We live in an electrifying city with a thrilling night life. And if you’re looking for exciting things to do in Melbourne at night, you’re in luck. The city is full of events to attend, shows to see and things for you to try. Go beyond bar-hopping or clubbing, and play games, explore art after dark and see the city from another, twinkling perspective. Here are the best late-night activities to do in Melbourne.
1. Go for a moonlight kayak tour
See Melbourne from a whole new light by going for an evening kayak along the Yarra river. Your journey starts just before sunset in Victoria Harbour, and continues upstream, under the Bolte Bridge and past Flinders Street Station. The evening ends at the boat landing area at the Rowing Sheds, directly across from Fed Square. No kayaking experience is necessary. Learn more here.
📍Meet at 912 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008
2. Belt out your favourite tunes at karaoke
Melbourne is full of wonderful karaoke venues, but if you’re a little short on money, Kono Karaoke is the way to go. This is Melbourne’s first coin booth karaoke venue, and songs are just $2 each. There’s songs available in English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese, with multiple booths available. Kono Karaoke is open everyday from 2pm, and closes at 2am Sunday to Thursday, and 3am on Friday and Saturday nights.
📍601 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
3. Have fun at Archie Bros Cirque Electriq
At Archie Bros Cirque Electriq, you’ll have a blast with heaps of indoor late-night activities, including arcade games, bowling and laser tag. While you’re there, check out Zero Latency, an immersive free roam virtual reality experience. They’ve also got a wacky range of cocktails to keep the good times going. See more here.
📍Shop CW-G19 The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008
4. Stay cool with a bit of ice skating
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll have a ton of fun ice skating around the rink at O’Brien Icehouse. They’re open every day, except Christmas, and close at 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. See their hours here.
Ground/105 Pearl River Rd, Docklands VIC 3008
5. Explore Old Melbourne Gaol
Go on a ghost tour at Old Melbourne Gaol, and listen to dark tales from this historic space. This night tour runs from 8pm to 9pm, and is not recommended for children 12 and under. Find more info here.
📍377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
6. Enjoy the view from Melbourne Skydeck
Soar up Melbourne Skydeck and take in sparkling city views from the Southern Hemisphere’s highest observation deck. After gazing at the twinkling lights, stick around for virtual reality experiences, cocktails and a degustation at restaurant, Eureka 89.
📍7 Riverside Quay, Southbank VIC 3006
7. Treat yourself to some bingsu
Got a sweet tooth? End the night with some delicious bingsu. This Korean shaved ice dessert is perfect all year round – even in winter! Enjoy it with a delicious assortment of toppings. Lounge around at Sulbing dessert cafe on Lonsdale Street, or grab it to-go from Sulbing at Melbourne Central. You can also get monster-shaped bingsu at Nox Melbourne, which is currently running as a pop-up at Bento King on Little Lonsdale Street.
📍Melbourne CBD
8. Show off your swing at Holey Moley
Putt your way through some seriously fun and nostalgic mini golf courses at Holey Moley. You’ll find unique themes at each location around Melbourne, so you’ll never get bored. Enjoy some food while you’re there, and sip a cocktail to keep the good times going.
Little Bourke St, Crown, Chadstone, Eastland and Frankston
9. Enjoy a late-night cinema session
Catch a movie at some great cinemas around Melbourne, including Cinema Nova and Kino Cinema. During the hotter months, you can also enjoy a movie session outdoors, at places like Moonlight Cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens or Lido on the Roof in Hawthorn.
📍Melbourne
10. Ride the Ferris wheel in St Kilda
Capture your inner child and go for a ride on this seasonal Ferris wheel in St Kilda. Admire picturesque beach views from 35 metres in the air. At night, the wheel lights up with all sorts of cheerful colours, making it the perfect place for a picture or two. The ride closes at 9:30pm each night, subject to weather conditions. It will stay in St Kilda until April 25.
📍Catani Gardens, St Kilda West, VIC 3182
11. Feel frosty at this themed ice bar
Discover this cool spot inside the Atrium at Fed Square. IceBar Melbourne is made entirely out of ice, and features a great range of cocktails, ice shots, beer and mocktails. They’ll provide a snow cape, glove and boots where necessary to help you feel toasty warm. While you’re inside, enjoy a drink, check out ice sculptures and take some fun photos. IceBar Melbourne is open from Thursday to Monday.
📍The Atrium, Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000
12. Play games at Fortress Melbourne
If you love gaming, you’ll love Fortress. This multi-level complex has all kinds of late-night activities for you to try, including board games, arcades and PC gaming. When you’re not playing, watch an esports event in the Alienware Arena, grab a drink from the bar, or enjoy a hearty meal in the fantasy-themed restaurant. Fortress Melbourne is open every day until late.
📍Shop 25/23 Caledonian Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
13. Immerse yourself in art at The Lume
Whisk yourself away to bohemian Paris and the countryside of France in this dreamy exhibition at The Lume. Feel dazzled by the work of French impressionist painters in a mesmerising digital experience. Step into a Monet painting, try to create something yourself and dine at the Café de Flore. The Lume is open until 9:30pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
📍5 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
14. Have a ball at Ballers Clubhouse
With 2,500sqm of space, Ballers Clubhouse has lots of room for late-night activities in Melbourne. Play ping pong, darts and shuffleboard, sing a bit of karaoke, and drink your way around the venue’s six bars. Enjoy yummy food like pizza and tacos while you’re there, and keep a look out for some of their exciting pop-up events and experiences. See more here.
📍2 Coverlid Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
15. Watch a theatre show
Melbourne has a thriving theatre scene, so if you’re looking for a some great late-night activities, definitely go and see a show. Think Mary Poppins, & Juliet, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child and more!
📍Melbourne
16. Sip on tequila in this late-night bar
Tequila Bar by Mejico has one of the largest selections of tequila and mezcal in Australia. Enjoy a drink and some late-night snacks in this intimate cocktail lounge until 3am from Thursdays to Saturdays.
📍1 Pink Alley, Melbourne VIC 3000
17. Have a laugh at a comedy night
Stay out late and check out some of the hilarious comedy clubs around Melbourne. Think venues like The Comic’s Lounge, Basement Comedy Club and Kings of Comedy.
📍Melbourne
18. Discover one of the wonderful drag shows around Melbourne
Embrace the camp and the glamour of some incredible drag performances around Melbourne. Take part in drag bingo, enjoy comedy or cabaret acts and even try out drag and draw workshops. Whatever you choose, you’re in for a good time.
📍Melbourne
19. Explore some of Melbourne’s museums after dark
Keep an eye on museums and galleries around Melbourne for some incredible after-dark experiences. Enjoy live music, pop-up bars and more at NGV Friday Nights from now until April 14. Melbourne Museum also has their monthly dance party, Nocturnal.
20. Challenge yourself at Hijinx Hotel
Embrace the wacky chaos at Hijinx Hotel. This immersive space looks like a hotel, but is really filled with different themed rooms, filled with games for you to conquer. After playing the games, indulge in a cocktail or two. Hijinx Hotel closes at 1am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11pm every other day.
📍 Level 1/1341 Dandenong Rd, Malvern East VIC 3145