Welcome to Melbourne, the coolest city in Australia!
Known for its lively atmosphere, stunning architecture, and artistic flair, Melbourne has something for everyone. And the best part? There are plenty of free activities to enjoy, so you can have a blast without worrying about your budget.
Key Takeaways
- Melbourne offers a plethora of free activities, from exploring iconic markets like Queen Victoria Market to enjoying scenic parks such as the Royal Botanic Gardens.
- Take a free tram tour to effortlessly explore Melbourne’s CBD and visit landmarks like Parliament House and Docklands.
- Melbourne is a walkable city, making it easy for visitors to explore its attractions on foot.
- Relax at St. Kilda Beach and soak up the sun or catch a stunning sunset while strolling along the coastline.
Best Free Places to Visit in Melbourne
1. Take a Free Tram Tour
What’s the best thing about Melbourne’s CBD? You can get around easily with the free tram zone. This zone covers a big area; it goes up to Queen Victoria Market in the north, Spring Street and Parliament House in the east, Flinders Street in the south, and Docklands and Victoria Harbour in the west.
It’s perfect for exploring the city and checking out cool places like cocktail bars such as Madame Brussels, karaoke spots like Heroes, and even inner-city parks.
2. Stroll Through the Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne offer a peaceful escape from the busy city life. You can explore the gardens through workshops, tours, and walks, like the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, where you learn about indigenous culture.
For a unique experience, you can take a punt cruise on Ornamental Lake with stunning views. Plus, there are lots of plant collections to discover, including camellias and ferns, and you can even visit the National Herbarium of Victoria, which has over 1.5 million plant specimens.
3. Check Out the Painted Boxes at Brighton Beach
At Brighton Beach, you’ll find 82 cute bathing boxes lined up along the shore. This beach isn’t just beautiful; it’s great for swimming and even surfing when the wind is right. And if you don’t have a car, no worries—there’s a train station nearby, so you can easily get there.
4. Hang Out in Fitzroy Gardens
Visit Fitzroy Gardens in East Melbourne for some beautiful scenery and history. There’s a special treat in the middle—a tiny Tudor Village made by a man named Edgar Wilson from London a long time ago. This miniature village looks just like a village from old England.
5. Walk Around Luna Park
Did you know Luna Park Melbourne is the oldest theme park in Australia? It was made by the same group that made the first Luna Park in New York a long time ago.
Cool things like the carousel, Ghost Train, and Great Scenic Railway have been there for over a hundred years. Take in the view from the Ferris Wheel; it’s a great place to spend your weekend.
6. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance was built from 1927 to 1934 to remember and honor people from Victoria who died in WWI. But now, it’s a special place for all Australians who served in wars. You can learn a lot there because they have exhibitions and talk about past wars.
You can also take a guided tour for free, but if you want, you can donate some money to help keep the place running.
7. Walk Around Queen Victoria Market
Did you know one of the coolest things to do in Melbourne doesn’t cost a thing? At Queen Vic Market, you can walk around and see all sorts of yummy stuff like fruits, veggies, meat, cheese, and more. Sometimes, you might even get lucky and find some stalls giving away free samples. Make sure to hang out near the cheese section; you might just get a tasty surprise.
8. Check Out the Many Art Galleries
Melbourne has over 100 art galleries, big and small, waiting for you to explore. Some of the best ones are NGV International, the Ian Potter Centre, Buxton Contemporary, and ACCA.
You can also find cool art in independent galleries around the city, like in Flinders Lane and suburbs like Fitzroy and Collingwood. Don’t forget to check out sculpture gardens at places like Heide Museum and Herring Island for art outside, too!
9. Take a Tour of Cool Street Art Through Melbourne’s Laneways
In Melbourne, it’s almost impossible to miss street art. You’ve likely seen the colorful works in famous spots like Hosier Lane and Centre Place, but there’s even more to discover around the city. Laneways in the CBD always have new art, and there’s plenty to see outside the city too.
10. Relax at St Kilda Beach
Relax and enjoy the sunset as you take a walk along Jacka Boulevard to St. Kilda’s breakwater. There, you can see a bunch of little penguins, also known as fairy penguins. They’re around all year, but it’s best to see them in the summer after the sun goes down.
Remember not to climb on the rocks, use flash on your camera, or touch the penguins; they need their space to lay eggs and take care of their babies!
11. Check Out the State Library of Victoria
When you enter the Dome Reading Room at the State Library of Victoria, it’s like stepping into a fancy place where everyone’s busy learning and reading cool stuff. Make sure to check out the awesome Ian Potter Queen’s Hall too – it reopened in 2019 after being closed for a long time. You can join free tours every day to explore all the cool parts of the library.
12. Enjoy Live Music at One of Many Bars
Melbourne is the perfect place for music lovers, whether you’re into independent music or lively gigs. It’s a great spot for both famous musicians and new ones to show off their talent. Every night of the week, you can find lots of places to enjoy live music in the city!
13. Discover Readings Bookshop
You don’t usually see big groups at a bookstore late on a Saturday night, but Readings is different—it’s a cool independent bookshop where you can hang out and even read a bit before you buy. And it’s not just popular in Melbourne—Readings Carlton won a big award in 2016 at the London Book Fair for being the best bookstore of the year!
14. Take a Free Walking Tour of the City
Join a free walking tour and explore Melbourne’s iconic landmarks, historic buildings, and hidden gems with a knowledgeable guide. It’s a fantastic way to learn more about the city’s rich culture and heritage.
15. Take a Free Tour of Parliament House
Parliament House is where important decisions are made, and you can take a free tour to learn about the workings of Australian democracy. It’s an insightful and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
FAQs:
What is Melbourne best known for?
Melbourne is famous for its awesome culture, delicious food, and cool street art. It’s also known for its love of coffee and its beautiful parks and gardens.
Is Melbourne a walkable city?
Yes, Melbourne is a very walkable city with lots of pedestrian-friendly streets and pathways. You can easily explore many attractions on foot or hop on a tram for longer journeys.
How many days are enough for Melbourne?
It depends on how much time you have and what you want to see and do. But generally, spending at least three to five days in Melbourne will give you enough time to explore the city’s highlights and have some fun.
