Melbourne is one of my favourite cities in Australia with lots to do both in the city centre and the surrounding area. Australia in general isn’t a cheap place to visit so here are some of my top free things to do in Melbourne!
1. Stroll Through Fitzroy Gardens
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with a stroll through Melbourne’s public gardens. Fitzroy Gardens features tree-line pathways, a pond and plenty of space to relax with a picnic – there’s also a visitor centre and cafe if you don’t want to bring your own food! Look out for the fairy trees with trunks decorated with whimsical carvings of fairies and Australian wildlife. There is also a model village to see! Just next to Fitzroy Gardens, you will find Treasury Gardens which is also worth visiting.
2. Find Cook’s Cottage
Located within Fitzroy Gardens, you’ll find an 18th century English cottage. This isn’t just a cottage built in the style of those scattered across the English countryside – this cottage was actually built in North Yorkshire in 1755 by the parents of the explorer, Captain James Cook. In the 1930s the house was deconstructed and shipped to Australia to be reassembled as a tourist attraction in Melbourne.
You do need to pay to enter and take a tour of the inside of the cottage but you can see the outside and English garden for free.
3. Visit the Treasury Museum
A short walk from Fitzroy Gardens and the Treasury Gardens you can find the building of the old Treasury which now houses a free museum. The museum shares the story of Melbourne’s financial history with a collection of rare artefacts which includes bars of gold. The museum often features temporary exhibits too, when I visited there was an exhibition on women workers in the Victorian era in Australia.
4. Take a Tour of the Parliament
Further down Spring Street from the Old Treasury, there is Parliament House. This is an impressive building inside and out built in 1856, it has been a government building ever since. To gain a greater insight into the inner workings of the government and learn about the rich heritage of the building – take a tour. Free public tours of the parliament are held every week on Mondays and Fridays. The tours operate four times a day at 09:30, 12:00, 13:00 and 16:00. Advanced bookings are not available but you can find out more information here.
5. Relax in Carlton Gardens
Carlton Gardens is another public green space. It lies just north of the Central Business District. The impressive gardens have been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The gardens surround the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum. The museum has a large history and natural history collection housed in a modern building. Entry to the museum is $15 AUD but the gardens are free to explore.
6. See the Street Art of Hosier Lane
Hosier Lane is often touted as the epicentre of Melbourne’s Street Art scene. The walls of the buildings lining the narrow street are covered in an ever-changing display of art from local painters, illustrators and graffiti artists. Spend time browsing the vibrant colours and tiny details that decorate the walls.
7. Browse Antique Books
Just around the corner from Hosier Lane, you will find Kay Craddock’s Antiquarian bookstore. This is a treasure trove of antique books from encyclopaedias to classic novels. You will be amazed at the age of some of the books – and the prices! If you love reading and want something more affordable there are many quirky, second-hand book shops in Melbourne. Take a look at The Paperback Bookshop and City Basement Books.
8. Visit St Paul’s Cathedral
Even if you are not religious, St Paul’s Cathedral is still worth visiting. Built in a neo-gothic style, the cathedral has become an iconic landmark in Melbourne. You will find the cathedral on Flinder’s Street, not far from Hosier Lane.
9. Explore the Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens in Melbourne were perhaps the best botanical gardens I have ever visited and they’re free! The gardens are not just aa haven for plant enthusiasts, anyone can enjoy a peaceful stroll in greenery, surrounding by trees and beautiful flowers. The garden features different areas including a pond with islands, a tropical greenhouse, a humid fern forest, an arid cactus garden and countless colourful flower beds. It is well worth a visit!
10. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
If you are an art fan, the National Gallery of Victoria is a must-visit. Some exhibitions may require paid tickets but the permanent collection is free to explore.
11. Visit the State Library Victoria
Now, visiting a library might not usually be top of your list when travelling to new places but the State Library in Melbourne in very impressive. It is housed in a huge 1850s building with a domed roof that allows the sunlight to illuminate floors and floors of books. In the centre there are rows of desks with studious people quietly working away. Within the library, there are a few exhibits and historical collections on display.
