We flew through Melbourne three times on our latest trip to Down Under…read more International arrivals required a little bit of a hike to get to immigration. We were able to use the egate to enter so no more passport stamp. We grabbed our luggage and proceeded through customs. That was the much longer and slower line. Definitely better to declare conservatively (per announcement on our flight) and explain all Yes answers to the agent. To connect to our domestic leg to Hobart we followed the signs to T3 and did the self serve baggage drop like everyone else. Security was next and water was allowed to be carried through. To connect to our international flight to Queenstown in T2 we had to queue to check bags and get our boarding pass since they had to verify our NZETA and return flight. Security screening was quick but a little slower at the egate customs as people fumbled around for their passport (required first step). Some people had to be rerouted to the in person agent when flagged by the egate. After all this, at least there was a good selection of restaurants and shops in each terminal we visited. Prices were roughly just a couple AUD higher than outside the airport so it felt reasonable. Overall good signage and well connected terminals.

Our recent MEL experience included 2 domestic flights, one coming in from Hobart on Virgin…read moreAustralia, and the other flying up to Alice Springs on Quantas. The highlight of these experiences was running into members of Allegaeon at baggage claim. They are an American death metal band from Fort Collins, on tour here I guess. I'm not into that type of music, but one of my step-sons has made some cool art related to that genre. I can't speak for the International side of MEL, but I found Domestic to be "Easy Out/Easy In", even though this is a busy place. It also helps when your tour guide is facilitating baggage check-in and transportation. Security was on our own, but by this time, Gayle and I knew the Australian Rules (everything out of your pocket, plus belt). Signage was good, so there were no problems finding baggage claim or our gate.

We had a couple hour layover in Melbourne Airport and we started our wait here…read more It was the first time trying out the Singapore Airline Lounge and it was much smaller than the Air Zealand's. Checkin at the front went smoothly and *G status gained us admittance. The rep reminded us of the early closing hours before we entered since the lounge was open only when a Singapore Airline flight was scheduled. Inside there lounge wasn't busy at all. The furniture and decor inside was average and mirrored those in other airports. The buffet offerings contained both Western and Asian selections. We gravitated towards the dim sum steamers since we wouldn't get them in the next lounge we'd visit. Overall decent pork siu mai and shrimp/ginger dumplings. What stood out was the barista service offered/ made to order coffees and teh tarik (milk tea). It was delivered in a short time to our table. I looked forward to the teh Tarik but it was the iced latte that was the better of the two drinks. The opening hours were inconvenient for non-Singapore Airlines flyers but at least quiet and less crowded option in MEL.

Singapore Airline Lounge is a relatively small lounge in Terminal 2. The service is an okay but the…read morelounge only opens for a few hours a day. There are two places for passengers on United flights to stay at Melbourne airport ever since the closure of the United lounge several years ago, and I think the Air New Zealand Lounge downstairs is a better choice: it is bigger and has better service and longer open hours.

Easy to locate as the domestic airport is just next to the Melbourne International Airport…read more Counters are well displayed with directions everywhere. Shops and cafes are all around ensuring that you can get a quick bite whilst waiting for your domestic flight. Security Personnels are polite and dutiful so do help them to make our flight safe. It can get a little crowded so do check in early.

Economical and convenient way to travel from MEL to the central business district. You can buy a…read moreround trip ticket at the kiosk next to the bus stop. It's a double decker and the bus is always full.

I don't understand why Melbourne's otherwise outstanding tram system doesn't extend to the airport…read morebut it doesn't. So your option is an expensive cab or the Skybus. Fortunately there was a stop right outside our hotel so it was super convenient. There are several routes that go to different places - just ask & staff will make sure you get to the right bus. The buses we were on were very clean, with pleasant drivers and ample luggage space. There is also free WiFi that actually worked. I'd rather take a tram but the Skybus gets the job done.

Centrally-located station for trains, metro, and busses. The Sky Bus from MEL came here. We also…read moretook a metro day trip from this station. There were many convenient food options.

Large transportation area. Easy to get lost. Bus transport is in the garage to the right. Not…read moreeasily accessible bathrooms located in that area so go before getting all the way down there. Trolley stops in front but need to cross the busy intersection. Trolley goes easily into downtown and plenty of cabs in the area. Large shopping complex next door for browsing

This area is close to the food area so it's easy to get some provisions, if you need them, before…read moreyour flight. The area is very large and well organized. I actually loved that the stanchions were up with the ropes pulled out already and all the gate agents had to do was put a little cover over them to indicate which line was which. There is plenty of seating around and a lot of open space where you can stand (or let your kid rum amok like some people we saw). The bathrooms are clean and plentiful, with actual paper towels. The gates themselves are large and easy to navigate with your carry on baggage, etc.

Great terminal! Quick and easy check in! Nothing like I have ever seen in America…read more Everyone was orderly and quick to move. Minimal assistance was needed if you're not brain dead or have been living under a rock for the last 39 years. Security was as painless as having pre-check. Virgin Australia has something going on and America needs to venture to the outback more, to see how things can be done without making you regret and rethink your life choices when going to an airport.

Great way to see the Central Business District in Melbourne on the City Circle Trams…read more Hop on a historic W-class tram for free. Route 35 goes in a clockwise direction. The 60 minute ride has a narration in English and stops at highlights along the way. The W-class trams were built from the 1920s to the 1950s. They remind me a bit of the streetcars in New Orleans. We used the trams to get a nice overview of Melbourne with stops to reach museums, Flagstaff Gardens and Queen Victoria Market. Had a great view of Marvel Stadium, Flinders Street Station, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Immigration Museum from the tram. So interesting to also see all of the Australian Open/AO advertising throughout Melbourne. A nice way to explore Melbourne especially when you have limited time in the city.

We purchased a MetroCard and tapped it each time we got onto a tram. The trams in the central…read moreshopping / business district are free and we did not have to tap. All of the trams that we got onto during the weekend were very very crowded it was standing room only. most were wearing masks since we were squeezed on top of each other. The City Circle Tram is a free and convenient way to see the sights of central Melbourne and the Docklands while experiencing a ride on one of the city's much loved older & historic trams. An audio commentary should have provided details of city landmarks & major attractions. We waited for the number 35 tram that never came. There was no notice that it was not running for the three days we were in Melbourne. We stopped another tram driver and asked, we were told it's not running.

Catch Lilydale or Belgrave line to this station. Almost on time on every trips (I've had) …read more...... Overall nice and quite zone 2 station.