Top 101 Free Things to do in Melbourne (updated 2023)

 

Melbourne » Melbourne Events » Top 101 Free Things to do in Melbourne (updated 2023)

 

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Written by: Melbourne Buddy Team
Published in May 2017. Updated in January 2023.

Visiting Melbourne on a budget?

Exploring the amazing city does not have to be as expensive as people say with our free things to do in Melbourne list.

Whether you are looking for the most important points of interest and how to manoeuvre them, free events, markets, gigs, events, meet ups, day trips, family days out or galleries, Melbourne has it all.

So without further delay, let’s get into some of the best and our favourite free things to do in Melbourne.

 

Explore Melbourne

 

1.  Catch the Free City Circle Tram

 

One of our favourite free things to do in Melbourne. Hop on and off and see sights of central Melbourne! Tram times available here

Location: Simply wait at any tram stop in the City Circle Tram route. These tram stops are specially marked.

 

2. Speaking of trams, trams in the CBD are free

No catch.

If travelling only within the Free Tram Zone, you do not need to use a myki card.

Where: See boundaries of the free tram zone. Inside the trams, you will generally be able to hear a notification on when you are entering and leaving the free tram zone.

 

3. Plan you activities at the Melbourne Visitor Hub

A great start or reference to your Melbourne journey. Heaps of information on Melbourne and surrounding area, the centre also offers free maps and brochures as well as free internet.

Friendly staff can assist you with any of your questions.

Location:  90-130 Swanston Street Melbourne VIC 3000 (Corner of Little Collins and Swanston St).

 

4. Federation Square

Explore this major sight of the city for free and enjoy a multitude of free things to do including musical performances, live streaming of sports matches, restaurants, pubs, cultural attractions and exhibitions. See what’s on at Fed Square.

There are still some works going on in this area in 2023 with the metro tunnel construction but Fed Square has heaps to offer nonetheless.

Location: Swanston and Flinders Streets, Melbourne.

 

5. Explore Melbourne’s laneways and alleys

What really separates Melbourne’s centre from other cities, is a series of small streets, alleys, laneways, corners and arcades for you to see. And you are free to explore them any time.

Location: We recommend you begin from Degraves Street. For a map of the laneways, have a look here. You will also find a nice little suggestion for a  self guided walk exploring the laneways.

 

6. Take in the street art

As you walk the streets and laneways of Melbourne, don’t forget to look at your surroundings.

Melbourne is widely known as one of the world’s top street art destinations for its free and spectacular street art displayed throughout the city and its laneways.

Location: We recommend you don’t miss:
ACDC Lane and Duckboard Place,Hosier, Union and Rutledge Lanes

7. Wonder through the Flinders Street Station

Historic railway station on the corner of Flinders and Swanston Street in the city centre.

Photo by Robbie Hanzra

8. Take a Free Melbourne Walking Tour

Explore and find out more about the marvels of Melbourne.

No charge, leave a tip if you felt it was useful.

Details about tours available at Melbourne Free Walking Tours.

 

9. Enjoy the sunset at the Flagstaff Gardens

See the sunset from one of Melbourne’s first public gardens that has existed from the mid 19th century

Location: Flagstaff Gardens, 9/311 William St, West Melbourne

 

10. Watch a fire show at Southbank

Every evening until about midnight, 8 fire towers along Southbank shoot the amazing fireballs into the sky to create a spectacle

The gas brigade nightly shows happen on the hour – details on starting times

Confirm the official times on the official website.

Location: Southbank, Melbourne

 

11. See the famous bathing boxes

Make your way to Brighton Beach and see the famous painted bathing boxes along with an amazing beach. Accessible by public transport and a small walk.

Location: 134 Esplanade, Brighton

12. Ask a city ambassador

Dressed in the recognisable red uniforms, if you have questions or want advice on directions or events in Melbourne, don’t hesitate to ask the friendly ambassadors.

Location: Positioned across the centre of Melbourne

 

13. Marvel at ANZ’s Gothic Bank

See the architecture of the former Melbourne Stock Exchange and ANZ Gothic Bank.

