Melbourne is a cool city, and there is a big debate between Australians about which city is best – Melbourne or Sydney. When it comes to budget travellers, Melbourne is a bit cheaper compared to the capital and offers a wide range of free activities and attractions for visitors and locals alike. Here are some of the best free things to do in Melbourne!
How to Make the Best of Melbourne on a Budget
I love finding free things to do wherever I travel, and you can have an amazing time with a very limited budget. However, some things might be worth paying for if you have the budget to do them. Perhaps by compromising and saving money on some things, you can afford to splurge a little on something you really want to do.
For example, you could save money by staying in cheap accommodation and doing lots of free activities in Melbourne, and then treat yourself to some paid activities or Melbourne tours to learn more about something you’re interested in.
If you have the budget to treat yourself a little bit, these are some of the most popular tours and activities in Melbourne that align with various interests:
- Melbourne Walking Tour for Foodies
- Sunset Kayak Tour on the Yarra River
- Go on a Puffing Billy Steam Train Ride
- Explore the Yarra Valley Wine Region
- Tour Melbourne’s Hidden Alleyways, Ghosts, and Best Instagram Spots
Or you can browse more activities and tours in Melbourne – there are so many unique and fun things to do. That said, no matter what budget you have, there is no need to pay for activities in Melbourne if you don’t want to. You can still have an amazing Melbourne vacation without spending a lot of money and have some unique experiences you will remember forever!
The Best Free Things to Do in Melbourne
Admire the Street Art in Melbourne’s Laneways
Melbourne is famous for its street art, much of which is hidden down alleyways and laneways of the city. You can come across some amazing street art in the most unlikely of places, but there are some well-known spots for graffiti and murals that you should definitely check out. My favourites included:
📌 Duckboard Place
📌 AC/DC Lane
📌 Higson Lane
📌 Croft Alley
📌 Beaney Lane
📌 Hosier Lane
I loved wandering the streets of Melbourne to see what I could find, and while I don’t usually recommend walking down quiet alleys alone I enjoyed exploring!
Explore Melbourne’s Arcades
As well as the laneways famous for street art, there are some interesting arcades to discover here as well, filled with boutique shops and cute cafes. Block Arcade is a lovely place to admire the architecture as well as the shops, as is Royal Arcade.
Degraves Street is an uncovered lane but well worth a visit as it is just as pretty. Don’t miss an ice cream from the delicious Pidapipo, where you can also get a luxurious chocolate sauce filling for your ice cream!
Stroll the Southbank Promenade
Take a leisurely walk along the Yarra River to enjoy the skyline views, spot more street art and even catch a street music performance. There is always something going on here, and if you have the cash to spend there are plenty of bars and restaurants on the waterfront too.
In Southbank you’ll also find the Melbourne Skydeck – it’s not free but the ticket price is worth it for stunning views across the city. Tickers cost $28 AUD per adult if you buy them online, and $34 AUD if you buy them onsite, so book them in advance to save some cash.
Enjoy Some Art at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
While some special exhibitions may have an admission fee, the NGV’s permanent collection is free to explore. It’s home to an impressive array of art and design, including sculptures by Henry Moore and Rodin, and Picasso’s Weeping Woman.
Take a Walk in the Park(s)
Melbourne is a green city and is full of parks and gardens to enjoy. Take a picnic, sit on a bench and read a book, or take advantage of the shade under the trees and just breathe.
Alexandra Gardens, Queen Victoria Gardens, Kings Domain Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens are all south of the river and blend into one another beautifully. There was a (paid) live music event at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in the Kings Domain when I visited so that restricted my wandering through the park, but the Royal Botanic Gardens were beautiful.
These landscaped gardens also have a lake, and the chance to hire a gondola for a punt around the water.
North of the river, Norrarung Marr borders the water, and Fitzroy Gardens a short walk away is home to Cook’s Cottage, a historic house that was the Yorkshire home of Captain James Cook’s family, which was shipped from England and rebuilt in the park.
Shrine of Remembrance
This war memorial is an iconic Melbourne landmark and offers an opportunity for reflection and learning about Australia’s military history.
Walk up the steps take a moment to admire the view of the city and memorial gardens, and go inside for a free exhibition (open 10am to 5pm). It is also the location of the ANZAC Day service.
Federation Square
This cultural precinct in the heart of the city often hosts free events, exhibitions, and live music in the square. It’s also a great spot to sit and people-watch!
Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
This museum is dedicated to the world of cinema and has a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions. The permanent galleries at ACMI are free to enter, as well as some of the temporary ones, where you can explore the history of film and digital culture.
St Paul’s Cathedral
This striking Neo-Gothic Anglican Cathedral is free to enter, and a beautiful building. All are welcome to come in to admire the building or worship.
State Library of Victoria
This huge building takes up a whole city block and was opened in 1856. It’s a historic library that is not only a great place to read and study but also to admire its impressive architecture and the iconic La Trobe Reading Room. There are also other art exhibits which are free to visit as well.
Queen Victoria Market
I love a good market, and Queen Victoria Market is a huge one with a variety of stalls to tempt you. You’ll find everything from fresh produce to handmade unique goods, novelty items and souvenirs, as well as street food stalls.
