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From culture and coffee to everything trendy and tasty, this Melbourne backpacking guide is your budget-friendly ticket to exploring Australia’s most artistic city.

If backpacking Australia is on your bucket list, Melbourne hits the spot.

How? You might wonder. Not the Australian city notorious for its overpriced lattes and unreliable weather, both of which are no-no’s for the budget-conscious, outdoor-loving backpacker.

But here’s a little not-so-secret. Despite being Australia’s second most expensive city, Melbourne is a gold mine of cut-price offerings if you know where to look. 

We’re not only talking about museums galore that the city has gotten so good at, partly due to its unpredictable weather. We mean gorgeous gardens, stunning street art, and breathtaking beaches—all free to explore. 

Then, there are the buzzing bars with cheap drinks (yes, they exist!) and wallet-friendly eateries with surprisingly good food. Even cheap shopping.

And if you need some cash to fund your stay in Melbourne, no worries. You can apply for a working holiday visa and earn while travelling.

Add to this the variety of accommodations (including cheap ones), and you’ve got a city with all the ingredients of a backpackers hub.

So, when are you backpacking Melbourne?

Melbourne Backpacking Guide

Our complete guide to backpacking Melbourne covers visas, transport, things to do, accommodation, food recommendations, and more!

Plan your trip with our ultimate Australia trip cost guide.

Visas Needed to Travel to Melbourne, Australia

Before you live your dream of backpacking Australia, you must get a visa before travelling.

The only exception is if you’re a citizen of New Zealand. In such a case, you can get a visa upon arrival.

Visa requirements vary based on your citizenship, length of stay, and whether or not you plan to work. Please check Australia’s Home Affairs website for more info.

Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads.

Working Holiday Visa

Not only does this visa allow you to visit Melbourne, but it also lets you travel across Australia while working legally and earning money.

The working holiday visa is open to backpackers aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some.) You must be a passport holder of one of the eligible countries, such as France, South Korea, Canada, and many more. 

With this visa, you can stay in Australia for 12 months. You can extend the visa twice and get an additional 12 months per extension.

Visitor Visa

A visitor visa is for those seeking to enter Australia for tourism, business, or seeing family and friends. It’s open to all countries.

The length of stay varies, ranging from three months to 12 months max.

You can’t work with this visa. However, you may participate in short-term volunteer work or study for up to three months.

eVisitor Visa

This visa allows you to visit Australia multiple times for tourism or business. It’s free, valid for 12 months, and non-extendable. You can stay in Australia for up to three months for each entry.

You must be a passport holder of one of the 50 eligible countries to qualify to apply for an eVisa. The process takes 24 to 48 hours but could be longer.

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) 

An ETA is an electronic travel permit that lets citizens of certain countries enter Australia without a traditional visa.

Like the eVisitor visa, the ETA is multiple-entry and valid for 12 months, with stays up to three months per visit.

One of the main differences between the two is the cost. The eVisitor visa is free of charge, while the ETA has a service fee of $20 AUD. 

Another is the set of eligible countries. The ETA covers North America, Asia, and some parts of Europe. The eVisitor visa focuses mainly on European countries.

Read next: The Best Time to Visit Melbourne, Australia

Public Transport in Melbourne, Victoria

Getting around Melbourne city center and the suburbs is a breeze because of its efficient and well-connected public transport system.

You get a slew of options, from trams and trains to buses and bikes. There are even boats for travelling across the Yarra River or to Port Phillip Bay.

Cash is not accepted. You need a Myki card to pay for most public transport.

Grab one at train stations, 7-Elevens, the airport, vending machines, or online, and you’re all set to explore central Melbourne.

Airport transport

Most international flights head into Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne, though you can often also score a cheap flight into Avalon Airport.

Melbourne offers a range of convenient airport transport options for travelers.

The SkyBus runs from Tullamarine Airport and the city, with a SkyBus Avalon City Express for Avalon Airport.

Public buses are also available, as are most rideshare apps.

Trams

Among the major cities in Australia, Melbourne has the most extensive tram network. During the day, trams run roughly every 10 minutes and 15 minutes in the evening. 

Stops, where you board and get off, are well signposted. They also display route numbers, maps, and timetables.

Free tram zone

Did you know you can cruise the Melbourne CBD on a Free City Circle Tram without spending a cent? 

Melbourne has a free tram zone. This circuit passes attractions like the Harbour Esplanade, the Docklands, and the Flinders Street Station.

Look for the retro-looking city circle trams. They offer free rides around the city center from 10 am to 9 pm on Thursday to Saturday and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday to Wednesday. 

