Ah, Melbourne - a glorious hotspot of vibrant culture and scenic views. Touring around the city seems like an excellent idea, but with plenty of things to do, budget might be a little too tight. Don’t fret, though, because there are lots of cheap things to do in Melbourne that won’t put a hole in your wallet.
There are lots of cheap activities in Melbourne that are under AUD$40 and we’ve rounded it all up so you can have an exciting time in the city! From cultural adventures to thrilling activities, we got your back.
1. Melbourne Skydeck - starts at AUD $39
See the beauty of Melbourne 88 floors up!
On a budget during your Melbourne trip? What if we tell you that you can get a million-dollar view without spending more than $40? Head to Melbourne Skydeck, where you can see the best view of Melbourne!
Rise up 285 meters above the ground, or 88 floors, in an instant aboard the Southern Hemisphere’s fastest elevator! You’ll see the breathtaking sights of the city from the highest vantage point in all of Melbourne.
2. Williamstown Ferry Sightseeing Cruise - starts at AUD $35
Travel to Williamstown on a ferry!
This sightseeing cruise is one of the cheap things to do in Melbourne if you want to visit Williamstown.
Hop aboard a comfortable ferry and go on a one-hour cruise going to the charming city. You can admire several Melbourne attractions along the way, such as Southgate Arts & Leisure Precinct, Flinders Street Station, and Crown Casino. When you arrive at Williamstown, a picturesque suburb awaits you as you explore the colonial settlement and scenic gardens.
3. Yarra River Sightseeing Cruise - starts at AUD $30.40
Hop aboard the Yarra River Cruise!
Hop aboard a 1 to 2-hour scenic cruise along the Yarra River by Melbourne River Cruises, and see Melbourne from a whole different perspective!
You can choose from 3 routes - each with different stops and highlights. The Ports & Docklands Cruise takes you to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, the Bolte Bridge & Westgate Bridge, Docklands and Docklands Stadium, among others. For a visit to Royal Botanic Gardens and Federation Square, choose the River Gardens Cruise.
If you want to visit them all, pick the 2-hour Melbourne Highlights Tour!
4. Queen Victoria Market - FREE
Queen Victoria Market is a Mecca for shoppers - with its collection of specialty stalls filled with excellent street food and handmade trinkets. Don’t worry about your budget! This Melbourne icon holds tons of fresh, local produce and local handicrafts that are cheaper than anywhere else.
Entry to Queen Victoria Market is absolutely free and offers you one of the best shopping experiences in Melbourne!
5. Royal Botanic Gardens - FREE
Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne | Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Learn more about local flora and fauna at the Royal Botanic Gardens! Venture into 38 hectares of scenic landscape and cast your eyes upon several rare and common plant species, such as camellias, cacti, and other plants from different parts of Australia.
They also have a Seek & Find Nature Cards activity where kids can have fun exploring as they search for different plants around the garden.
6. Melbourne Museum - starts at AUD $18
The Melbourne Museum is perfect for families and friend groups!
The Melbourne Museum is one of those places that feels worth the ticket the moment you walk in. While it does have an entrance fee, it’s still great value for money, especially if you want to know more about natural history, Indigenous culture, science, and stories about Melbourne and Australia.
Inside, you’ll find crowd favorites like the Forest Gallery, massive dinosaur skeletons, and hands-on exhibits that appeal to both adults and kids. That makes it a solid option for cheap things to do in Melbourne with family, particularly on rainy days or when you want a break from outdoor sightseeing.
7. MCG Stadium tour - starts at AUD $37
Tour inside the Melbourne Cricket Ground
Sports fans, this one’s for you! You can go inside the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground on a guided stadium tour. For AUD $37, you get access to areas normally off-limits to the public, including the players’ change rooms, the Long Room, and the iconic turf itself.
During the tour, you’ll hear stories about cricket, AFL, concerts, and historic moments that shaped Australian sport. It’s a great way to experience Melbourne’s sporting culture without needing to attend a live game. Because it’s guided and mostly indoors, it also works well as a daytime activity or an easy add-on to your itinerary.
Note: Prices are accurate at the time of writing and may be subject to change.
FAQs about cheap things to do in Melbourne
What to do in Melbourne for cheap?
The good thing about Melbourne is that you’ll never run out of things to do in the city, especially when you’re on a budget. Many attractions and tours come in under AUD$30-40, including museums, markets, and guided experiences. You can mix free sights with a few paid highlights, like a museum visit or stadium tour, and still stay on budget.
Is Melbourne cheap to visit?
Melbourne can be very affordable if you plan smart. While accommodation and dining can add up, the city has lots of free attractions and budget-friendly activities. Public transport is efficient, many major sights cost little to nothing, and food options range from street eats to inexpensive cafés.
Which museums in Melbourne are free?
Several museums and galleries in Melbourne offer free entry to their permanent collections (like the National Gallery of Victoria). This includes major cultural institutions where you can explore art, history, and design without paying an admission fee. Some museums, like Melbourne Museum, charge an entrance fee, but tickets are reasonably priced for the experience.
How can I experience Melbourne on a budget?
Start by building your days around free attractions like parks, markets, beaches, and public spaces. Add one or two paid experiences under AUD $40—such as a museum visit or guided tour—to keep things exciting without overspending. Use public transport, eat where locals eat, and take your time exploring neighborhoods on foot.
Melbourne proves that a great trip doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. Plan your itinerary around these affordable places to visit in Melbourne, and you’ll surely have a great time, both you and your wallet!
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