24 Cheap Things to do in Melbourne in 2024

Ready to dive into some wallet-friendly fun in Melbourne? You're in luck! We've rounded up a fun-filled list of affordable adventures that'll keep you entertained without burning a hole in your pocket. Whether you're itching for historical exploration, craving outdoor excitement, or simply in the mood for relaxing in nature, Melbourne has got you covered.

Melbourne's array of budget-friendly activities promises to fill your days with a whole lot of fun, all while keeping your finances in check!

24 Cheap Things to Do in Melbourne in 2024

1. Happy Hour at Fortress

Coming soon to Melbourne's Fortress, you can swing by between 4-7 pm on Thursdays and Fridays to snag $10 Basics and kick off your evening right. Whether you're into gaming, love chilling at the bar, or simply want to mingle with friends, this vibrant venue has something for everyone, making it a winner of a cheap thing to do in Melbourne. 

Price: $10

Location: 23 Caledonian Lane, Melbourne

2. Hit the Ice on Tight Tuesdays

Looking for a cheap thing to do in Melbourne that packs a hefty punch of fun? Head over to O’Brien Icehouse, where the fun never stops! Every Tuesday night, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, enjoy discounted entry to Australia's largest ice arena. Simply pre-book your spot online and get ready to hit the ice for just $17.50 per child, skate hire included! It's the perfect way to chill out and have a blast with friends and family. 

Price: $17.50 per child, $19.90 per adult

Location: Ground/105 Pearl River Rd, Docklands

3. Play a Round of Glow Golf for $12

Looking for a unique Melbourne adventure? Look no further than glow-in-the-dark mini golf! Get ready for quirky fun with a ute-themed course and a haunted toilet at Glow Golf. It's fun, it's funky, and best of all, it's affordable! For just $12, you can putt your way through 18 glow-in-the-dark holes. And after your game, swing by the cosy mini bar for some well-deserved refreshments. 

Price: $12

Location: Level 1/35 Star Cres, District Docklands Shopping Centre, Docklands

4. Indulge for Less With Lune's Monthly Specials

Make sure to swing by the infamous Lune and indulge in their monthly specials! There's always something new and delicious to try. Your taste buds will thank you!

Price: Various

Location: Shop 16/161 Collins St, Melbourne

5. Get a Cultural Fix With Melbourne's Free Exhibitions

There are always so many free ways to engage in art and culture happening in Melbourne. Keep an eye on the National Gallery of Victoria's free exhibition lineup! 

Price: Free

Location: Various throughout Melbourne

6. Pick Some Fresh Fruit

Fruit picking in Melbourne provides an opportunity for children to connect to nature, learn where fruit comes from, enjoy some gorgeous natural surroundings, and indulge in a fresh and tasty hand-picked treat. To cap it all off, it's a pretty cheap thing to do in Melbourne, too! 

Price: Various

Location: Various throughout Melbourne

7. Take a Cheap Class at Laneway Learning

Discover a new passion with Laneway Learning's affordable classes across Melbourne! From mastering the dance moves to exploring crafts and cooking, there's something for everyone. Classes start at just $9, so why not pick up a new skill and have fun doing it?

Price: Prices start from $9

Location: Multiple throughout Melbourne

8. Go Museum Hopping

With a fantastic array of historic treasures, mind-bending science displays, vibrant art, and even some spine-tingling experiences, Melbourne's lineup of Kid-friendly Museums is truly unbeatable. Don't miss out on all the fun – start exploring now!

Price: Various

Location: Multiple throughout Melbourne

9. Explore a Historic Manion at Werribee Park Gardens

Take a trip to Werribee and immerse yourself in the beauty of Werribee Park Gardens and Victoria State Rose Garden, all for free. And if you're up for a bit of history, you can tour the stunning Werribee Park Mansion for just $11.50 per adult and $8.30 per child. It's a perfect blend of nature, culture, and affordability!

Price: $11.90 per adult, $8.50 per child (4-15 years), child (0-4 years) FREE

Location: Main Drive, Werribee South

10. Tuck Into $12 Pizzas on Thursdays and Fridays

Trinket Bar, the iconic spot on Flinders Lane are still serving up scrumptious $12 pizzas for lunch on Thursdays and Friday. Yep, you read that right—$12 pizzas! 

Price: $12

Location: 87 Flinders Lane

11. See a Movie at the Drive-in for $50 a car ($10 Per Person!)

Experience the nostalgia of watching a movie the classic way: at a drive-in theatre like the Coburg Drive-In. For just $50, you can bring your car with up to five friends – that's only $10 per person!

Price: $50 per car ($10 per person)

Location: 155 Newlands Rd, Coburg North

12. Hop Aboard The Explorer at Melbourne Gardens

Embark on an adventure through the Australian Garden and discover its marvels from a child's perspective. Join The Explorer tour at Melbourne Gardens, where you'll encounter the vibrant shapes of magnificent blooms like button flowers, kangaroo paws, and bottle brushes. Take in the delightful fragrances of various eucalypt trees, marvel at the vivid colours of the landscape, and uncover the importance of plants for our planet.

