10 free things to do in Melbourne

Melbourne is one of Australia’s biggest and most vibrant cities, but it’s also one of the most expensive cities… The good news is you can still find plenty of things to see and do on a budget. We’ve compiled some of Melbourne’s best free activities to help you make the most of your time in this lively city.

1. St Kilda

Melbourne’s main beach might not be as luscious as those on Australia’s east and west coasts, but St Kilda is still worth a visit. Go for a stroll, cycle or skate along the esplanade. Swim, stand up paddleboard or kitesurf in the bay. In the summertime, take part in beach volleyball or watch the night drummers. Don’t miss the St Kilda music festival each February, or a visit to St Kilda pier to see the little penguins.

2. Brighton Beach

If you’re looking for Instagrammable locations in Melbourne, head to Brighton Beach. The multi-coloured Brighton Bathing Boxes are world-famous, and you can also get some beautiful shots of the city skyline.

Brighton is the better beach for relaxing and sunbathing compared to St Kilda—it’s cleaner, quieter and more family-friendly (you’ll find fewer crowds of young, drunk backpackers in Brighton!). There is a promenade for walking and you can even follow the coastal track back to St Kilda, passing by another great beach, Elwood Beach, on the way.

The suburb of Brighton is worth a visit, too. It’s home to lots of boutique shops and green spaces, including some dog-friendly parks.

3. Markets

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to markets in Melbourne, all with free entry—though we can’t be held responsible for how much you’ll spend when there! Most markets sell a mix of street food, local produce, gifts and souvenirs.

The biggest and best markets are undoubtedly Queen Victoria Market (famed for its night markets), South Melbourne Market, Preston Market and Prahran Market. It’s always worth checking for markets near you, however, as many suburbs have their own local market.

4. Royal Botanic Gardens

There are two Royal Botanic Gardens in Victoria (you’ll find the other one located on the Mornington Peninsula), with the Melbourne Gardens being the bigger of the two.

Spanning 38 hectares, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne provide a haven if you need an escape from city life. Walk among more than 8,500 species of plants from around the world. You can also take a free guided tour—check the calendar for upcoming tours and other events.

5. Albert Park Lake

Another great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city is Albert Park Lake. Follow the loop trail around the lake for spectacular views of the city. In the summertime, Albert Park is a popular spot for picnics and barbecues. Look out for special events throughout the year, such as fun runs, team cycling or rowing, dog walks, and more.

6. The Shrine of Remembrance

This iconic Melbourne landmark was built to honour the Australians who have lost their lives in war. Entry is free but donations are encouraged.

Learn about Australian history in the galleries before climbing to the balcony for panoramic views of the city. You’ll also have a bird’s eye view of the remembrance gardens, featuring the Eternal Flame that has burned since the 1950s.

If you’re visiting during ANZAC Day (honouring the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps on 25 April), don’t miss the Dawn Service that thousands of Melbournians attend each year.

7. Docklands

Spend an evening down at the docklands, Melbourne’s suburb on the waterfront. Walk around and see the public art on display or go window shopping in The District mall. Visit a heritage-listed building or the Police Museum. You can take a scenic ferry or go kayaking (for a fee). During the winter, Firelight Festival celebrates the Solstice with fire dancing, art installations, food stalls and live music.

8. Fed Square

Ideally located opposite Flinders Street train station (a free tourist attraction in itself), Fed Square is more than just a public space. It has become the cultural heart of the city, with art galleries, museums, and live art and music events taking place year-round.

Be sure to visit ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), the Koorie Heritage Trust, and the Ian Potter Centre (part of the National Gallery of Victoria). To find events taking place during your visit, check the Fed Square calendar.

9. Museums and galleries

As mentioned above, Melbourne is home to some world-class museums and art galleries, many of which offer free entry! As well as the likes of ACMI (film) and the NGV (art), you can learn more about contemporary art at ACCA, science at the Science Gallery, and the history of the city at the City Gallery.

Although this one requires ticketed entry, we have to give a shout out to Melbourne’s biggest museum: the Melbourne Museum. If you’re staying in Melbourne long-term (learn more about the WHV), consider purchasing an annual membership for unlimited free general entry across three museums: Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and the Immigration Museum.

10. State Library Victoria

Melbourne is home to one of the world’s prettiest libraries; you might have seen pictures of its magnificent La Trobe Reading Room. Perhaps more impressively, the State Library Victoria is one of the first free libraries in the world, and the oldest public library in Australia.

The State Library is more than just a library—it also hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year in its combined art gallery and museum spaces.