Autumn in most cities is a gorgeous time to visit, and Melbourne is no exception. As the leaves turn golden and red, the weather in Melbourne cools down and some incredible festivals and events pop up.
If you’re thinking about visiting Melbourne in autumn, then here’s everything you need to know and what to plan your visit around.
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When is autumn in Melbourne?
The autumn months in Melbourne are March, April and May. During these months, temperatures in Melbourne ranges between 11 and 24 degrees (51 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit), but can often hit 28 degrees (82 Fahrenheit) in March.
March and April can see a bit of rain, but it usually only rains on a handful of days throughout both months.
Daylight saving time sadly ends on 6 April, which means we are back to seeing the sun set around 6pm.
For full details about all the seasons in Melbourne, you can read my guide to the best time to visit Melbourne.
Public and school holidays in autumn
In 2026, the autumn school holidays in Melbourne start on 3 April, and kids go back to school on 19 April. This coincides with the Easter break.
As for public holidays, we have four in Melbourne in autumn:
- Labour Day – Monday 9 March
- Good Friday – Friday 3 April
- Easter Monday – Monday 6 April
- ANZAC Day – Saturday 25 April (note there’s no public holiday in lieu)
Things to do in Melbourne in autumn
So, now you know what to expect of the weather in Melbourne in autumn, here are a few ideas for festivals, events, attractions and things to do in Melbourne during these beautiful months.
Watch the autumn leaves change colour
Autumn in Melbourne is a magical time to be in the city, as the leaves change from green to yellow, orange and red.
The best places to see autumn leaves in Melbourne are the Botanic Gardens, Carlton Gardens and Fitzroy Gardens.
Further out of the city, the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, George Tindale Memorial Gardens, Cranbourne Botanic Gardens (all in the city’s eastern suburbs) and Seawinds Gardens at Arthurs Seat are all worth a day trip. Or head out to the Yarra Valley to see the vines going from green to gold – and check out some of the wineries while you’re there.
See amazing views of the city
One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings has opened a hidden part that hasn’t been open to the public in 100 years.
The Royal Exhibition Building’s recognisable Dome is now available to tour with a guide, with incredible views over Melbourne’s skyline. The tour includes an overview of the history of the iconic building.
From up here you’ll also have a spectacular view of all those autumn leaves colours.
Dine out at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
A firm foodie favourite, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival guarantees that there’ll be plenty of eating and drinking across the city.
More than 170 events will be held from 20-29 March 2026.
One of the festival’s most famed events, the World’s Longest Lunch, is of course back, along with CAKE PICNIC – bring a cake and get to enjoy the baking creations that others bring along.
While many of the events are held in the city, the program also offers the chance to explore beyond your usual haunts, with foodie finds in St Albans, Sunshine and Moonee Ponds, as well as regional events.
Check out the program and book tickets online.
Check out the blooms at the Fitzroy Gardens Conservatory
Flower lovers will enjoy whiling away a few hours at the Fitzroy Gardens Conservatory. This stunning Melbourne tourist attraction is housed in a building in the style of a Spanish mission.
With five displays each year, the space is filled with the sight – and smell – of stunning flowers meticulously cared for and displayed. In the autumn months this year, you’ll be able to see the Tropical / Poinsettia installation (April and May). I don’t have a green thumb, so I had to look these flowers up online and they are all so colourful and bright!
The Conservatory is open daily from 9am to 5pm. There will be one closure in autumn in Melbourne as the display is changed from 23-27 March 2026.
Enjoy family fun at Moomba
Set on the banks of the Yarra River, Moomba is Australia’s largest community festival. Over the Labour Day weekend, there’ll be a street parade, fireworks, water sports and live performances, along with plenty of food.
The famous Birdman Rally sees courageous competitors hurtle themselves over the Yarra in the name of supporting various charities, while face-painting, drumming workshops and silent discos make it fun for the whole family.
Entry is free, with events at both Alexandra Gardens and Birrarung Marr from 5-9 March 2026. Check the website for the full program.
See an incredible candlelit concert
If you’ve never been to one of the stunning Candlelight Concerts by events company Fever, this autumn it’s time to change that.
These concerts are absolutely mesmerising. Venues across the city are transformed into luminous spaces filled with music and soft candlelight. Whether you’re a classical music aficionado or simply seeking a magical night out, these concerts are an unmissable part of Melbourne’s events calendar.
The Candlelight Concerts feature a diverse range of musical performances. This autumn you can see everything from A Tribute to Taylor Swift, A Tribute to Queen, Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and A Tribute to Oasis (at the Sea Life Aquarium).
Check out the full list of Melbourne Candelight Concerts online here, or buy a gift certificate.