The outside is beautiful but the inside is brilliant, you will not believe it is just a bank. Take a self guided tour using information points in the building and don’t miss the Atrium and Cathedral Room.

Location: Corner of Queen Street and Collins Street, CBD

 

14. Unwind at St Kilda Beach

Make the most of St Kilda beach during both the summer and winter seasons with a range of beachside attractions, picnic spots and events.

Location: St Kilda, Melbourne

 

15. Explore Fitzroy Gardens

A perfect day out and another one of the favourite free things to do in Melbourne for locals, explore the conservatory, check out Cook’s Cottage or see the Fairies Tree.

Location: Wellington Parade, East Melbourne

 

16. Have a picnic at the Royal Botanic Gardens

A beautiful weekend getaway option

Location: Birdwood Ave, South Yarra

17. Wander through Albert Park and Lake

Go for a run, play sport or cycle around the lake

Location: Lakeside Drive, Albert Park

 

18. Take a stroll along the Yarra River

A leisurely walk, coffee or a book?

Location: Yarra River Promenade, Kings Way, Melbourne

 

19. The Coop’s Shot Tower

See the brick tower that was once the tallest structure in Melbourne and is now incorporated into the Melbourne Central shopping centre. It used to be a shot pellet factory.

Location: 211 La Trobe Street, CBD

 

20. People Watch

Just sit back and observe people in this diverse multicultural oasis of a city

Location: Start with the stairs at Federation Square, maybe a cafe along Yarra River

 

21. See the biggest shopping centre

You may want to explore the Chadstone Shopping Centre. But remember, you don’t have to buy anything (otherwise it is not free).

Location: 1341 Dandenong Rd, Chadstone

 

22. Library at the Dock Events

A shared community and cultural space with numerous free events on. See website for more.

Location: 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands

 

23. Watch planes fly over

Head out to the proximity of the Tullamarine International Melbourne Airport an enjoy the site.

Location: Choose one the viewing spots listed here

 

24. Visit the Victorian Parliament

See the building or the parliament in action.

Location: Parliament House, Spring Street CBD

 

25. Enjoy the performance of buskers

Location: As you walk through the streets of Melbourne city and Southbank, you will come across a range of lively and entertaining buskers. They are very talented. Make sure to check out the Bourke Street Mall area.

 

26. Do some window shopping at Chapel Street

Catch the tram number 78 and explore this shopping and entertainment precinct.

Location: Chapel Street, Windsor

 

27. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance

Take in the Australian war memorial or attend a memorial service.

Location: Shrine of Remembrance, Birdwood Avenue/St Kilda Road

 Photo by Sharan Sai

 

28. While you are there, don’t miss the view

The view of Melbourne from the top of the Shrine of Remembrance is spectacular

 

29. See the Formula 1 Track

Walk around the Grand Prix Circuit

Location: 12 Aughtie Dr, Albert Park

30. Walk through Chinatown

See this authentic and yet classical small section of the city

Location: Little Bourke Street, CBD

 

31. Take a picture of one of the oldest buildings in the region

Old Treasury Building, built in the 1850s. Take in the classical architecture.

Location: 20 Spring St, Melbourne
Sunday – Friday, 10am to 4pm

By Nick-D [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)]

 

32. Melbourne Town Hall Tour

Explore the Melbourne Town Hall with a guided tour and sit in the Lord Mayor’s chair! Find out more about the Melbourne Town Hall tours online.

Location: 90-130 Swanston St, CBD

 

33. Have a read at the impressive State Library

Many locals and visitors come here to read, write or just enjoy. For a self guided exploration, grab a map at the entrance desk.

Location: 328 Swanston St, CBD

 

34. Appreciate Melbourne’s Churches

Religious or not, we think you will enjoy taking the inside and outside views of some impressive churches of Melbourne

Location: We recommend not missing St Paul’s Cathedral, St Michael’s Uniting Church and the Scots Church

 

35. See the St Kilda Luna Park

You can see the famous grinning entrance and explore parts the park. Entry is free however rides will cost you.

