I am excited to share my personal experiences of discovering affordable and unforgettable destinations to travel from Melbourne. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! From charming coastal towns to culturally rich hubs and awe-inspiring natural wonders, there’s no shortage of budget-friendly options right at your fingertips.
So, grab your map, slip on your walking shoes, and let’s embark on an exciting journey through the affordable travel destinations awaiting you beyond Melbourne. Prepare to be captivated by picturesque landscapes, immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, and create lasting memories. Get ready to explore the hidden gems of these cheap places to travel from Melbourne.
Let the exploration begin!
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Table of Contents
1. A Coastal Drive- The Great Ocean Road
- Distance: 243 km (151 mi) one way from Melbourne
- Travel Time: 5-8 hours (consider spreading over 2-3 days)
- Car Rental: AUD$50+ (USD$36+) per day
- Gas: AUD$100 (USD$72) round trip (estimated)
- Accommodation: Budget (camping): AUD$30-50 (USD$21-36) per night
- Mid-range hotel: AUD$120-200 (USD$86-144+) per night
- Food: AUD$50-80 (USD$36-57) per day
- Budget Trip: AUD$180-230 (USD$129-165) per day
- Mid-range Trip: AUD$250-350+ (USD$180-252+) per day
I was on a road trip along the iconic Great Ocean Road. Stretching along the breathtaking coastline of Victoria, this scenic route offers stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and famous landmarks like the Twelve Apostles.
It’s an affordable adventure! Pack some snacks, rent a car, and hit the road. There are plenty of budget-friendly accommodations along the way, including campgrounds and holiday parks, where you can immerse yourself in nature just as priceless.
2. Nature’s Playground- Wilsons Promontory National Park
- Distance: 220 km (137 mi) one way from Melbourne
- Travel Time: 2.5-3 hours driving
- Gas: AUD$50-80 (USD$36-57) round trip (estimated)
- Park Entry: AUD$13.50 (USD$9.70) per vehicle
- Accommodation: Budget (camping): AUD$36-52 (USD$26-37)
- Mid-range: AUD$150-250+ (USD$108-180+)
- Food: Budget AUD$30-50 (USD$21-36) per day (recommend bringing groceries)
- Budget Trip: AUD$120-180 (USD$86-130) per day
- Mid-range Trip: AUD$200-300+ (USD$144-216+) per day
Just a few hours’ drive from Melbourne lies Wilsons Promontory National Park, a nature lover’s paradise. This coastal gem is home to pristine beaches, rugged mountains, and diverse wildlife. With affordable camping options and budget-friendly cabins, you can spend a few days exploring the park’s hiking trails, swimming in secluded bays, and marveling at panoramic views from Mount Oberon.
Keep your camera with you and a sense of adventure!
3. Penguins and Beyond- Phillip Island
- Distance: 140 km (87 mi) south of Melbourne
- Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours driving
- Gas: AUD$30-50 (USD$21-36) round trip (estimated)
- Ferry (optional): AUD$30+ (USD$21+) per adult (round trip)
- Accommodation: Budget: AUD$80-120 (USD$57-86)
- Mid-range: AUD$120-200+ (USD$86-144+)
- Food: Budget: AUD$50-80 (USD$36-57) per day
- Mid-range: AUD$80-120 (USD$57-86) per day
- Budget Trip: AUD$130-180 (USD$94-130) per day
- Mid-range Trip: AUD$200-300+ (USD$144-216+) per day
For a unique wildlife experience, let’s visit Phillip Island. Known for its famous Penguin Parade, where you can watch the adorable little penguins waddle ashore at sunset, this island offers much more than meets the eye. Explore the coastal walks, visit the Koala Conservation Centre, and witness the fur seal colonies at Seal Rocks.
With affordable accommodations and a range of dining options, Phillip Island is a budget-friendly destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
4. Relaxation in the Countryside- Daylesford
- Distance: 110-120 km (68-75 mi) northwest of Melbourne
- Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours driving
- Gas: AUD$20-40 (USD$14-29) round trip (estimated)
- Accommodation: Budget: AUD$80-120 (USD$57-86)
- Mid-range: AUD$150-250+ (USD$108-180+)
- Luxury: AUD$250+ (USD$180+)
- Food: Budget: AUD$50-80 (USD$36-57) per day
- Mid-range: AUD$80-120 (USD$57-86) per day
- Fine dining: AUD$120+ (USD$86+) per day
- Budget Trip: AUD$150-200 (USD$108-144) per day
- Mid-range Trip: AUD$230-330+ (USD$165-240+) per day
If you need some relaxation and rejuvenation, look no further than Daylesford. This charming spa town is nestled in Victoria’s picturesque countryside and is known for its natural mineral springs and wellness retreats. While some spas might be on the higher end, there are also affordable options available.
Take leisurely walks around Lake Daylesford, explore the local markets, and indulge in scrumptious meals at affordable eateries. Treat yourself to a weekend getaway without breaking the bank.
