Why move to Melbourne from the UK? Here are a few reasons to live in Melbourne and Victoria when you migrate to Australia.

Are you searching for motivations to relocate to Melbourne or the splendid state of Victoria? If you’re planning a move from the UK to Australia, you’ll likely find Melbourne and the entire Victoria region high on your list of potential destinations. Let’s explore a handful of reasons that may sway you towards the idea of calling Melbourne your new home.

Melbourne, with a burgeoning population of 4.9 million, stands as Australia’s epicentre for sports, arts, and culture. It not only provides a stable environment for healthcare, education, and infrastructure but also boasts a vibrant cultural scene.

Melbourne may be most familiar to Brits as the setting of the popular Aussie soap Neighbours, but there’s so much more to this popular city than you may think. Melbourne has a highly diverse economy and population leading to a huge variety of cuisines, attractions, and nightlife but it also benefits from a warm climate and brilliant provision of public services.

Melbourne is one of Australia’s oldest cities and the original gold rush town. In the 1850s, the unearthing of gold in the area led to a financial boom, which made Melbourne the world’s richest city and a population increase which made it Australia’s largest.

First Our Top Ten Reasons To Move To Melbourne:

Let’s start with a stunning video to give you an overview of living in Melbourne. Who would not want to wake up to this every morning?

 1) The Best Coffee In Australia (If not the world!)

melbourne is famous for its coffee culture

Melbourne’s baristas and coffee roasters are some of the country’s most skilled, creative and technical. Caffeine appreciation is almost a religion in itself in Melbourne.

One thing about Melbourne cafes is that there is no typical Melbourne café. The best of them are rooted in their communities, taking their character from their design, food, and the locals, who start their mornings here religiously.

Whilst Melbourne itself makes a solid claim to be the coffee capital of Australia, if not the world, you will be hard-pressed to find a bad cup of coffee anywhere in Victoria – they have got it down to a fine art.

The only thing left is to decide whether to order a flat white, a matcha latte, or an extra hot, intense, 3/4 decaf, 1/2 skinny, 1/2 soy ristretto.

2) Great Housing

beautiful suburbs move to Melbourne

The houses in Melbourne and Victoria will be a big attraction for anyone moving from the UK. Rather than rows of similar-looking semi-detached and terraced houses, you’ll find Melbourne’s charming suburbs filled with unique and spacious detached houses.

Compact and creative, Melbourne’s city centre is a stylish mix of brand-new apartment complexes and striking, older buildings hiding innovative residences within. Apartment living is second to none in Melbourne’s CBD (Central Business District); it’s just a matter of choosing your style.

The average rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in Central London is £3083.92, whereas, in Melbourne, it’s just £1801.42 and a lot less if you are happy living in the leafy suburbs! On the whole, rent prices in Melbourne are 67.40% lower compared to London.

But if you move further afield from Melbourne to towns such as Geelong, Ballarat, Macedon Ranges or Bendigo, you’ll find great communities, properties with great character and much more space for your money.

One thing is for sure – wherever you choose to live in Victoria, you’re sure to find good neighbours!

3) The Perfect Weather

perfect Melbourne sunny weather

Australia is famous for its unpredictable weather, and Victoria is no exception. Located in the south-east corner of Australia, Melbourne and Victoria benefit of being a milder climate well suited to Brits who may find cities further north a little too hot.

Although there are some very hot days, the average highest temperature in the summer is a comfortable 26c and generally drops to a mild 14c in the winter. On average, Melbourne and Victoria have 2200 hours of sunshine per year, compared to just 1480 hours in London.

But just when you are in need of a welcome relief, Mother Nature really puts on a show here, from crazy heatwaves to electric thunderstorms. Air moves anti-clockwise around a high-pressure system, and as this city is close to the coast, it suffers from weather fluctuations due to localised sea breezes. There’s nothing better than an afternoon rainstorm after a 40-degree morning to cool the air for the evening.

