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Melbourne, a bustling metropolis and cultural hub, is home to a variety of airports that cater to both international and domestic travelers. Airports in Melbourne range from major international gateways to smaller regional hubs, providing diverse options for those looking to fly in and out of the city. Whether you’re seeking the convenience of Melbourne Airport’s global connections or the charm of smaller airports like Avalon and Moorabbin, each offers a unique travel experience.
7 Airports in Melbourne to Suit Every Traveler’s Needs
In this guide, we’ll dive into the top 7 airports in Melbourne, giving you a detailed look at their services and locations.
1. Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine)
Photo: Phil Vabre / Wikimedia Commons
Melbourne Airport, also known as Tullamarine Airport, is the busiest airport in Victoria and the second busiest in Australia. Located 23 kilometers northwest of Melbourne’s central business district, this international and domestic hub serves over 35 million passengers annually. As Melbourne’s primary gateway, it offers a wide range of services including numerous shops, restaurants, lounges, and baggage services. Melbourne Airport also has excellent public transport links, including buses, taxis, and car hire facilities, making it easily accessible. With major airlines flying in and out, this airport remains a central point for business, leisure, and international travel.
Best Time To Visit: Summer / Dec – Feb
Entry Fees: No entry fees, parking charges apply
Timings: 24*7 operation
2. Avalon Airport
Photo: Robert Frola / Wikimedia Commons
Avalon Airport, located about 50 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, is a key regional airport primarily serving budget airlines, such as Jetstar Airways. It operates a significant number of domestic flights and has seen growth in low-cost travel options. Avalon also hosts an annual event, the Australian International Airshow, attracting aviation enthusiasts and showcasing military and civil aviation. Avalon offers a more relaxed experience with less congestion, making it a convenient choice for travelers. It also plays a vital role in cargo flights and aviation maintenance. Avalon is especially useful for visitors traveling to the Great Ocean Road or Geelong, as it is located closer to these destinations.
Best Time To Visit: Summer / Dec – Feb for air shows and events
Entry Fees: No entry fees, parking charges apply
Timings: Varies with flight schedules
3. Essendon Airport
Photo: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons
Essendon Airport, located just 12 kilometers north of Melbourne’s city center, holds historical significance as one of the oldest airports in Australia. It predominantly serves general aviation, charter flights, and flight training, with a wide array of aviation services available. While Essendon doesn’t handle large commercial passenger flights, it remains a vital hub for business aviation, providing quick access to Melbourne’s central business district. The airport also serves several flight schools, which makes it a popular choice for aspiring pilots. Its close proximity to the city center makes it convenient for business professionals needing private flights or quick access to Melbourne.
Best Time To Visit: Year round for business flights
Entry Fees: No entry fees, parking charges apply
Timings: Varies with flight operations
4. Moorabbin Airport
Photo: Phil Vabre / Wikimedia Commons
Moorabbin Airport, situated 20 kilometers southeast of Melbourne, is one of the busiest general aviation airports in Australia. Known for its wide range of flight training schools, the airport is a go-to place for budding pilots. It also serves private aviation needs, with many chartered flights departing from the airport. Though it doesn’t handle commercial passenger flights, Moorabbin has become a center for aviation-related businesses, including aircraft maintenance, fueling, and hangar facilities. The airport is often home to community events, fly-ins, and aviation exhibitions, drawing aviation enthusiasts from across the country.
Best Time To Visit: Ideal year round for flight training and aviation events
Entry Fees: No entry fees, parking charges apply
Timings: Varies with flight schools and operations
5. Coldstream Airport
Photo: Tanathip Rattanatum / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Coldstream Airport, nestled in the scenic Yarra Valley, serves the local area as a small general aviation airport. While it doesn’t handle commercial air traffic, the airport is widely used for private flights, scenic tours, and recreational flying. The Yarra Valley’s vineyards and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for visitors, and Coldstream Airport offers an ideal base for aerial tours of this region. It also hosts flight training services and aerial agriculture operations. The airport’s quiet, rural setting makes it a great escape from the busy city airports.
Best Time To Visit: Spring / Sep – Nov; Autumn / Mar – May for vineyard tours
Entry Fees: Private access only, no public terminal
Timings: By prior arrangement
6. Lilydale Airport
Photo: Rocker Sta / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Lilydale Airport is a small, privately owned airport located in Melbourne’s picturesque Yarra Valley. It is primarily used for general aviation, including private flights, flight training, and scenic tours of the surrounding area. The airport offers a quiet and less crowded environment compared to Melbourne’s larger airports, making it an ideal place for recreational pilots and tourists looking to explore the natural beauty of the region. With vineyards, forests, and the Yarra River nearby, the area offers some stunning aerial views.
Best Time To Visit: Spring / Sep – Nov; Autumn / Mar – May for the best weather and views
Entry Fees: No entry fees, parking charges may apply
Timings: By prior arrangement
7. RAAF Point Cook
Photo: Bidgee / Wikimedia Commons
RAAF Point Cook, located 24 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, is a significant base for the Royal Australian Air Force. It holds historical importance as the birthplace of Australian aviation and continues to serve as a training and operational hub for the RAAF. The RAAF Museum, located on the base, offers a glimpse into Australia’s military aviation history. Visitors can explore aircraft exhibits and learn about the evolution of the Australian Air Force. While Point Cook is primarily a military base, the museum is open to the public on specific days, making it a unique aviation experience in Melbourne.
Best Time To Visit: Spring / Sep – Nov; Autumn / Mar – May for museum visits
Entry Fees: Free entry to the museum
Timings: Open Thursday and Sunday, 10 AM – 3 PM
Melbourne is home to a range of airports that cater to various aviation needs. From the major international hub to smaller, quieter airports, each facility serves a specific purpose. Traveling for business or flying for aviation training, airports in Melbourne offer a range of options, each with its own distinct charm and features. The quieter regional airports provide a peaceful alternative to the bustling larger airports. Plan your trip to Melbourne today with TripXL!
Cover Photo: TobiasRehbein / Pixabay
