When is it cheapest to visit Melbourne?

Melbourne is cheapest to visit in May, June, and July.

Peak season is January, February, and December, when rooms cost the most.

Melbourne seasons and room prices

Melbourne is in the southern hemisphere, so December to February is summer and high season. The city's prices are driven by its big events: the Australian Open tennis in the second half of January, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, usually in March, the AFL Grand Final in late September and Melbourne Cup week around the first Tuesday of November. The Boxing Day cricket Test at the MCG from December 26 and New Year's Eve also fill the centre. The cheapest stretch is winter from June to August, cool and famously changeable but light on events. Many long haul flights land early in the morning, so weigh an extra night against waiting for check in.

Melbourne local costs and payment

The currency is the Australian dollar, and cards and tap to pay work almost everywhere, so cash is rarely needed. Many cafes and restaurants add a card surcharge of one to two percent, and some add a weekend or public holiday surcharge, noted at the bottom of the menu. There is no tipping culture. Hotel prices are normally shown including the goods and services tax, so totals rarely diverge much between sites. Public transport runs on the myki card, which cannot be bought on board a tram, so get one at a station or convenience store, or set up mobile myki in your phone wallet. Pay in Australian dollars and decline home currency conversion.