Welcome to our shiny new series, Budget Ballin’—a curated collection of Melbourne’s best eats and drinks that will have you living the good life without a crazy price tag. We’ll be covering all bases from midweek bites and fancy chef menus to call-in-sick-worthy happy hours.
We love Melbourne, but you know ... living in one of the world's best cities comes with a price tag, good thing Urban List has you you covered. This time we've teed up 20 of the best cheap and free things to do in Melbourne to keep both you and your hip pocket happy. Check out our top recs below.
For more in our Budget Ballin' series, check out Melbourne's Best Coffee For Under $4.
NGV
Southbank and CBD
As always, the National Gallery of Victoria both at Southbank and Fed Square are completely free to visit. They do have the occasional ticketed exhibition, but the permanent collections and the majority of exhibitions are all there for you to enjoy free of charge.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Melbourne
Pack a picnic, bring a frisbee or a book, and spend your day in the serene Royal Botanic Gardens. The new Arid and Sensory Gardens are open for you to enjoy, so get back to nature in a shady pocket of the beautiful gardens.
Heide Sculpture Garden
Bulleen
Heide Museum of Modern Art’s sprawling sculpture garden is a real stunner—and not bad for anyone needing some Instagram fodder—it’s also completely free to wander through and provides a perfect locale for a stroll or a picnic. If you fancy spending just a little, you can also visit the gallery for a modest $20.
BBQ Along The Yarra
Melbourne
You can’t beat a barbeque for summer catch-ups, and in Melbourne one of the best barbie spots is on the banks of the Yarra. Dotted along Alexandra Avenue you’ll find public barbecues and picnic tables ready to go for your al fresco cook up. They’re free to use, just BYO food and remember to clean up when you’re done.
Farmers’ Markets
Various Locations
Wherever you live in Melbourne, there’s bound to be a farmers’ market not too far from you. They’re the perfect way to do your weekly veggie shop while getting to know Victoria’s farmers, and you might even get a hot tip for shaking up your weekly meals. Most require a gold coin donation at entry, check out our guide to Melbourne’s best farmers’ markets here.
Walk Around Albert Park Lake
Albert Park
Stretch your legs and take a leisurely walk around Albert Park Lake. You’ll be treated to one of the best views of the CBD, and there are plenty of cafes right on the waterfront if you’re in need of a bowl of chips at the end.
Dandenongs and Sherbrooke Forest
Dandenong Ranges
Forest walks, waterfalls, picnic areas, gardens, sweeping views—the Dandenong Ranges have got it all. Take the train or head up in a car for the day and enjoy that sweet serenity.
Collingwood Children’s Farm
Abbotsford
You could be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into regional Victoria when you visit Collingwood Children’s Farm. Nestled on the bank of the Yarra just next to the historic Abbotsford Convent, this working urban farm is a little inner-city oasis. Tickets are super cheap, with adult tickets at just $12 and children and concession tickets at just $5.
Queen Victoria Market
Melbourne
We’ve included this historic gem because entry is free, but we can’t guarantee you’ll have a cheap day. There are simply too many gourmet treats and handmade treasures to be found at Queen Victoria Market, we never leave empty-handed.
Laneway Art Trail
CBD
Melbourne’s laneway art is world famous and constantly changing, so you’ll always have something new to see each time you wander through the city. You can take a guided tour or go your own way, the choice is yours—check out this guide to get started.
Artist Markets
Various Locations
Melbourne is home to so many independent makers, artists and designers who collectively make up the iconic Rose Street Market in Fitzroy, the Sunday Market at the Arts Centre, the St Kilda Esplanade Market, the Heide Makers’ Market and several virtual marketplaces. Take yourself on a gander through the markets but be sure to keep a budget if you’re wanting to stay savvy.
Rooftop Bars
Various Locations
Want to catch a great view without forking out for one of the observation decks? No problem, just climb up to one of Melbourne’s many rooftop bars (our top picks here). Entry is free, though we’d recommend buying a drink. Some of our faves are Madame Brussels, Naked in the Sky and Siglo.
State Library Victoria
Melbourne CBD
Libraries, boring amirite? Wrong. Rather imposing at the top end of Swanston Street in the CBD the State Library is a selfie hotspot with gorgeous lawns and art out the front, and a cavalcade of fascinating books about Melbourne’s history and culture upstairs. Make your way to the top to look down on the beautiful architecture and folks busily studying
Koorie Heritage Trust Centre
CBD
Learn about the history of Aboriginal Victoria at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Federation Square. The free exhibition space includes a gallery and holds events and workshops throughout the year. There’s also a shop where you can buy Victorian Aboriginal handmade gifts.
Wheeler Centre
CBD
Tucked beside the State Library is the Wheeler Centre, if you haven’t heard of it you’ve certainly heard of some of their guest speakers—Paul Kelly, Helen Garner, Zadie Smith, the list goes on. This literature hub often hosts authors and free events for book buffs, so check out their website to see who’s coming up.
Day Trip To Yarra Valley
Yarra Valley
Nominate a deso-driver and spend your day sampling some of the region’s best wine. Pack a picnic and take in those rolling hills before you roll on home. Stop by Four Pillars for some gin samples while you’re there too. Check out a chef's guide here.
Herring Island Sculpture Trail
South Yarra
You can only get there by punting across the river from Como Landing, but once you’re there, chances are you’ll have this little island almost to yourself. Herring Island, the only island along the Yarra, is a tiny slice of nature just out of the city with a free sculpture trail and picnic area for you to enjoy.
Free Comedy at Spleen Bar
CBD
Have a laugh on the house at Spleen Bar every Monday night. These guys have hosted big names in Aussie comedy like Josh Thomas, Frank Woodley, Tom Ballard and Adam Hills to name just a few. Drinks are cheap so you’ll be laughing all the way home.
Melbourne Theatre Company
Southbank
We know what you’re thinking, theatre tickets can be pricey. But did you know you can get preview tickets for Melbourne Theatre Company script readings at just $12? You’ll be the first to hear new stories as they’re coming together, straight from the playwrights themselves. Book your tickets here.
Williamstown Ferry
Southbank to Williamstown
Take the ferry to Williamstown for the day with Melbourne River Cruises. An adult ticket is just $35 return, which leaves you plenty for fish and chips.
Level up your picnic game and scope out the best picnic spots in Victoria here.
Image: State Library Victoria | Visit Victoria
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Budget Ballin’: Melbourne’s Best Cheap Coffee For $4 Or Less
Welcome to our shiny new series, Budget Ballin’—a curated collection of Melbourne’s best eats and drinks that will have you living the good life without the hefty price tag. We’ll be covering all bases from midweek bites and fancy chef menus to call-in-sick-worthy happy hours.