Moving to Melbourne

Melbourne is renowned for its focus on creativity in art, design and fashion. You can wander through laneways covered in street art, take a trip to the Heide Museum of Modern Art and its fabulous outdoor gallery, and marvel at award-winning sculptures at the Werribee Park Sculpture Walk.

Melbourne is also home to a lively entertainment scene. Year-round, you can take in major international theatre and musical performances, world-class symphonies, and premier ballet productions. You can also catch a showing of Hollywood blockbusters, small independent films, and global film festivals at any number of local cinemas.

Creative festivals bring the city’s streets and venues to life all year round. Join the festivities for the Melbourne International Film Festival, White Night, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Writers’ Festival, and more.

“One tip that I always give new to students is to open the ‘What’s on Melbourne’ website,” said Bachelor of Professional Communication student, Raffa.

“It’ll show you all the cool places and events happening around Melbourne every week. If I don’t have any plans that weekend, I just open it up and see what piques my interest.”

There’s even more to see and explore beyond Melbourne in Victoria’s regional areas, like stunning landscapes, historic towns, and locally produced food and wine.

Popular places to visit include:

• The Great Ocean Road, a world-famous coastal drive featuring diverse wildlife and iconic landscapes, including the ‘12 Apostles’.
• Hepburn Springs and Daylesford, an idyllic restorative haven that is acclaimed for natural mineral spas.
• Bendigo, Ballarat and Beechworth, historic towns that will introduce you to Victoria’s rich gold mining heritage.
• Wilsons Promontory National Park, which features spectacular scenery of huge granite mountains, rainforests, and fantastic wildlife. 

Jai, an active student in RMIT’s Kirrip community, suggests renting a car and doing a road trip with friends. “All the hidden gems are from regional Victoria. It’s a long drive but please don’t miss it! It’s once in a lifetime.”

You can also make the most of Melbourne City's parks, the Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay. Pack a picnic lunch, wander around the Royal Botanic Gardens, or take in city views while you cycle along one of countless bike paths. Some of Melbourne's finest parks, gardens and recreational facilities are within easy reach of each RMIT campus.

“Hit the beaches first!” said Master of Biotechnology student from India, Sumanth, who is also a part of the RMIT Kirrip community.

“The best thing about Melbourne is that it’s super close to go to the beach. I love it so much.”

Ask anyone what the defining feature of Melbourne food culture is, and their answer will be its ‘coffee culture’!

There’s a cafe on just about every block, and Melbournians are passionate about Sunday brunch and delicious food. The city is a lively and unique maze of laneways culture and historic arcades, which house small cafes, elegant tearooms, old-style pubs, and rooftop bars.

Melbourne’s food and drink scene has been voted one of the best in the world³. You can find Chinatown, Little Italy and Greek, Spanish, Middle Eastern, Vietnamese and Ethiopian quarters in the city and suburbs.

You can also join in on food festivals throughout the year, including the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, Taste of Melbourne, and food truck festivals that span the city.

Students on a budget may like to explore the array of markets in Melbourne, where they can find low-priced fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood, as well as arts, crafts and products created by local artisans.

Just a few trams stop from the RMIT City campus is the heritage-listed Queen Victoria Market, which has operated since 1878, and the South Melbourne Market, established in 1867. “I often go to QVM (Queen Victoria Market),” said RMIT student, Jai.

“You can get food there cheaper. Especially after 4pm because merchants are giving away their produce for the day.”

Preston Market is another local favorite located near RMIT’s Bundoora campus, and features specialty grocery stores, such as Asian grocers and health foods.

If you’re a sports fan, you’re in luck. Melbourne is home to major sporting events, including the Australian Open tennis, the Melbourne Grand Prix, and the Melbourne Cup horse racing. In winter, locals flock to the Australian Football League (the AFL, or 'the footy'). Pick a team and join in!

From streetwear to haute couture, Melbourne’s fashion scenery is full of style, featuring independent design markets, small boutiques, large retailers and international designer stores. Most major retailers and stores are open seven days, and many stay open late on Thursdays and Fridays.

You’re spoiled for choice, with popular shopping spots near the RMIT City campus, including Bourke Street Mall, Emporium, Melbourne Central, QV, Chadstone, Crown, and DFO South Wharf.