Have yet to experience Melbourne? With Singapore Airlines offering more flights in 2017, maybe this is the year.
If that’s not enough reason to start searching for flights on Cheapflights.com.sg right now, here are 40 more. Just waiting for you to mark them off with an overzealous tick of accomplishment.
And if your bank account is looking emptier than usual, you might like to start from the top where we’ve listed our favourite picks that’ll cost you zilch. Consider it our gift to you.
You’re welcome.
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Best free things to do in Melbourne
(When all you’re retrieving from your pocket is old tissues)
1. Edinburgh Gardens
Alfred Crescent, Fitzroy North VIC 3068
Spend a day dozing under the grand European elm trees and the surrounding hipsters in their local habitat will become but a distant blur.
#edinburghgardens #trees #seasons #pink #earlymorningriser #natureisbeautiful #iheartmelbourne
A photo posted by Pauline Lucas (@pos_38) on
2. Federation Square
Corner Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Some say ugly. Some say architectural masterpiece. You be the one to decide.
Federation Square Melbourne A photo posted by Phil Simpson (@philsimpson89) on
3. Emporium Melbourne
287 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
A modern interpretation of a historical icon, the Emporium will impress. Entry is free. Losing restraint may come at a cost.
A photo posted by Emporium Melbourne (@emporiummelbourne) on
4. Southbank
Melbourne
Home to the Crown Casino, Ice Bar and Neil Perry’s Rockpool Bar & Grill. Did we mention Crown Casino?
Sunset in Melbourne #Melbourne #Yarrariver #sunset #SouthbankMelbourne A photo posted by kalet amengual (@kaletamengual) on
5. Hosier Lane
CBD
With graffiti more art-like; less juvenile delinquent-like.
A photo posted by Dr Nic – Sydney Pet Vet (@sydneypetvet) on
6. Shrine Of Remembrance
Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3001
Pay your respects to the soldiers who did Australia proud.
Shrine Of Remembrance. #Melbourne #eternalflame #shrineofremembrance #bluesky A photo posted by @samuel1984 on
7. Dandenong Ranges National Park
Sassafras VIC 3787
You can attempt the gruelling thousand-step Kokoda Walk; or alternately admire the lush surroundings while remaining horizontal.
Day Fifty Seven – #Hiking through #Dandenong #Victoria #Australia #backpacking
A photo posted by Janny (@jqnnyl) on
8. Royal Botanic Gardens
Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra VIC 3141
Chosen venue for the Moonlight Cinemas, more than 10,000 plant species from around the world and romantics wanting to propose.
So Nice. Amazing. Beautiful @onenightinsydney #Australia #royalbotanicgardensmelbourne #botanicgarden #Melbourne #gardens #beautiful #amazing #travel #호주 #여행 #로얄보타닉가든 #멜버른 #사진 #그림 같은 #풍경 A photo posted by KAREN (@karen_jo) on
9. State Library of Victoria
328 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
If you love the smell of old books as much as the smell of Subway cookies, then this place is for you.
Grandma: are those mannequins sitting at the desks? #statelibraryvic
A photo posted by Alicia P (@mrfrankiejunior) on
10. St Paul’s Cathedral
Corner Flinders Lane and Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Like something out of a Harry Potter novel, this imposing structure is guaranteed to take your breath away.
Day 2 in Melbourne office #stpauls #design #architecture #melbourne A photo posted by @missem.88 on
11. Feast Of Merit
117 Swan Street, Richmond VIC 3121
When your conscience is left feeling as clean as the wholesome food on your plate, you know you’re in for a winner. Tuck into the Cherry Tree organic slow cooked lamb joint with harissa for an evening feast.
A photo posted by Feast Of Merit (@feastofmerit) on
12. Eureka Skydeck
Eureka Skydeck 88, Riverside Quay, Southbank, Melbourne VIC 3006
Nerves of steel or mind of mash? Either way, you gotta be bold or bonkers to experience the Southern Hemisphere’s highest viewing platform.
13. Xeom
194 Smith St, Collingwood VIC 3066
Stepping into this welcome addition to the Collingwood food scene is like stepping right into modern Vietnam. The tasty street food is only rivalled by the charming rustic interior. Try the rice paper rolls.
THIS IS HOW LUNCH SHOULD LOOK LIKE MOST DAYS! #vietnamese #cheapeats #phosure #collingwood #smithstreet #phoreal #xeommelb #motorbiketaxi #noodles #vietstreeffood #banhxeo #followus #xeomstreetfood #lunchtime A photo posted by Xeom (@xeomstreetfood) on
14. Comic’s Lounge
26 Errol Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Hit the Comic’s Lounge for a cheap-as-chips night of belly laughs. Tuesday 13th January sees the country’s top comedians try out new material to an enthusiastic audience.
A photo posted by The Comics Lounge (@thecomicslounge) on
15. Queen Victoria Market
Cnr. Victoria St and Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
A feast for the eyes as much as the belly, the Vic Market (as it’s affectionately known) is a bustling shopping and produce mecca. Head there on Wednesday nights in summer for a foodie extravaganza (5 p.m. – 10 p.m.). Entry is free, but you’re sure to splash a twenty on some tucker.
