A Fun Travel Guide: Melbourne On A Budget

Enjoying Melbourne on a budget? Too easy. All it takes is a little planning. From mouth-watering food to unreal attractions, here are some wallet-friendly adventures that’ll keep the ‘fun’ in funds.

 

Do Some Rounds

Getting around Melbourne on the cheap is a breeze thanks to The City Circle tram. Not only is it free (free!). The tram takes you to major attractions in central Melbourne with plenty of people-watching throughout. You’ll be riding in style – vintage style, in an iconic heritage W-Class tram. There’s a guide too! Well, sort of. Audio commentary details special places as you pass them.

Stop by State Library Victoria, if not to read, then to admire the grand architecture. Take long waterside walks at Docklands. Feel the city’s buzzing heart at Federation Square. Witness some of the world’s most spectacular underwater displays at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium. You’ll tick off most Melbourne must-sees before you know it.

Lighten Up

Look out for comedy shows; left, right and centre across town. Why Melbourne? It’s home to the annual Melbourne International Comedy Festival – one of the biggest of its kind. Expect nests and gatherings of A-list talent. Aussies love a good laugh, so a truly fun Melbourne travel guide has to include comedy.

A great place to start is the calendar of events on City of Melbourne’s visitor website. If you’re lucky, you could nab free tickets to a comedian’s trial show. Oh so cheap, and cheerful.

Be Mesmerised

Did you know you can score discounted entry to SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium by booking tickets online? Save up to 15%.

Make your Melbourne visit memorable by exploring breathtaking exhibits at this awarded attraction. Step into surreal worlds, with 1000’s of sea species to discover. Suit up in snow gear to meet cute penguins marching by your feet. Wander through illuminating jellyfish tunnels and search for mysterious slither-ers at Rainforest Adventure.

Psst!… From SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, there’s a free shuttle bus to Chadstone Shopping Centre. Here, you can spark nostalgia with several hours of play at Melbourne’s LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. Better yet, visit both attractions with the Melbourne Big Ticket to receive almost 40% off. We told you Melbourne on a budget is fun.

 

Get Artsy

Melbourne’s laneways, such as Hosier Lane, are filled with intriguing murals and graffiti. You should definitely check them out, but did you know, Melbourne also has awesome public sculptures? Along the cruisy banks of the Yarra River, you’ll find artworks that tell the story of Australia’s indigenous inhabitants (The Travellers), depict the dance of nature (Blowhole) and honour cultural diversity (Constellation). What’s ‘the damage?’ None. It’s all free.

Cheap-eats Galore

For brekky, care for avo toast with a special Japanese twist? Head to Carlton's Ima Project Cafe. What about smells-sooooo-good sourdough dipped in shakshuka? Wild Life Bakery in Brunswick East is the bomb.

When lunch strikes downtown, don’t miss banging burgers from Butcher’s Diner or finger-licking Israeli street food at Miznon. Come dinnertime, hello vegan pizza heaven at Fitzroy’s Red Sparrow or slurp-up a comforting Thai noodle bowl at Soi 38.

Hundreds of flavours, all corners of Melbourne. It is, after all, Australia’s foodie capital.

With this Melbourne travel guide, your money forecast in Melbourne is looking good.

Photos by Matt Zhang & Linda Xu