Round The World 4 Free: Free Melbourne!

So! You're in Melbourne? One of the most liveable (number 1 baby!) and expensive (number 8!) in the world.

And you want to do it for free.

Thats right. I said it. R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

wait..... I mean F-R-E-E.

You get the picture. And I do too. Living on 10 grand a year means I am all about the savings, baby.

Actual picture of my savings

And if you are visiting us down here in the lucky country, you've come to the right place for some tips and tricks. And while of course there are general rules about travelling anywhere for free (WWOOF, Couchsurfing, Bin Diving/Freeganism) these shall be more specifically Melbourne-centric.

1. City Circle Tram

The great thing about this is that its dual purpose. You get to see all around the city AND you get to be on a moving landmark AT THE SAME TIME. I mean, come on. Does it get any better?

You just hop on at any stop! Beware, however. There ARE myki and metcard readers on the tram itself, even though its free. But, you DON'T need a MYKI to travel.

Sorry for the less-than-quality map

Melbourne has a convenient grid pattern so with the tram you can get pretty close to almost anything. They run every 12 minutes and if you're not sure, a stop is easy to identify from the sign. Its a heritage maroon colour (fun!) and is shaped like a circle. Get it? Coz its a city circle tram?

2. Melbourne State Library

Oh, State Library. How many hours have I spent inside you, feeling scholarly and cool whilst looking through your rare books? How many days have I walked briskly past your lush green lawn, trying to avoid protesters wanting my signature? How many nights have I spent, leaning over the balcony of Cho Gao, admiring your face lit up like a tasteful Christmas tree?

Not enough. Not enough.

Inside the mildly-famous "tower"

Melbourne State Library is what I think of when somebody says that Melbourne is beautiful. Its only one of a number of buildings that went up the last time we had money, a couple hundred years ago.

The State Library is just opposite Melbourne Central Station, which would be a good place to start any tour of Melbourne as the above mentioned Free City Circle Tram goes right past it, on the corner of Swanston Street and La Trobe Street. Its great to go in and take a look because they hold regular exhibitions there as well as having a permanent art gallery. Its not the Tate Modern or anything but its still worth a visit.

3. Melbourne University Campus

Ok... I know what you're thinking. That this is basically the collegiate tour of Melbourne. But stick with me.

Melbourne University is the second best Uni in Australia, and the 28th best in the world. And, besides: Its beautiful! Breath the air, walk through the campus. Its just a nice place to hang.

And, it has a Hogwartsy feel about it so if you wanted to pick up some stray sticks and pretend like your in a wand fight... pictures. Id need pictures.

4. Carlton Gardens/Royal Exhibition Building

Built in 1880, the Royal Exhibition Building has been in Melbourne for 133 years. For other countries, thats not a very long time. But for us, its kind of a big deal. Its even a world heritage site!

Its pretty easy to get to, you can even take the FREE city circle tram to get there! Just get off when the tape tells you you're at Carlton Gardens!

Its a nice spot to chill and eat that sandwich you made from breakfast supplies at the hostel.

Here's a list of events going down at the REB.

5. The Project Live TV Audience

The Project is a TV show that is based in Melbourne. Its recorded in front of a live studio audience and the news (or "more than just the news", as they like to advertise it) is done by local comedians. They also have celebrity guests. I've done it before and its a bit of fun. They're on weeknights, and you can sign up by emailing audience@theprojectTV.com.au

You just have to be over 16 and in South Yarra by 5.50pm