Melbourne on a Budget: 5 Days of Adventure!

Discover Melbourne's wonders without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Melbourne, Australia offers a variety of budget-friendly options for travelers on a tight budget. Tour the city's free attractions such as the Botanic Gardens, Shrine of Remembrance, and street art alleys. Dine on delicious, affordable eats from the city's diverse food scene and stay in budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or shared Airbnb rentals.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Discover Melbourne's charm!

  • Check-in at Flinders Backpackers Hotel, located in the heart of Melbourne.
  • Head out to Federation Square, the central square of Melbourne, to soak in its culture and energy.
  • Take the free City Circle Tram, a vintage tram that circles around Melbourne's CBD.
  • Stop by the Queen Victoria Market, a vibrant market filled with fresh produce and local delights.
  • End the day with a walk along the Yarra River and a stunning view of the Melbourne skyline.
Day 2

Street Art and Hidden Laneways

  • Get a hearty breakfast at Manchester Press cafe, known for their bagels and coffee.
  • Join a street art tour and discover the colorful graffiti-filled laneways of Melbourne.
  • Explore the hidden alleyways and vintage shops of Flinders Lane.
  • Visit Hosier Lane, one of Melbourne's most iconic street art precincts.
  • End the day at Chinatown for some delicious dumplings at Shanghai Street.
Day 3

A Day of Nature and Adventure

  • Take a 30-minute train ride to Brighton Beach and see the famous colorful beach huts.
  • Head to St Kilda, Melbourne's seaside playground, and take a ride on the iconic Luna Park rollercoaster.
  • Visit the St Kilda Pier, home to a colony of adorable fairy penguins.
  • Rent a bike and ride along the scenic and peaceful Yarra Trail.
  • Relax and watch the sunset at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Day 4

Architecture and Culture

  • Begin the day at the State Library of Victoria, a stunning example of Melbourne's architecture.
  • Visit the National Gallery of Victoria for art lovers.
  • Head to the Eureka Tower for panoramic views of Melbourne city.
  • Explore the city's oldest Chinatown and Little Italy districts.
  • End the day with a visit to the Melbourne Museum, showcasing the city's rich cultural history.
Day 5

Foodie Heaven

  • Start the day at the famous Hardware Societe, loved for their French breakfast fare.
  • Visit Bourke Street Bakery for freshly baked goods and treats.
  • Go on a walking food tour, sampling Melbourne's multicultural cuisine.
  • Stop by the iconic Queen Victoria Night Market for street food and live music.
  • End the day with a drink at Madame Brussels, a rooftop bar with a vintage garden party vibe.
  • Melbourne is an eclectic city with something for everyone. From street art to nature, architecture, and food, this itinerary covers it all, on a budget.

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 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.

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.

Melbourne in 5 Days: Art, Beaches, Wine & More!

As a tourist, visiting Melbourne provides a perfect mix of culture, nature and urban sophistication. With world-renowned street art, vibrant culinary experiences and bustling city life, Melbourne caters to diverse interests. From the Great Ocean Road to the Royal Botanic Gardens, take in the scenic beauty by foot, bike or even hot air balloon for a memorable adventure Down Under.

Melbourne on a Budget: Culture, Food & Fun

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.