Location: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda

36. Explore The Block Arcade

This small historic tiny heritage shopping arcade is a gem. Do not miss it.

Location: 282 Collins St, CBD

By jwbenwell (Flickr) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]

 

37. Attend a passionate, educational public talk

See details and events at The Wheeler Centre

 

38. Take advantage of Free Wifi in the CBD

See below for some of the best free internet spots in central Melbourne. For a more detailed list, see here.

 

39. Visit the Abbotsford Convent

Take a beautiful walk, have a picnic or explore the large multi arts precinct.

This ex monastic area incorporates a multitude of studios and galleries, some cafes and even a radio station and school.

Location: 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford

 

40. See free winter fireworks

Between July and August, Friday night fireworks over Docklands

Location: Docklands

 

41. Visit the Australian Garden

Situated 40km away from the city centre, explore a considerable display of Australian landscapes, flora and art.

Location: Corner of Ballarto Road and Botanic Drives, Cranbourne

 

42. Explore the Crown Entertainment Complex

The Crown casino is of course not on the list of free things to do in Melbourne. But the complex is not only about this. You will find a number of areas to explore, window shop and be entertained throughout.

Location: 8 Whiteman St, Southbank

 

43. See some luxury boats at the St Kilda Marina

A short stroll to from the cosmopolitan centre of St Kilda

Location: Marine Parade, St Kilda

 

Animals and wildlife encounters

 

44. Watch pelicans feed

Pelicans being fed at noon daily – details

Location: Foreshore next to San Remo Pier

 

45. Wild Kangaroo Encounters

You won’t find kangaroos wondering around Flinders Station. While you can find kangaroos in zoos or sanctuaries, spotting a wild kangaroo can be more exciting. And it is free.

Try your luck in one of the following spots:
Try Cardinia Reservoir Park, Sugarloaf Reservoir Park, Woodlands Historic Park or a park or street corner in Halls Gap, a town in Grampians National Park area.

 

46. Wild Koala Encounters

To try and spot wild koalas, explore You Yangs Regional Park

Let us know if you succeed and send a picture or leave it in the comments below.

 

47. See the Penguins

See penguins daily at St Kilda Breakwater. Best time to see is just after sunset.

Please keep your distance from the penguins and do not take flash photographs!

Location: St Kilda, Melbourne

48. Wild Wombat Encounters

Sightings outside of zoos are rare. With a bit of luck and good eyesight, possibly binoculars, you can try in Wilsons Promontory National Park (in Gippsland) as well as Tower Hill Game Reserve at the Great Ocean Road. See below for more information about these destinations.

 

49. Bird watching

A bit of a drive from Melbourne, a great place to watch wild birds among other animals for free is at the Serendip Sanctuary – 100 Windermere Rd, Lara.

 

Free Galleries | Museums | Exhibitions

 

50. See an art exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria International

High on most people’s things to do in Melbourne, find considerable collections from all over the world including Europe, Asia, America and Oceania. Best of all, general admission is free (though some exhibitions may incur a cost).

Location: NGV International, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne

 

51. ACMI – Explore the Gallery of Moving Image

Free entry to this amazing permanent exhibition of the moving image

Location: Federation Square, Corner of Swanston and Flinders Street, CBD

52. Get your law and order dose at the Victoria Police Museum

Learn about some of Victoria’s most notorious crimes and criminal gangs and gain insight into the history of crime and policing in Australia

Location: 637 Flinders Street (entry via the World Trade Centre – Siddeley Street)

 

53. Visit the Grainger Museum

Free admission to the purpose built autobiographical museum of Percy Grainger, a 20th century Aussie icon of musical culture.

Location: The University of Melbourne, Gate 13, Royal Parade Parkville, Melbourne

 

54. See the Ian Potter Centre

Unlike NGV International, the Ian Potter Centre focuses on Australian art and exhibitions.

