15 Unmissable Things To Do In Melbourne At Night
Found near Port Phillip Bay in Australia is the city of Melbourne, which is also the capital city of Victoria state. It is one of the biggest cities in the country coming second only to Sydney and is also considered to be one of the most liveable cities in the world! With beautiful lush nature parks, a rich culture and an organized suburban area that is still expanding you will soon understand why. Melbourne stands as an important and significant city in Australia as it is the communication hub, financial center and seat of government.
You should make the most of every day in this great city, which means doing as much as you can both during the day and at night, and we can help you find the best activities to take part in after the sun goes down. Find the nearest suitcase storage spot in Melbourne to keep your backpacks and bags safe while you are enjoying the nightlife in the city.
See Amazing Views in the Eureka Skydeck
One of the best ways to see Melbourne is from the top of the Eureka Tower and the views are even more spectacular at night. The Eureka Skydeck is located on the 88th floor of the tower and the view of city lights shining below you is incredible.
Those who are adrenaline seekers and want to feel a real thrill can take it a step further by venturing out onto The Edge. This glass cube offers an impressive 360 degree panoramic view of Melbourne and is an unforgettable experience. It is not recommended for anyone who is afraid of heights!
Be Entertained at the Comic's Lounge
If you are someone who is into comedy, you should definitely visit in late March, which is when the International Comedy Festival is in full swing. This event happens every year and goes on for four weeks, so you have a big window of opportunity to visit.
The lineup at the festival is pretty diverse, so you can watch well known performers from around the world or get a taste of what the local talent in Australia is like. If you can't make it for the festival you can still have a fun night at the Comic's Lounge comedy club. This is where locals come to practice and many of them are quite talented so they are sure to make you laugh.
Visit Luna Park
This is a terrific theme park in Melbourne as well as the oldest one in the country that is still running. Visiting Luna Park is one of the best activities for families and, since it stays open fairly late into the night, it is also one of the best late night Melbourne activities.
The iconic entrance to the amusement park is a huge clown face welcoming you through its smiling mouth so it is pretty hard to miss. There are roller coasters and rides perfect for thrill seekers as well as carousels and carnival games for the more tame visitors, so everyone can have a fabulous time.
Stop by Queen Victoria Night Market
Queen Victoria Market is one of the most popular markets in the city and is open for business both during the day and at night. Since 1878 locals have been visiting the market to buy all sorts of things including fresh produce, clothing, handmade trinkets and secondhand items. The market spans two city blocks so there is a lot for you to discover, and there are even food trucks set up in the area in case you get hungry.
The market is open year round every Wednesday night and sometimes follows different themes. Check out the winter night market during the colder months or the summer night market throughout the rest of the year. Events and celebrations are often going on at the same time so there is much more to do here than just shopping.
Get Spooked on a Ghost Tour at the Old Melbourne Gaol
For those who aren't familiar with it, the Melbourne Gaol is the oldest prison in the city and is now a popular tourist attraction for everyone who visits Melbourne. You can visit for an educational tour during the day but if you are looking for something to do at night we recommend trying out the Hangman's Night Tour or the A Night in the Watch House event!
The gaol was used to house criminals as well as mentally ill patients from the mid 1800s to 1929, and a total of 133 prisoners were hanged here for their crimes. One of those prisoners was Ned Kelly, the well known outlaw, gang leader and bushranger. This is the perfect nighttime activity for anyone who likes to get spooked.
Catch a Performance at a Local Theatre
Melbourne has a terrific performing arts scene and if you are interested in catching a show, a concert or a play, there are several theaters that you can visit. The Legendary Princess Theatre is a nice choice since it is both an architectural wonder and hosts international shows.
Check what is happening at the Athenaeum Theatre, which is actually the city's oldest and puts on a variety of entertaining performances like Shakespeare reenactments or comedies. Go to Her Majesty's Theatre for musicals and dance performances or the Malthouse Theatre for unique cultural events and new artistic productions.
Grab Drinks at a Hidden or Rooftop Bar
This city has a fairly active nightlife so if you are the type who enjoys partying in bars or clubs, no need to worry. You won't have a hard time finding a club or bar open late in the Melbourne City Centre, but the truth is that the best bars are the ones that are hard to find.
