It’s no secret that Australia can be a bloody expensive country to visit, and as a backpacker coming from Asia, well, it can be a shock to the system. One minute you’re living like royalty in Thailand with $2 pad Thai, the next you’re calculating whether or not you can afford cheese in Woolies!
Want to know what to do in Melbourne for free? Or maybe I could tempt you with a sprinkling of what to do in Melbourne cheaply even? Hell, why not both!
I’ve spent 2 years living in the best city in the world, and even more time being a proper backpacking bum here, so I happen to know that there are still plenty of incredible, cheap activities in Melbourne. Fear not, it’s not all servo pies and goon bags (though, these can feature heavily if you’re so inclined!).
Yeah, nah — Melbourne on a budget still means getting out there, experiencing the many different facets that make this city such an incredible place to explore. In fact, I’d go as far as saying most of the best things to do here are the ones that are free or cost very little money.
But I get it, there’s more to it than just avoiding expensive tours and activities. So with that in mind, I’ve got you covered with not only things to do, but budget accommodation, transport and food tips.
If you’re in Melbourne and you’re on a budget, then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve spent a lot of time as a backpacker here, and I know exactly how to make the most out of your time in this incredible city on the cheap.
1. Take In the Iconic Flinders Street Station & Hang Out in Federation Square
For many people, walking under the famous clocks of Flinders Street Station and right into the heart of the city is their first experience of Melbourne. The station is over 100 years old and one of Melbourne’s most well-known and iconic buildings. Hey, I love it so much that I even got a tattoo of it on my arm!
You will most likely enter the city through this historic terminal, but don’t forget to look back and take in its splendour as you do. As a backpacker in Melbourne, you will probably be using a lot of public transport, and Flinders St is one of the main hubs alongside Southern Cross Station.
Built in 2002 and sitting across from Flinders Street Station, Federation Square is one of the first sights that will greet you as you come into Melbourne and encompasses many modern minimalist-style buildings.
This modern public space is home to many museums, galleries and cultural spaces, which are mostly free to visit. But even if gallery hopping isn’t your thing, Fed Square is a great place to hang out, especially on a sunny day and is one of the most fun free things to do in Melbourne.
2. Explore the Incredible Laneways and Street Art That Make This City So Cool!
Melbourne is a creative city where attitudes are open, and anything goes. Right in the heart of the city are many laneways that are designated legal graffiti and street art areas that shift and evolve literally day to day.
Laneways are a big deal in Melbourne and are a result of the unique layout of the city, creating a labyrinth of colour and expression. Visiting them is one of the most fun things to do in Melbourne CBD and an essential experience in the city, and deffo should be included on any itinerary for the city.
Hosier Lane is the most famous of these laneways and is an ever-changing heartland of the free street art movement in Melbourne. Visiting is one of my favourite things to do for free in Melbourne, and it’s somewhere I come back to often.
Other amazing laneways include AC/DC lane, named after the awesome Aussie rockers, then there’s Centre Place, a trendy spot to get coffee or visit a cafe and Union Lane right in the centre of the CBD.
No matter how many times you visit these laneways, you see something new each time. Exploring the laneways is definitely the coolest of the free things to do in Melbourne!
Looking for unique free stuff to do in Melbourne? Hop on the old trams.
Trams are a part of the fabric of what makes Melbourne, and we love them (coming from a fellow tram city in Manchester). They are a great way to get around the city and also an iconic piece of history.
Using a fleet of historical red and green W-class trams, it allows both Melburnians looking to get across the city and tourists wanting to take in Melbourne’s most famous sights a great free-to-use service.
There is also audio commentary on board, giving insights into the city as it trundles along. It’s a great thing to do when you first arrive in Melbourne, as it helps you get your bearings.
The South Bank of the Yarra River is an amazing place to take a scenic walk in Melbourne. Starting further out towards the newly redeveloped docklands area, you can follow the river right back into the heart of the city.
The riverside walk offers some of the best views of Melbourne’s skyline and some of its most interesting bridges. It’s one of the best free things to do in Melbourne City, and is especially wonderful on an autumnal day.
Wandering down here, you will also find a lively area full of riverside bars and restaurants. You’ll see people sitting along the river, street performers every few metres and a buzzing atmosphere, especially on a sunny day.
Established in 1854, the State Library of Victoria is the oldest public library in Australia and was one of the first free libraries in the New World. Over generations, it’s been one of the main meeting places for the people of Melbourne, whether studying, meeting for coffee or finding a warm place to escape the chilly Victorian weather.
