You’ve done another lap around the sun, and you’re now a little older and wiser. It’s time to celebrate! If you’re stuck for ideas, Melbourne is full of wonderful things to do for your birthday, or any special occasion really. Go on scenic tours, get your adrenaline pumping, treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience, and much more. You can do some of these things alone, and some of them with loved ones. There are so many things to do in Melbourne and beyond on your birthday, so scroll through this list and find some inspo. Happy birthday!
1. Go on a hot air balloon ride
Your birthday is the day to make memories and go all out. If you haven’t done it before, why don’t you try soaring above the city on a hot air balloon ride? Enjoy the day to the fullest, wake up before sunrise and feel rewarded with stunning views of the city. If you’d rather a change of scenery, there’s also plenty of blissful and picturesque spots in the Yarra Valley and Mansfield. After an unforgettable flight, treat yourself to an indulgent breakfast.
2. Round up your crew and play an ‘Among Us’-style game
If you loved playing the online multiplayer game, Among Us, and you’ll want to check out Saboteurs, an immersive, space-themed game played inside 11 converted shipping containers. As a crew member, you’ll complete tasks around a designated moon base with plenty of features like a Decontamination Unit, Sleep Pods, a Medbay, Mining Tools and more. But, beware! There may be an imposter on the ship. Stop and eject these sinister players before they ‘eliminate’ you and your crew.
3. Have a dreamy time and go Punting on the Lake
Nestled within the Royal Botanic Gardens, you’ll find Punting on the Lake. This scenic boat cruise will take you around the islands of Ornamental Lake. As you glide around on a wooden punt, a professional guide will tell you all about the gardens and wildlife. Whip out a parasol for a touch of romance, pack a picnic to have on board, and bring your well-behaved dog along. If you didn’t pack any food, stop by The Terrace before or after your ride for a bite to eat.
Punting on the Lake is open daily, except during the winter months and on Christmas Day. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate your birthday or any special occasion in Melbourne. Bookings are strongly recommended.
4. Dine above the clouds at Eureka 89
It’s your birthday! Start your new year of life by feeling on top of the world at Eureka 89. Set one level above the iconic Melbourne Skydeck, you’ll enjoy fine dining and breath-taking views of the city skyline. The chef’s tasting menu is always changing, so you can enjoy seasonal produce from Victorian and Australian producers. Learn more here.
5. Race over to some thrilling go kart tracks
Bring your friends and family along for a fun day of go-karting around Melbourne. Put the pedal to the metal and zoom around some thrilling indoor or outdoor tracks. See our list of recommendations here.
6. Challenge your senses in thrilling challenges
SENSAS is a one-of-a-kind, immersive sensory experience where you and your team are taken on a wild journey through challenges designed to test and engage your five senses in ways you’ve never imagined. We’re talking about two hours of pure, exhilarating fun in the “Sensory Labs” that will leave you and your group buzzing with excitement.
7. Mark the occasion by taking some pictures
You’re one year older! Take some happy snaps for your birthday at one of the fun photobooths around Melbourne. There’s the iconic photobooth on Flinders Street, as well the cheerful Hama Film on Lonsdale Street and Life4Cuts in Chinatown. If you want to look a little bit more formal, try The Selfie Studio in Hawthorn. You’ll be able to take some DIY self-portraits, and it’s pet-friendly too!
8. Stay overnight with a Slumber Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo
If you love animals, this event is a must-do. Visit Werribee Open Range Zoo and get up close and personal with a range of behind-the-scenes animal experiences. Go on a safari tour of the savannah, and stay overnight in a luxury lodge. Enjoy refreshments on arrival and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, and end the day with an African-inspired dinner. Walk up to the sounds of animals, have breakfast, and embark on another day of adventures at the zoo. Your wild journey begins here.
9. Attend an enchanting Candlelight concert
The Candlelight series invites you to experience your favourite music in a new light at some of the city’s finest venues. From candlelit tributes to the likes of Taylor Swift and Coldplay to mesmerising performances of timeless compositions by Vivaldi and more, there is a Candlelight concert for everyone. Find yourself seated in a stunning space, surrounded by countless candles, and inspired by talented musicians this season.
10. Feel a rush with indoor skydiving
It’s your birthday, and you want to try something new. Why don’t you feel the rush of skydiving without worrying about the risk of dying? Head to iFly Melbourne and experience the closest sensation to freefalling. This exciting activity is great for flyers of all ages and abilities. Find it in Essendon Fields.
11. Take in We Call It Ballet
We Call It Ballet is a one-of-a-kind ballet production inspired by The Sleeping Beauty. Follow the fairy tale as talented dancers perform in captivating costumes fitted with LED lights. Nothing compares to a breathtaking ballet performance, but this sensational light show takes the experience to the next level. Get your tickets here.
12. Treat yourself to an elegant high tea
Melbourne is simply bursting with dreamy and historic places for you to have high tea on your birthday. From luxurious hotels to garden venues, you can find our list of recommendations here.
13. Round up your friends for a chaotic time at Hijinx Hotel
Head to Chadstone and feel transported to a world where Wes Anderson meets Willy Wonka. Together with your friends, you’ll enter a series of challenge rooms and play games inspired by your childhood. After you play, unwind with a cocktail and a bite to eat. Each room at Hijinx Hotel is designed for two to six players. Learn more here.
