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. 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.
3. 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.
4. Race over to Auscarts for indoor go karting
Celebrate your birthday in Melbourne with some adrenaline-pumping indoor go karting. Visit Auscarts in Port Melbourne and check out their purpose-built track. Feel like a Formula 1 driver and zoom around, with plenty of turns and hairpins to keep your heart racing. Your kart will go up to 55km/hr. Find out more here.
5. Go on a culinary adventure with Dining in the Dark
What better way for a foodie to put their taste buds to the test than by enjoying a secret three-course meal while blindfolded? This unique experience invites you to don a blindfold and distinguish between heightened flavours and different textures. Invite some of your favourite people along or shake up your typical date night with Dining in the Dark.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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, rest at an infrared sauna in the CBD, 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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. Think Mary Poppins, & Juliet, Harry Potter & The Cursed Child and more!
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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, head out on a day trip and explore charming towns not too far from Melbourne.
19. 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. Mindflow 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.
20. Enjoy the live music and more at Live at Toorak 2024
The Toorak Synagogue is being brought to life by a series of classical concerts. Some of the best artists from around the world are coming to the stunning venue for intimate live music performances. What’s more, if you’re a true fan of classical music you’ll definitely appreciate the option to purchase a Live at Toorak 2024 Season Pass. And if you’re lucky, maybe one of the five concerts will fall on or around your birth date.
21. Immerse yourself in ‘A Forbidden Forest Experience’
Even if you have yet to devour all the Harry Potter books or watch the films, Harry Potter™: A Forbidden Forest Experience is worth the visit. Enter an illuminated forest where you’ll encounter magical creatures, be able to cast spells and pull out your camera for some impressive snaps. Furthermore, food and drink inspired by the Wizarding World is available at this experience full of surprises!
22. Go to the Unko Museum interactive exhibit
A little bit out there but The Kawaii Poop Experience is actually an “adorable experience”, if you can believe it! You’ll find games in the Crappy Game Corner and have plenty of photo opportunities thanks to unique backdrops as you explore this strange universe inspired by Japan’s “Kawaii” aesthetic. After huge success in Japan, the cute experience is taking over Melbourne.
23. Try something exhilarating and go skydiving
Try “free fallin’, yeah” this year! You can skydive as high as 15,000 feet above the Yarra Ranges 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. Express your creativity in a neon-lit setting
What could be better than creating your own work of art with your loved ones as a birthday present? Neon Brush, previously known as Paint in the Dark, is a painting workshop in a retro-futuristic atmosphere where an artist will guide you through the whole process of painting with canvases illuminated by glow-in-the-dark colours. Meanwhile, you can listen to music and sip tasty drinks. Then you can bring your piece of art home!
25. Take a journey on a helicopter
If you’re not afraid of heights, fly high thanks to Phillip Island Helicopters. With the option to choose an 8-minute, 12-minute, or 25-minute ride, you can appreciate the coastline of Phillip Island and more in an incredible way. Not only will this unforgettable adventure get you out of your comfort zone, but it will also leave you with stunning images of Australia’s natural beauty.
26. 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.
27. 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.
28. 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.
29. Enter a gamer’s paradise
At Fortress Melbourne, 2,700 square meters of games entertainment across 2.5 levels await the arrival of excited birthday celebrants. You’ll find the Southern Hemisphere’s largest permanent eSports venue here, a retro arcade alley, and so much more. The Tavern, a fantasy-styled restaurant at Fortress Melbourne, is a great place to grab some beef ribs and hot dogs after an intense session of gaming.
30. Try karaoke at Ballers Clubhouse’s location in Carlton
Fancy yourself a good singer? Or maybe you just love to grab that microphone and let it all go! Well, Ballers Clubhouse in Carlton is taking karaoke nights to new places. Upon arrival, you can expect to see things like people singing in the ball pit, a pool table upgraded by projected videos, and delicious food coming from the Posh Nosh Kitchen. Look no further than this quirky spot for one of the most superb things to do for your birthday in Melbourne.