Top 10 Budget-Friendly Tips to Explore Melbourne

Melbourne boasts an impressive array of laneway dining establishments, a vibrant coffee culture, and a dynamic arts and sports scene, making it one of Australia’s desirable urban destinations for international travelers.

However, it is important to note that compared to other cities globally, Melbourne is relatively expensive to visit. Accommodation prices are generally high, particularly nearer to the city center.

Conversely, the food scene is exceptionally appealing for budget-conscious travelers. Melbourne is renowned as a global food destination, offering a vast selection of dining options. While numerous upscale restaurants exist, there are also ample high-quality yet affordable eateries representing various cuisines, reflective of Melbourne’s diverse population.

Public transportation is reasonably priced, with daily caps on transit passes that maximize your financial value. Additionally, there are cost-effective ways to engage with the city’s prominent arts scene if you know where to look. Below are strategies for enjoying Melbourne on a budget.

Daily Costs in Melbourne

• Hostel bed in shared bunk room: $50 – $80

• Basic room for two: $150 – $200

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): $150 – $220

• Public transport ticket: $10 (per day)

• Coffee: $6

• Sandwich: $13

• One-course dinner for two, with a drink: $80

• Pint at the pub: $13

• Average daily cost per person: $180-$250

1. Stay Outside the City Center During the Shoulder Season

Melbourne remains a bustling city year-round; however, accommodation prices do see a slight reduction during late autumn and winter months (May to August) while late summer (January and February) is the peak expensive season.

If the weather is not a concern, winter offers a rewarding opportunity to enjoy Melbourne’s rich indoor attractions, including dining, coffee, culture, and shopping experiences. During this period, the city’s leading art museum, NGV International, showcases its annual “Winter Masterpieces” exhibition featuring esteemed artists from around the globe.

Apart from taking advantage of off-peak room rates, hostels are an excellent option. Not exclusively for backpackers, Melbourne’s better “flashpacking” accommodations function similarly to budget hotels, offering private rooms at competitive rates. One notable example is Space Hotel on Russell Street, featuring dorm beds and private rooms.

For those who prefer hotels, there are affordable choices in the city center, such as Ibis Budget Melbourne CBD. The rooms are compact and clean, and its prime location on busy Elizabeth Street is within a short walking distance from Flinders Street Station.

Another area providing affordable accommodation with good access to public transport is bayside St Kilda. Long favored by backpackers, this neighborhood features various options including hostels (like Nomads St Kilda), budget hotels, and Airbnb properties.

2. Take Advantage of Free Public Transportation

Although sprawling, traveling within Melbourne is straightforward via its integrated tram, train, and bus network. Notably, the entire central business district (CBD) falls within the Free Tram Zone, which allows complimentary travel on trams in this area.

For other journeys, transit is managed via the Myki card, Melbourne’s public transport card, which is necessary for travel (single tickets are unavailable in Melbourne). You can purchase a Myki card for $6 from train stations, convenience stores, and various retailers and subsequently add credit for fares. A single trip lasts up to two hours and costs $5, with a daily maximum fare of $10 ($7.20 on weekends) – this means you can take several trips within a day after paying for the two initial trips, without incurring additional charges.

Moreover, the entire state of Victoria is included within this maximum fare, thereby allowing you to utilize your Myki for day trips to regional cities such as Bendigo, Ballarat, and Geelong for the same cost.

Interestingly, few locals are aware that after 6 pm, the two-hour fare limit is lifted. Therefore, if you board public transport for the first time in the evening, you can wait until after 6 pm to pay just $5 for all trips until midnight.

3. Skip an Expensive Uber and Take Public Transit to the Airport Instead

Typically, travelers between the city and the airport opt for a taxi or rideshare vehicle, costing approximately $75, or they can board the frequent Skybus for $22. However, if you have ample time, you can reach the airport for just $5 using your Myki card. Start by taking a Craigieburn Line train to Broadmeadows Station and then transfer to the 901 bus to Melbourne Airport (ensure it’s not heading to Frankston).

Alternatively, for those who enjoy Melbourne’s trams, you can catch a number 59 tram from Elizabeth Street in the CBD all the way to its terminus in Airport West. From there, cross the street to the bus stop next to the Red Rooster fast food outlet. Buses to the airport run every half hour on weekdays (hourly on weekends, via routes 478 and 479).

For a comprehensive overview of transportation options to and from the airport, refer to the Public Transport Victoria website.

4. Eat Like a Student

If you appreciate high-quality food but operate on a limited budget, Melbourne is an ideal destination. With its rich tapestry of cultures and an extensive population that enjoys dining out, the city offers many eateries catering to diverse prices and preferences. This is in part thanks to a vibrant student community, including many international students from around the world, which has given rise to numerous budget-friendly establishments.

