Did you know that young people make up about a third of the City of Melbourne’s population?
We run activities across the municipality for people aged 12 and 25 to make sure everyone feels included in our community.
Find out more about being young people in the city, and tap into youth services when you need them.
Read on to find out how to get involved across the city, or jump to the activities that interest you.
- Survey reveals worries and feel-good factors for young people
- What's on for young people across the city
- Find your crew at The Drum
- Career coaching, sport and study at The Huddle
- International students
- What's on at our libraries for young people
- Makerspaces
- Events for LGBTIQA+ young people
- Skateboarding in the city
- Ways to stay active in our parks and gardens
- Busking in the City of Melbourne
- Get creative at SIGNAL
- Youth Climate Action Grants
- Have your say
- Work experience
- Counselling and support for young people
- Young people experiencing homelessness
- Additional services for young people
Young people rank good and bad influences on mental health
Fears about the future, finances and loneliness are the issues that weigh most heavily on young people, according to a recent survey of 589 young Australians aged 16 to 25.
Friends and a good night’s sleep are the top ways that young people look after their mental health, according to the survey by not-for-profit mental health body, Prevention United.
The survey reveals techniques that young people use to boost their mental health and calls for young people to be involved in decisions that affect them.
City of Melbourne regularly consults Prevention United External link, a not-for-profit mental health organisation, for industry training and advice.
Top five negative influences on mental health
- Fears about the future
- Finances (cost of living, socio-economic status)
- Loneliness
- Global events (e.g., wars, conflicts, COVID-19)
- Family relationships and poor sleep
“I think everyone who’s entering adulthood is scared about the state of the world, this includes climate change, economics and wars.
“It’s really hard to imagine a bright future for yourself when that’s what’s going on everywhere.”
Top five positive influences on mental health
- Friends
- A good night’s sleep
- Music and the arts
- Greenspace and nature
- Family relationships
“Friends are honestly the number one thing making me enjoy life. It’s so nice and fun to talk and eat and study together.”
“Being connected feels necessary as a person.”
“Having friends means to me also having someone to de-stress with like we can do a hobby together like crochet or we can vent or just hug.”
How young people boost their own mental health
- Music and the arts
- Handling stress better
- Building strong relationships
- Caring for those with mental ill-health
- Dealing with family difficulties
Read the full report: Be Part of the Ripple – Listening to the Voices That Matter External link (PDF)
What's On in Melbourne for young people
Find fun things for teens to do in Melbourne External link at What's On Melbourne, as well as free festivals in Melbourne External link and free things to do in Melbourne this month External link.
Learn about Aboriginal Melbourne in your own time on an Aboriginal Melbourne Walk External link, and explore an interactive map External link which gives a glimpse into Aboriginal peoples’ deep connection to this Country, the City of Melbourne, and significant events and experiences since colonisation.
Go on a street art walk External link at your own pace, or check out the Melbourne Music Walk External link and get to know our city’s music royalty.
Find your crew at The Drum
We partner with The Drum External link to deliver a range of place-based services across North Melbourne, Carlton, Kensington, and the Melbourne CBD.
Group activities, holiday excursions, training and education support are designed to connect and empower young people aged 12 to 25 who live, work, study or have strong ties to the City of Melbourne.
Individual and family support is also available.
Underground Women's
A safe space for young women from diverse backgrounds to gather and get involved in various peer-led activities.
Underground Women's is a weekly program from The Drum at the Carlton Baths and North Melbourne Community Centre.
Games, sports, movie nights, boxing, jewellery making, mural art, cooking and baking are some of the community programs offered.
It runs during school terms for 12 to 25 year olds.
The Drum Young Men's
A weekly program at North Melbourne Community Centre, The Drum Young Men's is a safe space where young men can get together.
Events and activities include music production and studio sessions, sports and active recreation, video and board games, barbeques and health and wellbeing programs.
The group runs weekly during school terms and is open to male identifying young people aged 12 to 25 who live, work or play in the City of Melbourne.
Queerspace Youth and (in)visible
To connect and inspire queer and trans young people, peer-led programs are run by Queerspace Youth and (in)Visible External link.
