Melbourne for free

Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria and has some of the best restaurants and coffee in Australia. The city is a regular winner of the Worlds best city to live in; an assessment we certainly agree with! 

There are loads of things to do in Melbourne for free depending on what interests you.

Botanical Gardens

If you love the outdoors take a walk in the Botanical Gardens which are located to the south of Melbourne along St KIlda Road. To get to the Gardens from the city you need to cross the Yarra River via Princes Bridge.  The Bridge itself is built on the oldest river crossing in Australia with the present Bridge being built in 1888 and now listed on the Victoria Heritage Register. I love these historic lamps which are a feature of the bridge and surrounding areas.

Princes Bridge

The Botanical Gardens cover a staggering 36 hectares and have more than 50,000 plants across a range of garden settings. There are wetlands, a children's garden and the fascinating Gulifoyle's volcano which was built in 1876 to store the water needed to maintain the Gardens.

Also worth a visit are the Tropical Hothouse, the Herbarium Discovery Walk and the Melbourne Observatory and Cafe.  

 What's on in the Gardens 

Shrine of Remembrance

Located further along St Kilda Road and within the Botanical Gardens is the Shrine of Remembrance which was built for the grieving community after extensive losses in the First World War.  It now serves as a memorial to the men and women who have served our nation in both war and peacekeeping operations.   

The Shrine and the Eternal Flame

The Shrine is on a bend in the road and acts like a beacon drawing you towards it as you wander down St Kilda Road. Besides admiring the beautiful architecture of the Shrine there are a range of exhibitions including the Gallery of Medals, Books of Remembrance and audio visual displays.  

An interesting fact about the Shrine is that light shines into the Sanctuary each year on Remembrance Day (11 November) directly onto the Stone of Remembrance illuminating the word "love" at exactly 11 a.m.  Its an amazing feat as the location of the aperture was decided after extensive astronomical and mathematical calculations taking into consideration the location of the sun over the next 5,000 years.

City of Melbourne from the Shrine

The Shrine is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. What's on at the Shrine. 

National Gallery of Victoria

If its culture that interests you visit the National Gallery of Victoria. 

The Gallery's collection is split across 2 sites the International Gallery which is located a short walk from Southbank on St Kilda  Road and opposite the Botanical Gardens and the Ian Potter Centre located at Federation Square.

National Gallery of Victoria

The International Gallery houses an extensive collection from Europe, Asia, America and Oceania including works by old masters and new acquisitions.

Some of my favourites are Eugene von Guerard and John Brack but I love to just explore and enjoy the wide range on display. The NGV also has regular feature exhibitions but you normally have to pay to attend these.

There is also Children's Gallery  where kid's can explore and learn about art.

What's on at the Gallery

The International Gallery is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Tuesdays when its closed.

Ian Potter Centre

The Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square house the NGV's Australian art collection with both indigenous and non indigenous art covering the colonial period until the present day. There are over 20 galleries across multiple floors. 

The Centre also has special exhibitions and educations programs and encourages people from all walks of life to enjoy art.

The Ian Potter Centre is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Mondays when its closed.



Federation Square

From free concerts, to major sporting events on large screens to other quirky activities Federation Square is a hub of activity at all times of the night and day.  Federation Square is located on the corner of Swanston and Flinders Streets 

Federation Square

You'll also find a Visitor Information Centre where you can obtain a wide range of tourist information.

What's on at Federation Square

Melbourne Town Hall

Take a free tour of the Melbourne Town Hall and experience the grandure of the building, Council Chambers and view the carved grand organ.  

Tours run week days at 11 a.m. noon 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Book via email.

State Library of Victoria 

The Library is the State's largest public reference library with a collection that includes ephemera, artworks, audio and video files, digitised copies of works, music scores, books and more.

You can visit the Library to watch films, listen to music, browse newspapers or magazines, play chess or computer games. 

The Library's architecture, stautes and murals also make it worthwhile visiting. My favourite is the dome ceiling in the reading room which is very impressive.

