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Looking to travel to Melbourne on a budget?
As one of Australia’s most expensive cities, it’s natural to worry about breaking the bank when visiting Melbourne, but fortunately, there are plenty of affordable – and even free – activities here. We’ve visited countless times and I even lived here when I first moved to Australia, so over the years we’ve found tons of low-cost things to do.
Some of Melbourne’s top tourist attractions are free to visit, and there are lots of fun experiences available for under $50 AUD. And in this blog, we’re going to share them with you, so that you’ll know exactly how to have a blast in Melbourne without spending a fortune.
Free Things to do in Melbourne
1. Go on a free walking tour
![Exploring Melbourne on a walking tour](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Exploring-Melbourne-on-a-walking-tour.jpg.webp)
![Exploring Melbourne on a city tour](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Exploring-Melbourne-on-a-city-tour.jpg.webp)
Walking tours are one of our favorite ways to get acquainted with a new city. Luckily, Melbourne has a fantastic free walking tour, making this an easy first addition to our list! We went on one of these tours with I’m Free Walking Tours and were really impressed with the quality.
The first option is the Melbourne Sights tour at 10:30 am daily. This tour is 3 hours long and took us on a deep dive into the history and top sights of the city. Our guide was like a walking encyclopedia and knew so many random tidbits of information, we had a really good time! They also gave us their local recommendations on the best spots to eat, drink, and explore next.
The Culture Capital tour is geared more towards the sights and experiences that are off the beaten path. So this is a great option if you’ve already been to Melbourne or just like to do some unique activities while you’re in the city. This tour takes off at 3 pm every day and lasts for 1.5 hours.
They do ask you to sign up online ahead of time so they know how many people to expect, but it’s really quick and easy. And while these tours are technically free, the tour guides earn money through tipping, so be sure to bring some cash to show your appreciation!
2. Drive the Great Ocean Road
![Bailey in a fallen tree at Maits Rainforest Walk on the Great Ocean Road](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bailey-in-a-fallen-tree-at-Maits-Rainforest-Walk-on-the-Great-Ocean-Road.jpg.webp)
![the twelve apostles on a great ocean road tour australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/the-twelve-apostles-on-a-great-ocean-road-tour-australia.jpg.webp)
The Great Ocean Road is one of Victoria’s iconic sights that you simply can’t miss. Many people visit Melbourne just to drive this road – it’s that beautiful! It stretches 243 kilometers (151 miles) from Torquay to Allansford and follows Victoria’s southern coastline. There are tons of stops along the way, so you can turn this into a full-day or multi-day trip pretty easily!
While there are some fantastic Great Ocean Road organized tours you can join, this can also be done without spending a penny, as long as you already have a rental car! Okay – technically you’re still paying for the rental car, fuel, lunch, and road trip snacks, but there are no entrance or parking fees to worry about, so your costs won’t be much different than normal daily expenses.
We recommend renting a car with DiscoverCars (it’s saved us a ton of money over the years) and then following our 1-day Great Ocean Road itinerary to see some of the best sights. I recommend starting early, as it’s a long day and you don’t want to miss out!
There are lots of cute coastal towns you’ll pass through, such as Torquay and Apollo Bay. You can stretch your legs at various nature hikes, beaches, and scenic lookouts. However, the big-ticket sight people come here to see is the Twelve Apostles! These giant limestone rocks sit in the ocean and are wildly impressive.
There’s a lot to know before you go, so be sure to read our full guide to driving the Great Ocean Road. We have lots of helpful tips and more can’t-miss sights!
3. Wander the Queen Victoria Market
![Bailey and Daniel pose for a picture in front of the Queen Victoria Market Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bailey-and-Daniel-pose-for-a-picture-in-front-of-the-Queen-Victoria-Market-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
![A side shot of a fruit stand at the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/A-side-shot-of-a-fruit-stand-at-the-Queen-Victoria-Market-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
The Queen Victoria Market is a historic part of Melbourne, we loved wandering through it! It’s a great way to kill a few hours while keeping the line item on your budget at $0. This was the original produce and meat market, dating back to 1878. It’s grown a lot since its early days and is now home to over 600 vendors!
