Free things to do in Melbourne

88 places in Melbourne with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 88.

Photo: Lakeyboy at English Wikipedia, Public domain

SeeArt galleryCBD
National Gallery of Victoria
NGV International
The premier venue for international fine art exhibitions in Melbourne, with a permanent collection and international collections. A must-see for art lovers.
Wed-Mon 10AM-5PM, except Christmas Day and Good Fri; 1PM on ANZAC DayFree for the permanent collection · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeMuseumCBD
Shrine of Remembrance
War memorial in classical style opened in 1934. The memorial was designed so that the sun would shine on the word LOVE at 11AM on 11 November. Exhibition galleries under the memorial were added in 2014. A Last Post Service is held here every Sunday at 4.45pm to commemorate an important event in Australia's military history.
daily 10AM - 5PM (last entry 4:30PM), closed Christmas Day and Good Frifree
SeeLibraryCBD
State Library of Victoria
Built in stages beginning in 1854, it has an impressive classical revival façade. Includes a good newspaper reading room, genealogy room and an art collection, as well as the fantastic La Trobe Reading Room and its huge dome. Bushranger Ned Kelly's armour is stored permanently on display, along with a variety of galleries and exhibitions. Internet terminals are provided for research only, not email, and usually need to be booked because of high demand. Coin-operated lockers are available just off the lobby, where large bags must be deposited before entry. Free Wi-Fi and guided tours are also available.
Mon-Wed 10AM-9PM, Thu-Sun 10AM-6PM, except public holidaysFree · Wi-Fi
SeeMuseumCBD
The Ian Potter Centre
NGV Australia
Houses over 25,000 works of only Australian art, including paintings, sculptures, photography and fashion. Famous artists such as Frederick McCubbin and Sidney Nolan are on display, along with a fine collection of Indigenous art.
Tue-Sun 10AM-5PM, except Christmas Day and Good Fri; 1PM on ANZAC DayFree for the permanent collection · Free entry
SeeMuseumCBD
Australian Centre for the Moving Image
ACMI
A museum, gallery and collection of cinemas dedicated to film, TV, video games, new media and art, both old and new. Regularly holds a number of interesting exhibitions.
Daily 10AM-5PM, except Christmas DayGeneral entry free; charges apply for exhibitions · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeePerson museumInner north
Grainger Museum
A small but fascinating autobiographical museum on the university's western side. Documents the life and times of Percy Grainger, a Victorian concert pianist who achieved international fame and success. In addition to the Grainger collection, there is a broad variety of items relating to music.
Sun-Fri 12-4pmFree, tours $5 · Wi-Fi · Limited wheelchair access
SeeHistoric buildingCBD
Melbourne Town Hall
Built in 1870, the city's town hall is grand and historic. 1 hour tours allow visitors to see the ornate Council chambers, the richly-carved Grand Organ and sit in the Lord Mayor's chair. Bookings recommended.
Tours: Mon-Fri 11AM and 1PMFree
SeeArt galleryEastern suburbs
Hawthorn Town Hall
Hawthorn Arts Centre
Built in 1890, this grand town hall showcases Second Empire-style architecture. It now functions as an arts and community hub with galleries and a performing arts centre.
Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat Sun 11AM-4PMFree
SeeGardenCBD
Royal Botanic Gardens
Recognised as one of the world’s finest botanic gardens, with over 10,000 species and 50,000 individual plants in the 38 hectare gardens.
Daily 7:30AM to sunsetFree
SeePublic artCBD
Hosier Lane
If you want to sample street art, head for this little lane full of ever-evolving, colourful graffiti from end to end.
Open now · open 24 hoursFree entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeArt museumSouth-Eastern suburbs
Monash University Museum of Art
Monash University is one of the major tertiary institutions in Melbourne.
Hours unclear (by appointment)Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeHistory museumCBD
Old Treasury Building and Gold Museum
Built in 1858 by a 19-year-old architect, it was the city’s first Italian Renaissance building and many consider that its elegance has not been surpassed by anything in Melbourne since. Contains displays on the history of Melbourne as well as the history of gold in Victoria, including the original gold vaults. Fun activities for children, including the chance to earn a novelty gold licence. The expansive Treasury Gardens behind the building are also worth a visit.
Sun-Fri 10AM-4PM, closed Good Fri, Christmas and Boxing DayFree · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeMuseumInner north
Italian Museum
Museo Italiano
Recounts the history of the tens of thousands of Italian migrants that came to Melbourne following World War II, including the impact that they've had on Australian culture. Also details the story of the Lygon Street precinct and how it has developed over time. Includes a number of permanent and rotating exhibitions.
Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 12-5PMFree entry
SeeArt galleryNorthern suburbs
Brunswick Town Hall and Counihan Gallery
The historic Brunswick Town Hall contains the Brunswick Library branch of the Merri-bek City Council library, and the Counihan Gallery, a contemporary art space with changing exhibitions.
Library: Mon-Thu 10AM-8PM, Fri 10AM-6pm, Sat 9AM-4PM, Sun 1-5PM; gallery: Wed-Sat 11AM-5PM and Sun 1-5PMFree
SeeAttractionNorthern suburbs
CERES Community Environment Park
A place for community-based learning and action for environmental benefit, social justice, economic satisfaction, cultural enrichment and spiritual nurturing. Some of its facilities include an organic grocery open 9-5 every day with free live music on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, a permaculture nursery and an organic cafe. There's a visitor centre and regular workshops, a nature play area and an energy park displaying ways of harnessing natural power. There's much more: download CERES' "Chook" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or visit their website for much more info.
Park open during daylight hours, check website for hours of different sectionsNo entry fee, donations accepted · Free entry
BuyMarketEastern suburbs
Camberwell Sunday Market
A beloved local market and an institution in Melbourne, the Camberwell Sunday Market is perfect for those searching for vintage treasures, antiques, artisan crafts, and unique souvenirs. With over 370 stalls, it’s a bustling spot where you can find everything from second-hand books and clothing to handcrafted jewelry and collectibles. Proceeds support local charities, making it a great place to shop for a cause.
Sun 7AM-12:30PMFree
BuyMarketCBD
Arts Centre's Sunday Market
Every Sunday, the small park between Hamer Hall and Arts Centre Melbourne is filled with stalls that sell arts and crafts locally made by the sellers. The place is animated with live performance at noon.
Sun 10AM-4PMFree
SeeViewpointStonnington
Como House
House built in 1847 and gardens, run by the National Trust.
Gardens: Mon-Sat, Sun; House only on pre-booked tours on Sat SunHouse tour $15 · Free entry · Built 1847
SeeEastern suburbs
Yarra Bend Park
3 km from the CBD, Yarra Bend Park is a vast expanse of bushland and parkland along the Yarra River. Visitors can enjoy walking and cycling trails, boathouses, and picnic areas amidst natural beauty.
Free
SeeInner east
Abbotsford Convent
This site is host to a number of historic buildings which were originally home to sisters from a Christian religious order. Traditionally associated with community service, the convent now houses a variety of community organisations, including restaurants, bars and two art galleries. Many visitors simply enjoy the ambience of the grounds and soak up the building's history. Guided social history tours run every Sunday at 2PM for $15/person, but must be booked. There are also occasional markets and rotating exhibitions.
7:30AM-10PM dailyFree entry
SeeArt museumInner north
Ian Potter Museum of Art
The Potter
Houses and displays the university's wide collection of artworks, from classical antiquity to the contemporary, of Australia and European origin. Temporary exhibitions of other artefacts and artworks are regularly hosted.
Tue-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat-Sun 12-5PMFree
SeeArt galleryWestern suburbs
Incinerator Gallery
Interesting gallery with exhibitions, art history talks, adult art courses, and workshops.
Tue-Sun 11AM-4PMFree
SeeHistory museumCBD
Victoria Police Museum
Displays with over 150 years of stories and of crime, justice, courage and forensic techniques. Includes some of the famous Kelly Gang's armour, the burnt out car used in the Russell Street Police HQ bombing and various records about famous gangland figures. Regular free exhibitions are on display.
Mon-Fri 10AM-4PMFree
SeeNorthern suburbs
Loreto John York Park
If you've grabbed some cheap takeaway food and want to watch the trams sail by, or maybe if you have some children who need to let off some steam, this small park might be the perfect place. Named after the first Maltese-Australian to serve as Mayor of any Australian city, this park has a playground and an accessible water fountain.
Free
SeeLocal history museumCBD
ANZ Banking Museum
Housed in the late-19th century Gothic Revival ANZ Bank building, it walks through the history of Australian banking from Indigenous bartering economies to finance of the future.
Mon-Fri 10AM-3PM except public holidaysFree · Free entry
SeeInner east
Collingwood Children's Farm
Perched on the banks of the Yarra River, the attraction's aim is to provide a traditional country farm experience for city-dwellers. A perennial favourite with kids, the farm allows visitors to unwind in the peaceful setting whilst interacting with a variety of farm animals. Cow milking is held daily at 10AM and 4PM, and visitors can also cuddle animals such as guinea pigs, lambs and goats. A café is on-site, and a lively farmer's market is held on the second Saturday morning of each month.
