Melbourne Travel 2026: visa, costs, 7-day itinerary for Vietnamese travelers

Melbourne is a city that leaves many Vietnamese travelers with lasting memories thanks to its unique blend of European-style coffee culture, old trams clanging past Flinders Street Station, the brightly colored Brighton beach at sunset, and Australia’s distinctive artistic rhythm. This article compiles complete independent travel tips for Melbourne 2026 for Vietnamese travelers, from visa 600, 7-day 6-night costs, sample itineraries, standout day trips such as Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island, and Yarra Valley, to Vietnamese dining areas in Footscray and the option of a Telstra eSIM to stay connected throughout the trip.

Australian visa for Vietnamese travelers going to Melbourne

One of the reasons many Vietnamese travelers hesitate when planning a trip to Australia is that the visa process is more detailed than for some familiar destinations such as South Korea or Japan. An Australian visa application not only reviews basic documents, but also examines bank statements, employment contracts, current work, and especially the reason for returning to Vietnam after the trip.

What is the 600 Tourist stream visa?

The 600 visa is a short-term tourist visa issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for foreign nationals who want to come to Australia for tourism, visiting relatives, or some other short-term purposes. Depending on the application, the visa may be valid from 3 months to 12 months.

For Vietnamese visitors going to Melbourne for independent travel, the suitable category is the Tourist stream. The offshore fee in month 4/2026 is 200 AUD, after an increase from the previous 190 AUD. If the purpose of the trip is to visit relatives, applicants may need to choose the Sponsored Family stream, in which a bond of 5.000 to 15.000 AUD may apply depending on the case.

Documents to prepare

A 600 Tourist stream visa application usually includes 12 required document groups and some additional documents depending on personal circumstances. All Vietnamese-language documents need notarized English translations to be submitted with the online application.

The basic documents include:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months and with at least 2 consecutive blank pages.
• 4 passport photos 3.5 × 4.5cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
• Form 1419, namely the Application for a Visitor visa – Tourist stream, completed online via ImmiAccount.
• Savings book of about 150 to 250 million VND, deposited for at least 3 months.
• Bank account statements for the most recent 3 to 6 months.
• Employment confirmation and salary slips for the most recent 3 months.
• Employment contract if you are an employee; business registration and tax returns if you are a business owner.
• Notarized household registration book.
• Marriage certificate if traveling with a spouse.
• Detailed travel itinerary.
• Hotel booking confirmation.
• Round-trip flight booking, payment not required yet.

Fees and processing time

The total cost of an Australian visa 600 for Vietnamese applicants usually ranges from 4.800.000 to 6.000.000 VND, depending on whether you apply yourself or use support services. Of this, 200 AUD, equivalent to around 3.300.000 VND, is the fee paid to the Australian Department of Home Affairs; the rest may include VFS Global fees, translation, notarization, and service charges.

According to application processing information on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au in month 2/2026, the assessment time is usually around 11 to 28 days. About 90% of applications are processed in 20 to 33 days, but SIMPM it is recommended to apply 6 to 8 weeks before departure in case the Australian Department of Home Affairs requests additional documents.

Apply online via ImmiAccount and VFS Global

The Australian visa application process is now mainly done online. Applicants need to prepare clear soft-copy documents in the correct PDF format and follow each step carefully to avoid missing information during the review process.

The basic process includes:

1. Create an account on ImmiAccount on the Australian Department of Home Affairs system.
2. Complete form 1419 online and upload all required documents in PDF format.
3. Pay the 200 AUD fee by Visa or Mastercard.
4. Book biometric collection at VFS Global within 14 days.

In Vietnam, applicants can complete biometrics at VFS Global Ho Chi Minh City at Resco Building, 94-96 Nguyen Du, District 1, or VFS Global Hanoi at Gelex Building, 52 Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung.

Ms. Tran Mai Anh, 35 years old, chief accountant at an import-export company in Hanoi, previously applied for a 600 visa in month 10/2025 for a Melbourne trip in month 12/2025, and shared: “I thought Australia was like Korea, that you could apply and be done in 7-10 days, but it turned out I had to wait 4 weeks. Luckily, I booked my tickets 5 months in advance, so I wasn’t in a rush at all.”