The market is located in downtown Melbourne and is easy to reach if you’re walking from the CBD or Southbank. There is parking available, but it costs $7 AUD for the first 2 hours, and $4 AUD every hour after – so we recommend walking! Otherwise, there are no entry fees for the market, whether you visit during the day or at night.
Once you’re inside, you can simply stroll around and take in all the sights and smells! You can find nearly everything at this market, from grocery items and fresh produce, to hand-made artisanal goods, and of course tons of amazing food trucks. This is a great spot for breakfast or lunch – everything looked so tasty!
We think exploring the Queen Victoria Market is such an essential activity that we even added it to our weekend in Melbourne itinerary – check it out here.
4. National Gallery of Victoria
![National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne exhibit with paintings](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/National-Gallery-of-Victoria-in-Melbourne-exhibit-with-paintings.jpg.webp)
![National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne exhibit](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/National-Gallery-of-Victoria-in-Melbourne-exhibit.jpg.webp)
Melbourne is said to be Australia’s cultural capital, so it makes sense that the country’s oldest and most popular art gallery would be here! The National Gallery of Victoria was founded in 1861 and today houses over 76,000 pieces of art.
My favorite thing about this gallery was getting to see how Australian art has evolved through the ages. It was cool to see Aboriginal and colonial pieces, as well as artwork from the 20th century and the present day.
It’s not all about Australia, though – art from all over the world is proudly displayed in the National Gallery. I was excited to learn that one of Picasso’s “Weeping Woman” paintings is on display here. In fact, it was famously stolen in 1986 to try to get the government to promise more funding for the arts. Fortunately, it was later found undamaged in a railway station locker!
The National Gallery is free to visit, although admission to special exhibits often costs extra. However, there’s plenty to see here, so you could easily spend an hour or two exploring the gallery without spending a penny. It’s open from 10 am until 5 pm daily, and it’s a 5-minute walk from Flinders Street Station.
5. Explore the most beautiful library in Australia
![Daniel poses with the Ned kelly Armor inside the Victoria State Library in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Daniel-poses-with-the-Ned-kelly-Armour-inside-the-Victoria-State-Library-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
![Inside the Victoria State Library in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Inside-the-Victoria-State-Library-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
If you love beautiful old buildings and lots and lots of books, you’ll swoon over the State Library Victoria. This is known as Australia’s most beautiful library, and after visiting for myself, I must agree (no offense to Daniel’s hometown Perth’s library, but it doesn’t hold a candle to Melbourne’s!).
The State Library is located in the free tram zone (more on that soon) so you won’t have to spend any money getting here, especially if you’re following our streamlined 1-day Melbourne CBD itinerary! And of course, admission to the library is free.
This building is more than just books, there are a lot of Melbourne artifacts too. We saw Ned Kelly’s armor (a famous outlaw and gang leader) that he wore during his final stand-off with the police – it was pretty cool! There are also some beautiful paintings and exhibits in the Victoria Gallery for art lovers.
The most impressive part of the State Library is the La Trobe Room, which is home to over 30,000 books. It’s a six-story room with an ornate domed roof, it just makes you want to spend all day in there reading! That would certainly be a good way to save money while exploring Melbourne, but there’s more to do in the city so an hour will be enough time instead.
6. Take a walk down AC/DC Lane
![Bon scott mural in ACDC lane in Melbourne, Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Bon-scott-mural-in-ACDC-lane-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
![Bailey sits on a bench in ACDC lane in Melbourne](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Bailey-sits-on-a-bench-in-ACDC-lane-in-Melbourne.jpg.webp)
Melbourne is famous for its art-filled laneways, all done by local street artists. The city doesn’t require a permit for artists to paint murals, so there is a lot of really impressive artwork that you can scout out for free as you wander through the lanes.
