7-Day Melbourne Itinerary on a Shoestring Budget

• Day 1: Start your day with a visit to the Queen Victoria Market, one of the largest open-air markets in the Southern Hemisphere, to sample fresh local produce and grab some souvenirs. In the afternoon, take a free tour at the Parliament House of Victoria for a glimpse of Australia's political history.
• Day 2: Explore Melbourne's art scene by visiting National Gallery of Victoria. Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne for a refreshing break before heading to the Shrine of Remembrance to appreciate the city's history and enjoy stunning views of the skyline.
• Day 3: Spend your day exploring Melbourne's iconic landmarks such as the Flinders Street Station and the St Kilda Pier, which offers stunning views of the city. Catch a tram to the Federation Square, where you can check out free exhibitions and events.
• Day 4: Visit the Melbourne Museum to learn about the city's natural and cultural history. In the afternoon, walk along the Yarra River, visit the Crown Casino, or take a stroll along the Southbank promenade to enjoy Melbourne's vibrant atmosphere.
• Day 5: Take a scenic train ride to Brighton Beach to see the colorful bathing boxes and enjoy the sandy shores. In the afternoon, check out the St. Kilda Esplanade Market for unique handmade local crafts and street performers.
• Day 6: Visit the State Library Victoria, a 19th-century building that houses over 2 million books and historical artifacts. Catch a movie at the IMAX Melbourne Museum, one of the largest screens in the world.
• Day 7: Spend your last day exploring Chinatown, which offers a taste of Asia in the heart of Melbourne. In the afternoon, visit the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium to observe marine life up close.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Queen Victoria Market (2-3 hours, free)
• Parliament House of Victoria (1-2 hours, free)
• National Gallery of Victoria (2-3 hours, free)
• Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne (1-2 hours, free)
• Shrine of Remembrance (1-2 hours, free)
• Flinders Street Station (30 mins, free)
• St Kilda Pier (1-2 hours, free)
• Federation Square (1-2 hours, free)
• Melbourne Museum (2-3 hours, $10)
• Yarra River (1-2 hours, free)
• Crown Casino (1-2 hours, free)
• Southbank promenade (1-2 hours, free)
• Brighton Beach (2-3 hours, free)
• St. Kilda Esplanade Market (2-3 hours, free)
• State Library Victoria (1-2 hours, free)
• IMAX Melbourne Museum (1-2 hours, $19)
• Chinatown (1-2 hours, free)
• Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium (2-3 hours, $30)
Total Estimated Costs: $59

Transportation

Trams are the most convenient and affordable way to get around Melbourne. Buy a Myki card for $6, which can be used to travel on trams, buses, and trains. Within the CBD, trams are free, so you can hop on and off as you wish. Taxis and ride-share services are also available but can be expensive during peak hours.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the Great Ocean Road to see the stunning coastline and famous rock formations. If you have less time, skip some of the museums and landmarks and spend more time exploring Melbourne's diverse neighborhoods and street art scene.

Airports

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the primary airport serving Melbourne, located 23 km northwest of the city center. The airport is served by many international airlines and offers various transportation options, including taxis, Skybus, and car rentals.