From culture and coffee to everything trendy and tasty, this Melbourne backpacking guide is your budget-friendly ticket to exploring Australia\u2019s most artistic city.<\/strong><\/p>\n If backpacking Australia is on your bucket list<\/a>, Melbourne hits the spot.<\/p>\n How? You might wonder. Not the Australian city notorious for its overpriced lattes and unreliable weather, both of which are no-no\u2019s for the budget-conscious, outdoor-loving backpacker.<\/p>\n But here\u2019s a little not-so-secret. Despite being Australia\u2019s second most expensive city, Melbourne<\/a> is a gold mine of cut-price offerings if you know where to look.\u00a0<\/p>\n We\u2019re 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\u2014all free to explore.\u00a0<\/p>\n Then, there are the buzzing bars with cheap drinks (yes, they exist!) and wallet-friendly eateries with surprisingly good food. Even cheap shopping.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Add to this the variety of accommodations (including cheap ones), and you\u2019ve got a city with all the ingredients of a backpackers hub.<\/p>\n So, when are you backpacking Melbourne?<\/p>\n Our complete guide to backpacking Melbourne covers visas, transport, things to do, accommodation, food recommendations, and more!<\/p>\n Plan your trip with our ultimate Australia trip cost guide<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n Before you live your dream of backpacking Australia, you must get a visa before travelling.<\/p>\n The only exception is if you\u2019re a citizen of New Zealand. In such a case, you can get a visa upon arrival.<\/p>\n Visa requirements vary based on your citizenship, length of stay, and whether or not you plan to work. Please check Australia\u2019s Home Affairs website<\/u><\/a> for more info.<\/p>\n Important Note! <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads<\/a>.<\/p>\n Not only does this visa allow you to visit Melbourne, but it also lets you travel across Australia while working legally and earning money.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A visitor visa is for those seeking to enter Australia for tourism, business, or seeing family and friends. It\u2019s open to all countries.<\/p>\n The length of stay varies, ranging from three months to 12 months max.<\/p>\n You can\u2019t work with this visa. However, you may participate in short-term volunteer work or study for up to three months.<\/p>\n This visa allows you to visit Australia multiple times for tourism or business. It\u2019s free, valid for 12 months, and non-extendable. You can stay in Australia for up to three months for each entry.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n An ETA is an electronic travel permit that lets citizens of certain countries enter Australia without a traditional visa.<\/p>\n Like the eVisitor visa, the ETA is multiple-entry and valid for 12 months, with stays up to three months per visit.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Read next: The Best Time to Visit Melbourne, Australia<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Getting around Melbourne city center and the suburbs is a breeze because of its efficient and well-connected public transport system.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Cash is not accepted. You need a Myki<\/u><\/a> card to pay for most public transport.<\/p>\n Grab one at train stations, 7-Elevens, the airport, vending machines, or online, and you\u2019re all set to explore central Melbourne.<\/p>\n Most international flights head into Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne, though you can often also score a cheap flight into Avalon Airport.<\/p>\n Melbourne offers a range of convenient airport transport options for travelers.<\/p>\n The SkyBus runs from Tullamarine Airport and the city, with a SkyBus Avalon City Express for Avalon Airport.<\/p>\n Public buses are also available, as are most rideshare apps.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Stops, where you board and get off, are well signposted. They also display route numbers, maps, and timetables.<\/p>\n Did you know you can cruise the Melbourne CBD on a Free City Circle Tram without spending a cent?\u00a0<\/p>\n Melbourne has a free tram zone. This circuit passes attractions like the Harbour Esplanade, the Docklands, and the Flinders Street Station.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n The trip takes about an hour and comes with an audio commentary about the sights along the routes.<\/p>\n Please note that if you begin or end a journey outside the free zone, you will need your Myki card.<\/p>\n Trains are the swiftest and most practical way to travel long distances across and outside Melbourne.\u00a0Most routes run from 5 am to midnight, Monday to Thursday. They run all night on weekends.