The central La Trobe Reading Room that sits underneath the dome is also a must-see and one of the most stunning free places to visit in Melbourne. It dates back to 1913, and at the time, the enormous reinforced-concrete dome was the largest of its kind in the world.
It’s also great if you want access to computers or free internet, too. One of my top tips for visiting Australia is to utilise public buildings like libraries, as they always have wifi. For me, I use it as a refuge from the rain on a chilly day and from the chaos of the city for a few moments of peace. Also, FYI, it’s got decent public toilets in here!
Birrarung Marr Park is probably my favourite spot in the city for taking a stroll through the city. This urban park reminds me a bit of Central Park with its greenery surrounded by an incredible cityscape.
The park sits right next to the Yarra River and Federation Square, but somehow manages to create an area of both natural tranquillity and historical importance. This area is a celebration of Victoria’s indigenous populations, and walking through, you can spot several artworks telling the story of the Wurundjeri people.
If you do want to spend some money, you can take the boat down the river for a reasonable price. It’s one of the most wonderful, cheap things to do in Melbourne!
7. Pay Your Respects and Take In the View From the Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne is a special place to visit, and there is much more to it than you might first imagine. The shrine itself is a wonderful tribute to the ANZAC soldiers lost in various conflicts across the world and over generations.
We were lucky enough to be in Melbourne for ANZAC Day, attending the dawn services at a local cenotaph with the family we are living with before heading into the city to see the parade to the memorial.
However, the shrine itself is one of the best free things to do in Melbourne for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, it’s a beautiful area surrounded by gardens and nature. Climbing up to the roof of the classical-style shrine, which was built in 1934, offers amazing views of the city and is one of the best free vantage points in Melbourne.
Secondly is the museum that sits below the shrine. From the outside, the scale of the warren-like museum isn’t apparent, but once you are down here, you can discover the whole history of the ANZACs for free.
8. Walk! Explore the City on Foot and Take In the Unique Architecture
Melbourne is a big city, but it is also quite walkable. I love to walk, and one day I clocked almost 30 km walking around the city just exploring, getting lost, taking pictures and soaking it all in.
The city is also home to some wonderful architecture, both historic and modern, and it does a great job of blending these things. At times, it reminds me of the buildings in our hometown of Manchester. Just walking around this grand old city is one of the best free things to do in Melbourne for sure.
Some of the most noteworthy buildings to check out if you love your architecture as I do are: Parliament, Melbourne Town Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne City Baths, Manchester Unity Building, The buildings on Elizabeth and Bourke street, as well as the many small Victorian houses around Fitzroy, Abbotsford and Richmond, plus the impressive buildings on Collins Street.
Some of the more modern architecture to check out is the Eureka Tower, the Art Spire/ Arts Centre Melbourne,RMIT Design Hub,Collins Arch and Australia 108.
And if you want a bit of both, head into Melbourne Central Shopping Centre and check out the inside of the Melbourne Central Tower, where you’ll find the famous Coop’s Shot Tower, a 19th-century brick structure preserved under a massive glass dome.
Melbourne City Baths is just one of many beautiful buildings in the city. Image: The Roaming Renegades
9. Wander Through the Beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens
One of the most stunning parts of the city to explore is the Royal Botanic Gardens. Taking a stroll around here or even having a summer’s day picnic, you could be forgiven for forgetting you are in the heart of a busy city.
Dating back to 1846, it covers over 36 hectares (89 acres), which is a huge space for a central city location and one of the loveliest things to do for free in Melbourne.
The park contains over 8,500 different species of plants and is a real oasis. Even if you’re not particularly interested in flora as such, everyone can appreciate the beauty of nature in this wonderful place. Plus, it’s just nice to escape the city for a while if you’re looking for what to do in Melbourne cheaply.
10. Enjoy the Many Parks and Green Spaces of the City
Melbourne is a well-designed city with a grid format for the CBD and lots of surrounding green space, which really allows the city to breathe and seek out some tranquillity. If you’re looking for things to do in Melbourne that are free, then I’d recommend doing a bit of a park crawl.
One of our favourite parks in the city is Fitzroy Gardens, which is just behind the back of Parliament. Set aside as a reserve in 1848, it is one of the most historic parks in the city and is also home to Australia’s oldest building, Cook’s Cottage. Built in 1755 in Yorkshire, it was shipped over brick by brick and rebuilt here in 1934. You can visit the outside for free or venture in for a small fee, which is another cheap thing to do in Melbourne.