Location: Federation Square, corner of Flinders and Russell Streets

 

55. Learn about Aboriginal History

Find out about the history and culture of the traditional custodians of the land.

Location: Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre, Federation Square

 

56. Explore glass art creations

Location: Kirra Galleries, Federation Square (entry via Atrium)

 

57. See the RAAF Museum

Check out the Royal Australian Air Force museum of the world’s 2nd oldest air force

Free admission to the museum with ID but note it is closed on Mondays and some public holidays

Location: RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook Rd, Point Cook

Markets in Melbourne

Find below our selection of some of the best markets in Melbourne to explore even if you don’t buy anything.

58. Visit the Queen Victoria Market

Walk around this popular tourist destination market and take in the fresh goods on display.

Location: 513 Elizabeth St, Melbourne

 

59. Indulge at a night market

Enjoy the entertainment, a meal or drinks at the Queen Victoria Market summer (November to March) and winter (June to August) markets on Wednesday nights.

Location: 513 Elizabeth St, Melbourne

 

60. South Melbourne Market

Arguably the freshest fruits, vegetable and produce in Melbourne.

Location: Coventry and Cecil Streets, South Melbourne

 

61. Prahran Market

A slightly more upmarket and smaller destination, you will find the most diverse and specialised stalls here

Location: 163 Commercial Rd, South Yarra

 

62. Dandenong Market

Melbourne’s most international, multicultural and diverse food market

Location: Clow St, Dandenong

 

63. Rose Street Artists Market

Showcasing Melbourne’s art and design talent

Location: 60 Rose Street, Fitzroy

 

64. Caribbean Gardens and Market

Free on Wednesdays and Fridays, a nice day out with the family

Location: 1280 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby

Be Social in Melbourne for Free

65. Get to know others

Join a Travel or Newbies Meetup in Melbourne easily

Go to meetup.com or download the Meetup app

 

66. Do some salsa

Take a free beginner salsa class

See Salsa Foundation

 

67. Share Experiences with Melbourne Locals

Meet up, grab a drink or stay with locals

Check out couchsurfing.com

 

68. Play Board Games

Free to play but a gold coin donation allows you access to the Board Games Library

Location: Games Laboratory, 328 Little Lonsdale Street

 

69. Do a bar crawl

Have a drink with others new to Melbourne

Location: Try fb.com/FluentFastMelbourne or fb.com/melbbarcrawl

 

70. Meet others and learn a language at a language exchange

Meet locals and travellers while learning or practicing another language at a free language exchanges

Location: On Wednesdays at 6 or 7pm, choose between:
El Coco bar, 550 Little Collins Street
The European Bar Café, 120 Exhibition St

Free Music and Gigs in Melbourne

Among the many free things to do in Melbourne, there are a multitude of free music events. Here are some of our suggestions on finding the ideal spot:

71. Free gig listings

Irrespective of what kind of music you are looking forward, we find the best way to find upcoming free gigs is to look at the local Beat guide or RRR

72. Rock Music

Have a look at listings for the Cherry Bar as well as Ding Dong, Bar Open, Toff in Town and the John Curtain Bandroom among others as these will often have free gigs open to the public.

 

73. Jazz Music

Check out listings for Uptown Jazz Café, Paris Cat Jazz Club and Bennett’s Lane bars for a multitude of free performances.

 

74.  Sidney Myer Free Concerts

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra holds several free concerts under the stars which are open to the public and free of charge. More info here.

 

75. Music at Fed Square

A multitude of performances occur regularly – see the upcoming events

Free Workouts | Cycle | Hike | Sport

76. Take the 1000 Steps

Get a workout doing the 1000 steps Kokoda Memorial Trail

Location: Drive to Tree Fern Gully Track, Tremont or take the train to the Upper Fern Tree Gully station

77. Cycle the city laneways and parks

Following the new Bike Share initiative by the local government, you can borrow a bike for free on short trips shorter than 3o minutes in duration

Details at Melbourne Bike Share

 

78. Fitness at Federation Square

Improve your fitness with a free class in the heart of the city

Location: Federation Square – find events

 

79. Nike+ Training Club

Running a number of free classes in various locations around Melbourne, check out their site and register for a class near you.

