Melbourne has been ranked as the most liveable city in the world for many consecutive years —and is not hard to see why. With many beautiful attractions located within the city and an abundance of exciting events all year round, it is not hard to see why this city has been so well-loved by everyone.

Some of the best things in life do not cost a thing and that includes admission to Melbourne’s best iconic destinations. From the stunning World Heritage listed Carlton Gardens to the majestic Flinders Street Railway Station, almost every corner in Melbourne is effortlessly Instagram-worthy. The best part is that they are accessible to the public for free!

Here is our guide to 10 Iconic Attractions in Melbourne that you can visit for free.

#1 BRIGHTON BEACH

Brighton Beach is extremely famous for their long row of 82 colourful bath houses. The licensed bathing boxes are interestingly of the same height and they actually look the same since a century ago; each Victorian-style cubicle is built with durable corrugated iron roofs, timber frames and weatherboard. Till date, they remain disconnected from electricity and water amenities. While the bathing houses no longer serve the pubic, they are an important cultural asset to Melburnians.

4 Esplanade, Brighton
Bayside VIC 3186

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#2 CARLTON GARDENS

Carlton Gardens is a beautiful world-heritage listed garden with a landscape that changes with the season; the park is covered with golden ash leaves in autumn and the scenery transforms drastically in winter as the European trees are stripped bare. We found ourselves hopelessly falling in love with its romantic ambience over and over again despite having visited it countless of times. Carlton Gardens is a popular wedding photoshoot destination with its breathtaking backdrop of the Royal Exhibition Building and gorgeous water fountain.

1-111 Carlton Street
Carlton VIC 3053

#3 FEDERATION SQUARE

Federation Square is not just the focal point of Melbourne’s arts but is also the 6th best public plaza in the world. Affectionately known as ‘Fed Sq’ by locals, it occupies 3.2 hectares of land and is renowned for their numerous art exhibitions. Crowds are often formed outside the photogenic architectural building to catch live events or sporting games on their outdoor giant screen.

Corner Swanston Street & Flinders Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

#4 FLINDERS STREET RAILWAY STATION

Located on the corner of Flinders Street and the ever bustling Swanston Street is a popular tourist attraction and also a train terminal that services both students and working executives daily. With more than 12 operating platforms, the railway station is essentially a major part of the locals’ lives. Established since 1854, it is the oldest station in Australia and a symbolic icon of the Victoria state.

Corner Swanston Street & Flinders Street
VIC 3001

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#5 HOSIER LANE

Located within a stone’s throw away from the famous Flinders Street Railway Station is Hosier Lane – the most famous laneway in Melbourne. The laneway’s popularity is derived from its contemporary art-strewn walls. The murals are an expression of creative individuals that have been approved by Citylights Projects. However, illegal graffitis are evidently inevitable and the resulting is a cobblestoned pack street surrounded with the most unexpected street art. Bring your camera along and snap away! Like all the places listed in this guide, entrance to this unique passageway is completely free.

Corner of Hosier Lane & Rutledge Lane
Melbourne VIC 3000

#6 ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS

Royal Botanical Gardens is home to a wide selection of over 10,000 plant species of which an abundance of wildlife reside in. Take a relaxing stroll around the lush vegetation and watch in awe as the blooming gardens reveal a kaleidoscope of colours. Despite its proximity to the city center, the Royal Botanical Garden is a tranquil sanctuary with its serene lakes and sweeping lawns.

#7 SHRINE OF REMEMBRANCE

The magnificent infrastructure was erected as a memorial for all Australians who have served in the World War I. Every year at the 11th hour of 11 November (Remembrance Day), Australians will hold their silence for a minute to commemorate for the noble heroes and heroines. The grandeur of the shrine is truly remarkable – view of the building from the city remains completely unobstructed to honour those who have sacrificed.