No laneway is more famous than AC/DC Lane though! Named after the iconic rock band, AC/DC Lane is a tribute to the music group that got their start in Melbourne and Sydney. The alley is located just off Flinders Lane and used to be home to many famous music venues and dive bars. So it makes sense that this particular lane is a tribute to such an influential band in the rock scene.
You can spend quite a while wandering through the laneways and are sure to find something striking, whether you are an AC/DC fan or not!
7. Tour Parliament House
![Parliament of Victoria Melbourne](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parliament-of-Victoria-Melbourne.jpg.webp)
Parliament House is where all the big decisions are made in Victoria, and we were pleased to learn that we could take a free tour of the building, without even having to book! We found the tour interesting and informative, and our guide really knew her stuff.
We learned so much about the history of parliament in Victoria, took lots of fun photos, and visited the beautiful Parliamentary Library. We even got to sit in MPs’ seats as our guide taught us about the history of Parliament here and how things are carried out very similarly here as they are in Westminster in London.
The tours run from Monday to Friday and last for around 50 minutes, which is long enough to learn a lot but not so long that it gets boring! It’s not possible to book tours in advance, and they do fill up fast. I highly recommend that you check the schedule before you go and then arrive at least 30 minutes before your tour starts so that you don’t miss out. It’s definitely worth the effort!
8. Check out the Block Arcade and Royal Arcade
![Bailey poses for a photo inside the The Block Arcade in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Bailey-poses-for-a-photo-inside-the-The-Block-Arcade-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
![The Royal Arcade in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-Royal-Arcade-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
Melbourne’s arcades are some of the prettiest buildings in the city. No, I’m not talking about pinball and Pac-Man, these arcades are covered walkways in historic buildings! The Block Arcade and the Royal Arcade are two of the most famous and exploring these makes for a great free activity while in the city.
The Block Arcade is my personal favorite, it has an intricate mosaic floor and lots of cool shops to check out. If you have a sweet tooth as bad as I do, a stop by Haigh’s Chocolates is a must! You can do some window shopping and just take in the grand design here, or stop at one of the many coffee shops and cafes to refuel as you explore.
The Royal Arcade is just next door and is the oldest in Melbourne! It’s been open since 1870, and while most of the businesses have changed over a time or two, it’s a necessary addition to your itinerary. The architecture is stunning!
9. Ride the free city tram around Melbourne
![Scenic shot of a tram and train station in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Scenic-shot-of-a-tram-and-train-station-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
![free city tram around Melbourne](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/free-city-tram-around-Melbourne.jpg.webp)
Did you know Melbourne has a free tram that will take you around the city? It sure does! Best of all these free trams are historic cable cars that are oh-so-charming. Within the free tram zone, you can hop on and hop off the trams wherever you’d like, so it’s an easy way to see the city without spending any money.
The tram stops by Federation Square, Victoria Library, and Queen Victoria Market, to keep with free activities, or to the Melbourne Museum, the SEA LIFE Aquarium, and the Old Gaol for other cheap activities! There is also on-board commentary so you can learn about the historic sights you’re passing by. Even if you don’t get off at any place specifically, the free trams are simply fun to ride around in.
You can check out the map of the tram stops here to plan your perfect route!
10. Take a trip to the famous Brighton Beach
![Bailey and Daniel smile at the brighton bathing boxes on a go west penguin tour to phillip island](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Bailey-and-Daniel-smile-at-the-brighton-bathing-boxes-on-a-go-west-penguin-tour-to-phillip-island.jpg.webp)
![Bailey sits in front of a brighton bathing box with a volkswagen on it during a go west penguin tour to phillip island near melbourne australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Bailey-sits-in-front-of-a-brighton-bathing-box-with-a-volkswagen-on-it-during-a-go-west-penguin-tour-to-phillip-island-near-melbourne-australia.jpg.webp)
Brighton Beach is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Melbourne. You can visit here to swim, check out the beach, or the famous Brighton Beach Boxes! These are brightly painted beach huts, 82 in total, and all privately owned. These are actually pretty sought-after real estate and quite expensive, but entirely free to visit!