5. Majestic Mountains and Waterfalls- The Grampians National Park
- Distance: 230-270 km (143-168 mi) northwest of Melbourne
- Travel Time: 3-3.5 hours driving
- Gas: AUD$50-80 (USD$36-57) round trip (estimated)
- Park Entry: AUD$13 per vehicle
- Accommodation: Budget (camping): AUD$35-50 (USD$25-36)
- Mid-range: AUD$120-200+ (USD$86-144+)
- Food: Budget AUD$30-50 (USD$21-36) per day (recommend bringing groceries)
- Budget Trip: AUD$120-180 (USD$86-130) per day
- Mid-range Trip: AUD$200-300+ (USD$144-216+) per day
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Grampians National Park offers a budget-friendly adventure. Just a few hours’ drive from Melbourne, this rugged mountain range is dotted with stunning waterfalls, ancient rock formations, and panoramic viewpoints. Campgrounds and budget-friendly cabins are available within the park, providing an immersive nature experience.
Hike to the iconic Pinnacle lookout, chase waterfalls like MacKenzie Falls, and keep an eye out for native wildlife along the way.
6. History and Heritage- The Grampians National Park
- Distance: 230-270 km (143-168 mi) northwest of Melbourne
- Travel Time: 3-3.5 hours driving
- Gas: AUD$50-80 (USD$36-57) round trip (estimated)
- Park Entry: AUD$13 per vehicle
- Accommodation: Budget (camping): AUD$35-50 (USD$25-36)
- Mid-range: AUD$120-200+ (USD$86-144+)
- Food: Budget AUD$30-50 (USD$21-36) per day (recommend groceries)
- Budget Trip: AUD$120-180 (USD$86-130) per day
- Mid-range Trip: AUD$200-300+ (USD$144-216+) per day
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the history and heritage of Ballarat. This regional city is known for its gold rush past and preserved Victorian-era architecture. Explore the open-air museum at Sovereign Hill, where you can witness the reenactment of gold mining and immerse yourself in the 1850s atmosphere.
Affordable accommodations are available in the city center, allowing you to soak up the charm of Ballarat without straining your budget.
7. Beaches and Wineries- The Grampians National Park
- Distance: 230-270 km (143-168 mi) northwest of Melbourne.
- Travel Time: 3-3.5 hours driving (one-way).
- Gas: AUD$50-80 (USD$36-57) round trip (estimated).
- Park Entry: AUD$13 per vehicle.
- Accommodation: Budget (camping): AUD$35-50 (USD$25-36) per night.
- Mid-range: AUD$120-200+ (USD$86-144+) per night.
- Food: Budget AUD$30-50 (USD$21-36) per day (recommend groceries).
- Budget Trip: AUD$120-180 (USD$86-130) per day.
- Mid-range Trip: AUD$200-300+ (USD$144-216+) per day.
For a taste of the good life, head to the Mornington Peninsula. This coastal region is famous for its stunning beaches, charming seaside towns, and world-class wineries. Spend your days lounging on the sandy shores, indulging in wine tastings at boutique vineyards, and exploring the coastal trails.
Affordable accommodations, including beachside campsites and budget-friendly B&Bs, make it possible to experience the beauty of the region without breaking the bank.
The Departure– Cheap Places to Travel from Melbourne
A journey through the cheap places to travel from Melbourne, where you can explore stunning coastlines, immerse yourself in nature, indulge in relaxation, discover history, and savor the good life—all on a budget.
When you embark on a scenic road trip along the Great Ocean Road, seek tranquility in Wilsons Promontory National Park, witness the Penguin Parade on Phillip Island, unwind in Daylesford, venture into the Grampians, dive into the history of Ballarat, or indulge in the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula, affordable adventures await you.
FAQs
What are some affordable travel destinations near Melbourne?
Melbourne offers a range of affordable travel destinations within proximity. Some popular options include the Great Ocean Road, where you can explore stunning coastal scenery and iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles. Day trips to the Yarra Valley wine region or the Dandenong Ranges, known for their picturesque landscapes and hiking trails, are also budget-friendly options. Additionally, you can visit the charming coastal towns of Mornington Peninsula or Phillip Island, known for their beautiful beaches and wildlife encounters.
How can I find budget-friendly accommodations in these travel destinations?
To find budget-friendly accommodations in these travel destinations, consider booking in advance and comparing prices on various accommodation websites. You can consider alternative options like vacation rentals or camping grounds, which can often be more cost-effective. Staying outside of popular tourist areas or opting for mid-week stays can also help you secure better deals.
What are some inexpensive activities to do in these travel destinations?
There are plenty of inexpensive activities to enjoy in these travel destinations. Along the Great Ocean Road, you can explore beautiful beaches, go hiking in national parks, or visit free attractions like the Otway Fly Treetop Walk. In the Yarra Valley, you can sample local wines at cellar doors or have a picnic in scenic vineyards. The Dandenong Ranges offer free walking trails and botanical gardens to explore. On Phillip Island, you can witness the famous Penguin Parade or visit the Koala Conservation Centre. Mornington Peninsula offers affordable beach activities, coastal walks, and visits to the local markets.