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12 free things to do in Melbourne

11 Jul 2016

As the saying goes, the best things in life are free and in Australia’s cultural capital, you certainly don’t need a big budget to soak up the city’s wonderful culture and history.

 

1. Come fly with me Did you know that the birthplace of the Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Australian Air Force is Melbourne? If you make your way over to Point Cook, this is a great day out for flying and history buffs in general. Point Cook Road, RAAF Base Williams, Melbourne

2. Lest we forget The Shrine of Remembrance is an interesting place to visit. ANZAC and Remembrance Day ceremonies are obviously busy, but it’s fairly quiet at other times during the year. Why not visit at dawn with Eternal Flame for company for a truly special start to your day? Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne


3. Bookworms unite Before the ubiquity of the internet, libraries were the cornerstone of our society. Indeed, Germaine Greer’s teenage hangout in Melbourne was the La Trobe Reading Room in the resplendent State Library of Victoria. It’s a marvellous historic building and most exhibitions are free. 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne.

4. Take a shot Coops Shot Tower is one of only three 19th-century shot towers remaining in Australia. The second level houses a free museum on the history of shot manufacture. The tower produced six tonnes of shot weekly up until 1961, when the demand for the lead shot dwindled, because of new firearm regulations. The historic building is incorporated into Melbourne Central Complex in the CBD. 211 La Trobe Street, Melbourne.


Explore the city's underbelly Discover the world of all things copper and criminal at Victoria’s Police Museum. This free museum houses forensic evidence, crime scene photos and all sorts of grisly facts. Don’t miss the Kelly gang armour on display – after all, Ned himself hailed from Melbourne. 637 Flinders St, Docklands.

The first journey begins with 1000 Steps You don’t need to go to Papua New Guinea to walk the Kokoda Track. The Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is in Melbourne, but do take a good pair of walking shoes and a bottle of water. It’s a 2.8-kilometre trek to the One Tree Hill lookout point, so consider a hearty brekkie. Burwood Highway and Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Upper Ferntree Gully.

7. It's all Greek to me The Hellenic Museum’s extraordinary private collection is dedicated to the preservation of Greek culture, history and settlement in Australia and something unique to Melbourne. 280 William Street, Melbourne.


8. All saints Viewing The Twelve Apostles at dawn is a seminal Melbourne experience. The magnificent limestone Apostles change from grey to sandy yellow as the day unfolds. After this, you can explore the Great Ocean Road and wend your way back to the city. Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell.

9. Gardens of Eden The Royal Botanic Gardens is another great morning activity, although there are often events throughout the year. You can take the iconic ‘Tan’ track along the Yarra River back from the Swan Street bridge. Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra.

10. Laughs at the Brunswick The Brunswick Hotel holds free comedy gigs and $10 jugs of draught on Monday nights. Some of the best comedians have come from Melbourne, so the standard is high. 140 Sydney Road, Brunswick.


11. Jazz for cool cats The Paris Cat Jazz Club is an intimate, dimly-lit room, the perfect spot for live music. If you pick a jam session night, there’s usually no cover charge. 6 Goldie Place, Melbourne.

12. A diamond in the rough Melbourne is known for its vibrant street art scene around the city. Visit Hosier Lane, Centre Place and Canada Lane in Carlton. Various locations.