Some links are affiliate links; we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.
Melbourne has free guided tours run by volunteers, venues and the City of Melbourne, plus self-guided walks you can do any time. We checked times and booking rules on each official page on Sat 31 Oct 2026.
When Daily at 10am; 2–4 hours
Where Melbourne Visitor Hub at Town Hall (Swanston St, cnr Little Collins St)
Price Free. Bookings essential (email or phone)
A volunteer local walks you round the city for a free orientation. Groups of up to four.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When 10:30am daily
Where Melbourne CBD (meeting point on the booking page)
Price Free (pay-what-you-feel). Booking required
An independent local guide's city orientation: laneways, history and tips for the rest of your trip.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Mon–Fri, when Parliament is not sitting (see the tour page for dates and times). Allow 45 minutes
Where Parliament House, Spring St, East Melbourne
Price Free. No bookings: spots are given out on arrival
See inside Victoria's Parliament. Photo ID is needed, and places are given out on arrival, so come early.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri at 11am and 1pm (no tours on public holidays)
Where Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St, Melbourne
Price Free. Bookings essential
Stand on the Portico Balcony where the Beatles stood in 1964.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Regular public tours; see the schedule
Where NGV International and NGV Australia
Price Free, no bookings required
Volunteer guides take you through the highlights of the collection.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When On the hour from 10am to 4pm (except 1pm), every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday
Where Birdwood Ave, Melbourne
Price Free (donations welcome)
Guided tours of Victoria's war memorial, starting on the hour.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Any time; about 2.4km and 2 hours
Where Starts at Degraves St, opposite Flinders Street Station
Price Free
The City of Melbourne's own route through Degraves St, Centre Place and the mosaic arcades.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
When Any time; about 90 minutes
Where Starts at the Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre, East Melbourne
Price Free (Cooks' Cottage entry is extra)
Sinclair's Cottage, the Model Tudor Village and the Fairies' Tree. Start at the visitor centre for free maps.
Checked Sat 31 Oct 2026 · Source
Yes. The City of Melbourne's Greeter Service runs a free 2–4 hour orientation walk daily at 10am (bookings essential), and I'm Free Tours runs a pay-what-you-feel city walk at 10:30am daily (booking required).
No. There are no bookings: places are given out on arrival. Tours run Monday to Friday when Parliament is not sitting, and you need photo ID.
Yes. The City of Melbourne publishes a free self-guided arcades and laneways walk of about 2.4km (around 2 hours) starting at Degraves St.
