Digital nomads have the ability to take their office to anywhere. While it’s pretty awesome to set up shop in Berlin, Hong Kong and even the Canary Islands, some people are yearning for an even bigger change. So why not become a digital nomad in Melbourne?
Sure, it might not be as exotic as Bali or Egypt. However Australia is located so far away from other places, it can feel like a different world. And although Sydney has been the go-to city for many visitors, Melbourne is a great gem in the Victoria area of the country. From the food to the variety of languages, Melbourne is rich in cultural diversity. And the city’s location makes it very easy to get to different environments. One day you can enjoy the beach on the Great Ocean Road or sample wines in the Yarra Valley. And if you are look to become a digital nomad in Melbourne, it is completely doable. Whether you’re thinking of doing working holiday or planning to stay a little longer, Australia has a number of visa programs that individuals can look into to set up a base Down Under.
Once you’ve got the paperwork sorted and flights booked, here’s a guide to help you figure out what to do once you land in Melbourne. From where to live to the best co-working places, read our guide to becoming a digital nomad in Melbourne below.
1. Where to Live
While Sydney has been named one of the most expensive cities to live in, Melbourne is also not the cheapest. Sure, you’ll be able to find suitable accommodation, especially if you’re willing to have to roommates. However, if you’re aiming to live alone, it might be a little tight on the budget. According to Nomad List, a one-bedroom apartment in the city’s center usually cost around $1,659. This is why you may be better off living outside of the CBD aka the city center.
If you’re looking for a hip area where nightlife is only a walk away, you can try living in Brunswick. The community is mostly composed of young professionals and creatives. There are lots of cafes, restaurants and bars that are walking distance. If you’re into live music, then the Howler is not too far away. You can also consider going to Fitzroy. Once home to many Greek and Italian immigrants, now the multicultural neighborhood is an epicenter for the arts and hosts a number of great outdoor events. For those looking to live by the beach, there are a number of areas including St. Kilda, Williamstown and Brighton. And if you don’t mind being a little off the beaten path, then you can try Yarraville. It has a predominantly Greek community, but it has attracted various creatives and digital nomads to make a home there.
2. How to Get Around
There are a number of ways to get around Melbourne. You can get yourself a car or a bicycle. You can also get to many places on foot. However, if public transportation is more your speed, the city has an excellent system in place. But first, you’ll need to purchase a Myki card. These are usually available at train stations or even convenience stores that have the appropriate signage saying they carry the cards. Once you purchase a card, you can add money to it, which will make it easy to get on and off the trains, buses and trams in the city. And if you’re in the CBD, then you can take the free City Circle Tram to get from place to place. There are also bike and car sharing programs that digital nomads can easily take part in.
3. Where to Work
Melbourne has a pretty good public WiFi system. So you will connect from anywhere. However, if you need to actually sit down to do work as a digital nomad in Melbourne, there are various cafes and eateries that offer free WiFi and a place to work all day. Aunty Peg’s and Proud Mary are two great cafes that offer a pleasant space to get your projects done while making sure you’re all caffeinated up. Auction Rooms in North Melbourne is another great place to get some work done. Not only is there ample space for you to set up a mini office, but you can also indulge in their delicious menu. If you’re looking for a traditional co-working space, then Hub Australia is the perfect place for you. By becoming a connect member, you can get reduced day passes.
4. Where to Eat
Because of the many cultures that have settled in Melbourne, there is a variety of foods to try. And it’s especially fun for foodies who like to explore different types of eats and try new things. If you’re looking to nibble on a unique thing, Queen Victoria Market is a great place to start. They filled the stalls with fresh produce and other groceries,but there are usually food stands that you can try as well. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you’ll want to stop by Crossways where you can eat all the veggie-friendly dishes you can handle.
In Australia, especially in Melbourne, locals take their coffee seriously. So if you go to a cafe, you’ll definitely get a great cup of coffee. But you’ll also be able to indulge a great meal. If you’re looking for an excellent breakfast, brunch or lunch, try Terror Twilight.
5. What to Do When You’re Not Working
Melbourne has a lot going on in the city itself. However, sometimes you just want to get away. If you feel like getting away from the CBD, perhaps you’d like to pay areas like St. Kilda, Altona and Brighton. While many will say that, they are not as pretty as the ones you’ll see in Sydney, least you’ll be able to get close to the water. If you enjoy a good glass of vino, hop on a tour of the Yarra Valley where you can try sparkling shiraz. If you have more time, you can plan a getaway to Phillip Island, Tasmania or even drive the length of the Great Ocean Road.
What are you excited to know about Australia? Is there anything we left out? Let us know in the comments below.