Discovering Amazing Those of you on a tight travel budget who are hoping to find a bargain in Melbourne need not worry. Here is a rundown of some of the free things to do and see while you're in town. When it comes to quality of life, Melbourne consistently ranks among the world's best, and it's also not a bad place to visit.
From stunning botanical gardens and classic amusement parks to massive marketplaces and informative museums, the city offers a wide variety of things to see and do. Moreover, many of these activities are completely free of charge.
Guide To The Best Free Stuff To Do In Melbourne.
National Gallery Of Victoria
The next stop is the Southbank institution known as the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. The exhibits in this stunning structure are constantly changing. You're not satisfied, are you? Private galleries in the Flinders Lane area regularly showcase local and international artists in smaller-scale shows.
State Library Of Victoria
The State Library of Victoria is unlike any other library in Australia. You can't help but be struck by its stunning appearance the moment you set eyes on it, but the outside pales in comparison to the interior's opulence.
The perfect place to curl up with a good book and forget about the world. There are over two million other books in the library's collection, so you should be able to find the one you need without much trouble. If that doesn't do it for you, there are thousands more newspapers, manuscripts, audio, video, and digital materials covering the culture and history of Victoria over the course of a century.
The State Library houses some truly remarkable artworks and exhibitions, and tours of the facility are available for free. The majority of the talks are either free or allow attendees to name their own price, and cover everything from fashion to philosophy.
Shrine Of Remembrance
The statuesque Shrine of Remembrance can be found off St. Kilda Road; it was completed in 1934 as a memorial to Australians who had died in World War I. Some of Melbourne's most important military and remembrance ceremonies, including ANZAC day, are held there, and it also hosts historical exhibitions that provide context for the sacrifices that were made.
Currently, between Swanston Street and Lonsdale Street, no structure is allowed to be constructed that would obstruct visitors' views of the shrine. This is due to the fact that the shrine can be seen from miles away. It is well worth the effort to climb the steps to the shrine because they provide some of the best views in the city.
Melbourne's Laneways
Melbourne's alleyways have been transformed from backdoors to the main city grid into internationally acclaimed art galleries over the past decade. Though Banksy's murals are unlikely to be found here (many have been painted over or destroyed, though at least one is said to remain), you will find a bewildering array of vibrant murals by renowned regional and international artists. To get to the north side of Melbourne, start at Hosier Lane, which is directly opposite Federation Square.
Market Browsing
Aside from the bustling Queen Victoria Market in the downtown area, there are a number of other, less touristy markets to explore throughout the city. The Camberwell Market has a Parisian flea market vibe, while the Rose Street Artists' Market in Fitzroy is a great place to experience Melbourne's creative spirit, and the Night Market at Victoria Market features hawker-style food and live music in the summer.
City Circle Tram
The central business district of Melbourne can be seen quickly and cheaply on this tour (though your eardrums may not thank you; the commentary is interesting, but a bit too loud for all but the hardest of hearers). The City Circle Tram loops around the city, and its final stop is the Docklands waterfront district. Historic "W class" trams, built to look like the originals from 1923, operate along the route. Their hand straps are made of leather, brass, and wood.
City Centre Architecture
Historic buildings from a wide variety of time periods and architectural traditions can be found in Melbourne's CBD. As you explore the streets of the city in search of landmarks, strange architecture, and retro advertising murals, you may find that you need to adjust your perspective. Among the area's most recognisable structures are the Flinders Street Railway Station, Federation Square, the Nicholas Building, the Block Arcade, and the ANZ Gothic Headquarters. During the month of July, Melbourne hosts its annual Open House event, where visitors can go behind the scenes of some of the city's most notable buildings without paying a dime.
Koorie Heritage Trust
Federation Square is home to Australia's lone public museum dedicated to the arts and cultures of the country's indigenous peoples.
Wheeler Centre
If you're into reading and writing, you should stop by the Wheeler Centre, which was founded and is supported by the same people who made the Lonely Planet guidebooks. Ongoing events featuring authors, publishers, and artists are held regularly, and the vast majority are free to the public.
Old Treasury Building
Visit the Old Treasury Building to see the historic gold vaults that were used to store gold bullion during the gold rush.
Greeter Tour
The City Council of Melbourne is responsible for overseeing the Melbourne Greeters programme. The service, which is run by members of the International Greeter's Association, provides quick visits to some of Melbourne's best-kept secrets. Sign up at the Visitors Centre or on the website. Although it is recommended that reservations be made at least 24 hours in advance, walk-ins are welcome to check on the availability of seats in the event that reservations were missed. It's one of the best free activities in Melbourne, and if you're anything like us, you'll find it to be both entertaining and informative.
Luna Park
The rides at Luna Park in St. Kilda don't come cheap, but posing for a photo in front of the giant smile that welcomes visitors is free of charge.