The Library is open Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

What's on at the State Library



Melbourne's laneways

Hosier Lane

Melbourne's laneways are not only famous for cafes but also for the street art which is constantly changing. Visit Hosier Lane, Union Lane and Cocker Alley if you're interested.

 

Birrarung Marr

Birrarung Marr is another parkland close to the city and located on the north bank of the Yarra River past Federation Square. The park's playground is always open.

Fitzroy Gardens

Captain Cook's Cottage

The Fitzroy Gardens are located north along Flinders Street on the outskirts of the city.The Gardens include the Conservatory with a beautiful indoor floral display, the Fairies' Tree, a model Tudor Village and a range of fountains and statues.

If you like history Captain Cook's Cottage might be of interest, whilst not free entry is only $5 for adults and $2.50 for children.

The Cottage was originally located in the village of Great Ayton Yorkshire but was purchased in 1933 by Russell Grimwade and dismantled and shipped to Melbourne opening in October 1934.

Captain Cook's Cottage is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Southbank

Southbank located on the southside of the Yarra River is a great place to enjoy free entertainment from street buskers and artists on the weekend and most evenings. It also provides a great location for photos with its views across the Yarra to the city.

Block Arcade

The Block Arcade retains the beauty of a 19th century shopping arcade.  You can just wander the Arcade and enjoy the architecture or there are a range of boutiques and cafes decorated in heritage style. The Hopetoun Tea Rooms are a favourite and there are often long queues of people waiting to experience its a fare.

The Arcade is located at 280 - 292  Collins Street and runs through to Elizabeth Street.  Open from 8 a.m. most days (9 a.m. on Sunday). The Arcade closes at 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday, Friday at 9 p.m. and 5 p.m. on weekends. 

Getting around

For a free ride around Melbourne the City Circle Tram ,  is an easily recognisable maroon coloured tram that runs in both directions on the outskirts of the city.  Frequency is approximately every 12 minutes between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from Sunday to Wednesday and between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday (except Christmas Day and Good Friday).

Canberra - Australia's capital

Most capital cities are large but that's not the case with Australia's capital Canberra. This difference is historical as when the States of Australia agreed to form a Federation in 1901 neither NSW or Victoria (who were the largest cities at the time) would agree on the other city being chosen. So Canberra was selected due to its proximity to both Melbourne and Sydney.

Canberra was originally the home of the Ngunnawal people who occupied the land for 21,000 years as evidenced by rock paintings at Namadgi National Park and Birrigai Rock Shelter at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

A competition to design the capital was won by American Architect Walter Burley Griffin.     Influenced by both the City Beautiful and Garden City movements of the time; Burley Griffin designed a city with a large man made lake at the centre, green areas, wide boulevards and formal parks with water features.

Lake Burley Griffin

The original Parliament House was opened in 1927 and served Parliament until 1988 when a new and modern Parliament House replaced it. Today old Parliament House is a tourist attraction featuring a museum  dedicated to telling the story of Australian democracy.

Old Parliament House

On the land opposite old Parliament House is the site of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy which was established in 1972 as a protest to the Government's refusal to recognise Aboriginal Land rights.  

Site of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy

New Parliament House, built on the top of a hill, dominates the skyline and can be seen from many surrounding locations. 

Visit Parliament House when Parliament is in session and you can see our Politicians at work. Parliament House also has an amazing collection of art and  is a venue for many functions.

New Parliament House

Heritage listed Government House is the home of the Queen's representative in Australia the Governor General. Surrounded by 54 hectares of grounds the House is used for many official occasions including receptions, dinners for visiting Royalty and functions for community and special needs groups.

Government House

As the location of the Commonwealth Government Canberra tends to be a city that many people commute which makes many people think Canberra is a boring place to visit. I don't agree there is so much to see. 

National Gallery of Australia

On the cultural side visit the National Gallery of Australia with more than 100,000 works of art including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, Australian art and international art.

View of the road between the National Gallery of Australia and the National Portrait Gallery

National Portrait Gallery of Australia

At the National Portrait Gallery you can view portraits of more than 400 people who have shaped Australia's history, diversity and culture.