The trip takes about an hour and comes with an audio commentary about the sights along the routes.

Please note that if you begin or end a journey outside the free zone, you will need your Myki card.

Trains

Trains are the swiftest and most practical way to travel long distances across and outside Melbourne. Most routes run from 5 am to midnight, Monday to Thursday. They run all night on weekends.

Flinders Street Railway Station is the hub for travel within the city and nearby suburbs.

The Southern Cross Station services trains arriving and leaving from interstate destinations and other major cities like Adelaide in South Australia and Sydney in New South Wales.

Buses

Buses cover areas trams and trains don’t go. Most operate from 6 am to 9 pm on weekdays. On weekends, trips usually start at 8 am. 

Out late on a Saturday? Don’t fuss. Night bus services are available after midnight on weekends. Just wait at a designated stop and hail the bus as it approaches to signal the driver you want to board.

Weekend night network 

If you find yourself out after midnight on a weekend, you can catch one of the city’s all-night public transport. It includes metropolitan trains, trams, and late-night buses. 

If you’re travelling outside Melbourne, there is a 2 am coach service to some regional areas.

Ferry

Though not the most popular mode of transport, ferries are excellent for sightseeing along the Yarra or travelling to nearby islands.

If you want to escape the bustle of the city, you can take a ferry from mainland Australia to the quieter Phillip Island and even to Tasmania.

Taxis/Ride-Sharing Services

These are perhaps your best option if you’re short on time or travelling late on a weekday.

Taxis charge an overnight rate between 10 pm and 5 am. Silver Top and 13 Cabs are two of the top taxi companies in Melbourne.

Ride-sharing services are a bit cheaper. Melbourne has several, with Uber, DiDi, and Shebah being the most popular.

Car Hire/Rentals

We recommend car rentals for long-distance travels, such as a day trip to the Great Ocean Road or the Great Otway National Park.

If you’re backpacking Melbourne, having a car is more of an inconvenience, as parking is expensive and hard to find.

Bike rentals, however, are another story. Melbourne is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Australia, boasting a great cycle lane and several bike-hire outlets.

You can take bikes on trains, though only folding ones are allowed on buses and trams.

E-scooters are an alternative to bikes for exploring the city centre and nearby neighborhoods.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

What To Do – Backpacking in Melbourne on a Budget

Backpacking through Melbourne without draining your wallet is definitely doable and wholly worth it.

There are the electrifying urban vibes, street art that dazzles, and the natural beauty of green spaces that will energize you. And they’re all free to explore!

Find more activities with our guide to the best free things to do in Melbourne!

Marvel at Melbourne’s murals

First stop is Hosier Lane, the city’s most artistic laneway, with its swirling array of colours. The street art and graffiti are free to see, which lures dozens of art lovers and curious tourists.

To top it, the walls are also free to paint. (We recommend you check the requirements at the City of Melbourne website before bringing your paintbrush.)

What’s unique about the Hosier is the artwork is ever-evolving as graffiti artists create new pieces and paint over old ones.

The lane is a short walk, but if you want to take a break or grab some drinks, you will find cafes, bars, and restaurants lining the street.

Other spots to see street art in Melbourne are AC/DC Lane, famous for its rock ‘n roll tributes; Meyers Place, sprinkled with hidden sculptures; and Yarra Place, with its elegant and commissioned murals.

If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, there are free guided walks along Melbourne’s laneways to see the street art.

Go museum hopping

Melbourne is not Australia’s cultural capital for nothing. A testament to this is the city’s wealth of museums. 

Pick your style. Melbourne has you covered. And you don’t have to shell out a dime to enjoy some of the most impressive collections in the Southern Hemisphere.

National Gallery of Victoria

Opened in 1968, the National Gallery of Victoria has two galleries offering free entry to its main collections. The galleries have over 70,000 artworks from Asia, Europe, Oceania, and the Americas. 

Occasionally, the museum hosts talks, tours, films, and late-night openings. Though NGV is generally free, some special exhibits and events require a ticket.

Australian Centre for the Moving Image

A mecca for movie lovers, ACMI is a whole universe of films, digital art, television, and everything to do with screen culture.

In this interactive Melbourne museum, you’ll hear the origin stories, explore the technologies, and learn about the artists who contributed to the development of motion pictures around the globe. 

While entry to ACMI is free, some exhibitions and special film screenings may require a ticket.

City Gallery

A hidden gem tucked in the City Hall, the City Gallery is a treasure chest of 8000 artworks and artefacts about city life.

If you want a glimpse of Melbourne’s past and present, the gallery is a great place to start your discovery.

