Are you dreaming of a Melbourne holiday but wondering how you’ll swing it after the Christmas splurge? Never fear Sounds of Oz readers. I’ve put together a guide to enjoying a musical getaway in Victoria’s capital on the cheap.

Choose Accommodation Carefully

Accommodation will probably be your biggest expense, so it pays to think carefully before you jump in. Of course a real cheapskate would choose somewhere like Nomads All Nations Hostel or Ritz for Backpackers. But if you’re anything like me, you’d rather book a more upmarket hotel that gives you bang for your buck.

Hotel Charsfield is one of my favorite Melbourne hotels. It has fancy-pants features like reading and snooker rooms, but because it’s out of the city center it costs less than comparable four-star hotels in the CDB. It doesn’t feel like a compromise though because there’s a tram stop right outside the door.

It’s all a matter of personal taste of course, so think about what you want from your accommodation. If you’re going to spend a lot of time in your room it’s probably worth a splurge, but if you just need a bed don’t be afraid to go cheap and cheerful.

Get Cheap Tickets

Concert tickets in Australia are far too expensive, but as all of us know catching a show is a big part of the holiday experience.

If you want cheap music, head to the city’s pubs and clubs. Melbourne has one of the richest live music scenes, and on any night of the week you can discover up-and-coming acts for free or close to it. The Labour in Vain Hotel, The Rainbow, The Drunken Poet, and The Gem always have awesome free acts.

If you insist on seeing a big show, head to a website like TiqIQ. It has big discounts on tickets to shows at Etihad Stadium and Rod Laver Arena. Just don’t make the mistake I did and get excited about artists touring around Melbourne, Florida rather than Melbourne, Victoria.

Travel during Free Festivals

I know the feeling of wanting to go away and wanting to go now all too well. But if you time your holiday to coincide with one of Melbourne’s cultural festivals you’ll have more to see for less. I’m not talking about the big festivals mind you. Events like the Melbourne Festival and Moomba bring so many tourists into the city that the hotel prices soar. Instead think about visiting during the quiet achievers.

During January, Fitzroy Gardens hosts the Sunset Series. On the second and third Saturday of the month you can soak up the sun while enjoying four great Aussie bands for free. The event also has food trucks, which are always good for a cheap feed.

If you fancy yourself a singer check out the Melbourne International Singers Festival, a four-day event which brings together choirs and singers from around the country. It’s a great opportunity to work with leading conductors and composers and have a lot of fun.

This post was written as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. Which city would you love to holiday in this summer?

Image source: Alandot @ Flickr