Looking for something exciting to do with your kids in Melbourne without breaking the bank?
Melbourne’s free walking tours are a fantastic way to explore the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. The city offers a variety of engaging and informative tours of top iconic attractions that are perfect for families. We’ve carefully selected our top picks.
Let’s dive into some of the best free walking tours Melbourne has to offer!
Free Tours Melbourne
1. Free Tour Melbourne State Library Victoria
Ignite your children’s curiosity with a family-friendly tour of State Library Victoria, where history comes to life in an interactive one-hour experience.
Led by passionate volunteers, the tour highlights significant spaces like the reading rooms and galleries, featuring intriguing displays such as Ned Kelly’s infamous armor. Parents seeking educational outings for their kids will find this tour both informative and engaging.
Limited to 10 participants per session, advance bookings are essential, especially in peak periods such as school holidays.
Free walking tours run daily and last about an hour, making them a perfect short adventure.
Kids will love the Children’s Quarter, where they can explore interactive exhibits, fun reading nooks, craft activities, and more. Remember to check the library’s schedule for special events and exhibitions that might captivate young minds.
State Library Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, 03 8664 7000
2. Free Melbourne Parliament House Tour
Join a free public tour of Parliament House and delve into the history and workings of Victoria’s legislative hub. Let your kids immerse themselves in the world of politics and governance as they explore the iconic building, hear intriguing stories, and explore the artefacts on display.
From the mystery of the stolen mace to the grand portraits adorning the walls, there’s plenty to capture their imagination. With experienced guides to answer questions and provide insights, this tour is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and learning in your children.
The public tours are conducted Monday to Friday when Parliament is not sitting and run for approximately 50-minutes. No booking is required.
If you love historic outdoor adventures, regular tours are also conducted of Parliament Gardens, free of charge.
Hours 8.30 am – 5.30 pm Monday – Friday
Closed on weekends and public holidays
Parliament House, Spring Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002, (03) 9651 8911, info@parliament.vic.gov.au
3. Melbourne Town Hall Free Tours
Treat your family to a captivating walking tour through Melbourne’s past at the historic Melbourne Town Hall. Delve into the Grand Council Chambers and walk in the footsteps of royalty. Stand on the iconic Portico Balcony, just like the Beatles did in 1964, and soak in the city’s musical history.
Melbourne Town Hall Tours run at 11 am and 1 pm every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (except public holidays).
Another option is to uncover the city’s diverse narratives with a guided tour of the Art & Heritage Collection, featuring everything from Moomba royalty photos to ancient maps.
City Collection Tours run at 11 am every Tuesday and 2.30 pm every Thursday, and Friday (except public holidays).
Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000, 03 9658 9658, townhalltour@melbourne.vic.gov.au
4. Royal Botanic Gardens Free Walking Tour
Allow an expert guide to enchant you with tales of botanical wonders and lead you on a memorable exploration of this enchanting Melbourne garden.
An opportunity to connect with nature and each other? Yes, please!
Engage your children in a hands-on learning experience as they discover the incredible diversity of plant life right here in the city. With breathtaking views and fascinating insights, this free walking tour is a fantastic way to spend quality time with your family in a natural setting.
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Birdwood Ave, South Yarra 3004, (03) 9252 2300, rbg@rbg.vic.gov.au
5. Free City Circle Tram Melbourne Audio Tour
Take your kids on an exciting journey through Melbourne’s iconic landmarks aboard the City Circle Tram. Explore Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, Parliament House, and more, all while enjoying the nostalgia of traditional transportation.
With trams operating from 10 am to 6 pm daily, hop on and off at any designated stop along the route. Audio commentary provides insights along the track, and the experience of riding the heritage trams is unforgettable.
Whether you spend a day hopping on and off or stay seated for the full round-trip, the City Circle Tram offers a fun and educational outing for families.
Note that the heritage trams are not pram-friendly as they have two large steps to get into them.
35 City Circle Tram, Public Transport Victoria, 1800 800 007
6. Shrine of Remembrance Melbourne Self-Guided Tour
Plan a meaningful day out with your kids at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.
Experience the solemn beauty of the architecture and delve into informative exhibits showcasing Australia’s military history. On a self-guided walk through the museum, engage your children in history, remembrance, and gratitude at this iconic war memorial.
Related Post: Shrine Kids and Explorer Kits
Hours: 10am – 5pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Entry: free (donations welcome)
Guided tours (no longer free): on the hour from 10am – 4pm (except 12pm)
Shrine of Remembrance, Kings Domain, Birdwood Ave, Melbourne VIC 3001, (03) 9661 8100
7. Free Tours at National Gallery of Victoria
Step into a world of creativity and inspiration at NGV International with your kids!
Join an exciting guided tour led by experienced NGV Guides and delve into a diverse array of iconic artworks from various cultures and time periods. Uncover the stories behind each masterpiece, spark meaningful conversations with your children, and nurture their love for art in a welcoming and engaging environment.
Both NGV International and NGV Australia host free daily walking tours suitable for families.
Related Post: Explore Ancient Egypt for Kids at NGV Melbourne This Winter
NGV International, 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006, (03) 8620 2222
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000, (03) 8620 2222, ngvenquiries@ngv.vic.gov.au
8. Greeter Service Melbourne Free Walking Tour
Take your family on a free walking orientation of the city led by friendly City of Melbourne volunteers. Kids will be captivated by the sights and sounds of Melbourne, from bustling laneways to serene parks.
Enjoy a personalised experience in small groups of up to four people, perfect for families looking to explore together. Learn interesting facts, hear local stories, and immerse yourselves in the vibrant culture of Melbourne.
Book your orientation in advance to secure your spot. This is an unforgettable way for parents to create lasting memories with their kids in Melbourne, and it’s genuinely free!
Tours run daily and depart from Melbourne Town Hall Visitor Centre.
Melbourne Greeter Service, Melbourne Visitor Hub at Town Hall, 90 – 120 Swanston Street, (Corner Swanston and Little Collins Street), Melbourne, Victoria, 3000
9. Tour Operators Offering Free Melbourne Walking Tours
Various tour companies promote free walking tours of Melbourne, where families can undertake an exciting journey through the city’s highlights and history.
Led by passionate local guides, they often take around 2- 3 hours with the walking tour covering must-see landmarks. These are more suited to older kids who will remain engaged for that amount of time.
Note that while these Melbourne walking tours are promoted as “free,” you are expected to “pay what you think it’s worth,” and an EFTPOS machine is presented at the close of the tour.
- I’m Free Walking Tours, (+61) 436 018 633
- GuruWalk,
- Civitatis
- Walks 101
Tips for Enjoying Melbourne’s Free Walking Tours
- Plan Ahead: Check the schedules and availability of tours, especially during school holidays or peak tourist seasons.
- Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and sun protection. Melbourne weather can be unpredictable, so layers and umbrellas can be handy.
- Engage the Kids: Encourage your children to ask questions and participate in the tours. Guides often appreciate the curiosity and it makes the experience more interactive for everyone.
- Comfortable Footwear: Many of these tours involve a fair amount of walking, so make sure everyone is wearing comfortable shoes.
Capture the Memories: Bring a camera or make sure your phone is charged to capture the highlights of your tour. It’s a great way to remember your adventures and discuss them later with the kids.
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