It's not necessary to have a "big night out" every single night. This wondrous nation is home to an incredible number of activities that don't call for the consumption of even a single glass of wine or beer. When the sun goes down in Melbourne, the city really starts to come to life, making it a wonderful place to go sightseeing during the day.
It is true that Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, is a sophisticated and stylish city, but some people believe that Sydney is the most European city in Australia. Its alleyways and grand arcades are jam-packed with shops, bars, and restaurants, and there is a diverse array of cultural events to choose from.
Things To Do In Melbourne At Night
Get Out Into Nature
- Camp out.
- Visit an observatory to view the stars.
- Find a lovely location to sit and enjoy the sunset (or the sunrise).
Visit the aquarium or zoo in your area during a nighttime tour. - Take a stroll along a trail at night.
- Check out a meteor shower.
Take In Some Culture
- Visit an art gallery or museum at night. A nighttime exhibition has extra special qualities!
- Visit an open-mic night to see some upcoming comics.
- Attend a movie under the stars while taking in some fresh air.
- Take a cultural or historical tour to learn more about your host city.
- Watch live music.
Enjoy Some Sport
- There's always something going on in Australia, so watch a sporting event!
- Workout in a group or by yourself. Visit the gym or go for a jog around the neighbourhood park.
- Create a sports team of your own. You can play a lot of sports at your neighbourhood park that only need basic equipment.
- Consider handball, cricket, and many other sports!
- Play an indoor sport, such as bowling, mini-golf, ice skating, dodgeball, rollerblading, etc.
Get Your Game On!
- Join your friends for a night of arcade competition.
- Organize a card or board game night.
- Attend a trivia competition.
- Aim to succeed in an escape room.
- Try karaoke; the truly brave can perform it sober.
Melbourne At Night Bucket List
Ride The Melbourne Star
At night in Melbourne, one of the most enjoyable things to do is to ride the Melbourne Star.
It would appear that the majority of large cities in today's day and age contain a massive Ferris wheel, and Melbourne is not an exception to this rule; however, it is the only city in Australia to possess one of this magnitude.
Even though you can ride during the day, one of the most exciting things to do in Melbourne at night is to board the Melbourne Star. If you want to give everything a little more of a kick, you can choose from a wide variety of add-ons, such as jugs of sangria or flights of sparkling wine. You can make reservations for a private cabin, participate in a yoga class, and it's also a common location for people to pop the question!
An impressive Australian landmark is the observation deck atop the building with the highest elevation in the Southern Hemisphere. On the other hand, one of the most romantic things to do in Melbourne at night is to take a seat on the Skydeck itself and enjoy a glass of wine, beer, or champagne. Take your adventure to the next level by venturing out onto "The Edge," a series of interconnected glass cubes that are suspended 300 metres above the ground below. These cubes, which have glass ceilings, walls, and floors, are projected outward from the floor, providing guests with a clear view of the city from every direction. This activity is not recommended for those with a weak stomach or who experience vertigo.
A fun fact that you can include on any postcard you send back to your loved ones is the fact that Eureka Skydeck 88 is home to the tallest post office box in this part of the world. Eureka Skydeck is open until 10 pm each night.
Tour The Old Melbourne Gaol
The Melbourne Gaol officially closes its doors every day at 5 p.m., but those who are courageous enough to participate in the nightly ghost tours are welcome inside. There are three different tours available, one of which is called "A Night in the Watch House," and it features a visit to the original cell block that lasts for one whole hour.
You have the option of going on a night tour with a Hangman who can tell you many stories about those who were executed at the gaol, including the well-known Australian bushman Ned Kelly. Alternatively, you can spend an hour going ghost hunting throughout the gaol. There are a variety of different haunted tours that you can go on around Melbourne at night, if the idea of ghosts is something that interests you. While doing so, you will have the opportunity to become familiar with many of Melbourne's streets, laneways, and even its outer suburbs. In addition, you will gain some knowledge of the city's morbid history.
Visit the Central Business District of the city, the abandoned Pentridge Prison in Melbourne's north, the historic port town of Williamstown, and even a haunted homestead in Altona, located in the western part of the state. Old Melbourne Gaol tours cost $38 for adults, and if you're interested in booking a ghost tour, here are some options:
The International Comedy Festival is held each year in Melbourne, and it begins at the end of March and lasts for four weeks. Melbourne is known as the centre of the comedy world. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that a night out in Melbourne can consist of having fun by going to a comedy show. You have the option of taking in performances by comedians hailing from closer to home in Australia or from more remote locations around the world.
