I’ve spent the last decade travelling to over 50 countries, which makes me quite the solo travel expert! Two years of my global travel mission were spent living in Australia, and while the first place I touched down was Sydney, it was the vibrant, energetic city of Melbourne that instantly felt like home. The city still has a piece of my heart after I lived there twice and with so many friends still based there, I think it will always be one of my favourite cities in the world. This blog is essentially your everything guide, covering visiting Melbourne in general, key places to visit in Melbourne, the best things to see in Melbourne, and more!
It’s the perfect travel resource for backpackers and budget travellers who enjoy boutique stays and, of course, solo travellers who rely more on hostel accommodation. If the incredible street art and endless rooftop bars aren’t enough to persuade you to visit this absolute hub of life, maybe the city’s beaches or the Dandenong Ranges National Park will do the trick!
Planning a visit to Melbourne, Australia? Here's where you'll find:
- Travelling to Melbourne – Everything You Need to Know
- How to Get to Melbourne from the UK
- Should I Go to Sydney or Melbourne first?
- What Do You Need to Know Before Going to Melbourne?
- Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Melbourne
- Do I Need a Visa for My Trip to Melbourne?
- How Do I Book a Trip to Melbourne?
- Go to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa
- Planning Your visit to Melbourne
- Which Area Should You Not Miss when Visiting Melbourne?
- How to Book Hostels and Hotels in Melbourne
- Travel insurance for a Solo Trip to Melbourne
- Best eSIM for Travelling to Melbourne
- Packing for a Trip to Australia
- Solo Travel in Melbourne
- How Much Does a Solo Trip to Melbourne Cost?
- Is Melbourne Safe for a Solo Female Traveller?
- 10 Best Things to Do in Melbourne
- 10 Best Day Trips from Melbourne
- How Do I Make Friends when Solo Travelling to Melbourne?
| Essentials for Melbourne |
| Find cheap flights to Melbourne |
| Find hotels or hostels |
| Find activities and tours for Melbourne |
| Get an eSIM for Australia |
Travelling to Melbourne - Everything You Need to Know
Melbourne will forever have a place in my heart as I have a network of travel friends who live there, so there’s always someone to grab a coffee with or venture to one of the national parks nearby. Working and living in Melbourne made me feel like an Aussie native, strolling down art-lined streets, and enjoying fragrant wafts of the diverse culinary scene (chicken parm anyone?). But before arriving in the city, there are a few key considerations to think about.
How to Get to Melbourne from the UK
Flights from the UK to Melbourne International Airport will cost at least £400 during the off-peak season but considerably more during Australia’s summertime. Being so far from the UK, the flight is long, typically surpassing 20 hours. Flights are usually the biggest budget-denter of a trip, but save pennies by keeping flexible and checking all the options available like different departure and arrival airports, various date ranges, and whether you’re willing to experience more than one layover.
Single Layover | Double Layover | |
Departure Airport | LHR London Heathrow | LGW London Gatwick |
Flight Length | 23 hr 15 m | 41 hr 50 m |
Layover | KUL Kuala Lumpur International | PVG Shanghai Pudong PEK Beijing Capital |
Arrival Airport | MEL Melbourne Tullamarine | MEL Melbourne Tullamarine |
Price | £550 | £457 |
Source: Skyscanner.com
With a difference in time of nearly 20 hours and a price difference of £100, the flights above are examples of how you can sacrifice time for savings on your flight to Melbourne. If you’re willing to settle for a couple of layovers, think about what you could spend your extra funds on! Maybe day trips from Melbourne or an exhilarating night out with your soon-to-be travel besties.
After landing in Melbourne and collecting my luggage, I used the Skybus as my transport to the city. It only took around 30 minutes to reach Southern Cross Station which set me back a little over AUD 20. The Skybus runs seven days a week and is so much more affordable than a taxi! And the best bit? You might even meet some solo travellers on the bus too.
Visiting and living in Melbourne was such a highlight of my solo adventure Down Under. Maybe I’m biased because the city opened the gateways to my heart, but I could honestly have lived in Melbs for a very long time. But let’s briefly touch on some of the questions I get asked about this spirited hub in the state of Victoria.
How Many Days Is Enough for Melbourne?
If you have a small window to spend in Melbourne, make it at least five days otherwise you won’t have enough time to see and do everything! Five days is ample time to explore the city and nearby sites like Lerderderg State Park and the infamous prehistoric Hanging Rock.
What Month is Best to Visit Melbourne, Australia?