Melbourne. #vicmarket #pretty #melbourne #playtime #sunshine #market #fun #city #colour #winter #playingtourist #melbwinter #seevictoria A photo posted by Hanah (@hanahheart) on
16. Heide Museum of Modern Art
7 Templestowe Rd, Victoria 3105
Get all cultured and whatnot at one of Melbourne’s most important cultural institutions.
A photo posted by Heide Museum of Modern Art (@heidemoma) on
17. Ride The Great Scenic Railway at Luna Park
18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
Whether it’s the hair-raising dips and bends (or the unnerving fact that it’s the world’s oldest continually operating roller coaster) this thing is sure to get your heart pumping.
Things are heating up down at Melbourne’s Luna Park. We’re all ready for Melbourne United’s Family Fun Day, make your way down to meet the players and watch Ricki Lee perform! A photo posted by Luna Park Melbourne (@lunaparkmelb) on
18. South Melbourne Market Dim Sims
Stall 91, Cecil St, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Made famous by the late chef Ken Cheng more than 60 years ago, these steamed, fist-sized cases of pork-veg deliciousness are still sold in abundance at the South Melbourne institution. And when you’re finished…
18 months I waited to have one of these bad boys. And it was glorious.
A photo posted by Adrian Fernand (@adrianfernand) on
19. Eat dumplings in Chinatown
342 Little Bourke St, Melbourne
…Because dimmies and dumplings go hand in hand, right? Head to Shanghai Dumpling House for some of the best.
I love Chinatown #melbourne A photo posted by Nicole Levy-Atkinson (@nicolesatkinson) on
20. Catch a gig at the Espy
11 The Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
There’s nothing like the lingering smell of beer fused with head banging beats. The iconic St Kilda venue is the perfect place to catch a grassroots performance while the sun sets over Port Phillip Bay in the background. Head to HOT PIECE Mini Fest featuring a rad line up of local acts.
A photo posted by The Espy (@theespygram) on
21. IMAX
Rathdowne St, Carlton VIC 3053
Nothing beats the cinema. Except IMAX. Which is basically the cinema on ‘roids.
Ever wondered how a theatre like IMAX would go about upgrading their screen, projection system and sound system? http://t.co/qfllOvlPNe — IMAX Melbourne (@IMAXMelbourne) May 14, 2013
22. Melbourne Star
Ozmosis Harbour Town, 101 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008
The giant wheel that either mars the city skyline or enhances it (depending on which side of the fence you sit on) has had its fair share of problems in the past. Now it’s back, better than ever and there’s no doubting the attraction provides some stellar views of Melbourne.
A photo posted by Tiffany Garvie (@tjgarvie) on
23. National Sports Museum
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Brunton Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3000
View exhibitions that showcase the history of Australian football, cricket, the MCG, Olympics and stacks more. Definitely one for the sport fanatics who can recite stats from decades ago.
Our new focus case – “35 years of State of Origin: Rugby League’s greatest rivalry”. INFO: http://t.co/RzeXaNzIiU pic.twitter.com/SrXIoYT9Hd — Nat’nal Sport Museum (@NSMNews) December 10, 2014
24. Sealife Aquarium
King St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Walk among more than 10,000 species, including one of the world’s largest saltwater crocs. There are plenty of other friendlier, less-toothy creatures to admire, too.
Dust of your dancing shoes, there is going to be a WHOLE lot of fun at Melbourne Aquarium these school holidays! http://t.co/mQa4Gk9L
— Melbourne Aquarium (@melbaquarium) March 23, 2012
25. ACMI
Federation Square Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Melbourne’s hub of art, film and digital culture. Check out the David Bowie exhibition, running from July–November 2015.
The all-night party that is @whitenightmelb returns 21 Feb 2015! Check out the program – http://t.co/jDNa5zJTfy pic.twitter.com/D8ekeXdpeJ — ACMI (@ACMI) December 10, 2014
26. Medibank Icehouse
105 Pearl River Road, Docklands VIC 3008
Glide elegantly like an ice princess… or hug the wall like the scaredy cat you really are. Either way, laughs are almost guaranteed. Extra points for re-enacting a scene from “Frozen”.
Wonderballz! Back by popular demand > http://t.co/9DvjARjBSk #wonderballz #crazy #schoolholidays pic.twitter.com/MRYwrZGwKx
— Medibank Icehouse (@Ice_house) April 3, 2014
27. Catch a cricket game at the MCG
MCG, Brunton Ave, Richmond VIC 3002
If you’re lucky enough to be in Melbourne over summer, it’s a rite of a passage to attend a rollicking cricket match at the ‘G. BYO crazy outfit and Aussie spirit.
TIMELAPSE VIDEO: Watch the entire @MCG turf surface be ripped up and replaced. http://t.co/hlI5YKh39l — Melbourne Cricket Gd (@MCG) December 8, 2014
28. Old Melbourne Gaol
377 Russell St,Melbourne VIC 3000
Spend ‘A Night In The Watch House’ on this one-hour night tour of one of the eeriest sites in Melbourne. Explore the original cellblock inhabited by the likes of Squizzy Taylor, Chopper Reid and various other unsavoury characters.
cellular levels #oldmelbournegaol #lookingin #melbourne
A photo posted by Jasmine Moseley (@jazintown) on
29. Rooftop Cinema
7/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Catch a flick at arguably the best rooftop in Melbourne, while sipping ciders and relishing the starry night.
