Cheap flights to Melbourne are available from Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth. Departures from Darwin will typically include a transfer in Sydney. Canberra, Hobart and Launceston offer cheap flights to Melbourne with a flight time of just over one hour. Departures are available from the Gold Coast however; some operators may offer cheap flights arriving into Avalon Airport. Whilst arriving at this domestic airport is a great option in terms of airfare, it is 55km from the CBD so allow for extra travel time on the ground after your flights arrival. The city centre is only 20km from Melbourne Domestic Terminal and there are many ground transport options. SkyBus is a bus service operating 24 hours a day. Buying a return ticket on the SkyBus allows you a 3-month period to use your return trip. The services are frequent, tickets are cheap and this is definitely one of the better options if you’re travelling with the family. There is a taxi rank on the ground level of the terminal and this may be a convenient, but less economical option. There are also a number of on site car rental companies. Check with your airlines preferred partner to get the best deal, or plan ahead and book online.

Melbourne’s public transport system is really well organised and zonal based fares make it an exceptional way to travel. Purchase a Myki card from train stations or convenience stores to take advantage of further discounted travel. Myki cards can be used on trains, trams and buses. Navigation around the city is easy whether you’re on foot, cycling, driving or making use of the numerous public transport services. Just about everything in the city is a light walk away so hiring a car is only necessary if you’re looking to capitalize on the wonderful offerings of Melbourne’s outskirts. A combination of trams, walking and driving will ultimately reward you with a really great Melbourne experience.

Melbourne is an eclectic concentration of visual art, music, food, history and culture. It is really easy to get lost in the romance. An unforgettably creepy experience should be had at the Old Melbourne Gaol. Dare yourself to walk onto the observation deck of the Eureka Tower, eighty-eight floors up to keep your heart racing. Check out the always-changing canvas of street art at Hosier Lane, right across from Federation Square. Head out to the Dandenong Ranges for a cheap afternoon and take a ride on Puffing Billy, a gorgeous old steam train. Spend the day at spectacular Bells Beach and find yourself a spot along the Great Ocean Road to watch the sun set. Hang out in St Kilda to fully immerse yourself in the bohemian subculture. If it’s the right time of year it is definitely worth catching an AFL game – make sure you check out the National Sports Museum while you’re at the MCG!

Melbourne has by far Australia’s greatest selection of dining experiences. Enjoy sustainably sourced seafood at Esposito, or some late night Mexican at Mamasita. Exclusive dining in the form of 8 courses can be had at Attica or choose a set-menu banquet at beautiful Seamstress. Cheap options are available at Jamaican-inspired Babble on Babylon and the fresh air and ebb tide will endear you to Stokehouse on St Kilda Beach. The Money Order Office is uniquely Melbourne and the perfect place to unwind with a few friends. Be wowed by the Burlesque show at Red Bennie’s or by the creativity that has gone into the Wah Wah Lounge. Glam up for cocktails at Brown Alley and then party at Melbourne’s premier dance music venue, Seven Nightclub. Shopping in Melbourne is only limited by your bank account. Jump on a tram to the Queen Victoria Market where you will find chaos and bargains from over 500 sellers. Melbourne Central is a mall in every sense of the word. With over 300 boutique, department, chain and speciality retailers, it’s a great place to start your retail adventure. The best discoveries will inevitably come from Chapel Street. You could easily spend two days scouring shop after shop and not get to every exclusive, bargain or quirky store you made a mental note to visit next. If you love to shop, Chapel Street is guaranteed to charm you into planning your return trip to Melbourne before you’ve even left!