If you think you can pack for a week in Melbourne with just a t-shirt, a pair of shorts, and a smile, you’re in for a wet, cold, and then suddenly sweating surprise.
We learned early on that this city doesn't play by the rules of meteorology; it plays by the rules of "vibes." One minute you are sipping a flat white in a sun-drenched laneway, and the next you are sprinting for cover as a squall rolls in off Port Phillip Bay.
But that chaos is exactly why we love it.
Melbourne isn't just a city; it’s a collection of villages, each with a distinct personality, stitched together by rattling trams and an obsession with coffee that borders on religious.
For us, discovering house sitting in Melbourne, Victoria, was the key that unlocked this expensive, sprawling metropolis. Instead of burning through our savings in a cramped hotel room, we found ourselves living in Victorian terrace houses in Fitzroy and modern apartments in South Yarra, all in exchange for keeping some very cool pets company.
If you are looking to break into the Aussie house sitting scene, Melbourne is arguably the best place to start. It offers the perfect mix of urban excitement and neighborhood community. Here is everything we know about landing the perfect sit in Australia’s cultural capital.
Why Melbourne is the "Sweet Spot" for Sitters
When people ask us about house sitting opportunities in Australia, Sydney often gets the glory for its beaches, but Melbourne gets the points for livability. The city is designed for lingering.
As a house sitter, you aren't just a tourist rushing through a checklist. You are a temporary local. This means you have time to find the best almond croissant in your suburb (a highly competitive sport here) or discover a hidden record store that isn't on Google Maps.
However, navigating the logistics is crucial. In our experience, one factor changes the game in Melbourne more than anywhere else: transport.
The Transport Rule: Ditch the Car
If you are coming from North America or even parts of Europe, your instinct might be to rent a car. In Melbourne, we strongly advise against it unless you are sitting in the outer suburbs (like the Dandenong Ranges or Mornington Peninsula).
Traveling in Melbourne with a car can be a little bit tedious. Between the "hook turns" in the CBD (where you turn right from the left lane, yes, really) and the expensive parking, it’s a headache you don't need. Public transport is fantastic and makes traveling around Melbourne much more comfortable and much more easy.
The tram network is the largest in the world. If you secure a sit in the inner suburbs, you are likely minutes away from a tram stop that can whisk you into the city or down to the beach at St Kilda. When looking at house sitting jobs, always check the proximity to a tram line or a train station. It makes the difference between a stressful stay and a breezy one.
Best Suburbs for House Sitting
Melbourne is massive, but the "gold" for house sitters is usually found in the inner ring. This is where the lifestyle is unbeatable, and the demand for sitters is high because locals love to travel.
1. Fitzroy & Collingwood
If you have a house sitting profile that screams "creative" or "hipster," this is your tribe. These neighboring suburbs are the heart of Melbourne’s live music, indie gallery, and street art scenes. It is incredibly walkable, meaning you can take the dog for a morning stroll and grab a coffee without ever needing public transport.
Vibe: Vintage shops, vegan eats, and graffiti murals.
2. Carlton
Just north of the CBD, Carlton is famous for "Little Italy" (Lygon Street). If you land a sit here, you are within walking distance of the Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building. It’s a bit more polished than Fitzroy but full of character.
Vibe: leafy streets, historic architecture, and pasta.
3. Richmond & South Yarra
For those who want a bit more action, Richmond offers incredible nightlife and food, while South Yarra brings the upscale fashion and riverside walks. Both have excellent train connections.
Vibe: Bustling, trendy, and very well-connected.
4. Yarraville
A bit of a "hidden gem" in the west. It has a charming village atmosphere with an old-school cinema (The Sun Theatre) and a tight-knit community feel. It’s quieter, which is often better for anxious pets.
Timing Your Visit: The Weather Factor
We cannot stress this enough: Melbourne weather is manic. Locals joke about "four seasons in one day," but it’s barely a joke. When you are planning your trip, you need to know what you are signing up for, especially regarding what to pack for your house sit.
Summer (Dec–Feb): It gets hot. We’re talking dry heat spikes of 35°C+ (95°F). It’s peak season with the Australian Open and rooftop cinema events. If you are house sitting a dog, you need to be very careful about pavement heat and walking times.
Autumn (Mar–May): This is our favorite time. The weather is stable, the leaves in the parks turn gold, and the temperature sits in a comfortable 12–20°C range.
Winter (Jun–Aug): It doesn't snow in the city, but the damp cold (6–15°C) gets into your bones. However, this is when Melbourne’s indoor culture shines, galleries, cozy pubs with fireplaces, and theatre.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Beautiful blooms, but notorious for hay fever and wind.
The Daily Routine: Balancing Pets and Sightseeing
The beauty of house sitting is living in a home, not a hotel. But the responsibility remains: the pets come first. We structure our Melbourne days to maximize exploration while keeping the animals happy.
Morning: The "Local" Walk
If we are looking after dogs, the morning is for the parks. Melbourne has incredible green spaces. The Royal Botanic Gardens are a must-visit, featuring the "Tan Track" (a 3.8km loop popular with runners and walkers).
Pro Tip: For a more "local vibe," head to Birrarung Marr park along the Yarra River. It’s filled with outdoor art and offers stunning city views without the intense tourist crowds of the main gardens.