30. Return ferry trip to Queenscliff
The Esplanade, Sorrento
Fancy a trip outside of the big smoke? Jump on this hulking vessel and travel the short journey across the bay to the quaint little town of Queenscliff, where you can enjoy the day. The journey itself is worth it, with dolphins often escorting you along the way.
Port Phillip Bay 10.33am #queenscliffferry A photo posted by Barbara Luppino (@barbluppino) on
31. Peninsula Hot Springs
Springs Lane, Fingal VIC 3939, Australial
Experience heaven just 90 minutes from Melbourne at the idyllic Hot Springs. With two magnificent bathing facilities and a top-notch restaurant, you’ll never want to leave.
The sun is beaming through the clouds this morning. #peninsulahotsprings A photo posted by Peninsula Hot Springs (@peninsulahotsprings) on
32. Catch a show at the Palais Theatre
Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
The landmark St Kilda venue has been rocking since 1927 and has seen the likes of ACDC, Joe Cocker and the Rolling Stones.
HUGH LAURIE- Sat 19 April, 2014 Welcome! #palaistheatre #st Kilda #marquee #hughlaurie A photo posted by PalaisTheatre (@palaistheatre) on
33. High Tea at The Hotel Windsor
111 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Poise those pinkies! Serving traditional afternoon tea since 1883, the historic Hotel Windsor’s famous High Tea will have you feeling like royalty. Expect French sparkling wine, an indulgent dessert buffet and chocolate fountain.
Have you tried our new Afternoon Tea pastries ? #hotelwindsor A photo posted by Hotel Windsor (@hotel_windsor) on
34. Red Hill Epicurean
165 Red Hill-Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South VIC 3937
Venture down to the Mornington Peninsula to this gourmet icon where you can eat yourself silly while enjoying the spectacular panoramas. For something different, partake in a pasta making master class so you can impress your pals at your next dinner party.
Lunch in The Shed from 12noon today. These yummy wood fired pizza and lots of other tasty treats will be available. Join us for a wine or two by the open fires. #morningtonpeninsula #morningtonpeninsulacafe #redhill #redhillwine #redhillvictoria #redhillrestaurant #pizza #coffee #theshed #redhillepicurean #epicureanredhill #epicurean #winetasting #morningtonpeninsularestaurant #thebakery #wine #familylunch #redhillwedding A photo posted by RedHillEpicurean (@redhillepicurean) on
35. Tramcar Restaurant
Tramstop 125, Corner Normanby Road & Clarendon Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205
Forget the dreary tram commute into work each day; this unique experience will alter the way you look at public transport forever. Enjoy a three-course dinner while you cruise the streets of Melbourne aboard the first travelling tramcar restaurant in the world.
All aboard! #Visitmelbourne #Seeaustralia #tramcar A photo posted by Tramcar Restaurant (@tramrestaurant) on
36. Enjoy an event at the Arts Centre
100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004
Sitting below the magnificent spire, this Melbourne icon showcases some of the world’s best artistic performances and exhibitions.
#lunareclipse #artscentremelbourne A photo posted by Rod Meyer (@rod_meyer) on
37. Catch a show at the Regent Theatre
191 Collins St,Melbourne VIC 3000
Standing more lavish and grand than ever, the historic Regent Theatre hosts acclaimed stage shows such as “The Lion King,” “We Will Rock You” and “Wicked.” Catch the 80s cult classic Dirty Dancing from March 4.
Post by Regent Theatre.
38. Dine at Chin Chin
125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000
Modelled on the hawker dining halls of Southeast Asia, this little gem serves up tasty shared meals and mouthwatering bites. And if you can’t decide from the abundant menu? Just say “Feed me” and the team will serve up a selection of Chin Chin’s favourite dishes.
A photo posted by @chinchinrestaurant on
39. A horse and carriage ride in the CBD
Swanston St, Melbourne
For a taste of old-world charm, embark on a magical tour of the city via your trusty steed (and driver). A half hour ride allows you to glimpse some of Melbourne’s most iconic sites (in the coolest way possible).
A very fancy evening out with my my ten year old niece, Lily. Travelling in style to go see Les Mis after a day shopping. #veryfancy #family #lesmis #lesmiserables #theatrefans #melbournecarriages #melbourne A photo posted by Lilly Kitten (@lilly_kitten) on
40. Spirit of Melbourne’s Sunday Buffet Lunch River Cruise
Southbank, Melbourne
Enjoy a carvery lunch with a difference on Melbourne River Cruises ‘Spirit of Melbourne’. Cruise the Yarra River whilst enjoying an array of tasty dishes, fresh salads and delectable desserts.
Post by Melbourne River Cruises.
What would you do in Melbourne first? Share with us in the comments and start planning your Australian adventure on Cheapflights.com.sg.
Featured image by Kevin Poh