C&G’s Guide to Free Online Things to Do in Melbourne

Tips & Advice

Do you miss making plans as much as we do? It’s certainly a difficult transition when Melbourne is normally teeming with events each weekend. Thankfully, event organisers understand and are working hard to bring us the experiences we know and love! The only difference? They will be enjoyed in the comfort of our homes as we await updates to Victorian lockdown restrictions. In this latest C&G blog, we round up our favourite virtual events and live streams happening across Melbourne. We also hope our community is staying safe and connected through this unusual time. 

Animals at Home

Do you miss going for walks through the Zoo? While that won’t be possible for the foreseeable future, we’ve got the next best thing: Animals at Home! Zoos Victoria have set up 24/7 live stream animal cameras for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their couch. The zookeepers have also recorded their talks if you’d like to get to know the animals better. If you’re working from home, you can leave the live streams running – you never know which four-legged stars will make an appearance! 

Australian Ballet TV

The 2020 season, featuring Graeme Murphy’s Romeo and Juliet, has gone digital! If you’ve ever wanted to check out the ballet, it’s now free and able to be enjoyed at your convenience. Ballet TV also offers behind-the-scenes content including choreography, interviews, and dance lessons!

Virtual Aquarium

Their doors may be closed, but the SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium is still sending out waves of fishy entertainment. Don’t miss the resident penguins and mega croc Pinjarra at feeding time, or see what the water dragons get up to when no one is watching! Whether you’re after something educational for the kids or just want a baby penguin video, there is something for everyone. Check out the full list of videos here and the aquarium’s Facebook page for their next virtual event.

Virtual Garden

Our favourite gardens may be closed, but you can still visit and engage with them online through Virtual Garden! There are heaps of wellbeing guides, gardening tips and tours of the Living Collections courtesy of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria.

Virtual Melbourne Cinémathèque

Movie buffs are surely missing the cinema experience. ACMI gets it, and are offering free viewings of classic and contemporary films each Wednesday evening. If you miss checking out the foreign and arthouse picks at Cinema Nova, this will be perfect for you!