Fun for free in Melbourne

Melbourne (Creative Commons)

Melbourne is the second most populous city in Australia and there’s plenty to see and do there. But when you’re on a big trip and find that you’re paying out every day to go to a museum or visit an attraction, it’s great when you can have some fun for free in a big city. Here are just a few suggestions on how to enjoy Melbourne for free.

Head to Fed Square

In the city centre, you’ll find Federation Square, where there are often free films and concerts shown on the big screens. You can also catch a live music or dance performance there, and if you want to catch up on your emailing, the wifi is free here too.

Watch the Melbourne Cup

One of the greatest horse racing events in the world takes place in Melbourne every November. Ok, you may not be able to get into the race course for free, but all the pubs will show the action on their screens and you can join in the Melbourne Cup fever. Join Betfair and you can probably have a punt on the Melbourne Cup for free too. Betfair already has antepost prices up for this year’s Melbourne Cup and Dandino is favourite to win, priced at 16/1. When you place a bet on Betfair, as it’s a betting exchange, there’s no bookmaker taking their cut; it’s just punters like you placing and accepting bets.

Work on your tan

You’ll need to pay the bus fare, but once you get to St Kilda’s beach, you can have a day on the shore for nothing. It’s also a great place to watch the sun set.

Fitzroy Gardens (Creative Commons)

If you don’t like the sand, stay in the city and enjoy the sun in Fitzroy Gardens. These landscaped gardens are a great picnic-ing spot and you’ll find a beautiful lake and band pavilion there. Cook’s Cottage, the home of Captain Cook’s parents was moved brick by brick from North Yorkshire to Fitzroy Gardens in 1933 and you can check it out while you’re there.

Read up on Melbourne before you go and you’ll find plenty of other ways to explore the city without spending too much.