9:15AM-4:30PM$10 adults, $5 children/concessions, $20 families (2A+4C) · Free entry
SeeEastern suburbs
Warrandyte State Park
Known for its natural beauty along the Yarra River, this park has scenic walking trails, picnic spots, and swimming areas. It’s ideal for those wanting a nature escape close to the city.
Free
SeeMemorialCBD
Scots Church
Gothic church built in 1873, the first Presbyterian house of worship in the city.
Mon-Fri 11AM-2:30PM; Sun visits only for Mass servicesFree
SeeMuseumCBD
Koorie Heritage Trust
Showcases contemporary art from Victorian First Peoples.
Daily 10AM-5PMFree · Free entry
SeeCBD
Crown Entertainment Complex
A Las Vegas-style gambling palace (including the Crown Casino), also containing restaurants, upmarket boutiques, nightclubs, two hotel towers, a cinema complex and floorshows.
24hr daily, closed 4AM-noon Christmas Day, Good Fri, and Anzac Day.Free
DoFrankston
Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve
Frankston Reservoir
Bush walking, cycling, kayaking. Pedestrian access is available at any time via Jeremy Way, Harry Court, Frankston-Flinders Road, Rinella Bushland Reserve and Lawson Avenue. Vehicle access to the visitor carpark via Jeremy Way, Frankston South, between the hours of 6.00am-9.00pm during daylight hours, and 7AM-7PM in non-daylight savings hours.
Open everydayFree
DoEastern suburbs
Heide Museum of Modern Art sculpture garden tour
Take an immersive outdoor tour through the Heide Museum’s sculpture garden, which houses over 30 works by Australia’s leading artists. The garden is an artistic escape that’s as much about nature as it is about sculpture, featuring pieces inspired by and integrated into the surrounding landscape.
Tue-Sun 10AM-5PMFree entry to garden; museum admission $16
SeeNorthern suburbs
Incinerator Gallery
Interesting gallery with exhibitions, art history talks, adult art courses, and workshops.
Tue-Sun 11AM-4PMFree
DoSouth-Eastern suburbs
Lysterfield Park
Lysterfield Lake
Mountain Bike Trails including the State Mountain Bike course offers 20 kilometres of trails catering for riders of all ages and ability. The lake is very popular for canoeing, sailing, paddle boating and surf skiing. There are also a number of walking tracks including three trails that are linked for a brisk two-hour walk around the lake.
Sunrise to sunsetFree
SeeEastern suburbs
Maranoa Botanic Gardens
Established as one of Australia’s oldest native gardens, Maranoa Gardens offers a diverse range of over 4,000 native plants and peaceful pathways. Nestled next to Beckett Park, this is a serene retreat for nature lovers.
Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4PM, Sat Sun & public holidays noon-5PM, closed on Good Fri and Christmas DayFree
SeeWestern suburbs
Moonee Ponds Courthouse Museum
The former Moonee Ponds Courthouse houses a museum of the local area, run by the Essendon Historical Society. In June 2016, a fire damaged the building and the collection, but it was restored.
Sun 2-5PMFree
SeeCBD
Parliament House of Victoria
Built between 1856 and 1879, the Australian federal parliament sat in this impressive building from 1901 to 1927 while Canberra was built. It now houses the state parliament. The majestic façade can be seen right down Bourke St. Tours of the assembly halls and libraries are conducted when parliament is not in session. Visitors are also welcome to sit in the public gallery when parliament is in session.
Mon-Fri 9:30AM-3:45PM. Tours: Sat Sun 9:30AM, 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM and 3:45PM; on sitting Tuesdays, 9:30AM, 10:30AM and 11:30AMFree
SeeWestern suburbs
RAAF Museum
The air-force base is still used for flying and training. Houses authentic aircraft in hangars, as well as numerous exhibitions and displays. Conducts free tours of the museum during weekdays. There are also options for pay joy-rides in old military aircraft.
Tue-Fri 10AM-3PM, Sat Sun 10AM-5PMFree
SeeCBD
St Patrick’s Cathedral
The original part of this Gothic Revival cathedral was built in the 1850s. It was consecrated in 1897 and the spires added in 1939. It is the largest and tallest church in Australia.
Mon-Fri 9AM-5PMFree
SeeCBD
St Paul's Cathedral
Gothic-revival cathedral on the site of the colony's first church services in 1836.
Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM, Sat 9AM-4PM, Sun 7:30AM-7:30PMFree

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Melbourne (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps.