.

Things to keep in mind before leaving the airport

Visa requirements in Australia

If you’re traveling to another country and have a stopover at an Australian airport, you need a visa if you wish to leave the airport or if your stopover lasts more than eight hours.

Minimum layover times in Melbourne

In-airport short layover

• Domestic flights: A minimum connection time of 40 minutes is required for domestic flights at Melbourne Airport, but an hour will give you enough time to change terminals if you’re flying on different airlines, check your bags, go through security processing, and maybe, grab a bite.
• International flights: The minimum connection time for international flights is 90 minutes, but it’s always a good idea to plan for at least two hours to increase flexibility and reduce stress.

In-airport long layover

A layover of three to four hours is ideal if you want to take your time exploring the airport facilities. You can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and charging stations to catch up on work, check your emails, or stream your favorite shows, browse the duty-free shops and other retail outlets, and recharge with a meal at one of the airport restaurants and cafes.

Out-of-airport layover

You’d want to spend at least six to eight hours leaving the airport, taking a taxi or bus to Melbourne City Centre, enjoying the activities and attractions waiting for you there, and traveling back to the airport to catch your next flight. Once you have the necessary visa to enter Australia, going through immigration and customs should be easy. Just bring what’s necessary for your trip and leave the rest of your belongings with our partner store to explore Melbourne with ease.

What to do in Melbourne during a layover

You won’t have to wonder what to do on a Melbourne layover because of the many things to see and do within and outside the city airport. If you have enough time, a trip to the city is definitely worth it. It’s a melting pot of cultures, so you won’t be out of place and will find something that tickles your fancy from morning until late, whether it’s street art, local history, shopping, food and wine, music, architecture, or the great outdoors.

Are you ready to turn your layover into a short trip with the kids? Or maybe, you’re a solo traveler and have a heavy backpack with all your valuables. You can rely on our trustworthy partners to keep your items safe while you’re out and about. Here's the ultimate guide to making the most of your Melbourne layover hands-free.

Morning layover in Melbourne

Aussies are known as early risers, so if you arrive in Melbourne in the morning, you won’t be too early to start your day. Start your day with a trip to Queen Victoria Market to buy locally-made jewelry, homewares, skincare products, arts and crafts, and other items to take home. Drop off your shopping purchases in a nearby storage location and stop at the Melbourne Museum when it opens at 9 a.m.

A stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens is also not to be missed to refresh and elevate your mood. Spot birds, from swans to coots, learn about the plants, and take photos with the scenic landscape as your background.

A short walking distance from the Gardens, you’ll find the National Gallery of Victoria, a beloved art museum and Australia’s oldest and most visited gallery. It has two buildings - the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia in Federation Square and NGV International on Kilda Road. Overall, the Gallery features over 76,000 works, including historic art, architecture, fashion and design, and more.

The best part is that entry to these buildings is free, and they offer numerous creative learning opportunities for adults and kids alike. When visiting the Gallery, remember that large bags, umbrellas, and backpacks aren’t allowed inside and must be stored in the cloakroom. Alternatively, leave your oversized bags or bulky items in a Bounce left luggage storage facility to expedite your entry.

Afternoon layover in Melbourne

If you have extra time in the afternoon, don’t miss the chance to discover the dynamic and vibrant heart of Melbourne at Federation Square, a.k.a. Fed Square. Besides the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, the Square is home to Australia's Museum of Screen Culture (ACMI) and Koorie Heritage Trust, which are among Victoria’s major cultural sites.

Arts and history aren’t exactly your thing? Don’t leave just yet because there are many things to enjoy in the area. Fed Square is buzzing with activity, especially on weekends, with bars, restaurants, and live busking performances by musicians, talented acrobats, and dancers. There’s also something to watch on the massive digital LED screen, from live sporting events to films.

Before you head back to the airport, enjoy a late lunch at Victoria by Farmer's Daughters for a farm-to-table experience. Because they focus on sourcing seasonal ingredients, their menu changes regularly, which means there’s always something new to try every time you visit. Try the cheese and oakwood cured meats or get the provenance menu with grass-fed hanger steak, grilled market fish, and a lot more.

Evening layover in Melbourne

A longer layover lets you experience the city's energetic nightlife. Watch the sunset at Transit Rooftop Bar. It’s ideally located on the edge of Fed Square, so you’re still close to all the action. It boasts panoramic city views, a great selection of signature cocktails like the Solemn Soju Fizz, wines, martinis, non-alcoholic beer, and bar food.

Go to Crown Melbourne and try your luck at the casino or have a sumptuous dinner in one of the restaurants there. Maguro Sushi & Oyster Bar will satisfy your Japanese and seafood cravings while Ging Thai offers a feast for the senses with the delicious tastes, smells, and colors of their authentic Thai food with a twist.

If you’re too full to do anything, have a relaxing walk along the scenic Southbank and see the bright city in a different light. Or, join a sightseeing cruise on the Yarra River and immerse yourself in the city’s beauty at night. Melbourne cruises offer a one-of-a-kind experience, highlighting the city's serene river gardens, landmarks, and ports that transform into magical settings after dark.

Overnight layover in Melbourne

For some travelers, an overnight layover means an inconvenient and tiring situation, but that’s not the case in Melbourne. You can turn this into a mini-vacation by going to the CBD for exploration and sightseeing or use the layover as a time to rest, recharge, and prepare for your next flight.

Book a room at PARKROYAL Melbourne, a short walk from Melbourne Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via a covered skybridge. With spacious rooms, restaurants, suites, and meeting rooms, the hotel caters to all types of travelers. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., the swimming pool invites you to unwind and soothe your tired muscles after a long flight. You can also use the fitness centre that’s open 24/7 on the hotel’s 5th floor, as well as the convenient workstations with printing facilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, and comfy seats.

Tips to make the most out of your time in Melbourne

Whether you're on a long layover or only have a few hours before your next flight, Victoria’s capital city has so much to offer to ensure you enjoy every minute and have a memorable experience. The key is preparation, planning your time carefully, and knowing what to expect for a stress-free and exciting journey.

• Languages spoken: Although English is the official language of Australia and Melbourne’s most widely spoken language, the city is culturally diverse, so there are other languages spoken in the city. These include Mandarin, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Punjabi.
• Currency: The national currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD).
• Safety: Melbourne is one of the world’s safest cities, but you should still avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas at night. Always be aware of your surroundings.
• General expected costs: Your budget can vary significantly based on your preferences and the activities you choose. Plan for AUD$150-200 on a budget or AUD$300+ for a luxury experience.
• Best time to go: Summer (December to February) is perfect for beach lovers and those who love the warm weather.

Imagine indulging in world-class cuisine, immersing yourself in culture and art, or strolling through Melbourne's vibrant parks and walkways without heavy baggage. That's where our Bounce luggage storage service in Melbourne comes in. Leave your belongings with us, so you can unlock the full potential of your layover and transition from the airport to the city's bustling heart and back luggage-free.