Consistently ranked amongst the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne isn’t a half-bad place to visit either.
Victoria’s capital has a wealth of attractions to keep you entertained, from sprawling markets and insightful museums to beautiful botanic gardens and vintage amusement parks.
Even better news: you can enjoy lots of these experiences without spending a single cent. Here’s our guide to the best free stuff to do in Melbourne.
1. Shrine of Remembrance
The statuesque Shrine of Remembrance, off St Kilda Rd, was completed in 1934 as a dedication to the men and women who lost their lives in WWI. Historical exhibitions shed light on the sacrifices made, and it’s the site of some of Melbourne’s most important military and remembrance ceremonies such as ANZAC Day.
Visible from the other end of town, planning regulations continue to restrict any building that would obstruct the view of the shrine from Swanston St as far back as Lonsdale St. A climb up the steps of the shrine will be rewarded with fine views across the city.
2. Art galleries
The National Gallery of Victoria boasts an impressive collection with big names like Drysdale, Rodin, and Constable among the many permanent works that can be seen for free in its international collections. Its premier gallery on St Kilda Road is itself a work of art, worth a tour in its own right, with a lofty stained-glass atrium that will delight art aficionados.
You’ll find the Australian Collection just up the road at the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square, which includes a stunning ground-floor gallery of Aboriginal works.
While you’re at Federation Square, pop into the city’s celebrated ACMI (the Australian Centre for the Moving Image) for an interactive history of film and TV, including a good dose of Neighbours nostalgia (Melbourne is the home of the iconic show, after all). Next up is the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art on Southbank – another architectural gem with a revolving exhibition calendar.
Planning tip: Still hungry for more? There are a number of private galleries in the Flinders Lane precinct with smaller exhibitions of local and international artists.
3. Melbourne’s laneways
Over the past decade, Melbourne’s laneways have transformed from hidden passages into proud canvases for some of the world’s best street art.
You probably won’t find Banksy’s work here (these have reportedly been painted over or destroyed), but what you will find is a dizzying mash-up of colorful murals by well-known local and visiting artists. Start at Hosier Lane (opposite Federation Square) and follow the maze of laneways heading north from there.
4. Market browsing
Melburnians love a good market, and the city is stuffed with them. In almost any neighborhood, you can find markets selling fresh local produce, handmade crafts, secondhand treasures, or gourmet hawker dishes throughout the week. Browsing is free, and there are usually plenty of food samples to taste if you’re tempted.
The star attraction is Queen Victoria Market in the center of the city, but there are plenty of less touristy markets to check out across town depending on where you’re staying. Try Camberwell Market for a Parisienne flea market vibe; the Rose Street Artists’ Market in Fitzroy to soak up some Melbourne creativity, or visit the summer-time-only Night Market at Victoria Market for live music and hawker-style food.
5. St Kilda foreshore
When the hectic city scene gets too much, head down to breezy St Kilda beach for a different kind of buzz. Wander along the seafront promenade and down St Kilda pier to take in the views, watch the fishermen, or gawp at the gutsy kite surfers catching some waves.
Acland Street is prime people-watching territory with pavement cafes galore – locals and tourists alike come here to window-shop and drool over the street’s old-school European cake shops. Snap a photo in front of Luna Park’s iconic grin before heading inside to take in its creaky amusement rides of yesteryear. Unfortunately, you’ll need to put your hand in your pocket if you want to get involved – the rides aren’t free.
Planning tip: On Sundays, a craft market is set up along the Esplanade.
6. Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre
For an introduction to the region from the traditional custodians, the Wurundjeri people, and to learn about contemporary Koorie history and culture, head to the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square.
A permanent social history exhibition is complemented by changing exhibitions by new and established Aboriginal artists. The Melbourne Museum also has excellent information on Indigenous social and cultural heritage.
7. City Circle Tram
This is your shortcut to seeing Melbourne city center without breaking a sweat or spending a cent. The City Circle Tram trundles along a loop around the city and down to the waterfront precinct of Docklands. Heritage “W class” trams run the circuit with wooden chairs and brass and leather hand straps like the originals from 1923.
8. City center architecture
Melbourne’s city center is rife with heritage-protected buildings of various eras and styles. Keep your camera ready as you wander the streets spotting famous or quirky city buildings, old advertising paintings, and futuristic structures.
Standouts include the Flinders Street Railway Station, Federation Square, Block Arcade, the Nicholas Building, and ANZ’s gothic headquarters.
Planning tip: Every July, you can go one step further and get a free peep inside many of Melbourne’s off-limits architectural highlights at the city’s annual Open House event.
9. Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens is a top place to engage with local life. Dating from 1857, this 38-hectare (94-acre) swathe of hilly green space at the edge of the city center is divided into different themes with a lake at its center.
It’s perfect for enjoying a long afternoon picnicking and then strolling the myriad paths within the park. With a purpose-built children’s garden for families, the gardens are ideal for relaxing outings.
10. Melbourne’s churches
You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the construction of some of Melbourne’s grand churches. The gothic St Paul’s Cathedral (opposite Federation Square) was built on the same site where the first Christian service in Victoria was held in 1835. Nearby are St Michael’s Uniting Church and the Scots Church, both architecturally impressive and quiet oases in the city.
11. The State Library of Victoria
The State Library of Victoria is a heritage building established in 1854, now housing more than two million resources. However, you’re really here for the architecture. The octagonal La Trobe Reading Room, completed in 1913, features an ornate dome and ample natural light, creating a serene atmosphere for study.
Grab a map at the front desk and enjoy a self-guided tour of the Reading Room and the exhibition galleries.
12. Wheeler Centre
The Wheeler Centre was founded in 2010, the same year Melbourne was listed as a UNESCO City of Literature. This space is dedicated to “books, writing, and ideas.” Regular events, including workshops and talks from artists, writers, architects, and publishers, are available to attend for free.
13. Live music
After coffee, street art, and footy, Melburnians love their live music. There are free gigs all over the city any day of the week. In the city center, Cherry is known as a rock venue with a mix of free and paid-entry gigs. If you prefer folk, blues, jazz, pop, or even Australian hip-hop, check listings in the local street press or on local radio stations for events.
14. Free walking tours
To really get under Melbourne’s skin, explore some of the city’s urban history in the increasingly gentrified neighborhoods of the inner north. Online walking tours of Collingwood, Abbotsford, and Clifton Hill guide you past industrial icons and authentic locales.
15. Chinatown
Chinese miners arrived in Victoria in search of the “new gold mountain” in the 1850s and settled in this strip of Little Bourke St. For more than 150 years, this area has been the focal point for the city’s Chinese community. Explore a vibrant neighborhood filled with historic buildings and restaurants. Chinatown also hosts the city’s Chinese New Year celebrations.
16. Melbourne Town Hall
History and architecture aficionados will enjoy touring the Melbourne Town Hall. The building is made from a mix of bluestone and Tasmanian freestone and hosts concerts, comedy shows, and public talks year-round. Another big draw is the Grand Organ, dating back to 1929.
17. Parliament House
Watching politicians debate in this stately house can be entertaining, and you can check the government’s Parliament website to find out when you can spectate at the Legislative Assembly for free. If that doesn’t interest you, consider joining a free public tour instead.
18. Melbourne Airport and the RAAF Museum
Getting to the Royal Australian Air Force Museum in Point Cook may be a trek, but it is free (donations appreciated) and offers a fascinating display of aircraft and aviation. For more fun, join plane spotters near the corner of Oaklands Road and Sunbury Road to watch airplanes take off from Melbourne Airport.
