Gimham Weersinghe
“My classes are filled with joy and a place where I get to meet people from lots of different countries.”
Foundation Program
Sri Lankan student
Be ready for your arrival. Find all the information you need for preparing to arrive in a new city here. Simply follow the steps!
Melbourne has repeatedly been named one of the world’s most liveable cities by The Economist’s famous liveability rankings. It is also one of the world’s most multicultural cities – and therefore, also one of its most welcoming.
There are so many things to see and do across Melbourne that the hardest part is knowing where to start.
Some of Melbourne’s top attractions include:
You can see and do anything in Victoria via their public transport system. Accessible public transport will allow you to easily get to and from campus, and to explore the city and its surroundings. An extensive network of trains, trams and buses covers the city, running late on weekdays and 24 hours a day on weekends.
To get started, you’ll need to purchase a Myki – a reusable, prepaid card that is accepted on all forms of public transport. You can buy a Myki card online or at most train stations.
Melbourne is a melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in its world-class restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. Be prepared to feast on Greek, Italian, Chinese – or any other world cuisines you can imagine.
Whether you are seeking a fine dining experience to celebrate a special occasion or eating cheaply at one of Melbourne’s countless markets, you are guaranteed to find something delicious that suits your taste and budget.
“My classes are filled with joy and a place where I get to meet people from lots of different countries.”
Foundation Program
Sri Lankan student
Aussies love their sport – both playing and watching it. And nowhere is this more evident than in Melbourne, a city with a reputation as a hub for Australian sports.
In autumn and winter, Melbourne plays home to Australian Rules Football, the country’s national sport. In spring you can enjoy the world-famous Spring Racing Carnival, featuring the Melbourne Cup – the race that literally ‘stops the nation’. During summer, Melbourne hosts cricket matches and golf tournaments, as well as the Australian Tennis Open and Formula 1 Grand Prix.
At any time of year, you will always have sports to watch and play in Melbourne. Sports are a perfect way to meet people and get involved with local culture.
Melbourne offers one of the highest densities of commercial art galleries in the world, with the National Gallery of Victoria housing the largest permanent collection of art in Australia.
Any day or night of the week, there are dozens of world-class shows and exhibitions to go and see. If you prefer your art outdoors, the infamous laneways of the Melbourne CBD are full of street art and graffiti – their own living gallery.
The live music scene in Melbourne is also thriving, with more than 3000 live shows across the city every single week.
With such a variety to choose from, immersing yourself in the Melbourne arts scene is a fantastic way to discover the city.
While you may not want to leave one of the world’s most liveable cities, there are lots of wonderful options for weekend or holiday trips nearby.
Whether you are in the mood for a winery tour, a mountain road trip, a beach trip, or a soak in some hot springs, Victoria has it all. Even better, you can get almost anywhere in Victoria via bus or train. Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) frequently offers student trips away – a great way to travel if you feel like exploring with friends.
It’s worth noting that the weather can be fickle; Melbourne has been described as having four seasons in one day. However, while it may not have clear seasons, Melbourne weather can still be enjoyed all year round.
The best advice? You can never be too prepared for sudden changes in temperature. Bring an extra layer and an umbrella in the colder months, and protect yourself with high SPF sunscreen and sun smart clothing in summer.