Autumn and spring are idyllic times of the year to visit Melbourne as temperatures are friendlier than summer, and the city has a lot going on. It's called the "City of Festivals" for a reason – when I lived there there was a festival or big city event every weekend! The Melbourne International Jazz Festival takes place in October, along with the Alive Garden Party in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
Should I Go to Sydney or Melbourne First?
Comparing Sydney and Melbourne is tricky because both cities are incredible in their own way. Sydney, on the East Coast, has dependable sunshine and beaches, but there’s a heavier tourist presence which can be unappealing. Melbourne, on the other hand, has questionable weather, but a totally different vibe – way less try-hard and way more chilled than Sydney.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights to Melbourne
Scoring cheap flights may seem a mystery, but I’m here to uncover key tricks to cut costs. I wrote a comprehensive guide for finding cheap flights, but stick around for my absolute top tips below. Cutting flight costs is easier than you think when booking flights from the UK to Melbourne, it just takes a little grit, determination, and patience to score the best price possible!
Remain Flexible
You may have your heart set on a specific date range, departure and arrival airports, and the time of day you want to fly, but placing restrictions on your travel plans limits your options. Keeping flexible with the time, dates, and exact location you’re flying to can uncover some crazy deals, so use flexibility to your advantage and see just how much you could save!
Pack Smart
When my departure date grows closer and it’s time to pack my luggage, I remind myself to pack smart. This doesn’t necessarily mean only bringing a T-shirt and a single pair of jeans, but it does mean keeping an eye on the weight of my bag/s. Some airlines charge obscene amounts for overweight luggage, but weighing your bag beforehand will avoid this so you don’t receive an unpleasant (and pricey) surprise at the check-in desk!
Book with Skyscanner
I’ve been gallivanting around the globe for over a decade, and I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make flights affordable. Skyscanner is like a flight cheat code, scouring the web for the best deals across various providers. I simply need to input the dates and location I am heading to and Skyscanner does the rest for me, displaying results in an easy-to-read format so I can make a smart, informed choice and save a surprising amount.
>> Book cheap flights from the UK to Melbourne
Do I Need a Visa For My Trip to Melbourne?
Anyone who’s not an Australian citizen needs to obtain a valid visa to enter and stay in the country for the indicated time. The world of Aussie visas can be a complicated one as there are so many visa options available. The Visitor Visa (subclass 600) permits visitation to Australia for up to 12 months for visiting friends and family or holidaying the country as a tourist.
If you’re looking to work alongside your trip, the Visitor Visa won’t cut it. Instead, you’ll need to look into the Work and Holiday Visa or the Working Holiday Visa which allows you to support your trip with a job. After successfully meeting the right criteria, you can extend your trip for a further one or two years, granting a total of three years Down Under!
How Do I Book a Trip to Melbourne?
Before planning my Aussie adventure, I was going to head to New Zealand, and spend just a few months in Australia on a working holiday visa. I didn't expect to fall completely in love with Australia and decide to stay the full two years, but I think this is part of the journey as a traveller – constantly changing and evolving your plans and being open to opportunities.
My Australia bucket list grew by the day as my departure date grew closer, and visiting Melbourne was near the top spot. It wasn’t that I just wanted to experience the best things to see in Melbourne, but I wanted to feel the energy and culture of the city. I had a dream of living in the city, not just passing through and to do so, I needed a visa. Arranging a visa can be a stressful task before you get to the fun bits of planning your trip.
Full Support for a Working Holiday in Australia
Global Work & Travel is my recommendation for getting the correct visa and general support for the entirety of your trip Down Under. The company’s Working Holiday in Australia Plus package offers everything you could ever need for an Australian excursion including:
- Job match before you arrive
- Second-year job match
- Exclusive app access
- Dedicated trip coordinator
- Visa guidance
- Private airport transfer
- Virtual orientation
- Surf lessons
- Skydeck tour
- And more!
> Learn more about Global Work and Travel’s Working Holiday in Australia Plus Package
Save $150 when you go to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa
There are so many ways to enjoy your trip to Australia, but if you’re looking to meet people and grow friendships from the get-go, checking out tours through Welcome to Travel is a must. Welcome to Travel is a tour operator based in Sydney who knows how daunting it can be to move to Australia for a year or more.
They provide welcome tours in Sydney, Melbourne and up the infamous East Coast to help travellers feel confident for the rest of their time in Australia and give them the most unforgettable travel experiences! They've given me some exclusive discount codes for you to save up to $150 on a trip to Australia:
- AUD 50 discount on Welcome Tours using code LUCY50
- AUD 100 discount on East Coast Tours using code LUCY100
- AUD 150 discount on Package Tours using code LUCY150
You don’t have to limit yourself to tours for your whole trip, but they are a fantastic way to meet other travellers, learn about the hot spots in an area, and provide a location overview which is invaluable when you’re visiting places like Melbourne for the first time.