Park Street And Emerald Hill Place
What if you're in search of some tranquilly? A hidden park in South Melbourne is just the place for you. Where Park Street and Emerald Hill Place meet is where you'll find this intersection. You can find a beautiful hidden park with trees and a ping pong table if you follow Emerald Hill Place.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Everyone in Melbourne considers the Royal Botanic Gardens a vital part of the city's culture and community. The 38-hectare Hilly Green Space borders the CBD and has been there since 1857. At its core is a lake that serves as a dividing line between several distinct sections.
Having a picnic there and then taking a stroll along one of the park's many winding paths is a great way to spend the afternoon. An additional family-friendly feature is the Children's Garden, which features a man-made creek and a water fountain for use during the warmer months.
There are joggers and walkers who use the garden's perimeter, known as "The Tan," to get in their daily exercise at all hours of the day and night. Visitors interested in botany can learn more about upcoming free guided tours by checking the site.
Wheeler Centre
The Wheeler Centre was established with a donation from the Lonely Planet founders in the same year that Melbourne was named a UNESCO City of Literature, 2010. The Centre is located in a wing of the State Library Building and bills itself as a place where "books, writing, and ideas" can be shared. Workshops and lectures given by authors, poets, novelists, architects, and publishers are among the regular events that usually do not cost anything to attend. Reserving a spot is easy and convenient on the website.
Chinatown
To find the "new gold mountain," Chinese miners flocked to Victoria in the 1850s, and by the 1860s, they had settled in this area of Little Bourke Street. In the heart of Melbourne, between five traditional arches, the Chinese community has thrived for over 150 years.
Explore a dynamic area filled with historical landmarks and a wide selection of restaurants, including some that specialise in Chinese cuisine. Chinatown hosts its own Lunar New Year celebrations in the city. Check out the remarkable Chinese Museum to learn more about the Chinese community in Australia.
Melbourne Town Hall
If you have any interest in architecture or history, you should definitely take a tour of the Melbourne Town Hall. This massive building is located on Swanston Street, the city's main drag, and is made from bluestone and freestone quarried in Tasmania.
Concerts, stand-up comedy, and public talks still take place all year round in the main auditorium and the smaller chambers, making it a popular gathering place. Built in 1929, the Grand Organ is another must-see. You can book a free tour of Town Hall to see the venue's inner workings and to stand at the entrance from which rock stars like the Beatles and Abba waved to their adoring fans (weekdays only).
Parliament House
It's interesting to watch Australian politicians argue over policy changes, even if you can't bring popcorn into a session of the Victorian parliament. The government's parliament website will tell you when the Legislative of Assembly is open to the public for free attendance. Instead of watching politicians try to score cheap political points in this stately house's opulent leather and wood decor, you might get more out of the free public tour.
City Circle Tram
The famous W-Class heritage trams travel around the city's central business district, stopping at many of the area's most popular sights. Trips on the free tram can take up to an hour, and they go all the way to Docklands. Every 20 minutes, the City Circle tram makes its way around the city, and first-time visitors will appreciate the tram's audio commentary. Even if you're only in Melbourne for a short time, don't miss out on one of the best free things to do in the city.
Australian Music Vault
At the Arts Centre Melbourne, you can take part in an exciting and informative exhibition about Australia's musical past. Some of the most recognisable items in the collection are the hat worn by Molly Meldrum, Kylie's gold hotpants, the school uniforms worn by Chrissy Amphlett and Angus Young, Jimmy Barnes' leather jacket, and Dami Imms' Eurovision dress. It's a great way to kill an hour in Melbourne, and although it doesn't have a huge library, it's regularly updated, and it features music from many different genres.
Melbourne’s Golden Mile Heritage Trail.
In the course of these four kilometres, you will encounter many of the best. The procession begins at the Immigration Museum, continues along Flinders Lane and Collins Street, passes the Parliament Building and ends at the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton.
Lastly, gardens. We recommend instead that you get the Museums Victoria app on your phone, as the discs can be confusing to follow. There are 33 gold discs strategically placed along the path to help you find your way. If you don't want to use the app, you can pick up a guide at the Visitors Centre in Melbourne Town Hall; the tour should take no more than two hours to complete.
Walk Through Arcades.
Melbourne, Australia is famous for its historic arcades and opulent labyrinthine laneways. Arcades are covered passageways that lead to unique shops and restaurants. Numerous arcades can be found throughout the city. One of the most beautiful arcades in the world is the L-shaped Block Arcade, which has been welcoming customers since 1893. There are always delicious treats to try at Haigh's Chocolates, so it's worth the trip. However, the Hopetoun Tea Rooms, which have gained international renown, are the Block's greatest draw.
Festival
The city of Melbourne hosts a plethora of festivals throughout the year, many of which feature both free and ticketed performances. When March rolls around in Australia, thousands of people gather for the annual Moomba festival.
Conclusion
As a city, Melbourne is consistently rated as one of the best in the world. There's a lot to see and do in the city, and most of it won't even cost you a dime. Here is a rundown of some of the best free things to do in Melbourne, from museums to theme parks. The alleyways of Melbourne, once serving only as backdoors to the main city grid, are now home to internationally renowned art galleries. The Docklands waterfront district is the final stop on the City Circle Tram's circuit of the city.
