Heading to Melbourne? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 3–4 days
- Best for: Culture fiends, creatives, sports fans, foodies, urban explorers
- Why visit: Colorful, walkable, artsy—and ultra-welcoming to solo travelers
MELBOURNE AT A GLANCE
- Population/size: 5.1 million; sprawling but city core is compact
- Origins: Gold rush history; once the world’s wealthiest city
- Famous for: Street art, coffee culture, sports mania, vibrant laneways
- Nicknames: Melbs, The Second City, Garden City, Melbin
- Solo vibe: Friendly, walkable, safe—with a buzzing, independent local scene
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
- 🗣 Language: Australian English
- 🌦 Best time to visit: Year-round! For festivals, Jan–March; for fewer crowds, Oct–Dec
- ✈️ From airport:
- Cheapest: SkyBus to CBD, $20 (one-way), runs every 10 min
- Other: Taxi (~$60 AUD), rideshare app, or public bus #901
- 🧳 Safety: Very safe for solos; watch for petty theft at night/markets
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Australian Open (Jan), St Kilda Festival (Feb), Grand Prix (March)—book early!
- 🎦 What to watch on the plane: “The Castle” (comedy classic) or TV’s “Offspring” for some Melbourne flavor
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️Best hostel: Space Hotel. Stylish and super comfy with private-style bathrooms in dorms — a rare find. Right in the heart of Melbourne, with chill lounges and rooftop hot tub to kick back after exploring. One of the most in-demand hostels in Melbourne, so book ahead! 🌟
- 🏘️ Best neighborhood for hotels/Airbnb: CBD or Inner City – At the heart of everything; perfect for first timers and easy solo adventuring.
- 🧭 Alt neighborhood: Carlton – More low-key, near university, cheaper eats/hotels, fast CBD access.
- 💸 Budget option: Campus Melbourne (Preston), UniLodge on Flinders (CBD), Scape Swanston (Carlton)—student digs available short-term, ~$300/week.
- Tip: Book hostels in advance, especially in March. Always check for 24-hour reception if arriving late.
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Excellent in CBD—laneways, bars, galleries all by foot
- 🚌 Public transit: Myki card needed; 2-hour fare $5.50, daily cap $11; refill at 7/11s. Run by PTV (Public Transport Victoria)
- 🚋 Trams: Extensive, iconic. City Circle Tram is FREE—great for getting your bearings
- 🚖 Taxis: Hail on street, from taxi ranks, or use 13cabs app (locals prefer over Uber); $40–60 to airport
- 🚲 Bike hire: Melbourne Bike Share (CBD docks) or Lime e-bikes; best rides along Yarra River and down to St Kilda
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ National Gallery of Victoria – Get lost in world-class art, free entry, easy to wander at your own pace
- 🌿 Yarra River Trail – Scenic, safe, flat walk/bike from Southbank into bushland, instant nature break
- 🧠 Melbourne Museum – Dinosaurs to digital art; immersive, interactive, perfect for unhurried exploring
- 🧭 Melbourne’s Laneways (start at Hosier Lane) – Street art, indie cafés, quirky shops; feels like a treasure hunt
- 🎨 Fitzroy Gardens – Get reflective among heritage trees, fountains, and tiny Cook’s Cottage
- 🔀 Wildcard: Queen Victoria Market – Local characters, fresh eats, people-watching galore. Try a lamington or grab lunch solo!
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Eureka Skydeck – Pricey and crowded; skyline views are just as nice (and free) from Princes Bridge or rooftop bars
- ❌ Docklands – Lacks atmosphere unless you’re keen on upmarket clubs; feels a bit soulless for solos
- ❌ Luna Park – Fun for families, but better solo options for thrill or nostalgia
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar – Counter seating, vintage charm, classic espresso and friendly vibe
- 🥃 The Elysian Whisky Bar – Cozy, intimate, knowledgeable staff; try a local single malt
- 🍽️ Try these local foods: Meat pies (Butcher’s Diner, late hours), lamingtons (Bakery at Queen Victoria Market)
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Don Don (Japanese, $10 meals), Udon Yasan, Om Vegetarian ($6 curries)
- 🥦 Veg/vegan options: Red Sparrow Pizza, Vegie Bar (Fitzroy), Crossways (budget vegan)
- 🍸 Cocktails/nightcap: Section 8 (open-air container bar, DJs, great people-watching)
BEST OF MELBOURNE IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Coffee and pastry at Degraves Street, watch the city wake up
- Morning: Laneway exploration—street art at Hosier Lane, stroll Federation Square, cross Princes Bridge for classic views
- Lunch: Bite at Queen Victoria Market (sandwich/Spanish donuts)
- Afternoon: National Gallery of Victoria for a culture hit, then wander the gardens beside the Shrine of Remembrance
- Evening: Tram to Fitzroy for alternative shops, rooftop bars, and indie vibes (Naked for Satan for views)
- Dinner: Solo feast at MoVida Next Door (tapas at the counter, or window seat people-watching)
- Night: Sip a whisky at The Elysian or join the crowd at Section 8 container bar for city ambience
DAY TRIP: GREAT OCEAN ROAD
- 🚌 Getting There:
- Tour option: Day tours depart from CBD, ~$150 AUD (look for ones that include the 12 Apostles)
- Self-drive: Rent a car and hit the road for epic coastal views; allow 10–12 hours return
- Public bus: Doable but slow; best as an overnight adventure
- 🌊 Why Go:
- World-famous coastal drive: Jaw-dropping cliffs, wild surf beaches, rainforest, and cute towns
- The 12 Apostles: Iconic limestone stacks best seen at sunset
- Solo-friendly: Easy to join a tour group or enjoy peaceful solo road tripping
- Wildlife: Spot wild koalas (Kennett River) and colorful parrots
- 🧭 Top Stops:
- Torquay: Surf culture capital, grab coffee and check out the waves
- Lorne: Hip cafés and a quick rainforest stroll at Erskine Falls
- Apollo Bay: Fish & chips on the beach or gentle coastal hike
- Great Otway National Park: Ancient trees, fern gullies, and koalas overhead
- 12 Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge: Snap those bucket-list pics
- 🍴 Eats: Apollo Bay Bakery: Famous scallop pie or vanilla slice if you’re peckish. Lorne: Fish tacos at a beach shack.
- 📷 Photo ops: Split Point Lighthouse, Teddy’s Lookout, and windswept beaches for stellar solo selfies
- 🎒 Tips for solos:
- Travel light: Layer up, weather can flip fast
- Download music/podcasts: Some stretches have no signal
- Tours can be social: Great way to meet other travelers if you’re feeling chatty
- 💡 One last thing: Sunset at the 12 Apostles is magic; linger if you can—just don’t skip the ice cream in Lorne on your way back!
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival/seasonal tip: March = festival overload (Grand Prix, comedy, food, music)—the city pulses with energy but book ahead!
- 📍 Hidden gem: The Old Bar (Johnston St) – Grungy live music staple, easy for solos to chat or blend in
- 📷 Photo spots: Brighton Beach Boxes (colorful huts), Hosier Lane murals, skyline views from Princes Bridge at dusk
- 🧠 Etiquette tip: Don’t jaywalk on city streets—traffic cops are strict! Also, “How ya going?” means “How are you?”
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Usual urban awareness needed—keep valuables close in busy areas, but overall very safe
- 👀 One last thing: Pack a jacket—Melbourne is notorious for four seasons in one day. Chase that perfect coffee, get lost in a laneway, and say yes to whatever the city throws your way!