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

Read: Guide to 10 Best Road Trip Destinations from Melbourne that you will regret not visiting. These attractions offer a diverse range of interesting activities and its highlights can usually be covered within a day.

#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.

So you are headed to Melbourne but haven’t got a clue on where to shop at? Fret not. We have shortlisted 10 Places To Shop In Melbourne that will cover everyone’s differing budgets and styles.

Yes, our comprehensive guide includes thrift shopping destinations, indie markets where you can find one-off pieces and malls where you can find your familiar brands.

From the The Rose Street Market, Sunday Camberwell Market to Chadstone Shopping Centre, here are 10 Top Places To Shop In Melbourne. Do take note of each destination’s opening hours as some markets only operate on certain days. We sincerely hope you find this list useful, and do share with us your favourite shopping places in Melbourne too!

#1 BRUNSWICK STREET

Located in the inner part of North Melbourne, Brunswick Street is a bohemian district renowned for its hipster-looking cafes, live band performances and alternative fashion retail stores. Many Melburnians are drawn to the neighbourhood’s amazing selection of affordably priced preloved garments, unique handmade accessories and local edgy street wear.

Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
VIC 3065

#2 CAMBERWELL MARKET

As the saying goes, one man’s trash is indeed another man’s treasure. Camberwell Market is a local Sunday market that sells second hand goods and handicrafts. From old newspaper collections to retro records, expect to find a fascinating variety of eccentric collectibles. Hardcore vintage fans should definitely not miss this!

Entry: Gold coin donation.

Camberwell Marketplace Car Park
Station Street, Camberwell
VIC 3103
Sunday: 7am – 12.30pm
Nearest Train Station: Camberwell

#3 CHADSTONE SHOPPING CENTRE

Hailed as Australia’s Fashion Capital, Chadstone Shopping Centre is the largest mall in the entire Southern Hemisphere. Located just a 25-minute car ride away from the city, tourists can hop on a free shuttle bus that departs from Federation Square to visit the retail complex. Home to 500 international and local stores, shopaholics will find themselves spoilt rotten for choice.

1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone
VIC 3148
Tel: +61 3 9563 3355
Sun to Wed: 9am – 5.30pm
Thu and Fri: 9am – 9pm
Sat: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Train Station: Oakleigh

#4 CHAPEL STREET PRECINCT

Chapel Street Precinct boasts an interesting myriad of reputable global brands, local designer boutiques and even quaint vintage stores. It is the ultimate destination to be at and to be seen for aspiring fashionistas. The bustling strip is so popular that it has been coined as the ‘longest catwalk in the Southern Hemisphere’. Ready to shop till you drop?

Chapel Street, South Yarra
VIC 3141
Mon to Thu: 10am – 6pm
Fri: 10am – 8.3pm
Sat: 10am – 6pm
Sun: 11am – 5.30pm
Some stores may vary
Nearest Train Station: South Yarra

#5 COLLINS STREET

Needless to say, Melbourne city’s Collin Street is reserved for those who can afford high-end designer fashion. Even if your budget does not permit a damaging retail therapy, we reckon there is no harm window shopping around this premium precinct. Luxurious international brands such as Cartier, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. can all be found here.

Collin Street, Melbourne
VIC 3000

#6 DFO SOUTH WHARF

With more than 180 retail outlets offering up to 70% discount off their usual prices, DFO South Wharf is where one can score a good bargain for a high quality item. Conveniently located a stone’s throw away from the iconic Crown Casino, shoppers can expect favourite local Australian brands such as Forever New, Lovisa and Tony Bianco right at DFO South Wharf.

20 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf
VIC 3006
Tel: +61 3 9099 1111
Mon to Thu, Sat and Sun: 10am – 6pm
Fri: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Tram Station: Port Jct/Whiteman St

#7 EMPORIUM MELBOURNE

Emporium Melbourne might be the newest addition to the city, but it is already making waves in the fashion industry. The huge shopping mall is also connected to David Jones, Melbourne Central and Myer Melbourne via bridges. Emporium Melbourne is truly a shopper’s wonderland with its directory of Australian designers, high street fashion and other brands.

#8 ESPLANADE MARKET

Held every Sunday morning, the Esplanade Market is a must-visit for everyone who loves arts and crafts. The local outdoor beachside market takes immense pride in supporting art pieces, jewellery and other beautiful crafts made by Australians artisans. Explore over 150 stalls and who knows, you might just pick up an one-of-its-kind artwork for a meaningful souvenir.

Upper Esplanade, St Kilda
VIC 3182
Tel: +61 3 9209 6634
Summer Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Winter Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Nearest Tram Station: Robe St/The Esplanade

#9 QUEEN VICTORIA MARKET

No trip to Melbourne is complete until you have visited the famous Queen Victoria Market. Established since some 120 years ago, the heritage attraction is interestingly serving the local communities till date. Come forth and sample a plethora of fresh gourmet or simply shop around the various retail isles (located behind) for some unexpected exciting discoveries.

Corner of Victoria St and Elizabeth St
Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

#10 THE ROSE STREET MARKET

The Rose Street Market remains relatively unknown to foreigners due to its secluded location. However, this hidden gem is an absolute delight featuring all things handmade and is a frequent weekend haunt amongst those in the know! From stunning homewares, one-off hand-sewn dresses to tasty treats, you will find Melbourne’s best designs at this lovely market.

Sat and Sun: 11am to 5pm

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

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.