The Captivating 'Melby': Best Free Things to Do
Melbourne, one of the world’s most vibrant cities, is a haven for vacationers.
Whether you’re searching for artistic experiences, cultural immersion, historical richness, delectable cuisine or iconic sights, Melbourne has an abundance to offer and surpass your expectations.
In this article, we have compiled a list of free things to do in Melbourne and free activities to help you explore the city on a budget.
Free Things to Do in Melbourne
Now let’s look at some of the free attractions and outdoor activities in Melbourne.
This should be on top of your list of free things to do in Melbourne with your family.
Head to Queen Victoria Market, pick up knick-knacks, see the freshest produce of Australia, and simply soak in the vibe.
View this post on Instagram
Home to over 600 businesses, you can pick up unique handmade souvenirs for friends and family back home from here.
If you’re lucky, you can also catch a glimpse of some of the unique events that happen here occasionally.
Address: Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Timing: Thurs to Sun & Tues, 6am to 3pm, Mon & Wed closed
Another free place to visit in Melbourne is the Royal Botanic Gardens, spread across 38 hectares and housing 8000+ plants.
If you are travelling with kids, sign up for the Seek & Find Natura Cards activity to enjoy this free tourist attraction in Melbourne in the best way.
This place is home to various nature conservation projects, which you can learn about when you’re here. It can be a great learning experience for you and your children.
Address: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, 100 Birdwood Ave, South Yarra, VIC 3141 (map)
Timing: Daily, 7.30am to 5.30pm
A free attraction in Melbourne with unparalleled scenic beauty is the Fitzroy Gardens in East Melbourne.
View this post on Instagram
Created in 1848, this garden is set in classic Victorian-era architecture with stunning pathways lined with Elm trees, pretty shrubs and beautiful flowers.
Don’t miss the model Tudor Village in the middle of the gardens, created in the 1940s. Also, the Spanish Mission-style Conservatory is a must-visit.
Address: Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia (map)
Timing: Open daily
Federation Square, or the Fed Square, is the city’s most iconic point. It is bustling with activities and free events around the year.
View this post on Instagram
Three of Melbourne’s cultural icons surround this square – the Australian Centre for Moving Image, Ian Potter Centre, and Koorie Heritage Trust.
In addition, you will find an array of restaurants and bars around the square, too.
This is an ideal place to hang out and soak in the spirit of Melbourne.
Address: Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Timing: Daily, 10am to 5pm
And after hanging out at Fed Square, walk into ACMI, the National Museum of Screen Culture of Australia, located in Fed Square itself.
View this post on Instagram
It hosts Australia’s largest moving image collection and ‘The Story of the Moving Image’, a permanent exhibition. Other free exhibitions are also held here.
If you’re a movie buff, ACMI cinemas will interest you, where curated film programs and movie festivals are held from time to time. You can also visit the ACMI shop to pick up some memorabilia.
Address: Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Melbourne is strewn with spectacular churches donning stunning architecture.
Many of them exhibit English Gothic architecture with stunning designs. One of the must-do free stuff in Melbourne is to explore the churches.
We recommend the St Paul’s Cathedral, St Patrick’s Cathedral, St Mary Star of the Sea Church, St Michael’s Uniting Church, Sacred Heart Cathedral and St Mary of the Angels Basilica.
If you are a bookworm, the State Library of Victoria should be on your “free stuff to do In Melbourne” list.
Opened in 1856, this library covers an entire city block.
View this post on Instagram
There are reading rooms, galleries, lecture halls, exhibition spaces and venues. Don’t miss checking out the Dome Reading Room and the Ian Potter Queen’s Hall.
Walk around and marvel at the architecture or spend some time reading a book – a visit to this iconic library is going to be memorable.
Address: 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia (map)
Timing: Daily, 10am to 6pm
Take your love of books to the next level by visiting Readings Carlton, an award-winning bookstore in Melbourne.
View this post on Instagram
It is always crowded with book lovers, regardless of the time of day. And what sets them apart is their up-to-date stock and well-informed staff.
They also host regular readings, which you may find interesting.
Address: 309 Lygon St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia (map)
Timing: Sun to Thurs, 9am to 9pm, Fri to Sat, 9am to 10pm
Head to the National Gallery of Victoria and spend a day appreciating the finest art.
View this post on Instagram
Founded in 1861, the gallery’s permanent collection boasts an impressive 75,000 works representing Australia’s history and development and indigenous art and design.
The permanent collections can be viewed for free, and sometimes the temporary ones can be viewed too!
Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006, Australia (map)
Timing: Daily, 10am to 5pm
Want to move your muscles? Head to Kokoda Track Memorial Walk and walk up the 1000 steps to the stone memorial.
View this post on Instagram
One of Melbourne’s most famous bush walks, this trail is slightly steep and takes you through the gorgeous rainforest of Melbourne.
Starting from the Ferntree Gully Picnic Ground, a perfect place for enjoying a picnic, this trail culminates in a clearing from where you can see a stunning view of Melbourne.
Address: Tree Fern Gully Track, Tremont VIC 3785, Australia (map)
One of the cheapest and most fun ways to explore Melbourne is by using Melbourne’s world-famous tram network.
Much of the network is free to ride. Hop on a tram and explore all the CBD attractions conveniently!
Route 96 tram is a traveller’s favourite as it can be used to see many of Melbourne’s iconic places, including the Royal Exhibition Building, Melbourne Museum, Yarra River, Fitzroy Street and more.
Much of Melbourne’s attractions are located in and around the CBD, and hence, walking is the best way to explore this iconic city.
Enthusiasts conduct several walking tours. Simply Google for them, sign up for a few and voila! Enjoy this free outdoor activity in Melbourne.