The beach boxes were built over a century ago, so it’s pretty cool to see how they’ve been maintained. Although if I’m being honest, I thought that driving out there just to see the structures was a little over-rated, so be sure to enjoy other activities at the beach while you’re there!
The Brighton Beach to St Kilda Track is a lovely hike, right along the water and a great escape from the city! You can get to Brighton Beach either by driving, taking the Sandringham line train from Flinders Street Station, or the 600, 922, or 923 bus routes.
11. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens
![Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Royal-Botanic-Gardens-Victoria.jpg.webp)
![Melbourne Botanical Garden](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Melbourne-Botanical-Garden.jpg.webp)
The Melbourne Gardens are another easy and free way to escape the bustling city scene. Centrally located in Melbourne, the gardens are a 38-hectare (94-acre) green space, full of exotic plants and well-maintained grounds. They are a super popular attraction and bring in 2 million people annually!
We loved exploring the gardens, especially the Arid Garden, made of cacti and succulents. We even went on a self-guided audio tour that was pretty entertaining and gave a lot of information about the garden’s history and its flora and fauna.
There are often fun events going on, and a lot of family-friendly activities. I recommend checking out their events page before you go to see if anything fun is going on while you’re in town!
12. Take a photo at Flinders Street Station
![Flinders Street Station in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Flinders-Street-Station-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
Now you don’t need a lot of time for this activity, and you certainly don’t need to spend any money to do this one either! But stopping for a photo op at the Flinders Street Station is a must, especially if you love old, historic buildings. This was Australia’s first steam-engine railway station, dating back to 1854!
The building is large and towers over the street, and I love the old clock. It’s located in the free tram zone, so you can make a quick stop for pictures and continue exploring. You don’t really need to go inside (unless you plan on catching a train of course) as the outside is more impressive in my opinion!
13. Visit the Shrine of Remembrance
![Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Shrine-of-Remembrance-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
The Shrine of Remembrance is a beautiful memorial dedicated to the Australians who served during times of war. It was originally built to commemorate those who lost their lives during WWI, but it has become a shrine to all the people who fought for Australia.
If you enjoy learning about a city’s history, you’ll get a lot out of visiting here. But honestly, it’s a beautiful building and an important part of Melbourne’s culture, so we thought it was an important stop even if you’re not a history buff! It was completed in 1934, so seeing how old it is is even more impressive.
The Shrine (as locals call it) is completely free to visit. It is located right next to the Royal Botanic Gardens, so visiting both is an easy and inexpensive way to experience Melbourne. You can visit from 10 am to 5 pm every day!
Related Read: If you’re budgeting for a big-ticket Melbourne activity, consider taking a dinner cruise! We loved our experience on the Spirit of Melbourne dinner cruise – find out why here!
Cheap Things to do in Melbourne
14. Have a coffee in St Kilda
![Bailey at St Kilda Beach in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Bailey-at-St-Kilda-Beach-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
If you love delicious coffee and ocean views, you’ll love St Kilda! Just a 15-minute drive out of Melbourne CBD is a quaint and chill seaside suburb, famous for its coffee. That’s saying a lot because Melbourne has the best coffee scene in Australia – so we had to go explore for ourselves!
What we found was a ton of amazing coffee shops, too many to choose just one! You can enjoy a morning or afternoon wandering through the street and taking in the ocean views. The Galleon Cafe is a colorful, breezy space and we loved the views from Beachcomber Cafe. However, if we have to say where the best coffee we tried was, I’d have to say it’s Wedge Espresso!
If you happen to make it to St Kilda during the weekends, be sure to stop by the St Kilda Esplanade Market. It’s a local craft and jewelry market, and while you might not be in the mood to buy anything, it’s really lively and a fun glimpse into the local side of the city. This market is open on Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm during the summer and until 4 pm during the winter.
