Melbourne is a city that truly comes alive after the sun sets. With its rich cultural tapestry, historic landmarks, and vibrant arts scene, there are countless things to do in Melbourne at night.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Melbourne’s nightlife offers something for everyone. From thrilling rooftop views to intimate laneway discoveries, this city is packed with nighttime adventures waiting to be explored.
Explore the Eureka Skydeck
The Eureka Skydeck, located on the 88th floor of the Eureka Tower in Melbourne's Southbank precinct, is a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to experience the city from a unique perspective.
Standing at 297.3 meters (975 feet) tall, the Skydeck is the highest public observation deck in the Southern Hemisphere, offering panoramic views of Melbourne's skyline and beyond. Visitors can take the fastest elevator in the Southern Hemisphere, which ascends 88 floors in just 38 seconds, to reach the observation deck.
Once at the top, you can enjoy a variety of experiences, including "The Edge," a glass cube that projects out from the building, suspending you 300 meters above the ground for an adrenaline-pumping view. The tower itself, completed in 2006, features 24-carat gold-plated glass windows on its top 10 floors, adding a touch of luxury to this already iconic structure.
Dinner Cruise on the Yarra River
The Yarra River dinner cruises in Melbourne offer a remarkable way to experience the city's vibrant nighttime atmosphere while enjoying a gourmet meal.
Among the most popular options is the Spirit of Melbourne Dinner Cruise, which provides a luxurious 4-course dining experience. This three-hour cruise, starting from Southbank Promenade, takes guests on a scenic journey along the Yarra River, offering stunning views of Melbourne’s iconic landmarks such as Federation Square, Flinders Station, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Priced at approximately AUD 185 per person, the cruise includes a carefully curated menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and a selection of beverages, including wine, beer, and spirits. The cruise runs nightly, with boarding beginning at 7:15 PM and the cruise setting off at 7:30 PM.
Visit the Melbourne Star Observation Wheel
The Melbourne Star Observation Wheel, once a significant tourist attraction in Docklands, Melbourne, has permanently closed as of 2021. Originally known as the Southern Star, this observation wheel had a tumultuous history since its opening in 2008, including a closure just one month after its debut due to structural issues.
Despite reopening in 2013 after extensive repairs and a rebranding effort, the wheel never gained the popularity or significance of its counterparts in other cities. Standing at 120 meters tall, the Melbourne Star was one of only four giant observation wheels in the world and offered a 360-degree view of Melbourne’s skyline from its fully enclosed, temperature-controlled cabins.
Stroll Along Southbank Promenade
Strolling along the Southbank Promenade in Melbourne offers an immersive experience in one of the city’s most vibrant and scenic areas. The promenade stretches along the southern bank of the Yarra River, offering stunning views of the city skyline, and is flanked by an array of cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
The area has undergone significant transformation since the 1990s, evolving from an industrial zone into a bustling leisure destination.
Today, it is home to major landmarks like the Crown Casino, the largest casino and entertainment complex in the southern hemisphere, and the iconic Eureka Tower, which offers panoramic views from its Skydeck on the 88th floor. Southbank Promenade is also known for its lively atmosphere, with street performers, art installations, and the occasional live music event adding to its charm.
Discover Melbourne’s Laneways
Melbourne’s laneways are a dynamic blend of history, culture, and contemporary urban art, making them an essential part of any visit to the city. These narrow, often hidden streets offer a treasure trove of experiences, from vibrant street art to unique dining spots, chic boutiques, and cozy cafes.
Among the most famous is Hosier Lane, renowned for its ever-changing gallery of street art, where local and international artists alike leave their mark on the city. This laneway is a bustling hub for tourists and photographers, especially in the early morning or late evening when the lighting enhances the vivid colors of the murals.
Not far from Hosier, Centre Place is another must-visit, known for its eclectic mix of tiny cafes, boutiques, and art-covered walls, offering a quintessential Melbourne experience.
Attend a Show at the Princess Theatre
The Princess Theatre in Melbourne, one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks, continues to host a variety of world-class performances, making it a must-visit for theatre enthusiasts.
Established in 1854, this historic venue has seen numerous renovations, with the most significant one in 1989, which ensured its preservation and adaptability to modern theatrical productions.
The theatre is renowned for staging some of the world's most successful musicals, including long-running hits like Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, and Cats. With its opulent interiors, including the famous grand staircase and detailed ceiling murals, the Princess Theatre offers an immersive experience that goes beyond just the performance on stage.
Ghost Tour at Old Melbourne Gaol
The "Ghosts? What Ghosts!" night tour at Old Melbourne Gaol is one of the most spine-tingling experiences you can have in Melbourne. This hour-long tour takes place in the dark, guiding participants through the eerie corridors of the historic gaol, which once housed some of Australia's most infamous criminals, including the notorious bushranger Ned Kelly.
The gaol itself, which operated from 1845 to 1924, is steeped in a dark history, with over 130 executions having taken place within its walls. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who share bone-chilling tales of ghost sightings, unexplained phenomena, and the tragic events that have left a permanent mark on the gaol's atmosphere.
Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear due to the confined spaces and uneven surfaces, and the tour is not recommended for children under 12 due to its intense nature.
Enjoy a Comedy Show at The Comic’s Lounge
The Comic’s Lounge in Melbourne, located on Errol Street in North Melbourne, is a beloved institution in the city's comedy scene, having been a staple for over 20 years. This venue is recognized as Australia’s longest-running comedy club, offering a dynamic lineup of comedy acts that include some of the country’s biggest names as well as emerging talent.
Each night, audiences are treated to performances by six to eight comedians, with headliners often being well-known television and radio stars.
