🇦🇺 Explore Melbourne: Ultimate 8-Day Free and Easy Travel Itinerary Tips‼️

It’s been nearly two months since I returned from Melbourne, and I’ve finally got everything organized to share with you [Crying with laughter R]. After a grueling 48-hour journey, it felt more like a 6/7-day trip. The total cost was SGD1.7k. Just a heads up, I’m not a professional travel planner, so take this as a friendly reference [Wow R].

✈️🏨 Flights and Hotels:
I’m not particularly fussy when it comes to flights and hotels; as long as the flight gets me there and the hotel is comfy enough for a good night’s sleep, I’m happy. I snagged AirAsia tickets for a round trip from KL to MEL at SGD476 per person. While the flight wasn’t the most comfortable, it was bearable.

I stayed at the Ibis Melbourne Hotel and Apartments (check out picture 2). The place was simple yet cozy, with an excellent location. Many attractions were within walking distance, and there was a convenient tram stop nearby. For a 6-night stay, the cost per person, split among three of us, came to SGD236.

☎️ SIM Cards:
I picked up a SIM card right at the airport. After exiting the Arrival Hall, walk straight and turn right; you’ll find several places selling SIM cards. I opted for the Optus 90GB plan for AUD30. The network coverage was impressive, even in rural areas. I arrived around 11 pm, and the shops were still open, though I’m not sure about their exact closing time, so it’s best to check beforehand.

🗺️ Itinerary and Attractions:
You can get a detailed breakdown in pictures 7 & 8, which list all the attractions clearly. Though I didn’t stick to the plan exactly [Crying with laughter R], I managed to visit all the must-see spots. Feel free to tweak the itinerary to suit your preferences. All the places were breathtaking (refer to pictures 4-6), and the food was absolutely delicious (check out picture 3).

🌊 Day Trips:
The Great Ocean Road and the Puffing Billy steam train to Penguin Island are top recommendations, and I made sure to experience both. Since I was unfamiliar with the area, I booked these trips online. The Great Ocean Road day trip cost SGD103 per person, and the Puffing Billy steam train to Penguin Island day trip was SGD190 per person.

I highly recommend both for the stunning sea views, the nostalgic steam train ride, and the adorable penguins! For a more relaxed experience, try to space these day trips out rather than doing them back-to-back.

⚠️ Important Notes:
✨ Before I left, the combined cost of flights, hotels, and day trips was around SGD1k. Other expenses, including souvenirs, meals, and shared costs with friends, didn’t exceed SGD700. Given the similar exchange rate between Australian and Singapore dollars, I treated them as equal.

If you’re mindful of your spending, you can save quite a bit.
✨ Most of my payments were made by credit card. I brought some cash, but the majority of transactions were card-based. I used Youtrip, which offered a great exchange rate, and I highly recommend bringing this card along.
✨ For me, Melbourne is a laid-back city where you can truly slow down and savor the experience.

If you have any questions, feel free to comment, and I’ll do my best to help [Shy R]