Australia : Safety by City
Australia - safety as a country Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria and the second-largest city in Australia.
It is a city with numerous museums and art galleries that justifies its nickname The Cultural Capital of Australia.
Victorian architecture, Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Eureka Tower are only some of the most visited tourist attractions with over 2 million visitors per year.
Melburnians are considered very friendly, helpful and people that know how to have a good time.
Since Australia is considered a very safe country, you can feel at home while visiting Melbourne.
Warnings & Dangers in Melbourne
OVERALL RISK: LOW
When the criminal against tourists is considered, Melbourne is believed to be a very safe city. The overall rating is 80% which makes it a place where tourists can feel safe walking around.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
In general, all the means of transport are safe in Melbourne, but the stations in the city outskirts can be scary because they are empty. Tourists should stay in those areas that are covered with security cameras.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
The Flinders Street station is considered to be the dangerous part of the city in terms of pickpockets. The part of the year when the pickpocketing is the most frequent is Christmas, the Melbourne Cup or the Footy Grand Finale.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
When summer is in question, the sun can be dangerous for the skin since the UV index is very high. Floods are possible during the rainy season, but they are not so frequent. Other natural risks can happen in Melbourne but are not upsetting.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Mugging risks are not very common in Melbourne because it is a very safe city. But, still, there are some areas where it is possible to be mugged, especially during the night.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Terrorist threats are not common in Melbourne, and it is a city that is believed to be very safe in terms of terrorism.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
Some frequent scams in Melbourne are bartenders overcharging you and keeping the difference, taxi drivers who overcharge, and people who offer you some help with your baggage and then carry it away from you and run away with it.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Women travelers are considered safe in Melbourne and Australia in general. However, walking alone through Melbourne at night can be frightening for a woman and it should be avoided.
So... How Safe Is Melbourne Really?
Melbourne, as well as the whole of Australia, is generally a safe place to spend your holiday.
The 80% rating proves that safety is at a high level and that tourists can enjoy their stay in this reasonably safe city.
However, Melbourne, as any other big and populous city can be violent and have criminals.
There are certain parts of the city which should be avoided, although tourists are not a common target of the criminals in these areas. Bourke Street, Flinders Street Station, and Gray Street have a population that belongs to all social classes, from homeless people to drug dealers and prostitutes, which leads to all sorts of criminal acts.
To protect themselves, tourists need to pay attention to strangely behaving people around them, to keep their possessions in front of them and remain cautious all the time while they are on the crowded streets of Melbourne.
During the night, they should remain on the main streets, where there are lights and cameras, and avoid those city districts that are well known as dangerous.
Nevertheless, Australia is on the 10th place of the safest countries in the world, so tourists do not need to be afraid when coming to this country since Melbourne is safer than most big cities in the world.
How Does Melbourne Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Melbourne | 80 |
| Sydney | 80 |
| Canberra | 88 |
| Gold Coast | 69 |
| Adelaide | 88 |
| Brisbane | 90 |
| Hobart | 90 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
All Australian visitors, except New Zealanders, need to have a visa when entering the country. On the official website, there is a possibility to get informed about the type of visa that you need, whether it is electronic or not, and how much it costs.
Currency
The Australian Dollar (AUD) is the official currency in Australia. Even though Australia is a very expensive country, accommodations in the summer season are usually fully booked. However, there are some cheaper places for those people that are not so rich to afford such an expensive holiday.
Weather
The weather is changeable in Australia. Melbourne has a temperate oceanic climate characterized by warm summers and cool winters. January is the hottest month in Melbourne, while the coldest is July. Summer lasts from December to February and the best time for swimming in February. May is usually the month with the heavy rains.
Airports
The tourists can get to Melbourne via Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, which is the second busiest airport in Australia. There are three more airports in Melbourne: Avalon Airport, between Melbourne and Geelong, Moorabbin Airport in the city's south and Essendon Airport. Other main international airports that can also be used when coming to Australia are in Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth.
Travel Insurance
Travelers should have travel insurance whichever country they go, especially the one that includes possible medical complications as well as the robbery.
Melbourne Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 26 | 26 | 24 | 21 | 17 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 22 | 24 |
| Low °C | 16 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 14 |
| High °F | 79 | 79 | 75 | 70 | 63 | 59 | 57 | 59 | 63 | 68 | 72 | 75 |
| Low °F | 61 | 61 | 57 | 54 | 50 | 46 | 45 | 46 | 48 | 52 | 54 | 57 |
Australia - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Adelaide | 88 |
| Brisbane | 90 |
| Cairns | 61 |
| Canberra | 88 |
| Darwin | 70 |
| Gold Coast | 69 |
| Hobart | 90 |
| Melbourne | 80 |
| Perth | 85 |
| Sydney | 80 |
| Townsville | 77 |
| Wollongong | 55 |
Incorrect info
Regarding the natural disasters score here. Melbourne does not have a ‘rainy season’. The wettest time is Spring and it is not characterised by floods. Also from above…May is definitely not the time with the heavy rains…not sure where this information comes from as it would not apply to anywhere in Australia.
