23 Free Things to do in Melbourne

One of the things about starting a travel blog is that it opens your eyes to things you have never considered. I had no idea there were so many free things to do in Melbourne.

I first came to Melbourne more than twenty years ago, and since then have been back multiple times.

Over the years I would come here to do some shopping or to see a sporting event or for something my kids wanted to do. Rarely have I looked at the city from the point of view of a traveller.

During my most recent visits though I have been on a mission. Visiting does not have to be expensive, and I was out to find the best free attractions Melbourne had to offer.

Here’s what I have come up with so far, and I hope to get back there again soon to add even more to the list.

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Visit the Cathedrals

Cathedrals and other places of worship are always popular when visiting a new place. They tend to be beautiful, and the Cathedrals of Melbourne are no different.

St Paul’s Cathedral is to be found right near Flinders Street Station and Federation Square so is easy to visit.

St Patrick’s can be found behind Parliament House, or visit St Francis on Lonsdale Street, the oldest Catholic church in Melbourne.

Take a Free Walking Tour

My favourite thing to do when I land in a new city is to take a free (tips-based) walking tour.

I always find that the guides are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, working hard to get the best tips they can at the end of the tour.

This is always a great way to get my bearings, and it gives me access to a local who is generally more than happy to answer any silly little questions I may have.

It’s generally a great way to get hints and tips about attractions, getting around and where to eat too.

Melbourne has many different walking tours available at different times of the day so choose one that leaves from a location near you at a convenient time. This is the one I took, and I was very happy with it.

Parliament House Tour

If you are interested in the Victorian parliamentary process, or if just like me you want to be nosy and just see what the building looks like, Parliament House runs various free tours on days when the government is not sitting.

You can go a general tour of Parliament House, a tour of the gardens, or a tour that focuses on the beautiful architecture of the parliament buildings.

For information on whether or not the tours are running, have a look at the Parliament of Victoria website.

I recommend arriving about twenty minutes before the tour. In my experience, they fill up as they have limited numbers.

Visit Federation Square

Right near Flinders Street Station there is a large open area called Federation Square. You can also spot it by the unusual-looking buildings surrounding it.

The area is edged with cafes and bars and is often the location for outdoor events.

There is a huge outdoor screen, and if you don’t have tickets, it’s likely major sporting events (such as the AFL Grand Final or the Australian Open tennis) will be shown live here.

Check out ACMI

Accessed from Federation Square, ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) is a museum all about the screen, both big and small.

It covers everything from the science and history behind film and tv, to well known Aussie actors and programs.

There are paid exhibitions here too, but you could easily spend an hour or two here just looking through the free sections.

National Gallery of Victoria

If you have a passion for art call into the National Gallery of Victoria on St Kilda Road for some of the best artworks in Australia.

Even those not into art – like me – will enjoy spending some time wandering through the huge galleries.

You will find world-class paid exhibitions and events happening all year round if you are looking to see some special artwork.

Make sure you check out the beautiful ceiling in the relaxation area – it’s especially beautiful if the sun is shining.

Ian Potter Centre

If you don’t want to make your way down St Kilda Road to the NGV or you are short on time, you can instead pop into the Ian Potter Centre in Federation Square.

Also curated by the NGV, this is where you will find all of the Australian artworks, both indigenous and non-indigenous.

St Kilda Penguins

Not too many cities can boast about having a free animal encounter right near the centre, but in Melbourne, you can make your way down to St Kilda by tram, then walk out onto the breakwater to watch the little penguins come in from their day at sea as the sun goes down.

As always, remember these are wild animals and leave them well alone, or else they might not be here in a few years time.

2024 Update – currently the viewing area is closed while it is being upgraded. Keep and eye on this website for updates.

St Kilda Walking Tour

While in St Kilda, why not do a walking tour in this area too? Find out about the history of the area, see Luna Park and learn about the penguins.

The tours take place late afternoon, finishing at the end of the pier just in time for sundown.

(Edited – it looks like the walking tour has changed to 11am. I will update again if it changes)

Street Art

Almost everyone you talk to about Melbourne will tell you to go and look at the street art.

Hosier Lane is the most popular location, and I still think you should call past for a look, but in my opinion, you will find better artwork in some of the other laneways such as AC/DC Lane and Croft Alley.

Often the artwork is short-lived, so a visit to the laneways will be different every time you come to Melbourne.

There are murals to be found all over the city though, so keep your eyes open as you walk around and you may come across some hidden gems.

City Circle Tram

While all trams are free within the Melbourne city centre, the free City Circle Tram does a loop around the outside of the city and provides tourism commentary as it travels around.

This is a great way to get your bearings when you first arrive in the city, and it can also help you find some other things to do during your stay as the Melbourne attractions are pointed out during the loop.

Queen Victoria Markets

The Queen Victoria Markets have a little bit of everything, from clothes and souvenirs to fresh food to stalls selling food to go.