Visit The Comic Lounge, a place where upcoming comedians hone their stage presence and perform, even if you're not in the city during this time. In addition, well-known comics frequently stop by in order to try out their latest material in front of a live audience.
Tuck Into Some Food At The Queen Victoria Night Market
Looking for something fun to do in Melbourne on a Wednesday night? Check out the Victoria Market after dark! For supper and drinks, you should go to the night market in the Queen Victoria Building. Visit the Queen Victoria Night Market every Wednesday, whether it's the middle of summer or the dead of winter.
There is a wide variety of food available, ranging from pizza to burgers; if you're feeling particularly peckish, you can even order a dozen oysters as an appetiser if that's what strikes your fancy. Because the location has a liquor licence, you can enjoy a refreshing beer or cider as you take a walk around the area during the warm summer months. In the colder months, warming up with a cup of mulled wine or hot cider is just what the doctor ordered. It is highly recommended that anyone interested in food take a tour of the Victoria markets with a local who is familiar with the area and can point out the best places to eat.
Watch A Movie In An Outdoor Cinema In Summer
The Rooftop Bar in Melbourne features an outdoor cinema, and going to the movies is a fun thing to do in the evening in this city. As a result of the large number of people in Melbourne who enjoy watching movies, during the warmer months the city is filled with open-air theatres. The Moonlight Cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens is by far the most frequented of these venues. It shows both recent releases and cult classics from Australia, including Home Alone and Love Actually before Christmas as well as Muriel's Wedding and The Castle.
It is important to keep in mind that just because it is summer in Melbourne does not mean that the weather will be warm. You should therefore ensure that you check the local weather forecast and bring along some additional layers so that you can stay warm if the evening is expected to be chilly.
Take A Dinner Cruise Along The Yarra River
In the evening, a cruise down the Yarra River in Melbourne is a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend the time. The best way to experience any city is from the water, and Melbourne is no exception to this rule. Nevertheless, if you want to see Melbourne from a different angle, you should go sightseeing at night rather than during the day. This cruise will take you along Melbourne's most famous waterway while you stuff your face with a four-course meal (and drinks are included, to boot) during the course of the three-hour excursion that you will take.
Go For A Moonlight Kayak
Choose a kayak tour instead of going out on a boat if you want to spend some time on the water but don't want to be cooped up for a long period of time. This tour begins in the Docklands neighbourhood at dusk, and it takes participants paddling up Victoria Harbour. Along the way, they will stop to have fish and chips for dinner while they are paddling in their kayaks. The tour will proceed up past the city, Crown Casino, and Flinders Railway Station before arriving at its final destination in the sports precinct.
See The Phillip Island Penguins
It is well worth the effort to travel all the way out to Phillip Island in order to catch a glimpse of the island's colony of Little Penguins as they make their way back to their burrows at the end of the day after foraging for food during the day. Many additional tourist destinations, such as a gigantic maze and a chocolate factory, can be found on the island itself. It is possible to make a day trip out of it by spending some time exploring the island and then continuing on to the Penguin Parade to watch the adorable birds make their way back to their burrows.
Go On An Overnight Safari
Consider reserving a spot on the Slumber Safari for your visit to Werribee Zoo, which is located in the western suburbs of Melbourne, if you want your time there to be memorable. You will be provided with a tented lodge to stay in, as well as an African-themed dinner and breakfast buffet, and you will receive a pass to enter the zoo for two days. The package also includes opportunities for one-of-a-kind animal encounters and viewings, in addition to private tours.
The fact that Victoria is the smallest of Australia's mainland states is actually one of the state's primary selling points. It is not unusual to travel for several days without coming across another person while in Australia because of the country's vast size and the abundance of open space. Therefore, being a small state presents obvious benefits for tourists who are interested in visiting a number of different regions.
As you can see, there is a wide variety of things to do in Melbourne at night, regardless of the type of travelling you are, the amount of money you have available, or your personal preferences. And if you're thinking of staying in the city for a few days, here are some of the best neighbourhoods in Melbourne for you to call home while you're there.
Conclusion
Melbourne is one of those cities that comes alive once the sun goes down. There's a wide variety of cultural activities to participate in. Group exercise or a jog in the evening at the local park are two great ways to get in shape. Or form a team and play a sport inside! If you're looking for a romantic evening out in Melbourne, a visit to the Skydeck is a must.
