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Free Melbourne: Travel Guide
All Melbourne Guides
Free Melbourne
by Jo lyo n 67, Melbourne, Australia
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The Victorian gold rush of the mid 1800's rapidly established Melbourne as one of the wealthiest cities in 15 Places
the world. Visitors have been drawn here ever since, but you don't have to spend a fortune exploring
4 City Tips
what it has on offer. Many of the heritage listed buildings are free to visit as are the extensive parks
which circle the main city grid. The Yarra River cuts a swathe through the business district and a
comprehensive tram network links the city with outlying attractions such as St Kilda Beach.
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Jolyon67's City Tips
■ All tram travel within the city grid is free. Look for the Free Tram Zone signs which show the boundary between
free and paid zones.
■ Prepare for 'four seasons in one day'. Extremely hot Summer days often end with plummeting temperatures
and a sudden downpour by late afternoon.
■ The Australian sun is more fierce than in other parts of the world. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and wear a hat.
■ Public transport outside the centre requires a Myki card, available at railway stations and 7/11 outlets for $6.
Top it up with credit, roughly $7 per day.
I'm Free Walking Tours
Walking Tours
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Jolyon67 Says:
“A comprehensive introduction to the city and excellent value for money. Walks last 3 hours and include a short
lunch and toilet stop. Tours are free but donations are appreciated. They depart daily at 10.30am & 2.30pm from the
statue in front of the State Library. Just look for the guide in a green tshirt. You cover a large portion of the city
centre, passing many notable attractions along the way. The informative commentary explains how the city was
established and charts it's development from the gold rush boom to the present day.”
Good for Thrifty Traveller Hidden Gems Like a Local Solo Friends History Buff Couples Senior Family
Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
■ Prepare for Melbourne's unpredictable weather and bring water, sunscreen and umbrella.
■ The fast pace tour involves a lot of walking and may not be appropriate for people with mobility issues.
Plan to stay: 23 hours
From the community
Certificate of Excellence 2014
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Jolyon67 Says:
“The vintage 'hop on hop off' tram is an ideal way of getting around central Melbourne. No ticket is needed on this
convenient link between many of the cities major attractions. A taped commentary announces nearby sights as you
approach each stop. The route circles the main city centre grid with an extension to Waterfront City in Docklands.”
Tips
■ Trams run in both directions approximately 12 minutes apart. A full circuit takes 1 hour.
■ Leaflets on board include the Melbourne Visitor Guide which has a selection of money off vouchers in the central pages.
■ Trams operate 10am daily until 6pm SunWed, 9pm ThuSat.
■ The official route number is 35, unlike regular trams it doesn't appear on the digital displays at tram stops.
Plan to stay: Less than 1 hour
From the community
Certificate of Excellence 2014
Phone: Other:
1800 800 007 Website
Federation Square
Speciality Museums
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Jolyon67 Says:
“Federation Square is Melbourne's main public open space. The central plaza is surrounded by a striking
architectural ensemble that houses museums, galleries and restaurants. Regular festivals and cultural events draw
large crowds, who gather around the main stage and large TV screen. The Visitor Centre provides a wealth of
tourist information to help you make the most of your stay.”
Good for Foodie Must See LGBT Luxury Traveller Thrifty Traveller Like a Local Solo Friends Couples
Tips
■ Free Tai Chi, fitness and dance classes are held on selected days each month.
■ Free tours of the square depart the Visitor Centre daily at 11am except Sunday.
■ Wave to your friends around the world via the Federation Square Webcam.
■ Check the 'What's on' display board in the Atrium, for events on the day of your visit.
Plan to stay: 23 hours
From the community
Ranked #28 of 346 things to do in Melbourne “Modern exterior, great coffee shops and usually something
1822 Reviews happening” 24/09/2016
“Edgy central city spot” 22/09/2016
Certificate of Excellence 2014
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Jolyon67 Says:
“The immaculately maintained Botanical Gardens occupy an area of 38 hectares just south of the Yarra River. Plant
beds are grouped into examples of flora representing every climatic condition found around Australia and beyond.
They are spread across rolling lawns which gently slope towards an ornamental lake. It is a peaceful innercity
oasis, open from 7.30am to dusk the year round.”
Good for Peace and Quiet Seeker Must See Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Senior Family Nature Lover
Tips
■ Join a free discovery walk, daily at 10.30am & 2pm.
■ From December to March the moonlight cinema shows cult classics in the gardens, weather permitting. Bring a blanket,
it can get cold.
■ The main entrance and visitor centre is close to the Shrine of Remembrance on St Kilda Road. Any tram heading to the
Domain will get you here.