Booking a Group Trip
I’m also a big advocate for group trips, and I relied on these a lot in my early solo travel days to propel my confidence and allow me to get a feel of a new location before exploring alone. G Adventures offers exciting opportunities from Melbourne such as their South Australia, Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road group trip covering 10 days from Adelaide to Melbourne and everything in between. If you're interested in travelling with me – I've just launched SOLO ADVENTURE GALS – a solo travel community for women who love adventure – I'll be launching group trips soon! >> JOIN NOW!
Booking a Flight and First Night’s Accommodation
Since I’ve explored over 50 countries over the last 10 years, I don’t rely on group trips as much. Instead, I like to blend group trips and activities with some solo travel time. When I’m really feeling confident and want to push myself, I simply book a flight and my first night’s accommodation. Maybe this isn’t the right move for first-time travellers, but those with experience can hugely benefit and grow from diving into the deep end and not arranging too much beforehand - how EXCITING!
Planning Your Visit to Melbourne
I firmly believe in planning certain aspects of a trip, especially if I’m heading off somewhere new or travelling around a country for a prolonged time. I wanted to take day trips from Melbourne to see other sites and cruise along the infamous Great Ocean Road. Arranging accommodation, currency, and insurance were a few ways to make my time visiting Melbourne an absolute breeze.
How to Book Hostels and Hotels in Melbourne
I can be such a creature of habit, which is why I always choose between three websites for booking accommodation and finding the most affordable prices possible. Booking.com and hotels.com are the best places to find hotels for insanely cheap prices. Not only are the prices great, but the array of options almost makes it tricky to choose just one hotel!
Comfort Hotel Melbourne
With a central location near the Queen Victoria Market, Comfort Hotel Melbourne is the perfect way to escape the bustle of the street and relish luxury. Each room boasts WiFi, AC, modern amenities and most importantly, comfort.
Find out more here
If you're travelling solo or on a budget, I recommend staying in a hostel as these are social hubs where making friends is easy. Hostels are typically cheaper than hotel stays, and this was definitely the case in Melbourne! Hostelworld is my go-to whenever I am booking accommodation as the site scours options depending on the data you input such as price range, location, dates, and facilities. Check out Melbourne's best hostels here.
Flinders Backpackers Melbourne
As the champ of the Hostelworld HOSCARs Award four years running, there’s a reason so many backpackers turn to Flinders when they touch down in Melbourne! Located within a few minutes of public transport, the central location of this hostel is a gift, and combined with a rooftop cafe, communal kitchen, shared, and private rooms, Flinders is a must for blooming into a social butterfly while soaking up the Melbourne skyline.
Find out more here
Currency, What Plugs You Need, and the Best Ways to Get Around When You’re There
Although arranging currency before you leave isn’t a must, as it's something you can sort in-country, I tend to arrange my funds before I travel so it’s one less thing I have to think about. Australia uses the Australian Dollar, and both cash and cards are widely accepted in the city. As for plugs, you’ll need to buy adaptors for plug Type 1 which has a triangle pin configuration.
Navigating Melbourne’s streets on foot is a wholesome way to explore the city, taking in the incredible sights of the Queen Victoria Market, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and maybe even the Old Melbourne Gaol. I’m not afraid of a high step count, but Melbourne is a big city! When the lactic acid builds a tad too much, the city’s public transport awaits with abundant trains, trams, and buses which utilise a Myki system for ease.
Travel Insurance for a Solo Trip to Melbourne
I thrive on adventure, but when it comes to my well-being, I don't compromise. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance covers 175+ countries, and I have complete control over when my policy starts and stops at any time. They've recently expanded coverage to include adventure sports and electronics theft too. Think of it as your safety net, if something goes wrong it's great to have a backup in case you get sick, injured or your kit gets damaged.
I know how frustrating travel can be sometimes. So, it's good to know that when things go wrong, I've got a good insurance policy in my corner. SafetyWing provides Travel Insurance for Nomads including global coverage that you can purchase while outside your home country, with a simple claims service and 24/7 human support. Their cover provides the following:
- Meals & accommodations if you have a travel delay over 12 hours
- Emergency dental care up to $1000
- Medical care including prescriptions, emergency care and hospital stays
- Coverage for lost checked luggage
- Flights home if something bad happens
- Continued coverage for visits back home
- Coverage for motor accidents
- Coverage for injuries from leisure sports & activities
Read my full blog post on Choosing Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers to learn the importance of reliable coverage and the companies I rely on for all of my adventures.
