After living in this amazing city for about 3 months, I was able to discover and explore most of the best things to do in Melbourne. Also ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world, there are plenty of things to do, from the best coffee in the world to the most amazing views of the city.
And best of all, most of the things to do in this article are even free, so check out my complete list below.
FREE things to do in Melbourne
Discover the beautiful Street Art
Melbourne has a lot of hidden places that are transformed by great artists into amazing artworks. Searching for beautiful Street Art in Melbourne is also a perfect way to discover the city. Some of the best locations in Melbourne CBD are Hosier Lane, AC/DC Lane & Croft Alley. In Fitzroy and Brunswick, you'll also find some beautiful murals.
LOCATION: As the artworks are in different locations, I recommend using this website - splatrs - where you can easily locate all the best street arts
READ ALSO: Check also this article with my favorite murals around Melbourne
Walk along the Yarra River
The Yarra River in Melbourne is the perfect place to have a nice walk where you can cross several bridges and see the best of Melbourne from every angle. A lot of bars and restaurants are located next to the river and many boat tours are offering daily cruises on the Yarra River.
LOCATION: The Yarra River is located in the center of Melbourne - Click here for the location in Google Maps
BOOK: A boat cruise on the Yarra River here
Enjoy the fire shows at the Crown Hotel
A beautiful spectacle in front of the Crown Casin on the South Bank, Melbourne. Massive fireballs are released in the air up to 10 meters. Walk up the Yarra Promenade Bridge to have a beautiful view of the fire show and the Yarra River.
LOCATION: Crown Casino, Melbourne
WHEN TO GO: Every hour from Monday to Friday starting from 21h (depending on the weather forecast) Every hour on Saturday & Sunday starting from 20h (depending on the weather forecast)
Discover Fed. Square
Visit the National Gallery of Victoria
The National Gallery Of Victoria is the oldest museum open to the public in Australia and founded in 1861. With a collection of international art from all around the world and some of the most extraordinary temporary exhibitions, the NGV is a must-do when you visit Melbourne.
The entrance is free but try to avoid a visit on the weekends as it can be very busy.
LOCATION: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006 - Check here the location on google maps
Visit Flinders Station
Visit the State Library of Victoria
Picnic in one of the many parks in Melbourne
Melbourne has many amazing parks, which are perfect to escape from the busy city. Buy some groceries in the supermarket and have a picnic in one of them. When my car needed a service, I grabbed some stuff and enjoyed my lunch in a park nearby.
BEST PARKS IN MELBOURNE FOR A PICNIC
- Flagstaff Gardens
- Royal Park
- Royal Botanic Garden
- Queen Victoria Gardens
- Alexandra Gardens
- Albert Park
- Fitzroy Gardens
- Catani Gardens (St. Kilda)
Walk around in the Royal Botanic Gardens
This massive park is located in the heart of Melbourne and it's home to an amazing collection of plants, trees, flowers, and birds. A great place to have a picnic or a beautiful walk outside the city. During my visit, I only had the time to explore the Southern part (Entrance C, D & E) but I was definitely blown away by the beauty of the Ornamental Lake, The Arid Garden, and Guilfoyle's Volcano.
LOCATION: Check here for the location in Google Maps
Take the Tram in the "Free-Tram Zone"
Explore the Docklands
Walk over the Webb Bridge
Stroll around in Chinatown
Try to spot Pinguins at the St. Kilda Pier
Relax at the beaches of Melbourne
See Melbourne's Skyline from different angles
Shopping in Melbourne
Visit the Queen Victoria Market
Queen Victoria Market is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere and a perfect place to buy fresh products, handmade items, artisanal
Try some delicious food in South Market
Stroll around the vintage Arcade Malls
BOOK: A guided tour in Melbourne's most remarkable alleys and arcades
Go Shopping in the Melbourne CBD
Go shopping in "The Fashion Capitol" - Chadstone
Gastronomy in Melbourne
Enjoy the best coffee in the world
Play Mario kart and have a beer in Bartronica
Enjoy a cocktail under a bridge on the Yarra River
Eat the best pizza in Little Italy
Have lunch in a Belgium Restaurant
Active things to do in Melbourne
See Melbourne from above in the Eureka Skytower
BOOK: Buy your tickets in advance here
Ride a rollercoaster from 1920 in St Kilda's Luna Park
If you are in for some adrenaline then you should go to Luna Park in St. Kilda. Just by walking through the entrance gives me goosebumps and with a various range of attractions, this amusement park has one of the oldest wooden rollercoasters in the world.
LOCATION: 18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
INFO: Check here more information about Luna Park
OPENING HOURS: Open every weekend, every public holiday (except christmas) & Victorian school holidays
Learn more at Scienceworks
With a lot of interactive exhibitions about the future, the environment, and sports, this museum is a also great place for kids to learn more about science and technology.
Keep an eye on their website to see the temporary exhibitions.
LOCATION: 2 Booker St, Spotswood VIC 3015
TICKETS:
INFO: www.museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/
Go to a theatre performance
Enjoy a movie in a Cinema with drink-in service
There are many movie cinema's around Melbourne but at HOYTS in Docklands, you'll get an amazing experience. While waiting for the movie, you can order some cocktails in Artie's Bar and they bring them to your seat. And to make your experience top notch, at HOYTS, you can watch a movie while sitting in their comfotable recliner seats.
LOCATION: 440 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008
INFO: www.HOYTS.com.au
Make a ride in the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
Did you know that the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is one of the highest ferris wheels in the world? Enjoy the breathtaking views from the city skyline in a 30-minute ride.
BOOK TICKETS: Book here your tickets in advance
PLAN THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MELBOURNE
To plan my adventures, I use these websites as they provide the best information, the best deals and they are user-friendly.
- Trip – Flight deals
- Booking.com – Hotels and accommodation
- TourRadar – Group trips
- TripAdvisor – Reviews and activities
- HostelWorld – Hostels
- GetYourGuide – Activities and excursions
- RentalCars – Carrental