Top 10 Things To Do On A Shoestring Budget

The global recession and downturn in economy have given rise to terms such as recessionista , economic vegetarian, pain at the pump and so forth. It has also led to the invention of many recession survival techniques. Remember folks, recession doesn't mean depression; so I've compiled a list of things you can do on a shoe string budget. Fun activities that don't involve spending too much scrilla.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET

1. Picnic at Botanic Gardens
Take a leisurely stroll to the Botanic Gardens, find a nice spot on the grass, lay on your picnic rug and put your feet up in the air. Enjoy the fresh summer breeze, have a snooze, close your eyes and dream, you get to do whatever pleases you, and best of all its FREE!

2. Free exhibitions @ NGV
The National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) holds a variety of exhibitions. Entry to NGV collection is FREE. So have a wander around the NGV and educate yourself on the finer things in life.

3. Free exhibitions @ State Library
Again, you can treat yourself to a complimentary tour around one of the State Libraries' many FREE exhibitions.

4. Visit an independent art gallery
There are several independent art galleries around Melbourne City. I recently visited the Brunswick St Gallery (BSG) which features 3 floors of art including paintings, sculptures & various exciting installments. Another art gallery in the city to visit is the No Vacancy Gallery at QV. Or you can also walk from QV to visit the Latrobe St Gallery.

5. Free exhibitions / gigs at Federation Square
There's always something happening at Fed Square. Enjoy a free exhibition, gig or short movie. Window shop at the gallery. Sip coffee and eat cake at Time Out Cafe whilst watching people go by.

6. Window shopping
Walk along the Paris end of Collins St in the city and peer into the fashion forward window displays of Bvlgari, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton & then make a coffee stop at KoKo Black. OR, take a stroll along Brunswick St in Fitzroy and stop over at Madame Sou Sou for a spot of tea!

7. A stroll along Port Melbourne Beach

..or South Melbourne Beach, or Elwood Beach, or your local beach! And pick up an ice-cream on the way!

8. A cycle along the Yarra River
There are several bike trails around the city but the Yarra River Trail is scenic and relaxing. Start at Southbank (and if you do it on a Sunday, you can also check out the Sunday Market), then go past Birrarang Marr into Kew and surrounds.

9. Lying on the grass in Fitzroy Gardens or Treasury Gardens
A short stroll from the city, these 2 gardens offer lush greenery and escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. A walk in the park is meant to be mentally relaxing and physically beneficial for you so do it!

10. A walk around Albert Park Lake
Remember to avoid doing this activity in late March when the F1 commences. Other times of the year, you will find the walk around Albert Park Lake to be picturesque and tranquil with little ducks swimming across the lake and birds chirping in the trees.