 

80. Enjoy a free workshop 

Federation Square – find out more.

 

81. Play table tennis

The Dock organises weekly free table tennis games

Location: 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands

 

82. Play football (soccer)

Every Friday, details here

Location: Albert Park

 

83. Play beach volleyball

Location: Southbank, see Meetup page for more info

 

84. Play basketball

See Jetsport for more info

 

85. Skate in the city centre

Location: Riverslide Skate Park, Boathouse Drive, Melbourne

 

86. Hiking

This is very popular among free things to do in Melbourne or around Melbourne. Take advantage of some of the most amazing sights while getting a workout and enjoying fresh air.

Have a look at our selection of sightseeing walks in Melbourne. Stay tuned for our best hiking tracks around Melbourne as well.

 

87. Go camping

Have a look at our best camping sites in Melbourne article.

 

Free Family Friendly / Kids Events in Melbourne

88. The Kids Gallery

Specific exhibitions, play areas and programs for children and families.

Location: NGV Kids, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne

 

89. Let them play

A big, staffed playground for kids all ages that will have them exploring and playing for hours.

Location: St Kilda Adventure Playground, 26 Neptune Street, St Kilda

 

90. Visit ArtPlay

Many fun activities, workshops and free drop in events. Some need bookings and some may incur costs. See what is on at ArtPlay.

Location: Birarrung Marr, Behind Federation Square, CBD

 

91. Kids are free at Scienceworks

Explore their interactive scientific exhibitions. There is a cost for adults and also certain additional exhibitions.

Location: 2 Booker St, Spotswood

 

92. Kids are also free at the Melbourne Museum

Natural and cultural history museum at the Carlton Gardens

Location: 11 Nicholson St, Carlton

 

93. Visit the Octopuses Garden

Rye Pier snorkelling trail spanning about two hundred metres and see marine life including fish, crabs, seaweeds, sponges and slugs. Playground adjacent to pier as well.

Location: 2387A Point Nepean Road,  Rye

 

Day Trips around Melbourne

If you have a car (with a full tank of fuel or two), here is a short list of the best destinations around Melbourne to explore for free.

94. Yarra Valley

While you can indulge in some exquisite wine and restaurants, enjoying Yarra Valley’s scenery and tasting wine is free

While you are there, don’t miss the Chandon, TarraWarra Estate, Yering Station and Dominique Portet wineries.

 

95. Great Ocean Road

A few hours drive from Melbourne, there are a multitude of stops to enjoy. In particular, marvel at the amazing Twelve Apostles

Location: Great Ocean Road, Allansford – Torquay

 

96. Grampians National Park

Three hours from Melbourne, the park consists of beautiful mountain ranges, forests and if you are lucky, wildlife encounters.

 

97. Wilsons Promontory National Park

On the peninsula in Gippsland, the Wilsons Prom Park is a destination best known for the granite mountains and ample wildlife that among others, include kangaroos and wombats.

Location: Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

 

98. Phillip Island

A short trip away from Melbourne, visit this popular holiday island with its fair share of penguins, kangaroos and koalas.

99. Bendigo

Take the train or car to this regional Victorian city. With a notable historic Chinese connection it is a homage to gold rush era architecture and also hosts numerous cultural festivals.

 

100.  The Dandenong Ranges

A unique experience a short trip away from the city. Escape the bustle, look down upon Melbourne and enjoy amazing forests, fern glades and fairy tale villages.

 

101. Take a trip to Pound Bend Tunnel

The Yarra river was diverted through a tunnel to aid gold mining in the 1800s, creating the Pound Bend. These days, it is a pleasant urban swimming hole

Location: Yarra River Ct, North Warrandyte (Warrandyte State Park)

 

Do you have anything to add to our free things to do in Melbourne list?

Let us know in the comments below.

 

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