How to Find Cheap Hotels in Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, the state capital of Victoria, is also known as the sporting capital and the cultural capital of Australia. Melbourne is recognized for its many art galleries and museums celebrating the diversity of the community. Gleaming high-rises and the sparkling Yarra River make this a gorgeous city.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access for making reservations

Learn About Melbourne, Australia

1. Know that Melbourne is noted for the size of its sports arenas and the enthusiasm of its fans. Cricket Australia and the Australian Football League headquarter in Melbourne, Australia.
2. Visit museums throughout Melbourne that feature Chinese history, science, racing, Jewish history, immigration and more.
3. Understand the city is built on a regular grid pattern, making it easy to traverse.
4. Recognize the diversity of Melbourne's multicultural population in the architecture and restaurants.

Get from Place to Place in Melbourne, Australia

5. Fly in to one of two airports servicing Melbourne: Melbourne International Airport and Avalon Airport. Both are located west of Melbourne.
6. Take a taxi between Melbourne International Airport and Melbourne center for between $40 and $50. Bus shuttle service costs much less (about $15 one-way). Shuttle service from Avalon Airport is about $20 one-way.
7. Travel by car for scenic coastal views or to go further inland to explore areas not usually visited. Trips can take as much as 7 hours to Adelaide, 10 hours to Sydney and 24 hours to Brisbane.
8. Know that bus service is available to and from most Victorian towns.
9. Reach Melbourne by a 10-hour ferry ride from Devonport, Tasmania. Ticket prices will depend on the type of accommodations and the time of year. Cheap seating in the off-peak season begins at a little over $100 for adults.

Locate Affordable Accommodations in Melbourne, Australia

10. Stay in the central district for cheap accommodations from $20 and up to be near live music, clubs and bars.
11. Book your accommodations in the north side of Melbourne for easy access to parks and the zoo. Reaching downtown is only 10 minutes by tram.
12. Treat yourself to mid-level accommodations; prices average about $110 and up.
13. To book accommodations, contact Tourism Victoria at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). If calling internationally but not from the United States or Canada, call 00 ([phone].

Tips & Warnings

• Understand rental car insurance in Australia. Even if an accident is not your fault, you'll pay an excess for damages.
• Buy a detailed map before attempting to drive in Melbourne.
• Avoid red-light districts, including King Street and Grey Street.
• Ask for a discounted rate for extended stays.
• Schedule accommodations months in advance of major sporting events in Melbourne.
• Know that because of nearby live music venues, some hostels and cheap accommodations have excessive street or music noise.
• Telephone country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.