Published 05 December 2025
8 minute read 
Modified 05 December 2025
by Journal Student Living
Living in Melbourne is exciting, vibrant and full of culture — and the best part is that you don’t need to spend much to enjoy it. From world-class museums to hidden laneways, free fitness sessions and seasonal events, there are plenty of ways to experience the city without touching your wallet.
Whether you’re new to the city or moving into Journal Student Living, you’ll find countless ways to explore Melbourne without spending a cent.
This guide highlights the best free activities, free attractions and free events in Melbourne, with many located just moments from Journal Campus House, our Carlton student accommodation right next to UniMelb and RMIT.
Melbourne is full of creativity, and the best part is that so much of it is free. If you’re a student living at Journal and love discovering free art, street art and cultural spots in Melbourne, this is the perfect place to start. From laneways to galleries, the city is packed with inspiring spaces just waiting to be explored.
Melbourne’s laneways are essentially an open-air gallery. Take a self-guided walk through the CBD and discover enormous murals, stencil art, mini sculptures and ever-changing graffiti pieces.
Top locations:
Perfect for: photography lovers, casual walks, content creators.
Located at Fed Square, ACMI is one of Melbourne’s most impressive cultural spaces — and its flagship exhibition The Story of the Moving Image is completely free, 364 days a year.
Expect to see:
A brilliant visit for film, media, arts and design students.
The Story of the Moving Image, installation view, ACMI (Photo by Phoebe Powell)
Both NGV International (St Kilda Road) and NGV Australia (Fed Square) offer permanent exhibitions that are free every day.
These include:
Drop in for a short visit or spend half a day wandering the galleries.
Located inside the City of Melbourne’s newest library, narrm ngarrgu offers free monthly film screenings.
When: Every second Thursday of the month, from 4.15pm to 6.15pm
The curated programme features a mix of documentaries, cultural stories and thought-provoking films. It’s a cosy, quiet way to unwind after class — all without the price tag of a regular cinema.
Melbourne is known for its stunning parks and outdoor areas, many of which are completely free to enjoy. If you’re looking for free parks in Melbourne, somewhere to unwind after class or a peaceful place close to Carlton, the city offers plenty of green escapes perfect for students. When you need a break from city life or study sessions, these beautiful outdoor spaces are ideal — and all free to explore.
Built in 1930 and designed in a Spanish Mission architectural style, this historic conservatory features five seasonal floral displays each year.
Expect different blooms depending on the season:
It’s a peaceful spot to relax, read or take photos — the perfect budget-friendly afternoon.
Just a short walk from Journal Campus House — less than 15 minutes on foot — the Carlton Gardens are a favourite spot for many students living in the area.
Perfect for:
The gardens are also home to the Melbourne Museum and the Royal Exhibition Building, making it one of the most convenient green spaces to visit when you want fresh air without travelling far.
One of the city’s most beloved outdoor spaces, the Royal Botanic Gardens offers:
Ideal for picnics, morning runs or decompressing after class.
Whether you’re a history fan or simply a curious student, Melbourne has several places where you can learn, explore and experience culture — all without paying full price.
The Immigration Museum shares personal stories, cultural histories and the journeys that shaped modern Australia. It’s a meaningful visit for international students who want to better understand migration, identity and belonging.
If you hold a Student ID, your admission is free under the Concession category.
You’ll find:
A thoughtful and eye-opening experience right in the CBD.
Located right beside Carlton Gardens and walking distance from Journal Campus House, Melbourne Museum offers free general entry for students.
Inside you’ll find:
Image: Melbourne Museum
This iconic library is one of Melbourne’s most impressive buildings. Free highlights include:
A must-visit for anyone needing a beautiful space to study or read.
When Parliament isn’t sitting, visitors can join free guided tours of the chambers and public areas.
It’s a fascinating way to learn more about Victoria’s political history and architecture.
Editorial credit: FiledIMAGE / Shutterstock.com
Melbourne always has something happening — and many events are completely free.
Federation Square hosts an ongoing calendar of free public events, including:
For example, in November 2025, Fed Square hosted a major free gig series featuring King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Moodymann and DJ JNETT. The square turned into an open-air dancefloor with electronic sets, a Moodymann–DJ JNETT double bill and a full New Year’s Eve celebration — all free and all-ages.
Just check the events schedule — chances are something is happening today.
Even if you’re not shopping for fresh produce, QVM is a lively place to explore. Expect buskers, market stalls, pop-up art and the iconic seasonal Night Market, which often features free entertainment.
It’s also only a short walk from Journal Market Way, making it an easy after-class hangout spot or a fun weekend stroll for students living nearby.
Join a local guide and explore Melbourne’s history, architecture and laneways. These tours are technically free — you can simply leave a small tip at the end if you enjoyed it.
Types of tours include:
A great way for new students to orient themselves in the city.
Exploring the city is great, but staying active and looking after your wellbeing is just as important during student life. The good news is that you don’t need a gym membership to do it. Melbourne offers plenty of free opportunities to move your body, meet new people and enjoy the outdoors.
During the warmer months, Melbourne hosts a range of free outdoor fitness sessions — from yoga and tai chi to light boxing workouts. These sessions are welcoming, beginner-friendly and a great way to stay active without a gym membership.
You’ll often find classes at:
Bring a mat, water and enjoy the group energy.
Melbourne’s runners gather regularly at:
Friendly, social and ideal for beginners.
Editorial credit: Christian Freitag / Shutterstock.com
One of the most fun ways to save money as a student is by collecting birthday treats. Simply sign up to these loyalty programmes and enjoy a little something on your special day.
Popular options include:
Perfect for students wanting to treat themselves without spending.
Melbourne is one of the best cities in the world for students and the good news is that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy it. With countless free attractions, free museums, free gardens, free events and student-friendly activities, there is always something new to explore.
If you are living at Journal Student Living, you are in an ideal location to make the most of it. Many of these free experiences, including Carlton Gardens, Melbourne Museum and Queen Victoria Market, are only minutes away.
Grab a friend, step outside and enjoy the best free things to do in Melbourne, right on your doorstep.
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