The best thing is winter in Victoria is perfect for most British migrants, and there is even the opportunity to go skiing in resorts such as Mount Buller, Falls Creek, and Mount Hotham.

4) Beaches

Brighton Beach living in Melbourne

One of the major benefits of Australia is that is home to some of the world’s best beaches. Make the most out of the long, lazy days of summer and take advantage of some of Victoria and Melbourne’s best coastal destinations.

From popular bayside areas just a quick drive from the city to secluded coves worth making a day trip for, Melbourne has plenty to offer for everyone. St Kilda Beach is one of Melbourne’s most iconic coastal spots, attracting a solid mass of tourists and locals alike.

A popular pit stop along Victoria’s famous Great Ocean Road, the small surf town of Anglesea Beach feels far removed from the city hustle and bustle.

5) Jobs Aplenty

Melbourne panorama city jobs

As well as being one of the first countries to implement the 40-hour work week, Australia also pays the highest minimum wage in the world. Melbourne has a robust economy and rivals Sydney for Australia’s business centre title.

So whatever your skill – from construction to engineering, or healthcare education – you will surely be in demand. In fact, many recruiters are keen to talk to you before you even leave the UK.

The economic opportunity spreads throughout the state of Victoria. Hence, there are many opportunities to commute to Melbourne or find work in other cities such as Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Melton.

6) Unbeatable Brunches

Melbourne brunch - famous on Instagram!

Look at a Melburnian’s Instagram on a weekend to appreciate the importance of a Sunday brunch. In fact, the hashtag #melbournebrunch has over 200,000 photos that will make you want to drop everything and book your flight.

Avocados with pretty much everything the staple choice. Brunch in Melbourne is second to none: depending on how you feel, you can choose anything from basic scrambled eggs on toast to the most outrageous vanilla and white chocolate waffle stack with salted caramel popcorn defying gravity on top of the dish.

 

7) The Friendliest People

Melbourne people are friendly and welcoming

Melburnians are some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. Every shop you enter, you’ll be greeted with a ‘Hey, how’re you going?’ and they are always willing to help.

On the whole, the people here are very social, and you’ll have no problem fitting in with a new group of friends who are constantly planning their next group dinner party or local getaway.

Once you move further out into Victoria, you’ll find people even more welcoming – smaller communities where you’ll quickly be able to make new mates.

So, you need to worry about whether you’ll be welcome or fit in. As the Neighbours theme song goes, ‘good neighbours become good friends’.

9) Clean Environment

green environment great reason to move to Melbourne

Environmental sustainability is at the heart of Victoria and Melbourne’s future. Melburnians are choosing how to meet their daily needs without compromising future generations’ ability to do the same.

There are already 4.8 million sq. metres of green public parkland in Melbourne’s city centre alone. The city’s urban ecology is being designed and managed to balance its flora and fauna, microclimate, water cycles and its human, social and economic infrastructure.

The Victorian Government’s long-term plan for sustainable growth is to manage Melbourne’s rapid growth and development.

So it’s great to know that when you move to Melbourne, the beautiful environment will be preserved for years.

9) Perfect For Sports Fanatics

sports facilities in Edwardes Lake Park Melbourne

If there’s a sport to be played, there’s a great chance there’s a following for it here in Melbourne. With world-class sporting facilities, state-of-the-art arenas and a 24/7 festival-like atmosphere, this athletic city has hosted almost everyone.

You may be surprised that these world-famous stadiums are also within walking distance of the city centre. You can wander the famous art-covered laneways at 6pm and still be seated at the stadium in time for England vs Australia in the Rugby World Cup or The Ashes.

And don’t forget that the Australian Grand Prix takes place in Melbourne around the stunning Albert Park, so you won’t feel left out of world-class events living in this part of Australia.

