Free Things to Do in Melbourne

If you've already blown your budget on Melbourne's tempting shops and cafes, don't worry! This charming Australian city boasts no shortage of free attractions and activities to keep you occupied during the rest of your stay. You'll pay no more than the price of transportation to enjoy the following top-notch ways to pass the time in Melbourne.

Image Source: JohnO'Neill/Wikimedia Commons

See the city by tram

Get your bearings by taking a ride on Melbourne'siconic tram, which is free along the City Circle line. This tour around the city takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, but you can get on and off as you please along the way. You can't go wrong if you look for the burgundy and gold co lour of the City Circle trams, for a free way to see the sights in style.

Work on your tan on the beach

Melbourne enjoys gorgeous weather throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for lazing about on one of its public beaches. One of the top choices is in the lush suburb of St. Kilda, which boasts a wide sandy beach with stunning city views. You won't need to pay for more than bus fare to enjoy this open public space.

Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens

Originally established in 1846, Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens are widely considered to be some of the best in the world. Set along the South Bank of the Yarra River, the gardens take up 35 hectares of beautifully landscaped pathways and fields, and are home to over 12,000 plant species to admire. There are free guided walks as well as self-guided audio tours to choose from if you want to learn more.

Take in a concert in Fed Square

Federation Square is considered by many to be the heart of the city, so chances are you'll end up here a few times during your stay. One of the best reasons to visit Fed Square (apart from the people watching) is the prevalence of free shows and concerts, particularly during the summer months. It seems that there's always something happening here, and it's always free of charge.

Go for a scenic drive outside of the city

You don't have to go far outside of Melbourne to find yourself in the heart of nature, whether you're interested in the mountain setting of the Grampians or the rocky cliffs of the Great Ocean Road. If you need to hire a car for the journey, take a look at local sites like Carsales to choose one with the best fuel economy to save money.

Ride your bike down the Yarra River

Cycling is an extremely popular pastime in the city, which boasts a high volume of designated pathways for bikes. If you don't have a bicycle of your own, you can borrow one for free using the city's Bike Share Scheme. One of the best pathways is along the Yarra River, allowing you to see impressive outdoor sculpture, architecture, and paintings along the way.

Take a wander around Queen Victoria Market

There's a buzz in the air at the Queen Victoria Market, which is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the year. This market features 1000 traders hawking their fresh produce, plants, and clothing. You don’t have to spend a penny to enjoy the lively atmosphere and colorful fruit stands.

These are just a few ideas to get you started, but one of the best ways to pass your time in Melbourne is simply exploring its narrow streets and window shopping in its colorful boutiques!