Melbourne has loads of free things to do. Ride the trams for free inside the city centre, walk the street art laneways like Hosier Lane, see the free collections at the NGV and the State Library, picnic in the Royal Botanic Gardens, and watch the little penguins come home at St Kilda Pier (free, but you need to book). Here are 16 of the best, plus tips for a cheap week in Melbourne.
Last checked: 7 November 2026
Free things to do in Melbourne city
1. Ride the Free Tram Zone
Where: The CBD and Docklands
Trams are free inside the Free Tram Zone, so you can get around the whole city centre without paying. Look for the green Free Tram Zone signs at stops. You only pay if you go outside the zone.
2. Hosier Lane and the street art laneways
Where: Off Flinders Street, opposite Federation Square
Melbourne is famous for its street art. Start at Hosier Lane and AC/DC Lane, then wander Degraves Street and Centre Place for coffee. The art changes all the time, so it is different every visit.
3. NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre
Where: St Kilda Road and Federation Square
The National Gallery of Victoria has free entry to its main collection across 2 buildings. Paid exhibitions are extra, but you can easily spend half a day for free. The stained glass ceiling in the Great Hall is worth lying on the floor for.
4. State Library Victoria
Where: Swanston Street, CBD
Climb up to look down on the domed La Trobe Reading Room, one of the most photographed spots in Melbourne. Free entry, free wifi and a great place to work on your CV.
5. ACMI
Where: Federation Square
The museum of screen culture, with a free permanent exhibition about film, TV and video games.
6. Queen Victoria Market
Where: Corner of Victoria and Elizabeth Streets
Free to walk around and great for cheap fruit, veg and hot jam doughnuts. Check the opening days before you go, as it is not open every day.
7. Parliament House
Where: Spring Street, CBD
Free guided tours run on most weekdays when Parliament is not sitting. Check times on the Parliament of Victoria website.
Free parks and gardens
8. Royal Botanic Gardens
Where: South of the Yarra, near the Shrine
Huge, free and beautiful. Bring lunch, lie on the lawns and walk the Tan Track, the 3.8 km loop that runners love.
9. Shrine of Remembrance
Where: St Kilda Road
Free entry, and the balcony has one of the best free views of the city skyline.
10. Fitzroy Gardens and Carlton Gardens
Where: East of the CBD
Two big heritage gardens. Carlton Gardens is home to the World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building, which is free to look at from outside.
Free things to do by the beach
11. St Kilda Beach and Pier
Where: St Kilda
Walk the redeveloped pier, swim at the beach and wander Acland Street for cake shop windows.
12. Watch the St Kilda penguins
Where: The end of St Kilda Pier
A colony of around 1,400 little penguins lives on the breakwater and comes ashore after sunset. Viewing from the platform is free, but you must book a session through Phillip Island Nature Parks, and spots go fast.
13. Brighton Bathing Boxes
Where: Dendy Street Beach, Brighton
The rows of colourful beach huts are free to walk past and make the classic Melbourne photo. Take the train to Middle Brighton or Brighton Beach.
Free things in the inner suburbs
14. Fitzroy and Collingwood street art
Where: Brunswick, Smith and Gertrude Streets
More street art, vintage shops, bars and live music venues. Great for a free afternoon walk.
15. A free walking tour
Where: Starts in the CBD
Tip-based walking tours run most days. You see the laneways, the arcades and the history, and you pay what you think it was worth.
16. Walk the Yarra and Southbank
Where: Southbank and the river
Walk from Federation Square along the river to Southbank and Docklands. At night the city lights reflect on the water, and the Crown fire show along the river goes off most evenings.
Do Melbourne with a group
Hello Melbourne is our 4 day, 3 night welcome package: 3 nights at Nomads St Kilda, a guided tour of the laneways and street art, a Grampians day trip, and help setting up your bank, TFN, phone and CV.
How to do Melbourne cheap
- Stay in the CBD to make the most of the Free Tram Zone, or in St Kilda for the beach. See our Melbourne hostel picks.
- Outside the free zone you can tap on trains and trams with your bank card or phone, or use a myki. There is a daily fare cap, so you never pay more than a set amount in a day.
- Cook at your hostel and shop at the Queen Vic Market near closing time for cheap produce.
- Look out for free events at Federation Square and in the city, especially in summer.
- Get a job. Melbourne has lots of hospitality, events and labouring work. Browse TAW jobs.
Still choosing a city? Read Sydney or Melbourne, or our guide to moving to Melbourne.
Frequently asked questions
Are trams free in Melbourne?
Yes, inside the Free Tram Zone, which covers the CBD and Docklands. If you travel outside it, tap on with your bank card, phone or myki.
Is the NGV free?
Yes. The main collection at NGV International and The Ian Potter Centre is free. Some special exhibitions cost extra.
Can you see penguins for free in Melbourne?
Yes. The St Kilda Pier penguin viewing is free, but you have to book a session through Phillip Island Nature Parks. Sessions start around sunset.
What is the best free thing to do in Melbourne?
Walking the street art laneways, starting at Hosier Lane. It is free, central and completely Melbourne.
What can I do in Melbourne on a rainy day for free?
The NGV, the State Library, ACMI, and the arcades like the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade are all free and indoors.
Is Melbourne cheaper than Sydney?
Usually, yes, mostly because rent is lower and the city centre trams are free. See our Sydney or Melbourne guide for the full comparison.
Sources: Public Transport Victoria, Parks Victoria: St Kilda little penguins, NGV.
