Hello! It's exciting to hear about your upcoming trip to Melbourne, Geelong, and Ballarat in Australia. Here are some travel tips that might be helpful for you.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Melbourne and nearby cities such as Geelong and Ballarat is from March to May and September to November. These months offer moderate temperatures, and it's also a great time to participate in numerous events.

Route and Accessibility:
From international locations, you can reach Melbourne via Melbourne Airport, which has comprehensive connections worldwide. Services like Melbourne's iconic trams, trains, and taxis can be used for city and nearby areas transit. Frequent and conveniently available V/Line trains make it really easy to travel between Melbourne, Geelong, and Ballarat.

Accommodation and Booking:
There are a variety of accommodations available in all three cities, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guest houses. It's best to book your stay in advance especially if you're planning your visit during peak tourist season or during major events and festivals.

Clothing and Essentials:
Packing depends on the season you're visiting. In general, bring comfortable walking shoes, a raincoat or umbrella, lightweight clothes for spring/summer, warmer attire for autumn/winter months. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong Australian sun.

Health and Safety:
Australia is a safe country for travel. However, it's always good to have travel insurance for any emergency health or safety situation. Also, keep local emergency contact numbers handy and stay aware of your surroundings.

Local Etiquette and Respect:
Australians are known for their laid-back and friendly nature. Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and cafes, but not mandatory. Also, Australians are very conscious about environment conservation; make sure to respect local environment guidelines and avoid littering.