Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | A$25–50 | A$100–220 |
| Food | A$20–35 | A$45–80 |
| Transport | A$0–12 | A$15–30 |
| Activities | A$0–15 | A$40–100 |
| Drinks | A$10–20 | A$25–50 |
| Daily Total | A$55–132 | A$225–480 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- eVisitor (subclass 651) for EU/UK citizens: free, 3 months. ETA (subclass 601) for others: A$20 online
- Australia has strict biosecurity — declare all food, plant material, and wooden items at customs. X-ray screening is thorough
- Tullamarine Airport is 25km from CBD — SkyBus (A$19.75, 30 min to Southern Cross Station) or Uber (A$30–50, 25 min)
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is excellent — refill freely. Sunburn is a real risk even on overcast days — SPF 50+
- Melbourne is very safe. Petty crime is rare. The main "danger" is the weather — four seasons in one day is a genuine phenomenon
- Medicare does not cover tourists. Travel insurance is essential — hospital visits cost A$500+ without coverage
Getting Around
- Free Tram Zone covers the entire CBD and Docklands — no need to tap on. Outside: myki card (A$6, daily cap A$10.60, A$6.90 weekends)
- Trains connect suburbs. Trams cover inner Melbourne extensively. The 35 City Circle tram is free and loops major attractions
- Uber and Didi are widespread and cheaper than taxis. Melbourne is very walkable — most CBD attractions are within 2km
Connectivity
- Tourist SIM: Optus, Telstra, or Vodafone from A$10 for 7 days with 10–30GB data. Available at the airport and all supermarkets
- Free WiFi at libraries, Federation Square, many cafes, and on some trams. Coverage is excellent throughout the city
- PTV app (Public Transport Victoria) for real-time tram/train times, Google Maps, and Broadsheet Melbourne for food/bar recommendations
Money
- Australia is nearly cashless — tap-and-go (cards, phones) accepted almost everywhere including market stalls and street food
- ATMs are fee-free at the big four banks (CBA, ANZ, Westpac, NAB). Avoid independent ATMs (A$2–3 surcharge)
- Tipping is not expected in Australia — Australians earn a fair wage. Rounding up or 10% at restaurants is appreciated but never obligatory
Packing Tips
- Layer everything — Melbourne weather changes hourly. A light jacket, umbrella, and sunglasses all in the same bag is standard local behaviour
- Comfortable walking shoes for the laneways and bushwalks. The Botanic Gardens and Great Ocean Road require proper footwear
- SPF 50+ sunscreen year-round — even in winter the UV can be high. Australians take sun protection very seriously
Cultural tips
Coffee Culture
Coffee is Melbourne's religion. Never order at a chain — every neighbourhood has independent roasters. Order a "flat white" (invented here or in New Zealand, they argue). A good barista will remember your order by your second visit.
Live Music Capital
Melbourne has more live music venues per capita than any city in the world. Support the scene — buy a ticket, pay the cover charge, and stay for the support act. Music is the city's cultural heartbeat.
Indigenous Respect
Melbourne sits on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples. Acknowledgement of Country is practiced at events. Respect Indigenous sites, art, and the 65,000+ year continuous culture.
Sport is Sacred
AFL football is not just a sport in Melbourne — it is an identity. Everyone has a team. Ask a local who they barrack for and you will make an instant connection. The MCG on a Saturday afternoon is a genuine cultural experience.
Four Seasons in One Day
Melbourne weather is genuinely unpredictable. A sunny morning can become a hailstorm by lunch and a warm evening by dinner. Always carry layers and an umbrella. Locals complain about it but secretly love the drama.
Dining Culture
Melbourne takes food seriously. The city has one of the most diverse food scenes in the world — Vietnamese in Richmond, Ethiopian in Footscray, Chinese in Box Hill, Italian in Carlton. Explore the suburbs for the best and cheapest food.
