How to Visit Melbourne on a Budget

We’re not all made of money, so it makes sense to try and save as much as possible when visiting cities and resorts, so we can afford to do more whilst we’re there. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Budgeting might not be the most glitzy of activities, but in some cases, it’s very necessary.

Melbourne is a huge city, bursting with attractions, sights, and experiences, however it is also an expensive city, and if you want to experience everything it has to offer, without scrimping, then you’re going to need a small fortune. That being said, there are ways to cut costs, and travel around this huge metropolis whilst sticking to a budget.

Let’s see how …

Use your feet, or get down with public transport

Forget taxis, they’re expensive, instead stick to the regular public transport options available. When you land at the airport, grab a shuttle bus, and when you’re getting around the city, take a bus or tram. Melbourne is quite flat so it’s easy to walk, which is a fantastic way to wander towards new sights you hadn’t planned on seeing, or rent a bike and get some serious exercise all at the same time. Avoid taxis like the plague – unless there are several of you and you can split the cost, this is probably the most expensive way to get around.

Act like a true tourist

Guided tours are the best way to see lots of sights all at one time, so you don’t have to shell out for transport to each one separately, or entrance fees, if applicable. Look out for deals, and even try and haggle! It might not work, but it’s always worth a try. You can also buy attraction passes, which let you see a set number of attractions for the cost of one pass, which usually works out cheaper than paying separately. Many walking tours will take you to Federation Square and give you some history about it, Docklands, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, to name a few. It’s best to do your research beforehand, so you can avoid any scams or in case of purchasing passes that aren’t really offering the sights you particularly want to see – knowledge is power!

Love a freebie

There are often free shows and concerns in Federation Square, so hit Google to find out the times and dates of these, we all love a freebie! Taking a big gulp of fresh air on a walk around the city, as well as along the Yarra River will pass a few hours, and take you through wonderful sights too. There are also museums you can check out for free, and there is always the old faithful activity we all love – people watching; yes, you can lose a good few hours doing this!

Remember your hotel is a base

Finally, when you’re looking for your hotel or apartment, remember that you won’t be spending that much time in it, and it truly is a base. You don’t need the most luxurious four walls, so if you see a budget place to stay, don’t be afraid to book it. As long as it’s central, clean and secure, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be more than adequate. Don’t be afraid to look into hostels if you’re only staying for a short time; gone are the days of dormitory halls, and you’ll find comfortable accommodation, usually just with shared bathrooms or kitchens. Certainly worth looking into.

You know what they say, look after the pennies …

photo credit: alandot Creative commons