Cheap Melbourne: Museums and galleries

This grand modernist building on St Kilda Road is Australia's oldest and most popular art museum. That title has been won thanks to the gallery's top-notch and diverse permanent collection, the fantastic visiting collections and an ongoing series of additional events aimed at locals and tourists alike. The permanent collection includes a Picasso, a Rembrandt, a Bonnard and a Tiepolo – not bad for a gallery that's only been around since the mid-1800s. And you can visit the permanent collection for absolutely free, every day of the week.

Dedicated to the preservation of Greek culture, history and settlement in Australia, the Hellenic Museum is the product of one man's extraordinary private collection: art historian AD Trendall.

Stories about Melbourne's underworld, cunning criminals and the role Victoria's coppers have played in protecting our city throughout history abound at this free museum, which houses forensic evidence, crime scene photos and Kelly gang armour.

Most exhibitions are free at the State Library of Victoria. When you're done browsing, lounge in the resplendent La Trobe Reading Room with a book in hand and congratulate yourself on being so cultured.

Located inside Melbourne Central, the Coops Shot Tower is one of only three 19th century shot towers remaining in Australia. The second level houses a small, free museum on the history of shot manufacture.

Over in Point Cook the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) Museum is on the site of the birthplace of the Australian Flying Corps and the RAAF.