Laugh yourself silly at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Australia’s biggest and best comedy festival returns, with laughs aplenty. The festival runs from 25 March to 19 April 2026 at venues across the city – and this year is celebrating its 40th birthday!
Acts include international and Australian performers such as Sam Nicoresti (winner of the 2025 Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show), Abby Govindan, Chloe Petts, Connor Burns, Celia Pacquola and Geraldine Hickey.
Buy tickets online.
Feel the thunder at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix
There’s no sound quite like the roar of Formula 1 cars racing around a track. It’s a sound that you can actually feel reverberating through your body.
I was lucky enough to get invited to the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix last year and unexpectedly had such a great time!
Over four days there are plenty of events and activities to keep rev-heads interested – from Supercars to exotic and classic cars demonstrations and of course the Grand Prix on 5-8 March 2026.
Then there are all the events off-track, with performances from the likes of King Stingray and Sneaky Sound System in previous years, to the chance to see your favourite driver on the Melbourne Walk.
If you’re lucky enough to nab a ticket to the hospitality spaces, expect to hob knob with celebs while sipping Champagne and nibbling on snacks.
Even if you’re not a racing fan, it’s a really fun few days!
Commemorate Anzac Day
On 25 April every year, we remember those who fought and sacrificed their lives for Australia and New Zealand in wars across the world.
Join the moving dawn ceremony at the Shrine of Remembrance and pay your respects.
Learn from the best at the Melbourne Writers Festival
Each year, the Melbourne Writers Festival brings together dozens of writers, authors and poets to explore literature and big ideas.
It’s the chance to hear from some of your favourite – and many provocative – authors in person.
Events take place across the city from 7-10 May. The program will be online and is always jam-packed with thought-provoking and entertaining events.
Have a picnic while the weather is still nice
Barring those few rainy days, the weather is still ideal for a picnic in one of Melbourne’s gorgeous parks and gardens.
So gather up some cheeses and meats, a few sandwiches and maybe even a bottle of bubbles, and lay out a blanket on the lawns at the Royal Botanic Gardens or the Fitzroy Gardens.
Even better – solve a few clues and gather your picnic goodies on a Mystery Picnic. You’ll end up with a basket of gourmet goodness to enjoy in a mystery location. You can do the mystery picnics with a significant other, your family or a group of friends. Read my full Mystery Picnic Melbourne review to learn more about what to expect.
Head to the theatre
Melbourne is known for attracting blockbuster theatre performances, and this autumn in Melbourne we’ll have some great shows underway, including:
- The Book of Mormon (more info)
- More to be added as shows are announced!
Catch a footy match
Footy fans rejoice as the AFL returns. Will your team make the final this year? Or will they slump to the bottom of the ladder?
Going to a footy match is a must-do when you’re in Melbourne. Even if you don’t really like the footy, you’ll still have a fun time. Between the fatty foods, the beer, and the happy (depending on how your team’s going) and excited atmosphere, you’ll find yourself shouting for your favourite team before you know it.
For the best experience, try to get tickets for a game at the MCG, the biggest stadium in the southern hemisphere.
Check out the AFL website for ticket information.
Explore the city on foot
Now that the weather’s cooled down, it’s time to pound the pavement and see the city without sweating too much. Check out Melbourne’s famous laneways and arcades, or catch a street artist in action.
There are several walking tours that cover history, art and culture. I list quite a few (both free and paid tours) in my guide to the best Melbourne tours and my overview of Melbourne walking tours.
Otherwise, Melbourne is such a walkable city, you can easily while away a few hours on a self-guided tour of the city highlights.
See the finest fashion
The Melbourne Fashion Festival returns in early March, with runway shows featuring Australia’s best designers, along with exhibitions, film screenings, shopping events and live entertainment.
If you like to get your hands dirty, try one of the workshops: make your own bucket hat, craft your own ring or learn how to up-cycle and repurpose used garments.
Listen to fashion experts discuss the latest trends in the industry, including topics on innovating for the future of fashion, sustainability and the ever-topical Oscars fashion.
Find the full program online. The Melbourne Fashion Festival runs from 14-28 February2026.
Explore beautiful gardens at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show brings together the best landscape and floral talent from Australia and around the world.
Be amazed as the Royal Exhibition Building is transformed into the Great Hall of Flowers or get some inspiration from the Landscape Design Show Gardens.
Don’t forget to pick up a few flowers and plants to take home for your own garden!
Tickets start from $28 – you’ll save money if you buy your ticket online in advance rather than at the gate. The event runs from 25-29 March 2026.
Final thoughts on Melbourne in autumn
As always, there’s so many things to do in Melbourne this autumn. With fantastic events and festivals, exhibitions and music, autumn is a great time to visit 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 or Expedia 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 DiscoverCars.
- Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Pocket Melbourne to help plan your trip.
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