What is the best season to visit Melbourne?

Melbourne is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the weather is completely opposite to Vietnam. When it is month 12 in Vietnam, it is winter there, but in Melbourne it is the beginning of summer; conversely, when it is month 7 in Vietnam, it is hot season there, while Melbourne is in the middle of cold winter.

From month 1 to month 4/2026, month 11 and month 12 are the periods most chosen by Vietnamese visitors. This is the period that avoids the peak Lunar New Year season and also coincides with the beginning of Australian summer, with warm weather and daytime temperatures usually around 25 to 30°C, ideal for going to the beach and sightseeing outdoors.

Summer, from month 12 to month 2: Beach season and the Australian Open

Melbourne summer has daytime temperatures of around 25 to 35°C, and on some days in mid-month 1 it can reach 38 to 40°C. This is the ideal time to visit St Kilda Beach and Brighton Beach and enjoy the seaside atmosphere, but Vietnamese travelers should avoid going outside during the harsh midday sun. A better time is around 5 to 7 g in the afternoon, when the sun is softer and the sunset light makes for very beautiful photos.

The Australian Open 2026 takes place at Melbourne Park from 12/1 to 1/2/2026. Opening Week runs from 12 to 17/1, while the main draw takes place from 18/1 to 1/2. The event attracts about 1 million international visitors, so room rates and the number of visitors in central Melbourne can increase sharply. In addition, Boxing Day on 26/12 is the biggest sale day of the year at Bourke Street Mall, but also one of the busiest days.

Autumn, from month 3 to month 5: Golden leaves in Yarra Valley

Autumn is one of the most pleasant times to visit Melbourne. Temperatures are usually around 15 to 22°C, making it suitable for walking in the CBD, visiting parks, strolling the laneways, or joining day trips outside the city.

Yarra Valley in month 4 and month 5 is covered in the golden and red colors of autumn. Visitors can combine sightseeing with a wine tasting experience at Domaine Chandon or De Bortoli. It is also easier to book hotels in this season, and room rates are usually about 15 to 20% lower than in summer.

Winter, from month 6 to month 8: Low season and ski Mt Buller

Melbourne winter has temperatures of around 6 to 12°C, and on some days it can drop to 3 to 4°C with showers and cold sea winds. This is not the ideal time for first-time visitors hoping to go to Brighton Beach or see the 12 Apostles in good weather conditions.

On the plus side, winter is low season, so flights and hotels may be about 25 to 30% cheaper. If you love snow and skiing, you can go to Mt Buller, about 3 g hours’ drive from Melbourne. However, if your main goal is to explore the city and do coastal day trips, think carefully before choosing month 7 or month 8.

Spring, from month 9 to month 11: AFL Grand Final and Spring Racing Carnival

Melbourne spring has temperatures of around 12 to 22°C and is considered the second most beautiful season after autumn. The weather is cool and pleasant, the trees turn green again, and parks such as the Royal Botanic Gardens are ideal for strolling and taking photos.

The AFL Grand Final 2026 takes place at the MCG on Saturday, 26/9/2026, at 14h30 AEST. Before that, 25/9 is the public holiday “Grand Final Eve”. In addition, the Spring Racing Carnival and the Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of month 11, that is 3/11/2026, are major cultural events in Melbourne, notable for images of Australian women wearing wide-brimmed hats at Flemington Racecourse.

Independent Melbourne travel costs for 7 days 6 nights

Independent travel costs to Melbourne for Vietnamese travelers usually range from 50 to 85 million VND per person for a 7-day 6-night trip. Actual costs will vary depending on the travel season, when you book flights, hotel category, the number of day trips, and shopping needs. If you book early, choose an apart-hotel with a kitchen, and use public transport, total spending can be significantly lower than booking close to departure or staying in a premium hotel.

