Explore Melbourne: Solo Travel and free things to do with Family

Travelling is one of life’s great joys. With so many interesting things to do in Melbourne, you can do it your way! 

Travelling solo is one of life’s great joys. With so many interesting things to do in Melbourne, you can do it your way! (We haven't forgotten the people not travelling alone!)

Solo Travels 

 

Coffee Contenders 

Hallelujah, Melbourne is a mecca for incredible coffee. Want it with almond milk, double shot, cold-pressed, served in a cup/top hat/high-heeled shoe? OK, maybe not, but oh boy, this Euro-influenced town has it nailed when it comes to caffeine. Find some of the best cafes on Degraves Street, in the CBD. The laneway might remind you of Paris, except for the brilliant blue sky peeking in above. Order up and settle in to watch the world wander by.

 

Journey Through the Deep 

There’s something hugely mesmerising about fish. The way they drift, scales flashing in the light. The bright colours of tropical species and the impressive size of sharks and rays. SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is a place you can lose yourself in for hours, protected from the elements (which is a major benefit in changeable Melbourne!) Feast on the beauty of our majestic seahorses!. Zone out in the new Ocean Invaders exhibit, surrounded by bright blooms of pulsing jellyfish, rising and falling in their tanks like a living lava lamp. It’s a superb solo sensory experience!

 

We have some facts on Seahorses you may want to check out here! 

 

Escape the City 

Melbourne’s delights extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the CBD, so jump on a tram and get out there! St Kilda is a bundle of fun, with its Ferris wheel and beachfront promenade. The retail area hides a delicious secret… many bakeries, boasting intricately decorated cakes in their windows. As a solo traveller, you won’t need to share with anyone! Another excellent day out is Brighton, with its collection of rainbow-coloured beach huts. Take the train there and dip your toes in. For outdoor enthusiasts, Albert Park offers scenic walks and trails around Albert Park Lake, where you can enjoy views of the central business district and spot local wildlife like black swans. The 5km walking trail around Albert Park Lake is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a fitness run.

 

Nom Noms 

You won’t starve as a solo traveller in Melbourne. Each city has its unique take on cuisine, and Melbourne’s tastes are informed by international influences. Greek, Indian and a plethora of Asian flavours can be found throughout the city. Head to Lygon Street for an Italian to die for! There’s a strong emphasis on local produce too. Try Kinfolk for meals made sustainably, by volunteers, with all proceeds going to charity. Or, buy fresh supplies at Queen Victoria Market and cook a meal for your fellow solo travellers!

Melbourne on a Budget 

Enjoying Melbourne on a budget? Too easy. All it takes is a little planning. From mouth-watering food to unreal attractions, here are some wallet-friendly adventures that’ll keep the ‘fun’ in funds.

 

Do Some Rounds

Getting around Melbourne on the cheap is a breeze thanks to The City Circle tram. Not only is it free (free!). The tram takes you to major attractions in central Melbourne with plenty of people-watching throughout. You’ll be riding in style – vintage style, in an iconic heritage W-Class tram. There’s a guide too! Well, sort of. Audio commentary details special places as you pass them.

 

Lighten Up 

Look out for comedy shows; left, right and centre across town. Why Melbourne? It’s home to the annual Melbourne International Comedy Festival – one of the biggest of its kind. Expect nests and gatherings of A-list talent. Aussies love a good laugh, so a truly fun Melbourne travel guide has to include comedy.

 

A great place to start is the calendar of events on the City of Melbourne’s visitor website. If you’re lucky, you could nab free tickets to a comedian’s trial show. Oh so cheap, and cheerful.

 

Psst!… From Federation Square, there’s a free shuttle bus to Chadstone Shopping Centre. Here, you can spark nostalgia with several hours of play at Melbourne’s LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. Better yet, visit both attractions with the Melbourne Big Ticket to receive almost 40% off. We told you Melbourne on a budget is fun.

 

Get Artsy 

Melbourne’s laneways, such as Hosier and AC/DC Lane, are filled with intriguing murals and graffiti. You should definitely check them out, but did you know Melbourne also has awesome public sculptures? Along the cruisy banks of the Yarra River, you’ll find artworks that tell the story of Australia’s indigenous inhabitants (The Travellers), depict the dance of nature (Blowhole) and honour cultural diversity (Constellation). What’s ‘the damage?’ None. It’s all free.

 

Cheap-eats Galore 

For brekky, care for avo toast with a special Japanese twist? Head to Carlton's Ima Project Cafe. What about smells-sooooo-good sourdough dipped in shakshuka? Wild Life Bakery in Brunswick East is the bomb.

 

When lunch strikes downtown, don’t miss banging burgers from Butcher’s Diner or finger-licking Israeli street food at Miznon. Come dinnertime, hello vegan pizza heaven at Fitzroy’s Red Sparrow or slurp-up a comforting Thai noodle bowl at Soi 38.

 

Hundreds of flavours, all corners of Melbourne. It is, after all, Australia’s foodie capital.

 

With this Melbourne travel guide, your money forecast in Melbourne is looking good.

Something for the Family

Not travelling alone? Already living in Melbourne? Don't worry we didn't forget about you! We have some tips for the families as well, we cover all aspects of melbourne and it's all free!

 

Central CBD 

This is the thick of it here; think Bourke, Russell, Flinders and Spencer Streets – the centre of all the action. Here you’ll find all the tourist hot spots, and plenty of places to shop, eat and explore. Head to Queen Victoria Market and start your day in foodie-utopia; let the kids loose at the famous American Doughnut Kitchen for some serious parent-points! Take a tram down Swanston Street to check out Flinders Street Station and Federation Square. 

 

Southbank 

Show the whole family a fab view of the city from this neck of the woods, and give them some perspective of the skyline. Wander over Princes Bridge and explore the gorgeous Yarra River as it snakes through the city. Or get out on the water for a cruise to Williamstown. For some family-friendly culture, the National Gallery of Victoria has free exhibitions and is a must-see for budding architects. For a relaxing, run-free space, the Royal Botanical Gardens is perfect for a picnic, the gardens also offer diverse plant collections and guided walks, making it a great spot to explore nature.

 

St Kilda 

Once you get the obligatory Luna Park ‘big mouth’ family photo out of the way, there’s no better place for the whole family than hanging out at St Kilda beach. BYO kite and your kids will love you. And the best part is – if you stay until sunset, you’ll get a spectacular light show, and you may be lucky enough to see the famous little blue penguins waddle their way up the sand.

 

Inner North

The young professionals going about their lives is what gives this neighbourhood its eclectic, creative vibe. When in Rome… or the Inner North, it’s all about brunch; there’s plenty of family-friendly places to fill your plate. Carlton Gardens has a lovely low-key atmosphere, but the real heart of this area is the uber-cool Gertrude Street, where your family can fit themselves out in some gorgeous threads. Get off the main drags to explore the heart of Northcote, Fitzroy and Brunswick.

 

Inner South

If the family is in the mood for shopping, the Chapel Street precinct is the place to wander. When you end up in Prahran, get off your feet and grab some dumplings. Learn about the Aboriginal culture at the Emerald Hill Heritage Centre, and stop for a story or two at South Melbourne’s local library.

 

Inner West

Wander around Williamstown for boutique shopping, and gorgeous-looking neighbourhoods. Take a heritage walk to spot the Toorak-style houses and historic buildings. Check out the bustling Footscray Market then seek out an authentic Vietnamese family-feast and perhaps a craft beer for tired parents.