Free things to do in Melbourne

IDEA 01

NGV International

NGV International is an easy starting point for an art-focused day in the city. Entry to the collection is free; special exhibitions may require paid tickets. Start with the collection and leave time to explore at your own pace.

Plan it: Choose a couple of galleries rather than trying to see everything. Pair your visit with a walk through nearby gardens if the weather suits.

IDEA 02

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Melbourne Gardens offers a green escape close to the city. General garden entry is free, while some tours and special events are ticketed. Follow the paths, bring a picnic, and let the garden be the main event.

Plan it: Pack a picnic and check the forecast. Consult the garden visitor information for gate access and any closures.

IDEA 03

ACMI

The Story of the Moving Image explores film, television, videogames and digital culture through an interactive exhibition. The core exhibition is free. Check the ACMI program separately for ticketed screenings and special exhibitions.

Plan it: A useful rainy day anchor for a city trip. Allow extra time if your group likes interactive exhibits.

IDEA 04

St Kilda Beach

St Kilda offers a bayside walk and a change of pace from the city. The foreshore walk is free, with nearby food and activities costing extra. Beach and pier access can change, so check local notices and the weather.

Plan it: Bring a layer for the bay breeze. Pick daylight hours and check weather conditions before deciding on a beach day.

IDEA 05

Hosier Lane

Hosier Lane is a well-known city street-art stop, with changing murals and artwork. It is a free, self guided outdoor visit. Combine it with other laneways rather than making a whole day of a single lane.

Plan it: Art changes, so keep an eye out for details rather than looking for one particular mural. Keep laneway entrances clear for other visitors.

IDEA 06

State Library Victoria

State Library Victoria welcomes visitors to explore its public spaces, collections and exhibitions. Public access is free; some tours and events are paid or require bookings. Consult the visitor information for current room access.

Plan it: Respect reading and study areas. Check the event program if you want a guided experience rather than a self guided visit.

IDEA 07

The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia

Explore Australian art at The Ian Potter Centre. Collection entry is free; ticketed exhibitions and purchases are separate.

Plan it: Pair it with ACMI or Koorie Heritage Trust nearby; check exhibition access first.

IDEA 08

Abbotsford Convent gardens and grounds

Entry to the Convent’s grounds and gardens is free. Cafés, classes, markets and performances have separate prices or conditions; gallery access depends on the program.

Plan it: Start with the grounds. Check the program if you want to add an exhibition or event.

IDEA 09

Old Treasury Building Museum

General museum entry is free. The museum is closed on Saturdays under its published visiting schedule; tours and group visits may require arrangements.

Plan it: Check the visiting page for your date, particularly Saturdays and public holidays.

IDEA 10

Australian Music Vault

The Australian Music Vault is a free exhibition celebrating Australian music. Performances elsewhere at Arts Centre Melbourne are separate ticketed experiences.

Plan it: Add it to a Southbank gallery day, and check the current exhibition access.

IDEA 11

Werribee Park gardens and Victoria State Rose Garden

General access to Werribee Park’s gardens and Victoria State Rose Garden is free. Mansion entry and other attractions are separate; parking gates have opening times.

Plan it: Check seasonal garden conditions and gate times; allow transport time from Melbourne.

IDEA 12

Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden

Garden admission is free; the optional garden bus has a fee. Paths can be steep, and the garden can close during severe weather or fire danger.

Plan it: Check the current park alerts and closing time, and allow generous travel time.

Put your plan together

Choose a comfortable number of stops and account for getting between them. The day planner offers a starting list, with official links for checking each stop.