Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Melbourne
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $58-150 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Melbourne
Accommodation
$25-60 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, shared facilities, basic amenities
Food & Dining
$20-45 per day
Food courts, Asian eateries, supermarket meals, occasional cafe visits, self-catering
Transportation
$8-20 per day
Public trams and buses, walking, occasional short rideshares
Activities
$5-25 per day
Free walking tours, parks, beaches, street art exploration, occasional museum entry
Currency: AUD Australian Dollar - prices shown converted to USD
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Melbourne
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Use Melbourne's extensive tram network instead of taxis - typically 80-90% cheaper for city travel
Eat in Chinatown, Little Italy, or local suburbs rather than CBD tourist areas for 40-60% food savings
Take advantage of free cultural activities like street art tours, Royal Botanic Gardens, and beach visits
Shop at Queen Victoria Market or local supermarkets for groceries instead of convenience stores - saves 30-50%
Book accommodation in inner suburbs like Fitzroy or St Kilda rather than CBD for 20-40% savings
Visit during autumn or winter months for 25-40% lower accommodation rates
Use happy hour specials at bars and restaurants, typically 20-50% off drinks and food
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Relying solely on taxis and rideshares instead of public transport - can triple daily transport costs
Eating only in tourist-heavy areas like this destination or Southbank - typically 100-150% markup over local areas
Booking last-minute accommodation during major events like Australian Open or Melbourne Cup - can increase costs by 200-400%
Not factoring in Australia's high alcohol prices when dining out - drinks can double meal costs