Total cost table for 3 levels

Actual bill for a 7-day 6-night trip

The couple Long and Hoa traveled to Melbourne from 5 to 11/05/2026 with a total cost of 63.150.000 VND/person for a 7-day 6-night trip. This cost is quite close to the standard category, including day trips, CBD accommodation, and some personal shopping.

Detailed cost breakdown:

• Round-trip Vietnam Airlines SGN-MEL ticket, booked 7 months in advance: 18.500.000 VND.
• Visa 600, VFS and translation package: 4.800.000 VND.
• Pegasus Apart Hotel CBD, 6 nights × 220 AUD: about 21.700.000 VND.
• Meals for 7 days, averaging 55 AUD/day: about 6.300.000 VND.
• Myki Card and top-up of 60 AUD, equivalent to about 5 day cap 11.40 AUD: about 990.000 VND.
• Great Ocean Road tour via Klook: 130 AUD, about 2.140.000 VND.
• Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour: 125 AUD, about 2.060.000 VND.
• Yarra Valley wine day: 145 AUD, about 2.390.000 VND.
• SimPM eSIM 10GB/10-day Telstra plan: 580.000 VND.
• Shopping for UGG, RM Williams, Tim Tam, Blackmores vitamins: 3.500.000 VND.
• Contingency: 600.000 VND.

Hoa shared: “Booking tickets 7 months early saved us nearly 5 million compared with booking close to departure. The apart-hotel had a kitchen, so every morning we made coffee from G7 brought from Vietnam, saving 70 AUD on breakfast for 6 days.”

Melbourne travel itinerary for 7 days 6 nights

The itinerary below was adjusted by Long and Hoa after their trip in month 5/2026. This arrangement balances CBD sightseeing, beach time, nature experiences, long day trips, and one light rest day to avoid getting too tired.

The order of the days is designed to reduce crisscross travel, while alternating long-distance days such as Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island with lighter days in the city. If traveling with family or older adults, you can reduce one day trip and increase rest time in the CBD.

Day 1: Tullamarine Airport, CBD and Federation Square

Night flights from SGN to MEL usually take about 9 hours and land at Tullamarine Airport at around 8 g in the morning. After immigration and baggage claim, travelers can take the SkyBus at terminal T2 or T4 to Southern Cross Station in the CBD, with a travel time of about 30 minutes and a fare of 22.80 AUD/person/way.

After returning to the hotel to drop off your luggage or check in, on the first day you should take it easy and stroll around Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, and the Yarra River waterfront. In the afternoon, you can visit Royal Arcade and Block Arcade, then choose a cafe in the city center to get familiar with Melbourne’s pace of life.

Day 2: CBD walking tour and Queen Victoria Market

The second day is suitable for exploring Melbourne’s famous laneways. In the morning, go to Degraves Street for coffee, stop by Hosier Lane to see graffiti art, then head to Centre Place for brunch or street photography.

At noon, visit Queen Victoria Market, the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere, which has operated since 1878. In the afternoon, you can go up to Melbourne Skydeck, formerly known as Eureka Skydeck, located on level 88 of Eureka Tower in Southbank. Tickets start from 33 AUD, and the best time is around sunset, when the light falls over the Yarra River and the city skyline.

Day 3: Great Ocean Road day trip and the 12 Apostles

Great Ocean Road is a day trip you should almost not miss if you are in Melbourne for 6 days or more. A popular Klook tour costs about 130 AUD/person, and buses usually pick up from the CBD around 7 g in the morning.

The itinerary usually takes about 3 hours to drive to Apollo Bay, stop for lunch, then continue to the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. This is a long travel day, usually returning to Melbourne around 9 g in the evening, so be sure to bring snacks, water, a light jacket, and a power bank.

Day 4: St Kilda Beach and Brighton Bathing Boxes

After a rather long Great Ocean Road day, the fourth day should be lighter. In the morning, you can take tram number 96 from the CBD to St Kilda Beach, with a travel time of about 25 minutes. This area has the famous Acland Street with bakeries, Luna Park, and a fairly pleasant seaside atmosphere.