10) Schools Your Kids Will Love!

great schools in Melbourne

Victoria and Melbourne have some of the best primary schools in Australia, with highly qualified teachers and programs. There are seven years of primary school – grade ‘prep’ (preparatory year) to grade six.

High school in Victoria runs from Year 7 to Year 12. The School  Year starts in January and ends in early to mid-December. Australia has four terms, with the largest break being over December and January so you can enjoy a long summer break including Christmas.

11) Art + Culture

graffiti street art in Melbourne

Walk down the famous Hosier Lane and admire the street art that has made Melbourne’s urban art scene renowned worldwide. Soak up the diverse variety of murals, portraits and quotes created by local and international artists.

Appreciate street art around this colourful city, whether passing a Donald Trump mural on the train to Richmond or discovering a recent tribute to a well-loved celebrity outside a secret bar in Fitzroy.

As tourists and locals have done for generations, they stand beneath the clocks of Melbourne’s architecturally iconic railway station.

12) Unlimited Travel Opportunities

Melbourne travel Polynesia

Melbourne is the other side of the world from the UK, but you’re never too far from your next adventure. With New Zealand, Fiji, Bali, Japan and Singapore, to name just a few, on your doorstep step, you’ll never be short of places to explore. Interstate travel is cheap enough for you to start discovering this beautiful country.

Also, Victoria is perfectly positioned to make it easier to visit other regions and states in Australia.

You can travel just 4 hours by car from Melbourne to experience a short ski break at Falls Creek or fly an hour to Sydney and enjoy the capital for the weekend. You also have Canberra to the northeast, Adelaide to the west and stunning Tasmania as the perfect getaway to the south.

There are, of course, many regular international flights and great deals available for when you want to make a return trip to Europe and the UK.

13) Great Libraries, Including The Stunning State Library of Victoria

Victoria State Library in Melbourne

Melbourne’s best libraries include peaceful reading rooms, speedy Wi-Fi, recording studios and innovative technology.

The State Library of Victoria, a beautiful building in its own right and situated in the heart of the city, is one of Melbourne’s wealthiest pieces of history, dating back to 1856. Daily free tours will show you the library’s hidden areas like the Queen’s Hall, a grand old reading room usually closed off to the public.

14) Free Events All Year Round

Melbourne and Victoria are bustling with activities, from art exhibitions and theatre performances to live music and festivals. What’s more exciting is that many of these events are free, enhancing the experience.

For instance, you can explore a weekly art exhibition at no cost at the NGV, revel in a complimentary gin festival in Brunswick, or stroll through the iconic Night Market at Queen Victoria Market on Wednesdays.

To take advantage of these fantastic free events throughout the year, don’t forget to check out our essential guide for moving to Australia.

15) Shopping and Fashion

shopping and fashion is another great reason to move to Melbourne

Black is the new black when it comes to Melbourne’s fashion. Thanks to the many seasons in one day, the typical Melbourne look is a trench coat, scarf, umbrella, and sunglasses.

Whether you’re into luxury shopping or a pre-loved find is more your thing, Melbourne is a haven for shopping. Discover boutique Melbourne labels in Fitzroy, or seek out some classic vintage finds in Brunswick. Check out Melbourne Fashion Week to stay ahead of the trends.

16) Wildlife

Australian wildlife on your doorstep in Melbourne city

It’s not just Melburnians who find the temperate climate so habitable. The state of Victoria is home to many species of Australian native animals.

Forget you’re in a city of almost five million people and relax in Melbourne’s luscious parks and gardens. Over 320 species from around the globe can be discovered in a natural setting just five minutes from the city centre.

Visit Melbourne Zoo to roam through lush Asian and African rainforests, Australian bushland and even underwater. Meet orangutans, Elephants, and unique Australian wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, wombats and emus.

17) Public Transport

very good public transport and trams in Melbourne

Melbourne’s public transport is the easiest and best way to get around the city. Buy a Myki smartcard for flexible travel between trains, trams and buses. You can use trams around the CBD for free in the ‘Free Tram Zones’.