Open to queer, trans, non-binary, intersex, gender diverse or questioning people aged 16 to 25 years old, the program features weekly groups and regular events.
Recent events and workshops include a gender diverse clothes swap, a zoo excursion, movie nights, floral screen printing and soft toy workshops.
It’s all designed to cultivate a growing sense of safety and inclusion within our workshop spaces.
And read on to find events for LGBTIQA+ young people.
Caravan of Sound
Unleash your creativity and make some noise with this interactive audio experience on wheels.
Caravan of Sound brings music-making to young people who may not travel far from their communities.
The Caravan is equipped with audio gear that creates a dynamic and interactive environment. It fosters skill development in music and audio equipment handling, providing practical learning opportunities.
It's also a platform for connecting young people with support systems and community resources, promoting social inclusion and involvement.
By bringing events directly to public spaces, the Caravan of Sound ensures broad participation, creating vibrant, supportive, and enriching experiences for young people.
Get career coaching, play sport and study at The Huddle
We team up with The Huddle recreation team to offer a stack of fun and maybe even life-changing programs for young people at these venues:
- The Huddle, 204-206 Arden Street North Melbourne
- North Melbourne Community Centre 49-53 Buncle Street, North Melbourne
- The Hub @ Docklands, 80 Harbour Esplanade Docklands.
Check out the timetable External link to find something that’s right for you. The program runs during school terms.
Game Changers career and life coaching
Get life advice and personal support at Game Changers. This program offers career coaches, resume writing, job applications, study enrolment, career planning, leadership skills, family challenges, mental health and more. Also available online by appointment on Zoom.
Huddle Up Senior
A drop-in style sports program for young people aged 12 to 25 in North Melbourne and Docklands.
Find a session for boys and young men, or join a session for girls and young women. And check the timetable External link for more.
Study Squad
Join the study squad to get one-on-one tutoring support for people aged 11 to 25. in North Melbourne and Docklands.
International students
We welcome people from all over the world to study in Melbourne. To help people settle in, we offer a range of programs, fun events and support for international students.
Our students help to shape our future and add to Melbourne’s energy and excitement.
Melbourne is a great student city. In 2024, Melbourne was ranked best student city in Australia External link and among the top five in the world by the latest QS World University Rankings. It’s the 10th time in a row we’ve achieved this ranking.
We’re also second-best in the world for student experience.
Many international students go on to great things after they graduate.
Meet the cheesemonger who set up Cheese Social to encourage international students to connect with Australian culture, and read about some of the astounding international student alumni who bring buzz and big ideas to our city.
Find out how we make international students feel at home in Melbourne by following us on Facebook External link, and subscribe to our newsletter External link for international students, and read on for more opportunities.
The Couch
This international student centre is your home away from home. The Couch is a safe place to make friends, learn new skills, enjoy free cooked meals, volunteer and connect with the local community.
- The Couch International Student Centre: Salvation Army Melbourne: 69 Bourke Street Melbourne
Connect with other international students at My Melbourne
Get to know the city, connect with other international students, explore local attractions, make new friends, get tickets giveaways, exclusive events, festivals and so much more.
My Melbourne Student Ambassadors
Every year, we appoint My Melbourne Student Ambassadors from different countries, who are studying or have studied different majors at various Melbourne education institutions.
They play a role in co-designing the My Melbourne program for international students. It includes curated tours, exclusive events, workshops and info sessions to help each other as they study, work and live in Melbourne.
Learn English
Find resources to learn English at City of Melbourne Libraries
Book in for friendly English Conversation Club sessions at many libraries or online.
Find many resources to polish your English skills and use online resources for pronunciation, academic writing and active reading.
You can also get used to the Australian accent with our eFilm collection.
Community language collection at our libraries
Find books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, books for children and digital resources in many community languages, including Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean and Spanish.
We also have magazines in French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Find all this and more, including quiet study space, at Melbourne Libraries.
Visit the Multicultural Hub
The Multicultural Hub is a place where people from many different cultures can meet, work, share and learn in a safe and supportive environment.