The Australian War Memorial commemorates the sacrifice of the men and women who served Australia in war. There is an enormous amount of history to explore and the Hall of Memory with the tomb of the unknown soldier evokes a sadness and respect for what the memorial represents.

High Court of Australia

Questacon is Australia's National Science and Technology Centre and a fantastic place to visit if you are holidaying with children. There are regular exhibits, displays and lots of hands on activities that provide a fun learning experience. 

There are many other interesting buildings in Canberra including a range of Embassies many designed to visually represent their home nation.

The Eagle

Memorials are also a regular sight like the Australian-American Memorial symbolises the strong relationship between these 2 countries. Its located on the forecourt of the Defence Offices.

From a nature and the outdoors perspective I like the Australian National Botanical Gardens which include a range of beautiful plants. Various garden designs represent a Rainforest Gully, Rock Garden, Eucalypt Lawn and Mallee Shrub lands. 

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve provides a great spot for a picnic or BBQ lunch.  You may also see a range of wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, possums and the endangered Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby.  Tidbinbilla also is the location of the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex which was a real surprise as it features  a number of "big dish" antennas that receive data from and transmit commands to a wide variety of spacecraft.

Burbury Hotel 

I stay at the Burbury Hotel located in the Realm precinct. The Realm Hotel located across the road is also a great option. 

Eat in Kingston or Manuka.

Great shopping at the Fyshwick Markets or DFO also located in Fyshwick. 

For more information see Canberra Tourism

Journey across the Kimberleys WA

One of Australia's amazing journeys is to travel across the Kimberleys on the Gibb River Road. The trek naturally starts from Kununurra,  which is in East Kimberley just inside Western Australia's border with the Northern Territory. Its a lovely outback town with a range of facilities making it a natural base to travel to the Ord River Region, Bungle Bungles (Purnululu National Park) or stock up before heading onto the journey across the Kimberleys to Broome.

Aboriginal rock art located west of Kununurru 

courtesy Tourism Western Australia

The first humans to inhabit the East Kimberley area were the Mirriwung Gajjerong people with signs of their habitation dating back 40-60,000 years ago.  Early European settlers took more than 3.5 years and suffered severe hardship to establish cattle stations in the area. They were lured by the belief that the area was fertile,no doubt due to the massive Ord River which is 320 kilometres long and has a catchment area of 46,100 square kilometres. 

Aboriginal rock art located west of Kununurru 

courtesy Tourism Western Australia

Damming the Ord created one of the main attractions of the area,  Lake Argyle, which is the largest man made lake in Australia. The Lake provides a range of activities including fishing, boating and the chance to see a range of birds and animals.  Another option is to take a scenic flight over the Lake often part of a scenic flight to the Bungle Bungles.

Ord River courtesy Tourism Western Australia

We then headed down the Great Northern Highway and then off-road  to Purnululu National Park where we camped for a number of days.  The Bungle Bungles were truly amazing from the ground and also from the air. We took a 20 minute helicopter flight from the NP and seeing them from the air provided a totally different insight into the beauty of these amazing sandstone structures.  Cathedral Gorge, took my breath away, the colours of Echinda Chasm and Piccaninny walk were also hightlights of our short stay. 

Bungle Bungles Purnululu National Park
 courtesy Tourism Western Australia

We returned to Kununurra for a night to stock up before heading west across the Kimberleys. Route choice will depend on the type of vehicle and whether you're towing a trailer or caravan with full off road capability. We were well equipped and towing a 4WD camper trailer so headed to the Gibb River Road as it enables you to experience a much larger range of gorges. Before heading out you should check the latest road conditions as they change regularly and the road is closed at times during the year.

We spent a number of nights at El Questro Wilderness Park which was a lovely spot to explore the many natural jewels the Park has to offer. We camped in the campgrounds so didn't experience the Homestead but I understand it is an amazing experience, but very expensive.