Plan to stay: 23 hours
From the community
Certificate of Excellence 2014
See more photos
Jolyon67 Says:
“St Kilda is Melbourne's most popular and accessible seaside suburb. During the Summer months you will be
sharing the foreshore with joggers and roller bladers. Palm trees add a tropical feel to the esplanade which has
attracted pleasure seekers for years. Luna Park opened in 1912 and features one of the world's oldest roller coasters.
St Kilda Pier extends out into Port Phillip Bay, with a restaurant at the end, and a rocky breakwater, home to a
colony of fairy penguins.”
Good for Foodie Peace and Quiet Seeker Must See LGBT Beach Goer Like a Local Friends Couples Family
Tips
■ Tram 96 travels between Bourke Street and St Kilda Beach.
■ Entry to Luna Park is free, single ride tickets are about $9.
■ A boardwalk runs along St Kilda Pier breakwater. Sunset is the best time to look for penguins hidden amongst the rocks.
■ Every Sunday a vibrant craft market is set up along the esplanade.
Plan to stay: 23 hours
From the community
Certificate of Excellence 2014
Address: Other:
Jacka Boulevard Website
West St Kilda
Melbourne, Victoria 3182
Australia
Parliament House of Victoria
Government Buildings, Historic Sites
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Jolyon67 Says:
“A grand Victorian building in a commanding location at the 'top end' of the city. It houses two stately chambers, the
legislative council and legislative assembly. Free tours are available as are the public galleries when parliament is
sitting. There is airport style security and bags need to be checked into a locker before each tour.”
Tips
■ Free tours are available hourly on weekdays when parliament isn't sitting.
■ Tours of the gardens are available once a month.
■ Days when parliament is sitting are listed on the official website.
■ A replica of 'The Welcome Stranger' the worlds largest gold nugget is on display just outside the library.
Plan to stay: Less than 1 hour
From the community
Certificate of Excellence 2014
Other:
Website
Melbourne Town Hall
Points of Interest & Landmarks, Historic Sites, Architectural Buildings, Government Buildings
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Jolyon67 Says:
“Free tours of Melbourne's Town Hall are available weekdays from 112pm. The main auditorium seats upto 2000
people and regularly hosts concerts, exhibitions and fashion shows. Tours take you behind the scenes of this 19th
century building, to finely carved council chambers and the Mayor's office. You can also stand on the balcony where
the Beatles & Abba waved to adoring crowds below.”
Tips
■ Register for tours through the glass doors to the left of the main entrance.
■ Animated projections illuminate the Town Hall façade during the build up to Christmas.
■ Discount theatre tickets can be purchased at Halftix located in the Town Hall.
Plan to stay: Less than 1 hour
From the community
Ranked #62 of 346 things to do in Melbourne “Behind the front door tour of Melbourne Town Hall.”
23/09/2016
171 Reviews
“Interesting Architecture” 09/09/2016
Certificate of Excellence 2014
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Jolyon67 Says:
“Australia's largest open air market has been serving speciality foods and goods since 1878. Wandering the stalls
you appreciate Melbourne's rich cultural diversity with delicacies from the four corners of the globe to tempt your
palette. Emerging local artists are also well represented with a host of unique craft stalls.”
Tips
■ The car park was built over Melbourne's first graveyard and is said to be haunted.
■ A popular activity during Summer is the Night Market, open until 10pm every Wednesday, complete with live music and
other entertainment.
■ Trams 19, 57 or 59 run from Elizabeth St to the Market, alternatively it is a short walk from Flagstaff train station (closed
weekends).
■ The market is open daily from 6am except Monday & Wednesday.
From the community
Certificate of Excellence 2014
Other:
Website
Shrine of Remembrance
History Museums, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Architectural Buildings, Military Museums, Historic Sites
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Jolyon67 Says:
“Modelled on a Greek temple, the Shrine of Remembrance is aligned with the main axis through the city centre. It is a
twenty minute walk south of the Yarra River and marks the focal point of Melbourne's Anzac Day commemorations
every April 25th. An eternal flame burns in the forecourt beside a cenotaph. The visitor centre at the base of the
building leads to an impressive museum that charts Australia's role in the two world wars and more recent
conflicts.”
Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
■ The balcony provides a spectacular view over Melbourne. The nearby Botanical Gardens, Albert Park lake and St Kilda
are all clearly visible.
■ On extremely hot summer days, the crypt and sanctuary provide welcome relief from the heat.
■ Every half hour a ray of light passes across the stone of remembrance in the main sanctuary.
■ Free tours are available at 11am & 2pm daily.