Marvellous Melbourne
Having lived here all my life and travelled to many other countries Melbourne is fairly safe in comparison. October is the wettest month of the year. June, July and August can get cold but we can have the most beautiful, crisp, sunny days in these months. January and February can get extremely hot and dry. Basically all year round be prepared to dress in layers, just as a Winters day can be beautiful and sunny a Summers day can turn cool.
Actually May IS the wettest month, followed by October. As a Melburnian this fact surprised me too, but it’s true.
Pretty safe
I think Melbourne is safe but just be careful where you go and stick in a group especially at night because sometimes any area can be dangerous.
Safety is a joke in Melbourne
Having lived here for 8 years I must say what a joke giving Melbourne safety 80.
I’m from Melbourne and have spent 10+ years overseas. Melbourne is very safe.
Lived in Melbourne all my 65+ year life.
I agree…to say Melbourne’s safety is a joke is a weird comment. If this guy hangs out in nightclubs or an early morning streetcrawler, maybe. Overall, it’s pretty damn safe 👍
you’re off your head mate.
Apartheid Melbourne
Not safe , after mandatory law on removal of your private health records and introduction of apartheid segregation laws by the State government it’s not safe . People are angry and if you do not have proof of your health ( vaccination) or give away your health records you are charged and or arrested as of Monday 18/10/21. Exposure rates extremely high and those vaccinated are still at risk as much as those not.
Ngati Tonga, get vaccinated.
I have never heard of anyone ever getting pick-pocketed in Melbourne. The biggest danger is the price level!
I laughed so hard my fairy bread is on the floor lmao
Sexist review
why is only woman travellers a risk? Isn’t that sexist?????
True
Yes ikr but unfortunately men should fight for themself
In general women are less strong that’s why
Smh there’s a woman travelers section not because they’re ‘weak’ but because they’re more at risk compared to men. It’s not sexist, it’s just the world we live in. Women aren’t as safe and should be wary where they’re traveling.
YASSS
PREECH
How the hell is that sexist you clown. Do you expect women to fight back to a mugger? Of course everyones travel may be at risk. Just because there is one point on it, it doesn’t mean the entire review is sexist
Would be sexist if sexual assault and violence against women didn’t exist in the world. Crude reality.
I am from overseas and have been in Melbourne for 2 years. I found it pretty safe (even when I am very late outside). Off course always is good to be cautious, there is crazy people everywhere in the world.
When it gets dark outside..
I live in Melbourne CBD and judging from what I can hear outside the window the safety score should be around 95 during daytime and somewhere round 40 after it gets dark. Not a night without police/ambulance sirens, screams/shouts from drunkards, crackheads and distressed people. Daytime safety is pretty good but try to avoid spending too much time outside late at night, keep to the big streets, and watch your surroundings.
High crime rates and lots of burglaries.
Milkbars are the targets of the petty crimes.
Not a great city at all (Truth)
Melbourne is growing into a very violent and scary city. Be cautious!
What rubbish.
Australia is a racist hole of aggression
Melbourne is a shit-hole. Having lived there for over 12 years I couldn’t wait to move to a kinder more affordable country.
Don’t waste your money visiting melbourne or Australia. It’s a racist county that is filled with aggressive abusive people.
Also there is plenty murder, rape and assaults in Melbourne too, constantly in the news!
Just go to south-east Asia instead.
How lucky we are!
On the whole, Australians are not racist or aggressive people. Sure, there are always those who spoil your visit, but they are few and far between. Usually drunks or druggies. Most Melbournians are respectful and like their personal space. You lived there for 12 years, so it couldn’t have been that bad. It would be interesting to see the real statistics of crime in Melbourne compared to other places in the world. Perhaps you need to get your facts straight before shooting off your mouth. I have lived in Melbourne for 43 years and I have travelled extensively and although I love many different countries, I believe I am extremely fortunate in calling Melbourne home. Every time I travel, I realise how lucky we have it here in Australia.
he is just jealous because maybe he couldn’t get PR in Australia and was kicked out of the country. Melbourne is great!