Best eSIM for Travelling to Melbourne
Escaping my phone and social media every once in a while is a must. It resets my energy and creativity so my content always feels fresh and inspiring. I also, however, need to have a reliable solution for keeping in touch with loved ones, connecting with new friends, and maintaining social media presence.
When travelling, my answer is an eSIM. These are effortless to use and offer an affordable SIM solution for travellers. Many companies are offering eSIMs nowadays, but I stick with Holafly who has some incredible deals with unlimited data in Melbourne.
>> Save 5% on your Melbourne eSIM using the code ABSOLUTELYLUCY
Packing for a Trip to Australia
When I say I’m a queen of smart packing, I mean it! My experience travelling the world for the last decade has faced me with plenty of packing sessions whether it be a large suitcase or a humble backpack. You can check out my girls’ packing guide for tips I use every time and essentials I simply can’t travel without.
In the excitement of an impending trip, it can be easy to forget key things like chargers, adaptors, and even travel documents! Making a packing list keeps me focussed so I don’t travel half-around the world only to discover my chargers are still on my bedside table and I left my toiletries in the bathroom at home!
If you’re like me and often get caught up in the exhilaration of a new adventure, you have to shop my travel essentials. You’ll find everything from personal alarms, portable luggage scales, and travel adaptors to clear liquid sachets and more. What about a secure bag to put your belongings in? I’ve got you covered with the backpacks and suitcases I recommend for lasting your whole trip and not leaving you stranded at the airport with broken zips (trust me, I’ve been there!).
Solo Travel in Melbourne
I can safely say that Melbourne is one of the few places I’ve felt completely at home. I think this is a combination of the city’s young, vibrant energy, abundant travellers, and friendly locals who love welcoming new faces from around the globe. Even as a solo traveller, I felt comfortable walking to work, taking a bus to meet friends, and even venturing back to my accommodation at sunset. If you're nervous about settling in, read this guide on How to Prepare for First Time Solo Travel
Is Melbourne a Good Place to Travel Solo?
Melbourne has a social heart in its centre with so many things both solo and group travellers can get up to. I always keep my wits about me, regardless of where I’m travelling, but in Melbourne, I genuinely felt I could let my hair down a bit! Even first-time solo travellers will find themselves at ease in the events capital of Australia.
Should I Go to Melbourne on My First Solo Trip?
Australia is a dream location for any trip, and it’s commonly chosen as the destination for a first-time solo trip. If you’re a native English speaker or have a good level of English, you’ll have no trouble chatting with locals for their spin on the must-sees and dos of the city! There are so many solo travellers voyaging through Melbourne year-round so although you may be arriving in the city alone, you’ll be leaving with a network of new friends to boost your confidence for the rest of your adventure Down Under.
Is Melbourne Expensive for a Solo Traveller?
After travelling through Asia and Europe, I can safely say that Australia isn’t the cheapest country to explore. But that’s the beauty of a Working Holiday in Australia where you can boost funds and stay afloat during your entire trip. Melbourne is one of the pricier Aussie cities, and one week can cost several hundred dollars if you don’t have a budget to stick to.
You’re on holiday, so of course, treat yourself to eating out and sightseeing. If you don’t have work lined up to build back funds, you may find your funds disappearing quickly and your purse crying in your rucksack! I recommend balancing free and paid experiences so you can still enjoy your time but don’t spend every penny in your first couple of weeks.
How Much Does a Solo Trip to Melbourne Cost?
Taking a week-long solo trip in Melbourne generally costs around AUD 1000, but this figure is based on mid-range accommodation, dining out, public transport, and sightseeing. I’m a savvy traveller by heart, so I would lower this figure by staying in a hostel, limiting restaurant and cafe visits, and mixing paid activities with free ones.
If travelling to over 50 countries has taught me one thing, it’s how to stretch funds as far as possible. Read my travel money guides to get the lowdown on how I afford to travel so much and the ways I cut costs so I’m not left eating PB sandwiches and Tim Tams every day!
Is Melbourne Safe for a Solo Female Traveller?
As a solo female traveller, I can’t express how many times I’ve been told I’m ‘crazy’ for taking trips alone. I appreciate the concern about solo female travel, yet I refuse to sit back and let men soak up all the growth, experience, and challenges that come with solo travel! Melbourne is one of the safest cities I’ve ever travelled to due to the youth presence, energetic travel scene, and friendly locals I know I could trust if I needed help.
I always take the same precautions no matter where I’m travelling like avoiding walking the streets alone at night, enjoying alcohol but not getting too tipsy, and keeping my mobile on hand. Over the years, I’ve written numerous guides about solo female travel which are worth a read if you need a boost of confidence before setting off alone.