Mid-Day: Culture and Hidden Gems
Once the pets are fed and resting (or if we are house sitting for cats who sleep all day), we head out for a few hours.
The Mainstream Hits:
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV): It’s Australia’s oldest and most-visited art museum. The stained glass ceiling in the Great Hall is mesmerizing.
Queen Victoria Market: The ultimate spot for fresh produce. We usually grab ingredients here to cook dinner back at the house—one of the great perks of having a full kitchen versus a hotel minibar.
The "Sitter Secret" Spots:
Heide Museum of Modern Art: Located about 20 minutes from the CBD, this is a blend of contemporary art and landscaped gardens. It’s perfect for a calm afternoon.
Nicholas Building Studios: If you love quirky, hidden spots, find this heritage building on Swanston Street. It’s full of boutique galleries, zine shops, and retro button stores.
Point Cook Marine Sanctuary: If you are sitting out west, this coastal reserve is ideal for nature lovers.
Evening: The Laneway Culture
Melbourne comes alive at night. If the pets are settled, we might slip out for a quick dinner. The city is famous for its laneways, narrow alleys packed with street art and tiny restaurants. Keep an eye out for the Royal Arcade & Block Arcade; even just walking through them feels like stepping back into the 19th century.
Finding Sits in Melbourne
Competition can be fierce in Melbourne, especially for the good homes in Fitzroy or Carlton. You need to be strategic.
There are several platforms to use. While we often talk about international options, Australia has a very strong domestic house sitting network.
Aussie House Sitters is the massive local favorite here. It has a high volume of listings specifically for Australia and is generally very affordable to join.
Trusted House Sitters is the other big player. If you are an international traveler hopping from house sitting in London to Melbourne, this global membership might make more sense for you.
When applying, remember that Australians value a "no worries" attitude, which actually means they value competence without the drama. Your application should be friendly, concise, and emphasize your reliability.
If you are new to this and worried about lacking a track record, check out our guide on how to get house sits without prior experience. Everyone starts somewhere!
The Financial Reality
One question we get asked constantly is: "Is it really free?"
Technically, yes. No money changes hands between you and the homeowner for the accommodation. However, house sitting isn't "free" in the sense that it costs you nothing to exist. You still need to cover your flights, your food, and your transport.
We recommend using a travel-friendly bank account to avoid nasty exchange fees if you are coming from abroad. We use N26 for almost all our day-to-day spending in Australia because the exchange rates are unbeatable.
Also, be aware of the difference between house sitting and unpaid labor. In Melbourne, looking after a standard home and a couple of pets is the norm. If someone asks you to manage their Airbnb listing or do heavy landscaping on a farm in the Yarra Valley, that’s a job, not a sit.
Safety and Security
Melbourne is generally a very safe city. However, when you are responsible for someone else's property, you can never be too careful. Break-ins are rare, but house sitting safety protocols like locking deadbolts and setting alarms (if the owner has one) are non-negotiable.
More importantly, keep the pets safe. We once had a scare with a door left slightly ajar, never again. We treat every front door like an airlock on a spaceship. One opens only when the other is shut.
Managing Multiple Sits
If you are planning to stay in Melbourne for a month or two, you might need to chain a few sits together. This is where organization becomes your best friend. We use a shared calendar to track dates, but you can read more about using a calendar to coordinate multiple house sits to ensure you don't end up homeless for a weekend between gigs.
If you do have a gap between sits, don't panic. Melbourne has plenty of hostels and Airbnbs. We actually enjoy the occasional gap day to do non-pet-friendly activities, like a full day trip to the Great Ocean Road or a long night out at the Forum Theatre for a gig.
Final Thoughts: Is Melbourne Worth It?
Absolutely.
Melbourne offers a depth of culture that is hard to find elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere. For house sitters, it provides a high quality of life, walkable neighborhoods, and access to incredible food and nature.
Whether you are looking for a short weekend escape in St Kilda or a month-long residency in a Victorian terrace in Brunswick, the opportunities are there. Just remember to pack layers, buy a Myki card (for the trams), and prepare yourself for some of the best coffee of your life.
If you are ready to start your journey, make sure you look at our step-by-step guide to get your profile polished and ready for the homeowners.
See you in the laneways!
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
DM us @housesittersguide if you have questions—we answer everyone!
Why is proximity to public transport vital for a Melbourne house sit?
Traveling in Melbourne with a car can be a little bit tedious due to traffic and parking costs. Public transport is fantastic and makes traveling around Melbourne much more comfortable and much more easy.
What are the best months to house sit in Melbourne?
The best overall times are Spring (September–November) and Autumn (March–May). These seasons offer mild weather, vibrant colors, and fewer crowds compared to the hot, busy summer.
Which Melbourne suburbs are best for house sitting?
Inner suburbs like Fitzroy, Collingwood, Carlton, and Richmond are ideal for their walkability, culture, and transport links. For a quieter village vibe, Yarraville is a great choice.
Do I need a car for house sitting in Melbourne?
Generally, no. If you are in the inner suburbs, a car can be a burden. The tram and train networks are extensive. However, if you are sitting in outer regions like the Mornington Peninsula, a car is recommended.
What is the "Four Seasons in One Day" phenomenon?
Melbourne is famous for rapidly changing weather. It is common to experience warm sunshine, cold winds, and rain all within a few hours, so house sitters should always pack layers.
