Most travellers require either an eVisitor (for EU citizens) or an ETA (for US, Canada, etc.) – apply online before travel.

What currency is used?

Australian Dollar (AUD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but have some cash for small purchases.

What power plugs are used?

Type I (3 flat prongs), 230V, 50Hz. Bring an adapter if your devices use different plugs.

Is tap water drinkable?

Yes, Melbourne's tap water is excellent quality and safe to drink.

Do I need travel insurance?

Strongly recommended – Australia’s healthcare costs for visitors can be high without reciprocal arrangements.

What is the time zone?

AEST (UTC+10) – +11 during daylight saving (Oct–Apr). Melbourne does observe DST.

The suburb centre is walkable, but for broader exploration you'll need transport – public transport is convenient.

Are there supermarkets nearby?

Yes, Highett has a Woolworths and Aldi, plus cafes and eateries along Highett Road.

What's the beach like?

Highett is 3 km from the coast – Brighton and Hampton beaches offer sand, cafes, and beautiful bathing boxes.

Can I use my mobile phone?

Your phone will work if it's unlocked and compatible with Australian networks (GSM/4G/5G). Local SIMs are cheap.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, English is the national language. No language barrier for visitors.

What attractions are near Highett?

Brighton Beach bathing boxes, St Kilda, Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Melbourne CBD are all within 30 minutes.

Highett

SuburbMelbourne, Victoria

Highett is a SUB AREA in Melbourne, Victoria.

Highett is a relaxed, leafy suburb in Melbourne's southeast, just 15 km from the city centre. While not a typical tourist destination, it offers a quintessential local Australian experience with a charming village shopping strip, friendly parks, and easy access to the stunning Bayside beaches of Brighton and Hampton. You'll find excellent cafes, bakeries, and a thriving community feel. The Highett Reserve features sports fields and playgrounds, perfect for families. The suburb is well-connected by train and bus, making it a convenient base for exploring Melbourne's cultural attractions, nightlife, and the Mornington Peninsula wine region. Wander the street art of Fitzroy, cheer at the MCG, or watch penguins at St Kilda Pier — all within easy reach. Highett itself offers a peaceful retreat after a busy day, with modern serviced apartments and local pubs. For nature lovers, the nearby Bayside coastal trail is ideal for cycling or jogging. Experience real Melbourne life away from tourist crowds in this welcoming, safe neighbourhood.

Best time to visit Highett

The best months are November to March (spring to early autumn) when temperatures range from 20–30°C. December–February is summer – perfect for beach trips and outdoor events like cricket and the Australian Open. March offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds. April–October is cooler (8–18°C) but still manageable for city exploration, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices.

October

Now

Right now

Condition: Clear
Temperature: 12°
Feels like: 11°
Humidity: 76%
Wind: 5 km/h
Precipitation: 0 mm

Typical for October

Weather: Mild 12–20°C, unpredictable

Travel notes

Crowds: Moderate
Prices: Shoulder

Melbourne Cup season – accommodation may fill.

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

MEL

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine)

International

35 km away

AVV

Avalon Airport

Domestic & Limited International

65 km away

MEB

Essendon Fields Airport

Domestic/General Aviation

22 km away

Getting around

"Highett Railway Station is on the Sandringham line (Zone 1/2), providing direct trains to the city in about 25 minutes. Buses (route 828) connect to nearby suburbs and shopping centres. A myki card is required for all public transport (available at stations). Taxis and ride-share (Uber, Didi) are readily available. Bicycle paths run along the coastline. For car hire, major rental companies operate from Melbourne Airport and city locations. Parking in Highett is mostly free and ample."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

40 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cafes, libraries, and accommodation

Local SIM

Local prepaid SIM from Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone – available at airport or phone shops from as low as $10

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe overall. Scams are uncommon, but standard city awareness is advised.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe overall. Scams are uncommon, but standard city awareness is advised.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

7/10

"Highett is a very safe suburb with low crime rates, typical of Melbourne's middle-ring suburbs. Standard precautions apply: lock doors, don't leave valuables visible in cars, and be aware of your surroundings at night, especially around train stations. Scammers are rare, but watch for common taxi or street-hawker scams in the city. Public transport is safe, with CCTV on trains and platforms. Emergency services respond quickly. The biggest safety concern is road traffic: always look right when crossing (driving is on the left)."

Police, Fire, Ambulance

000

Police (non-urgent)

131 444

Poisons Information

13 11 26

SES (flood/storm)

132 500

Entry and health

Health information

"Australia has an excellent healthcare system. For minor ailments, visit a local pharmacy or medical centre (GP). The nearest public hospital is Monash Medical Centre in Clayton (about 10 minutes away). Travellers should have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation. Tap water is safe to drink. Pharmacies are well-stocked. No vaccinations are required, but ensure routine shots are up to date."

Culture

Local customs

"Australians are informal and friendly. Greet with a handshake or 'hello'. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for exceptional service (5–10% at restaurants). Casual dress is fine everywhere except some upmarket venues. Always stand on the left on escalators. It's customary to say 'please', 'thank you', and 'no worries'. Queuing (lining up) is taken seriously. Smoking is banned in all indoor public places and within 4 metres of building entrances."

English (official)MandarinArabicCantoneseVietnameseItalianGreekHindiSpanishTagalogEnglish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$20-30 | casual restaurant meal per person without alcohol

Hotels

$100-180 | mid-range hotel or serviced apartment per night

Local transport

$4.50 | myki daily fare within Zone 1+2 (train/bus)

Cost notes

Highett is a residential suburb, cheaper than central Melbourne. Accommodation options are limited; most visitors stay in nearby Brighton or the city.

Timezone

Australia/Melbourne
Local time 20:28