Where to stay in Melbourne

Melbourne is a city that's full of character and charm, with many different neighborhoods that offer unique experiences and attractions. Whether you’re someone who loves the arts, sports, beaches, or food, there's a neighborhood that's perfect for you.

Richmond

(for the sports fans and those who prefer a blend of city and nature)

📌Advantages of staying in Richmond:

• Proximity to Melbourne's Central Business District
• Vibrant shopping and dining scene
• Easy access to nature with nearby parks and gardens
• Has a lot of rich cultural and artistic offerings
• Well-connected to public transport

📌 Recommended places to stay long-term in Richmond:

• Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne - A modern hotel offering spacious rooms and suites with river views, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center.
• Adara Richmond - A contemporary apartment hotel featuring fully-equipped kitchens, a rooftop terrace, and a fitness center.
• The Richmond Hill Hotel - A boutique hotel housed in a restored 19th-century terrace, featuring stylish rooms and a cozy courtyard.

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Fitzroy

(for the bohemian at heart)

📌 Advantages of staying in Fitzroy:

• A lively and diverse community that's passionate about the arts and culture
• A range of coworking spaces and cafes with high-speed internet and great coffee
• Easy access to the CBD and other neighborhoods via public transportation or bike
• A plethora of food options, from vegan and vegetarian to international cuisine
• Plenty of green spaces!

📌 Recommended places to stay long-term in Fitzroy:

• The Nunnery - A charming and quirky hostel that also offers private rooms for long-term stays, with a focus on sustainability and community.
• District Fitzroy - A stylish apartment complex with a range of unit sizes, from studios to 2-bedroom apartments.
• Space Hotel - A cross between an upscale backpacker hostel and a budget boutique hotel that offers modern designer rooms.

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St. Kilda

(for digital nomads who love the beach vibes)

📌 Advantages of staying in St Kilda:

• Beachfront location with plenty of outdoor activities like surfing, kiteboarding, and paddleboarding
• Plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars with diverse food options
• Nearby cultural attractions like the Palais Theatre and Luna Park
• Located near CBD with easy access via public transport

📌 Recommended places to stay long-term in St Kilda:

• Cosmopolitan Hotel - A boutique hotel located just a few minutes' walk from the beach with a mix of private and shared rooms.
• Nomads St Kilda Beach - A hostel with private and shared rooms, just steps away from the beach and surrounded by cafes and bars.
• Quest St Kilda Bayside - A serviced apartment hotel located near the beach with spacious rooms and self-catering facilities.

Options for living arrangements in Melbourne for digital nomads

Here's a breakdown of the different types of accommodation available and their usual ranges of rates per month:

Other Australian specific alternatives:

• Flatmates.com.au - This is a great option for people who are looking for shared accommodation. Listings can easily be filtered based on city, amenities, rent, and room type, among others.
• Aussie House Sitters - House-sitting involves taking care of people’s houses and pets if they’re going to be away for quite a while. In exchange, you get free accommodation and no bills to pay.
• World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF Australia) - This experience is truly unique. WWOOF Australia is a volunteer organisation where travelers can exchange 4 to 6 hours of labour in a day for free food and accommodation. Additionally, you get to learn about organic farming, bio-dynamics, permaculture, and the like. Perfect for digital nomads who are into farming or would like to learn more about it.
• Homestay - This Airbnb alternative gives digital nomads the chance to live with a local family and experience Melbourne like a local.

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Education

Melbourne has a number of schooling options for digital nomads with kids or even digital nomads who are interested to study again. Here are some of the most recommended schools for digital nomads in Melbourne:

International schools

These schools have in-depth curriculum and knowledge, and offers a wide range of programs for international students.

• Haileybury College
• Wesley College
• Caulfield Grammar School

Other alternatives

• Distance Education Centre Victoria
• Victorian Virtual Learning Network
• Tutoring services:  LearnMate Tutoring  and  TuteSmart.

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Healthcare

The Australian healthcare system is divided into two categories:

• Public:  the public health system (known as Medicare) is only available to citizens, permanent residents, and reciprocal card holders.
• Private: the private health system covers individuals for both emergency and non-emergency health issues

There are 11 countries that have Reciprocal Health Care Agreements with Australia that cover the cost of necessary medical care when they visit the country. These countries fall into three categories:

1. Fully covered: New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Norway citizens are covered by Medicare for the entire duration of the visa.
2. Covered with qualifications: Netherlands, Slovenia, and Belgium are covered as long as they have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
3. Temporarily covered: Expats from Malta and Italy only qualify for Medicare for their first six months in Australia and then they must obtain private health insurance before that time runs out.

What about insurance for digital nomads?

For digital nomads, it is generally recommended that you have international health insurance with wide coverage for medical emergencies. Consider obtaining health insurance before arriving in Melbourne to ensure you are covered from the moment you arrive.

Top hospitals in Melbourne

*Note: This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many other hospitals and healthcare providers in Melbourne. If you need medical care while in Melbourne, you can contact Triple Zero (000) which is the primary national emergency number in Australia.

• The Alfred
• Austin Hospital
• Cabrini Health

How to move around in Melbourne

Co-working spaces

• The Commons - comfortable and modern co-working space for digital nomads. It has a community of diverse professionals, as well as a rooftop garden for relaxation and events.
• Hub Australia - offers various co-working spaces around Melbourne and across Australia, each with its unique design and vibe.
• Inspire9 - Melbourne’s first community-led co-working space. It fosters a culture of innovation and hosts regular events, workshops, and mentorship programs.
• CreativeCubes.Co - one of the trendiest co-working spaces with a fabulous interior that comes with a gym, cafe, and yoga studio.

Public workspaces

• Stovetop - family-run cafe roasts coffee on-site and is a favorite among students and freelancers alike.
• Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre - considered a favorite spot for a productive day’s work. Plus, it’s free!
• St. Ali Coffee Roasters - a popular and trendy cafe that offers high-quality coffee, food, and ambiance. It has a spacious and rustic interior, as well as a friendly and lively vibe.

Cost of living: a month in Melbourne

Here is a table of estimated monthly expenses for a solo traveler in Melbourne:

Here are some additional expenses if you are a digital nomad with a family of four:

How to handle your taxes as a digital nomad in Melbourne

Taxation rules for digital nomads in Melbourne will depend on a few factors, including your residency status, income, and the length of your stay in Australia. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Residency status: If you are a resident of Australia, you will be taxed on your worldwide income. If you are a non-resident, you will only be taxed on income earned in Australia.
2. Income: If you earn income while you are in Melbourne, you will need to report it to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and pay taxes on it. This includes income from freelancing, consulting, or other self-employment activities.
3. Length of stay: If you are in Australia for more than six months in a year, you will generally be considered a resident for tax purposes. If you are in Australia for less than six months, you may be considered a non-resident.
4. Deductions: As a digital nomad, you may be able to claim deductions for expenses related to your work, such as equipment, travel, and internet costs. However, you will need to keep detailed records to support your claims.

Reminder: Do seek advice from a tax professional who has experience in international tax laws to ensure you are compliant.

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Work visa / Permits

What will get your stay terminated and your visa revoked?

❌ If you work or intend to work in Melbourne while on an ETA, your visa might be cancelled and you may be removed from Australia.

❌ Do not work for or provide services to businesses or organizations based in Australia.

❌ Do not sell goods or services directly to the public.

❌ Do not remain beyond your allowable stay.

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Planning to turn the land down under into your next home base?

Government Website links

• Australian Department of Home Affairs
• Tourism Australia
• Visit Melbourne Website
• City of Melbourne Website
• Victorian Government

Other useful contact numbers

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