Top Free Things To Do In Melbourne On Your First Visit

Discovering Australia's Melbourne on a budget is feasible and rewarding, as the city offers many enriching experiences that won't cost you a dime. From immersing yourself in the vibrant art scene at art galleries to delving into the city's rich history, Melbourne offers plenty of free activities. Here are some of these free things you must not miss in Melbourne:

Explore The Art Galleries

Visit the NGV International Gallery, which offers various free exhibits. Next, explore Australian art at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, featuring works by Tucker, Nolan, and Arkley, all at no cost. Discover additional free exhibitions at Melbourne's top galleries and museums.

Learn About Cinema

Dive into cinema history with ACMI's free exhibition, The Story of the Moving Image. Explore over a century of movie history, from the birth of film to today's digital wonders. Engage in hands-on activities at this cinema showcase, experimenting with animation and sound effects.

Experience Australian Music

Discover an exhibition of iconic Australian music at the Australian Music Vault. Gain insights into Melbourne's backstage sounds and stories, featuring rare footage and objects like Kylie Minogue's stage outfits and Nick Cave's notebooks. This permanent exhibition is free and located at Arts Centre Melbourne.

See Melbourne's Rare Treasures

Embark on a tour of Melbourne's rare treasures, including Foster's beer tower, retro Moomba Monarch crowns, and a vintage bottle of spumante. The City of Melbourne's Art and Heritage Collection offers free guided tours, providing access to peculiar treasures and historical archives.

Visit the Koorie Heritage Trust at Federation Square to learn about the history, strength, and resilience of Aboriginal people. 

Street Art Is A Must See

Explore Melbourne's expanding art collection, cultural artefacts, and oral histories. Experience its street art by exploring its covered laneways, such as ACDC Lane, Croft Alley, and Tattersalls Lane. Discover Flash Forward's festival of street murals, transforming over 40 laneways with art and installations.

Stroll Through Gardens

Escape the urban environment and relax in Melbourne's green spaces. Hunt for the secret waterfall and Fern Gully in the Royal Botanic Gardens, or explore the charming Fitzroy Gardens with its 18th-century English elements.

Treat Yourself With Live Performances

Enjoy street performances by Melbourne's performers. Stroll along the Yarra River at Southbank to watch buskers entertain. Take a break in Bourke Street Mall to catch emerging talents, as seen with Tones and I, Pierce Brothers, and Tash Sultana.