40 Free and Cheap Things to Do in Melbourne

Melbourne is considered one of the most livable cities in the world so it’s no surprise there’s so much to do and see here without having to spend a penny! Here are just a few of our favourite FREE and budget friendly things to do in Melbourne City.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase from a site we’ve linked to, we make a small commision at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support.

1. Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens – (Beautiful and can easily take up a full day) 
2. Victoria State Library – (Take the Metro to Melbourne Central… It’s right opposite. for the best views, head straight to the top, but don’t forget to walk through the dome too.) 
3. Walk the Graffiti Lanes – (There are so many of these you’ll struggle to not find them. If you’re lucky, you’ll see some art coming to life) 
4. Take the old City loop Tram 
5. A free city walking tour 
6. Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance 
7. St. Paul’s Cathedral 
8. Visit Block Arcade – (For great architecture and a good feel of how things used to be) 
9. Walk along south bank (amazing atmosphere at night) 
10. Queen Victoria Market

11. South Melbourne Market

12. Check out the street artists at Federation Square

13. Photograph the Iconic Flinders Station

14. Discover something new at Melbourne Central shopping centre – (MC metro stop)

15. Walk St Kilda Pier

16. Visit Melbourne China town

17. Urban Photography around the city

18. Walk Chapel Street in South Yarra 

19. St. Kilda Penguin Parade – (A great chance to see penguins in their own environment – take a coat, it gets cold at night. Also note, no flash photography here too)

20. Visit Brighton Beach huts 

21. Comedy night at The Attic – (South Yarra)

22. National Gallery Victoria – (This place is huge, if you like art there’s a mix of everything here. Could easily take up half a day)

23. Watch the sunset from the Docklands

BUDGET FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE

1. Eureka Sky deck experience – (Worth the entrance fee, Best with a clear sky, amazing views of the city at night)
2. Melbourne Aquarium
3. Melbourne Zoo
4. Melbourne Museum – (Another rainy day activity, best to go when it isn’t school holidays)
5. Old Melbourne Gaol
6. Immigration Museum
7. Melbourne Star Observation Wheel – (Discounts available on Groupon)
8. Grab a meal and some entertainment at Witches in Britches themed restaurant
9. City Segway tours
10. Have a meal at the Tram Restaurant – (An old-style tram that takes you around the city whilst you dine. Massive waiting list so book as far in advance as you can)
11. A tour of the Great Ocean Road  (Although personally, I’d say hire a car and experience it at your own pace)
12. Go Gold at the Cinema – (if you think premier seating at home is good… Gold here will blow.your.mind.)
13. Discover new food on one of the many food/drink laneways!
14. Famous eats – (Melbourne is home to a few restaurants owned by famous chefs… go on, treat your self!)
15. View the city in a Helicopter! (Lots of companies offer Copter rides over the city, great opportunity to get a unique view from above!)
16. Shop till you drop at Melbourne’s biggest discount shopping centre – the DFO.
17. Grab one of Melbourne’s infamous Freak shakes (Most cafes sell them now but our favourite was at ‘Abbey Road’ in St. Kilda…. it a came topped with a whole doughnut!)