Melbourne might not boast the iconic tourist attractions of Sydney, but this sophisticated city on the banks of the Yarra river has lots to recommend it.

From the verdant lawns and lakes of the Royal Botanic Gardens to Boho-chic bars and boutiques on Brunswick street, it’s a lively base for long-term travellers.

If you’re bound for Melbourne, here are five fair dinkum travel tips.

  1. Visas

Before you book your flights, remember to get to grips with Aussie visa rules.

British visitors should secure an eVisitor visa from the Australian Department of Immigration & Border Protection or an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) from their travel agent or air carrier. Meanwhile, if you intend to work Down Under, you’ll need a working holiday visa.

If you’re unsure which to apply for, read this visa guidance info from the Australian Government.

  1. Accommodation

TV soap stalwart Neighbours is set in the fictional Melbourne suburb of Erinsborough — but there are plenty of real-life Melburnian spots where you’ll love to put down roots for a few months.

Coastal suburb St Kilda is brimming with chic cafes, cool bars and live music at the Palais Theatre, while inner city conurbation Fitzroy’s trendy craft markets and lively nightlife make it a haven for arty types.

If you’re struggling to choose, grab some reliable accommodation tips from visitmelbourne.com.

  1. Work

Brits on a working holiday visa often end up in jobs like fruit harvesting or hospitality and these roles pay between $AUS 15- 23 per hour.

But feel free to look for other jobs, provided whatever you find complies with visa rules and regulations.

If you like the thought of working as a bartender, barista or waiter in Brighton, Coburg or Ascot Vale, search for suitable positions on Melbourne jobs site seek.com.au — you’ll soon find something.

  1. Car

Lots of long-term travellers in Australia buy an affordable vehicle so that they have the freedom to travel when they want and make the most of the wide open spaces.

And from a Melbourne base, you can complete a classic coastal drive to Sydney or just hop in your car to catch a stunning sunset at Sorrento Beach.

Find a reliable ride on carsales.com.au that will last the duration, but insist on a thorough inspection prior to purchase.

  1. Travel

Australia’s natural beauty is so diverse that you’ll sometimes want to venture further afield than four-wheeled petrol power permits, but Melbourne Airport is a great hub for short-haul flights.

There are regular flights to Adelaide, Perth and Gold Coast, as well as Wellington, New Zealand and Nadi in Fiji — so you can slake your thirst for adventure with ease.

And to prep yourself perfectly for a chilled-out flight, instead of struggling on sweaty public transport, find Melbourne Airport parking on Looking4.com and drive straight to the terminal in the comfort of your own ride.

These five fair dinkum travel tips will help make Melbourne a home from home — take them on board today.

Do you have any Melbourne travel tips? Share them in the comments section.