The best free spaces in Melbourne to set up a remote office

Equally though, working from home can be lonely and filled with dangerous distractions like the kitchen, the laundry basket, the dog begging for a walk, other people and the television.

Coworking spaces are appealing for their ability to provide all the necessary facilities – desk, free coffee, yoga, interesting fellow co-workers and a variety of locations. The big, obvious downside is their expensive fees for hourly, daily, weekly or annual use.

The State Library has plenty of freelancer-friendly areas to work. Photo: Darrian Traynor

For many freelancers, it’s just not feasible to spend the majority of their (usually not entirely predictable) income on renting space.

Fortunately, there are places in Melbourne’s CBD and surrounds that offer easily accessible venues with power-point access, desks, ability to converse and hold casual meetings, WiFi and sometimes coffee and food too. For free.

One such place is the concourse between Melbourne Central and Emporium. It offers power points and WiFi but be warned, it gets busy with backpackers, students and shoppers taking time to update their social networks with their recent purchases. If you want to get up and distract yourself or treat yourself to coffee or take a walk, you’ll be right in the heart of Melbourne’s shopping and food district.

It’s also minutes to Melbourne Central Station downstairs so wherever you’re travelling to and from, it’s convenient.

The pedestrian overpass linking Melbourne Central mall with the Emporium. Photo: Melbourne Central

Another great place is the City Library. In certain areas it allows conversation and food, and if you want quiet space where you can focus on reading and research, there’s plenty of space for that too. Located in the chic, arty Flinders Lane, there are cafes nearby to duck out and get a coffee if you need a breather from emails. Try Hell’s Kitchen upstairs on Centre Place where you have a window seat to watch the passing foot traffic.

Journal Cafe on Flinders Lane (on the floor above the ground-level cafeteria) is attached to the library. There’s public access to the library WiFi, power-point access and ready access to coffee and food.

The library is an easy walk from Flinders Street Station, or any of the tram routes down Flinders, Elizabeth and Swanston streets.

Docklands Library (with on-site café) has plenty of room and power points, and both libraries hold regular events, such as author talks and workshops. Check the website for special events and opening hours. Meeting rooms can be booked if you need to organise a Skype session or you have a group to accommodate.

The City Library in Flinders Lane. Photo: Neil Newitt

The State Library is also full of freelancer-friendly spots to work. While it’s a no-speaking zone under the dome, anywhere outside this area is open for chatting and coworking. There’s an on-site café so coffee and food are mere minutes away whenever you desire it.