You can ask our staff about employment and education programs, community events and activities, English classes, community meeting spaces, health services, housing, family services and more.
Gig Workers’ Hub
The Gig Workers’ Hub External link is a space where riders and drivers – many of whom are under 25 – can can come together, meet one another and feel supported.
We provide free access to food and drinks, relevant information, phone chargers, and other amenities.
- Gig Workers’ Hub at Multicultural Hub: 506 Elizabeth Street Melbourne (opposite the Queen Victoria Market)
Quiet study spaces
Need somewhere quiet to study while you're in the city? Head for our seven libraries across the city.
Hot tip: there is extra study space on the first floor at City Library after recent renovations.
Guide to our libraries for young people
Libraries are great for young people because they offer free books, cool resources, and a chill space to study or hang out.
They're perfect for boosting your creativity and expanding your knowledge.
You’ll find seven libraries across the municipality.
Check out the young adult section External link at your local library for fiction and nonfiction, borrow a whole series in a box set and go on a reading rampage External link, find manga and graphic novels, gaming essentials and more.
Plus, you can tap into a world of online resources, take a tutorial to learn something new External link, and use our free eLibrary digital subscriptions.
Find a quiet space or sign up for a free event.
Book a desktop computer, borrow a laptop to use within the library, print copy and scan from a library computer or your own device.
All you need is a City of Melbourne library card.
And if you need extra inspiration, check out this Guide to Melbourne for readers, writers and book lovers.
Activities for young people at our libraries
- Mindful movement and poetry at Kathleen Syme Library: Reduce feelings of overwhelm, stress and anxiety, and restore a sense of flow in your body with gentle movement and mindfulness, with a splash of poetry. Monthly. Free, bookings essential.
- Melbourne Comics Art Jam at narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services: Join like-minded artists to co-work, doodle and chat about writing, drawing, reading and being part of comics.
- Beyond My Colour zine workshop at Kathleen Syme Library: three-point storytelling and zine-making workshop for LGBTIQA+ international students, alumnus, allies.
Where are the libraries in the City of Melbourne?
You’ll find seven libraries across the municipality.
- City Library: 253 Flinders Lane Melbourne
- East Melbourne Library: 122 George Street East Melbourne
- Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre: 251 Faraday Street Carlton
- Library at The Dock: 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade Docklands
- narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services: 141 Therry Street Melbourne
- North Melbourne Library: 66 Errol Street North Melbourne
- Southbank Library: 207 City Road Southbank
City Library has just reopened, with lots of spaces to meet, retreat and study. Check out the new study and bookable community meeting spaces on the first floor. And take a break in the new reading lounge.
Check out this guide to narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services for more about our newest library and family services centre in the Queen Victoria Market precinct.
Here, you can explore 30,000 books, engage with cutting-edge creative gadgets and more.
Extended opening hours in our libraries
We have extended our library opening hours to make our libraries more accessible.
Four of our seven neighbourhood library branches now open until 7pm Monday to Thursday.
Free public wi-fi in our libraries
Find free public wi-fi at all our libraries, so everyone can enjoy a free connection and save money on data rates.
Makerspaces at our libraries
Got a creative project you want to bring to life, but can’t afford the tech? Make the most of high-tech gadgets, high-end equipment and support staff in our three Makerspaces.
What equipment do you have in the Makerspaces?
You’ll find recording studios, 3D printers, CNC routing, laser cutting, airbrushing, embroidery machines, and a suite of gear – you can check out the list of equipment External link (PDF 1.3 MB) and software External link (PDF 22 KB).
After you complete a safety induction and introductory gear tutorial, anyone over the age of 15 can use the equipment, or when supervised if you’re under 15.
Where to find the Makerspaces in the City of Melbourne
- Library at The Dock: 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade Docklands
- Kathleen Syme Library and Community Centre: 251 Faraday Street Carlton
- narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services: 141 Therry Street Melbourne
Events for LGBTIQA+ young people
To support LGBTQIA+ young people to grow and learn, we awarded a two-year grant to Minus18 External link for eight free life-affirming events known as Q-Torials, through our Social Investment Partnerships Grants program.