Those are just three of the top museums in Melbourne. There’s more to see, including the Australian Music Vault, Science Gallery Melbourne, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, and the Victoria Police Museum.

Read next: The 8 BEST Day Trips from Melbourne

Unwind at the local gardens

For a city studded with skyscrapers (over 77, in fact), Melbourne has a lot of green spaces. It’s the polar opposite of a concrete jungle, with parks and gardens scattered throughout.

Royal Botanic Gardens

A serene oasis in the middle of bustling Melbourne, the Royal Botanic Gardens covers 38-hectares of woodlands, lakes, and about 50,000 plants from 8,500 species displayed in 30 collections.

Join the 1.5-hour free guided walking tour to learn about the garden’s diverse flora.

The Royal Botanic Gardens is free, except for special events and areas like the National Orchid Garden.

Fitzroy Gardens

The Fitzroy Gardens are not only famous for their flora, but also for their history and architecture.

Throughout the park are historical structures, including Cooks’ Cottage, the Band Pavilion, and the Spanish mission-style Conservatory.

Other top attractions in Fitzroy are the Scarred Tree, and a miniature model of a Tudor village. It’s a highlight for any backpacker when you explore Melbourne!

Abbotsford Convent and Heritage Gardens

Abbotsford is mainly known for its 19th-century buildings, but the gardens are easily a show-stealer. It’s the perfect shady spot for picnics, strolls, and relaxation. 

Formerly an orphanage and an age-care facility, the convent now houses art studios, cafes, galleries, a school, and a radio station. It also hosts several events, including workshops, markets, music festivals, and exhibitions.

Other gardens to check out are the Chelsea Australian Garden and the Carlton Gardens, home to the UNESCO-listed Royal Exhibition Building.

Bask in the Beach

From the sweeping stretches of Ninety Mile Beach to the massive riffs of Bells Beach, Melbourne is a pro when it comes to sand, surf, and sun. 

If you want a beach closer to the city centre, St Kilda (6 km from the CBD) is a lovely place to swim and sun bake.

Stroll along the St Kilda pier at sunset, and you might see a colony of the popular Australian penguins. For an adrenaline rush, try the hair-raising rides at Luna Park, the oldest amusement park in Australia.

And if you’re wondering where to find those rainbow beach huts you saw on a poster at the airport, they’re on Brighton Beach, just nine minutes from St Kilda.

Read our list of the best beaches in Victoria for more sandy spots!

Drop by Queen Victoria Market

With over 600 stalls selling anything from fresh fruits and locally-produced dairy to clothes and hand-crafted souvenirs, Queen Victoria Market is an experience, not just a destination.

For many foodies, gastronomic adventures are the chief reason for visiting markets. If you feel the same, consider joining a market food tour.

Other markets to visit are South Melbourne Market, Prahran Market, and Grazeland.

People watch at the Federation Square

Across the Flinders Street Station, Federation Square is the pulsating heart of Melbourne. Almost all free walking tours and city excursions start here, thanks to the square’s proximity to many attractions.

With its live music, exhibits, outdoor screenings, and pedestrians rushing about, the square isn’t for those seeking quiet. Still, it’s a charming hangout for a sundowner or a nightcap as you watch people go by.

Top 5 things to splurge on in Melbourne Australia

Just because you’re on a backpacker budget doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to something nice. When in Melbourne, some things are just worth splurging on.

Cheer for Your Team at The G

Melbournians love their cricket, and one of the best venues to see a thrilling match is the Melbourne Cricket Ground, also fondly referred to by the locals as The G.

Not a cricket fan? Perhaps you can score a ticket for one of the games in the Australian Rules Football League instead. 

But game or no game, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a fascinating place to explore on a guided tour. It’s, after all, Australia’s favourite stadium and comes with a sporting museum to boot.

Skydeck at the Eureka Tower

On the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower is the Melbourne Skydeck, Australia’s tallest viewing deck.

Suspended from the Skydeck is the Edge, a glass cube 300 metres above the streets of Melbourne. With the Edge Experience, you can step inside and take in incredible views of Melbourne and beyond.

Looking for something more thrilling? Try the Melbourne Skydeck Voyager. This state-of-the-art VR technology features 6-D pod chairs that will take you soaring over iconic destinations in Victoria.

Then cap your adventure with an altitude dining experience, which includes a delicious 3-course meal.

Hot Air Balloon Over Melbourne

Seeing Melbourne bathed in the golden hues of sunrise is surreal. But imagine doing it hundreds of feet above the ground on a hot air balloon.

