12 Days Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Melbourne

  • Day 1: Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building
    15 minutes (2.5 km) from Flinders Street Station

    The Melbourne Museum and Royal Exhibition Building are two impressive architectural structures located in Carlton Gardens. The museum has an extensive collection showcasing the history of Australia, including a dinosaur exhibition. The Royal Exhibition Building has hosted many international events and festivals.

  • Day 2: Queen Victoria Market and State Library Victoria
    20 minutes (3.3 km) from Carlton Gardens

    The Queen Victoria Market is a popular shopping destination where you can buy fresh produce, local souvenirs, and enjoy street food. The State Library Victoria is a historical landmark where you can visit exhibitions, view rare books and manuscripts, or attend book readings and lectures.

  • Day 3: Hosier Lane and National Gallery Victoria
    15 minutes (1.9 km) from State Library Victoria

    Hosier Lane is a famous street art laneway where you can find various graffiti and murals created by local and international artists. The National Gallery Victoria has various collections of art, including indigenous art, Asian art, and contemporary art.

  • Day 4: Shrine of Remembrance and St. Kilda Beach
    20 minutes (6.1 km) from National Gallery Victoria

    The Shrine of Remembrance is a war memorial situated in Kings Domain park, and it commemorates Australian soldiers who served in various wars. St. Kilda Beach is a popular tourist destination with various cafes and restaurants, the historic Luna Park, and sea baths.

  • Day 5: Brighton Bathing Boxes and Rippon Lea Estate
    30 minutes (14.4 km) from St. Kilda Beach

    The Brighton Bathing Boxes are a row of colorful beach huts located at Brighton Beach. Rippon Lea Estate is a historic mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens, and it's perfect for a picnic or afternoon tea.

  • Day 6: Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo
    50 minutes (22.2 km) from Rippon Lea Estate

    The Melbourne Zoo is a famous attraction that hosts various animal exhibits, including elephants, tigers, and gorillas. The Werribee Open Range Zoo is home to various African animals, including zebras, giraffes, and rhinoceroses.

  • Day 7: Great Ocean Road Day Trip
    2.5 hours (180 km) from Werribee Open Range Zoo

    The Great Ocean Road is a scenic route along the coast of Victoria, and it's famous for its beautiful beaches, cliffs, and rock formations, including the famous Twelve Apostles.

  • Day 8: Yarra Valley Day Trip
    1 hour (60 km) from Flinders Street Station

    The Yarra Valley is a famous wine region in Victoria, and it's perfect for a day trip to visit various wineries, sample wines, and enjoy local cuisine.

  • Day 9: Abbotsford Convent and Collingwood Children's Farm
    20 minutes (4.2 km) from Yarra Valley

    The Abbotsford Convent is an artistic and cultural hub, offering various art shows, theatre performances, and excellent coffee. The Collingwood Children's Farm is a place to meet farm animals, milk cows, or feed the chickens.

  • Day 10: Melbourne's Laneways and Botanic Gardens
    15 minutes (2 km) from Abbotsford Convent

    Melbourne's Laneways are famous for their cafes, bars, street art, and boutique shops. The Royal Botanic Gardens are a beautiful attraction with various plant collections, including tropical rainforest, herbs, and cacti.

  • Day 11: Phillip Island Day Trip
    2 hours (140 km) from Royal Botanic Gardens

    Phillip Island is a famous wildlife destination with penguins, seals, koalas, and various bird species. Other attractions include beaches, coastal views, and the Grand Prix Circuit.

  • Day 12: Brighton Beach and Southbank Promenade
    20 minutes (11.4 km) from Phillip Island

    Brighton Beach and its bathing boxes are a perfect spot for a morning swim or walk. Southbank Promenade is a lively riverside location with various entertainment options, including restaurants, bars, shopping, and the Crown Casino.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Melbourne Zoo (3 hours, $40)
  • Werribee Open Range Zoo (4 hours, $35)
  • Great Ocean Road Day Trip (12 hours, $100)
  • Yarra Valley Day Trip (8 hours, $80)
  • Collingwood Children's Farm (3 hours, $20)
  • Phillip Island Day Trip (10 hours, $90)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $365

Transportation

You can purchase a Myki card for public transport that costs $6 and can be reused. The fare for a two-hour trip is $4.50, and the maximum you will pay per day is $8.20. Taxis and rideshare services are available and will be more expensive. You can also rent a bicycle from various locations to explore the city's bike lanes and trails.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can consider taking a road trip to the Grampians National Park or the Mornington Peninsula. If you have less time, you can skip some attractions or combine them into one day, but make sure to prioritize based on your interests.

Airports

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the main airport located 23 km northwest from the city center. You can take the SkyBus, public bus, taxi, or rideshare to get to your accommodation, and the prices range from $4.50 to $70, depending on the mode of transportation you choose.

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