Here are 21 recommended free activities to do in Melbourne.
Melbourne is one of the most vibrant cities in Australia. It is a bustling metropolis with plenty of things to do and see, many of them for free! Here are 21 recommended activities that won’t break the bank, but will ensure you have a great time exploring this iconic city.
A list of free activities in Melbourne that are worth checking out.
If you’re interested in finding cost-free activities in Melbourne, you may want to review these suggestions for discovering the city without spending a dime.
Not everything in Melbourne has to be expensive. There are many free things to do in the city, from art shows to wine tastings. Some argue that the best things in life are free, but that may not always be true. However, there are plenty of activities in Melbourne that won’t cost a dime.
A list of no-cost activities in Melbourne.
Visit Fitzroy Gardens in Melbourne’s cityscape for a scenic experience. Take a walk around the park and appreciate the natural landscape and historic landmarks scattered throughout the gardens. In the middle of the park, there is a model Tudor Village created by London pensioner Edgar Wilson in the 1940s. This miniature village is a replica of a typical Kentish village from England’s Tudor period and was unveiled in Fitzroy Gardens by the lord mayor in 1948.
One of the recommended activities in Melbourne is visiting Queen Vic Market, which offers a variety of fresh produce including fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and smallgoods. Visitors may also have the opportunity to sample some products. ACMI is a multi-faceted institution that offers many resources and experiences to visitors. It includes Australia’s largest collection of moving images, a permanent exhibition called The Story of the Moving Image, and often features other free exhibitions. In addition, ACMI has cinemas, student labs, educational spaces, a media preservation lab, and even a hospitality offering from Karen Martini.
The Dome Reading Room and Ian Potter Queen’s Hall are two noteworthy places to visit at the State Library of Victoria. Visitors can observe people studying and expanding their knowledge on various subjects, and free daily tours are available to explore the library’s hidden areas. Readings bookstore in Melbourne is an independent establishment that has been known to attract crowds at unusual hours. The store has gained recognition both locally and internationally, with its Carlton location receiving the “Bookstore of the Year” award at the London Book Fair International Excellence Awards in 2016.
Melburnians often complain about Federation Square, known as Melbourne’s “meeting place”. Despite the mixed opinions, the area offers a variety of free events. These include tai chi classes, morning meditation, children’s libraries, and occasional free movie screenings. The events are always changing, so it’s best to check the website for upcoming free events. The Library at The Dock offers an extensive book collection, subscriptions to newspapers and magazines, a large DVD and CD collection, and an eLibrary. Additionally, the library provides a gallery, pro-editing suites, a recording studio, practice rooms, and a green terrace for activities like table tennis, yoga, tai chi, and movie screenings.
The Royal Botanic Gardens is located in the center of Melbourne. It’s easily accessible and perfect for a stroll, picnic, or lunch break. With its vast grounds, there’s plenty of space for everyone. Take a moment to meditate or snap a photo by the beautiful Ornamental Lake. Melbourne is not known for its skyline. The Arts Centre spire and Eureka Tower are exceptions. Instead, the city has hidden gems in street corners and gardens. Some of the best buildings include the Royal Exhibition Building, GPO, and even a McDonald’s. People from all over the city visit this memorial for various reasons. It is named after a site of violence. Climbing the 1,000 steps can be challenging and exhausting. It’s difficult, if not impossible, for most people to keep track of the number of steps they’ve taken. Some may find it easier, but disheartening, counting how many times they get passed by others on the way up. For those who don’t feel athletic, there are plenty of places for picnicking among the tall trees in the area.
On Jacka Boulevard in St Kilda, visitors can observe a colony of little penguins, also known as fairy penguins. The best time for viewing is during the summer after sunset, but it is important to follow guidelines such as refraining from climbing on the rocks, using flash photography, and touching or feeding the penguins since they lay eggs and rear young there. The NGV has both special exhibitions and a permanent collection. It’s free to visit and includes works by Rembrandt, Tiepolo, and Picasso. Additionally, visitors can admire the stained-glass ceiling of the Great Hall and the water wall in the entryway. Melbourne’s CBD is easily traversable via the free tram zone. This zone covers Queen Vic Market to the north, Spring Street and Parliament House to the east, Flinders Street to the south, and Docklands and Victoria Harbour to the west. It’s perfect for sightseeing in the city and includes cool hangouts like Madame Brussels and Heroes, as well as inner-city parks.
