29 Fun Things To Do in Melbourne at Night

Oh, Melbourne – the food, the fashion, the people, the life. Whether you’re a local or a tourist visiting for business or pleasure, Melbourne is an amazing city. Melbourne looks its best at night, with the bright lights softening the harder edges. So, make sure you experience Melbourne’s night face the next time you’re in the city. And take this list of things to do in Melbourne at night with you.

1. Take in the views at the Melbourne Skydeck 

We mentioned the lights already, and where better to see them than from the Melbourne Skydeck? 

Located on the 88^th floor of the Eureka Tower, the Skydeck offers stunning views of Melbourne at night. But if you’re really brave, you’ll take your turn on ‘The Edge’. This is an exciting, and somewhat stomach-churning, glass cube where you can take in unobstructed, 360-degree views of the city.

They’ve also introduced the Melbourne Skydeck Voyager™ Theatre, 24 virtual reality pod chairs that allow visitors to experience the best of Melbourne’s festivals, laneways, sporting events and scenery. By all accounts, it’s incredibly immersive and realistic!

2. See a show

Indulge your arty side and see a show while you’re in Melbourne. And of course, there’s a lot to choose from. 

If you enjoy Victorian architecture, then you’ll love the Princess Theatre with its international shows and dining options. Or try the Athenaeum Theatre, the oldest in the city offering everything from comedy acts to Shakespeare. 

Her Majesty’s Theatre is another popular choice, offering the city’s best dance performances and musicals. The Regent Theatre is the place for blockbuster shows coming to Melbourne.

For more experimental productions, try the Malthouse Theatre, with its focus on cultural and artistic diversity, or Union House for edgy student productions.

Shows rotate in and and out regularly, so check each theatre’s website for the latest program.

3. Laugh until your belly hurts 

Laughing is good for your mental, emotional, and physical health and it’s never been more important. So, for the good of your health, make sure that you include a comedy show or two when you’re planning your things to do at night in Melbourne. 

Comedy venues in Melbourne included Comedy at Spleen, for new and old talent, or Local Laughs, located in a European-inspired tavern in St Kilda East. 

If you like a more intimate setting, try Lido Comedy for a show every Tuesday night in the jazz room of an old cinema. Comedy at the Coopers Inn is also a great place to spend a Friday night. 

4. Scare yourself at the Old Melbourne Gaol

If you’re travelling with young kids, this probably isn’t the best choice of late-night Melbourne activities. But if your travelling companions are a little older, then it’s an interesting and spooky way to spend a couple of hours. 

The Old Melbourne Gaol was built in the mid-1800s and closed in 1929. In that time, it housed not only dangerous criminals but also the mentally ill and homeless. Inmates who died there would make for very unhappy ghosts. And that’s before you add in the 133 prisoners who were hanged there for their crimes. 

The gaol offers a few different tours, so have a look what’s on in the city and prepare to be creeped out.

5. Catch a movie 

If you’re really struggling to find things to do at night in Melbourne, then why not fall back on an old favourite? Melbourne has a range of cinemas to suit a range of cinematic and architectural tastes, so you really can take your pick. 

Check out the Astor Theatre for classic movies and double features in Art Deco surroundings. Or try the Palace Westgarth, almost universally known as the most beautiful cinema in the city. 

The ACMI is a good choice for foreign films and documentaries, and for blockbusters and arthouse films, try the Palace Cinema Como for the latest films with a touch of luxury. 

6. Enjoy the Queen Victoria Market night markets

The Queen Victoria Market first opened in 1878, and the locals have been visiting for food, trinkets and socialising ever since. It’s spread over two city blocks and offers everything from fresh produce to food trucks and clothing. 

Throughout the year, there are themed night markets, so take a look at what’s on during your visit to Melbourne. The summer and winter night markets are especially fun, and there’s also street food markets and other celebrations at other times of the year.

7. Relax on St Kilda Beach and take in the sunset

While I don’t recommend ocean swimming as one of the Melbourne attractions to try at night, watching the sun setting over St Kilda Beach is a stunning way to cap off a day exploring Melbourne. 

To make an evening of it, head down there before dark and explore the local shops. But make sure you’re in position before sunset for an added bonus. St Kilda Pier is home to a colony of little penguins who come back just after the sunset. Watching them waddle to their nests has to be one of the cutest free sights in the city. (Check out my guide to free things to do in Melbourne for more budget-friendly activities.)

8. Sing your heart out

If your idea of a great night out involves a drink in one hand and a microphone in the other, then plan your next night out in Melbourne with a round of karaoke. No matter your song of choice, you’ll find plenty of karaoke bars around Melbourne– some even serve up food as well.

Some options include:

• Heroes Bar
• KBOX Karaoke
• F.M. Karaoke
• Juke’s
• Partyworld Karaoke
• Yum Sing House

9. Take the kids to Luna Park

Need to keep the kids occupied for a few hours? Then take them to Luna Park. With everything from dodgem cars to carnival games and carousels, this is the oldest continuously running theme park in the country. 

And because it’s open late at night (summer months only!), it’ll keep the kids happy until bedtime. 

