There are plenty of things to do in Melbourne, for free or on a budget. Melbourne is known as one of the cultural hot spots in Australia. A survey in 2022 by Creative Australia revealed 97% of Victorians over 15 years old participate in creative and artistic events.
Depending on the time of year and season, there are lots of fun, free things to choose when visiting Melbourne.
I love wandering the laneways and streets of the inner Melbourne CBD, taking in the buzzing and diverse atmosphere and stumbling into new cafes, boutiques or bars.
Art Galleries
From the two NGV buildings, to the countless smaller galleries and artist run spaces, Melbourne is one of the cultural art hubs in Australia. A good handful of the art exhibitions are free, at both the large and smaller galleries.
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens are beautiful and are ideal for a picnic, only a stone’s throw from Melbourne CBD. The gardens are well maintained, and you might see a swan or two, among other bird and animal life.
Yarra River
The Yarra River runs through the heart of Melbourne. There are many activities on the river like a Yarra Cruise, drinks at the floating bar, Arbory Afloat, or canoeing. There are also free things to do like picnic by the Yarra or take a long riverside walk.
The Yarra river runs for over 240 kilometers. Melbourne CBD surrounds the lower parts of the river, which begins up in Mount Baw Baw, Victoria.
HoSier Lane Graffiti
Hosier Lane in Melbourne has become increasingly popular with visitors to Melbourne. The laneway between Flinders street and Flinders lane is completely covered in graffiti. Many people take photos here, capturing the urban artwork by an array of street artists.
Melbourne Central
Melbourne Central is a train station in the inner CBD, with more than 5 levels of shopping and restaurants. Where Flinders street station was once the main Train Station to meet, Melbourne Central seems to have taken its place as a meeting place for families and young people.
There are also bars, coffee shops, fast food, Hoyts Cinema and a supermarket all stacked in between Latrobe and Lonsdale street in the Mebourne Central building.
ACMI
ACMI is the Australian Centre For The Moving Image, showcasing all things media related in Melbourne and beyond, ACMI have incredible free exhibitions, like The Story Of The Moving Image, open from 10am to 5pm every day. This exhibition is full of history and fun facts on TV, radio, and digital media in Australia. With plenty of interactive and clever installations, this exhibition is great for all ages.
Transit BAR
Transit Bar is located in Fed Square above Transport Bar and Taxi restaurant. This cocktail bar located in the heart of Melbourne host free live music on select nights, with no cover fee and an incredible view of the Arts Precinct and Yarra River.
Degraves Street
Degraves street is one of the popular laneways to visit in Melbourne for great food and coffee, with many locals and visitors wandering down this iconic street, with outdoor cafes to choose from for a meal or coffee.
Located between Flinders street and Flinders lane, and parallel to Swanston and Elizabeth streets, Degraves street is perfect to wander along for people watching or to sit with a coffee or lunch while catching up with family or friends.
Conclusion
There are plenty of free things to do in Melbourne throughout the changing seasons of the year.
Melbourne is a growing city and seems more popular than ever, post pandemic. Each time I visit I notice new coffee shops, eateries and boutique stores popping up. To simply walk all through the streets in Melbourne or take the free city circle team is a treat in itself.
