What it actually costs
When to go
Cold, grey, rainy. Melbourne winter is not freezing but it is depressing. "Four seasons in one day" is year-round though.
NGV (National Gallery of Victoria) free exhibitions change regularly. Queen Victoria Market: Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday mornings for food, Sunday for general market.
What locals know
Laneways are everything. Hosier Lane (street art), Hardware Lane (restaurants), Degraves Street (coffee). Get lost in them.
Melbourne coffee is the best in the world — this is not exaggeration. Order a flat white anywhere and it will be exceptional. Never order Starbucks.
Fitzroy and Collingwood for the real food/bar scene. Smith Street and Gertrude Street are lined with excellent restaurants.
Great Ocean Road day trip (B100, 243km) is stunning but book a car/tour — there is no public transport along it.
Honest warnings
Melbourne is expensive — A$200+ per day minimum for a decent experience.
Weather changes every 30 minutes — pack layers always. It can be 30°C at noon and 15°C by 4pm.
Tipping is NOT expected (staff earn A$25+/hr minimum wage). Rounding up is generous.
Ready?
We'll build you a complete 4-day Melbourne trip in 30 seconds. Real places. Real prices. Bookable.
Build My Melbourne Trip