Check out more things to do with kids in Melbourne.

10. Drink with the cool people 

You can’t talk about Melbourne nightlife without including its bars. And Melbourne has a lot of them, some on rooftops and in hidden alleyways, others tucked away in historic buildings.

If you want to have a drink with friends at some of the coolest places in the city, here are a few options: 

• StoryVille – for a drink in a grim fairy tale 
• Heartbreaker – a grungy bar with quality drinks 
• Berlin Bar – where you have to choose which side of the wall you want to be on
• Murmur Piano Bar – for an old world feel
• One of the city’s hidden bars like Beneath Driver Lane or the unmarked Above Board in Collingwood

This list, of course, barely touches the breadth of what we have to offer here in Melbourne, but they’re starting points for a good night out!

11. Take a dinner cruise on the Yarra River

Taking a cruise along the river is one of the best things to do in Melbourne at night – it’s beautiful to see the city sparkling from the water. 

There are several different cruise companies offering evening meals on the water, so choose the one that appeals to you and be prepared to see the city a whole new way. Book tickets online.

12. Watch a movie under the stars 

If you were born before technology exploded, then you probably remember the wonder and excitement of drive-in theatres. There’s just something about watching a movie under the stars that even the most luxurious cinema can’t match. 

Just remember that most of the cinemas aren’t open in the colder months, and understandably so – it’s just too hard to focus on the movies when you’re shivering! 

Here’s where to go in Melbourne city at night to recapture this experience: 

• Moonlight Cinema
• Cameo Outdoor Cinema
• Federation Square 
• The Lunar Drive-In for one of the few, year-round outdoor cinemas
• Classic Rooftop Cinema

13. Stroll Southbank Promenade

Planning what to do in Melbourne at night can lead to some amazing things. But sometimes, it’s nice to just relax and go where the night takes you. And that’s exactly what you can do on the Southbank Promenade. 

Close to the city centre, the promenade extends along the Yarra River and is a popular night-time destination. The views are beautiful and there are lots of little restaurants where you can stop in for a meal or a snack. You never know what you’ll end up finding!

14. Catch an AFL match

One of the best things to do in Melbourne at night if you’re here at the right time is to watch an AFL match. 

If you’ve never seen an AFL game before, you can’t help but get caught up in the spirit of being among the cheering (and jeering) crowds.

AFL games are played at many venues around Melbourne, but try to time your visit with a game at the MCG, one of the city’s most iconic sporting venues.

15. See a cabaret show at the Butterfly Club

Hidden away in a narrow alley, the Butterfly Club can be hard to find. But visitors and locals alike flock to this Melbourne nightlife institution to see their quirky cabaret shows, so make sure that you do the same. 

The club is small and tickets are limited, so book early to get your spot.

16. Take a moonlight kayak ride

If you enjoy seeing a city from the water but want a more personal experience, then take a sunset kayak tour along the Yarra River.

The tours leave from the Docklands at sunset and include a stop for fish and chips along the way. Book tickets online.

17. Try your luck at the casino

Crown Casino in Melbourne has great restaurants and all the gaming action you could want. Obviously, you shouldn’t spend all your time throwing your money after a big win. But a couple of hours of eating and trying your luck can be a fun addition to your Melbourne at night activities. 

18. Test out your night-time photography skills

Melbourne nightlife isn’t all parties. Sometimes, being an observer in this amazing city can offer amazing rewards. 

If you’re at all arty or good with a camera, then test your night-time skills and see the city from behind its lens. You’ll be amazing at how different everything looks when you examine it with an artist’s eye. 

Some great locations to take photos at night are: 

• Flinders Street Station 
• Birrarung Marr for sunset shots over the water 
• St Kilda Pier after sunset for penguins
• Brighton Beach Boxes at sunset for amazing light 
• The Yarra River with a wide lens
• Luna Park 
• Crown Casino on the Yarra River

19. Play Holey Moley Golf 

Remember playing mini golf as a kid? The Holey Moley Golf Club has taken that to a new level with unique holes and landscapes that bring back the best and the worst of the ‘80s and ‘90s. With several locations throughout the city, it’s a little bit crazy and a lot of fun for kids of all ages. 

And best of all, for adults who don’t like being reminded of the ‘80s, there are drinks and cocktails available at the full-service bar. A good drink can make all of these late-night Melbourne activities even more fun. 

20. Listen to some live music 

Melbourne is famous for its live music. Every night, music venues and pubs showcase the best the city has to offer as well as up and coming talent. So, if you want to see some old favourites or discover new ones, here’s where to go: 

• The Tote or The Curtin or The Corner Hotel for every kind of music you can think of
• The Jazzlab or the Paris Cat Jazz Club for the best jazz in the city 
• The Prince Bandroom at the Price of Wales Hotel for local and international acts 
• The Retreat Hotel for blues on weeknights and headliners on the weekend
• Bars all along Johnston and Brunswick streets for Latin, rock, jazz, and indie music on any night of the week

21. Eat, eat, and eat some more 

Do you need to be sold on Melbourne food scene? Eating is one of the most popular and rewarding things to do at night in Melbourne. And best of all, there’s no end to this activity. 