So far, four of the eight digital and in-person events for local LGBTIQA+ young people have been delivered:
- Minecraft Mayhem
- Night At The Museum
- GAYming
- Queeriosity
Events like these are an investment in preventative wellbeing, aiming to reduce loneliness and isolation, and help to reduce the overwhelming demand currently experienced within the mental health sector supporting LGBTQIA+ young people.
Visit Minus18 events External link to see when these events are added.
Whether you’re keen to advance your skills, build social connections, or support your mental wellbeing, Minus18 is a safe space is for all queer young people.
Minus18 is an Australian not-for-profit improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ youth through fun-filled events, leadership programs, and education for the whole community.
Skateboarding and BMX in the city
Shredders and grommets alike can find their place in skate parks and BMX tracks in the City of Melbourne.
We support skateboarding programs through community grants and Active Melbourne.
Our support includes funding coach accreditation and dedicated sessions for women and girls.
Where are the skate parks and BMX tracks in the City of Melbourne?
- Alexandra Gardens, Melbourne: Riverslide Skate Park on Boathouse Drive, Melbourne
- South Kensington: Skate Park and BMX track at JJ Holland Park, 67-121 Kensington Road, Kensington
- West Melbourne: Northbank Skatepark at 1 Anderson Street West Melbourne
- Northbank: skateable space at Les Erdi Plaza near SIGNAL on Flinders Walk, Northbank
- Carlton: skateable space at University Square at 190-192 Pelham Street, Carlton
Riverslide Skate Park
Check out the ramps, bowls and tracks at Riverslide Skate Park External link in the Alexandra Gardens, a short walk from Flinders Street Station.
Designed with skaters, it features 1800 m² of skating surfaces. The park has a street-skating focus with ramps and fun-boxes, and appeals to beginners, intermediate and advanced skaters. It includes:
- skate lessons
- competitions and events
- cafe and chill-out spots
- first aid and supervision
- skate shop and equipment hire.
Kensington skate park and BMX track
Find a large concrete course and BMX track at Kensington Skate Park External link in JJ Holland Park, near South Kensington train station and The Venny External link, a free communal backyard and safe place for children aged 5 to 16.
For those who love half-pipes, this skate park is known as one of Melbourne’s best. It also has several sizer ramps and a street section with several features to entertain street skaters.
Northbank Skatepark in West Melbourne
Check out the local skate park beneath the Dynon Road overpass in West Melbourne. It’s been created as part of a recent park expansion project. Find it in the Railway Place and Miller Street Park.
You’ll find a new street style design with heaps of ledges, stairs and banks. This unique skatepark is one of the first of its kind in Melbourne. The skatepark is conveniently located underneath a bridge that provides fantastic shade on a hot day.
Westgate Park BMX track
Here you’ll find a small quiet BMX pump track in Port Melbourne, just under the Westgate Freeway. It’s a nice spot to have a chill session and a few berms you can transfer to.
Skateboard lessons in the city
Drop in on regular skateboarding lessons External link at Riverslide Skate Park and be coached by a pro, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate skateboarder or advanced rider.
Girls and young women can join an awesome community with girls’ skateboarding lessons External link.
Get to know the pro skaters coaching the next generation of athletes.
We run various sessions, events, and lessons at different locations throughout the City of Melbourne, including Riverslide, Les Erdi Plaza, and Kensington Skate Park.
This includes events at Riverslide on the last Friday of the month, and free skate lessons during school holidays at Kensington Skate Park.
Info for upcoming programs can be found on Riverslide’s Instagram External link and Facebook External link pages.
Ways to have fun and stay active in our parks and gardens
Choose from heaps of free outdoor activities in many of the parks and gardens and neighbourhood parks and reserves.
Read on to find out where to shoot hoops and play table tennis, and save on gym memberships by using the outdoor exercise equipment.
Go for a walk or run along these routes or get a map of cycling routes and ride your bike.
You can even use the outdoor futsal pitch at Neil Street Reserve in Carlton and the Docklands Sports Courts.
