Here are 12 things to do in Melbourne that cost less than $12

Melbourne is one of the most popular domestic holiday spots for Aussies, and it's pretty easy to see why.With countless bars and restaurants, beautiful architecture, great shopping, plenty of green spaces, beaches, and easy access to the rest of Victoria, it's the kind of place you keep returning to.Despite rising prices everywhere we look, Melbourne still has a number of great things to do that are free or very cheap. Read on for some ideas.READ MORE: Eight free things you can do in Melbourne to give your wallet a breakRug up for the winter night marketsMelbourne's famous Queen Victoria Market is playing host to the Winter Night Market, which runs until 28 August. Open every Wednesday, there's great food, mulled wine, fire pits and live entertainment on offer.Some of the best cheap eats on offer include The Lil Dumpling Van dumplings and Casa Nata Portuguese tarts.Dine out on oystersIndulge in some seafood without paying a hefty bill at Shuck & Suck at Arbory. Every Thursday from 6pm, you'll be able to order $2 oysters while enjoying spectacular views of the Yarra River.READ MORE: Hotel review: Hoxton Paris hotel is a chic choice full of trendy localsEat the best croissant in the worldWhether you're a local who's already been there ten times, or a visitor on their first visit, you can't go wrong with a trip to LUNE. This bakery has world-famous croissants, labelled "the finest you will find anywhere in the world" by the New York Times. Prices start at $7.10.Lean into happy hourMelbourne has no shortage of bars, most of which offer a great happy hour. Our pick is The Mint, which offers $7 wines and $10 pints from 4.30 to 6.30. One of the city's oldest pubs, it's got a massive beer garden so it's always easy to find a spot to sit.Stay for free trivia on Tuesdays or live music on Thursdays.Learn some Aboriginal historyYou can download the free augmented reality app Yalinguth which will allow you to experience the Aboriginal history of Fitzroy or the Yarra River. It provides guided audio walks with geo-located stories and sounds to immerse you in the area and its storied past.READ MORE: Why the Swiss city of Lausanne is considered the 'Olympic Capital'Play mini golf with a twistAt Glow Golf, you play with the lights off, on a glow-in-the-dark course designed around an Australiana theme featuring the 12 Apostles, a rainforest, a cricket match and an outback scene.On Thursdays, games are just $12 each.Take a tram rideWith free trams within the Melbourne CBD area, it's a great way for visitors to get a feel for the city without having to walk for hours - or for locals to reconnect with their own town! Travel on the historic City Circle Tram is also free.Get out of townFor an unforgettable day trip, you can catch a V-Line train at Southern Cross Station and travel to one of several beautiful tourist hubs including Ballarat, Bendigo, Castlemaine and many more for just $10.60.Bendigo was named as Australia's top small town for 2024, while Ballarat has been crowned as the best place to go for a winter getaway. READ MORE: All the random fees and charges you could be hit with while travellingRun the Tan TrackMelbourne's most popular running route, the Tan Track is a beautiful 3.8-kilometre run around the Botanic Gardens. Offering a great respite from the bustle of the city, it's a free way to add some excitement to your day.Join the Run The Tan group run every Saturday, where all levels of experience are welcome (including walkers!), and finishes with a coffee at a local café.Soak up the street artIn Melbourne, you don't need to go to a gallery to enjoy works of art. It's all over the walls. Take a walk down Melbourne's famous laneways which are adorned with pieces from some of the best street artists who have come from all around the world. Be sure to include Hosier Lane, Duckboard Place, and AC/DC Lane on your itinerary.READ MORE: Five things to do on a cultural weekend in MelbourneGo dog-watchingIf you're not lucky enough to have a pup of your own, head to Chez Misty. The dog-friendly café is always full of the most adorable pets, and even has a whole menu dedicated to them. It's a great place to stop for a latte and get your fix of adorable dog-watching. See the city through the eyes of a localWhat better way to experience Melbourne than with someone who knows the city inside out?Melbourne Greeter Service offers a free two-to-four-hour walking orientation of the city, conducted by an enthusiastic volunteer who wants to share their love of Melbourne.