Going to Australia isn’t cheap, but it’s absolutely worth it. The good news? Once you’re already onshore, you don’t actually need to spend that much to enjoy yourself. Sure, you’ll buy meals and pay for a few attractions you really want to see. But honestly, there are plenty — or shall I say heaps — of places you can visit without spending a single cent.
I went to Australia last November 2024 and stayed right in the CBD. That decision alone saved me money because I could simply walk around and explore. Melbourne is one of those cities where wandering aimlessly still feels like a plan. I had a long list of places I wanted to visit, but I decided to focus on spots close to my hotel. If I couldn’t walk there, a quick Uber ride did the trick.
Below is my list of free things to do and free places to visit in Melbourne — proof that you don’t need a big budget to fall in love with the city.
1. Hosier Lane
I loved Hosier Lane the moment I stepped in. The art here changes from time to time, which makes it feel like a giant open-air canvas for scrawls, stencils, and graffiti. Blink and you might miss a new piece popping up overnight. It’s messy in the best way possible — raw, creative, and very Melbourne.
I didn’t plan to spend much time here, but of course, I ended up taking way more photos than expected. That’s usually how it goes.
Good to know: Hosier Lane is one of Melbourne’s most photographed laneways and a must-see if you love street art. Early mornings are best if you want photos without crowds.
Address: Hosier Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
2. ACMI
ACMI surprised me. This museum showcases the history of film, television, and digital culture — and yes, you can spend a good amount of time here without paying anything. If you want to go to Game Worlds for interactive play, though, you’ll need to buy a ticket. I stuck with the free exhibitions and still had a great time.
Good to know: ACMI regularly updates its exhibits, so there’s always something new to see. It’s perfect for film lovers, pop culture fans, or anyone who just wants to escape the heat for a bit.
Address: Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
3. NGV Ian Potter Centre
This one is right near ACMI. There’s another NGV I wanted to visit, but time wasn’t on my side. Also — quick heads-up — tripods aren’t allowed here. I managed to take this photo before the guard politely told me to put mine away. Lesson learned.
Good to know: The NGV Ian Potter Centre focuses on Australian art and is completely free to enter. It’s calm, spacious, and a nice contrast after wandering busy city streets.
Address: Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
4. AC/DC Lane
If you love classic rock or AC/DC, this lane is worth a quick stop. It’s gritty, loud (even when it’s quiet), and full of attitude — exactly what you’d expect from a place named after one of Australia’s biggest rock bands.
Good to know: AC/DC Lane is also close to live music venues and bars, making it a fun spot to pass through in the afternoon or evening.
Address: AC/DC Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
5. Flinders Street Station
“Meet me under the clocks!” — you’ll hear this phrase a lot in Melbourne. Flinders Street Station is iconic, but it does get crowded. If you’re taking photos, look for a nice angle a little further away so you’re not competing with half the city.
Good to know: Even if you’re not catching a train, Flinders Street Station is a Melbourne landmark and a great starting point for exploring the CBD.
Address: Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
6. Federation Square
Federation Square ties everything together. From here, you can walk to ACMI, NGV, Flinders Street Station, and along the Yarra River. I found myself passing through multiple times a day without even realizing it.
Good to know: Federation Square often hosts free events, live screenings, and exhibitions. Check what’s on — you might catch something unexpectedly cool.
Address: Swanston Street & Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
7. St Paul’s Cathedral
You can actually go inside St Paul’s Cathedral — and yes, you should. I stepped in mainly to rest my feet, but ended up standing there longer than planned, just quietly taking it all in. The interior is breathtaking, especially when you look up. Photos are allowed, so of course, I took a few.
Good to know: St Paul’s Cathedral is right across from Flinders Street Station, making it an easy stop while exploring the CBD. Dress modestly and keep your voice low — it’s still an active place of worship.
Address: Flinders Street & Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
8. State Library Victoria
\Very quiet. Very beautiful. Imagine being surrounded by books and this kind of architecture. The La Trobe Reading Room alone made the visit worth it. It felt like stepping into a space where time slows down — which, after hours of walking, I truly appreciated.
After going around inside, I went out and sat here for a bit. It’s a nice spot for photos and people-watching. Sometimes, doing absolutely nothing in a beautiful place is part of the travel experience.
Good to know: The library is free to enter and open to everyone. You don’t need to be a student or a researcher to enjoy it. Just remember: phones on silent. The front lawn and seating areas are popular for breaks, especially on sunny days. Bring a coffee and enjoy the pause.
Address: 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
9. Melbourne Central Clock
Every hour, this clock opens at the bottom — and yes, there are dancing figures. I accidentally timed my visit just right and ended up staying longer than planned to watch the mini show. It’s one of those simple, charming things you don’t expect inside a shopping centre.
Good to know: Check the time and stand nearby a few minutes early. It gets busy when the clock is about to perform.
Address: Melbourne Central, 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
10. Gog and Magog at Royal Arcade
These two giant figures — Gog and Magog — guard the clock inside Royal Arcade. It feels a bit theatrical, a bit old-world, and very Melbourne. I stood there staring up longer than I expected.
Good to know: Gog and Magog strike the clock every hour. Royal Arcade itself is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Australia.
Address: 335 Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
11. Royal Arcade
Walking through Royal Arcade felt like stepping into another era. The black-and-white tiled floor, the glass ceiling, the details — it’s the kind of place where you naturally slow your pace.
Good to know: It’s a great shortcut between Bourke Street Mall and Little Collins Street, and also a perfect photo spot even if you don’t shop.
Address: 335 Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
12. Queen Victoria Market
If you’re coming here, come early — around 9:00 AM — so you can visit more shops. I went nearly 4:00 PM on a Sunday, and many stalls were already closed. Still, I managed to buy a few things, so it wasn’t a total loss.
Good to know: Queen Victoria Market is huge. You’ll find fresh produce, souvenirs, clothes, and food stalls. Check opening days and hours before going because they vary.
Address: Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
13. Flagstaff Gardens
From Queen Victoria Market, I walked to Flagstaff Gardens. It’s big, green, and honestly very refreshing after all the concrete. There’s a playground and tennis courts, and plenty of space to just breathe.
Good to know: Flagstaff Gardens is one of Melbourne’s oldest parks and a great spot if you want a quieter break away from crowds.
Address: 309-311 William Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
14. Carlton Gardens
I loved this park instantly. One of the main attractions here is the fountain — and yes, it’s as pretty in real life as it looks in photos. I spent a bit of time just walking around and enjoying the open space. This spot is right near Melbourne Museum, so it felt like hitting two places in one stop.
Good to know: Carlton Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favourite picnic spot for locals. It’s especially nice on a sunny day when the fountain is running.
Address: Carlton Gardens, 1-111 Carlton Street, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
15. Outside Melbourne Museum
You should definitely go to Melbourne Museum — but heads up, you need to buy tickets. I got mine from Klook for around ₱600. Even if you don’t go inside right away, take photos outside. The grounds and surrounding area are already worth the walk.
Good to know: The museum covers everything from natural history to culture and science. Lockers are available if you don’t want to carry bags around.
Address: 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
16. Royal Exhibition Building
This building caught my attention immediately. It’s just around Carlton Gardens, and the architecture alone makes you stop and stare. I didn’t even need to go inside to appreciate how grand it looks.
Good to know: The Royal Exhibition Building is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and often hosts exhibitions and events. Check schedules if you want to see what’s on.
Address: 9 Nicholson Street, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
17. Shrine of Remembrance
From Melbourne Museum, I took an Uber to the Shrine of Remembrance. It’s beautiful, quiet, and powerful. You can really see how Australia values and honours its soldiers. Standing there felt different — calm, but heavy in a meaningful way.
Good to know: Entry is free, and the views from the balcony are some of the best in Melbourne. Try to visit earlier in the day for fewer crowds.
Address: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia
18. Shrine of Remembrance Museum
I felt genuinely sad while inside. Reading the stories and seeing the displays really hits you — like, what do you mean these people died for their country? 🥲 It’s emotional, but important.
Good to know: Photography is limited in some areas. Take your time here; it’s not a place to rush.
Address: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia
19. And literally… any street in Melbourne
Honestly, even random streets felt photo-worthy. I didn’t plan this stop — I just liked the wall, the light, and the vibe. Melbourne really makes walking around feel like part of the itinerary.
Good to know: Don’t over-plan. Some of the best shots and moments happen when you’re just wandering.
Address: Anywhere in Melbourne CBD, VIC, Australia
20. Spencer Street
I took a short break here and sat down for a bit. Sometimes, you just need to rest, people-watch, and enjoy the city doing its thing around you.
Good to know: Spencer Street is close to Southern Cross Station, making it a convenient pause if you’re moving between areas.
Address: Spencer Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
21. Collins Street
Collins Street feels more polished — tall buildings, stylish shops, and a slightly fancy vibe. I slowed my walk here and just enjoyed how different it felt from the laneways.
Good to know: This street is known for heritage architecture and high-end shopping. Even window-shopping is fun.
Address: Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
22. Bourke Street
Take photos while walking — seriously. Bourke Street is always alive, with people, trams, and buildings that somehow all work together in the chaos.
Good to know: This is one of the busiest parts of the CBD. Keep your belongings close and enjoy the energy.
Address: Bourke Street Mall, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
A CBD-Friendly Walking Route for Free Things to Do in Melbourne
If you want to follow a similar path (and save on transport), here’s a CBD-friendly walking route based on my experience. You can do this in one full day or split it across two days if you like to take your time (which I highly recommend).
Start your walk here:
- Flinders Street Station
- Walk to Federation Square
- Visit ACMI (free exhibits)
- Walk to NGV Ian Potter Centre
- Head to Hosier Lane
- Continue to AC/DC Lane
- Walk along Bourke Street Mall
- Pass through Royal Arcade (Gog and Magog)
- Stop by Melbourne Central Clock
- Walk up to State Library Victoria
- Rest outside the library
- Head towards Queen Victoria Market
- Walk to Flagstaff Gardens
Optional short Uber trips (still budget-friendly):
- From CBD to Carlton Gardens & Melbourne Museum
- From Carlton Gardens to Shrine of Remembrance
This route keeps things simple, walkable, and realistic — no sprinting from one place to another.
Free Things to Do in Melbourne: Why Walking the City Is the Best Experience
If you’re visiting Melbourne and searching for free things to do, start with your feet. Walk the city. Look up. Turn into laneways. Sit on benches. Step into libraries and galleries. Melbourne rewards curiosity — especially the slow, budget-friendly kind.
Even without a strict plan, the city somehow delivers. One moment you’re admiring architecture, the next you’re standing in front of street art or inside a quiet library that feels like a movie set. That’s the magic of Melbourne: you don’t need to spend much to feel like you’re getting the full experience.
And honestly? Even if you don’t follow this exact route, you’ll still find something worth stopping for. Because in Melbourne, even “just walking around” counts as a real adventure.