14. Check out the world’s first prison-themed cocktail bar
We normally can’t endorse anything that’ll put you behind bars, but we’ll make an exception for Alcotraz. An immersive, Prohibition-themed bar, this place will mix up delightful drinks and add an element of free-spirited fun, as you’ll need to smuggle liquor past the guards and evade the watchful eyes of the warden to sip your drinks in peace. The bar offers the option of special occasion bookings, and even private hire if your party is big enough.
15. Go to a spa
Find your bliss and check yourself in to a tranquil day at the spa. Chill out at wonderful day spas around Melbourne or go even further and escape to a spa in regional Victoria. With plenty of hot springs and spa treatments to choose from, it’s the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion.
16. Bust out of an escape room
Need a challenge? Just want to hang out with your mates? Flex your (brain) muscles and try out one of the escape rooms around Melbourne. See our list of recommendations here.
17. Have a picnic
If all you need is good food and good company, celebrate your birthday by having a picnic in one of these peaceful places around Melbourne. Pack one yourself or get something catered. If you want to level up your picnic game, why don’t you have one on a cliff at Mount Buffalo? Or if you’d like a surprise, go on self-guided mystery picnic adventure in Melbourne or the Yarra Valley.
18. See a theatre show
Melbourne has a thriving theatre scene, and if you’ve been eyeing a show, your birthday is definitely the best time to see it. Beauty and the Beast is playing now, and upcoming shows include Beetlejuice The Musical, The Lord of the Rings musical and more!
19. Embark on a sightseeing cruise
See Melbourne like never before by going on a sightseeing cruise. Journey along the Yarra River, see the city shining at sunset or enjoy the view while dining on the water. Go beyond Melbourne, and take part in wildlife sightseeing cruises around Phillip Island, go on a boat tour around Gippsland Lakes, and journey up the Murray River on the historic paddlesteamers.
20. Celebrate with a drink or two
Toast to your health at some great bars around Melbourne. Take in the twinkling city lights at a rooftop bar, or feel like you’re sharing a secret by venturing into one of the hidden places.
21. Relax and heal your mind at a candlelit sound bath
Do you know there is a way to recharge your batteries and switch off your mind without having to move? Well, you would just have to go to Collingwood Town Hall to feel this. Mindful Glow offers relaxation, allowing you to release tensions, open blocked energy channels, and, generate new vibrational frequencies through the powerful revitalizing effects of sound bath. It’s produced by flutes, drums, or the Sung Gong. This is a different way to spend your birthday, a transformational journey you may need under the calming light of hundreds of candles.
22. Belt out your favourite tunes at karaoke
Sing happy birthday to yourself at one of the wonderful karaoke venues around Melbourne. Duck into a quick and easy coin booth, get the crowd involved at an open mic spot and more. Find our list of recommendations here.
23. Try something exhilarating and go skydiving
Try “free fallin’, yeah” this year! You can skydive as high as 15,000 feet above St Kilda or over the Great Ocean Road. What could be more thrilling than this adrenaline-fueled experience featuring, obviously, 360° views and reaching speeds of 200km/hr?
24. Catch a wave at URBNSURF
Head to URBNSURF, the only surf park in Melbourne, and ride the perfect wave. There’s sessions for beginners, as well as more advanced options. When you’re not surfing, go for a swim, pop into a hot tub or grab a bite to eat at the restaurant. More info here.
25. Soar through the sky on a helicopter
If you’re not afraid of heights, take a helicopter ride over the city and look at incredible Melbourne landmarks from a whole new perspective. You’ll also find cool helicopter rides over other areas in Victoria, like the stunning 12 Apostles.
26. Unleash any pent-up anger on The Smash Room
Invite some of your friends along for a satisfying experience thanks to The Smash Room. Pick up that baseball bat and unload your frustrations for up to 45 minutes. After destroying multiple objects, including glasses, TVs, and PlayStations, you and your crew can play a game of table tennis, air hockey, and more.
27. Grab a few cold ones at a beer garden
Relax with some friends at one of Melbourne’s many beer gardens. From the dog-friendly Great Northern Hotel spot to Thornbury’s seasonal food festivals, there are plenty of options to be explored when it comes to planning a chill afternoon for your birthday in the city accompanied by a quality beer.
28. Take a ride on The Q Train
Celebrate your birthday with a first class trip on The Q Train? This fabulous foodie experience will take you on a trip from Drysdale to Queenscliff and back. Along the way, you’ll indulge in a degustation menu that showcases produce from Geelong, the Bellarine and the Otways. Get your tickets here.
29. Stay on a historic site once owned by a movie star
Escape to the countryside for a spell and discover the secluded tiny homes at the historic Mooramong Estate near Skipton. Between the working farm, a nearby lake, stunning views, and luxurious details, staying in one of the sustainable homes is a one-of-a-kind experience. You’ll feel like previous owner Claire Adams as you soak in a bathtub at sunset.
30. Sip your way through a wine tour
Melbourne is surrounded by incredible wineries in the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Bellarine Peninsula. Celebrate your birthday by going wine tasting through one of these lovely regions. One option includes Hop It, a bus which allows you to hop on and hop off around wineries in Victoria.
31. Go on a getaway
Escape your everyday life and celebrate your birthday by going on a getaway. Go on a scenic drive and discover some incredible road trip destinations and head out on a day trip[/trackLink. Explore [trackLink link_url="https://secretmelbourne.com/towns-near-melbourne/"]charming towns not too far from Melbourne, or take public transport if you don’t feel like driving. Wander through some stunning national parks, and stay a little longer outdoors by going camping. There’s also plenty of romantic getaways to try too if you’re travelling with a partner.