Hello June – we’re almost halfway through the year. I know we always say it, but how did that happen?!
In Melbourne, June marks the start of winter. Those autumnal gold, orange and red leaves are now starting to fall, and fireplaces are being stoked, creating cosy places to escape from the chill.
Here’s a curated selection of the must-dos happening this June in Melbourne.
This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).
Melbourne weather in June
The average temperature in Melbourne in June hovers between 7°C and 14°C during the day, so it’s definitely time to start rugging up.
There’s usually not too much rain, but you can expect a few days, with around 50mm falling throughout the entire month.
Check the upcoming Melbourne weather forecast online, and read my full guide to winter in Melbourne.
Public holidays in Melbourne in June
Monday 12 June marks the King’s Birthday public holiday – the first King’s Birthday I’ve had in my lifetime!
Major events and festivals in June
Check back regularly throughout the month – I’ll keep this page updated as I hunt down more events!
RISING
This incredible, can’t-miss night-time festival features more than 185 events across 12 days. There are activities and installations for all ages, with art, dance, live music, installations and theatre.
Dates: 7-18 June
Where: Various venues
Cost: Mix of free and paid events
More info: RISING website
Lightscape
Be mesmerised by an eight-metre sphere filled with over 20,000 moving LEDs, singing trees and a flickering fire garden among colour-changing installations, soundscapes and large-scale illuminated sculptures.
Dates: 16 June-6 August
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens
Cost: From $40
More info: Lightscape website
Theatre, film and music
The Rocky Horror Show
One of the most-loved films is in Melbourne with a theatre spectacular. Book tickets now – the season is short!
Dates: Until 11 June
Where: Athenaeum Theatre
Cost: Tickets from $69.90
More info: The Rocky Horror Show website
Mary Poppins
It’s supercalifragilisticexpialidocious in Melbourne with the arrival of everyone’s favourite nanny!
Dates: Until 18 June
Where: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Cost: Tickets from $59
More info: Mary Poppins website
& Juliet
Shakespeare gets a remix with some of your favourite pop anthems from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, The Weeknd and Kelly Clarkson.
Dates: Until 29 June
Where: Regent Theatre
Cost: Tickets from $60
More info: & Juliet website
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The cut-down version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is now playing in one (still long!) session.
Dates: Until 9 July
Where: The Princess Theatre
Cost: Tickets from $85
More info: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child website
Museums and art
Melbourne Now
Celebrate new and ambitious local art and design. Everything from fashion and jewellery, painting, sculpture, architecture and ceramics, to video, performance, printmaking and publishing will be on display.
Dates: Until 30 August
Where: The Ian Potter Centre
Cost: Free entry
More info: Ian Potter Centre website
Goddess: Power, Glamour, Rebellion
Marilyn Monroe. Geena Davis. Halle Berry. Margot Robbie. Michelle Yeoh. These – and more – screen goddesses are recognised in a new exhibition at ACMI.
Dates: Until October
Where: ACMI
Cost: $25 for adults
More info: Website
Gandel Gondwana Garden
Gondwana – the huge supercontinent that formed a mere 500 million years ago and connected Australia to much of the Southern Hemisphere – is brought to life in a new exhibition at Melbourne Museum.
Dates: Daily throughout June
Where: Melbourne Museum
Cost: Included with museum entry ($15)
More info: Website
Imaginaria
Part game, part gallery, part journey, Imaginaria is great for the whole family. Immerse yourself in shimmering light sculptures, enter the interactive cave or the multi-dimensional light maze, or step inside a giant infinity bubble.
Dates: Various dates throughout June
Where: The District Docklands
Cost: Adults tickets $29.95, kids $27.95
More info: Imaginaria website
Temple of Boom
Created by Adam Newman and Kelvin Tsang and an “evocative reimagining of The Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens”, the Temple of Boom is the latest NGV Architecture Commission.
Dates: Until August
Where: NGV
Cost: Free
More info: NGV website
Experience the Dome Promenade
One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings has opened a hidden part that hasn’t been accessible to the public for 100 years.
Dates: Throughout June
Where: Royal Exhibition Building
Cost: From $29 for adults
More info: Museums Victoria website
Monet & Friends at The Lume
Monet & Friends immerses visitors in French Impressionism at this digital gallery. Enhanced with sound and aromas, it’s a true sensory experience.
Dates: Until 4 June
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Cost: From $33
More info: The Lume website
Thor: Love and Thunder at ACMI
Catch the incredible costumes and props worn by the all-star cast of Taika Waititi’s blockbuster Thor: Love and Thunder.
Dates: Daily throughout June
Where: ACMI
Cost: Free
More info: ACMI website
Food events in June
Winter Night Market
The Winter Night Market is back at Queen Vic Market every Wednesday evening, with street food trucks and stalls, local brewers and distillers, shopping and lively entertainment.
Dates: Wednesday evenings from 7 June-30 August
Where: Queen Vic Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Queen Vic Market website
Mould: A Cheese Festival
Cheese? Yes please! This festival celebrates crumbly cheddars, gooey camemberts and bitey blues from the best artisan producers across the country.
Dates: 2-4 June
Where: The Timber Yard, Port Melbourne
Cost: Tickets from $49
More info: Festival website
Donut Festival
Get ready to indulge in a weekend of sugary goodness and holey treats at the Queen Vic Market’s two-day Donut Festival returns to Queen Vic Market.
Dates: 3-4 June
Where: Queen Vic Market
Cost: Free entry
More info: Queen Vic Market website
Community events and festivals
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
Join Japanese tea instructor Harumi Oshitani to learn all about the ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Dates: 4 June
Where: Mystik River Gallery, Southbank
Cost: $50
More info: Website
What are you most excited to see and do in June in Melbourne?
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Best Melbourne resources
- Check out my Melbourne travel guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to Melbourne
- Look for flights to Melbourne on Skyscanner.
- Book accommodation on Booking.com for your Melbourne trip. The Ovolo Laneways hotel is a good choice in the CBD.
- You won’t really need a car in Melbourne, but if you do want to get out of the city, then rent a car through Discover Cars or Rental Cars. I usually check both sites to compare prices and vehicle options.
- Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet guide to Melbourne and Victoria to help plan your trip.