Where to play table tennis in the City of Melbourne
Play indoor table tennis with a local world medallist for free at Boyd Community Hub, drop in for a game at Library at the Dock or bring your own bats and play outdoors at:
- Carlton: Neil Street Reserve 174-176 Palmerston Street Carlton
- Carlton: University Square 190-192 Pelham Street Carlton
- Docklands: Victoria Green: 70 Import Lane Docklands
- North Melbourne: Bedford Street Reserve pocket park 2 Bedford Street North Melbourne (opens December 2024)
Where to shoot hoops in the City of Melbourne
Ballers, work on your free throw or meet friends for a session at an outdoor basketball court or half-court near you.
- Carlton: Carlton Gardens North near the playground behind the Museum
- Carlton: Neil Street Reserve 174-176 Palmerston Street Carlton
- CBD: RMIT Street Court, 376 Bowen Street Melbourne
- Docklands: Docklands Sports Courts 80 Harbour Esplanade Docklands
- East Melbourne: Powlett Reserve 72-74 Grey Street East Melbourne
- Kensington South: JJ Holland Park 67-121 Kensington Road, Kensington
- Kensington: The Crescent – Westbourne Road Reserve 1-19 Cuffe Walk, Kensington
- North Melbourne: North Melbourne Recreation Reserve 204-206 Arden Street
- Southbank: Melbourne Square External link 109-119 Kavanagh Street
- West Melbourne: Eades Park 372-376 King Street West Melbourne
Organised sport and activities
Six parks in the municipality have sports grounds and facilities for hire each season, including fields for cricket, synthetic multi-use fields, Australian Rules Football and soccer.
Hire some clubs and have a hit of golf at the Royal Park Golf Course.
Or join a public tennis club in Parkville, Carlton Gardens, Princes Hill, Kensington Banks, Fawkner Park, Flagstaff Gardens, Powlett Reserve and Royal Park.
The Venny
A free communal backyard and safe space for people aged up to 16 years, The Venny External link in JJ Holland Park in Kensington is a staffed adventure playground near the public housing towers.
It offers unstructured play sessions after school, on Saturdays and during school holidays, as well as evening programs.
Many young people who grow up playing at the Venny then choose to volunteer after they turn 16,. Some go on to become staff and find pathways to study youthwork so they can keep a lasting connection to the Venny.
Get a busking permit and perform for the city
Entertain visitors and make some extra cash by becoming a busker in the City of Melbourne.
You could play a musical instrument, sing, dance. Turn your poems into a performance with spoken word or do a conjuring or juggling act.
Busking also includes pavement art such as chalk art, drawing, painting and so much more.
Check out busking and street entertainment for inspiration.
If your act is unique that is great – we may also approve special activities that meet the busking principles.
You need a permit to busk in the City of Melbourne. Here's how to apply for a busking permit.
Watch buskers on the streets of Melbourne
Look for buskers entertaining passers-by on streets across the city, including Bourke Street Mall External link and sites along Southbank Promenade including Queensbridge Square External link.
You can even come along and watch experienced buskers audition for premium permits. Read a story and meet some of the buskers who bring good vibes to Melbourne.
And once you’ve been performing on city streets for six months, you can apply for a premium permit as well.
Busking for under 16s
If you’re under 16, you must obtain consent from a parent or legal guardian. Keep in mind that we reserve the right to put conditions on busking permits for people under 16.
Melbourne Busking Handbook
Download the Melbourne Busking Handbook External link (2.78 MB) for detailed information on permits, auditions and other key requirements for buskers.
You can also download the Melbourne Busking Handbook in a Word version. See the Busking permits page for more information.
Get creative at SIGNAL in the City of Melbourne
Find kindred spirits and friends for life at SIGNAL, a creative studio for young people 14 to 25 years.
Signal offers young people the opportunity to work alongside professional artists in a collaborative way, through multi-artform workshops and mentoring.
The program includes workshops, exhibitions, installations, live events and performances across a range of art forms and practices.
Join us on Saturdays and during school holidays for free creative workshops led by practicing artists.
