The cost of living keeps climbing, but that doesn’t mean we need to stay cooped up at home counting our pennies. Recently, a vibrant online discussion caught my eye about free and affordable activities across Australia, and it reminded me just how lucky we are to have such incredible public spaces and cultural institutions at our doorstep.

The National Gallery of Victoria has been my sanctuary for years. There’s something magical about wandering through those water-wall doors and losing yourself in the permanent collections, all without spending a cent. The Ian Potter Centre at Federation Square particularly shines when it comes to Australian art, offering a profound connection to our cultural heritage that you just can’t get from a screen.