Another lovely park is Queen Victoria Gardens over the Princes Bridge near the Art Gallery, which includes a floral clock, ornamental ponds, and monuments to Queen Victoria and King Edward VII.
Yarra Park, in which the MCG sits in a fun place to visit on match day as the crowds practice their kicking before the game, and it is also home to a historic Aboriginal scar tree.
Other noteworthy parks are Carlton Gardens near the impressive Melbourne Museum, Flagstaff Gardens, Princes Park and the huge Royal Park. When we were backpacking in Melbourne, we loved to just hang out in the parks in summer.
Alright, I’m expanding things a little here, because 30 bucks is still a hella good deal for some more amazing things to do in Melbourne on the cheap. And, to be honest, most of these can be made much cheaper than that if you’re feeling particularly frugal.
11. Head Down to the Coast to See the Penguins of St Kilda and Luna Park
Just a short tram ride from the city centre of Melbourne, and you will find yourself in St Kilda. On a beautiful summer’s day, this is the perfect place to head if you want to chill out on the beach and cool off in the sea, all within view of the Melbourne skyline!
St Kilda is also a hub for those backpacking in Melbourne, so you’ll find plenty of budget accommodation and activities here. This lovely little beachside town has become rather trendy in recent years and is home to many wonderful cafes, bars, and, of course, its famous bakeries.
Another icon of St Kilda is Luna Park, which dates back to 1912. It has that strange but fascinating old fairground feel and is free to explore; you just pay for the rides if you fancy it! A guide to Melbourne would be incomplete without this legendary sight, and if you’re a backpacker in Melbourne, you will likely spend quite a bit of time around here!
Another amazing sight on St Kilda pier is the little penguins that call this place home. A great time to spot them hiding in the rocks is the late afternoon, but stick around until after sunset to see groups of them waddling in after a day out catching fish. That has to be one of the coolest free things to do in Melbourne and one of the cutest!
Taking the tram, of course, isn’t free, but it is budget-friendly, making visiting St Kilda one of the best cheap things to do in Melbourne.
To the north of the city are the famous Queen Victoria Markets, a great place to visit just to soak in the atmosphere of the night markets that run every Wednesday and Saturday through the summer months. If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Melbourne at night, then get yourself down here.
It is, however, open all year round and its historic sheds are a great place to sample the freshest produce on offer and try some unique cuisines alongside live music. It’s also a diverse and interesting place to shop for souvenirs, homeware and vintage products, which makes it a cool place to head when backpacking in Melbourne.
This Melbourne institution dates back to 1878 and is still a hub for trading in the city to this very day. The market offers food and produce at reasonable prices as well as a fun experience, making it one of the best cheap things to do in Melbourne.
Queen Victoria Markets are a great place to sample different cuisines
13. Get Over to the Brighton Bathing Boxes for a Day by the Seaside!
Another great place to escape the city on a hot and sunny day is Brighton Beach, and it’s one of the best cheap activities in Melbourne. A short train ride out of Flinders Street station drops you in this perfect beachside neighbourhood, complete with a thriving high street culture and multi-million dollar houses overlooking the coast!
Visiting the beach and bathing boxes is free, and the train fare is affordable. You could even take a packed lunch and enjoy it on the beach.
The main attraction here is the colourful old bathing boxes. These rickety and unassuming huts were once just a way for locals to keep their modesty whilst getting changed, but today they are a tourist attraction and worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
These bathing boxes have been a feature of this popular Melbourne beach for over 100 years and attract people because of their unique style and the nostalgia they provide of a bygone era of bathing. Iconic and free, perfect for backpacking in Melbourne if you ask me!
Situated on the famous Lygon Street in the suburb of Carlton, just north of the CBD, this independent cinema is a cult icon of Melbourne. If you’re looking for fun and unique things to do in Melbourne on a budget, then grab your popcorn.
Cinema Nova specialises in arthouse, independent and international films, so it’s perfect for folks looking for a different experience to what is offered at mainstream cinemas. It’s become an important hub for Melbourne’s film and arts community, and in that regard, it’s a great place to support.
Also, seeing as it’s located on Lygon Street, the historic home of Melbourne’s Italian population, it would be rude not to get pizza, pasta or gelato afterwards and take a stroll around this beautiful neighbourhood.
Grab some popcorn!
