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Free Stuff to Do in Melbourne for Uni Students
11 March 2024
Written by Y Suites
melbourne free things

Are you a university student in Melbourne looking to make the most of your time without breaking the bank?

Fear not! As the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne is brimming with free activities and experiences just waiting to be explored.

So, grab your mates and embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Melbourne without spending a dime. Here’s a curated list of free things you and your squad can do as university students!

 

Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens

Image Source: Royal Botanic Gardens

Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 7.30 am to 7.30 pm 

Best Times to Visit: Spring months of September to November 

 

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and unwind in the serene oasis of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Stepping into the garden is like entering the tropical wonderland. From the tranquil Ornamental Lake to the exotic Tropical Glasshouse, every turn reveals a new treasure waiting to be discovered.

To fully appreciate the beauty and tranquillity, spend at least a couple of hours exploring the gardens, particularly the highlights such as Guilfoyle’s Volcano, the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden and the Arid Garden.

If you want to have a relaxing hangout with your friends, it’s a perfect spot for picnics! Don’t forget to snap a selfie against the backdrop of the stunning Melbourne skyline from the iconic Tan Track.

Best of all, the Royal Botanic Gardens is located within walking distance from Melbourne’s city centre and can be accessed via public transportation such as trams or buses.

 

Explore within the free tram zone

Image Source: Nour

Operating Hours: Sunday to Wednesday – 10 am to 6 pm // Thursday to Saturday – 10 am to 9 pm 

One of the best ways to explore central Melbourne without breaking the bank is by taking advantage of the Free Tram Zone – a designated area where tram travel is completely free for everyone.

The tram, also known as the City Circle Tram (route number 35), offers residents and visitors alike the opportunity to travel conveniently between popular destinations without the hassle of purchasing a ticket.

You can start your journey at Melbourne’s iconic transportation hub, Flinders Street Station and work your way towards iconic landmarks such as:

  • Federation Square – Melbourne’s cultural epicentre, home to galleries, museums, restaurants, and outdoor events.
  • Southbank Promenade – Along the south of Yarra River from Federation Square, there’s a vibrant mix of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
  • Queen Victoria Market – Melbourne’s largest and most iconic open-air market, Queen Vic Market sells fresh produce, gourmet delicacies, artisanal crafts, and vintage treasures.

Want to learn more about Melbourne’s cultural heritage? Sign up for free tours of Parliament House, Melbourne Town Hall, and the State Library of Victoria!

For a more comfortable journey, try avoiding peak hours (e.g., 7:30 am to 9:30 am and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm on weekdays).

 

Catch free events & pop-ups @ Federation Square

Image Source: Google Map

 

With its iconic architecture, bustling atmosphere, and diverse array of attractions, Federation Square offers a kaleidoscope of free events and pop-ups that will surely grab your attention.

Throughout the year, Federation Square comes alive with a myriad of community festivals and celebrations you will not want to miss. From live music gigs to theatrical performances and dance showcases, you can almost always catch a free performance from talented locals.

The Square is also a frequent host to temporary art installations and exhibitions, including sculptures, interactive installations, and captivating visual displays.

What’s more, you can browse through pop-up markets featuring handmade crafts, vintage treasures, and gourmet delights and pick up unique souvenirs to bring home!

Want to see more free exhibitions? Be sure to pop by Hosier Lane! Directly opposite the Fed Square, this cobbled laneway is home to some of Melbourne’s best street art.

Stay updated about upcoming free festivals and pop-ups to plan your visit accordingly by subscribing to their official website.

 

Watch plane departures @ Melbourne Airport

From the thrill of takeoffs to the roar of jet engines, there’s just something inherently mesmerising about watching planes take to the skies.

There are several locations that are perfect for catching the best views without paying a hefty sum:

  • Terminal Viewing Decks – Head to the upper levels of Melbourne Airport’s terminals to access viewing decks equipped with expansive windows offering panoramic views of the airfield.
  • Airport Carparks – Park your car in one of the airport’s designated carparks and position yourself on the upper levels for unobstructed views of departing aircraft. However, you may need to pay a small fee for the parking entrance.

We highly recommend coming during the morning rush (between 6:00 am and 9:00 am) or evening rush (between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm) due to the numerous flight departures.

 

Tour the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art

Image Source: ACCA

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, with extended hours until 9:00 pm on Thursdays. Closed on Mondays and public holidays.

 

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant arts precinct, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) provides more than just art – it’s a platform for bold experimentation and critical discourse.

ACCA houses a variety of gallery spaces where thought-provoking exhibitions showcase the work of leading contemporary artists from Australia and around the world.

From immersive installations to multimedia experiences, each exhibition offers a unique perspective on the pressing issues of our time.

Beyond that, you can gain insight into the creative process with knowledgeable guides offering a deeper understanding of the themes, concepts, and techniques explored by the artists!

If you prefer a livelier atmosphere and the opportunity to participate in public programs or events, consider visiting during weekends or Thursday evenings when ACCA often hosts special events.

To get here, several tram routes (1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 64, and 72) run along St Kilda Road, with stops near ACCA. Alternatively, you can consider a scenic walk from the Southbank precinct.

 

Unlock Your Potential With Y Suites @ A’Beckett

 

Nestled in the vibrant North-Central city area, Y Suites on A’Beckett is our student accommodation facility located at 183 A’Beckett Street in Melbourne, Victoria.

The building is within walking distance to prestigious universities and convenient amenities like major public transport hubs, our off-campus student accommodations will definitely cut down the time you spend on travelling.

What’s more? Our all-inclusive rent covers:

✅Premium, fully furnished student rooms and shared apartments, inclusive of Wi-Fi and utilities

✅Full access to various common areas for socialising, studying, exercising, playing, and resting

✅The opportunity to connect with other like-minded students from different prestigious universities through our community events

✅Excellent security measures that ensure your personal safety

✅ Hassle-free customer service managed by our attentive and well-trained staff

So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience how student life should be!

 

BOOK YOUR ROOM TODAY!



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