3. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens
Established in 1846 these gardens on Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, provide a window into Melbourne’s more genteel past. They enclose the Shrine of Remembrance and now contain some 12,000 plant species. Open from 7.30am to dusk every day. Admission: Free. See www.rbg.vic.gov.au.
4. Eat at Lentil as Anything
Technically it's not free, but this not-for-profit vegetarian restaurant has a very novel payment policy where guests "contribute what they feel their meal and experience is worth, according to their own financial ability". The original restaurant is at Abbotsford Convent, a charming collection of historic buildings and gardens which has been transformed into a cultural and learning centre, and well worth a visit anyway. Other branches can be found in Footscray and St Kilda. See lentilasanything.com
5. Browse the Queen Victoria Market
Operating since 1878, these markets are one of Melbourne’s marvels and a source of constant delight. Half the fun is chatting to the stallholders and soaking up the atmosphere. 513 Elizabeth Street, City. Closed Mon, Wed and public holidays. Admission: Free. See www.qvm.com.au
6. Sit in Fed Square
Visitors to Federation Square, in the city centre, are welcome to hang out and watch the big screens, which play music, films and sports, for free. There's also a number of free events, such as live music and dance performances, and complimentary Wi-Fi is provided. See www.fedsquare.com
7. Visit the Grainger Museum
Percy Aldridge Grainger is best known as the composer of Country Gardens, but this museum reveals many other sides to an eccentric Australian genius. Located at the University of Melbourne, Gate 13, Royal Parade, Parkville. Open Tue-Fri, and Sun, 1pm-4.30pm. Admission: Free. 00 61 3 8344 5270; www.grainger.unimelb.edu.au
8. Head to the beach
Public transport isn't free (barring the City Circle Tram, which run laps of the city centre, passing several key attractions, including Flinders Street Station and the Docklands), but for a few dollars' bus or ferry fare, you can catch a ride out to St Kilda, for its wide sandy beach, city views, and great sunsets, or Brighton, home to dozens of colourful bathing boxes.
9. Relax in Fitzroy Gardens
These pretty landscaped gardens, on the southeastern edge of the city centre, are perfect for an afternoon picnic and very popular for weddings. It contains an ornamental lake, a rotunda, and a band pavilion, and is home to possums, lorikeets and - at night - flying foxes. Cooks' Cottage, the home of Captain James Cook's parents, is also found here. In 1933 it was deconstructed brick by brick, packed into 253 cases and 40 barrels, shipped over from North Yorkshire to Victoria, before being rebuilt in the gardens.
10. Study at the State Library
The reading rooms at the State Library of Victoria are free. As well as read books, you can watch films and listen to music. Monday to Thursday: 10am–9pm; Friday to Sunday: 10am–6pm. See www.slv.vic.gov.au
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