Other Cheap Things to Do in Melbourne on a Budget
Rounding this list of what to do in Melbourne cheaply, I’m gonna go ahead and put a few affordable splurges here, if you’re feeling a bit fancy! And by fancy, I mean swapping out that Vegemite on toast for a Pho in Fitzroy, so don’t panic!
15. Soak in the Hipster Culture of Melbourne by Exploring Fitzroy, Collingwood, and Richmond.
Melbourne is a deceptively huge city, but that is one of the things we really love about it. The CBD is actually pretty walkable, and there’s a lot to see. However, Melbourne is a city of districts and neighbourhoods, each with their own unique vibe and culture.
Exploring the different neighbourhoods and getting a bite to eat or buying some cool new clothes is one of my favourite cheap activities in Melbourne.
These areas that surround the CBD would have once been the heartland of the working class of the city, and though they have evolved hugely over the centuries, they are still a place for the people to hang out. In fact, when I’m in town, one of my favourite free things to do in Melbourne is just to wander around areas like Fitzroy, Collingwood, Carlton and Richmond, just for the vibes.
But, if your budget stretches, then I highly recommend grabbing a bite to eat and having a bit of a shopping day in these areas. It’s here you’ll get to experience the real mixing pot of cultures and cuisines that make up Melbourne. You might also come across some bargain vintage threads, too.
Fitzroy is the hipster hideout of Melbourne, it’s brimming with independent shops, vegan, veggie and multicultural restaurants, innovative street art and free-thinking individuals that celebrate diversity! It’s really a wonderful place to be in the city, and as a queer person, it’s somewhere I feel safe and welcome. It’s probably my favourite area of the city alongside Richmond (go Tiges!).
16. Discover Culture and History in the City’s Many Museums and Galleries
Melbourne is a historic and culturally rich city, so it’s no wonder that it is also home to many museums and galleries. Visiting these institutions is a great way to learn more about Victoria, as well as to discover some incredible artwork from locals and international artists alike.
The Koorie Heritage Trust’s Cultural Centre in Federation Square is a perfect place to learn about the Aboriginal heritage of Melbourne and the surrounding areas.
The Old Treasury building near Parliament is a great free museum in Melbourne, which chronicles the history and development of Melbourne and is also a beautiful building in its own right.
The ANZ Banking Museum is another stunning place to visit with interesting history on display. The Australian Centrefor the Moving Image also has many free and paid-for exhibitions and is located in Federation Square, so plenty of arty things to keep you busy when you’re backpacking in Melbourne.
Free galleries to visit also include The Ian Potter Museum of Art and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, which have many Aboriginal pieces in their permanent collection.
The National Gallery of Victoria is the oldest in Australia and hosts many high-profile exhibitions, including loans from MoMA. Its permanent collection boasts 73,000 works of art. The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art is also another wonderful gallery over on Southbank to visit.
Many museums are free or only charge a small entrance fee, making them great, cheap things to do in Melbourne.
Footy, or Australian Rules Football, is like religion in Melbourne! You will find most of the teams in the Australian Football League are actually based in various Melbourne suburbs, so if you’re interested in discovering this unique sport, then this is the place.
We actually fell in love with footy whilst living here and are now loyal supporters of the Richmond Tigers. But you’re free to barrack for whoever you like, well, as long as it’s not Collingwood!!
It’s one of the coolest non-touristy things to do in Melbourne. Sitting alongside locals with a Four’n Twenty pie in hand is a true-blue Aussie experience! Just don’t forget to put tomato sauce on top of the pie.
The MCG and the Marvel Stadium host games through the Autumn and Winter seasons. With so many teams based in the city, there are almost always tickets available for most games. You will find every weekend throughout the season, there are games in Melbourne (unless it’s a special one-off round).
Tickets in the upper reaches of the stadiums are pretty cheap, starting at around $27, which, compared to the Premier League in England, is super affordable for top league football. In fact, the AFL just froze ticket prices for another year, which is amazing.
Want to go even cheaper or for free and experience this part of Aussie culture?
Have a look out for some of the smaller local teams in the suburbs, or support the growing Women’s AFL. Footie is huge here, at the weekend you’ll find games at all levels all over the city, suburbs and nearby towns. Many of the smaller teams charge very little to go and watch the game, and you’ll be supporting a grassroots club, so it’s a win-win.