In the afternoon, continue to Brighton Beach to take photos at the colorful 82 bathing boxes. This is one of Melbourne’s most famous check-in spots, especially beautiful at the end of the day when the sunlight softens. In the evening, you can return to the CBD for Korean BBQ or choose a restaurant around Federation Square.

Day 5: Phillip Island Penguin Parade day trip

The Phillip Island Penguin Parade tour usually costs around 125 AUD/person, with pickup at about 1 g in the afternoon. Before reaching Phillip Island Nature Park, many tours stop at Maru Koala Park so visitors can see koalas and some native Australian animals.

At around 8 g in the evening, thousands of little penguins will return from the sea to the shore after a day of fishing. This is a very distinctive natural experience of the Phillip Island area, usually lasting about 45 minutes. Since the return to Melbourne is around 11 g at night, visitors should prepare warm clothes because the coastal area is quite cold in the evening.

Day 6: Yarra Valley wine day

Yarra Valley is a good choice for day six, when travelers want a more relaxed experience after several days of walking. Klook tours cost around 145 AUD per person and usually include 3 wineries such as Domaine Chandon, De Bortoli, and Yering Station.

Lunch is usually at a winery restaurant with vineyard views. After wine tasting, some tours also stop by Healesville Sanctuary to see kangaroos, wombats, and koalas. This is a fairly indulgent day, ideal for couples or groups of friends who enjoy nature, food, and wine.

Day 7: Footscray Vietnamese brunch and flight home

The last day should be kept light, and you should avoid going too far so you do not miss your flight. In the morning, you can take tram number 82 from the CBD to Footscray, which takes about 15 minutes, to eat pho, rice noodles, or a Vietnamese banh mi before leaving Melbourne.

Some popular choices include rare beef pho18AUD at Pho Chu The in76Hopkins Street, or bun cha16to22AUD at Nam Loong on the corner of Footscray and Hopkins. After lunch, return to the hotel to check out, take the SkyBus to Tullamarine Airport, and fly back in the evening to SGN or HAN.

See also: Buy an Australia eSIM – high-speed Australia travel SIM with great prices

How to get around Melbourne

Public transport in Melbourne is quite easy to use, especially thanks to the extensive tram network. Compared with Sydney, getting around central Melbourne is usually more compact, cheaper, and more traveler-friendly for first-time visitors.

Vietnamese travelers only need to understand two main concepts: the Myki Card and the Free Tram Zone. If you only travel within the CBD, you can use trams for free; when you go outside the free area such as St Kilda, Brighton, South Yarra, or Footscray, you need Myki.

Free Tram Zone in the CBD: Travel for free

Melbourne CBD has a Free Tram Zone, allowing travelers to ride trams completely free without tapping a Myki card. The main boundaries are La Trobe Street to the north, Flinders Street to the south, Spring Street to the east, Spencer Street to the west, plus some areas such as Victoria Street, William Street, Elizabeth Street, and all of Docklands.

Many Vietnamese visitors coming to Melbourne for the first time often buy Myki just to ride within the CBD, but this is unnecessary if the entire itinerary stays inside the Free Tram Zone. Only when going outside the free zone, for example to St Kilda, Brighton, South Yarra, or farther areas, do travelers need to tap Myki when boarding.

Myki Card and day cap

Myki is the transport card used for trams, trains, and buses in Melbourne. Travelers can buy it at 7-Eleven or Southern Cross Station for a card fee of 6 AUD, then top it up for use.

From 1/1/2026, the full fare day cap is 11.40 AUD. This means that no matter how many tram, train, or bus trips you take in Zone 1+2 on the same day, the system will only deduct up to 11.40 AUD. If you are staying in Melbourne for 5 days or more and traveling continuously, you may consider the 7-Day Myki Pass priced at 57 AUD, which is cheaper than using the day cap every day.

SkyBus from Tullamarine Airport to the CBD

SkyBus runs 24/7, with a bus about every 10 minutes from Tullamarine Airport, at Terminals T2 and T4, to Southern Cross Station in the CBD. A one-way ticket costs 22.80 AUD per person as of the end of 5/2026 according to skybus.com.au, and the ride takes about 30 minutes.