Price: $15 per adult, $10 per child (5-17), children under 5 FREE

Location: Australian Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Cnr Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne

13. Explore the Southern Hemisphere's Tallest Viewing Platform From $20

Experience the vibrant city of Melbourne like never before at Melbourne Skydeck, the Southern Hemisphere's highest viewing attraction! From nearly 300 metres high, you'll witness Melbourne come alive before your eyes.

Price: Online pricing: $30.60 per adult (17+), $20 per child (4-16 years), infant (0-3 years) FREE

Location: Australian Garden, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Cnr Ballarto Road and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne

14. Hit the Playground

From fenced playgrounds to adventure playgrounds, pirate pitstops and even train-themed playgrounds, there's something for every play taste on our list of the best playgrounds in Melbourne! And the best part? They're free! 

Price: FREE

Location: Various throughout Melbourne

15. Explore Melbourne's Many National Parks

There are so many ways to experience Melbourne's natural beauty, from seaside and rainforests to mountains and National Parks. And because Mother Nature doesn't charge an entry fee, they're also cost-effective ways to spend time together as a family. 

Price: FREE

Location: Various throughout Melbourne

16. Check Out Free Events at the State Library

There's always plenty happening at the State Library of Victoria, with an awesome roster of free events that can be enjoyed by the whole family! 

Price: FREE

Location: 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne 

17. Chase Some Waterfalls

Melbourne is full of incredible waterfalls, many of them within just an hour's drive from the city and many of them more than 100 metres high! So enjoy the drive and get ready to ogle at - and maybe even go for a swim under! - these awe-inspiring waterfalls in Melbourne.

Price: FREE

Location: Various throughout Melbourne

18. Play 9 Holes of Mini Golf for $12

Kids under 18 can play 9 holes of mini golf at Holey Moley for just $12. And if the adults are joining in, they can play for just $20. Race you there! 

Price: $18

Location: Shop 2-006, Chadstone Shopping Centre, 1341 Dandenong Road, Chadstone

19. Explore Melbourne's Electrifying Street Art Scene

Explore Melbourne's vibrant street art scene as an awesome cheap thing to do in Melbourne! Discover the best spots to find these colourful masterpieces and uncover the stories behind them. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or a curious traveller, street art is the gateway to a memorable urban adventure in Melbourne.

Price: FREE

Location: Various throughout Melbourne

20. Learn About Aboriginal History on the Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk

Come along and join the Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Walk. Starting at 1 pm every weekday, this stroll guides you through Federation Square and down to the Birrarung Wilam (River Camp) Aboriginal art installations. Led by knowledgeable Cultural Experience Guides, you'll delve into the rich Aboriginal history of Birrarung Marr (Beside the river of mists) and the Aboriginal Peoples of the Kulin Nation. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn and connect with the vibrant culture of the land we call home.

Price: $40 per adult, $20 per concession

Location: The Yarra Building, Federation Square, Flinders St &, Swanston St, Melbourne

21. Explore The Conservatory in Fitzroy Gardens

Step into The Conservatory and immerse yourself in ever-changing displays of vibrant blooms as a fabulous option for a cheap thing to do in Melbourne! Throughout the year, they showcase a dazzling array of floral wonders that rotate seasonally. From the lush hydrangeas and fuchsias in summer to the tropical splendour of poinsettias in winter, there's always something new to see. Experience the beauty of nature indoors and let these stunning floral arrangements brighten your day. 

Price: FREE

Location: The Conservatory, 298 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne

22. Grab a Grilled Cheese Toastie for $11

Grab a yummy Grilled Cheese Toastie from CBD icon Butchers Diner for a mere 11 bucks and thank us later! 

Price: $11 for a Grilled Cheese Toastie

Location: 10 Bourke St, Melbourne

23. Visit Collingwood Children's Farm

Experience the joy of interacting with adorable farm animals at the Collingwood Children's Farm. Dive into a world of fun activities, from feeding the chooks to milking the cows. Or, if you prefer, wander around at your own pace, enjoying moments of cuddles with the goats or guinea pigs. This one is a true crowd-pleaser for animal lovers of all ages!

Price: $17 per adult, $8 per child (2 - 7 years), children under 2 FREE

Location: 18 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford

24. Check Out The Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda 

Be sure to visit the exciting new Chelsea Australian Garden, where over 15,000 plants await your discovery, including the rare and endangered Wollemi Pine! After immersing yourself in nature's wonders, take a stroll through the charming village of Olinda, where idyllic tea shops and boutiques await. As far as cheap things to do in Melbourne go—this one's hard to beat! 

Price: FREE

Location: 24 The Georgian Road, Olinda

More Adventures in Melbourne

40 Epic Activities for Kids in Melbourne
The Best Spots for Mini Golf
The Coolest Water Parks in Melbourne

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