15. Line up for the best croissants at Lune Croissanterie
![The croissants we bought at Lune Croissanterie in Melbourne, Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-croissants-we-bought-at-Lune-Croissanterie-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
![A lady makes croissants at Lune Croissanterie in Melbourne](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A-lady-makes-croissants-at-Lune-Croissanterie-in-Melbourne.jpg.webp)
Lune Croissanterie is famous in Melbourne! At first, I didn’t get the hype – they are just pastries. But once I had one for myself, I understood the buzz. The croissants are seriously amazing!
The menu changes every week, so there is always a reason to come back again. They also have a variety of savory and sweet croissants, if a sugar pastry isn’t your favorite thing first thing in the morning you’re sure to find something that fits your palate. They also have a great coffee bar and other treats, but you can’t go to Lune and not get a croissant!
Croissants range from $7 to $15 AUD, depending on the type you get, and you can get a box of 6 to make it a bit cheaper (as long as you can eat that many!). Lune Croissanterie is open every day at 7:30 am (except Wednesday) – expect a line, they are well-loved!
16. River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise
![River Gardens Melbourne Sightseeing Cruise](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/River-Gardens-Melbourne-Sightseeing-Cruise.jpg.webp)
I think that this Yarra River cruise is a great way to go sightseeing on a budget. Instead of walking around the city on a warm day, we loved the chance to sit back and relax as we cruised around the city, listening to the narration on board along the way.
We saw some of the city’s most famous attractions from the water, including Princes Bridge, Herring Island, and the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground. We also appreciated the fact that there was a bar on board where we could buy some drinks and snacks for the journey, and the free tea and coffee were a nice bonus.
As we did this cruise on a summer’s day, we enjoyed sitting on the outside deck, but there are also big windows on the inside, which is good news if it’s cold or wet. I think this cruise is not only ideal for travelers on a budget but also for those who are short on time, as we got to see a lot in just an hour!
It costs $38 AUD and runs daily at 11 am, 1:30 pm, and 4 pm, and just lasts for one hour. So it’s easy to fit into your Melbourne itinerary!
Secure your spot on this river cruise in advance with FREE cancellation options available!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
17. See the city from the Melbourne Skydeck
![Daniel poses for a photo at the Melbourne Skydeck](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Daniel-poses-for-a-photo-at-the-Melbourne-Skydeck.jpg.webp)
![Views from the Melbourne Skydeck](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Views-from-the-Melbourne-Skydeck.jpg.webp)
Looking for the best views in Melbourne? You’ll find them at the Skydeck! This is the highest observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere, and it was incredible seeing the city and Yarra River from 300 meters (984 feet) up.
General admission tickets are $28 AUD if you purchase online ahead of time, or $34 AUD in person. This will get you up to the observation deck to take in the views, and access to Bar 88 if you fancy a cocktail. Our best travel advice is to visit from 4-8 pm and hit their 2-for-1 happy hour!
If you have a little more wiggle room in your budget, you can add some fun experiences to elevate your Skydeck experience. We got tickets for The Edge package, which let us stand in the all-glass cube that hangs off the side of the building. It was a little nerve-wracking to look down and see the bustling street below, but cool nonetheless. This experience was $43 AUD (including admission) and we thought it was worth the few extra bucks!
For just a little bit more, there is a Virtual Reality package for a thrilling virtual experience for $49 AUD. Or the Cocktails in the Clouds, which includes the VR theater and a cocktail from the bar, all for $50 AUD. You can get all the details about the Skydeck packages with our visiting guide here!
Or if you’re ready to book – check out all the options and secure your tickets here!
18. Old Melbourne Gaol
![Prison cells inside the Melbourne Gaol](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Prison-cells-inside-the-Melbourne-Gaol.jpg.webp)
![Old Melbourne Gaol 1](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Old-Melbourne-Gaol-1.jpg.webp)
We loved exploring the Old Melbourne Gaol, not only because it’s important to Melbourne’s history, but because of the spooky vibes! For those who don’t know, “gaol” is the old-timey spelling of “jail”. This is where Melbourne’s most infamous criminals were housed, such as Ned Kelly and Frederick Bailey Deeming (who was believed to be Jack the Ripper!).