<\/p>\n Flinders Street Railway Station is the hub for travel within the city and nearby suburbs.<\/p>\n The Southern Cross Station services trains arriving and leaving from interstate destinations and other major cities like Adelaide<\/a> in South Australia and Sydney<\/a> in New South Wales.<\/p>\n Buses cover areas trams and trains don\u2019t go. Most operate from 6 am to 9 pm on weekdays. On weekends, trips usually start at 8 am.\u00a0<\/p>\n Out late on a Saturday? Don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n If you find yourself out after midnight on a weekend, you can catch one of the city\u2019s all-night public transport. It includes metropolitan trains, trams, and late-night buses.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re travelling outside Melbourne, there is a 2 am coach service to some regional areas.<\/p>\n Though not the most popular mode of transport, ferries are excellent for sightseeing along the Yarra or travelling to nearby islands.<\/p>\n If you want to escape the bustle of the city, you can take a ferry from mainland Australia to the quieter Phillip Island<\/a> and even to Tasmania<\/a>.<\/p>\n These are perhaps your best option if you\u2019re short on time or travelling late on a weekday.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Ride-sharing services are a bit cheaper. Melbourne has several, with Uber, DiDi, and Shebah being the most popular.<\/p>\n We recommend car rentals for long-distance travels, such as a day trip to the Great Ocean Road<\/a> or the Great Otway National Park.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re backpacking Melbourne, having a car is more of an inconvenience, as parking is expensive and hard to find.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n You can take bikes on trains, though only folding ones are allowed on buses and trams.<\/p>\n E-scooters are an alternative to bikes for exploring the city centre and nearby neighborhoods.<\/p>\n The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars<\/a>, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.<\/strong><\/p>\n Backpacking through Melbourne without draining your wallet is definitely doable and wholly worth it.<\/p>\n There are the electrifying urban vibes, street art that dazzles, and the natural beauty of green spaces that will energize you. And they\u2019re all free to explore!<\/p>\n Find more activities with our guide to the best free things to do in Melbourne<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\n First stop is Hosier Lane, the city\u2019s most artistic laneway, with its swirling array of colours.\u00a0The street art and graffiti are free to see, which lures dozens of art lovers and curious tourists.<\/p>\n To top it, the walls are also free to paint. (We recommend you check the requirements at the City of Melbourne website<\/u><\/a> before bringing your paintbrush.)<\/p>\n What\u2019s unique about the Hosier is the artwork is ever-evolving as graffiti artists create new pieces and paint over old ones.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Other spots to see street art in Melbourne are AC\/DC Lane, famous for its rock \u2018n roll tributes; Meyers Place, sprinkled with hidden sculptures; and Yarra Place, with its elegant and commissioned murals.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a more immersive experience, there are free guided walks along Melbourne\u2019s laneways to see the street art.<\/p>\n Melbourne is not Australia\u2019s cultural capital for nothing. A testament to this is the city\u2019s wealth of museums.\u00a0<\/p>\n Pick your style. Melbourne has you covered. And you don\u2019t have to shell out a dime to enjoy some of the most impressive collections in the Southern Hemisphere.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Occasionally, the museum hosts talks, tours, films, and late-night openings. Though NGV is generally free, some special exhibits and events require a ticket.<\/p>\n A mecca for movie lovers, ACMI<\/a> is a whole universe of films, digital art, television, and everything to do with screen culture.<\/p>\n In this interactive Melbourne museum, you\u2019ll hear the origin stories, explore the technologies, and learn about the artists who contributed to the development of motion pictures around the globe.\u00a0<\/p>\n While entry to ACMI is free, some exhibitions and special film screenings may require a ticket.<\/p>\n A hidden gem tucked in the City Hall, the City Gallery is a treasure chest of 8000 artworks and artefacts about city life.<\/p>\n If you want a glimpse of Melbourne\u2019s past and present, the gallery is a great place to start your discovery.<\/p>\n Those are just three of the top museums in Melbourne. There\u2019s more to see, including the Australian Music Vault, Science Gallery Melbourne, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, and the Victoria Police Museum.