What are the best free things to do in Melbourne?
After visiting Melbourne as broke backpackers, we compiled a must-see, must-do list of our top 18 free things to do in Melbourne. This list shows that you do not need to spend a lot of money to enjoy the culture, architecture, and even food in Victoria’s capital and the world’s most liveable city. It just depends on where you go in Australia’s culture capital.
The city is home to over a 4.4million people, and the average spend of a visitor is $150 per day, but if you spend your time doing the free activities we mention, you will not leave with broken pockets. Of course, food and drink can be expensive too, but if you check out thehappiesthour for bargains and happy hour deals.
The Top 18 Free Things to do in Melbourne
There are so many exciting and free things to do in Melbourne and here is the top 18 in no particular order.
Explore Melbourne with a City Walking Tour
If you are keen to explore the city on foot, there is no better way than through a walking tour. They leave every day at 10:30 am, and 2:30 pm and are around 2 hours 30 minutes long. They offer insider knowledge about Melbourne culture, art and history and leave from the State Library Victoria. You can find up to date information here.
You will get to visit the bustling Federation Square, Flinders Street Station and Parliament House with a knowledgeable guide. It is expected that you pay what you can’ to the guide at the end. But if you do not have any money, do not let that stop you.
Stroll through Queen Victoria Market
Why don’t you try free samples at the Southern Hemisphere’s largest open-air market Queen Victoria Market? You don’t have to buy anything to soak up the atmosphere and examine the delicacies, including handmade gifts, fresh local food. Suppose you get the chance to visit the night market in the hotter months, enjoy live music too. It is one of the most wonderful and free things to do in Melbourne.
Discover Artists at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA)
Another exciting and free thing to do in Melbourne is to visit the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art. This gallery has work by both Australian and international artists, and they have a mission to ‘Do Art Differently’. This means that they have a platform for artists to have a positive impact on their communities. Since 2002, the building, which Wood Marsh designed, is in the centre of Melbourne’s Arts Precinct and is considered an art in itself. Ensure you see the ‘Vault’ sculpture in the front and discover why it has caused many debates.
Meander at Yarra Bend Park
In Yarra Bend Park, you will be able to enjoy walk and cycle trails by the 16km riverfront. The park is accessible from the city and is the most extensive bushland closest to the CBD. If you take the path from Studley Park, you can visit Dights Falls and the flying fox colony. There are also free BBQs if you wanted to enjoy a picnic and make the most out of your free day out!
Feel alive at Moomba Festival
Although it only happens once a year (early March), if you can combine your trip to Melbourne with the Moomba Festival, you are in for a magical time. The free weekend event is the biggest free festival in the city and attracts over a million people to the Yarra River’s banks to watch the fireworks and enjoy live music. The festival has been running for over 66 years, so it is well-established and celebrates Melbourne’s diversity. One of the main attractions is the exciting Birdman Rally, where people aim to get across the river in homemade devices.
Fun fact: the name Moomba means ‘Up your bum’ in Aboriginal language….
Discover Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens
There are Botanic Gardens all across Australia, and Melbourne’s are up there with Sydney and Brisbane. In the 94-acre Botanic Gardens, there is a walking track that circles the garden (a famous 3.8km running route), lakes and a compilation of over 10,000 plants. There is so much space to relax, maybe have a picnic and escape the bustling streets of the CBD, whilst only being a short free tram ride away. It is the perfect breathing space after a busy day of exploring the city and is one of the best free things to do in Melbourne.
Nearby there is the Shrine of Remembrance, which has a fantastic view of Melbourne’s skyline as well as crucial historical information remembering the ANZACs who lost their lives during WW1.
Admire at Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
The ACMI is the place to visit if you enjoy film culture and is in the heart of Federation Square. The entry is free, and it is open 10 am-5 pm with free tours at 11 am and 2:30 pm. It is a screen culture museum, where you can discover TV, film, videogames and art. In 2019, they had a $40 million redevelopment to create a more open experience for everyone and highlight industry innovations. They also aim to reflect a diverse society and have a vital mission to promote this. While you are there, if you go upstairs, you can watch shows from the National Film and Sound Archive in the Australian Mediatheque, which is a great free thing to do in Melbourne.
Sip for Free and try Coffee Cupping
Australia is known for its modern coffee culture, and Melbourne is the beating heart, and we all know we love coffee and free things. This is how you can combine the two with the coffee equivalent of wine tasting. Some cafes put on free sessions, where you can learn about coffee beans from around the world. One of these is Market Lane, which holds public tastings every Friday morning from both of its shops. It is a fun and educational experience, and they welcome everyone to join them.
