To stay in one of the most beautiful cities in Australia, you want to know the dangerous areas or neighborhoods to avoid in Melbourne.

Indeed, although Melbourne is generally safe, as in any large city, there are areas where it is advisable to exercise caution.

Here are some recommendations for areas to avoid or approach with caution during a tourist trip to Melbourne.

And at the end of the article, I give you the recommended neighborhoods for a tourist stay.

Is Melbourne dangerous in 2024?

According to numerous global rankings on the safety of large cities, Melbourne ranks among the least dangerous cities in the world.

For example, in the 2024 " Safest Cities in the World " ranking, Melbourne is ranked as the 10th safest city in the world.

However, on the Numbeo website , Melbourne is ranked 168th out of 318 cities ranked for their crime level.

Although crime has increased in recent years, with a crime index of 43.71, Melbourne is average.

It is neither very safe nor very dangerous.

In comparison, the city has a higher crime rate than Puerto Vallarta in Mexico , Austin , Hamburg , or Strasbourg.

Neighborhoods to avoid in Melbourne

According to the 2024 publications, Carlton North, Docklands, Kensington, South Yarra, Noble Park, Port Phillip, Greater Dandenong and the western suburbs are the most dangerous areas in Melbourne.

Most dangerous areas in Melbourne's suburbs

According to the latest Victoria Police statistics, suburbs west of Melbourne have higher rates of theft:

• Melton
• Brimbank (areas like Sunshine, St Albans)
• Maribyrnong (Footscray, West Footscray)
• Wyndham (Werribee, Tarneit)

Caroline Springs , which is also west of Melbourne, is one of Melbourne's most dangerous suburbs in terms of crime.

And here are the 3 other areas identified as the least safe in terms of crime around Melbourne:

• Municipality of Hume. This area, including Broadmeadows, Gladstone Park and Jacana, has a high rate of gun crime. It is one of the municipalities with the highest number of offenders convicted of these types of offenses in Melbourne. Police have reported a significant increase in charges in this area in recent years.
• Municipality of Casey comprising the districts of Cranbourne and Berwick in the south-east of Melbourne. This area also faces crime problems with a notable number of indictments.
• Municipality of Brimbank. Incorporating the Keilor and Sunshine districts, this area to the east of Melbourne is also an area considered unsafe.

Best neighborhoods for sightseeing in Melbourne

For a tourist stay in Melbourne, several districts stand out for their atmosphere, their attractions and their accessibility:

• Melbourne CBD (Central Business District): This is the heart of the city, the best area for tourists. The CBD concentrates Melbourne's main tourist attractions. There you will find Federation Square, the Queen Victoria Market, and many rooftop restaurants and bars.
• Southbank : South of the Yarra River, right next to the CBD, Southbank is pleasant for its riverside walks, restaurants and the Crown Casino. It's a great place for sightseeing and enjoying Melbourne's nightlife.
• Fitzroy and Carlton : Located north of the CBD, these neighborhoods are known for their bohemian and trendy atmosphere. Fitzroy, in particular, is famous for its trendy restaurants, bars and cafes. The Melbourne Museum, located in Carlton Gardens, is a must-see attraction in the area.

Which hotel to choose in the CBD?

For a tourist stay in Melbourne, the Central Business District (CBD) is the most recommended.

A mix of Victorian architecture and skyscrapers, this neighborhood is ideal for those who want to explore Melbourne on foot.

The hotel I recommend is the Voco Melbourne Central.

400 m from the conference center, it is very close to the library, the Block Arcade and 400 m from Melbourne station.

And for those on a budget, I recommend the Space Hotel , which is also very well located: