The best things to do for free in Melbourne and beyond

See the Melbourne Gardens for free with the help of an expert. Go on a daily walking tour, led by a passionate guide, and learn all about the plant diversity of the gardens. Take in gorgeous views while you’re there. This tour lasts 1.5 hours. Learn more here.

There’s always something exciting happening at Fed Square, like free festivals, film screenings and music performances. And even if there’s nothing on, it’s still a great place to sit down, relax and people-watch. Check out their website here to see what’s coming up.

Be amazed by the beautiful Reading Room, check out any free exhibitions and take a tour of this iconic building.

Be amazed by spectacular floral displays when you step into The Conservatory. The display changes five times a year, so there’s always something new to take your breath away.

There’s 28 adorable little buildings to admire, including a scale model of Shakespeare’s home.

Learn more about the magic of cinema, explore the limits of videogames, take part in workshops and more at ACMI. Find out what’s on here.

Enjoy a bit of art and culture by admiring some free exhibitions at NGV International. See international works of art from the NGV Collection, check out some temporary exhibitions, and bring the kids along for some fun in the Children’s Gallery.

The Ian Potter Centre in Fed Square is also home to some free exhibitions, with Australian art from the NGV Collection, as well as temporary displays.

Pay your respects at Victoria’s national memorial. Walk around the peaceful gardens, take in the view, and check out some exhibitions at the Shrine of Remembrance.

See free exhibitions and connect with the history, culture and community of the Koorie peoples. Learn more here.

Every Tuesday, you’re invited to The Toff to celebrate Melbourne’s live jazz scene. Look forward to late-night improvisation and rotating guest performers, with DJs from 9pm and jazz from 11:30pm.

Return on Wednesdays for a free salsa class, followed by social dancing late into the night. Show off what you’ve learned, and listen to vinyl salsa selections and curated sets from rotating DJs. See what else is on here.

About once a month, the performance space at narrm ngarrgy Library transforms into a free cinema. Pop in for screenings of contemporary films, classics or documentaries. See the schedule here.

During non-sitting weeks, from Monday to Friday, there are free public tours of Parliament House that last for about 45 minutes. You can also take a free tour of the historic gardens, which last for about 90 minutes. Free tours about the building’s architecture are also available.  More details here.

Loop around the city and see some major landmarks around Melbourne, such as the Princess Theatre and Melbourne Museum, while riding the City Circle tram.

Get your heart racing along Melbourne’s most popular running route, the Tan Track. It loops around the Royal Botanic Gardens and Kings’ Domain, so you’ll have plenty of lovely scenery to admire as you move.

At this historic cemetery, you’ll find the graves of some historic past Prime Ministers, famous explorers, and even a monument in honour of Elvis Presley. Plan your visit here.

Weave your way through the laneways of Melbourne and discover something incredible. Popular spots include Hosier Lane, Caledonian Lane and AC/DC Lane.

Go window shopping and admire the historic arcades of Melbourne.

Did you know that the Rebel Sport in Emporium has a free rooftop basketball court? This half-court is open to the public, so you can shoot some hoops.

Wander around this 19th century building and see some exhibitions about Melbourne and Victoria’s history. Learn more here.

Walk along the Yarra and feel both startled and amazed by great balls of fire as they burst into the sky. See times here. 

Celebrate Australia’s contemporary music scene in this free exhibition at Arts Centre Melbourne. This dynamic exhibition is regularly changing, giving you a glimpse into the artists, producers, record labels and crew that helped put Australian music on the map.

For a free and cultured day out, visit Melbourne’s leading contemporary art space, and find new exhibitions and commissions. Plan your visit here.

For a free and spectacular light show, look out for the glimmering lights of the Melbourne Star.

See art, design, science and technology collide at Science Gallery Melbourne. See what’s happening here.

Visit Yarra Bend Park, the largest area of natural bushland near Melbourne, and have a great day out exploring the different trails. If you like animals, look out for the colony of grey headed flying foxes. This nationally threatened bat species can be seen roosting in the park during the day, and at dusk, you can watch them fly out in large numbers. There is a viewing platform at Bellbird Picnic Area, as well as a Bat Colony Nature Trail.

Discover the rich history of the multi-arts precinct on a self-guided walking tour, enjoy a picnic on the grounds and more.

Whether up close or far away, Melbourne’s skyline is always beautiful. Take in the view from stunning spots like Burkes Lookout.

Visit St Kilda Pier Breakwater and see the colony of Little Penguins at dusk from the dedicated viewing platform. You will need to make a booking before you go.

Have some fun in the sun by checking out some of the beaches in Melbourne and beyond. If you’ve got a dog, there’s some great dog beaches too!

Visit this 4.5 hectare park in Brunswick East, stroll through the gardens, see the chickens and play in the play space. Visit the organic grocery and bakery, check out the cafe and find inspiration in the nursery.

Visit this Labyrinth in Clifton Hill and check out the Wishing Tree nearby.

Although the museum itself costs money, entry to the beautiful gardens and sculpture park is completely free! See more here. 

Just park your car and enjoy the view! You can see the planes from a viewing area near the roundabout on Sunbury Road and Oaklands Road, or head south of the airport to the viewing spot on Operations Road.

Be amazed by gorgeous, blooming roses in Werribee. Then, head next door and explore the grounds of Werribee Park Mansion.

Visit Victoria’s smallest national park, and see all sorts of cool geological formations.

Bright, colourful, and best of all, free!

Walk along the beach and see if you can spot anything interesting in these cool rockpools. When the weather is warm, go for a swim and try a bit of snorkelling.

See the famous boathouse and ornamental lake in these gorgeous gardens in Sherbrooke.

The Kokoda Memorial Trail, or 1000 steps, is one of Melbourne’s most popular walking trails. Get your heart racing as you climb the steep trail through the forest.

This breathtaking garden boasts 15 thousand rhododendrons, 12 thousand azaleas, 3 thousand camellias and 250 thousand daffodils. It’s also home to the Chelsea Australian Garden.

Walk beneath mountain ash trees and admire ceramic sculptures by artist William Ricketts in this unique garden.

When the weather’s right, the view is truly spectacular.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne has around 100,000 plants to admire in the garden, and is surrounded by a whopping 363 hectares of native bushland. Have a great day out ambling along the walking trails, or hanging out by the barbeque areas and playgrounds.

Weave your way through lush forests, past fern gullies and see stunning valley views on the Black Spur Drive. This beautiful stretch of road is roughly 28km long, and connects the Yarra Valley with the mountain areas around Marysville. Find more scenic drives here.

Travel out of Melbourne and see these towering redwood trees in either Warburton or the Otways.

Go on an adventure in any national park, in Melbourne and beyond!