Plan to stay: 12 hours
From the community
Certificate of Excellence 2014
Other:
Website
Hosier Lane
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Jolyon67 Says:
“The narrow laneways of the city have become a showcase for some of the world's finest street art. A thriving local
art scene, plus visiting international artists have helped raise Melbourne's profile to a level equal to that of New York
or Berlin. Creativity reaches it's peak in Hosier Lane, with every inch of space covered in riot of colour. It can be
found off Flinders Lane just opposite Federation Square.”
Tips
■ Visit on a sunny day when the colours are at their most vibrant.
■ Be prepared for the overpowering smell of aerosol paint. Artists may be working as you visit.
■ There are a few Banksy rats visible in nearby Duckboard Place & ACDC Lane.
Plan to stay: Less than 1 hour
From the community
Certificate of Excellence 2014
Address: Other:
Hosier Ln Website
Melbourne, Victoria
Australia
State Library of Victoria
Libraries
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Jolyon67 Says:
“The La Trobe reading room in the State Library is one of Melbourne's architectural treasures. The cavernous
octagonal room is six storeys high, capped by what was once the world's largest dome. Circling the dome is a free
exhibition that displays the history of the State of Victoria. The most prized exhibit is the iron armour worn by
Australia's most notorious criminal, the bush ranger Ned Kelly.”
Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
■ The library is open 10am9pm MonThur, 6pm FriSun. Exhibitions close at 5pm.
■ A free Ned Kelly tour departs from the foyer every Wednesday at 1pm.
■ The main exhibition area 'The Changing Face of Victoria' is on the 5th floor.
■ There are daily tours of the dome from 23pm.
Plan to stay: 12 hours
From the community
Certificate of Excellence 2014
Other:
Website
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia
Speciality Museums
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Jolyon67 Says:
“The National Gallery of Victoria has two branches, one either side of the Yarra River. The Ian Potter Centre is
dedicated exclusively to Australian art and features work from the early settlers though to more contemporary
works. It includes an outstanding collection of Aboriginal art in the Indigenous gallery on level 3.”
Tips
■ Entry is free but some temporary exhibitions charge a fee.
■ The gallery is open daily 105pm except Mondays.
■ Photography is allowed in the Indigenous gallery but it is best to ask permission first in other areas.
Plan to stay: 12 hours
From the community
Certificate of Excellence 2014
Other:
Website
Australian Centre for the Moving Image
Art Museums
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Jolyon67 Says:
“ACMI is a dynamic centre celebrating all aspects of the moving image. Its multiple venues are spread over 4 floors
in Federation Square. Two cinema screens form the centrepiece to the complex, hosting film festivals and talks
throughout the year. Mediatheque allows the general public to view hours of footage from the museum's archives in
private viewing booths. Screen Worlds is a permanent exhibition with plenty of interactive displays to keep visitors
entertained for hours. Workshops in many aspects of film production are also available by prior booking.”
Art and Architecture Lover
Tips
■ Capture yourself in a Matrix style 360° movie in Screen Worlds daily 105pm, free.
■ Search for your favourite film or TV moments in the archives of Australian Mediatheque daily 125pm, free.
■ Check the TV screen at reception lists the day's activities & screenings.
■ This is the perfect place for free entertainment if you find yourself with a spare half an hour or while a rain shower
passes.
Plan to stay: 23 hours
From the community
Certificate of Excellence 2014
Other:
Website
St Michael's Church
Churches & Cathedrals
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Jolyon67 Says:
“The small St Michael's Uniting Church on Collins Street resembles a theatre more than a church. The seats are
arranged in a semicircle around the main altar, while at the rear stands a magnificent organ. The space comes to
life every Thursday lunchtime with a free organ recital, allowing you to fully appreciate the wonderful acoustics of
this sacred space. Function rooms attached to the church host a series of free workshops each month. Subjects
include poetry, philosophy and French conversation classes.”
Tips
■ Free organ recitals occur every Thursday 11.30pm, no need to book.
■ A door around the corner on Russell Street leads to the Mingary, a quiet space for meditation.
Plan to stay: Less than 1 hour
From the community
Other:
Website
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins
Hotels
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Jolyon67 Says:
“For the best free view of the city, head to the 'loo with a view' on the 35th floor of the Sofitel. The floor to ceiling
windows in the toilets provide a magnificent view of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Yarra River and the distant
Dandenong Ranges on the horizon. You may have to splash out on a drink in the atrium bar if you aren't actually
staying at the hotel.”
Good for Foodie Must See Trendsetter Hidden Gems Like a Local Solo Friends Couples Family
Tips
■ Time your visit for sunset to witness the lights of the evening rush hour spring to life.
Plan to stay: Less than 1 hour
From the community
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