More Free Things to Do in Melbourne
A Few Ideas for Exploring Melbourne on the Cheap
Most visitors to Melbourne know about the laneways, the gardens and Victoria Market, all of which are great Melbourne experiences. But what else is there to do for free in Melbourne? In short, heaps. Follow the ideas below to get under the city's skin without breaking the bank.
Check Out Melbourne's Live Music Scene
Melbourne has more than its fair share of live music venues and many of these have local and national bands on most nights with no cover charge. The Espy in St Kilda is one of Melbourne's music institutions and the bands in its front bar are always free. Almost every type of music can be heard here, including (but not limited to) indie rock, dub, drum and bass, hip hop, punk and heavy metal.
In Fitzroy, The Old Bar on Johnston St has live music almost every night, and except for the weekends when there may be a small cover charge (under $10) it is all free. Nearby in Smith St, the Birmingham Hotel has gigs that aren't completely free, but with most costing $5 it's the next best thing.
Over in Brunswick, the Retreat Hotel has an eclectic mix of local bands seven nights a week, as well as a great beer garden. Night owls shouldn't miss The Pony on Little Collins St in the city, where the bands and djs play until morning - and the 2am show is always free.
To find out more about what's going on at Melbourne's pubs, bars and clubs look out for Beat or Inpress, two free street mags that can be picked up from doorways and entrances all over town.
Browse Melbourne's Libraries and Bookstores
Melbourne has some wonderful bookstores and two great libraries in the city center, and along with their plethora of printed material they also offer a respite from those long days of exploring.
The State Library of Victoria is something special, with a magnificent domed reading room and exhibitions of art and rare books. On Flinders Lane, the City Library not only has a great collection of books but an art gallery, a monthly craft market, regular book sales and free acoustic musical performances.
Metropolis, in the Curtin House building on Swanston St, is one of Melbourne's most interesting bookstores, with loads of books on art, design, fashion and pop culture, some very weird books that defy definition, beautiful and unusual children's books and a collection of hilarious and sometimes unsettling postcards.
Mag Nation on Elizabeth St is, as its name suggests, not a bookstore but a unique magazine store and coffeeshop where patrons can buy a latte and settle down in one of the comfy leather chairs to read all about whatever subject they like best.
Soak Up the History, Art and Architecture of Abbotsford Convent
Once a shelter and school for woman and girls who had nowhere else to go, today the convent is one of Melbourne's most important hubs for art, culture and education and is a lovely place to while away a few hours.
Situated on a bend of the Yarra River a couple of miles from the city, the Abbotsford Convent is made up of a collection of atmospheric buildings that are set among beautiful gardens. Inside the buildings there are artists' studios and galleries, two cafes (one of which has a pay-what-you-think policy), a bakery/bar, a theater, and even a primary school and a radio station. Come during the week for peace and quiet or on the the weekend to visit the farmers' or design markets that are held here once a month.
Go Walking in Melbourne's Quiet Spaces
It's not hard to get away from the crowds in Melbourne, and once outside the city there are many quiet areas and walking trails to discover. The path alongside the Yarra river goes for many miles and passes through lots of pretty spots, including Abbotsford Convent. Other nice trails include the Merri Creek Trail, which starts at Dights Falls in Abbotsford, and the Maribyrnong River Trail, which starts in Southbank and moves up through the northern suburbs.
Port Melbourne is a lovely place to walk around, and especially at dusk it very pleasant to walk along the bay. For a nice long walk (1.5-2 hours) catch the 109 tram to the end and follow the bay north until coming to the Sandridge Lifesaving Club (if it's dark this will be lit up in neon blue lights). Follow the length of its car park, then at the end go left and walk along the dirt path until coming to the water. From here there is a fantastic view of the city, which of course is all the more beautiful at night. For those inclined to be up early this is also a beautiful spot to watch the sun rise.
For an idea of some more things to do while in Melbourne have a look at Six Things to Do for Free in Melbourne and Melbourne Neighborhoods - Albert Park.
Cool Displays at Metropolis
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