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Melbourne is one of the best places to visit in Australia and one of our favorite cities in the world…but a vacation Down Under can be expensive! The high cost of Melbourne accommodations, pricey airline tickets and paid entrance into top attractions add up quickly.
However, Melbourne sightseeing doesn’t have to cost a dime. During our trips we sought out free tours in Melbourne – and now we’re sharing our best tips and top experiences so you can keep your budget in check!
Best Free Tours in Melbourne, Australia
When traveling, we typically shy away from organized tours. Guided tours tend to eat up a chunk of our travel budget and we are generally averse to being paraded around by a paddle-wielding guide. Instead, we prefer doing our own sightseeing research, finding a tour route and moving at our own pace.
However, in some cases, joining a tour provides deeper insight, personal accounts and even the ticket of entry. Thankfully, not all tours in Melbourne come with a price tag – some are completely free of charge!
Over the course of several visits, we discovered an abundance of Melbourne Things To Do, including 5 Free Melbourne Tours that are engaging and entertaining!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Free Tours of Melbourne to plan your vacation to Australia!
#1 Free Melbourne Parliament House Tour
Melbourne’s Parliament House was constructed between 1856 and 1930 and is still where the Victoria Parliament meets today. When Parliament is in session, visitors can view the proceedings from the public galleries.
When they aren’t in session, Parliament House Tours are offered that put visitors in the seats of the politicians in the Legislative Assembly Chamber, the Legislative Council Chamber and the central reading room of the library.
On these free tours, the guide gives a concise history of Melbourne’s government and the Parliament House. Our guide not only expounded on the building’s history, but he also explained the politician’s terms, positions and seating arrangements, all of which was fascinating.
Travel Tip: Viewing Parliament in action is open to the public whenever they are in session. Parliament Tours are offered Monday through Friday on non-sitting, non-holidays – and there are multiple tours throughout the day. Booking in advance is recommended; find the most current info on the official website.
#2 Free Tour Melbourne State Library of Victoria
The State Library of Victoria – a grandiose building fronted with a statue of Sir Redmond Barry – is one of the fascinating free sights in Melbourne.
Many people visit the State Library of Victoria to see the beautiful domed La Trobe Reading Room. However, we think the galleries above the Reading Room are equally impressive. Featuring displays from the city’s past, each exhibit (which changes twice yearly) helps guests to better understand the history of Melbourne and Australia.
During our visit, artifacts of Bushranger Ned Kelly – the most famous outlaw in Melbourne – were being featured. The Ned Kelly displays at the State Library allowed us to get a more accurate picture of his legend and shed light on the many myths.
The State Library of Victoria not only has artifacts, but they offer a free tour that helps to give more background on the displays. Our friendly and knowledgeable guide gave us a brief history of the library itself before moving into the exhibition on Ned Kelly.
Tour Tip: The free tours of Melbourne Library and Galleries are offered throughout the week. Consult the Library Schedule for the most up to date times.
#3 Free Walking Tour Melbourne
City sightseeing on your own two feet is the best way to get acquainted with Melbourne – and a Free Walking Tour is a great way to do it! Fellow travelers can use our easy-to-follow Self-Guided Free Melbourne Walking Tour that includes 18+ sights.
On a self-guided tour of Melbourne, visitors are able to walk at their own pace, skip sights that are of no interest or enter attractions along the route that pique their curiosity. Highlights of our Free Walking Melbourne Tour include iconic buildings, classic architecture, street art and much, much more!
We include step-by-step directions and two maps of Melbourne so that even first-time visitors will have no problem routing their way through the city.
Tips for Guided Free Tours Melbourne: While our DIY tour offers a fantastic introduction to the city, travelers can also join Melbourne Free Walking Tours that are led by a local tour guide. Just bear in mind that the guide expects – and hopefully deserves – to be compensated for their time with a tip.
#4 Free City Circle Tram Melbourne
Honestly, we wish riding the Melbourne Free City Circle Tram was the first thing we did when we arrived in the city, as it provides an excellent orientation to the city. The old, wooden Melbourne 35 Tram cars rattle in a loop around the Central Business District, as well as to the Docklands.
During the ride on the Free Melbourne Tram, a pre-recorded commentary provides quick facts and details about nearby sights and public transportation connections. The Melbourne Tram for free comes by about every 15 minutes, making it easy to hop on and off to explore. It’s also great to give the feet a rest and ride the complete loop, which takes about an hour!
