Once you have booked your Melbourne Accommodation you can start planning your trip to Melbourne. Here is our list of the Top 10 things to see in Melbourne that are free to see
1. Melbourne City Circle Tram: A great way to introduce yourself to the City of Melbourne. The distinctively coloured burgundy tram operates daily on a circuit of Melbourne, passing a number of attractions and with an onboard commentary. The tram is a free hop on hop off experience. The Melbourne City Circle Tram operates daily from 10am to 6pm and to 9pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday during daylight savings
2. Shrine of Remembrance: Located on St Kilda Road Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance is possibly Melbourne’s most stirring of buildings. Originally dedicated to the fallen soldiers from World War I, the shrine now is a symbol of recognition for all those who have fallen. The Eternal Flame is found in the forecourt. Admission is free.
3. Yarra River: Melbourne’s Yarra River runs along one side of Federation Square and Flinders Street Station and its opposite bank is Southbank. It is a great place to have a BBQ (facilities provided) watch the rowers or during the annual Moomba festival site back and enjoy the Moomba Masters Waterskiing
4. Captain Cooks Cottage: This cottage was transported brick by brick, or probably more accurately stone but stone from Great Ayton in Yorkshire England and reconstructed in the Fitzroy Gardens in 1934. It is believed Captain James Cook lived in the cottage between his voyages. Open daily from 9am, Entry is free.
5. Melbourne Town Hall: Located on the corner of Swanston and Collins Streets the Melbourne Town Hall conducts several free weekday tours. Bookings are essential and recommended to be made at least one day prior.
6. Flinders Street Station: Possibly Melbourne’s most recognised landmark, Flinders Street Station is the central focal point of Melbourne’s transport network. It is a popular meeting place, on the steps under the clocks and is open from 5am – 3am daily.
7. Federation Square: Located opposite from Flinders Street Station, Federation Square is a blend of unique and striking architecturally designed buildings which sits between the Melbourne CBD and the Parks and Gardens just across the Yarra River. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in ‘Fed’ Square as the locals like t call it and it is also home to the Ian Potter Centre.
8. The Ian Potter Centre – NGV Australia: This is home to the world’s finest gallery dedicated to Australian art. Its rotating exhibition represents all of Australia’s greats and often features some of Australia’s most significant and recognised works. Located in Federation Square Entry is free.
9. Australian Centre for the Moving Image: Dedicated to Australian and International Films and screen based art the ACMI is located in Federation Square. Some exhibits do incur a fee but entry to the Screen Gallery is free and is open from 10am daily.
10. National Gallery of Victoria: is a short walk from Flinders Street Station and is home to an extensive collection of international artworks. The Gallery is closed on Tuesdays but opens other days from 10am. Entry is free but special exhibits do attract a fee.
Jamie Horne is a Australian tourism professional who is a native Melburnian and now manages websites including Melbourne Accommodation and Sydney Accommodation