Birdwood Ave
Melbourne VIC 3001

#8 STATE LIBRARY OF VICTORIA

The State Library of Victoria is an European-style 19th century building and is a landmark that one should not miss. Absorb the magnificence of the state library’s heritage interiors at its very best when you climb to the top of the domed ceiling of La Trobe Reading Room. The library boasts over two million books and there are free exhibitions that you can explore. You can also join one of the daily guided tours for a more thorough explanation of the library’s history.

328 Swanston Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon to Thu: 10am – 9pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 6pm

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#9 ST KILDA

St Kilda Beach is only 6 kilometres away from Melbourne city and provides you an instant beachside getaway. For an amazing panoramic view of the sea and the city, do walk through the St Kilda Pier. The landscape is a relaxing view of a myriad of yachts juxtaposed against Melbourne’s tall skyscrapers. Photographers will be thrilled to picture this. There are free exhibitions and events from time to time too that you can check out.

#10 VICTORIA MARKET

They said you have not been to Melbourne until you have visited Victoria Market. Otherwise known as ‘Vic Market’, the market spreads over two blocks of land and you can sample their fresh produces or window shop through the merchandise area. Walking through the market itself is like navigating through a wonderland – there is so much to see and so much to absorb! They do have a night market every winter Wednesday night, which is a great way to see the market from another perspective.

For more recommendations, read our Melbourne food & travel guides on the best places to visit in the city.

Ranked as the world’s most livable city for the past three consecutive years, Melbourne is indeed the place to be and be seen. Passionate buskers are a common sight along the main streets and taking a stroll had never been better. Known as the capital of arts, Melbourne truly live up to its name with an exciting line up of events every month. we have highlighted 5 must-see festivals in Melbourne.

1. White Night

From 7am to 7pm on 22 February 2014, Melbourne’s famous landmarks and popular laneways would be transformed into a whimsical playground. The nocturnal creatures are in for a treat as the city is offering a huge array of events, ranging from captivating art installations to indie film screenings. Last year’s White Night was a roaring success where over 300,000 enthusiasts participated from dusk to dawn. The entire list of activities is available on its official site and planning your big night ahead is recommended.

2. Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival

From 17 to 14 March, Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival would be held at the Central Pier of Docklands and Hollywood celebrity Eva Longoria would be gracing its front row seats. Budding fashionistas soon have a chance to watch Australia’s top designers showcase their work on the runways, attend beauty workshops and/or attend seminars related to the fashion industry. Tickets to this dazzling event can be purchased online.

3. Melbourne International Coffee Expo

This one is for the caffeine addicts. During mid May, thousands of hopeful baristas will battle it out in the following nerve-wrecking competitions – World Latte Art Championship, World Cup Tasters Championship and World Coffee in Good Spirit Championship.

Australia has the best coffee, hands down, but brace yourself, as there are over 150 exhibitors to visit! The coffee expo is open for traders on 15 & 16 May, and to the public on 17 & 18 May 2014.

4. The Royal Melbourne Show

For 12 days straight, the Melbourne Showground (from 20 September to 1 October 2014) is revamped into a wonderland to host the amazing Royal Melbourne Show. The Show is jam packed with an extensive range of activities such as wine tasting, carnival rides, award-winning food and animal shows.

Watch in amazement as cows, dogs, horses, goats and sheep compete for the Blue Ribbon. The animal nursery also allows visitors to interact freely with the lambs. Entry tickets start from AUD $17.

5. Melbourne Cup Day

Melbourne Cup Day (4 November 2014) is a horse racing event so large-scale that it is declared a public holiday in the state of Victoria. Melbournians love to celebrate and it is no surprise that the fashion and food communities are largely involved in this special occasion. Millinery is almost mandatory for the ladies and fine food is widely available at the racecourses. Have a go at horse betting and who knows, it might be your lucky day!

About the writer
Hui Jun Ng was previously a marketing executive and freelance photographer in the food industry. Her work has been published on Epicure, Lifestyle Asia and Meld Magazine etc. She is currently on a break and traveling around the world. Follow her travel adventures on Instagram or The Keepers Map where she shares useful curated travel itineraries.