Melbourne’s Night Network has provided 24-hour public transport on weekends with all-night trains and trams, late-night buses, and a 2 a.m. coach service to key regional centres. You can also download an app which will tell you in real-time when the next service is due.

Not only that, as Victoria is Australia’s second smallest state, it has good transport links connecting cities and towns, so you will find it a lot easier to get around.

18) Nightlife

nightlife reason to live in Melbourne

Melbourne’s late-night culture is booming like never before. With just how much is going on, Melbourne’s nightlife scene may seem a little daunting at first. With different bars, pubs and clubs in every corner of every suburb, where do you even start?

The centre boasts bars for 9-5’ers and students alike. Tour the city to discover some of the best-hidden bars, specialising in craft beer, fine Australian wine and inventive cocktails.

Just a short stroll from the city and boasting some impressive riverside real estate, Southbank and South Wharf also have nightlife options galore.

19) Beautiful Coastlines And Surrounding Countryside

The Great Ocean Road Victoria Australia

If you love a scenic drive and a good vino, you’re in luck! Victoria is home to many of Australia’s most beautiful national parks, including Grampians National Park, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Great Otway National Park and Mount Buffalo National Park, to name just a few.

Melbourne is close to the beautiful Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula wine regions. Known for producing some of Australia’s best Pinot’s, Chardonnay and sparkling wine.

Take a road trip down one of the world’s most scenic coastal drives – The Great Ocean Road. Appreciate the immense 12 Apostles, get close to native wildlife, such as wild wallabies and koalas, and take in iconic surf breaks, perfect rainforest and misty waterfalls on the way.

Experience true Australian bushwalking, surfing and mountain biking excursions, stopping in at cellar doors and dairy farms to stock up on local wines and fresh produce on the journey home.

20) Public Holidays

Melbourne sunny bank holidays

Everyone loves a public holiday, but imagine having even more than you’re used to in the UK. Here, Victorians celebrate a day off for The Melbourne Cup, AFL Grand Final, Labour Day, Anzac Day, Australia Day, and even the Queen’s Birthday.

Most public holidays are in the warmer months, so you can enjoy a relaxing day soaking up the sun without worrying about work. Rainy May Day Bank Holiday weekends will be a thing of the past!

21) Food

Melbourne is home to a vast variety of cultures in its numerous restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. Whether you’re hungry for modern, traditional, exotic or home cooking flavours, the cities extensive dining scene offers a surprising selection of the world’s great cuisines, from popular classics to the truly revolutionary.

Sip on a glass of Australia’s finest while snacking on luxury tapas down a laneway, munch on traditional dumplings in Chinatown, or escape the CBD and uncover Melbourne’s specialist eating destinations – Fitzroy for Spanish, Carlton’s ‘Little Italy’, Richmond for Vietnamese and Brunswick for Lebanese.

What makes Melbourne The World’s Most Liveable City?

 

Have We Convinced You With Enough Reasons To Move To Melbourne and Victoria?

great reasons to move to Melbourne Victoria AU

You won’t be disappointed if you choose to live in Melbourne when you migrate to Australia.

Melbourne has everything you could wish for in your dream move down under. And we have hardly begun to scratch the surface!

Household Removals and Shipping To Melbourne, Australia

Once you’ve arranged your visa and decided that Melbourne is the city for you, you’ll need to begin arranging your shipping and removals to Melbourne.

Every year, PSS International help hundreds of families make the successful move to their new home in Melbourne and other cities around Australia.

Give our experienced team a call and they’ll be happy to answer all your questions. Also because of the volume we ship, we are sure to give you a great price without compromising on service!

We look forward to helping you with your move down under!

Household Removals To Melbourne and Australia

Shipping Boxes and Excess Baggage To Melbourne and Australia

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Here’s a taste of everyday life and why you should live in Melbourne