Melbourne, Australia Report of what it's like to live there - 09/10/26
Personal Experiences from Melbourne, Australia
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I have also lived in El Salvador, Spain, Mexico, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Ghana, and Russia.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Utah, USA. It takes about 22-24 hours total. Two flights. It isn't as bad as I thought it would be especially since my kids are now older.
3. What years did you live here?
2025-2028.
4. How long have you lived here?
1.5 years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
House in the "bay side suburb" of Melbourne. Our house is a bit smaller than many of our other previous posts, but the location is amazing. Cost to rent here is very high so you want get as big of houses here as in other posts. Housing pool is a mix of apartment, town houses, and houses depending on your life situation.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Availability is excellent. Groceries are a bit expensive. But, I feel like they are also expensive in DC now days.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
I can't think of anything.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Tons of food delivery and amazing restaurants, but eating out is expensive.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Old houses can have mice, but our landlord as been very responsive. I was afraid of the crazy spiders and such that you hear about when you think of Australia. But we have not had any issues.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
The consulate has DPO. I also can receive mail, packages, and local Amazon to my residence.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very expensive. You can find help, but it is not cheep.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes, so safe. There are lots of bike paths and lots of outdoor space
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Lots of options. About $100 USD for a good gym, $30 for individual classes like yoga or pilates.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes and yes.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
I believe any kind you would want.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
I don't believe so. I see a lot of accommodations. I believe it is the law here.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, and kids under 18 ride free.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
I would buy locally as you need to drive on the other side of the street. Lots of electric vehicles here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, took us a week to set up.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Main three companies are Vodafone, Telstra, and Optus.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Australian vaccine and quarantine requirements are a lot. We don't have pets but have heard it is cumbersome to navigate.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Lots of volunteer opportunities. More opportunities to work at the consulate are developing. Working on the economy is possible, but many people run into difficulty finding work in their field as hiring practices can be quite nationalistic (preferring to hire Aussies over anyone else).
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are websites that help you find volunteer opportunities. It is super easy to find and get connected.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Similar to DC I think.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
No, there is great medical care, but, as there is no health unit at the consulate right now you have to pay for all your care and submit for reimbursement through your insurance. It can be a lot if you are like me and have several children.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Good.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Seasonal allergies Sept.-Dec can be intense, but there is good medical care and pharmacies to support you through them.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Weather in Melbourne is not typical Australia. It has a winter that is like a good DC fall. The biggest aspect of weather is that it is very unpredictable.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Lots, so many good options.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
Plenty of options for any level of accommodations that you need.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Plenty available. Full-time day care can range from $1800-3200 USD per month. The Australian government does have subsidy program and I have heard of some people being able to take advantage of that.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, so many.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very large, high morale.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Melbourne has so much going on. Too many opportunities. Big headliner concerts, broadway musicals, small productions, film and fashion festivals. There is so much to do and experience.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for all! There is something for everyone.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
It was easy for me. Other people had a hard time developing friendships beyond polite small talk.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I believe so, but I have no experience with this.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I have not run into any. Although, I live in a predominantly Jewish area which I understand has seen some violent attacks in the last several years.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Love all the outdoor experiences. Love the everyday life.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
YES!