Exploring through here was really fun, and definitely creepy. I wouldn’t want to be locked up here! It was operational from 1845-1924 and during that time, 133 criminals were executed.
We learned a lot with the self-guided audio tour that came with general admission. But, if you’re keen on diving deeper into the mysteries of the gaol, you can join one of the guided tours for an extra $5 AUD. The Escape Artists tour told of all the escape attempts here, and if you’re really brave, you can jump on the nighttime ghost tour!
You can visit the Old Melbourne Gaol from 10 am to 5 pm every day for $38 AUD.
19. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium
![A shark at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/A-shark-at-SEA-LIFE-Melbourne-Aquarium.jpg.webp)
We think that visiting the SEA LIFE Aquarium is a fantastic affordable activity for families, although we don’t have kids and we still loved our visit! There are so many different marine creatures to see here and we thought that the exhibits were well organized.
We especially loved walking through the oceanarium tunnel which, let’s be honest, is always a cool experience, and the Discovery Rockpools offer kids a fantastic chance to get hands-on with marine science.
For us, the penguin exhibit was a real highlight, as was seeing all of the different types of sharks. Spotting the resident necklace carpet shark (yes, that’s a real thing!) was crazy, and he even spits water at visitors!
There are also daily talks here so a visit to the Aquarium is a fantastic chance to learn more about Australia’s unique marine life. Often, the talks coincide with feedings, which is fun to watch.
The Aquarium is open from 9:30 am until 5 pm daily, and it’s very popular so we strongly recommend booking these skip-the-line tickets, especially during the summer or school holidays. We suggest going during the week as not only is it quieter, it’s $10 AUD cheaper, since tickets cost $40 AUD on weekdays, or $50 AUD on weekends.
Grab your admission tickets in advance here and skip the line!
20. Grab Brunch at Operator25
![French Toast at Operator25 in Melbourne](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/French-Taost-at-Operator25-in-Melbourne.jpg.webp)
![Eggs at Operator25 in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Eggs-at-Operator25-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
What’s better than a delicious breakfast spot? A cheap and delicious brunch spot! Operator25 ticks all those boxes and more, we love this place!
Located in the old telephone exchange building, Operator25 pays homage to its roots with cheeky puns around the restaurant and wires hanging from the ceiling. The vibe is fun and the food is even better! They are an Asian fusion restaurant and make some unique creations.
I’ve tried the char siu eggs benedict (which was incredible) and they also have Yuzu avocado toast and Bali smoothie bowls. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian there are a lot of options here too. Best of all, it’s all moderately priced so you won’t blow your budget with this breakfast out.
21. MCG Tour
![Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) Tour inside the MCG](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Melbourne-Cricket-Ground-MCG-Tour-inside-the-MCG.jpg.webp)
We just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take a tour of Melbourne Cricket Ground – especially as it only cost us $45 AUD each. It’s Australia’s most iconic sporting venue and so many legendary sports matches and music concerts have taken place here. In fact, we even saw Taylor Swift here!
I always knew that this place was super famous, but I never realized that its history went so deep until I went on the tour. Our guide, Jill, told us so many stories about the stadium’s early days, as well as some colorful stories about famous cricketers who have played here. We got to go behind the scenes and see the changing rooms, the press room, and the MCG member’s room. Then the tour ended at the Australian Sports Museum, where we were free to explore for as long as we liked.
I would highly recommend this for any sports fan but honestly, I’m not a huge cricket lover and I still found it really interesting. In fact, it helped me understand the Aussie fascination with cricket, which I didn’t grow up around in Canada! The tour runs most days and lasts for about 2.5 hours, and then we spent some extra time in the museum afterward.
Check availability and reserve your tour of MCG here, before spots fill up!