10 Best Things to Do in Melbourne
I could list so many things to do in Melbourne from bar crawls and festivals to day trips outside the city. When you set off on your Aussie adventure, you have to stop in Melbourne! If you can’t visit for long, try and carve five days to a week out in your schedule. You won’t be disappointed by the chic independent bars and cafes, amazing festivals throughout the year (check out my blog post: The Ultimate Guide to Melbourne Festivals), and of course, the diverse, multicultural scene Melbourne is famous for. Don't miss events like Rainbow Serpent Festival.
Here are my top 10 best things to see in Melbourne to make your trip magical and insanely fun:
- Melbourne Museum Entry Ticket
- City Highlights Panoramic Bus Tour
- Melbourne Cricket Grounds (MCG) Guided Tour
- Sunset Kayak Tour with Dinner
- 2-Hour Bottomless Brunch Cruise
- City Sights Discovery Tour
- ‘Pay-As-You-Feel’ Guided Walking Tour of the City
- Melbourne Zoo: 1-Day Entry Ticket
- SEA LIFE Aquarium Entrance Ticket
- IceBar Melbourne: Entry Package
I always seek out authentic and unforgettable activities and tours when travelling, and GetYourGuide offers the most unique yet affordable adventures. With over 140,000 experiences in 10,000 cities, opportunities are endless! GetYourGuide has something for every taste and budget, so you can dive into Melbourne’s culture and become an expert in the city with a tour, cruise, or visit to some of the city’s most iconic spots.
10 Best Day Trips from Melbourne
Just in case it’s not already obvious, I will forever have a place in my heart for Melbourne. I could wander the streets for hours and still discover something new, but there’s just as much to see outside of the city. Lerderderg State Park, Phillip Island, and the Yarra Ranges National Park are just a selection of what awaits out of Victoria’s coastal capital.
Here are my top 10 best day trips from Melbourne to get a delicious slice of Australia’s southeastern coast:
- Great Ocean Road, 12 Apostles, Wildlife Tour
- Puffing Billy Steam Train and Wildlife Tour
- Penguin Parade, Koalas & Kangaroos
- Great Ocean Road Full-Day Trip
- Yarra Valley Wine, Gin, Chocolate Day Trip
- Yarra Valley Food and Wine Tour with Lunch
- Phillip Island Penguin Parade Eco Tour
- Grampians National Park & Kangaroos
- Half-Day Spa Trip to Peninsula Hot Springs
- Ultimate 2-Day Great Ocean Road Tour
After bonding with a few people at your hostel, why not suggest a group trip somewhere? Group trips can spread the overall cost, and if everyone chips in for a car rental, the world is your oyster! Road-tripping around Melbourne and beyond offers a different perspective to a bus tour. You can set your own schedule, choose a direction, and simply go with the flow. You could hire a car in Melbourne with Discover Cars and explore more of Victoria and beyond. Read this post on 22 of Victoria’s National Parks & Best Hikes for inspiration!
How Do I Make Friends When Solo Travelling to Melbourne?
Making friends can seem like a daunting task whether you’re in your home country or adventuring on the other side of the world! I’ve always been a people person which luckily makes things considerably easier. But I still experience moments of butterflies in my belly and sweaty palms when I’m headed towards a new group of people for the first time. Here are some of the ways I calm my nerves and battle any waves of anxiety:
Smile, Smile, Smile
When you’re not feeling the most confident version of yourself, making friends may seem like the last thing you want to do. I totally understand, but having a support network of even a couple of good mates abroad can make it feel less like a solo travel adventure and more like a trip with friends. In moments of complete nervousness, remember to smile! It’s one of the key things that makes you look open for a convo and is the most beautiful thing you could ever wear.
Keep Your Hands Busy
I’m a sucker for fidgeting when I’m feeling anxious, but holding something soothes nervousness and keeps my hands busy! This could be anything from a drink or a book to my phone or tablet. Not only does it stop me from fidgeting, but these things can be used a bit like a prop to inspire conversation. Show travel photos on your devices or comment on how amazing your drink is and that everyone needs to try one!
Hang Out in Communal Areas
Communal areas, especially those in hostels are social havens where you can return from an evening with a whole new group of friends! Hostels usually have a games room, bar, or communal kitchen which are awesome areas to spend time and get chatting with other travellers staying in the same place.
Now that you’ve learned everything you need to know about preparing for your first solo trip to Australia, you can radiate confidence, grow, and get bitten by the best insect in the world - THE TRAVEL BUG!