<\/em><\/p>\n Read next: The 8 BEST Day Trips from Melbourne<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n For a city studded with skyscrapers (over 77, in fact), Melbourne has a lot of green spaces. It\u2019s the polar opposite of a concrete jungle, with parks and gardens scattered throughout.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Join the 1.5-hour free guided walking tour to learn about the garden\u2019s diverse flora.<\/p>\n The Royal Botanic Gardens is free, except for special events and areas like the National Orchid Garden.<\/p>\n The Fitzroy Gardens<\/a> are not only famous for their flora, but also for their history and architecture.<\/p>\n Throughout the park are historical structures, including Cooks\u2019 Cottage, the Band Pavilion, and the Spanish mission-style Conservatory.<\/p>\n Other top attractions in Fitzroy are the Scarred Tree, and a miniature model of a Tudor village. It\u2019s a highlight for any backpacker when you explore Melbourne!<\/p>\n Abbotsford is mainly known for its 19th-century buildings, but the gardens are easily a show-stealer. It\u2019s the perfect shady spot for picnics, strolls, and relaxation.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Other gardens to check out are the Chelsea Australian Garden and the Carlton Gardens, home to the UNESCO-listed Royal Exhibition Building.<\/em><\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n And if you\u2019re wondering where to find those rainbow beach huts you saw on a poster at the airport, they\u2019re on Brighton Beach, just nine minutes from St Kilda.<\/p>\n Read our list of the best beaches in Victoria<\/a> for more sandy spots!<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n For many foodies, gastronomic adventures are the chief reason for visiting markets. If you feel the same, consider joining a market food tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n Other markets to visit are South Melbourne Market, Prahran Market, and Grazeland.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s proximity to many attractions.<\/p>\n With its live music, exhibits, outdoor screenings, and pedestrians rushing about, the square isn\u2019t for those seeking quiet. Still, it\u2019s a charming hangout for a sundowner or a nightcap as you watch people go by.<\/p>\n Just because you\u2019re on a backpacker budget doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t treat yourself to something nice. When in Melbourne, some things are just worth splurging on.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Not a cricket fan? Perhaps you can score a ticket for one of the games in the Australian Rules Football League instead.\u00a0<\/p>\n But game or no game, the Melbourne Cricket Ground is a fascinating place to explore on a guided tour<\/a>. It\u2019s, after all, Australia\u2019s favourite stadium and comes with a sporting museum to boot.<\/p>\n On the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower is the Melbourne Skydeck, Australia\u2019s tallest viewing deck.<\/p>\n Suspended from the Skydeck is the Edge, a glass cube 300 metres above the streets of Melbourne. With the Edge Experience<\/a>, you can step inside and take in incredible views of Melbourne and beyond.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Then cap your adventure with an altitude dining experience<\/u><\/a>, which includes a delicious 3-course meal.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n If you want something unique to brag about when you get home, an hour-long balloon flight over Melbourne<\/a> is it. After all, no other major city in the world allows commercial hot air balloons to fly over their CBD.<\/p>\n As if drifting over the city isn\u2019t exciting enough, not knowing where you\u2019ll travel and land makes the journey even more thrilling. Balloon flights in Melbourne depend on the day\u2019s wind conditions, so your route is always a surprise.<\/p>\n Alternative:<\/em><\/strong> Afraid of heights or hate dragging yourself out of bed at dawn? You can view Melbourne from the water on a Yarra River cruise.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you\u2019re feeling fancy (or romantic), join a 4-course cruise with drinks<\/a>. For something more adventurous, the sunset kayak tour<\/a> might suit you better.<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Fast forward to today, the theatre hasn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n Want to catch a show? Find out what\u2019s playing at the Regent<\/a>.<\/p>\n Alternative:<\/em> <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n Yarra Valley, Victoria\u2019s 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<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n But there\u2019s more to the valley than its world-class wineries and vast vineyards. Go on a steam train ride and search for wildlife<\/a> if you\u2019re looking for a bit of adventure.