If you barrack for Collingwood… I will not be talking to you! Image: The Roaming Renegades
18. Take a Relaxing Yarra River Cruise
If you’re looking for cheap stuff to do in Melbourne that feels like it should be a premium activity, then head on down to the river and jump on a cruise. It’s a nice, relaxing way to take in the city from a different viewpoint.
You’ll gently cruise down the Yarra, taking in the skyline and many of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks. Depending on which direction you pick, you’ll head either towards the Docklands or the MCG. Many of the boats also include commentary so you can learn a bit more about the city as you go.
And ok, you can see all of this whilst walking, but these cruises are pretty affordable at about 40 bucks, and great on a stinking hot day where you can sit in the shade, with a breeze in your face instead.
19. Enjoy the Stunning Views From the Melbourne Skydeck
If you’re looking to do something on the cheap in Melbourne that still feels like a proper tourist experience, then grabbing tickets for the Melbourne Skydeck is the perfect solution. I know, it’s all well and good being a frugal traveller, and Melbourne deffo delivers more than other places on that front, but sometimes you just wanna feel like you’re doing a proper “thing”, right?!
Say goodbye to FOMO, because heading up one of the tallest buildings in the city is affordable at less than 40 bucks. For that, you get to take in the view from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing deck, not bad, right?
Apparently, you also travel up 88 floors in 38 seconds, so I dunno, if that’s on your bucket list or not, but I guess it’s kinda cool. Top marks for efficient lift journeys!
As promised, now that I’ve been through the list of cheap Melbourne activities, it’s time to get practical and offer some other insider tips on how to keep things affordable here.
From how to get around, what to eat and where to stay in Melbourne on a budget, I got you mate!
Cheap Transport in Melbourne
Public transport in Melbourne covers wide areas of the city, including many different neighbourhoods and suburbs and is mega affordable, which is great for backpackers and budget travellers.
The CBD itself is very walkable, and even some of the closer neighbourhoods can be reached easily on foot.
The train, tram and bus network is connected through the Myki card, which is a prepaid card that you use to tap on and tap off when using public transport.
The Myki card has daily spending limits on weekdays and weekends, meaning once you reach the maximum fare, you can keep travelling without paying more that day.
You can top up your card online, at machines, convenience stores, SkyBus kiosks at the airport or the booths in larger stations.
There is also a one-off $5 fee to purchase the Myki card before adding travel credit.
The tramnetwork in Melbourne, operated by Yarra Trams, is the largest in the world and one of the easiest ways to get around the city.
What’s more convenient is that much of the CBD (city centre) comes under the Free Tram Zone, meaning you’ll be able to ride the tram to most places without paying a thing. Places such as Federation Square, Flinders Street, Queen Victoria Market, Parliament and Docklands are all within the zone.
The tram is also the best way to visit many of the suburbs closest to the city, including places like Collingwood and St Kilda.
Once out of the Free Tram Zone, you’ll have to use your Myki card to tap on (but not off unless you’re travelling entirely within zone 2)
The metro trains go all the way out to the city limits on several lines to all sides of the city.
These lines are great for those wanting to explore wider areas of the city, including places like Brighton, or to base themselves in more affordable neighbourhoods.
As you get further out of the city, the lines do fan out a little and transferring between lines can be frustrating (buses fill in the gaps).
The lines are split into Zone 1 and Zone 2.
Melbourne’s main airport (sometimes called Tullamarine) sits about 23 km from the city centre.
Unfortunately, there’s no direct train to reach the airport.
One option is the SkyBus Melbourne Airport Express, which costs around $20-25 AUD one way and drops you at Southern Cross Station. It’s convenient, but it’s not the cheapest in all honesty.
For those wanting to keep things cheap, jump on the 901 bus from the airport to Broadmeadows, then take the Metro Train into the city. This will likely set you back around $5-6 AUD (plus $5 for your Myki card)
Eating out in Melbourne, especially in the CBD, can be expensive, which makes backpacking in Melbourne hard.
However, there are some great budget places to eat, especially in areas like Footscray and further out into the suburbs, as well as areas like Chinatown.
Our favourite place is OM Vegetarian, it’s a little Indian cafe right on Swanston St that does all you can eat Thali for a bargain price. Other spots to check out are the Emporium, Melbourne Central and QV food courts. Also, keep an eye out for deals around the student areas of the city, and don’t be afraid of venturing out of the CBD.
Hot Tip!
Another way to save money whilst in Australia is to stay somewhere with cooking facilities and buy food from places like Coles and Woolworths, which have large stores in the CBD. There are also Aldis in the suburbs, which are even cheaper.
