14 Totally Free Things to Do in Melbourne

The world's "Most Liveable City" isn't exactly known for being a budget destination, where you can stretch your dollars (let's face it, nowhere in Australia really is). But Melbourne is an amazing city, jam-packed with a ton of things to do and see, and lots of it is completely free! You can easily spend a few days exploring the city, soaking in Melbourne's pervasive and eclectic culture, and seeing the sights without breaking the bank. Save your dollars for Melbourne's famous coffee instead, by checking out these free, but fantastic, attractions:

1. City Circle Tourist Tram

This free tram is a great way to get your bearings around Melbourne's Central Business District. It passes by many of the city's tourist attractions, and the tram plays a recorded commentary along the way, giving you some insight into the area and its sights. Trams depart 10 AM to 6 PM, Sunday to Wednesday, and 10 AM to 9 PM, Thursday to Saturday, in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, approximately every 12 minutes. Jump off and on anywhere along the route: Flinders Street, Spring Street, Nicholson Street, Victoria Parade, La Trobe Street, Docklands Drive, Harbour Esplanade, and Flinders Street.

2. State Library of Victoria

Two million books grace the shelves of this impressive library, and those aren't the only treasures you'll find here. Various exhibitions can be found throughout, including the armour of Ned Kelley himself, and often there are free talks held here, too. The beautiful building is worth a wander all on its own, and don't forget to spend some time taking in the atmosphere in the totally epic domed reading room. There's free WiFi here, too, if you need to get connected. 176 Little Lonsdale Street.

3. National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

The permanent collections here are always free to view, with artworks ranging from classical to contemporary, as well as some traditional Aboriginal works. There's a beautiful stained glass atrium in the center of the building, and lots of hidden gems to be found within the corridors. 180 St., Kilda Road.

4. Explore for Street Art in Melbourne's Laneways

The main streets of Melbourne's CBD might be laid out in a grid, but the laneways are a labyrinth of potential treasures. Small cafes, bars, and shops can be found hidden down many of the city's laneways, as well as colourful street art and graffiti. A few locations are officially "sanctioned" places for artists to show off their talents, such as Hosier Lane and AC or DC Lane, but if you look carefully, many great work can be found. Start at Hosier Lane, across from Federation Square, and work your way up from there towards Chinatown. You can also checkout the suburbs of Fitzroy and Brunswick for some more art, if you're looking to explore outside of the CBD.

5. Royal Botanic Gardens

There are over 8,500 plant species here, spread out over 28 hectares of lush gardens. There's a big lake, a jogging track, and a multitude of picnic spots, making the gardens the perfect place to relax and enjoy an afternoon in the sun. Birdwood Ave.

6. Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)

A museum dedicated to Australian film history, ACMI offers an interactive journey through the evolution of moving art, from zoetrope to modern video games. Upstairs, you can watch movies from the National Film Archives. Located in Federation Square.

7. Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA)

This free gallery offers a showcase of Australian and international contemporary artists, and they offer many talks and programs throughout the week as well. Get a free guided tour of ACCA on Sundays, or drop in any day (except Mondays—they're closed) and chat with the gallery attendants, many of whom are practicing artists themselves. 111 Sturt Street.

8. Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is an impressive memorial built in 1934. You can climb the stairs up to the balcony for breathtaking views of the Melbourne CBD, then head down to the crypt to explore the Galleries of Remembrance. The vaulted ceilings and hand-laid columns create a truly unique experience for viewing the exhibits. Birdwood Avenue and St. Kilda Road.

9. Get Your Tan On At The Beach

St. Kilda is the closest beach to the city, but if you take the Sandringham Line out a bit further to the Brighton Beach stop, you'll find the iconic bathing boxes that perfectly frame views of the city skyline. Each bathing box is decked out in colourful paint, and no box is the same as any other. If you take the train all the way out to Sandringham Station, you'll find some of Melbourne's best city beaches, with soft sand and clear water.

10. People Watching at Federation Square

There is almost always something happening at the unmistakable Federation Square, opposite of Flinders Street Station. Plenty of seating space is available, and Melbournians often choose this landmark as a meeting place themselves. It's a fantastic spot to chill out, and do some people watching.

11. Wander the Markets

Queen Victoria Market is probably the most well-known market in the city, and it's definitely worth a wander. This market stands on the site of what was Melbourne's first cemetery, and has gone through a few iterations before officially opening as the Queen Victoria Market, in 1878. But, Melbourne has a few other markets that are also well worth your time. South Melbourne, Prahran, and Dandenong Markets are also popular. Wandering through is free, but what you end up spending on all the fantastic finds is up to you!

12. Melbourne Town Hall

Learn about the architectural, social, and political significance of the Melbourne Town Hall on a free tour, offered each weekday except for Tuesdays. You'll have to call ahead to book a spot (03 9658 9658), as only 10 people are taken on each tour. Sit in the Lord Mayor's chair, view the Grand Organ dating from 1929, or stand on the portico where The Beatle's waved to their adoring fans. 90-130 Swanston Street.

13. Free Walking Tour of the CBD

Take a three-hour tour around Melbourne's landmarks with a free walking tour, offered by I'm Free Walking Tours. The tours depart twice daily, at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM, rain, hail, or shine, so make sure you dress appropriately for Melbourne's famously inconsistent weather. (Pretty much, just plan for every possible weather condition—Chances are you'll see them all at some point in the day.) Meet your guide, who will be wearing a bright green T-shirt, at the statue of Sir Redmond Barry in front of the State Library of Victoria.

14. Koorie Heritage Trust

Also located at Federation Square, the Koorie Heritage Trust offers an immersive experience into the local Indigenous culture. There's a permanent social history exhibit, and numerous temporary exhibits by new and established Aboriginal artists. Get a taste of what the area was like prior to British colonialisation, and learn about the contemporary Koorie history and cultural as well.