Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the most liveable cities in the world, helped by the fantastic range of activities that can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike! From decadent food markets and thought-provoking museums to lovely botanic gardens and classic amusement parks. Even better, heaps of these experiences can be had without spending a dollar!

It would be really difficult to get bored in Melbourne because there are so many incredible things to see! Even though there is a lot to spend money on, it is absolutely possible to enjoy Melbourne without needing to open your wallet. 

The 20 Best Free Things To Do In Melbourne

The beaches, National Galleries, specific markets, parks, and of course the Yarra River. With so many entertaining activities, it’s oh-so easyto enjoy Melbourne for nothing. A list of some of Melbourne’s top free activities can be found below.

1. Spend Time In Federation Square

No trip to Melbourne would be complete, without a visit to Fed Square. The city’s primary gathering place is usually packed with free events of all types. From tai chi lessons, morning meditation, kid-friendly libraries, and the occasional free movie on the big screen, there’s always heaps going on. Find upcoming free activities by visiting the website.

2. Explore ACMI’s Free Exhibitions

While you’re at Fed Square, you should stop by ACMI (Australia’s national museum of screen culture). There is considerably more to ACMI than first appears. The Story of the Moving Picture permanent exhibition is fascinating. It is also home to Australia’s largest moving image collection. 

3. Hit the beach a St Kilda (and spot a penguin!)

There’s always a lot going on in St Kilda, especially on a sunny summer day! Acland Street makes for excellent people-watching possibilities, along withwindow shopping, reclining in pavement cafés, and indulging in some of Melbourne’s best cakes. When the sun shines join the crowds at the beach for a dip, while the promenade and St Kilda Pier offer beautiful walks and breathtaking vistas.

Luna Park is also worth a visit (though you will need to pay to ride the old-fashioned rides there). The Esplanade hosts a craft market every Sunday, and the Esplanade Hotel is a favourite location for fantastic (and frequently free) live music performances. 

To spot a fairy penguin, walk down Jacka Boulevard to St. Kilda’s breakwater at sunset. Just keep in mind not to touch them, feed them, or climb on the rocks because that is where they nest, lay their eggs and raise their young.

4. Snap Some Street Art

In Melbourne, it takes a lot of effort to avoid stumbling onto street art. There is a lot more to Melbourne’s street art scene than just the pieces that adorn Hosier Lane and Centre Place, which you are surely already aware with. The CBD’s laneways frequently receive a “repaint,” not to mention the abundance of street art across the city. See here for a guide to finding the best street art locations in Melbourne.

5. Relax In Melbourne’s Gardens And Parks

If you’re unsure of what to do in Melbourne, visit one of its wonderful parks and unwind for the day. A trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens, which are conveniently located in the CBD, is a sure thing. You can unwind here in the lush surroundings of the many various trees, plants, and flowers. You could easily spend an entire day here if you wanted to because there are a huge 38 hectares to explore. The Royal Botanic Gardens are conveniently located in the centre of Melbourne. The gardens are perfect for a stroll, a picnic, or even a terrific place for a quick workday lunch. 

Fitzroy Gardens and Treasury Gardens, which are all pretty close to one another, are also worth visiting.

6. See the State Library’s beautiful Dome Reading Room

No trip to Melbourne is complete without a Dome selfie! Opened in 1913, and designed to emulate the British Museum, this incredible octagonal reading room is six storeys high and can house 32,000 books and 320 readers at its desks. Don’t miss the magnificent Ian Potter Queen’s Hall, which reopened in 2019 after being closed to the public for over 15 years. There are also daily free tours to discover more about the library. 

7. See Famous Artworks at the NGV or Other Galleries

The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV International) is the oldest, biggest, and most popular gallery in Australia. Even better, admission is free to the majority of the gallery! Make sure to look out for the Rembrandt, Tiepolo, and Picasso the next time you visit the St. Kilda Road gallery. 

As Australia’s “Capital of Culture”, Melbourne is home to a number of fabulous art galleries. And many of them are free. Numerous Australian pieces of art are housed at Fed Square’s Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia where entry is also free.

Another must-see is the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA). As the name implies, the contemporary artworks of ACCA are intended to be provocative. There are free Art in Focus tours on Wednesdays at 11 am and Sundays at 3 pm, and admission is free (no reservations are necessary) (ACCA does ask that you register in advance so they can plan their tours).

8.  Learn About Aboriginal History and Culture

You can learn more about Aboriginal history and Melbourne’s past two centuries of British colonisation by visiting the Koorie Heritage Trust Cultural Center in Federation Square. In addition to learning about the intriguing Koorie culture and history, you may also learn about the Wurundjeri people, who were the land’s original guardians. There is a permanent social history exhibit, and there are additional exhibitions of works by indigenous artists. You’ll need to visit the website to find out what’s on because they can change from time to time. The Koorie Heritage Trust, with three gallery spaces in Fed Square, honours Indigenous art and culture of Australia’s south-east. Since the early 1980s, the collection has amassed a variety of commissioned and purchased works. The Trust wants to promote awareness of and appreciation for Koorie culture by holding these exhibitions. It aims to close the divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

9. Walk Along The Yarra River or the Tan

It would be a shame to skip a stroll along the banks of the Yarra. Take in the beautiful street art and unique structures during the day, though we prefer to see it by night. As night falls, lights reflect off the lake, creating a spectacular sight. 

The Tan is a nearly four-kilometre stretch of prime running terrain that is surrounded by the stunning Royal Botanic Gardens. Once a horse track, it’s now a gorgeous running route. Fancy yourself a speedster? Try to beat the current mark of ten minutes, eight seconds each lap.

10. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance

Victorians needed a place to mourn, honour, and keep alive the memory of those who had died in World War One, thus the Shrine of Remembrance was constructed between 1927 and 1934. It now serves as a monument to honour all Australians who served in conflict. The Shrine does not charge admission, although donations are always appreciated.

This serene area of the city offers breathtaking views from the steps. The Sanctuary and the Stone of Remembrance for all those interred overseas and in unmarked graves can be found inside. Come by at 10:30 a.m. to witness the Stone of Remembrance receive a ray of light at 11 a.m. (symbolising the end of fighting of the First World War in 1918 at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month).

There are six 45 minute guided tours daily, and bookings online are encouraged ($20 for adults and $10 for kids at the time of writing).

11. Explore Melbourne’s Town Hall

Don’t miss a trip to Melbourne’s town hall on Swanston Street if you enjoy both history and architecture. This stunning structure, which is built of Tasmanian freestone and bluestone, is truly a sight. The Town Hall organises a variety of concerts, comedic performances, and public talks throughout the year, so if you’re lucky, there might be something going on when you visit. Even The Beatles and Abba have performed here!

12. Hop On The City Circle Tram Or Tourist Shuttle Bus

Take advantage of the free city circle tram, the easiest way to get around the city.  Hop on and off at places like Parliament House, Fed Square, and the famous Melbourne Aquarium. The free tram zone area reaches Queen Vic Market in the north, Spring Street and Parliament House in the east, Flinders Street in the south, Docklands in the west, and Victoria Harbour in the north-west. Although the hours change depending on the day, trams generally operate every 12 minutes or so. 

A free shuttle bus for tourists runs every 30 minutes between 9.30 am and 4 pm, and it will transport you to places like Chinatown and the Queen Victoria Market. If you choose to stay on board, a guide will provide you with information for the entire 1.5-hour trip.

13. 1000 Steps Walk 

This one is a bit of a way from the CBD, but worth doing if you’re feeling energetic. Join Melbourne’s most fitness fanatics and head to the “1000 Steps” on Sunday mornings to bound (or slog) your way up the 3km course. The ‘1000 Steps’ climb through the Dandenong Ranges National Park and was constructed in the early 1900s. Warning: it’s steep! You’ll definitely feel your quads the next day!

14. See the Brighton Beach boxes

St Kilda is within ten minutes’ drive from Brighton Beach, another great attraction, so why not book a GoGet in Melbourne to see the famous beach boxes. The Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes, which line the sand (and make for fantastic pictures) are what Brighton Beach is best known for. Brighton’s famous bathing boxes – 82 to be exact – adorn the foreshore along the beach. Not only is this beach pretty to look at but it’s also excellent for swimming. When the wind picks up, it’s a pretty decent area for surfing, too. 

15. Explore Melbourne’s Markets

Melbourne has numerous markets, and each one has a unique selection of goods. Everything is available, including fresh local fruit, gourmet street food and handmade crafts. You can have fun browsing, even if you don’t want to spend any money.  If you’re lucky, there may be a few booths offering free samples (stay around the cheese aisle for rewards!)

Queen Victoria Market is the largest and most well-known market, but if you prefer smaller, less “touristy,” markets, you might also want to check out Camberwell Market or the Rose Street Artists Market in Fitzroy. You can get delicious coffee, fresh fruit, baked delicacies and fresh seafood at the South Melbourne Market, which is open on weekends and Wednesdays.

Try Victoria Market’s summertime night market for live music entertainment and a market atmosphere. Melbourne residents must see it!

16. See Melbourne’s Spectacular Churches

Another one for the architecture enthusiasts. There are some stunning churches in Melbourne that you should check out. Wandering around these places can take you out of the urban environment and into a spiritual state. The English architect William Butterfield’s St. Paul’s Cathedral should be the first item on your to-do list. The central business sector of Melbourne is where you may locate magnificent cathedral of neo-Gothic architecture. The St. Mary Star of the Sea Church and St. Michael’s Uniting Church are two others to add to your list. 

17. See a model Tudor Village at Fitzroy Gardens

Head to Melbourne’s picturesque Fitzroy Gardens, on the eastern edge of the CBD. Take a stroll through the park to take in the historic sites. In the centre of the gardens you’ll find a replica of a Tudor village that was built in the 1940s by a London retiree named Edgar Wilson. Unveiled in 1948, it is a recreation of a typical Kentish community constructed in Tudor-era England. 

18. Meander the Laneways of Melbourne

A complicated web of roads, alleys, and arcades makes up the city centre. Although it can be difficult to know where to begin, you can stop by the Fed Square visitor centre to pick up a map. Degraves Street, which is off Flinders St., is a great place to start. It’s a peaceful location with excellent coffee options (not difficult to find in Melbourne!). Centre Place, another attractive lane with hip boutique boutiques and bars, is located across from Degraves Street.

Melbourne’s lanes were historically used by horses and carts to access buildings but are now home to Street art, secret pubs, fantastic restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. 

19. Explore Melbourne’s Southbank

Southbank is home to some of Melbourne’s best eateries, upscale shops, and the Crown Casino. Take a stroll down the promenade and enjoy the buskers, Melbourne’s skyline, and river cruise boats departing while you take in the scenery. 

 20. Free Melbourne Events & Festivals

Melbourne is home to numerous free cuisine festivals, free art and photography exhibitions, and street festivals. The City of Melbourne has a handy calendar of Free Events to help you keep track of what’s going on.

Looking for more things to do in Melbourne? Check out our articles on The best spots for outdoor day trips near Melbourne or Unique Things To Do In Melbourne On The Weekend