Cheap flights to Melbourne

With its distinctive skyscrapers populating the cityscape, cosmopolitan Melbourne has a uniquely modern feel. Known for its iconic lighthouse, beautiful beaches and the stylish bars and cafes surrounding its central pier, it is a quintessentially laid-back location in the land down under.

When to book cheap flights to Melbourne

How to find the best deals to Melbourne

The best approach for finding cheap flights though, is to be as flexible as possible on dates and to book far in advance.

Melbourne Airport

Melbourne's primary airport is Melbourne International Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport. The sole international airport for the city and surrounding area, all international flights to Melbourne land here. As the second busiest airport in Australia, it has a wide range of shops and eateries, as well as excellent access for people with disabilities.

• Emirates
• Qantas
• Cathay Pacific
• Garuda Indonesia
• Virgin Australia
• Singapore Airlines
• British Airways

How to get into Melbourne

Just 15 miles outside the city, Tullamarine Airport puts travellers right in the heart of the Melbourne metropolitan area. As you might expect from Australia’s second city, there are many excellent connections, with regular bus shuttles and a comprehensive rail service.

Driving is also straightforward. An easy cruise along the Tullamarine Freeway takes visitors right to the city centre. Car hire in Melbourne won't just make the commute from the airport a breeze, but will unlock the geographical wonders surrounding the city, including the seemingly endless Great Ocean Road.

What are the must-sees in Melbourne?

Getting around via Melbourne’s famous trams will allow you to explore in style. See everything from the city’s Victorian architecture to its esteemed arts scene. Sport is also a popular pastime here, with the city playing host to the Australian Open in January and the Australian Grand Prix in March.

If you’re looking to escape the city and discover Australia’s varied landscape, you have no end of adventures available to you. Enjoy kayaking and wine tours along the verdant Yarra River, or explore the forests of the scenic Dandenong Ranges National Park.

Tips for travelling in Melbourne

While visa requirements are fairly relaxed, Australia has very strict rules on the types of foreign goods that are allowed in the country. Such is the fragility Australia's ecosystems, this means there are stringent quarantine policies banning everything from food, and even mud on trainers, from passing into the country.

To avoid unwanted delays at customs, ensure all foreign foodstuffs have been disposed of in the designated quarantine bins and make certain your muddy shoes have had a good clean prior to travelling.