Free Wi-Fi for Transport and Tourism Hot Spots in Melbourne's CBD

Melbournians can now enjoy free internet access while on public transport and in parts of the CBD after the Victorian Government launched the largest free Wi-Fi network in the country.

PHOTO: Melbourne commuters can now access 250 MB worth of free data each day

The VicFreeWiFi will service all Melbourne CBD train stations, the Bourke St Mall, Queen Victoria Market, and South Wharf Promenade at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Each user has a 250 MB data limit per day and can access the service without logins or passwords.

The hot spots will be the first of many Wi-Fi access points to be rolled-out across Melbourne as part of the state's $11 million Victorian Free Wi-Fi Pilot.

"This is just another reason why Victoria is the country's home of innovation and technology — we really do have the best of everything, not only in Melbourne but our regional cities as well," said Philip Dalidakis, the Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade.

Similar pilots have been running successfully in Bendigo and Ballarat since December 2015.

More access points will be switched on over the coming months, with the full network to be up and running by the end of the year.

The Victorian Government hopes the service will put Melbourne on par with the world-class free public Wi-Fi networks already available in New York, London and San Francisco.

"What we want to do is make sure we have a network that can be accessed by tourists, as well as locals," Mr Dalidakis said.

As well as accessing tourism apps, like guides and maps online, Mr Dalidakis said it will enable visitors to showcase the city on social media.

It will be available in other tourism locations outside the city including Captain Cooks Cottage and Fitzroy Gardens

And it has comes just in time as Melbourne prepares to welcome thousands of excited footy fans ahead of the AFL Grand Final long weekend.

The project is managed by telecommunications company TPG and will run for five years.