10 Free Things To Do Around ACU Melbourne

From going to museums, to taking pictures at beautiful gardens, there are plenty of free things to do around ACU Melbourne!

Chloe Bullow is a Melbourne gal studying Arts at ACU.…

So, there’s a stereotype that says uni students are poor. That stereotype is (usually) true. After textbook costs, food, rent and bills, sometimes there’s little left for entertainment. Here are 10 free things to do around ACU Melbourne! Your boredom will dissipate and your wallet will thank you!

1. Visit the exhibits at Melbourne Museum.

Distance from campus: 15 minute walk, 4 minute drive

One of the best things about being a student is the concession discounts. As a primary school, high school or university student you are able to enter the museum and its main exhibits for free. Dinosaur bones are cool no matter what your age!

2. Be inspired by street art.

Distance from campus: 13 minute walk, 3 minute drive

There’s no need to pay admission to expensive art galleries. Amazing street art can be found right across Melbourne and Fitzroy; you just need to know where to look! A handy self-guided tour close to ACU can be found here.

3. Become cultured at The Ian Potter Centre.

Distance from campus: 22 minute walk, 7 minute drive

The streets of Melbourne aren’t the only places that offer free art displays. The Ian Potter Museum at Federation Square contains tens of thousands of pieces of art from all across the globe.

4. Attend Free Music Thursdays at Federation Square.

Distance from campus: 22 minute walk, 7 minute drive

Every Thursday night, local, indie and upcoming bands perform at Federation Square with no admission charges. Don’t forget that Fed Square often holds other events and festivals that are free. Click here to check out what’s on offer.

5. Snatch a free book at Grub Street Bookshop.

Distance from campus: 18 minute walk, 7 minute drive

This secondhand bookshop in Fitzroy has a wonderful “free to a good home” selection at its front. Go take a look during your break and find your perfect match.

6. Chill at Fitzroy Gardens.

Distance from campus: 8 minute walk, 2 minute drive

The Fitzroy Gardens are the perfect place to relax, study, eat, and people watch if you get tired of remaining on campus. Fitzroy Gardens is also home to Cook’s Cottage which was the home of Captain Cook’s parents and is currently furnished and restored with historical accuracy. More than 2.5 million people visit the cottage and these gardens every year, making it a surprisingly popular attraction.

7. Go for a walk or swim at St Kilda Beach.

Distance from campus: 20 minute drive

If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, you’ll love St Kilda beach. This Melbournian beach has been a tourist destination and local favourite for decades. Head over there after a hot day at uni; you won’t regret it.

8. Visit the Old Treasury Building.

Distance from campus: 4 minute drive, 11 minute walk

If you’re an arts student at ACU – especially a history student like yours truly – you’ll be interested by the Old Treasury Building. This museum is located in a beautiful old building and is completely free (although the museum does rely on donations!).

9. Sight-see at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Distance from campus: 10 minute drive

The Royal Botanic Gardens don’t just contain trees and flowers. The huge block of land is home to free attractions such as Guilfoyle’s Volcano, a Children’s Garden, Melbourne Observatory, and 31 plant collections.

10. Watch politicians at work in Parliament House.