El Questro Homestead 

courtesy Tourism Western Australia

My favourite walk was the El Questro Trail a walk that  takes about 3 hours along a narrow creek, through fern clad escapements, at points wading through water and easy rock climbs to end at a stunning waterfall where we swam and relaxed before heading back to camp for the night. 

View from the Cockburn Range located on El Questro

Courtesy Tourism Western Australia

Another great activity is visiting Zebedee Springs which are natural thermal springs located after a short walk through dense tropical vegetation. Relaxing in the pools surrounded by sheer cliffs and palms was an refreshing experience.  Its a good idea to time your visit between the tour groups so you have a chance for quiet relaxation.

Zebedee Springs

Courtesy Tourism Western Australia

Taking a boat cruise of Chamberlain Gorge was another highlight of our visit. Surrounded by dramatic towering escarpments the Gorge can only be accessed by boat. Besides the natural beauty of the Gorge we saw a diverse range of wildlife including rock wallabies. Another great day making it difficult to leave El Questro Wilderness Park but the rest of the Kimberleys beckoned. 

Termite mounds courtesy Tourism Western Australia

We headed to Drysdale River Station on the Mitchell Plateau bound for Mitchell Falls. The Station was a big surprise, not only did it have a camp ground and showers but the pub served the most amazing burger. The Kimberley Burger made with Kimberley beef was served with the lot including beetroot, pineapple, lettuce, tomato and so much more that it needed a skewer to hold it in place.  

We headed from Drydale River Station to King Edward River to camp overnight before heading the next morning to Mitchell Falls. The road to the Falls was very slow going but the trip was worthwhile as the falls were stunning. We walked to the falls and then took a short helicopter flight back to the base which meant we enjoyed the falls from both perspectives.

The Mitchell River area is important for the Wunambal people who have lived there for thousands of years. The area is also rich in rock art sites many which have remained untouched for thousands of years.    We continued north on the Mitchell Plateau to Kalumburu the northern most aboriginal settlement in Australia. When we arrived at the general store the local children flocked around us, very friendly and wanting to know what footy team we barracked for!

Courtesy Tourism WA

We camped at a remote beach camp-site run by one of the Kalumburu families. Camping facilities were basic but it was amazing camping so close to the Timor Sea. Crocodiles could be seen swimming in the water just off shore so it certainly wasn't the type of beach where you would jump in for a swim! The traditional owner took us on a boat ride to obtain local oysters which were huge and delicious.

From the Mitchell Plateau we headed back to the Gibb River Road and spent a number of days visiting a range of Gorges including Barnett River Gorge (great waterhole for swimming),  Bells Gorge (our favourite), Tunnel Creek (make sure you have a good torch), Windjana Gorge (where dozens of fresh water crocodiles basked in the sun as we strolled alongside) before heading to Fitzroy Crossing and civilisation.

Windjana Gorge National Park
Courtesy Tourism Western Australia

At Fitzroy Crossing we had a chance to restock and take a boat tour of Geikie Gorge. Our guide was a local aboriginal man who provided great insights into the area. The lands and valleys surrounding Fitzroy Crossing were home to the Bunuba, Gooiyandi, Nyigina and Walamakarri people.  The limestone was originally a reef formed by algae and lime secreting organism which are now extinct. The volume of water that flows through the Fitzroy River during the wet season must be amazing as indicated by the colour variations on the walls of the Gorge.

Geikie Gorge
Courtesy Tourism Western Australia

From Fitzroy Crossing we headed along the highway to Derby which is located on tidal flats on the edge of King Sound.  A long jetty was constructed in 1885 to service the growing needs of nearby the farmers.  Due to the tidal flats the jetty extends a long way from the land. Fishing is popular and we purchased fish and chips from a shop located at the start of the jetty.

Boab Tree

Courtesy Tourism Western Australia

The boab tree is a major attraction to the area. They are huge, interesting and at times have been used to house various things, the most famous being a prison boab used in the 1890's to lockup aboriginal prisoners on their way to Derby for sentencing. 

From Derby we headed to the most western point of our journey Broome known for its  beautiful beaches and stunning sunsets.