You’ll find these options on the northern edge of the CBD, conveniently located next to university campuses. A stretch of Elizabeth Street from Melbourne Central Station to Queen Victoria Market is particularly noteworthy, filled with economical eateries serving excellent Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Korean cuisines, among others.

Additionally, Melbourne’s historic Chinatown serves as another excellent destination for finding affordable meals, brimming with pan-Asian restaurants offering various dishes at competitive prices. A longstanding favorite among budget-conscious locals is the Camy Shanghai Dumpling House on Tattersalls Lane, where a bowl of delectable dumplings costs only $12.

Lygon Street in Carlton, traditionally associated with Melbourne’s Italian community, also offers affordable and delicious pizza and pasta options throughout its duration.

Footscray, conveniently located close to the city, is another overlooked food haven. A brief ten-minute train ride from the CBD takes you to Footscray Station, where an array of budget-friendly restaurants serving Vietnamese and Ethiopian dishes await.

5. Visit Markets for Picnic Supplies

Melbourne features numerous Victorian-era markets conveniently located near the CBD, the most renowned being the Queen Victoria Market, situated just north of the city grid (accessible by trams 19, 57, or 59).

Alongside stalls offering high-quality ingredients suitable for a picnic in Flagstaff Gardens (including olives, cheeses, breads, and deli meats), the market hosts various food stalls and vendors serving hot meals. A classic favorite among Melburnians is the bratwurst sausages in a bun, while a doughnut vendor selling a bag of five hot jam-filled doughnuts for $10 is also a highlight.

Other markets within a short tram ride from the city center include South Melbourne Market (tram 96) and Prahran Market (tram 72). Two distinctively less touristy but enjoyable options accessible by train include Footscray Market (Footscray Station) and Preston Market (Preston Station).

6. Wander Through Parks and Gardens

Nothing is more wallet-friendly than taking a leisurely stroll through a public garden, and Melbourne is fortunate to offer an abundance of beautiful options with free entry. The Royal Botanic Gardens is top-rated, a sprawling natural oasis located just a short tram ride south of the CBD. Bring picnic supplies to unwind amid the lush surroundings.

Other significant green spaces include Royal Park situated north of the city, noted for its extensive stands of native trees. The CBD’s outskirts also boast several meticulously landscaped parks, including Fitzroy Gardens, Treasury Gardens, Carlton Gardens, and Flagstaff Gardens.

7. Browse Fine Art at Great Institutions

Entry is complimentary at many of Melbourne’s premier art galleries. The highlight is NGV International, characterized by its significant Modernist structure located just south of the Yarra River. While there is an admission fee for special exhibitions, access to permanent collections remains free.

Its sister site in Federation Square, NGV Australia, showcases a wealth of Australian art, including pieces from First Nations artists. Also based in Fed Square, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image promotes the medium of film and television through free exhibitions.

To delve into Melbourne’s heritage outdoors, download the free MV Tours app by Museums Victoria, which offers detailed walking tours across three unique precincts covering various aspects of the city’s history, from industrial significance to the glamor of the 19th-century gold rush.

8. Head to the Beaches

Though not oceanfront, Melbourne is surrounded by picturesque beaches along the scenic Port Phillip Bay. Many are accessible via tram or train, and they offer nearby affordable cafes and dining options.

For a simple beach trip, take the number 109 train to Port Melbourne, then stroll along the beachside pathway, taking in both the surf and 19th-century architecture until you reach the terminus of tram number 1 in Albert Park. Nearby, you can find a pub and a fish-and-chip shop offering a budget-friendly lunch break before continuing to the ever-popular St Kilda or returning to the city.

From Flinders Street Station in the CBD, the train to Brighton Beach Station will take you to the iconic colorful Brighton Bathing Boxes, a must-see in Melbourne.

9. Rock Out to Live Music

Melbourne is recognized as Australia’s live music capital, often offering performances at little to no cost. Instead of attending large concerts, visit local inner-city venues that showcase emerging bands, allowing you to connect with the city’s music community. Renowned venues like The Tote, Northcote Social Club, and Mamma Chen’s frequently host free shows, while admission for other performances usually ranges from $10 to $50.

10. Score Cheap Tickets for Shows and More

While Melbourne is celebrated for its vibrant theater culture, tickets tend to be expensive. One efficient way to cut costs is by visiting Halftix, the city’s established discount ticket booth. Some tickets may only be available in person, so it’s advisable to check what is on offer. Another alternative is TodayTix, which organizes ticket lotteries and provides options for lower-priced tickets.

Interested in pairing dinner with a show? First Table offers significant reductions (up to 50%) on restaurant menus if you are willing to dine during earlier seating times.