Subscribe to the SIGNAL e-newsletter External link and follow @signalarts External link on Instagram for updates on SIGNAL programs and events.
Here’s a taste of some ways you can get involved over the year.
- What’s on at SIGNAL in school holidays and beyond. Sign up for free workshops with all materials provided.
- SIGNAL Screen and Sound Commissions: each year we commission young artists to create screen and sound works to be projected on the facade of the Signal building or played on the SIGNAL Soundwalk. Look out for expressions of interest in early 2025.
- SIGNAL Curators Collective External link: do you love art and are you aged between 16 to 25? Join the Curators Collective and meet monthly to plan, create and participate in group art projects. Collaborate with SIGNAL artists and partners to see your artistic visions come to life.
- Young Creatives Lab: funds up to four creative projects every year. We are looking for projects at any stage of development led by creatives aged 18 to 25. Look out for expressions of interest in late 2025.
Where to find SIGNAL creative studio
SIGNAL is located behind Flinders Street Station on Northbank, at the northern end of Sandridge Bridge, and at the eastern end of Banana Alley.
SIGNAL is a two-storey red brick building with the large steel doors. There is bike parking, but no car parking on site.
- Getting there: find SIGNAL at Flinders Walk in Northbank on the Birrarung in Melbourne.
Youth Climate Action Grants
Many young people in Melbourne care deeply about climate change and want to be part of bold climate action initiatives that create meaningful change.
Our Youth Climate Action Grants offer funding for climate change efforts led by young people, with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies' Youth Climate Action Fund External link.
In 2024 we offered micro grants of between $1500 and $7500 to 10 projects led by young people, supported by organisations that work with young people.
From education programs to repair networks, summits and direct action – the grants support bold ideas for our municipality.
Have your say with Participate Melbourne
Help shape Melbourne by sharing a fresh perspective on plans for your neighbourhood.
Visit Participate Melbourne External link to get involved in community consultation for everything from how we plan for open space and our urban forest, to draft concept designs for a community hub.
You may even be able to suggest a name for a street.
See the projects map External link to find out what is open for community consultation right now. You can follow projects of interest and subscribe for updates.
Work experience with the City of Melbourne
Want to find out what it’s like to work for one of the most liveable cities in the world?
We offer work experience placements for secondary students and tertiary students who need a student placement as a part of the course completion.
Counselling and support for young people
Young people can drop in at The Drum Youth Services External link which is supported by City of Melbourne.
The team is always up for an informal chat regarding mental health and can refer you to some great resources
Mental health organisations for young people
- Reach Out External link
- Kids Helpline External link
- Headspace External link
- 13 Yarn External link wellbeing for First Nations young people
Queerspace counselling
Queerspace offers low or no-cost confidential counselling services to support LGBTIQA+ communities and their families.
Get to know the dedicated queerspace counselling External link team and refer yourself for a session External link.
General inner-city counselling resources
Inner-city therapy for LGBTIQA+ young people
- Therapy Schmerapy External link supporting queer, neurodivergent and gender diverse youth
- Trans Space External link (Brunswick)
Young people experiencing homelessness
We partner with Frontyard External link to co-locate services which can address the physical, emotional and social needs of young people aged 12 to 25 who spend time in the Melbourne CBD and are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Young people can access support with accommodation, health and legal advice, and get to know service providers who can help break the cycle.
Integrated services include early intervention, crisis support, housing information and referral, health and wellbeing, legal assistance, income support, education, employment and training programs.
No need to book, just drop in.
- Frontyard: 19 King Street Melbourne.
More about Frontyard Integrated Youth Services
Frontyard Integrated Youth Services is a specialist youth service to meet the holistic needs of young people aged 12 to 25 years who live or spend time in the CBD, with a primary focus on young people at risk or experiencing homelessness.
Frontyard aims to support young people to meet their physical, emotional and social needs and to develop pathways out of homelessness.
Additional services for young people
Child safety standards
We are committed to child safety and create environments where all children have a voice and are listened to, their views are respected and they contribute to how we plan for, design and develop our services and activities.
