By Emily Cooper, ISA Australia Program Manager
Have Monday classes got you feeling some sort of way on Sunday? Well, get out of the house and explore Melbourne with free (or extremely cheap) activities that are a great way to see the city while saving a little dough.
1. Queen Victoria Market
From farm fresh veggies to international cuisine, you can spend hours wandering the Queen Victoria farmers market. The Queen Vic market has different themes each week which can be seen in the food trucks as well as bands playing throughout. Additionally, the Queen Vic Market has both summer and winter markets on Wednesday nights that are a can’t miss! Rows and rows of food booths offer a pleasing meal for whatever mood you’re in.
2. Botanic Gardens
City life feeling a bit overwhelming? Take a quick escape to the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens located just south of Flinders Station. A stroll through the rose pavilion or a picnic with your goodies from the Queen Vic Market are a sure fire way to find some tranquility within a city.
3. St. Kilda Beach
Just a 15 minute tram ride from the CBD, St. Kilda is the most accessible beach for students. Enjoy a stroll through the main promenade with many options for cheap eats. Fish and chips is a must when you’re sitting this close to the ocean. For adventure seekers, Luna Park is right on the beach and will provide you the adrenaline rush you are looking for. You’ll want to make sure you stick around for sunset as penguins can be seen on the St. Kilda pier year round!
4. Building tours
After living in the city, you may have figured out what each building is, but taking a free tour of them can provide information that may shock you about the place you call home. The National Gallery of Victoria offers rotating art exhibits while the Shrine of Remembrance gives visitors a taste of the past and some of the historical background of Melbourne.
5. Local Markets
Melbourne is known for being an artsy city than can compete with the best of them. Most suburbs offer a weekend market where local artists can showcase their creations. After exploring the markets, such as the Rose Street market in Fitzroy, take stroll around the neighborhood. Seeing what each distinct neighborhood has to offer, what makes it unique, and comparing it to the other cities that you have visited will give you the feeling of Melbourne that only locals typically know.
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