\u00a0<\/p>\n If it\u2019s gorgeous scenery you\u2019re after, try horseback riding across the rolling countryside.<\/p>\n Be sure not to skip the free tastings at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.<\/p>\n Alternative: <\/em><\/strong>Want to see Victoria\u2019s scenic coast instead? Plan a day trip on the Great Ocean Road. You\u2019ll find some of the country\u2019s most iconic natural wonders along the way, including the 12 Apostles National Park.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Private hostel room? Lively dorm? We\u2019ve lined up our top picks.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a place that\u2019s not smack in the middle of Melbourne\u2019s bustle but is only a quick tram ride from the CBD, Nomads<\/a> might be the right match.<\/p>\n But don\u2019t expect it to be far away from the action. After all, it\u2019s only a five-minute walk to the beach and buzzing Acland St.<\/p>\n At the hostel, you can pick a shared room or private unit. There\u2019s also a pool, a free city walking tour, and a bar that hosts nightly events. So, silent disco, anyone?<\/p>\n Luxury meets budget\u2013that is Space Hotel<\/a>\u2018s promise. Nestled in the heart of Melbourne, this hostel offers spacious, modern, and comfy private and shared rooms. <\/p>\n Facilities include a gym, lounge, games space, and a cinema.<\/p>\n![\"Melbourne](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/melbourne-city.jpg\"\/)
![\"Melbourne](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/melbourne-city.jpg\")
Melbourne Backpacking Guide<\/span><\/h2>\n
Visas Needed to Travel to Melbourne, Australia<\/span><\/h3>\n
Working Holiday Visa<\/span><\/h4>\n
Visitor Visa<\/span><\/h4>\n
eVisitor Visa<\/span><\/h4>\n
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n
Public Transport in Melbourne, Victoria<\/span><\/h3>\n
Airport transport<\/span><\/h4>\n
Trams<\/span><\/h4>\n
Free tram zone<\/span><\/h5>\n
![\"Melbourne](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/melbourne-public-transport.jpg\"\/)
![\"Melbourne](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/melbourne-public-transport.jpg\")
Trains<\/span><\/h4>\n
Buses<\/span><\/h4>\n
Weekend night network\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n
Ferry<\/span><\/h4>\n
![\"Phillip](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/phillip-island-coastline.jpg\"\/)
![\"Phillip](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/phillip-island-coastline.jpg\")
Taxis\/Ride-Sharing Services<\/span><\/h4>\n
Car Hire\/Rentals<\/span><\/h4>\n
What To Do \u2013 Backpacking in Melbourne on a Budget<\/span><\/h2>\n
Marvel at Melbourne\u2019s murals<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Melbourne](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/melbourne-street-art.jpg\"\/)
![\"Melbourne](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/melbourne-street-art.jpg\")
Go museum hopping<\/span><\/h3>\n
National Gallery of Victoria<\/span><\/h4>\n
Australian Centre for the Moving Image<\/span><\/h4>\n
City Gallery<\/span><\/h4>\n
Unwind at the local gardens<\/span><\/h3>\n
Royal Botanic Gardens<\/span><\/h4>\n
![\"Royal](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/royal-botanic-gardens-melbourne.jpg\"\/)
![\"Royal](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/royal-botanic-gardens-melbourne.jpg\")
Fitzroy Gardens<\/span><\/h4>\n
Abbotsford Convent and Heritage Gardens<\/span><\/h4>\n
Bask in the Beach<\/span><\/h3>\n
Drop by Queen Victoria Market<\/span><\/h3>\n
People watch at the Federation Square<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Federation](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/federation-square.jpg\"\/)
![\"Federation](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/federation-square.jpg\")
Top 5 things to splurge on in Melbourne Australia<\/span><\/h2>\n
Cheer for Your Team at The G<\/span><\/h3>\n
Skydeck at the Eureka Tower<\/span><\/h3>\n
Hot Air Balloon Over Melbourne<\/span><\/h3>\n
See a Show at the Regent Theatre<\/span><\/h3>\n
Day Trip to the Yarra Valley<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Yarra](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/yarra-valley.jpg\"\/)
![\"Yarra](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/yarra-valley.jpg\")
The Best Backpacker Accommodation in Melbourne<\/span><\/h2>\n
Nomads St Kilda<\/span><\/h4>\n
Space Hotel<\/span><\/h4>\n
Bounce Melbourne<\/span><\/h4>\n
![\"Queen](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/queen-victoria-market.jpg\"\/)
![\"Queen](\"https:\/\/www.nomadasaurus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/queen-victoria-market.jpg\")