Summer
December – February
The average summer temperature is around 25 degrees, but quite often there will be spells of 5+ days over 30 degrees. Summer is usually quite dry, and can sometimes be humid. There are usually a couple of days each summer that hit 40 degrees.
Autumn
March – May
The weather starts to cool down in March-April, and average temperatures drop to just under 20 degrees. Days are usually sunny and pleasant, but morning and evening chill means you need a warm jacket.
Winter
June – August
Winters can be cold in Melbourne! Average temperatures are around 10 degrees, and nights will quite often hover at around 1-2 degrees. Snow falls in the north of the state, with the occasional snow fall in the outer metro areas. Mornings are very frosty, but it doesn’t usually rain too much at this time of year.
Spring
September – November
Spring in Melbourne can be very up and down. It tends to be the wettest season, and Melbourne Cup day can either be stunning, or a complete wipe-out. Temperatures creep back up to about 20 degrees, but don’t be surprised if September starts out stunning, but October feels like you are slipping back into winter. Sunny spring days are the best though!
Inner City Living
St Kilda
Best known for its popular beach, St Kilda has lots of bars and restaurants, is home to the iconic Luna Park, and also hosts a great market along the Esplanade every Sunday. Residents tend to be a bit younger, and there are lots of English and Irish backpackers who have set up home here. Close to the city, right by the beach, late night parties, and Saturday morning farmer’s markets – St Kilda has it all. Average unit rental price is $400pw. Average house rental price is $599pw.
Richmond
Richmond is a trendy little suburb a short walk from the CBD and iconic sporting venues such as the MCG, and Melbourne Park tennis centre. Bridge Rd is home to a lot of outlet stores, while Swan Street is better known for its food and drink lifestyle. The architecture is a unique blend of traditional terraces and edgy converted warehouses. More mature people who are looking for a cosy home in a cultural hub extremely close to the city will feel at home here. Average unit rental price is $430pw. Average house rental price is $650pw.
Brunswick
An eclectic mix of young ‘hipsters’ and older people who love the inner-city lifestyle, Brunswick is just north of the city. Bikes and trams are the transport method of choice here, and brunch is almost an institution. Brunswick is well-known for its café culture, as well as its art and live music scenes. Narrow streets and Victorian-style houses are common, while modern apartment blocks are popping up, giving the suburb a more modern feel. Average unit rental price is $390pw. Average house rental price is $550pw.
Mornington
Peninsula
Half of Melbourne relocates to the Mornington Peninsula during summer, camping on the foreshore and filling up all the hotels. The beaches are beautiful; however, the Peninsula has something to offer no matter what time of year it is. With numerous wineries and cellar doors to choose from, there is something for everyone. Pick your own strawberries at Sunny Ridge Strawberry Farm, check out the Peninsula Hot Springs, or enjoy some fish and chips on the beach. Less than 90 minutes from the city, it’s an ideal day trip.
Geelong and Great
Ocean Road
Geelong is about an hour south-west of Melbourne, and is a beautiful port city. It’s also the gateway to the Bellarine Peninsula (a popular summer holiday destination), and the Great Ocean Road. The Great Ocean Road is a 243km stretch of road from Torquay through to Allansford. The windy road is known for its beautiful scenery, with the 12 Apostles being one of the major tourist attractions.
Phillip
Island
Located south-east of Melbourne, Phillip Island is connected to the mainland by a concrete bridge. The island is best known for hosting the Moto Grand Prix, and is home to the Penguin Parade, where you can see hundreds of tiny fairy penguins returning to their burrows at dusk. Throw in some beautiful beaches, and you’ve got the perfect family day out.
According to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria, the median rental prices for the year ending September 2016 are:
2-bedroom house:
Inner suburbs – $500
Middle suburbs – $351
Outer suburbs – $315
2-bedroom unit:
Inner suburbs – $450
Middle suburbs – $370
Outer suburbs – $320
Check out https://www.realestate.com.au/neighbourhoods/ to research rental prices in various suburbs.
