Explore Melbourne’s vibrant attractions without spending a dime! From cultural landmarks to scenic parks and iconic institutions, Melbourne offers a variety of free experiences that showcase the city’s charm and diversity.
Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your city or a visitor on a budget, discover the best places to visit in Melbourne for free in this guide.
Places to visit in Melbourne for free
Discover our list of Free places to visit in Melbourne, Australia.
1. Serendip Sanctuary
Serendip Sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne for free. Serendip Sanctuary is the home to over 150 bird species. That is why it is the perfect place to learn and experience birdlife.
The sanctuary is not just for bird watching! There is a wide picnic area near the car park with full facilities including electric barbecues. Due to this reason, this place has become a popular destination for family trips.
2. Fitzroy Gardens
Named after Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy, Governor of NSW, Fitzroy Gardens are the perfect escape from bustling city life. The Fitzroy Gardens include a children’s playground and some cultural highlights such as Cook’s Cottage. It was the family home of Captain Cook in 1755.
In the center of the gardens, you will encounter the Model Tudor village which was built to show gratitude for Melbourne’s generosity in sending food to Britain during World War.
The best thing is that you can bring your pet dog to enjoy nature with you, but make sure to keep them on a leash.
3. Ian Potter Centre
The Ian Potter Centre is the world’s 1st major gallery to exclusively showcase Australian art. Located near Federation Square, Ian Potter Centre is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne for free. This place is named after Sir Ian Potter who was a businessman and a philanthropist.
This gallery currently has a collection of 25,000 pieces of art. Visit the exhibitions conducted by the Ian Potter Centre to learn about the history of Australian Art.
Location: Federation Square, Flinders St &, Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
4. Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne for free. It’s the perfect place to spend a quiet and peaceful time with your loved ones. Plan a picnic, bring your favorite food and drinks, and sit in a quiet area in the garden, you will find another reason to love your life.
But remember, you should protect the Botanic garden so that our future generation also can enjoy the beauty of this place.
How to Reach:
Public Transport: The gardens are easily accessible by tram, with several nearby tram stops.
Car: Limited parking is available within the gardens, with additional parking options nearby.
For more information visit this website: Click here.
5. The Shrine of Remembrance
The Shrine of Remembrance located in Kings Domain on St Kilda Road is a war memorial that pays tribute to the Australians who served their country in the 1st World War. It is known as one of the best iconic landmarks in Melbourne. The best thing is that you don’t have to pay to enter this amazing place.
The Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance is inspired by Greek architecture. It is built from Tynong granite and features a central sanctuary surrounded by the Ambulatory, which is a space for walking.
6. Queen Victoria Market
Melbourne’s iconic Queen Victoria Market, in operation since 1878, is a lively, authentic inner-city market that has been the heart and soul of the city for over 140 years.
Home to more than 600 small businesses, it’s the perfect place to explore fresh and specialty produce, handmade and unique products, great coffee and food, souvenirs, and clothing.
Don’t miss the Ultimate Foodie Tour, a two-hour guided walking tour where you can taste the freshest produce, discover unique ingredients, learn shopping and cooking tips, delve into the Market’s history, and meet some of the beloved traders.
7. St Kilda Beach
Just six kilometers southeast of Melbourne, St Kilda Beach offers an idyllic seaside escape just minutes from the city. Located in the iconic suburb of St Kilda, this area is brimming with charming cafes and restaurants and hosts a variety of great festivals and events throughout the year.
A short 20-minute car ride from Melbourne’s CBD, St Kilda is also easily accessible by trams, with convenient stops along the way. This is one of the best places to visit in Melbourne for free.
Location: St Kilda, Victoria, 3182
8. The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), established in 1861, is Australia’s oldest and most visited art museum. Located in Melbourne, Victoria, the NGV features two magnificent galleries within a short walking distance of each other, both offering free entry to the permanent collection.
While admission to the NGV Collection is free, special exhibitions may have entry fees.
How to Reach:
Public Transport: Easily accessible by tram, train and bus.
Car: Limited parking is available nearby, with additional parking options within walking distance.
Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006, Australia
9. Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is a cultural hub in Melbourne, Australia, dedicated to celebrating, exploring, and promoting the creative and cultural richness of moving images in all forms, including cinema, television, video games, and digital culture.
It provides visitors with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of moving images and understand their impact on our culture and society.
In addition to its dynamic calendar of activities, ACMI offers a permanent exhibition that is free of charge.
10. Koorie Heritage Trust
The Koorie Heritage Trust, an Indigenous not-for-profit cultural organization in Melbourne, is dedicated to preserving and promoting the culture of Southeast Australia’s Indigenous people.
It houses an extensive collection of over 100,000 items, including paintings, artifacts, books, videos, and photographs. Additionally, the Trust offers various educational programs and a Koorie family history service, providing visitors with opportunities to learn more about Indigenous culture and history.
11. State Library Victoria
State Library Victoria, located in the heart of Melbourne, is one of Australia’s oldest and most iconic libraries. Founded in 1854, it serves as a hub of knowledge, culture, and history.
The library boasts an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, maps, and other materials, making it a valuable resource for scholars, learners, and the wider community.
Entry to the library is free, although some special exhibitions and events may have fees.
The library is wheelchair accessible, with accessible entrances, ramps, and facilities available.
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