Five free things to see and do in Melbourne
July 2nd, 2010 by Tim Uden
City Circle tram
Trams are to Melbourne what red double-decker buses are to London and yellow taxis are to New York City. Most routes require a ticket, but the City Circle route (route 35) is free. It is a circular route with mostly vintage W class trams that run around the city centre, every 12 minutes or so during the day, connecting major points of interest including the Docklands and the main train stations. It’s a great deal and the only real drawback is that because it is geared to tourists you have to listen to a corny commentary.
State Library of Victoria
The free Wi-Fi connection attracts at lot of travellers to the State Library but few venture beyond the first couple of rooms. The library is worthy of deeper exploration and there are surprisingly good art exhibits in many hallways; but the highlight is the domed La Trobe Reading Room, which is best known for its massive dome that was the world’s largest when it was opened in 1913.
Federation Square
For years Melbourne never really had a central square. Sure the lawn in front of the State Library is inviting, but that’s not really a square, and Melbourne’s town planners have re-designed the City Square numerous times and each time failing to create a space that people want to hang out in. Melbourne finally got a space to enjoy when Federation Square opened in 2002. The main plaza has a big screen where major sporting events are shown so if you can’t get tickets to a big event, come to Fed Square and watch it for free on the big screen.
NGV Ian Potter Centre
While you’re at Federation Square pay a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria’s Ian Potter Centre (not to be confused with NGV International across the Yarra River at 180 St Kilda Road, which displays the NGV’s international collection). This free art museum focuses on Australian art and includes some excellent exhibits among its collection of over 20,000 works of art. Sure when I last visited there was a gallery full of paintings of anuses, but once you get beyond the contemporary art section you’ll see some Australian classics such as Frederick McCubbin’s The Pioneer and Tom Roberts’ Shearing the Rams.
The view from the 35th floor
Sure you can pay $17.50 to go to the observation deck on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower for a great view or you can save your money and take the lift to the 35th floor of the Sofitel Hotel at Collins Place (25 Collins Street, Melbourne) and use the public toilets, which offer the city’s best free view. Sure you’re only halfway up a building that’s dwarfed by the Eureka Tower and the view faces away from the city; oh, and you’re in a toilet; but it’s free and it is probably the best view you’ll get with your fly unzipped.
View Comments to “Five free things to see and do in Melbourne”
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August 16th, 2010 at 12.31 pm
Nice information. Many thanks.
August 17th, 2010 at 12.45 am
Very nice place, I will be there next year for vacation.
August 23rd, 2010 at 9.46 am
Excellent tip about the Sofitel Hotel. Someone told me about that years ago and I still haven’t been. I will check it out next time I’m around Collins St and in need of the toilet.
August 26th, 2010 at 2.48 am
Sofitel Hotel is an excellent hotel. Stayed there, great service!
November 4th, 2010 at 6.03 am
Wowwwww i like it. Sofitel Hotel is very beautiful. Thanks so much for the post, It is such interesting information. Thanks sharing post with us…n
January 7th, 2011 at 9.31 am
Good info!
January 7th, 2011 at 10.24 am
Great job!
January 9th, 2011 at 11.14 pm
This really looks amazing!
January 25th, 2011 at 12.15 pm
Nice Blog
April 4th, 2011 at 5.28 am
There is also a free tourist bus which will take you to various places including the free Botanical Gardens in air-conditioned comfort (the bus that is).
June 14th, 2011 at 8.11 am
Great job!
June 16th, 2011 at 3.45 am
Taking in the view & getting your bearings when you first arrive in Melbourne is a must and to do it for free is u00a0a great bonus. Great Blog and Info, I must add the Sofitel Hotel is a true 5 star hotel. I recommend the health & fitness centre too.u00a0
June 16th, 2011 at 3.53 am
Thatu00a0commentaryu00a0on the free city tram does get to you after a while. Can’t complain because its free, but I do recommend taking the ipod. Nice blog!
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July 19th, 2011 at 8.04 am
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August 13th, 2011 at 11.21 am
This is quite awesome Circle tram that have been seen in this site.u00a0 Thanks for the post.
September 14th, 2011 at 7.58 am
Wow, the same view for free with the help of a public toilet, nice hint!!
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