The tallest post office box in the area is located at Eureka Skydeck 88. Things to do on a night out in Melbourne range from attending a comedy show to going on a ghost tour. Each year, Melbourne hosts the International Comedy Festival. If you're looking for a place to eat and drink, head to the Queen Victoria Night Market. Here are a few suggestions for haunted sightseeing tours you can book online.
There is a movie screen on the rooftop of Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens' Rooftop Bar. An evening Yarra River dinner cruise is a great way to unwind after a busy day. Seeing Melbourne from the water is the best way to see any city. Rather than taking a boat out on the water, try a kayak tour if you want to spend some time in the water. If you can see the Little Penguin colony on Phillip Island from the city, a day trip there is in order.
The complex also features a chocolate factory and a massive maze. The western suburbs of Melbourne are home to Werribee Zoo. Unique animal encounters and viewings are a part of this package. You can now explore beyond the Central Business District thanks to the extended hours of the city's tram network.
Content Summary
- The state capital of Victoria, Melbourne, is a chic and fashionable metropolis, but some argue that Sydney is more reminiscent of Europe than Melbourne.
- You should form your own sports team.
- Even though you can ride during the day, catching a ride on the Melbourne Star at night is one of the city's most exciting activities.
- But if you're looking for a romantic evening out in Melbourne, the Skydeck is the place to be.
- You can take your exploration to the next level by walking out onto "The Edge," a set of interconnected glass cubes that hangs 300 metres in the air.
- Include the fact that you visited the tallest post office box in this part of the world, located at Eureka Skydeck 88, on any postcards you send back home.
- Tour Melbourne's Historic Prison The Melbourne Gaol closes for the day at 5 o'clock every day, but the brave can still visit for the nightly ghost tours.
- Another option is to spend an hour investigating the prison for ghosts.
- If the thought of ghosts intrigues you, you can go on any number of nighttime tours offered in and around Melbourne.
- So it shouldn't be surprising that going to a comedy show is one option for a fun night out in Melbourne.
- In the middle of summer or the dead of winter, you can always find people at the Queen Victoria Night Market shopping and socialising.
- Cool Off With a Summer Movie at an Outdoor Theater
- Going to the movies is a fun evening activity in Melbourne, and the Rooftop Bar offers an outdoor cinema.
- Remember that just because it's summer doesn't mean it's going to be warm in Melbourne.
- Enjoy a Romantic Dinner Cruise Down the Yarra
- Evening cruises on Melbourne's Yarra River are a great way to unwind and take in the city's sights.
- If you want to spend time on the water without being cooped up for too long, a kayak tour is the way to go.
- Go watch some penguins on Phillip Island.
- A trip to Phillip Island is well worth it if only to see the colony of Little Penguins returning to their burrows at the end of the day after a day of foraging for food.
- The island itself features numerous tourist attractions, including a giant maze and a chocolate factory.
- If you want your trip to Werribee Zoo, in Melbourne's western suburbs, to be truly unforgettable, you should book a spot on the zoo's Slumber Safari in advance.
- One of Victoria's selling points is that it is the smallest of Australia's mainland states.
- So, as you can see, there is something for everyone in Melbourne at night, regardless of your travel style, budget, or prefered activities.
- And if you're thinking of making Melbourne your temporary home for a few days, these are some of the best areas to do so.
FAQs About Things To Do In Melbourne
- Ride a bicycle.
- Go for a walk.
- Meet a friend for lunch.
- Read a book.
- Play a board game.
- Try a new nonalcoholic drink.
- Attend an exercise class.
- Organize old photos, albums or books.
8 Ways to Be Social Without Drinking
- Adopt your signature nonalcoholic drink.
- Have an excuse ready.
- Be the designated driver.
- Go for coffee or lunch.
- Try more engaging activities.
- Focus on what you have rather than what you're missing.
- Go to meetings.
- Volunteer.
9 Things to Drink Instead of Alcohol
- Tea (hot or cold)
- Fruit and herb-infused water.
- Sparkling water.
- Coffee (hot or iced)
- Club soda with flavoured syrup.
- Spiced apple cider.
- Juice.
- Soda water, and herbs.
Overall Melbourne is a safe city, but there are a few areas where things are dangerous, particularly at night. The areas surrounding Bourke Street, Flinders Street Station, and Gray Street are known for having a large population of homeless people, dealers of drugs, prostitutes, and anyone else of any variety.
Bars and clubs stay open until about 1 a.m. or 4 a.m., sometimes even 24 hours. Melbourne nightlife has a little bit of everything—hidden bars, rowdy pubs, swanky nightclubs, and live music venues.