Cheap Flights to Melbourne: Explore the Best of Down Under

Whether you come for the arts, food, or whimsical laneways—Melbourne offers something for everyone. But before you can sip coffee at a hipster café or traipse through Federation Square, the first step is to get to Melbourne. But before you get yourself worked up, looking for that perfect and affordable flight, cheap flights to Melbourne can be easy to hunt down and even easier to book! With these handy tips, you’ll be at Down Under before you know it.

Timing is Everything: When to Book Your Melbourne Flight

To get your hands on cheap Melbourne flight tickets, you need to know when to make your move. Christmas time—Melbourne’s busiest tourist season—puts a strain on anyone shopping for flights to Melbourne. For the best deal, opt for when the city is less crowded. Consider planning your trip from March through May or September through November. In the shoulder season, you’ll find your Melbourne flight at the best possible price, and you’ll find many incredible things to do.

Try to purchase an airline ticket either many months in advance or at the last minute. Six months before your departure date, airlines typically offer the lowest fares for Melbourne flights. On the other hand, airlines have been known to slash prices before flights to fill up empty seats. So, you must be willing to go at a moment’s notice.

Navigating the World of Budget Airlines

One of the best ways to find cheap flights to Melbourne is hunting around with budget airlines. Jetstar, Tigerair, and Scoot often have great deals for Melbourne flights, if you’re willing to skimp a little on your service. Though you may not get a meal or checked luggage on the flight ticket, the savings will be worth it.

But before you hit the purchase button, read the small print! With budget airlines, your seat and carry-on luggage might only be included for a price. Sometimes, even printing your boarding pass at the airport costs extra. To get the most out of your Melbourne flight ticket, plan a little ahead and save everywhere you can.

Finding Hidden Gems

Once you’ve booked your Melbourne flights and got yourself to the city itself, the adventure is only just beginning. One of the things Melbourne does best is hidden gems; those little-known and less talked-about lists of places to visit shared by locals. While crowds of people are out there queuing up to get a picture in front of the Brighton Beach Boxes, you could be discovering Merri Creek Trail, a lesser-known hideaway that lies only a short tram journey from the CBD.

Dining Like a Local Without Breaking the Bank

Melbourne is a foodie haven, and thankfully, you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well. With a diverse range of cultures living in the city, food from virtually every country is available — and often at fairly reasonable prices. Check out Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce and choose a quick lunch from the range of food stalls. Breakfast favorites include everything from dumplings to gourmet doughnuts and more.

For a real Melburnian eating experience, look for laneway dining. These small and often family-run venues have some of the best food in Melbourne.

Making the Most of Your Melbourne Adventure

Now that you have secured flights to Melbourne for an absolute bargain and clued yourself in on these hidden tips — it is time to make the most of Melbourne. The public transport in this city is easy to navigate, and Melbourne is top-loaded with numerous free and cheap things to do. Walk along the Yarra River, visit the State Library of Victoria, or just wander the iconic laneways of the city.

As your Melbourne journey comes to an end, you’ll probably already have your mind set on when you can return. There’s just something about Melbourne that’ll make you want to keep coming back.