It’s also a great place to while away some time with some people-watching, soaking up the noise and colour of these busy markets.

At some times during the year there is also a night market. Check out the times the various parts of the markets are open here before you go.

Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre

Another attraction in Federation Square is the Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Centre. Here you are able to see some modern creations by the local indigenous people.

The centre also provides some information about the Aboriginal people of the area.

State Library

The State Library Victoria is more than just a building that holds books. The La Trobe Reading Room is a stunning space full of light and alone is worth a quick peek.

The library also holds displays of old books and has some great historical information on the state of Victoria, including the armour of Australia’s most infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly.

If you would like to find out more about the library (or Ned Kelly) they regularly run free tours, but you will need to book in advance.

The library is also a great place to stop if you need power to charge your phone and some free wifi.

Live Rock Music – Cherry Bar

Melbourne has a thriving music scene and the Cherry Bar on AC/DC Lane is popular for its live gigs.

Some well-known bands have a cover charge, but there are a few nights each week when fresh new bands play and entry is free. Check out their facebook page to find out who is playing during your visit.

Live Comedy Nights

If rock music is not your thing, then perhaps you would prefer a comedy night. Every night it is possible to find somewhere in Melbourne offering stand up comedy for free.

Often these are up-and-coming artists, but every now and then a well-known name can be found at one of the venues. Head on over to this website to see a list of venues.

Royal Botanic Gardens

If the sun is out and you need an escape from the hectic city centre, head over to the other side of the Yarra River and visit the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Relax with a picnic or just stroll along the many paths. You could even take a boat ride on one of the lakes, one of the top dog-friendly things to do in Melbourne.

Shrine of Remembrance

Near the Royal Botanic Gardens is the Shrine of Remembrance, the Victorian war memorial. Here you can learn a little about the history of wars that Australia has been (and still is) involved in.

Climb to the top of the shrine to get some fabulous views over the city centre on one side and towards the ocean on the other side.

Old Treasury Building

The Old Treasury Building is one of the most beautiful old buildings in all of Melbourne. You can visit here to learn and the history of the Victorian gold rush, as well as other artworks and temporary exhibitions. It’s still possible to visit the old gold vaults too.

Entry is free, but tours are also offered once a day for a small fee if you would like to learn more.

Brighton Beach

Take an afternoon to catch the train to Brighton Beach to enjoy the sun and check out the colourful beach boxes that are dotted along the shore.

This is one of my favourite free attractions in Melbourne. Don’t get it wrong like I did though, read my post of the right way to see the beach boxes here.

South Bank Fireballs

If you are strolling along the South Bank area after dark, keep your eyes out for a fireball show that occurs on the hour until late in the evening.

Called the gas brigades, fire will shoot in the night sky from eight locations on the riverbank.

Take a look at the website here for the exact times that change with the seasons.

Laneways & Arcades

Another one of the things you have likely heard about Melbourne is about the laneways.

Throughout the city centre you will find many little laneways (outside) and arcades (inside) that are filled with small cafes and bars and are the perfect spot to stop for lunch or a coffee.

Some of the arcades are still decorated just like they were in their previous heydays.

For a real treat check out Hopetoun Tearooms in the Block Arcade. Just browsing the amazing cakes in the window will make your mouth water.

Check out the view

For the absolute best views over Melbourne you cannot go past the Eureka Skydeck – but those views are not free. There are a couple of options to see the skyline for free.

Firstly try the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins Street. Make your way up to the lobby bar on the 35th floor.

You can pay to have a coffee or enjoy a meal, but you could just sneak a peek at the view too. Strangely the best views are found in the bathrooms – I’ve been told the mens is the best!

The second place is the Rialto at the other end of Collins Street. You can make your way up to the Lui Bar on the 55th floor.

Unfortunately it was closed when I tried to visit, so I can’t comment on how easy it is to sneak a peek at the view without buying a cocktail or a glass of wine. Could be a great place to pop in to enjoy a drink as the sun goes down.

A third popular location just a short tram ride outside the city centre is the rooftop bar at Naked for Satan.

Here you can look back at the city centre and see the whole skyline. Visit on a Sunday night or weekday lunch for a cheaper meal.

Catch a Show

Okay, so this one is not free, but if you have a few hours free why not call into Halftix at the Melbourne Town Hall and see what shows are available?

They sell heavily discounted tickets, but only ones that are for the current day or the next day.

What is available depends on which shows have unsold tickets, but sometimes you can also find short tours as well.

To see what is available today, here’s the website, but remember you do often have to go to Halftix to purchase the tickets at these prices. Since Covid though, there are some tickets available online.

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Still looking for the best way to get from Melbourne Airport to the city centre? Read my post on Melbourne Airport Transfers here.

For accommodation I recommend Booking.com. Click through to the website here to find your best deal.

Visiting Sydney too? Take a look at the free things to do in Sydney too.

After all these free things you now have money to burn? Have a look at these suggestions.

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