22. Melbourne Zoo
![A koala at the Melbourne Zoo](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A-koala-at-the-Melbourne-Zoo.jpg.webp)
![A cute koala at the melbourne Zoo](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A-cute-koala-at-the-melbourne-Zoo.jpg.webp)
The Melbourne Zoo is such a fun time especially if you’re trying to see some classic Aussie animals, like Little Penguins, Tasmanian Devils, wombats, wallabies, and more. We had a great time wandering around and saying hello to all the cute animals!
Just like the SEA LIFE Aquarium, I recommend going to the Melbourne Zoo mid-week to save money and avoid the crowds. You can purchase tickets for $53 AUD per adult, $26.50 AUD per child, and free for those 3 and under. The zoo also offers free admission to kids 16 and under on the weekends, but just be prepared for it to be much busier!
You can reach the Melbourne Zoo in a quick 10-minute drive from downtown and parking is available for $2 AUD for 5 hours. You can also take public transit – the tram, train, and bus all make stops right at the zoo’s entrance!
Reserve your zoo tickets in advance here with buy now, pay later options!
23. 3D Gallery
![ArtVo 3D gallery in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ArtVo-3D-gallery-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
![ArtVo 3D gallery painting in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ArtVo-3D-gallery-painting-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
If you’ve never been to a 3D art museum before, let me tell you, they are SO much fun! I loved visiting Melbourne’s very own ArtVo because it’s a light-hearted experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The optical illusions here are actually pretty amazing, and I had so much fun just being silly and taking photos where it looked like I was wrestling a giant octopus, riding a gondola through Venice, or face-to-face with King Kong. There are 11 different zones in total, each with its own theme, and over 100 different murals to pose with, so you’ll have Instagram content for years to come after your visit!
ArtVo is located in the District Docklands, so it’s super central. It was actually the first-ever 3D art gallery in Australia, so it’s pretty popular. For this reason, I would recommend booking your tickets in advance. Admission costs $30 AUD per person, which I was pretty impressed with, and it took me about two hours to get around all of the museum’s different themed zones.
ArtVo is open from 10 am until 4 pm on weekdays and stays open until 6 pm on weekends. My tip would be to go early so that you won’t have to wait for any photo opportunities.
People love this experience – check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book your tickets here.
24. Penguin Parade
![Penguins on parade at Phillip Island Near Melbourne](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Penguins-on-parade-at-Phillip-Island-Near-Melbourne.jpg.webp)
![Small penguins on parade at Phillip Island Near Melbourne](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Small-penguins-on-parade-at-Phillip-Island-Near-Melbourne.jpg.webp)
One of the best things we’ve ever done in Melbourne is watching the famous penguin parade on Phillip Island! Every night at sunset, the Little Penguins waddle across the beach to return to their nests for the evening, while tourists watch from the grandstands. It was so cute!
We actually did this as part of a tour (check out our review of the tour here!), but it’s possible to save money by driving yourself. It takes 2 hours to drive from Melbourne to Phillip Island, and there’s free parking once you arrive. I think it’s worth getting here a little early to take a walk along one of the island’s many scenic travels, but the real fun starts at dusk as the penguins start to head home for the night.
Tickets to the Penguin Parade cost $32 AUD and booking in advance is a must! It’s a really popular thing to do in Melbourne so I would advise getting your tickets a few weeks in advance if possible. The Parade begins at sunset, so times change throughout the year, so check the calendar before you go, and make sure to arrive early in the peak tourist months of December and January to snag a good seat!
25. Soak up the sun on a floating restaurant
![A cocktail at Afloat in Melbourne, Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/A-cocktail-at-Afloat-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
![Our food we ordered at Afloat in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Our-food-we-ordered-at-Afloat-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
Enjoying cocktails in the sun is perhaps our favorite cheap thing to do in Melbourne! Afloat takes this activity to the next level, as it’s a floating restaurant on the Yarra River. The views, the cool breeze, and the amazing menu make for a lovely afternoon.
