Visiting Melbourne in Victoria, Australia, is a must for travellers who love diverse cities. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Melbourne for free like seeing live music, art exhibitons and hanging out on the banks of the yarra river. The most southern state of mainland Australia is super-cold during winter, which has created a busy, cultural city to warm the soul.
Costs can add up when travelling in Australia, especially in cities with endless events and food to enjoy. Here are some budget travel tips for Melbourne to help keep the costs down vehicle still experiencing all Melbourne has to offer.
Free Things To Do In Melbourne With Family
All these activities are also great things to do in Melbourne with family. We all know that traveling with kids and family bumps the costs up! But these ideas are fun and will help the budget.
Visit The NGV
The National Gallery of Victoria is a huge building on St Kilda road near Melbourne’s CBD. The impressive building was designed by Sir Roy Grounds and is the latest gallery in Australia. Along with famous touring exhibits, the iconic building holds free tours and shows regularly.
There is also cafes available, an outdoor garden area and friday night live music. The large water wall and fountains at the front of the NGV adds to the appeal, especially for families and kids. The NGV is inviting for all ages and backgrounds.
Take A Tram To St Kilda
Catching a tram is easy around Melbourne, but the number 16 tram from Melbourne CBD is a particular scenic trip. You will travel along the tree lined St Kilda road, viewing art deco apartments and established businesses to then weave your way past bars, hostels, St Kilda Bowls Club and more along Fitzroy street.
The final leg of the 30 minute journey is along the St Kilda Esplanade, with views of the Palais Theatre, Espy Hotel and Luna Park.
The final part of this scenic tram ride finishes at Acland Street, St Kilda, where cake shops meet boutiques, bars, and in more recent times, takeaway and chain stores.
Swim At St Kilda Pier
The St Kilda Pier has long been a popular place for a walk, fishing or ice cream. The boardwalk along the esplanade has recently been renovated, creating ideal places to relax with a book or even order a drink from the beach bar. You can also venture out onto the pier to experience the new European-style swimming spot where bathers can jump into the bay and then sun themselves on the pier during hot weather.
Visit the ACMI Free Exhibitions
The Australian Centre of Moving Image (ACMI) is designed for fun and exciting media exhibits, with many of them free. ACMI is located in the heart of Fed Square and is a must for art and video lovers.
Hang Out At Fed Square
Fed Square is an easy meeting spot opposite Flinders Street Station in Melbourne and is also an easy spot to hang out for a range of food, drinks or sit and watch some entertainment on the big screen when the weather is good.
Check Out The Street Art
The famous Melbourne street art can be spotted all over the city. The colourful laneways boost the city, especially on the grey days throughout winter. The popular tourist spots include Hozier Lane and ACDC Lane (named after the band) and Union Lane. Some of these areas showcase incredible street artists, adding to the artistic atmosphere and lifestyle in Melbourne.
Relax on The Banks Of The Yarra
Birrung Marr is the area down the banks from Fed Square along the Yarra River. On clear and warm days there is plenty of space to have a picnic or take your coffee down by the river, and watch rowers and small boats cruise by.
Free Music Exhibition Arts Centre
The Arts Centre on St Kilda road hosts a wide range of ticketed live theatre and music shows, but also often have free exhibitions in their foyer. They currently have a permanent exhibit of the Australian Music Vault, showcasing Australian popular music history.
Free Concerts Myer Music Bowl
The Myer Music Bowl is a natural amphitheatre opposite the arts precinct set back towards the botanical gardens. If you are a classical music lover, the Myer Music Bowl holds a series of free MSO concerts in the summer. Take a picnic and enjoy the outdoor concert in the heart of Melbourne.
Ride The City Circle Tram
There is a free, scenic tram journey available within the Melbourne city circle, running along Flinders Street, Spring Street and Latrobe Street, Near the Victoria Market and including the Docklands. Hop on at any point and make the most of the free ride to get around and get familiar with inner Melbourne!
Rooftop Drink
There are many rooftop bars in Melbourne, but Rooftop Bar in Swanston Street is still one of the best open air bars with a view in Melbourne. Located on Level 7 in Curtain House, Rooftop Bar is a popular spot for a drink, especially in spring and summer. In the colder weather the Toff Bar or Cookie on lower levels are also a must for a drink or casual meal.
Coffee at Degraves Street
Coffee and Melbourne go hand in hand, and there are thousands to choose from! Degraves Street is a good place to start for a coffee or brunch indoors or outdoors, and people-watch in one of the iconic Melbourne laneways. Degraves Espresso has been a coffee institution in Melbourne for over 30 years and is highly recommended, alongside many other coffee spots lining the street.
Melbourne is an exciting and entertaining city in all seasons, to immerse yourself in food and art culture. With so many galleries, cafes and restaurants, live music, comedy and shopping throughout the city, there really is something for everyone, without breaking the budget.
There are endless options 7 days a week in inner Melbourne, with a bustling city throughout the year. With a bit of research and planning you can keep costs down and discover why many travelers and locals agree that Melbourne is the most vibrant city in Australia!
