Projections, installations, unbelievable cocktails and more. These aesthetic spots in Melbourne need to be snapped ASAP.

Dine inside a glowing igloo

Get toasty in a glowing igloo with city views and feast on mountains of melted cheese at the Raclette Igloo Experience. Follow the twinkling lights to the French Alps–inspired winter wonderland. Get extra cosy sipping on warm mulled wine and toast marshmallows on your very own private fire pit. Bookings are available for groups of 6 to 8 people.

A group of glowing plastic igloos with dining tables inside, surrounded by trees at night.
The Raclette Igloo Experience

Explore epic art installations

See the second iteration of Melbourne Now taking over the Ian Potter Centre, ten years after it premiered. An ode to all things Melbourne, this massive free exhibition highlights over 200 local artists and creatives. Explore a neon-lit computer fan temple. Walk among towering inflatable sculptures. And face your mortality in the XR death simulator.

Ice-skate under a galactic big top

The retro ice-skating rink is back for RISING this winter. And if last year's weird and wonderful rink is anything to go by, it's going to be oh-so Instagrammable. Follow the trail of lights along Birrarung Marr to find the big top. Load up on popcorn, hot chocolate and mulled wine. Then take a spin around the rink under a solar system of glowing orbs.

rink
Ice-skating returns during RISING

Be surrounded by 360-degree impressionist artworks

A dazzling new exhibit has floated into THE LUME. Monet & Friends Alive is a love letter to the French Impressionists, bringing their iconic masterpieces back to life. Explore the 3,000 square metre projection art gallery, swirling with floor-to-ceiling digital displays. Stroll through Monet’s Water Lilies and reflect on Renoir’s renowned works in an immersive experience.

Go Punting on the Lake 

See the gardens from a different angle with a cruise on an English-style punt around the Ornamental Lake. Discover picturesque islands and bays of the lake while learning about the history, wildlife and plants. This unique, chauffeured experience runs through the warmer month only. Don't miss this stunning photo opportunity. And did we mention you can bring your dog?

A small gondola-type boat on a lake in the middle of a sunny garden
Punting on the Lake's season ends on 31 May

Visit a bioluminescent underwater world

Journey under the sea with Submerged, a sparkling projection and light show at SEA Life Aquarium. Meet glowing bioluminescent firefly squids. Plus more fascinating creatures of the deep, in this large-scale digital exhibition. Be sure to waddle over to pose with the penguins while you're there!

Get clicking at a luxury shoe boutique

Golden Goose’s new Melbourne digs at 80 Collins are as eye-catching as the cult Italian sneakers on sale. A gold metal staircase leads to glowing white walls lined with backlit shelves. The flagship store’s industrial edge complements Lab GGDB’s range of handmade distressed sneakers. Speak to the sneaker creator to customise your new pair of star-detailed shoes.

a girl walking up golden sticker covered stairs looking up
Golden Goose Deluxe Brand

Drink cocktails from a gumball machine, milk jug or nitro bubble

Art, science or just perfect Insta-fodder? Melbourne's most Instagrammable cocktails are a bit of everything. Whether it's a novelty shark-shaped vessel or theatrical delivery, you're bound to rack up the reacts. Our top pick is a smoke-filled, bubble topped drop from the likes of CuriousYum Sing House and Nick & Norah’s.

Pose in a retro gaming arcade

Arcade games old and new will have you clicking away at Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq. Go classic with Space Invaders, or take a seat in the life-sized Mario Kart. Be dazzled by neon while playing Let’s Bounce or NBA Hoops. Then order a fairy-floss topped cocktail for the ultimate Insta-feed.

More photo-worthy Melbourne fun

Imaginator
Until

Imaginator

An immersive experience that celebrates imagination, technology and play.

ArtVo

ArtVo

An interactive 3D art gallery with optical illusions that visitors can touch and explore.

Reina Melbourne

Reina Melbourne

Archival designer clothing.

Sarah & Sebastian

Sarah & Sebastian

Fine jewellery store and luxury piercing by an Australian jewellery designer.

Last updated on Fri 12 May 2023

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