Tour Info: Check the Official Website for current information and the route of the free tram in Melbourne.
#5 Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne Free DIY Tour
Built in 1934 to honor the Victorians who served in World War I, the Shrine of Remembrance has evolved and expanded to include an intriguing museum featuring artifacts from all Australian conflicts. Visitors are invited to tour the building on their own for free self guided tours. There are helpful informational plaques throughout.
Unfortunately, the guided tours are no longer offered free of charge (except for Australia and NZ military members and veterans). It’s certainly for a worthy cause and our guide, a World War II veteran, shared personal stories that enhanced our understanding of the Shrine of Remembrance exhibits.
Budget Tip: While we thoroughly enjoyed our Shrine tour, other options are offered on Viator.
Bonus: Self Guided Carlton Gardens Tour
The Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens have long marked the epicenter of culture in Melbourne. The UNESCO World Heritage Site dates to the 1880s and is dotted with fountains and monuments.
Visitors who would like to tour Carlton Gardens can use this brochure for a self-guided free walking tour.
MELBOURNE TOUR TIP: Going on a 12 Apostles Tour is one of the top things to do from Melbourne – but most are quite expensive! However, we discovered a discounted GOR Tour that ticked all of our boxes (well, except language!). Find out more in our review: Budget Great Ocean Road Tour.
More Free Things To Do in Melbourne
We have highlighted our favorite free tours in Melbourne, Australia – but there is more free stuff to do in Melbourne!
Free Museums Melbourne
Patrons of the arts will be pleased to find that there are many free museums in Melbourne. Some of the top Melbourne museums with free collections include the National Gallery NGV International, the Ian Potter Centre and the Australian Center for Contemporary Art (ACCA).
Free Events Melbourne
Melbourne stages many events and festivals throughout the year – and several of them are completely free! From free concerts at the beach to Weekend Melbourne Markets to the Australian Open Festival there are free events in Melbourne to entertain visitors all year long. Go to the official Visit Melbourne Information Center website for a line up of upcoming free festivals.
Free Activities Melbourne
Activities – like a day on the beach in St. Kilda or a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens – are absolutely free of charge! Exploring the famous Melbourne Laneways and neighborhoods – from Chinatown to Fitzroy to Williamstown – are also fun free activities in Melbourne.
What You Will Need for Melbourne Tours
Before joining free tours in Melbourne or setting off on your own exploration, make sure you are prepared. We are highlighting a few of the necessities to help you enjoy your trip!
City Walking Shoes
With so many fun things to do in Melbourne, Australia, you will be spending quite a bit of time on your feet! It’s best to wear a pair of lightweight and comfortable travel shoes. I (Sarah) travel with these shoes by Columbia and Kris prefers wearing trail shoes by Merrell for sightseeing.
Travel Camera
We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your tour of Melbourne. Rather than relying on your phone to capture the sights, make the upgrade to an actual Travel Camera for high quality photos. We always travel with a Canon Rebel, which takes amazing photos. It is a fantastic DSLR camera for beginners – as it comes bundled with loads of accessories – making it an excellent Budget Camera as well!
Day Pack
While touring Melbourne (whether on free guided tour or on your own), you will want to carry a good day pack. The best travel day bags have zippered compartments and enough room to organize all of your everyday travel essentials.
Tips for Planning your Melbourne Trip
As we have visited Melbourne multiple times and stayed for an extended period, we have heaps of tips and advice to share! In our guides, we share our top tips about planning your trip to Melbourne, Australia.
- Best Things To Do in Melbourne
- A Perfect 3-Day Melbourne Itinerary
- A Free Self Guided Melbourne Walking Tour
- Exploring the Queen Victoria Market
- Getting Lost in Melbourne Laneways
- Day Trip to the Great Ocean Road
Additionally, use our tips for other Australian Destinations, like our complete Sydney Itinerary, What To See in Brisbane and the Top Things To Do in Cairns.
As you begin making reservations and bookings, stay on top of the details with our Printable Travel Planner!
Melbourne Travel Tips
Packing: Find our honest advice and Packing Hacks on our Travel Packing page. For now, grab your Free Packing Checklist!
Melbourne Map and Guidebook: While we have provided tons information about traveling to Melbourne, it still may be useful to have a guidebook and map for your vacation to Australia.
Australia Travel Insurance: If you haven’t already obtained trip insurance, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Australia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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