If you book online in advance, travelers may get a discount of around 5 to 10%. SkyBus is suitable for solo travelers or two people with moderate luggage, because the final stop is right in the center and it is easy to continue by tram or on foot.

Uber and 13Cabs

Uber is popular in Melbourne and is often more convenient than traditional taxis in many cases. The distance from the CBD to Tullamarine Airport by Uber is usually around 55 to 75 AUD, depending on peak hours and vehicle type.

If you are traveling as a couple, carrying 4 large suitcases, or arriving at the airport at an inconvenient time, Uber XL may be more reasonable than buying 2 SkyBus tickets and then dragging your luggage back to the hotel. Besides Uber, 13Cabs is also a traditional taxi option in Melbourne.

Self-drive rental for the Great Ocean Road

If you are traveling in a group of 4 people and want to control your time on the Great Ocean Road, renting a self-drive car is worth considering. An automatic Toyota Corolla rented through Hertz or Avis at Tullamarine Airport usually costs around 80 to 120 AUD per day.

The advantage of self-drive is that you can spend longer at scenic spots, leave early to photograph the 12 Apostles at sunrise, or avoid the crowds. However, keep in mind that Australia drives on the left, opposite to Vietnam, so the driver needs experience and a high level of concentration.

Top attractions in Melbourne

Melbourne has many attractions suitable for first-time visitors, with most located in the CBD or about 30 minutes by tram from the center. If you only have 6 to 7 days, you should prioritize the most distinctive spots instead of trying to visit too many places.

The places below are the ones most often chosen by Vietnamese travelers, because they are easy to get to and clearly reflect Melbourne’s spirit: classic, artistic, close to nature, and full of beautiful public spaces.

Federation Square and Flinders Street Station

Federation Square and Flinders Street Station are located in the heart of the CBD and are almost the first photo stop for many travelers when arriving in Melbourne. Flinders Street Station stands out with its dome, classic gold clock, and history dating back to 1910, and is considered one of the city’s icons.

Federation Square is right across the street, with many small museums, event spaces, and rooftop cafes overlooking the Yarra River. This area is ideal for starting a walking tour because it is close to laneways, tram routes, and many central attractions.

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria

Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria is a 38-hectare park south of the Yarra River, with free admission. The gardens opened in 1846, have around 8.500 plant species, Ornamental Lake, and are located north of Shrine of Remembrance.

The best time to visit is early morning from 6 to 8 g o’clock, when locals are jogging, doing yoga, and the light is still soft. This is a good place to rest between activities, take relaxed photos, or go for a walk after several busy days in the CBD.

Melbourne Skydeck (formerly Eureka Skydeck)

Melbourne Skydeck is located on level 88 of Eureka Tower in Southbank, standing 285 m high and considered the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere. From here, visitors can enjoy a 360° view over Port Phillip Bay to the south and the Dandenong hills to the east.

General Admission costs around 33 to 43 AUD per adult, while The Edge Experience is upgraded to around 47 to 61 AUD according to melbourneskydeck.com.au in 2026. The sunset time slot from 6 to 7 g o’clock in the evening is usually the most beautiful, as the city lights gradually turn into night.

NGV International, National Gallery of Victoria

NGV International is Australia’s largest art museum and has been open since 1861. The permanent collection is free to enter, making it suitable for both art lovers and travelers who want an indoor attraction on a rainy day.

Inside NGV, there is an Indigenous Art room showcasing Aboriginal art, a Renaissance Italian collection, and the Great Hall with Leonard French’s colorful glass ceiling. Children and families can also spend a few hours here without it feeling too academic.

Brighton Bathing Boxes

Brighton Bathing Boxes are 82 colorful wooden bathing boxes facing Brighton Beach, and are one of Melbourne’s most famous photo spots. Travelers can take tram number 67 from the CBD, which takes about 30 minutes.