You will find beautiful Victorian buildings in every nook and corner of the city. It is a delight just to walk around and admire them.
Our favourites are the GPO and the Royal Exhibition Building. There’s a McDonald’s building, which is especially pretty.
Speaking of beautiful buildings, the Parliament of Victoria is stunning with immense historical significance.
View this post on Instagram
Located at the intersection of Spring and Bourke Street, the outer facade of this heritage building reflects a grand colonnade with a complimentary grand interior.
You can book a public tour of the Parliament from the official Parliament’s website and enjoy a guided tour of this elegant building. It’s completely free!
Address: Spring St, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia (map)
Timing: Mon to Fri, 8.30am to 5.30pm
You cannot miss Melbourne’s most photographed beach when you’re in the city.
The star of the show is the 82 brightly coloured bathing boxes set in the background of the stunning skyline of Melbourne.
View this post on Instagram
Built in the 1800s, these colourful bathing boxes were originally private changing boxes.
The pretty colours have been retained; today, this is one of the most Instagrammed spots in Melbourne.
You’re up for a treat here if you love getting photographed.
Cheap Activities Melbourne under SGD 50
And now, let’s look at some of Melbourne’s must-do yet cheap activities.
Visiting Melbourne is incomplete without checking out the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The stadium also houses a museum featuring artefacts of historic moments.
Book a tour of the cricket ground and learn about this heritage site and Australia’s favourite sport. Enjoy fun interactive moments and an opportunity to participate in flat-out play.
Address: Melbourne Cricket Ground, Yarra Park, Gate 3 Brunton Ave, East Melbourne VIC 3002 (map)
Timing: Daily, 10am to 5pm (timings may vary)
Love the supernatural? This unique Melbourne discovery tour is tailor-made for you. Discover the city’s haunted past by following clues and puzzles. Starting at Flinders Street Station, spend 2 to 2.5 hours discovering Melbourne’s haunted past by solving clues and puzzles.
Address: Melbourne City Tours (map)
Melbourne has a rich street art culture maintained by talented artists. Embark on an adventure through Melbourne’s vibrant street art scene, starting at the iconic Hosier Lane. Immerse yourself in the city’s artistic culture as you unravel clues and solve intriguing puzzles. The game lasts 1.5 hours, but you can pause it and play at your own pace. All you need is a smartphone, and you’re good to go.
Address: Hosier Lane, Hosier Ln, 3000 (map)
ArtVo is a one-of-a-kind museum in Melbourne that features 3D reality-defying artworks and optical illusions. With 80 different 3D reality-defying artworks and optical illusions spread across nine different themed zones, ArtVo will wow you with its uniqueness. Get ready to doubt your concepts of reality.
Address: Shop NCF, 07 Level/1 26 Star Cres, Docklands VIC 3008, Australia (map)
Timing: Mon to Fri, 10am to 4pm, Sat & Sun, 10am to 6pm
Want to see the Melbourne skyline? Why not do it from 285 metres above the ground? This must-do cheap activity in Melbourne lets you enjoy a 360-degree view of the city from the spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows of Eureka Tower’s Melbourne Skydeck. Also, get an opportunity to hang out in a 24-carat gold-plated tower, which is the highest vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere. Plan this during sunset time and thank us later.
Address: 7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006 (map)
Timing: Winter hours: Sun to Thurs & Public holidays, 12pm to 9pm, Fri & Sat, 12 noon to 10pm
Summer hours: Daily, 12pm to 10pm
Experience underwater life at the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, home to thousands of marine species in 15 themed zones. Don’t miss the fascinating penguin and sea horses exhibits. The animal feeding sessions are also fun to watch. Some fascinating talks are held here daily, which can help you understand more about marine life.
Location: SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, King Street, Melbourne VIC, Australia (map)
Timing: Daily, 9.30am to 5.30pm
Yes, you heard it right! You can ride on Australia’s heritage steam railway, Puffing Billy, and travel through the lush green countryside of Australia.
This is an ideal opportunity to breathe in the fresh air of the countryside while riding through the temperate rainforest.
Dangle your legs from Puffing Billy’s open carriages while the train travels the lakeside.
Top up your trip with a visit to the chic Lakeside Visitor Centre, featuring a modern cafe.
Address: Belgrave Departure: 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave VIC 3160 or Lakeside Departure: Emerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782, Australia. (map)
Timing: Daily, 9am to 5pm
This one-of-a-kind experience is one of the top things to do in Werribee for free. Get up close and personal with some of the country’s most fascinating creatures. Start with the koalas and see how adorable they are, and then move on to the kangaroos. Explore the fascinating variety of kangaroos and learn their habits and habitat.
Address: K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030 (map)
Timing: Daily, 9am to 5pm, last entry at 3.30pm
A Free Way to Explore Melbourne
Melbourne CBD has a world-famous tram network, much of which is free to ride.You can also explore the city by walking as most attractions are in the CBD.
Pocket-Friendly Dining Options
One of the go-to places for cheap dining for travellers and locals alike is Butcher’s Diner,, which serves various food options – from yakitori skewers to chicken sandwiches.
If you are craving some soul food, Master Lanzhou Noodle Bar serves authentic Lanzhou beef noodle soups made with their signature hand-stretched noodles.
Treat yourself to the Turkish delicacy gözleme at Göz City at pocket-friendly prices. They offer a wide range of fillings – from herbed chicken and minced meat to mushrooms and vegetables.
Contrary to common misconceptions, exploring Melbourne doesn’t have to break the bank.
From fun activities during the day to several things to do in Melbourne at night, you can enjoy a fantastic time in the city without overspending or feeling burdened by your budget.
