Melbourne on a Budget: Culture, Food & Fun

Experience the vibrant city of Melbourne without breaking the bank.

22 June 2023

A trip to Melbourne on a limited budget can still offer a great experience for travelers. With free attractions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Gallery of Victoria, and the State Library of Victoria, travelers can still appreciate the city's culture and beauty. Budget-friendly accommodation options are also available, including hostels and budget hotels.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Discover Melbourne's Cultural Side

  • Start your day with a cup of coffee from Degraves Street, a bustling laneway filled with cafes and shops.
  • Visit the National Gallery of Victoria, home to an impressive collection of Australian and international art.
  • Take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens and admire the beautiful native flora.
  • Head to the Melbourne Museum to learn about the city's history and culture.
  • Enjoy a cheap yet delicious meal at Lentil As Anything, a pay-as-you-feel vegetarian restaurant.
  • Finish off your day with a trip to the award-winning ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) at Federation Square.
  • Accommodation: Hotel Sophia, a quaint budget hotel located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.
Day 2

Explore Melbourne's Food Scene

  • Start your day with brunch at Rustica, a trendy bakery known for their delicious pastries and sourdough bread.
  • Take a stroll down Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, known for its quirky shops and street art.
  • Visit Queen Victoria Market and indulge in some local produce and fresh seafood.
  • Take the tram to St Kilda and treat yourself to some delicious takeaway fish and chips from the iconic seaside spot, Paper Fish.
  • Finish off your day by sipping on a refreshing cocktail at one of Melbourne's many rooftop bars, such as Madame Brussels or Good Heavens.
  • Overall, Melbourne is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of culture, food, and entertainment, all on a budget. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes for all the walking you'll do!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Melbourne, Australia by plane is to fly into Melbourne Airport (MEL) from your nearest major airport. Many airlines offer flights to Melbourne, including Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar.

Car

To drive to Melbourne, you can take the Hume Highway from Sydney or the Eastern Freeway from Adelaide. The journey can take anywhere from 8-10 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no direct train that runs to Melbourne from any other country or state. However, you can take a train from Sydney or Adelaide to Melbourne, which is a scenic route that takes approximately 12-14 hours.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no direct boat services that run to Melbourne from any other country or state. However, you can take a cruise from Sydney or Tasmania to Melbourne, which is a relaxing way to see the coast and take in the scenery along the way.

Bus

A cost-effective way to get to Melbourne is by bus. Greyhound Australia offers bus services from major cities such as Sydney, Adelaide, and Canberra to Melbourne. The bus stops at Southern Cross Station in Melbourne.

Destination

Melbourne

With its charming alleyways, artistic graffiti and unpredictable weather, Melbourne is like that eccentric cousin you always looked forward to hanging out with as a kid. Except this time, it's all grown up and ready to show you a good time.

 Save and get deals

Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Melbourne, Australia: Unleashing Family Fun on a Budget

Melbourne, Australia offers a fantastic family-friendly destination with a mix of cultural attractions and outdoor adventures. Families can explore the famous Melbourne Zoo or the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, getting up close and personal with a variety of animals. Additionally, the city boasts beautiful parks and gardens perfect for picnics, along with kid-friendly museums and entertainment centers like Scienceworks and Luna Park.

Melbourne Magic: A Whimsical 2-Day Family Adventure

Melbourne, Australia is an ideal destination for a family-friendly trip a its diverse range of activities and attractions. Families can explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, visit Melbourne Zoo to see Australian wildlife up close, and embark on a scenic ride on the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel for breathtaking views of the city. Additionally, with its vibrant street art, bustling markets, and interactive museums like Scienceworks, Melbourne offers an enriching and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

Melbourne's Romantic Long Weekend Getaway

A romantic trip to Melbourne, Australia offers endless possibilities, from exploring the charming laneways and cafes to indulging in world-class dining experiences, shopping, and cultural attractions. Couples can take a stroll along the Yarra River and enjoy stunning city views or relax together in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Whether it's taking a hot air balloon ride over the city or sipping wine in the beautiful Yarra Valley, Melbourne offers the perfect backdrop for a memorable romantic getaway.

Taste of Melbourne: A One-Day Adventure

Melbourne, Australia is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of culture, history and modernity. As a tourist, you can explore the iconic landmarks such as Federation Square, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Additionally, Melbourne is famous for its food and coffee scene with countless cafes and restaurants serving up delicious meals and beverages to satisfy your palate all day long.