Melbourne, the coastal capital of Victoria, the southeastern Australian state, is a city of contrasts. This incredible city offers designer boutiques, street art, luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels, rooftop cocktails, and low-key neighbourhood cafes.
While Melbourne’s charm is undeniable, expenses can quickly add up if you don’t plan and make arrangements ahead of time.
Fortunately, Melbourne offers abundant, affordable, and free experiences that will help you explore the city’s best attractions. Learning how to get free parking at Crown Melbourne is just one of many budget-friendly strategies that can make your trip more affordable. So, without further ado, let’s dive into insider tips to explore the city on a budget and not miss out on any adventures!
1. Free Parking at Crown Melbourne
Parking in Melbourne can be daunting, but here’s a fantastic trick to park your car hassle-free and save your dollars.
Sign up for Crown Rewards and spend about $50 at their restaurants, shops, and other entertainment centres. Doing this will earn 250 Lifestyle Points, which will get you free parking at their multilevel car park.
Furthermore, when you first join, you get a one-time free parking benefit just for signing up!
Just remember to scan your Crown Rewards card every time you make a payment at the location to accumulate points. Isn’t it a clever way to save a bit on parking, and enjoy the place around?
2. Use the Free Tram Zone
The CBD in Melbourne operates a Free Tram Zone, which covers areas like Docklands, Flinders Street, Queen Victoria Market, and the edge of Spring Street.
Within this zone, you don’t need a Myki card, and you can hop on and off as many times as you want to explore the core area to your heart’s content.
A clever way of sightseeing is starting at Flinders Street Station, riding the free tram around the grid, and exploring Bourke Street Mall, Federation Square, and the State Library without paying a cent!
3. Enjoy Meals Where Locals Love to Eat
If you want to enjoy the local cuisine on a budget, all you need to do is step off the tourist trail. Here’s where you can savour delicious food without burning a hole in your wallet.
- Chinatown
Stroll along Little Bourke Street, and you will find dumpling houses offering big servings for less than $15. Locals swear by places like Shanghai Street and ShanDong Mama.
- Queen Victoria Market
The market’s food stalls offer hearty meals at typically under $12. Try the boreks, Vietnamese rice paper rolls, or hot jam doughnuts, as loved by the locals.
- Food courts in Melbourne Central and Emporium
These food courts offer fast, quality options at half the price of fancy cafes in the city. Don’t miss out on their weekday lunch specials to have a substantial meal at an affordable price.
4. Revel in the City’s Free Culture
One of the best things about Melbourne is that its culture can be explored and enjoyed free of cost.
- Check out the National Gallery of Victoria
You don’t need to spend a cent to explore the National Gallery of Victoria. From Indigenous and Australian works to pieces from Asia and Europe, you will find the art worth exploring that is spread across two buildings.
- Visit the State Library
The State Library Victoria is worth your time, even if you are not into books. The dome-shaped La Trobe Reading Room is an architectural marvel.
- Enjoy Live Music at Federation Square
Federation Square in Melbourne is always buzzing with events. Check out their events calendar, and you might get to enjoy a live band, a cultural festival, or an outdoor movie for free!
5. Easy Escapes Without a Hefty Price Tag
If you are willing to venture beyond the city centre, explore Melbourne’s outer suburbs and nearby regions for affordable yet thrilling adventures.
According to Tourism Australia, exploring local neighbourhoods often provides more authentic experiences at lower costs than traditional tourist attractions. For instance, you can visit Brighton Beach and see the famous, colourful bathing boxes. A visit to this place is a cheaper alternative to St Kilda. Moreover, you can click some amazing Instagram-worthy pictures here.
Final Word
You don’t need a lavish budget to explore the beautiful city of Melbourne and have fun. All you need is careful planning of your travel budget and local insights. By doing this, you may find Melbourne surprisingly affordable and have a delightful trip without monetary stress!
