Can you spend a day in Box Hill for free? Yes, you can

Every time I leave the house I end up spending at least $30, so I set myself the challenge to enjoy a full day out in Box Hill, and make it completely free. Here you’ll find suggestions across nature, sports and art.

A walk along the Gardiners Creek Trail

This path takes you, as the name suggests, along Gardiners Creek. I started my big day out here, wandering along the flat trail (accessible to any fitness level) and simply enjoyed the nature. This trail actually runs from Burnley down to Malvern East, and then back up to Blackburn, so you could bring your hiking pack and turn this into a fitness challenge — I kept my walk to a respectable one kilometre.

For this route, I recommend entering the trail next to the Box Hill skate park. That way, you can catch some of the skater action too. Rebuilt in 2017, this skate park has a beginner’s area, as well as ramps for intermediate and advanced skaters.

Box Hill Community Arts Centre

A short walk from the skate park you’ll find the Box Hill Community Arts Centre — it was built in 1990, thanks to a grant from the Box Hill City Council. Whilst the centre was being built, the local community held arts programs in the old Box Hill Electricity Depot.

It’s clear this has been a thriving community hub since then, offering a free art gallery, a collaborative garden space and a myriad of arts classes and programs for both kids and adults.

On my free day out, I was content to browse the art gallery and walk around the vibrant garden outside. For a small cost, I’d suggest you browse ‘What’s On’ at the centre and pick a class to attend — ranging from printmaking to ceramics using a pottery wheel.

Box Hill library: Makerspace

Libraries are always a safe bet when looking for free entertainment, and the Box Hill branch has got more than just books. The Whitehorse/Manningham library network runs a roving Makerspace. Programs are focused around technology, engineering and traditional arts and crafts.

I popped into the library while the Makerspace’s Technology Learning Experience Officer Saskai Morris was teaching a group of kids to use Sphero robots — they could control robotic balls using their smart devices.

Morris says programs like the Makerspace have notable mental health benefits; “there’s something wonderful about coming together and focusing on what you can do with your hands.”

“[Our team] had found that,” said Morris. “Particularly after the pandemic, people had lost a sense of tactility. Particularly kids.” That’s why children’s classes centre around playing with technology and making something physical that they can take home. Think 3D printing, laser cutting and coding.

Adults programs create a sense of achievement and discovery, done through traditional art forms like darning or chain mail.

The Makerspace offers a different class every day from Monday to Friday, with bookings available via its website.

Whitehorse Art Space

An underrated, somewhat hidden spot inside the Box Hill Town Hall! Don’t let the grand entrance intimidate you, this art gallery is totally free — curator Marguerite Brown welcomes you to check out the space.

Whimsical Garden: a playful exhibition is the exhibition currently displayed, featuring images of insects, animals and foliage.

Enjoy playfully arranged art and see real and imagined gardens and what lives in them. Younger art enthusiasts can make origami animals and complete a creature spotting activity sheet.