Staircase to the Moon Roebuck Bay

Courtesy Tourism Western Australia

We camped at Roebuck Bay which is the only caravan park in Broome located on the beach.  Roebuck Bay is also famous for the staircase to the moon, which is a natural phenomenon that occurs between March and October when the full moon rises over exposed mud flats. We weren't lucky enough to see it but understand its a spectacular sight.

Camel ride at sunset Broome

Courtesy Tourism Western Australia

Cable Beach at sunset is the place to be, whether you're relaxing at the Sunset Bar at Cable Beach Resort, riding a camel or just sitting on the beach the sunsets are stunning. An amazing end to any day.

Gantheaume Point is also an spectacular spot to visit where the red cliffs meet the ocean and more than 120 million years ago dinosaurs roamed. Dinosaur footprints can been seen at very low tide, the reef area is fragile so care needs to be taken. Also at the Point is Anastasia's Pool a round pool built by a former lighthouse keeper who built it for his wife who was crippled by arthritis.

Broome has a rich pearling history you can buy pearls in various shops, or take a historic journey on a pearling lugger. Broome has many other attractions including fishing, diving and a Japanese cemetery.  Its an amazing town to spend a week or so relaxing after such an amazing journey.

East Gippsland

From the extensive Gippsland Lake system, beautiful beaches, National Parks and limestone caves the East Gippsland area can be enjoyed by a wide range of tourists.


Metung


Metung is a small village on the Gippsland Lakes and is a haven for those who love fishing or boating. 

Sometimes called the Riviera of the Lakes there is a range of quality accommodation to choose from.   We loved the look of Edgewater Terraces http://www.edgewaterterraces.com.au/ and McMillans http://mcmillansofmetung.com.au/ as they are both located overlooking the lake and short walk to the yacht club or nearby restaurants.

The natural environment around Metung attracts a range of amazing bird life and fish as well as other native animals.   

Legend Rock

Metung also has cultural significance for the traditional owners the Gunaikurni as Legend Rock is located in the shallow waters beside the town.  Legend Rock is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail which was been developed to introduce peoople to the Gunaikurni history and culture. http://www.batalukculturaltrail.com.au/legend_rock.php

Nyerimilang Heritage Park

Nyerimilang Homestead

Nyerimilang Heritage Park was purchased by the Victorian Government in 1976 to display the history of the Gippsland Lakes area. A range of displays are located inside the homestead and the extensive gardens showcase the natural resources surrounding the house.  

Views of the lake from Nyerimilang Homestead

There are a range of short walks from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, a small shop run by volunteers, a picnic area including a children's playground and BBQ. 

Gardens surrounding the homestead

The gardens are well kept and have stunning views of the Gippsland Lakes which adjoin the property.


For a full history of the area see Nyerimilang - Tranquility on the chain of the Lakes


Lakes Entrance


Lakes Entrance is a larger town situated on Gippsland Lakes and 90 mile beach. Renowned for its beautiful seafood the area is popular for fishing, boating and swimming.

There are 3 beaches; Main Beach and Eastern Beach which are both popular with families as they're patrolled beaches, Lake Tyers Beach extends from Lake Bunga and is a challenging beach popular for surfing and body boarding.


Accommodation choices range from hotels, motels, caravan and camping grounds, to bed and breakfasts, backpackers and cottages. Lakes Entrance Accommodation.


Popular activities include fishing, swimming, surfing, kite flying or you can charter a range of boats, join a fishing tour or just eat at one of the boats now converted to restaurants. 


East Gippsland Rail Trail


The East Gippsland Rail Trail stretches 94 kilometres through a variety of forest and farmland. Along the way you'll see a range of trestle bridges, railway cuttings and embankments and the occasional glimpse of the Gippsland Lakes. The area is also rich in wildlife, birdlife and beautiful banksias.

Stony Creek Trestle Bridge

Buchan Caves

Buchan is located in Snowy River country and famous for its limestone caves. The Buchan Caves are a honeycomb of caves with beautiful limestone formations. Stalactites formed from the roof, and stalagmites build from the ground are both found throughout the caves.

