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, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. 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. Learn more here.
📍Meet at 912 Collins St, Docklands VIC 3008
2. Belt out your favourite tunes at karaoke
It’s one of our favourite things to do at night in Melbourne for a reason! Melbourne is full of wonderful karaoke venues, from quick and easy coin booths to open mic spots. Find our list of recommendations here – and remember, a thrifty place like Kono Coin Karaoke can be one of the greatest cheap things to do in Melbourne at night.
3. Go to a bar
Having a late one? Melbourne is full of some great bars for you to check out, including some awesome hidden ones. If you want to take in the twinkling city lights, head to some rooftop bars for dreamy evening views.
4. Have fun at Luna Park
Race over to Luna Park and set your inner child free with heaps of thrilling rides and attractions. Play carnival games, ride The Great Scenic Railway, feel spooked by the Ghost Train and more. Luna Park is typically open from 6pm to 10pm on Fridays, and 11am to 10pm on Saturdays. It’s also open on Sundays until 7pm. Find their updated hours here.
📍18 Lower Esplanade, St Kilda VIC 3182
5. 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
6. 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 the most fun activities in Melbourne for adults. See more here.
📍Shop CW-G19 The District Docklands, 440 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008
7. 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 recommended for visitors aged 16 and up. Find more info here.
📍377 Russell St, Melbourne VIC 3000
8. Catch a charming Candlelight concert
Wondering what to do in Melbourne at night if you want a classy evening? For a more sedate, yet still unforgettable night out, 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.
9. 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.
10. 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
11. 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.
12. 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. Mix it up and try the new Holey Moley Funhouse in the CBD for something fresh.
Little Bourke St, Crown, Chadstone, Eastland, Frankston, Moorabbin and Point Cook
13. 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 and the MOV’IN BED Beach Cinema in Docklands.
14. 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
15. Play the ‘Among Us’-style game, Saboteurs
Supplied/Image: Nic Cleary
Head to The District Docklands and go on a space adventure at Saboteurs. Play with your friends inside converted shipping containers, complete tasks, and eject any suspicious imposters. This venue closes at 10pm from Wednesday to Sunday. Get your tickets here.
📍Level 2, The District Docklands East Car Park, 90 Waterfront Way, Docklands VIC 3008
16. 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
17. 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 MJ The Musical, Annie, and many more.
18. 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.
19. Race over to some thrilling go kart tracks
Put the pedal to the metal and zoom around some exciting go kart tracks around Melbourne. Venues like Battlekart Melbourne and Le Mans Entertainment are open well into the evening, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. See our list of recommendations here.
20. 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. Melbourne Museum also has their regular late night shindig, Nocturnal, with a different theme each month. ACMI has also been known to throw late-night events from time to time, such as evening film screenings or after-hours exhibition access, and you can see what’s coming up here.
21. 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
22. Get excited for some axe throwing
Mix things up by going axe throwing late at night around Melbourne. Maniax in the CBD is open till 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Lumber Punks in South Melbourne is generally open until 8:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Finally, Valhalla Axe Throwing in Brunswick is usually open until 10pm on Friday and 9pm on Saturday, but they can stay open late until 1am on request.
23. Let it all out in The Smash Room
Grab a bat and break some items with the support of your friends in The Smash Room. This entertainment venue is the only place in Melbourne that allows groups to wreak havoc together all at once. It’s open until 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays, or 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays. See more here.
📍Factory 1/60 Keilor Park Dr, Keilor East VIC 3033 or 57 Cochranes Road, Moorabbin, VIC 3189
24. Lock in plans to check out Alcotraz
In this interactive experience, you’ll smuggle liquor into prison and receive up to four personalised cocktails. Session times for Alcotraz vary, but you’ll find late night sessions like 10pm available on Saturdays. Get your tickets here.
📍 592 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
25. Hang out at a board game cafe
Chill out late into the night and unwind with some games at one of the board game cafes or bars around Melbourne. See our recommendations here.
26. 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 midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10pm every other day.
📍 Level 1/1341 Dandenong Rd, Malvern East VIC 3145
27. 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
28. Relax with a moonlit session at Peninsula Hot Springs
We love relaxing in the many spas and hot springs around Victoria, and if you’re looking for a late-night session not too far from Melbourne, head to the popular Peninsula Hot Springs. They offer moonlit bathing on Friday and Saturday nights from 10am to 2am. Learn more here.
📍140 Springs Ln, Fingal VIC 3939
29. Ride the Twilight Train at Puffing Billy
Hop aboard the Twilight Train, and ride through the Dandenong Ranges at dusk. This new experience is a 3.5 hour return journey, and will take you from Belgrave to Lakeside. The Puffing Billy Twilight Train will run on Thursdays, from October 9 to December 11, 2025.
📍 1 Old Monbulk Rd, Belgrave VIC 3160
30. Visit The Jazz Room
Enjoy an evening filled with jazz, soul, blues, and timeless classics as talented musicians and singers create an atmosphere that’s alive with rhythm and creativity. Each show offers a carefully curated setlist, spontaneous solos, and powerful vocals, ensuring no two performances are ever the same. Whether you love the golden age of jazz or a tribute to legends like Frank Sinatra, The Jazz Room is a celebration of music’s emotional energy and cultural legacy. Sit back, raise a glass, and let each note transport you for a truly memorable night in Melbourne.
📍 Subject to change depending on venue choice