Absolute rubbish! Melbourne is a truly multi-cultural city. Yes, there are pockets of racism, but this is true of EVERY country.
If that is your attitude, Sam Deb, glad you left our beautiful city! Perhaps you need to take a look in your mirror.
To any future travelers, welcome to our beautiful, vibrant and gastronomically diverse city!
Thinking of going
I’m thinking of going on holiday there but is it safe.
Because I’ll stay at the crown hotel and are there any eshays in that area?? And also is central Melbourne safe at day time ? I’m from
New Zealand 🇳🇿 👍
Crown is pretty fancy and wouldn’t let eshays around. In the day time there are heaps of people in central Melbourne so not much happens out of fear of getting caught. There are drunks and druggies but everywhere has them. There’s also police roaming around so you should be fine.
Stay away from melton, Werribee, whittlesea, Dandenong, Frankston, Epping. And you will avoid eshays. Unless they come for their yearly trip in to the city which you’d be very unlucky to see.
Born & Raised
I was born & raised in Melbourne, lived in many places but Melbourne is always home. People are friendly, helpful & a diverse bunch. Safety well that’s up to you. We can always find crime, drugs & overall not great people anywhere we go. My advice smile be happy & just take care of yourself. Melbourne is a beautiful place to live so come on down & enjoy 💋
Not good city for life or vacation
**Just my personal opinion, people can have better or worse views on Melbourne**
I was born in Melbourne but left the city to Queensland, I would consider it most dangerous city in Australia, I had a bad feeling all the time living in Melbourne and our car was hijacked, that’s why as young student I left for Brisbane and it’s much better city, you can see drunks and criminals all the time in Melbourne while I saw only few of them in Queensland and I live here 5 years already.
Melbourne is the cultural capital but it was very boring for me and the weather was awful, the city can be called India or Africa as the labor government brought tons of migrants there and when I visited last time I had problem seeing any Australian, I got pick-pocketed lot of times in Melbourne, someone may love the city but it’s definitely not for me.
My advice for tourist is that there are much nicer towns and cities in Australia, I would not risk visiting Melbourne again and I am glad that I don’t live there anymore
Safe
You got “pick-pocketed lot of times in Melbourne”? That seems very disingenuous to me. I have never had this occur. Not once. Not to say it doesn’t happen but “a lot of times” to one person seems out of place.
I am sorry to hear you had a very scary experience in your life. That’s enough to make anyone want to be somewhere else.
For what it’s worth, no matter where you are in the world, use a little common sense and you’ll be fine.
Melbourne is not a safe place anymore
Last night someone broke into my car witch has packed underground looked car park, taken some valuables.
That know how to open everything.
2 years ago they killed a tenant who saw those robbers.
Can’t see police doing much????
A crap hole of a place.
I need working women hostel please refer
Safest big city I have ever visited
Melbourne is safe, period.
I have visited this city several time for business
I have walked overnight through the park near the station and I felt myself pretty safe.
There is no comparison with any big Asian, European or US city I have visited
Probably Singapore may give you the same feeling
Not safe
Melbourne is now the worst city in Australia to visit.
Lead by socialist government Leader Daniel Andrews, Melbourne citizens and visitors are threatened by police for everyday actions of visiting friends, dining or travelling in undesignated areas. Fined, hand cuffed, civil liberties all taken away under the guise of Covid safety. Restaurants closed, businesses shut and nowhere to go without having to worry about police, drones and fear. DO NOT VISIT
Most of us are happy to get our vaccine and get on with life. Melbourne is the best city!
I lived in Melbourne for seven years – in 1961 while I was obtaining my citizenship certificate at Fitzoy Town Hall our house not far from there was broken in and many valuables stolen. If Melbourne was such 60 years ago how is it now ? I still consider Australia in general a safe country to live after a long spell spent in Italy.
Stay away from melton, Werribee, whittlesea, Dandenong, Frankston, Epping. And you will avoid eshays. Unless they come for their yearly trip in to the city which you’d be very unlucky to see.
Norlane and Corio make them places look like nothing with the amount of youth gangs they have over there
Look for other places
I lived here for 4 years after I moved from the Gold Coast and experience a lot of crime here compared to there , also Afghan community here are huge most good people but Dandenong is not a place I go after dark ..
Great place
Melbourne is a great place. I live in Canberra and came from Sydney so I’ve always been anti Victoria. I’ve overcome my ingrained stupidity and every time I enter Victoria the people are welcoming and tourists are appreciated rather than seen as invaders. If you can’t get a brilliant feed down there you aren’t trying. I’m sure you could find trouble but why seek it out?
I HAVE been scammed before