Buchan at sunset

Cave tours of Royal Cave and Fairy Cave are run a number of times a day by Park Rangers. Tour costs are $15 for adults and $8.70 for a children or $41.50 for a family of 4.

Kangaroos enjoying afternoon tea at Buchan Caves Reserve

The Reserve has a picnic ground, caravan and camp ground and a wilderness retreat. All accommodation must be booked via Parks Victoria

Cape Conran Coastal Park

Cape Conran Coastal Park is located near Marlo and has heathlands, wild ocean beaches and banksia woodlands brimming with nectar-feeding birds. When we visited the area had been extensively damaged by recent storms.

East Cape Conran 

East Cape has a range of camping grounds and a lovely picnic area with tables and a BBQ. There are a range of walks including a Koorie board-walk. East Cape was previously a meeting place for the Gunaikurnai who would meet with the Bidawal and Monero people.

Salmon Rocks

At West Cape we found Salmon Rocks and shell middens which are mounds of left over shells where the Gunaikurnai sat and ate seafood for thousands of years. 

Shell Middens

For more information on the Cape Conran Coastal Park 

Bondi to Bronte Beach

Said to be one of Australia's most famous beaches Bondi has gained further fame through the TV show Bondi Rescue which showcases the amazing work of the Bondi lifeguards. 

A view of the beach from the main road

The Lifeguard's station

The beach stretches for around a kilometre and has an average water temperature of 21 degrees celsius in the summer and is popular with surfers and swimmers alike. The beach is patrolled by the Bondi Surf Club which is recognised as the oldest surf lifesaving club in the world. Established in 1907 the club introduced surf lifesaving to Australia and is also said to have pioneered the famous surf reel and line. 

Swimmers are advised to swim between the flags as there are a number of rips operating along the beach which change and move constantly.  The most famous rip is called "Backpackers Express" or the "Bondi Tram" or the "Bronte Express" because if you're caught in the rip you could end up in nearby Bronte.  This is why the Bondi Lifesavers are so busy rescuing an average 2500 people each year. About 85% of those rescued are tourists for more information on beach safety.

The walk from Bondi to Bronte beach is a fantastic way to enjoy the beauty of this area and and explore why so many people call Bondi home or are attracted to visiting the area.  The walk is 1.5 kilometres in length and a pretty easy walk taking around 20 - 30 minutes.

At the southern end of Bondi Beach is the Bondi Icebergers Club which began 50 years ago when a group of enthusiasts met near the Bondi baths to indulge in swimming during the cold winter months. The club grew from those early beginnings and now has a pool, gym and bistro. 

Bondi Icebergers Club at the southern end of Bondi Beach

Next we came across Tamarama Beach a popular little inlet with a park at the back of the beach. There was a small cafe and lots of people enjoying a lovely sunny autum morning.

Tamarama Beach

 Despite its size the beach still has a surf life saving club staffed by volunteers on summer weekends who no doubt are also kept busy due to a tricky rip. So like all Australian beaches its recommended that you swim betweent the flags.

Continuing on the walk we climb back to the cliffs surrounding the beach and head towards Bronte Beach.

Overlooking Tamarama Beach from the walk towards Bronte Beach

Bronte Beach

The first view of Bronte Beach showed a lovely stretch of beach with parklands behind and the cliffs of the headland to the south.  At the base of the cliffs sits an ocean fed pool which is popular with locals if the number of swimmers are any indication.

The south headland also shapes Bronte's waves which break over rocks which mean the surf is more appropriate for experienced surfers.

Pool at Bronte

 

The beach is patrolled by the Bronte Surf Life Saving Club  who are the birthplace of surf lifesaving  in Australia having been formed in 1903. 

Bronte Park is well maintained and popular with tourists and families. There are a number of BBQ huts and a minature railway which was popular with children. On the streets surrounding the beach are lots of cafes and restaurants. 

You can also catch the local bus back to Bondi Junction and head back into the city if you don't want to do the return walk to Bondi Beach.

Downloadable Map of the Bondi to Bronte Coastal walk