Each bathing box is privately owned, and market prices can range from 280.000 to 450.000 AUD each. Visitors are not allowed inside; please only take photos from the outside and keep an appropriate distance to avoid affecting private property.

St Kilda Pier and Luna Park

St Kilda is about 25 minutes from the CBD by tram number 96. This seaside area has a free-spirited vibe, with a pier extending into Port Phillip Bay, bakeries on Acland Street, and the Luna Park amusement park.

Luna Park opened on 13/12/1912, and is famous for the Scenic Railway, one of the world’s longest-running roller coasters. In the afternoon, visitors can sit on the pier, eat fish & chips, watch the sunset, and feel Melbourne’s seaside rhythm.

Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market is the largest outdoor market in the Southern Hemisphere, officially opening on 20/3/1878 on an area of more than 17 acres, with over 1.000 stalls. In the morning, there are hundreds of food stalls, fresh produce, specialties, and local products.

In summer, Wednesday night usually has the Night Market; in winter, there is a Night Market on Friday night, with around 60 food stalls and live music. Visitors can buy UGG boots, Tim Tam, Manuka honey, or souvenirs here, and prices are often better than duty-free at the airport.

See also: Sydney travel 2026: visa, costs, itinerary for Vietnamese travelers

Melbourne food you must try: Australian dishes and Vietnamese restaurants

Melbourne is considered Australia’s coffee capital, and it is also one of the cities with the largest Vietnamese communities outside Vietnam. According to the 2021 Census by ABS, more than 90.000 people born in Vietnam live here, concentrated in Brimbank, Footscray, and Greater Dandenong, Springvale.

Thanks to that, Vietnamese travelers in Melbourne can enjoy iconic Australian dishes while still easily finding pho, bun bo, banh mi, or hu tieu on days when they want familiar flavors. If you know which area to choose, food costs are also easier to control than eating entirely in the CBD.

Flat white cafe laneways

Flat white, an espresso drink combined with smooth steamed milk, has been considered an important part of Melbourne’s coffee culture since the 1970s1980. A flat white usually costs about4to6AUD, depending on the venue and area.

Some famous places to try include Patricia Coffee Brewers in Little Bourke, Brother Baba Budan also on Little Bourke, or Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar on Bourke Street, which has been open since 1954. This is a very Melbourne experience, especially suitable for a morning walking tour.

Chicken Parmigiana hay Parma

Chicken Parmigiana, often shortened to Parma, is a classic Australian pub dish. It consists of chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and ham, then baked hot and served with chips or salad.

A portion of Parma usually costs around26to32AUD at pubs such as The Mitre Tavern on Bank Place, Cookie on Swanston Street, or Belgian Beer Cafe Eureka. A fairly large portion, enough to make a satisfying main meal after a day of lots of walking.

Pho Chu The, Footscray

Pho Chu The is located at 76 Hopkins Street, Footscray, and has been one of the pho restaurants highly rated by the Vietnamese community in Melbourne for many years. Rare beef pho is priced at around 18 AUD, and special pho at around 22 AUD.

The shop is open from 7 g a.m. to 9 g p.m., making it suitable for both late breakfast and dinner. On weekends, lunchtime often requires a queue of around 15 to 20 minutes, so groups may want to come earlier.

Hue Beef Noodle Soup An Dong, Footscray

Bun Bo Hue An Dong in246Barkly Street is a familiar address for Vietnamese people living in Melbourne. A bowl of Hue beef noodle soup costs around19AUD, includes ham, trotters and sausage.

The broth is cooked with a rich lemongrass and shrimp-paste flavor, closer to Hue style than many Vietnamese restaurants in the CBD. Vietnamese immigrants in Melbourne often bring guests from Vietnam here on the first few days because the flavor is familiar and the price is reasonable.

Vietnamese sandwich Bang, CBD

Banh Mi Bang is located at305Little Bourke Street in the CBD, convenient for days spent walking around the city center. Grilled pork banh mi costs about10to12AUD, suitable for a quick lunch or a snack between activities.