If you want something unique to brag about when you get home, an hour-long balloon flight over Melbourne is it. After all, no other major city in the world allows commercial hot air balloons to fly over their CBD.

As if drifting over the city isn’t exciting enough, not knowing where you’ll travel and land makes the journey even more thrilling. Balloon flights in Melbourne depend on the day’s wind conditions, so your route is always a surprise.

Alternative: Afraid of heights or hate dragging yourself out of bed at dawn? You can view Melbourne from the water on a Yarra River cruise. 

If you’re feeling fancy (or romantic), join a 4-course cruise with drinks. For something more adventurous, the sunset kayak tour might suit you better.

See a Show at the Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre has endured a lot since it opened in 1929 as a picture palace. Think flood, fire, threats of being turned into a carpark, and two decades of closure.  

Fast forward to today, the theatre hasn’t only earned a spot in the National Trust of Australia. It has also maintained its reputation as the premier venue for blockbuster stage productions, from musicals to operas and ballet.

Want to catch a show? Find out what’s playing at the Regent.

Alternative: More into indie performing arts? You might find your perfect fit at the La Mama Theatre, Fortyfivedownstairs, or Red Stitch Actors Theatre. If you prefer Hollywood classics in a single-screen cinema, check out The Astor.

Day Trip to the Yarra Valley

Yarra Valley, Victoria’s most popular wine region, is just half an hour from Melbourne. The best way to explore this stunning countryside is, of course, on a wine tour. 

But there’s more to the valley than its world-class wineries and vast vineyards. Go on a steam train ride and search for wildlife if you’re looking for a bit of adventure. 

If it’s gorgeous scenery you’re after, try horseback riding across the rolling countryside.

Be sure not to skip the free tastings at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.

Alternative: Want to see Victoria’s scenic coast instead? Plan a day trip on the Great Ocean Road. You’ll find some of the country’s most iconic natural wonders along the way, including the 12 Apostles National Park.

The Best Backpacker Accommodation in Melbourne

Yes, you can backpack and visit Melbourne without blowing your whole travel budget on a bed. The city has plenty of budget-friendly stays where you can save money, cook your own food, and sleep in style.

Private hostel room? Lively dorm? We’ve lined up our top picks.

Nomads St Kilda

If you’re looking for a place that’s not smack in the middle of Melbourne’s bustle but is only a quick tram ride from the CBD, Nomads might be the right match.

But don’t expect it to be far away from the action. After all, it’s only a five-minute walk to the beach and buzzing Acland St.

At the hostel, you can pick a shared room or private unit. There’s also a pool, a free city walking tour, and a bar that hosts nightly events. So, silent disco, anyone?

Space Hotel

Luxury meets budget–that is Space Hotel‘s promise. Nestled in the heart of Melbourne, this hostel offers spacious, modern, and comfy private and shared rooms.

Facilities include a gym, lounge, games space, and a cinema.

Bounce Melbourne

The award-winning Bounce Hostel is right across from Flinders Street Station, just a short hike to Melbourne’s epic laneways. It means you’re at the core of Melbourne’s nightlife, food scene, and culture.

Room options include dorms, private, and family. You’ll have access to a bar, restaurant, lounge, and laundry facilities. There’s also internet, luggage storage, and a city tour, all for free.

Cheap Places To Eat in Melbourne

Melbourne is a foodie playground, even on a backpacker budget. While you can save money if you whip up your own meals, it wouldn’t hurt your wallet to eat out occasionally.

Here’s where you can score some cheap eats (no, not fast food) without sacrificing flavor.

Queen Victoria Market

Grab fresh deli snacks, hot jam donuts, and fresh fruits. If you visit Melbourne between April and May, you might experience the Hawker 88 Night Market and its array of street food.

Food trucks

You’ll find these rolling flavor bombs all over the city, especially around places like the Welcome to Thornbury food truck park in Northcote.

Plus, you can buy from mobile caterers like El Chivi Food Truck, known for their mouthwatering Uruguayan steak sandwiches.

CBD

Yes, the CBD. You’ll be surprised how many affordable options there are in the alleys of the city centre.

Chinatown is always a hit among budget-conscious backpackers and students. Swanston Street and Elizabeth Street also have a lot of budget-friendly Asian restaurants. Banh mi, ramen, Korean BBQ bowls–you name it.

For vegetarian or vegan options, Crossways, on Swanston St, offer tasty and affordable plant-based meal combos.

Good to Know: Look for lunch specials. Many restaurants around the city offer discounted midday meals.

There you have it, the ultimate guide to backpacking in Melbourne. Hope this helps you plan your trip. And if we missed anything, let us know in the comments.

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