Free things to do in Melbourne every day

Want to have a grand day out on a tiny budget? Discover Melbourne's best free experiences, attractions and exhibits.

Explore the art galleries

Swing by NGV International and marvel at their expansive collection. The gallery has a slew of free exhibits to peruse. Next wander in to wonder at millions of dollars of Australian art at the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia. Artistic creations by luminaries Tucker, Nolan and Arkley are all on show, and all for zero cents. Then find even more free exhibitions at Melbourne's top galleries and museums.

Take a crash course in cinema

Get behind the camera at ACMI’s free exhibition, The Story of the Moving Image. From the birth of film to today’s digital wonders, there’s more than a century of movie history to explore. And you can get hands-on at this fun cinema showcase, with animation and sound effects to play with.

Explore an exhibition of iconic Australian music

If you’re musically inclined, the Australian Music Vault is a must. It’s a great overview of Melbourne’s backstage sounds and stories. Watch rare footage and see iconic objects like Kylie Minogue’s stage outfits and notebooks belonging to Nick Cave. The free exhibition is permanently on show at Arts Centre Melbourne.

Go on a tour of Melbourne's rare treasures

See a Foster's beer tower from the good old days, retro Moomba Monarch crowns and a bottle of spumante dating back to who knows when. For the first time ever, City of Melbourne's Art and Heritage Collection is opening its doors to the public for free guided tours. This is your chance to access to some of Melbourne’s most weird and wonderful treasures and historical archives.

Visit the Koorie Heritage Trust

Learn about the history, strength, and resilience of Aboriginal people and their communities at Koorie Heritage Trust. Based at Federation Square, it’s home to an ever-expanding collection of art, cultural artefacts and oral histories.

Uncover Melbourne’s street art

Melbourne’s street-art covered laneways are among the city’s most iconic sights. Awesome spots to discover include ACDC Lane, Croft Alley and Tattersalls Lane. Hidden off Howey Place you'll find a miniature outdoor art gallery that's equal parts kitsch and grunge. Over at Duckboard Place look for the giant tattoo-style design towering over the laneway. And don't skip the iconic Hosier Lane with its iconic cobbled laneway and graffiti-clad walls.

Catch a free show from Melbourne's best buskers

The city streets are a stage for Melbourne’s performers. Stroll along the Yarra River at Southbank and watch the buskers entertain the crowds. Take a break, park yourself on a bench and settle in for some serious people-watching. Over in Bourke Street Mall, you might just catch the next big thing. This is where local legends Tones and I, Pierce Brothers and Tash Sultana all got their start.

Get lost amongst the greenery

Escape the concrete jungle and take a break in one of our beautiful green spaces. Hunt down the secret waterfall and lush Fern Gully in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Another favourite is leafy Fitzroy Gardens. The gardens boast oodles of old-world charm, heritage water features and an unexpected piece of 18th century England.