Make sure to check down alleyways or on rooftops, and if you know where to look you'll notice that there are a lot more options than you first thought! We'll let you in on the secret and name some of the best bars for you to start off with; try the Berlin Bar, the Heartbreaker or the StoryVille. The Above Board Bar is also an excellent choice and if you can find the Lay Low Bar, which is located inside a clothing shop, we definitely recommend it. See if you can find any others on your own.
Ride the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
The Melbourne Star Wheel is the city's very own observation wheel and taking a ride on it is another wonderful way to see the city from above. The views are incredible during the day and even more magical during the night as you watch Melbourne City Centre lit up below you.
The wheel stands at an impressive 120 meters high and is the only of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Grab a couple friends and a camera to ride the Melbourne Star all the way to the top!
Take a Relaxing Walk on the Southbank Promenade
Not too far away from the city centre of Melbourne is the lovely area called the Southbank Promenade. If you just want to spend the night relaxing and enjoying the fresh air, this is the perfect activity for you.
The promenade takes you along the gorgeous Yarra River which also offers its own attractions. Bring your own dinner for a nice sunset picnic or just take a walk after dining at one of the restaurants. If you want to continue your walk you can exit the park to see all the street art in the surrounding area, and you can even continue to the Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria since they are located close by.
Watch the Sun Set at St Kilda Beach
St Kilda Beach on Phillip Island is a beautiful area by the coast of Melbourne that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. While the sun is up you can enjoy water sports and activities like kite-surfing, fishing or swimming, but the best time to visit is actually as the sun is setting.
Visiting at dusk is not only recommended because of the amazing sight of the sunset on the water but because it is when the small community of penguins returns to their nests on the beach. They are truly adorable and seeing them waddle through the sand is something that you won't want to miss! This is a fabulous nighttime activity that is also free!
Have a Slumber Safari at the Werribee Open Range Zoo
Animal lovers, this nighttime activity is for you. You are welcome to visit the Werribee Open Range Zoo anytime during the day but if you want to have a truly unforgettable experience we recommend staying throughout the night.
Tickets for this event will give you access to the zoo for two whole days so you won't have to worry about rushing through the exhibits. You will also get a guided tour of the zoo and will be fed an exquisite African inspired dinner at night after you take a sunset safari. In the morning you can fill up on a buffet breakfast before circling around to see the animals again.
Eat Delicious Food on a Dinner Cruise Along the Yarra River
The best way to start off a night in Melbourne is by sightseeing or trying some of the tantalizing local food, so why not do both at once by taking a dinner cruise on the Yarra River? You will be treated to a delicious meal while watching the city lights go by from the water.
This is the perfect recipe for a romantic night and a fun activity for couples or a group of friends that want to relax and experience the city in a new way. Make sure to book your tickets in advance and arrive in time before the boat sets sail.
Party at the National Gallery of Victoria
The best way to spend a Friday night in Melbourne is at the National Gallery. What is a calm and sophisticated venue during the day turns into a wild party at night, so make your way here for some live music, drinking and a memorable time with friends.
These nighttime events are often themed and we recommend checking the schedule beforehand so you know what you're getting into. The parties happen almost every week all summer long so you can come to visit anytime. The gallery is also worth visiting during the day if you have the chance, especially since daytime entrance to the exhibits is free.
Enjoy the Shows at the Butterfly Club
Make your way to Carson Place where you will find the Butterfly Club. This theatre is smaller than some of the others found around town but unique and still worth a visit. The most common performances here are either burlesque, cabaret or comedy shows, so if that is your sort of thing make sure to check it out.
Shows happen about two to eight times per night, six days a week so you will have lots of opportunities to catch a performance. Be prepared for a night full of drama, dancing and singing!
End the Day with a Moonlight Kayak Ride
Another way to see the beautiful city of Melbourne from the water is on a moonlight kayak ride. This activity will take a few hours but there is no need to worry if you don't have any kayaking experience since your trusty guide will teach you how it works.
Your journey will begin at the Victoria Harbour and ends at the Rowling Sheds boat landing area. Be there before sunset and don't eat beforehand, since you will be treated to fish and chips during the trip.
The Best of Melbourne Nightlife
The city of Melbourne is ready to entertain you at all times of the day or night. Whether you prefer going on spooky night tours, seeing the views from the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, riding a kayak down the river at night or spending Friday nights at a bar with live music, Melbourne is a marvelous place for a vacation. You won't want to miss visiting these Melbourne attractions so do your best to try as many of them as you can!