The route is serviced by replica "W class" trams, which date back to 1923. Australia's only public museum devoted to the arts and cultures of the country's indigenous peoples is located in Federation Square. In the Old Treasury Building you can see the historic gold vaults that were used to store gold bullion during the gold rush. Since 1857, the Royal Botanic Gardens have stood on the city's outskirts. In 2010, the Wheeler Centre was founded thanks to a donation from the founders of Lonely Planet.
Learn more about the Chinese community in Australia by visiting the impressive Chinese Museum. It can be found in a section of the State Library. It's possible to take a free tour of Melbourne's state assembly building. The city's downtown is serviced by the historic W-Class trams, which are a local icon. The Arts Centre Melbourne is currently hosting a musical history of Australia exhibition.
The city of Melbourne is well-known for its ornate, winding lanes and Victorian-era arcades. Throughout the year, the city plays host to a plethora of festivals, many of which require admission fees. The annual Moomba festival, held in Melbourne every March, also attracts a large number of festivalgoers.
Content Summary
- Here's a rundown of a few of the free attractions and activities you can enjoy during your stay.
- The quality of life in Melbourne is consistently ranked among the best in the world, and the city itself is not half bad.
- The city has many attractions, from large markets to informative museums, and from beautiful botanical gardens to traditional amusement parks.
- Many of these events are also offered at no cost.
- Best Free Attractions in Melbourne: a Guide.
- The State Library of Victoria
- It's safe to say that no other Australian library compares to the State Library of Victoria.
- The Docklands waterfront district is the final stop on the City Circle Tram's circuit of the city.
- In Melbourne's central business district you can see examples of architecture from many different eras and cultures.
- It's possible you'll have to shift your outlook as you wander the city in search of landmarks, odd architecture, and vintage advertising murals.
- Itinerary for a Tour Guide to Meet and Greet Visitors
- The Melbourne Greeters programme is managed by the City Council of Melbourne.
- There's a perfect park for you in the shadows of South Melbourne.
- Garden of the King's Plants
- There isn't a single Melbournian who doesn't value the Royal Botanic Gardens highly as an integral part of the city's culture and community.
- Center Wheeler
- During the same year (2010) that Melbourne was designated a UNESCO City of Literature, the Wheeler Centre was founded thanks to a generous donation from the Lonely Planet founders.
- Learn more about the Chinese community in Australia by visiting the impressive Chinese Museum.
- You should take a tour of the Melbourne Town Hall if you have any interest in architecture or history.
- The Legislative of Assembly is open to the public at no cost during the times posted on the government's parliament website.
- The well-known W-Class heritage trams make stops at many of the city's top attractions as they circle the central business district.
- Do not miss out on one of the best free things to do in Melbourne, even if you are only going to be there for a short while.
- Music from Australia's Long-Lost Music Vault
- Visit the Arts Centre Melbourne to take part in a fascinating and educational exhibition about Australia's musical history.
- This is the historic Golden Mile in Melbourne.
- Since the discs aren't always user-friendly, we suggest downloading the Museums Victoria app instead.
- The Arcade Experience
- The city of Melbourne, Australia is well-known for its ornate, winding alleyways and vintage arcades.
- Numerous festivals are held in Melbourne throughout the year, with many offering both free and paid shows to the public.
FAQs About You Can Do In Melbourne For Free
- Top Teen Activities in Melbourne
- Werribee Open Range Zoo, Werribee South. Have a budding zookeeper in the family?
- Funfields, Whittlesea.
- Dark Zone, Box Hill.
- Melbourne Cable Park, Bangholme.
- Escape Room, Flemington.
- Old Melbourne Gaol, Melbourne.
- Sidetracked, Oakleigh South.
- Clip 'n Climb Williamstown, Williamstown.
The Economist Intelligence Unit's 2017 Global Liveability Index awarded Melbourne as the world's top city for seven years running. Our cohesive and stable society, healthcare, education and world-class infrastructure make Melbourne a magnificent city in which to live, work and study.
Melbourne is known for being one of the most liveable cities on earth. Often referred to as 'the Sporting Capital of the World', besides this it is also famous for its graffiti laneways, excellent coffee, cultural diversity and bayside location.
- Melbourne City Council Food relief service. Ph: 03 9658 9658.
- Crossways Food relief service. Ph: 03 9650 2939.
- The City of Melbourne - Ageing and Inclusion Food relief service.
- Yarra City Council Aged Care Services Food relief service.
- St Joseph's Catholic Church Food relief service.
The Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle Bus is a free initiative run by the city council. 13 stops, including Federation Square, the Melbourne Museum, Lygon Street, the Queen Victoria Markets, Southbank, and the Shrine of Remembrance.
Things to do in Melbourne today
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- Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
- Van Gogh. Art.
- Disney: The Magic of Animation. Art.
- Imaginaria. Things to do.
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child review.
- Treasures of the Natural World.