Breathe at Melbourne’s Southbank
Be sure not to miss an amble down the Yarra River. You will be able to take impressive pictures at Princes Bridge of the skyline, discovering eateries, bars and buskers along the way. During the summer months, there are many markets stands that you can marvel at and try delicacies from all over the world.
The atmosphere in this area is like no other. If you are feeling lucky, head to the Crown Casino and if you are not- feel the heat from the fireballs that are shot into the sky each hour outside.
Learn at the Koorie Heritage Trust
Learn about Aboriginal Victoria at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square. They have the vision to live in a society where Aboriginal culture and history are a fundamental part of Victorian life’. This centre is free to visit, and you will find artefacts and ten exhibitions about the life of the Aboriginal people from the south-east.
Discover St Kilda
St Kilda is easily accessible from the CBD, just 30 minutes (6km) on the tram, and it will cost around $4 to get there. This peaceful seaside getaway is excellent for swimming, relaxing and visiting an old-style fun fair, Luna Park (the rides cost money, though). In the evening, spot the penguins safely on the pier by following the volunteers’ instructions and not using your flash to take pictures. On Thursday evenings, there is a drum circle for the hippie crowd, and on Sundays, there is a beachfront market.
Relax on Brighton Beach
Brighton is an exclusive suburb on the coast. It is easy to get to the CBD (we took a bus), and when you arrive, you will get to see the impressive Melbourne Skyline. This is a lovely but busy beach, so try and go earlier in the day to beat the crowds. Do not forget to take photos of the famous Brighton Bathing Boxes that date back to the 1900s. Watch the groups take their selfies and choose your favourite.
Feel inspired at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
Arguably, the NGV is one of the top attractions in Melbourne. On entry, it is easy to see why it is the oldest and most visited gallery in Australia. There are several world-class exhibitions from local and international artists in two extraordinary buildings. With some exceptions, this outstanding gallery is free for everyone to enjoy. What is a better way to be welcomed than to delve into the riches of the art? Close by, and you can visit the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square, which has a collection of incredible Aboriginal art.
Laugh and Sing with Free Music and Comedy
One of the best free things to do in Melbourne is to watch free live music or comedy show. There are many venues throughout the city and the neighbouring suburbs that offer these for no entrance fee. We enjoyed some free live music in St Kilda’s Espy when we visited, and we would recommend it. If you wonder what is on when you are in the city, you should look in the Beat to find out and pick your vibe.
Hunt for Street Art
You cannot possibly visit the city without checking out the vibrant and unique laneways. Every hipster’s dream, the artwork and quirky café culture are never-ending and always changing. Meander through the bright canvases that used to be full of rubbish bins. Start at Hosier Lane, and then stroll to check out ACDC, Union Lane and Centre Place. You can pay to do this as a tour, but it is suitable for a do-it-yourself option too. Banksy, Shepard Fairey and Blek le Rat have also contributed to this colourful work. This is one of our favourite free things to do in Melbourne because it is always changing.
Explore the State Library of Victoria
The library’s building is impressive enough but step inside to see it in all its glory. If you are a book nerd, you will be amazed (but even if you are not), it is worth looking around the iconic 1854 structure. Did you know this was one of the first free public libraries in the world? Join others and venture through its floors by making your way to the very top, learning and discovering as you go. The best room is arguably the beautiful domed reading room, with over 2 million books. There is also free Wi-Fi here if you need to stay online.
Ride the Free City Circle Tram
One of the best free things to do in Melbourne is to ride the city circle tram. This tram has been open since 2015 and takes travel costs away when you are exploring the CBD and the Docklands. It allows you to hop on and hop off for free at several spots, including Flinders Street, Victoria Street and the Botanic Gardens. It is convenient, reliable and can save you walking long distances if you want to jam-pack your itinerary.
Remember if you go outside of the free zones to pick up a MyKi Card from a 7/11 to explore further. You can get fined if you are found not to travel with one!
Cycle with Melbourne Bike Share
Another cool but free thing to do in Melbourne is rent a bike. Melbourne Bike Share provides free blue bikes and free helmets for the first half an hour of renting them. After the free 30 minutes, you will have to pay, but it is still affordable and should be on your list of free things to do in Melbourne?
There you have it, 18 amazing things to do for free in Melbourne. This list proves that your wallet does not have to break to have fun in the city. As we know, Australia is not the cheapest country to visit, but please do not let that put you off visiting. Look at our tips to travel to Australia cheaply for more advice! What are your money-saving tips for visiting Melbourne? We would love to know! If you are staying longer in the city, then be sure to read our 3-day guide here.
Photo Credit: averagelives.com