Whether you want to buy anything or not, just wander through the market and enjoy the bustling atmosphere!
Ride the City Circle Tram
This heritage tram service provides free transportation around Melbourne’s city centre while offering commentary about the city’s history and landmarks. You can hop on and hop off the historic trams as much as you like.
There are also free public trams in Melbourne, within the city’s Free Tram Zone, which extends from Queen Victoria Market to Docklands, Spring Street, Flinders Street Station and Federation Square, so you can make the most of sightseeing then hop on the tram when you feel tired.
Visit St. Kilda Beach
If you’re staying within Melbourne’s Free Tram Zone or on the City Circle Tram you don’t need a myki transport ticket, but if you want to go further afield to places like St. Kilda, you’ll need to purchase a myki and ensure it is topped up for your journey.
You can buy mykis from 7-Eleven stores or from larger tram stops.
Once you’ve paid for your transport, a visit to the beach is always free, and St. Kilda offers beautiful sunsets, a lively atmosphere, and St. Kilda Pier. There are lots of cool shops, cafes and bakeries in Sk. Kilda, as well as some well-kept community gardens to wander around.
While entry to Kt. Kilda Luna Park is usually ticketed, the iconic entrance with the big clown face is a great photo opportunity and free to admire from the outside.
Head to Brighton Beach
Further south, although unfortunately not on the tram line, is Brighton Beach, a lovely beach with some very photogenic beach huts that Instagrammers will love. The best way to get there is on the Sandringham train, getting off at Brighton Beach and walking back up along the coast.
It’s around half an hour by train, plus walking time so if you only have a couple of days in Melbourne I don’t think it’s worth the trip, but if you have time to spare then it is a nice way to get out of the city and enjoy some beach time.
Other Free Activities in Melbourne
These are just a few of the best free things to do in Melbourne. As well as the permanent free attractions there are often free events, concerts and festivals happening throughout the year, so be sure to check out local event listings during your visit.
Where to Stay in Melbourne on a Budget
Hostels in Melbourne
There are various hostels in Melbourne where you can stay in dorm rooms to save money or a private room which gives you the social hostel experience but with a decent night’s sleep.
I stayed at YHA Melbourne Central which was in a great location – apart from the fact it was right next to the train line. If you’re a light sleeper, request a quiet room as I couldn’t cope with the trains rumbling past every morning!
More top-rated hostels in Melbourne:
Nomads (formerly Base) St Kilda: This hostel provides the perfect Melbourne experience, just 5 minutes from the beach and a short walk to cafes and bars on Acland Street. With diverse room options, all featuring en-suites and air conditioning, and an on-site bar hosting nightly events, this 18+ hostel ensures a vibrant and welcoming stay in Melbourne. >>>CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES
Queen Victoria Hostel: Conveniently situated across from Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne’s free tram zone, Queen Victoria Hostel offers dormitory, twin, and double rooms with air-conditioning and secure electronic lock access. With proximity to key attractions like and free Wi-Fi, this hostel ensures a comfortable and accessible stay for guests. >>>FIND OUT MORE
Selina Central Melbourne: With a scenic view of the Yarra River, this hostel offers a central business district location near key attractions like St Paul’s Cathedral and Federation Square. The hostel provides a range of on-site amenities including a cozy library, cinema room, cowork space, and a vibrant basement bar, making it an ideal hub for both exploration and relaxation in the heart of the city. >>>CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
Summer House Backpackers Melbourne: Situated within Hotel Barkly in the heart of St Kilda, this hostel offers comfortable and affordable dorm rooms with private en-suites and lockers. Catering to working holiday travelers and backpackers, they emphasize work-life balance, and the central location provides easy access to transportation and nearby attractions, while their public bar hosts entertaining events, including Sunday Sessions on our rooftop. >>>CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES
Budget Hotels in Melbourne
Rydges Melbourne: centrally located in Melbourne CBD, offers modern and comfortable accommodations, including king rooms, suites, and apartments. With a streamlined check-in, rooftop pool, interactive fitness studio, and nine state-of-the-art conference venues, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers, providing a seamless and connected experience in the heart of the city. >>>CHECK REVIEWS & PRICES
AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank: Located in Melbourne, this hotel offers accommodations with private parking, a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar, including amenities like an outdoor pool, fitness center, and evening entertainment. The rooms feature air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and some even offer city views. The hotel is in close proximity to popular attractions like Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Crown Casino, and Eureka Tower. >>>FIND OUT MORE
Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens: This modern 4.5-star Radisson hotel, situated across from Flagstaff Gardens and the Metro Station, features amenities such as a gym, steam room, and hot tub. With a prime location near Queen Victoria Markets and a short drive to key attractions like Docklands and Crown Casino, the hotel offers well-equipped rooms and a restaurant serving buffet meals, making it a distinguished choice for accommodation in the city. >>>CHECK PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
If you’d like more options, you can browse all hostels in Melbourne on Hostelworld, or find great value hotels on Booking. Take a look at some of the rental homes available here, too.
FIND A CHEAP HOTEL IN MELBOURNE