Every time you visit Melbourne, you’ll find new restaurants, new meals, and new tastes. It’s the activity that keeps on giving! 

I’ve got a guide to where to eat in Melbourne which covers neighbourhoods across the city. You won’t go hungry here!

22. Explore the amazing-ness of the planet

If you’re constantly astounded by the stars, planets and such science-y subjects, then head to Scienceworks on a Friday night for an adults-only interplanetary extravaganza.

Exhibits and films change each month, but what you can always expect is a mind-blowing learning experience– plus a bar.

There are two sessions each night at 7.30pm and 9pm, each featuring different shows.

23. Hang out in a museum after hours

As the “capital of culture”, Melbourne is home to some world-class museums and galleries. While NGV International may be Australia’s oldest gallery, it doesn’t mean that it’s operating in the past. In fact, this gallery is always up to date with incredible exhibitions– and very hip after-hours events.

Depending on the season, on Friday nights the NGV opens its doors and welcomes visitors with DJs, live music, drinks and dining. The entertainment accompanying your gallery browsing changes each week.

24. Test your skills in an Escape Room

Best played with a group of clever friends, escape rooms combine the thrill of the unknown with the heart-pounding anxiety of physical confinement.

It’s all in good fun, of course, you’re not actually in peril. But when they’re done well, these rooms do a good job of suggesting otherwise. And that’s half of the fun of them, isn’t it! 

Some of the most popular escape rooms in Melbourne are:

• Trapt – classic escape rooms to while away an hour or two
• Rush Escape Game – be warned: some of the rooms here are truly, truly scary
• Ukiyo – Japanese-inspired escape rooms 
• The Mystery Rooms – a variety of rooms to suit all ages 

25. Learn about Melbourne’s ghostly past

Melbourne is apparently haunted by many, many ghosts. Whether you believe or not, joining a spooky ghost tour is a great way to learn some fascinating stories about Melbourne’s previous inhabitants – and maybe squeal a few times.

I joined a tour a few months ago and despite the mix of sceptics and believers, we all had such an interesting time, with a few shivers and laughs along the way.

Some of the best ghost tours in Melbourne are:

• Scary Tales and Hidden Bars Tour in Melbourne – for those who’ll need a drink to settle their nerves on their ghost tour!
• Old Melbourne Ghost Tour – this is the tour I took, with a guide who has a history of speaking with ghosts – some even follow her home!
• Pentridge Prison D Division Ghost Tour in Melbourne – take a haunted tour of what was Melbourne’s most notorious prison
• Ghost of Old Williamstown Tour in Melbourne – head to Williamstown to learn about the spirits that haunt this part of Melbourne
• Altona Homestead Ghost Tour in Victoria – this homestead has a reputation for hauntings and has been the centre of paranormal investigations… eek!

26. Chill out in an ice bar

Rug up and enter a space where everything – including the drinks glasses – is made of ice!

Located in Fed Square’s Atrium, IceBar Melbourne gives you gloves, a snow cape and Ugg boots to stay warm.

Grab a drink and explore the (small) bar made of ice – the whole bar area is carved out of 30 tonnes of dry ice! There are games to play and photo screens to capture your experience. The staff are really friendly, and regularly pop around to guests for a chat.

Book tickets for IceBar Melbourne here.

27. Take a boozy tour of Melbourne

With so many bars in Melbourne to choose from, it can be hard to narrow down which ones to visit when you come to Melbourne. So, why not leave it up to someone else – and learn a thing or two along the way?

These boozy Melbourne tours take you to the best bars in Melbourne with commentary about the things you need to know about Melbourne, whether that’s history or street art.

• Whisky Bar and Gin Joint Tour in Melbourne – learn about Victoria’s early spirit-making past to its modern craft scene on this tour that stops at three of Melbourne’s coolest whisky and gin bars
• Melbourne Hidden Bars Tour – discover Melbourne bars like a local, sipping drinks in tucked-away cocktail bars, shipping container bars, and hidden speakeasies
• Melbourne Boozy History and Bars Tour – combine a few drinks with a history lesson and learn about Melbourne’s love affair with drinking, the persecution of barmaids and the booziest Police Commissioner

28. Get your (ice) skates on

No matter your skill level, a night out on the ice can be a lot of fun. Glide around and show off, or fall, get up and fall over again! 

Go ice skating at O’Brien Icehouse near the Docklands for a family-friendly venue that’s safe for all ability levels. This venue has two rinks and is open 364 days a year. It’s also open late most nights. (Check out more things to do with kids in Melbourne.)

29. Throw some axes

The axe-throwing craze sweeping the world has landed in Melbourne. Test your Viking skills by throwing axes at wooden blocks – it’s actually a lot of fun!

There are a couple of axe-throwing joints for an amusing night out:

• Lumber Punks Axe Throwing
• MANIAX Axe Throwing

Grab a group of friends and find out who’s got the better axe-throwing skills!

So, what’s on your list of fun things to do in Melbourne at night when you visit?

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Featured image by Roberto Seba