Free Melbourne City Map with 10 Free CBD Experiences
Our Melbourne city map marks out ten free attractions in the CBD, all within easy reach on foot or a short tram ride. It’s built for anyone who wants a day of culture, history and art without spending a cent to get in the door.
Chris, our resident cartographer (retired, but clearly not done exploring), put this map together himself. He keeps walking the city and updating it, and we swap in his latest version here as he does. If it’s been a while since you last downloaded it, it’s worth grabbing the update. Print it at home and set your own pace around the city.
The story behind the map
Chris is my dad, a retired cartographer in his mid-70s, and the very first contributor to Seniors in Melbourne. After nearly four decades away from the CBD, he’s been rediscovering it street by street — a process that’s turned up old family connections to Flinders Street along the way. Old habits die hard: despite a lifetime spent making maps, Chris still prefers a printed one in hand over a phone screen, and this map is very much his way of passing that on.
10 Free Things Marked on Your Melbourne CBD Map
1. Koorie Heritage Trust (K8)
This cultural centre at Fed Square shares Aboriginal Victoria’s stories, art and history. Exhibitions change regularly, and entry is always free.
Address: Federation Square, Corner Flinders & Swanston Streets, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 8662 5600
Read our review
2. Melbourne Town Hall – free guided tours (J6)
A look behind the scenes of this grand 19th-century building, mixing local history with the architecture. Tours run on select weekdays, and bookings are required.
Address: 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9658 9658
Read our review
3. City Circle Tram (A2, F4, I7)
Free, and still one of the best ways to see the city’s heritage buildings and landmarks without doing the walking yourself. Hop on and off wherever suits.
Route & Info: PTV City Circle Tram
Read our review
4. NGV Australia – The Ian Potter Centre (K8)
At Fed Square, with a strong collection of Australian art. Entry to the permanent exhibitions is free.
Address: Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 8620 2222
Read our review
5. Old Treasury Building (M7)
One of Melbourne’s most beautiful historic buildings, built during the gold rush era. Free to wander through the exhibitions and heritage spaces.
Address: 20 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9658 8910
Read our review
6. NGV International (J10)
Melbourne’s largest gallery, on St Kilda Road. The permanent collection is free to enter, and the water wall out front is worth a stop on its own.
Address: 180 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3006
Phone: (03) 8620 2222
Read our review
7. ACMI (K8)
The free Story of the Moving Image exhibition covers the history of film, TV and digital culture, with plenty of interactive displays and a fair dose of nostalgia.
Address: Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 8663 2200
Read our review
8. Royal Historical Society of Victoria (G3)
Easy to walk past on A’Beckett Street, but worth stopping for. Their exhibitions, reading room and collection of Melbourne’s past are free to explore, and the volunteers are always happy to talk history.
Address: 239 A’Beckett St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9326 9288
Read our review
9. State Library Victoria (J4)
Far more than a library. Free exhibitions, heritage reading rooms, and that domed ceiling make it one of the best free stops in the city for a slow wander.
Address: 328 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 8664 7000
Read our review
10. St Paul’s Cathedral (J7)
Gothic architecture, mosaics and quiet corners for reflection, right in the middle of the city. Free to explore.
Address: Flinders St & Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone: (03) 9653 4333
Read our review
How to use your free Melbourne CBD Map
Print the map at home and explore at whatever pace suits you. Tram stops, public toilets and walking routes are all marked clearly, so whether your day leans toward art, history or just a wander, you’ll have what you need without checking your phone every five minutes.
Also read Chris’s guide on How to Use a Melbourne CBD Map for Stress-Free Exploring
Heading off on your own Melbourne adventures? Join our Facebook Group and share your stories, ask questions and connect with others for further inspiration.
Disclaimer: This map is the copyright of Seniors in Melbourne. It is provided free of charge for personal and individual use only. Copying, distributing, or reproducing the map for commercial or business purposes (including use on websites, in print, or for promotional material) is not permitted without prior written permission from Seniors in Melbourne. For enquiries about business use or licensing, please contact: amy@seniorsinmelbourne.com.au
