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Melbourne
See the best of Melbourne for less than $100
Here’s how to have a great day out in the cultural capital of Australia.
After months of lockdowns, Melbourne is roaring back to life and things like sitting in a café, visiting an art gallery and seeing live sport will soon be our reality.
Thankfully, getting reacquainted with all that Melbourne has to offer doesn’t need to blow the budget.
In fact, it’s possible to have a memorable day out in Australia’s cultural capital for less than $100, with so many affordable – and sometimes free – things to do.
To help, we’ve devised a guide for a fun day out in Melbourne with arevo - a free journey planner app made by Victorians for Victorians.
Your guide to a day in Melbourne for less than $100
Lune, Melbourne CBD
Cost: $6.80
Start the morning at one of the city’s best croissanteries, Lune at 161 Collins Street.
With delectable Pan au Chocolat and Ham and Gruyere croissants, or a Lemon Curd cruffin, your day will be off to a sweet start.
Opt for the Pain au Chocolat at $6.80 and save some pennies for later in the day.
Once you’re done, arevo will help you find the quickest route to your next destination based on real time traffic and public transport data. Jump on the number 72 tram, departing from City Square (Stop 11) heading towards Melbourne University. Stay on for two stops and get off at the Arts Precinct (Stop 14) on St Kilda Road – all within the free tram zone.
Walk about one minute to your next destination – the National Gallery of Victoria.
National Gallery of Victoria, Southbank
Cost: Free
True to tradition, the National Gallery of Victoria at Southbank (and Federation Square) are free to visit. Even though the occasional exhibition is ticketed, the gallery’s permanent collections and majority of exhibitions are free of charge.
Check out Krystyna Campbell’s Pretty AM and Family Suffrage Research Collection about the women’s suffrage movement in the UK, or the International OA-RR, a new video work by celebrated visual artist Reko Renni, before heading to your next destination for some well-earned lunch.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
Cost: Approximately $25 for lunch. Between $2-4 for the tram.
Grab a takeaway lunch and coffee from one of the many eateries around Southbank and head to the Royal Botanic Gardens for a picnic.
According to arevo, a combination of walking and tram should get you there in under 22 minutes from the NGV.
On arrival, head to the Arid Garden and Sensory Garden, which are both new attractions.
Or if you love keeping fit and growing your step count, why not take a walk around the Tan Track that borders the Gardens?
Once you’ve soaked up the sun for an hour or two (Melbourne’s famous weather permitting!), head back into the CBD for some more Melbourne culture using the same route you took to the Royal Botanic Gardens.
With the help of arevo, you can see the best of Melbourne for less than $100. Image: RACV
Laneway Art Trail
Cost: Free
Meander through Melbourne’s famous laneways as you look at some of the world-famous street art – there really is always something new to see.
Take a stroll past Hosier Lane or AC/DC Lane - this guide will help you find the best laneway art on offer.
When you’ve had enough browsing and start to get the munchies, use arevo to find the quickest walking route to an afternoon treat.
Piccolina Gelateria, CBD
Cost: Approximately $7
Perhaps the best gelato in a city revered for its Italian dining scene, Piccolina Gelateria will hit the spot with its 100% natural and made from scratch flavours.
Don’t expect to find tricky toppings or odd flavour combinations – this authentic gelato experience is not only delicious, but will help you avoid the 3PM slump so you can continue your day out.
Now that you’re now so close to Southbank, it’s easy to take a break along the water as your next stop.
Southbank, CBD
Cost: Approximately $30
With the afternoon winding down, your day of food, galleries, parks, city laneways and trams means you’ll probably want to relax with a cold beverage.
Take a stroll along the Yarra River and grab a drink at The Arbory, or Riverland Bar. Both venues offer affordable and tasty food as well as delicious drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for you to see the night away with good company and the sunset over the water.
There's so much to explore
By now, you will have spent just over $70. Use your remaining budget to enjoy more of Melbourne’s famous nightlife and dining scene.
Alternatively, save it for your next fun day out which could include a trip to other city icons such as the Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Cricket Ground.
So go on, get out there and enjoy our wonderful city for less than $100 with the help of arevo – Melbourne can’t wait to have you back.