The flavor is close to Saigon banh mi, reminiscent of places like Nhu Lan or Huynh Hoa rather than the Northern-style banh mi. It’s a convenient choice if you don’t want to travel out to Footscray or Springvale.

Nha Trang Vietnamese, Springvale

Nha Trang Vietnamese is located at47Buckingham Avenue, Springvale, about40minutes by train to Springvale Station. The shop has Nam Vang noodle soup about18AUD and Vietnamese pancakes about22 AUD.

Springvale is a long-established Vietnamese community area, with an Asian market selling many familiar ingredients such as water spinach, rice paper, and Vietnamese spices. If you want to experience a more clearly Vietnamese neighborhood and do not mind traveling, Springvale is worth trying.

One small note for Vietnamese travelers is that eating in Footscray or Springvale is usually about 30 to 40% cheaper than in the CBD, and the flavors are also closer to Vietnamese food. In return, travelers need to allow an extra 15 to 40 minutes of travel by tram or train depending on the area.

Where to stay in Melbourne

Melbourne has 5 main accommodation areas suitable for travelers. If this is your first time in the city, the CBD is still the safest choice because it is close to attractions, near the Free Tram Zone, easy for dining, and convenient for taking the SkyBus to the airport.

For future trips, travelers may consider Southbank, St Kilda, Carlton, or Fitzroy for a different atmosphere. Each area has its own distinct character, from river views and the beach to Italian culture, art, and indie cafes.

Vietnamese first-time visitors should prioritize the CBD, for example Pegasus Apart Hotel, Quest Apartments, or Mercure Welcome. From here, it is only a few minutes’ walk to the Free Tram Zone, 15 minutes by bus to the SkyBus stop, and about 25 minutes by tram to St Kilda. Couples who want river views can choose Southbank, while families of 4 people should prioritize apart-hotels with kitchens to save on food costs.

Australia eSIM for Vietnamese travelers going to Melbourne

The SimPM eSIM for Australia uses the Telstra network, which has good coverage in Victoria, especially useful when traveling far from the CBD such as on the Great Ocean Road. For independent Vietnamese travelers, eSIM gives you data as soon as you land, without lining up to buy a physical SIM at the airport.

After purchase, the QR code is sent by email in about 5 minutes. Users just need to scan the code and activate it on the phone, which usually takes about 1 minutes. When the plane lands at Tullamarine, the phone can use 4G/LTE immediately if it has been set up correctly.

3 gPopular SimPM eSIM for Australia

Vietnamese travelers usually choose one of three main eSIM plans, depending on trip length and data usage needs:

• 5GB/7-day plan: 380.000 VND, suitable for short trips to Melbourne or Sydney.
• 10GB/10-day plan: 580.000 VND, suitable for a standard 7-day 6-night trip with extra buffer.
• 15GB/15-day plan: 780.000 VND, suitable for a longer trip combining Melbourne and Sydney.

All plans use the Telstra network, include a Vietnamese-language hotline 24/7, and offer 100% refund if not activated.

Buy an Australia eSIM before departure

To have 4G as soon as you land at Tullamarine, travelers should order Australia eSIM at simpm.vn about 1 to 2 weeks before departure. The QR code will be sent to your email in about 5 minutes, so you can install it in advance and activate it when you arrive at the airport.

For a Melbourne 7-day 6-night itinerary, the 10GB/10-day plan priced at 580.000 VND is a balanced choice because it is enough for the main itinerary and still gives you 3 extra buffer days for shopping or plan changes. Users can find more plan information and APN setup instructions in the Australia eSIM purchase guide.

Melbourne is a trip worth preparing carefully for, from visa and itinerary to costs, transportation, and Internet access throughout your journey. To make your self-guided trip to Australia more convenient from the moment you land, you should prepare an Australia travel eSIM from SimPM before your departure date. Just scan the QR code and activate it quickly on your phone to use 4G/LTE data, check maps, book a ride, contact your hotel, and share moments in Melbourne more easily. Visit SimPM to choose the Australia eSIM plan that fits your itinerary and stay connected with peace of mind throughout your trip.