Heading to the various growers’ markets, bakeries and cafes around the city at the end of the day is an ideal way to snag some free or mega-cheap food.
If you’re feeling like channelling your inner raccoon, then dumpster diving is a big subculture in Melbourne, and asking around within the communities will reap better rewards for your troubles.
OM Vegetarian has seen me through many a day in Melbourne. Image: The Roaming Renegades
Budget Accommodation in Melbourne
Accommodation in Melbourne can be expensive, so it’s key to shop around and to be flexible with where and what type of accommodation you choose, especially if you’re backpacking in Melbourne.
Staying in the CBD on a budget can certainly be a challenge, and you’ll likely either have to compromise on comfort or location. Having said that, it’s not entirely impossible, just don’t go expecting anything fancy.
Here I’ve put together a few different options for centrally located properties, but if these are still over your budget, I strongly recommend widening your search and looking at areas outside of the CBD that are covered by the metroline. But, wherever you stay in Melbourne, ya gonna love it!
I get it, Insurance can feel like an unnecessary expense when you’re already travelling on a budget. It can be tempting to either leave it to chance or to skimp out on some cheapo coverage.
But trust me, after 10 years on the road, I’ve had enough close calls and witnessed enough people falling foul of cutting corners on insurance to learn it’s just not worth it.
SafetyWing is the ideal provider for those wanting the flexibility to pay monthly, pause or cancel at any time. It avoids massive up-front costs and instead spreads out the fees across the whole length of your trip. There is also no excess to pay if you do claim, and I’ve personally found them to be quick and responsive when you do (hello, claiming twice in one month in Bali!)
Travel insurance is one of those annoying things that no one likes to think about, let alone pay for, when you’re planning your next trip. It can also be bloody annoying as a backpacker/long-term traveller to find affordable coverage that meets the itinerary-less lifestyle (*cough* World Nomads *cough*).
So instead of getting subpar travel insurance, now we just always go with SafetyWing. It takes like 5-10 minutes to purchase your policy and essentially functions as a monthly subscription plan with near-global coverage!
Honestly, it’s fuckin’ mint! There are probably not many other “expensive” cities in the world where you can vibe so much whilst on a budget. From chilling on beaches with the city skyline as a backdrop to eating your weight’s worth of dim sims for less than 20 bucks before getting lost down the laneways. There’s a magic here that’s hard to pin down, but you’ve got to feel it to know it.
Ok, so Sydney has more beaches, but you know what, it’s full of suits and we’ve got the Mornington Peninsula, so it can fuck right off! Team Melbourne for life, yo!
Anyway, I digress. But nah, yeah, Melbourne truly has my heart and will forever be my second home. Living here really did mark one of the best eras of my life. Some of the best times I had were just sitting with mates watching the footy with a cold one or having a picnic in a park on the first day of summer.
Until the next time, Melbs. Oh, and grab a coffee at Industry Beans whilst you’re there, will ya.
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Melbourne CBD is pretty walkable. But you’ll also find the “Free Tram Zone” covers most of the central areas of the city.
If you want to venture further out, then you can do so on the vast Metro Train, Bus and Tram lines by grabbing a Myki card. There is a daily spending cap, so it’s a very affordable way to travel around the city.
The best free things to do in Melbourne are; Taking in Flinders St Station, wandering around the different laneways (including Hozier Lane), riding the Circle Line Tram,
Some of my favourite things to do in Melbourne on a budget are; taking the tram down to St Kilda and jumping on a few rides at Luna Park, grabbing some food at Queen Victoria Markets, taking the train down to Brighton and spending the day on the beach and catching a movie at Cinema Nova.
If I have a bit more time, then I also love to wander around Fitzroy and grab a coffee, hit up a few museums, as well as catching a game of footy or taking a Yarra River cruise.
Winter is the cheapest time to visit Melbourne, which falls between June and August. During this time visitor numbers are lower so prices for accommodation and transport tend to be at their lowest.
Whereas summer (December to February) is the peak season, where prices will be higher due to more demand.
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Yo, I’m Nic (they/them), one-half of The Roaming Renegades.
I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia! I am also a proud member of the LGBT+ community.
I’ve explored 80 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work? I dunno, but my back hurts, and I still collect Pokémon cards! Who wants in?!
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Great guide! 🌏 Melbourne has so many amazing free spots to explore. The street art in Hosier Lane and the free tram zone are definitely must-dos! 🚋🎨