They change themes each year, when we went it was Viva Mexico, so we had amazing tacos and frozen margaritas. The plates were moderately priced and we liked that they were small, so we could order a few different things! We felt right at home with the friendly staff and the bright Mexican atmosphere.
Who knows what fun theme they will come up with when you visit!? Afloat closes for the winter, so check its opening dates before you go, otherwise, they are open from 11 am to 1 am daily!
Related Read: Heading to Sydney next? Check out our free and cheap things to do in Sydney blog to stretch your travel budget!
Where to Stay in Melbourne
![The Langham Melbourne room](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Langham-Melbourne-room.jpg.webp)
If you’re planning to visit Melbourne, let us help you find a great place to stay. There’s something to fit every budget, so check out our top picks from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here’s what you need to know!
The Langham Melbourne – $$$
For an elegant stay – think marble staircases, fountains, and chandeliers – The Langham Melbourne is the perfect place. The hotel is in the middle of Melbourne overlooking the Yarra River. You’ll get beautiful city views from the hotel’s restaurant and from the indoor pool. It’s also within walking distance of a number of top attractions.
Rooms here start at $300 – $400 AUD per night. Check availability and reserve a room here.
Grand Hotel Melbourne – $$
Stay in the Melbourne Central Business District at this historic hotel that has plenty of character. The studios and apartments at the Grand Hotel Melbourne give you more space than a typical hotel and even include a kitchen. You can also take advantage of the heated indoor pool and the fitness center with a sauna. Plus, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to Crown Casino, Southbank, Docklands, and more.
A studio starts at around $200 AUD per night and can be reserved through Booking.com here.
Space Hotel – $
You don’t have to sacrifice style for money at this hostel. The Space Hotel is a modern hostel with lots of extra guest amenities like a gym, a hot tub, and even a mini-theater. You can head to the rooftop terrace to relax and enjoy the views. The hostel is conveniently located in the Central Business District and is not far from the Queen Victoria Market and Chinatown.
Accommodation options include both private rooms and shared dorm rooms. A bed in a dorm starts at $55 AUD and private rooms begin at $100 AUD. You can reserve a spot in advance through Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
Renting a Car in Australia
![Driving through the outback in a rental car in Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Driving-through-the-outback-in-a-rental-car-in-Australia.jpg.webp)
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is in a rental car.
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time and planning. Plus, we love the freedom of a rental car to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
Car rental in Australia is super affordable, especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. We use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine that compares multiple car rental companies for you – saving you from visiting each website individually.
If you plan to be based in a main city like Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth and do a few day trips while returning your car to the same location, we’ve booked rentals for as cheap as $25 AUD a day! Full coverage insurance can be added for around an extra $12 AUD a day too. The price will vary depending on the time of year, type of car, and if you’re able to pick up and drop off at the same location.
Discover Cars also offers handy filters so you can search for cars that offer features like child seats, GPS, or let you have an additional driver. There are also free cancellation options if your trip changes. Read our honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Check out the selection and book your car rental online here!
Thanks for reading!
![Bailey and Daniel take a selfie at the Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne Australia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Bailey-and-Daniel-take-a-selfie-at-the-Queen-Victoria-Market-in-Melbourne-Australia.jpg.webp)
We love visiting Melbourne, especially because there are so many fun things to do without spending a fortune! I hope that you found this list of free and cheap activities helpful as you plan your travels (and budget). There’s even more to do here, so spend a few days exploring all of Melbourne’s iconic sights!
Be sure to check out our other Australia blogs before you go! Daniel is from Perth and we’ve traveled all over the country, so we have a ton of resources to help you plan the perfect Aussie getaway. Here are a few blogs to get you started:
5 Tours in Melbourne That Made Us Fall in Love With the City!
12 BEST Day Trips from Melbourne
How to Spend 3 Days in Sydney: An Ideal 3-Day Itinerary
Source: destinationlesstravel.com
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George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.