10 Free Things to Do in Melbourne

Melbourne is a vibrant city full of culture, art, food, and entertainment. There are plenty of activities to do in the city that won’t break the bank. Here are 10 great free things to do in Melbourne.

1. Visit the Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market is a Melbourne icon, situated on the corner of Elizabeth and Victoria Streets. It’s one of the largest open-air markets in the Southern Hemisphere, with stalls selling everything from food, to clothing, to souvenirs. The market is open every day, Monday to Wednesday from 6am to 2pm, and Thursday to Sunday from 6am to 5pm.

The Queen Victoria Market is a great place to find delicious, fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables, seafood, and more. There are also plenty of delicious food stalls to choose from, such as the House of Dosa, where you can get delicious South Indian cuisine. Be sure to check out the Night Market, which is held on Wednesday evenings, with live music, food, and entertainment.

2. Take a Stroll Along the Yarra River

The Yarra River is one of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks, and a great way to enjoy the city. Take a leisurely stroll along the river’s promenade, which stretches from the CBD to the bay. The walk is very scenic, and you can take in great views of the city skyline, the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the MCG.

Along the way, you’ll come across numerous public artworks, such as the iconic ‘Yarra Woman’ sculpture, and the ‘Water Wall’ installation. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants along the river promenade, so you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy the view.

3. Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens are a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. They are located in the heart of the city, and cover an area of 38 hectares. The gardens are home to more than 10,000 species of plants, trees, and shrubs, as well as plenty of wildlife.

Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, and take in the lush vegetation. You can also visit the National Herbarium, which contains more than two million specimens of plants. Be sure to check out the lakes and waterfalls, as well as the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, which celebrates the area’s indigenous history.

4. Visit the State Library of Victoria

The State Library of Victoria is one of the largest public libraries in Australia, and a great place to explore. The library is home to more than two million books, and the building itself is a masterpiece of architecture. You can take a free guided tour of the library, or explore it yourself.

The library also hosts regular events and exhibitions, such as readings, workshops, and talks. Be sure to check out the Ian Potter Centre, which houses the library’s extensive collection of Australian art and artefacts.

5. Explore the Graffiti Laneways

Melbourne’s laneways are renowned for their vibrant street art. Take a stroll through the city’s alleyways and you’ll be sure to come across colourful, unique works of art. The most popular spots for street art are Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane, but you’ll find plenty of other laneways to explore.

The street art in Melbourne is constantly changing, so you never know what you’ll stumble across. It’s a great way to get to know the city and its culture, so be sure to take a camera and snap some photos.

6. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria

The National Gallery of Victoria is one of the oldest and largest art galleries in Australia. It’s home to a huge collection of works from both Australian and international artists, spanning thousands of years. The gallery is open seven days a week, and admission is free.

Explore the gallery’s three levels, and take in works from some of the world’s greatest artists. You can also take part in a free guided tour, or visit the gallery’s onsite cafe for a bite to eat.

7. Wander Through the Carlton Gardens

The Carlton Gardens are one of Melbourne’s most beloved green spaces, and a great place to spend an afternoon. The gardens are home to a variety of plants and trees, as well as a lake, a conservatory, and a bandstand. The gardens are a great place to relax and take in the beauty of nature.

The gardens are also home to the Royal Exhibition Building, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building is open to the public, and you can take a free guided tour. The gardens are also a great place to take a picnic, or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery.

8. Visit the Melbourne Museum

The Melbourne Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s cultural and natural history. The museum is home to a range of displays and exhibitions, from ancient artefacts to modern art. Admission to the museum is free, and you can take a self-guided tour.

The museum also hosts a range of special events, such as lectures, workshops, and film screenings. You can also take a guided tour of the museum’s collections, or explore the museum’s onsite cafe and restaurant.

9. Attend a Live Music Performance

Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant music scene. There are plenty of live music venues, from small bars to large arenas. You can attend a free gig at one of the city’s many live music venues, or take in a free outdoor performance at one of the city’s many festivals.

You can also take part in a street performance, or attend one of the many free concerts and performances held in the city’s parks and public spaces. Be sure to check out the Melbourne Music Walk, which takes you on a journey through the city’s music history.

10. Take a Bike Ride Along the Beach

Melbourne has some great beaches, and a great way to explore them is by bike. The city’s bike paths stretch for hundreds of kilometres, and there are plenty of places to rent a bike. Take a leisurely ride along the beach, and take in the stunning views of the city skyline and the bay.

You can also take a bike ride along the Yarra River, which stretches for more than 40 kilometres. Take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city, and explore the many parks and gardens along the way.

Summary

Melbourne is a vibrant city with plenty of free things to do. From exploring the Queen Victoria Market, to taking a stroll along the Yarra River, to visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. The city also has some great art galleries, museums, and live music venues, as well as plenty of parks and gardens. So, why not take a trip to Melbourne and explore the city for yourself?