The Comic's Lounge is not just about the laughs; it also offers a full dining experience with a menu featuring pub classics like burgers, pizzas, and parmas, complemented by an extensive cocktail list. Shows typically run for about 2.5 hours, making it a complete night out filled with food, drinks, and entertainment.
Sip Craft Beers at a Rooftop Bar
Sipping craft beers at a rooftop bar in Melbourne has become a quintessential experience, especially with the city’s ever-growing list of rooftop venues. One of the latest and most exciting additions is Brewmanity, Melbourne’s first rooftop brewery bar, located in South Melbourne.
Founded by former AFL player David Neitz and his partners, Brewmanity is a three-story venue with a 400-person capacity, featuring 34 taps of craft beer brewed on-site. The rooftop offers sweeping views of Melbourne’s skyline, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a pint while taking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
The venue also includes retractable awnings to ensure a comfortable experience regardless of Melbourne’s unpredictable weather.
Alongside the impressive selection of beers, Brewmanity’s menu, crafted by Chef Suman, includes a variety of share plates and bar bites, such as beer-braised lamb shoulder and mushroom arancini, catering to all dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options.
Ice Skating at O’Brien Icehouse
O'Brien Icehouse, located in Melbourne's Docklands, is the premier destination for ice skating enthusiasts, offering a variety of experiences for all skill levels. Open 364 days a year, the venue boasts two Olympic-sized ice rinks, making it the largest and most respected ice sports facility in Australia.
Public skating sessions are available every day, with extended hours on weekends and special events like RnB Fridays and Neon Saturdays, where the rink transforms with vibrant lighting and music.
For beginners, O'Brien Icehouse provides free skating lessons during certain times, making it an ideal spot for families and groups looking to learn or improve their skating skills. The facility also hosts national-level ice hockey games and other ice sports, adding to its reputation as a key sporting venue in Melbourne.
Watch a Movie Under the Stars
Watching a movie under the stars in Melbourne has become an iconic summer activity, with several outdoor cinemas offering unique and magical experiences. The Moonlight Cinema is one of the most popular venues, set in the lush Royal Botanic Gardens.
It provides an idyllic setting where moviegoers can enjoy a picnic on the grass while watching a mix of the latest blockbusters, cult classics, and family favorites. The cinema operates from December to March, with screenings starting at sunset.
During the 2023-2024 season, the Moonlight Cinema featured films like Kung Fu Panda 4, Mean Girls, and Wicked Little Letters, offering something for everyone. The venue also provides premium experiences like the AAMI Gold Grass, where guests can relax in comfortable bean beds with food and drink service, making it a perfect date night or outing with friends.
Arcade Fun at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq
Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq in Melbourne’s Docklands is a vibrant, circus-themed arcade bar that offers a nostalgic yet thrilling experience for both kids and adults. Since its opening, it has become a popular destination for those looking to relive their childhood in a fun, interactive environment.
The venue features 67 different arcade games, including classics like Mario Kart and Jurassic Park shoot-out games, as well as modern additions like virtual reality (VR) experiences and laser tag.
The space is also equipped with six bowling lanes, bumper cars, and an interactive XD motion theatre, making it a one-stop entertainment hub for a variety of activities. The whimsical, vaudevillian décor, combined with the colorful lighting and energetic atmosphere, creates a sensory overload that is both exciting and immersive.
Take a Ride on the Melbourne Ghost Tour
The Melbourne Ghost Tour is a thrilling journey into the darker side of the city’s history, offering a unique blend of historical facts and eerie tales that are sure to send chills down your spine. One of the most popular tours is the Old Melbourne Ghost Tour, where participants explore the city’s most haunted locations, including the infamous Old Melbourne Gaol.
This tour is renowned for its immersive experience, as it guides visitors through the eerie corridors of the gaol where some of Australia's most notorious criminals, such as Ned Kelly, were held and executed.
The tour also includes stops at other haunted spots around the city, such as Chinatown, where the remnants of old opium dens add to the spine-chilling atmosphere. This 1.5-hour walking tour is perfect for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike, offering a fascinating insight into Melbourne’s macabre past.
Transportation
Melbourne boasts one of the most efficient and comprehensive public transportation systems in Australia, making it easy for residents and visitors to navigate the city. The network includes trains, trams, and buses, all accessible through a single payment method using the Myki card.
Trams are particularly iconic in Melbourne, with the city operating the largest tram network in the world. Recent data indicates that the city is continually upgrading its transport infrastructure, with major projects aimed at enhancing capacity and connectivity.
For example, the ongoing Melbourne Metro Tunnel project, expected to be completed in the coming years, will significantly reduce congestion on existing lines and improve service reliability across the network.
Additionally, new initiatives have been introduced to promote sustainability, such as expanding electric bus services and integrating smart technology into public transport systems.
Conclusion
Melbourne’s nightlife is as diverse as the city itself, offering a wide range of activities for every taste and interest. From the heights of the Eureka Skydeck to the eerie corridors of Old Melbourne Gaol, there are countless things to do in Melbourne at night.
Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner cruise, a thrilling ghost tour, or just a casual drink at a rooftop bar, Melbourne has something to offer. So next time you find yourself in this vibrant city after dark, make sure to explore all the exciting possibilities that await.
For those considering a move to Melbourne, hiring removalists is highly recommended. Moving companies not only provide the convenience of transporting your belongings efficiently but also offer valuable insights into navigating the city’s transportation network.
These companies can help you settle into your new home with ease and familiarize you with Melbourne’s public transport options.
Whether you’re relocating from another city or within Melbourne itself, a reliable moving company can make the transition smoother by handling the logistics of your move while you focus on getting to know your new surroundings.