Street art in Melbourne is hard to miss. Hosier Lane and Centre Place are popular spots, but there’s more to the scene. Laneways in the CBD get a fresh coat of paint regularly, and there’s plenty of street art outside the city. Check out our guide to finding the best street art. The Koorie Heritage Trust is situated in Fed Square and showcases Indigenous art and culture from the southeastern region of Australia. It has three gallery spaces that display a collection of acquired and commissioned works gathered since the early 1980s. The Trust puts on exhibitions to raise awareness and appreciation for Koorie culture and aims to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
The Tan is a running route in the Royal Botanic Gardens, spanning almost four kilometers. It was previously a horse track and the current record for a lap is ten minutes and eight seconds. The Shrine of Remembrance was constructed from 1927 to 1934 as a space for Victorians to grieve and honor those who died in WWI. Today, it serves as a memorial for all Australians who served in wars. Exhibitions and talks reflecting on Australian conflicts are held regularly. Guided walking tours are also offered. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. ACCA is a well-known building in Melbourne, designed by Wood Marsh with a red-rust structure. It offers free exhibitions, lectures, symposiums, performances, live music, and educational programs. Visitors are welcome to explore inside.
St Kilda is a popular beach in Melbourne due to its proximity to Acland Street. It offers a variety of sports activities such as cricket, volleyball, and frisbee. The water is safe for swimming and watersports. Visitors can take a dip in the shallows during warm weather or go for an invigorating walk along the ocean during colder weather. Brighton Beach has 82 bathing boxes along its foreshore. The beach is not only pretty but also good for swimming and surfing when the wind picks up. There is a train station nearby for those who cannot drive or do not have a car. The tour at Parliament House is open to all visitors, regardless of their political interests. The tour allows visitors to explore the impressive architecture, as well as learn about the history of the building. The tours are available daily at noon and 3 pm, but booking ahead of time is necessary.
There are additional activities available to explore in Melbourne.
The cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is full of unique attractions that are perfect for a day out. Learn about the city’s past at the Royal Exhibition Building or discover its art scene with a visit to one of many art galleries and museums. Shop in the many boutiques and markets around town before taking a stroll along the beachside boardwalks. For something more adventurous, take part in one of Melbourne’s renowned sporting events, such as cricket or Australian Rules Football. Finally, sample some of Melbourne’s signature cuisine, with its vibrant array of restaurants and cafes. From Luna Park to the Melbourne Museum, there is something for everyone. Visit the iconic Melbourne Town Hall and take in its stunning architecture or discover hidden gems like the national parks and Sculpture Park. See an interactive exhibition or explore the original gold vaults. Take in the stunning sights of Melbourne Gardens or enjoy a boat tour along the Yarra River. No matter what you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste in Melbourne.
View the top sights of the urban area.
If you’re new to Melbourne or want to explore its hidden secrets, these tours are a great starting point. They cover everything from food and laneways to drinking and ghosts. Take a tour to get to know Melbourne better. Catch panoramic views of Melbourne’s skyline. Visit some of the city’s iconic buildings such as the Royal Exhibition Building, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Eureka Tower for a birds-eye view. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll along the Yarra River, admiring the architecture from below. For those interested in architecture, there are also regular walking tours that take visitors around the city’s most famous buildings. For a different way of seeing Melbourne, why not take a Melbourne River Cruise? You can explore the riverside, learn about the city’s history, and take in some stunning views of its skyline.
Additional inexpensive activities to enjoy within the city.
It is possible to find affordable options for activities, food, and clothing in the city if you know where to look.
If you’re looking to save money, we have a list of affordable dining options under $20 and recommendations for activities in the city that cost $25 or less.
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