We live in an electrifying city with a thrilling night life. And if you’re looking for exciting things to do at night in Melbourne, you’re in luck. The city is full of events to attend, shows to see and things for you to try. Go bar-hopping, play games, explore art after dark and see the city from another, twinkling perspective – truly, you’ll never be bored at night in this city! 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.
📍Meet at 912 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008
2. Wander through twinkling light installations at Lightscape
The gorgeous, after-dark experience, Lightscape, will return to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Wander through the green heart of Melbourne with a reimagined new trail that stretches across 2.2 kilometres. As you journey along the path, you’ll discover new shimmering installations, laser gardens, spectacular lights and more. Lightscape will illuminate Melbourne during the winter nights from Friday June 14 to Sunday August 4.
📍Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne VIC 3004
3. Check out the wonderful Winter Night Market
Head over to Queen Vic Market and warm up with roaring fires, toasty street food and blazing entertainment. Winter Night Market will run on Wednesday nights from 5pm to 10pm, from June 5 to August 28.
📍Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000
4. Belt out your favourite tunes at karaoke
It’s one of our favourite things to do at night for a reason! 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, which you can spend on everything from New Jeans to Taylor Swift (yes, the 10-minute All Too Well version is available if you want the most for your money). Songs are available in English, Korean and Chinese, with multiple booths available. Kono Karaoke is open everyday from 12pm to 3am.
📍601 Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
5. 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, all the way up until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, making it one of Melbourne’s most fun activities for adults. See more here.
📍Shop CW-G19 The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008
6. 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
7. Go to a bar
Having a late one? Melbourne is full of some great bars for you to check out. If you want to take in the twinkling city lights, head to some rooftop bars for dreamy evening views.
📍Melbourne
8. Explore Old Melbourne Gaol
One of the best places to visit in Melbourne at night is Old Melbourne Gaol, where you can go on a ghost tour and listen to dark tales from this historic space. This night tour runs from 6:30pm to 7:30pm or 8pm to 9pm on selected dates, and is not recommended for children 12 and under. Find more info here.
📍377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
9. Catch a charming Candlelight concert
For a more sedate, yet still unforgettable night out, why not check out Melbourne’s array of Candlelight concerts? They span a range of genres and artists from the classical to the contemporary (where else does Tchaikovsky rub shoulders with David Bowie?), and evening concerts start as early as 6:30pm or as late as 8:30pm, so you can fit them neatly into your evening. See the full list of upcoming concerts here.
10. Hole up in a late-night café for an after hours pick-me-up
Melbourne’s famed café culture doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, so if you’re the kind of person who takes their cappuccino after midday (sorry, Italians), you’ll find a wealth of cafes open late, armed with espresso machines.
11. Drink in 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
12. Dance the night away at a club
As far as late night activities go, hitting one of the hottest nightclubs around Melbourne is a pretty classic plan. There’s so many different vibes and check out around town, so you’ll never get bored.
📍168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
13. 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 – plus, they’re perfect for night owls, since both the CBD and the Crown venues stay open until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. 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
14. Enjoy a late-night cinema session
Catch a movie at some great cinemas around Melbourne, including FoMo Cinemas in Brunswick East and Palace Penny Lane Cinema in Moonee Ponds. 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.
15. 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 all week, and the latest sessions begin at 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
📍The Atrium, Federation Square, Melbourne VIC 3000
16. 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, and closes at 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
📍23 Caledonian Ln, Melbourne VIC 3000
17. Immerse yourself in art at The Lume
Powerful art comes to life at The Lume, which is currently home to an exhibition dedicated to the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. See his legendary works come to life on a swirling digital canvas, then explore other cool things like the VR experience. The Lume is open until 9:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
📍5 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006
18. Have a ball at Ballers Clubhouse
With two venues around town, Ballers Clubhouse has lots of room for late-night activities in Melbourne. Play ping pong, darts and shuffleboard, sing a bit of karaoke, and enjoy a cheeky drink or two. 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. They keep the party going until 1am on Friday, and 2am on Saturday, so it’s ideal for late-night fun. Find more info here.
📍2 Coverlid Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
19. 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 Wicked, The Woman in Black, Beauty and the Beast and more!
20. 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.
21. Observe the heavens at a stargazing session
Friday nights aren’t just for hitting the bars, you know. Head to Mount Martha Observatory on the first Friday of each month to join the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society pick out planets, satellites, and stars from the firmament. It’s one of the most fun things to do at night in Melbourne for adults and kids; sessions kick off at 8pm and cost $5 for the little ones and $15 for adults – booking is essential though.
📍 MPAS, The Briars, Mount Martha VIC 3934
22. Take a spin on the Ferris Wheel
A lovely Ferris wheel has popped up in Southbank. Give your feet a rest, go for a ride and take in twinkling views of the city skyline. This attraction is open until 10:30pm each night, and will stay in town until September 22. Learn more here.
📍Polly Woodside Park, South Wharf, VIC 3000
23. 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 the regular NGV Friday Nights, returning soon. Melbourne Museum also has their regular late night shindig, Nocturnal, with a different theme each month.
24. 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
25. Throw darts at Oche
Head over to Oche and play a round of darts with your friends. There’s heaps of different games to try, and you can keep an eye on the score with the help of a digital display board. While you talk and play, nibble your way through food that can be eaten with one hand, and sip on their delicious range of cocktails. This venue closes at midnight on Friday and Saturday, 11pm on Thursday and 10pm on Wednesday and Sunday.
📍263-269 Elizabeth St, Melbourne VIC 3000
26. Find magic at the Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
Embark on a spellbinding walk through the forest and come face-to-face with magical creatures and scenes from the Harry Potter universe. The Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience is now open at The Briars in Mount Martha. Get your tickets here.
📍450 Nepean Hwy Mount Martha VIC 3934