Free Things to Do in Melbourne

free-things Melbourne is truly a magnificent place to visit if you are looking for a vacation getaway. And the constant arguing about which place is better – Melbourne or Sydney – is still going on. But, obviously, it is actually your turn to choose which is which. Melbourne has a lot to offer in terms of attractions and sights, but unexpectedly you don’t always need to charge it onto your credit card as a lot of things there are offered for free.

There are a lot of great sights and activities for free around Melbourne. So it means you can stretch your budget even further and use only the money on things that you actually want.

Why you should add Melbourne to your RTW trip itinerary

Below are the top free things to do in Melbourne that are totally free.

Trip around the City of Melbourne

Any tour to Melbourne is not complete without a ride on the icon of Melbourne – the tram. A great way to travel around the city is on the free City Circle Tram. The route might take thirty minutes however you could get on and off the tram as often as possible if you want. The color of the City Circle Tram is gold and burgundy and there are specifically marked stops.

Walk through the Narrow Lanes and Streets

Take your time to walk all the way through the old-fashioned, truly European narrow streets of the city’s business district, particularly in the area of Flinders Lane. You will surely be enticed to sit and sip lattes as these streets that have an array of restaurants and cafes.

Window Shopping

Have only a glance at what you cannot buy. Best recommended places to go are the Acland Rd., Bridge Rd, Chapel St, Smith St and Brunswick St. It would be more enjoyable if you have a friend with you and try on the clothes that you don’t have any intention of purchasing.

NGV International

This is the oldest public art museum in Australia. It also serves as the home to one of the most significant art collections in the country, with everything from Roman and Egyptian artifacts and Asian art, Baroque, Renaissance to the contemporary art. The museum is located at St. Kilda Rd. and it is open everyday (excluding Tuesday), from 10am to 5pm.

Australian Center for the Moving Image

The first of its kind on the entire planet, committed to the moving image of all forms from the early films to the newest digital media. It is considered as the biggest dedicated screen gallery in the world with two multi-design cinemas, art/movie installations and changing exhibitions and practical public education, production and activity areas. It is open everyday from 10 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon and during weekends it is open until 6 in the evening.

Australian Center for Contemporary Art

Enjoy electronic imaging, photography, painting, sculpture and video in addition to the new improvements in movements, sound and famous culture at Southbank. The center is open from Tuesday to Sunday at 11am to 6pm.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Royal Botanic Gardens comprises 35 hectares of widely landscapes garden near the heart of Melbourne on the Yarra’s South Bank. They are considered one of the best botanical gardens in the country and one of the finest worldwide. Self-directed audio walks as well as free guided walks are also available for visitors. The gardens are open from 7:30 am to 6pm from the months of April until October and closes until 7 in the evening from November to March.

State Library of Victoria (SLV)

Obtain a one-hour tour without a cost to the arched La Trobe Reading Room, the stylish Cowen Gallery in addition to the newest Dome Gallery at SLV. Located at Swanston St., SLV is open everyday from 10am to 9pm and from Friday to Sunday until 6pm.

Federation Square

This is probably one of the busy spots in Melbourne and you will surely wind up there many times. Most of the time, there are a lot of free activities taking place in Federal Square.

Fitzroy Gardens

Discover the barely made traces and walkways. Discover dragons, fairies, flowers and miniature villages. Everything here is free with the exception of the Cook’s Cottage. Fitzroy Gardens are ideal place to enjoy a picnic and make friends.

Park Fun

Bring your children to Birrarung Marr, the finest playground in Melbourne. It is located behind the Fed. Square, where you can have fun and enjoy the views of Melbourne.

Southgate

If you plan to go to Melbourne during summer, the heat could be cruel. Therefore, it would be nice to keep cool by running all the way through the bopping water fountains situated outside of the Crown Casino, just south of Yarra.