Melbourne’s most Instagrammable experiences

Snap Melbourne's glitziest Christmas decorations

See the city sprinkled with sparkly lights, epic projections and stunning installations from 27 November. The big tree at Fed Square will be back in all its 17.5 metre LED glory. See colourful projections lighting up Melbourne Town Hall and St Paul's Cathedral. Wander through laneways awash with decorations. And yes, the magical Crown Christmas River Show will glow again from 4 December.

A river show with water spouts, purple lights and a giant bauble. — Crown Christmas River Show

Colourful projections and a giant bow on a grand building. — Christmas Projections Melbourne Town Hall

Giant blue LED Christmas tree in the city surrounded by decorations. — Christmas Square

See stunning views from the top of a Ferris wheel

Jump on board one of Melbourne's Ferris wheels and take in the most beautiful views. Located right next to the river, Skyline Melbourne soars 35-metres into the sky. There's plenty to do on solid ground too. Play a round of mini golf at the Australian-themed course. Or grab a bite to eat from the food trucks at the base of the wheel. Over at Docklands you'll find the newly reopened Melbourne Star. You'll have 30-minutes to appreciate the sweeping views.

Sink into an adult-sized ball pit

Check in at technicolour dream world, Hijinx Hotel. This rainbow-bright experience is filled with ten larger-than-life puzzle rooms. Solve spooky puzzles, play mind-boggling games and make a splash in the ball pit. Then celebrate your success with a bite at the diner. Quirky cocktails range from bubble-topped bevs to drinks served in disco balls.

Hijinks

View this post on Instagram

Discover a mind-blowing underwater world

Experience the magic of the ocean at the Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium. Journey through a huge underwater tunnel and see the huge sharks. Plus majestic stingrays, tropical fish and more swimming all around you. For the most photogenic sea species, head straight to the jellyfish exhibit. Here you'll see thousands of these mesmerising colourful little creatures. Don't skip a visit with Pesto and his adorable penguin friends before you leave!

Take a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the city

See the winding Yarra River, MCG and sprawling gardens of Melbourne from above on a flight with Global Ballooning. The colourful hot air balloons float over Melbourne's city skyline at sunrise. Expect one hour of jaw-dropping views before finishing with a buffet breakfast at Pullman Melbourne on the Park.

A black and white hot air balloon flying over an autumnal city scene. — Melbourne Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

Colourful balloons flying over Melbourne and Carlton Gardens. — Melbourne Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

Colourful hot air balloons flying over Melbourne city buildings at sunrise. — Melbourne Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

Pose in a retro gaming arcade

Arcade games old and new will have you clicking away at Archie Brothers. 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. Find it in Docklands or the new location at QV Melbourne.

Find the hidden door to a vintage speakeasy

It may look like a sewing shop, but behind the secret mirrored wardrobe door lies a vintage speakeasy. Mill Place Merchants is tucked inside a heritage-listed building in the city. Skilled bartenders are whipping up classic cocktails by candlelight. The stunning interiors pay homage to the venue's former life as a factory that once produced hats, soap, and small goods.

A hallway with old sewing shop details including a suit on a mannequin and an old wardrobe. — Mill Place Merchants

A warmly lit bar with people sitting in antique furniture. — Mill Place Merchants

See a spectacular glowing weather forecast

Melburnians love any excuse to talk about the weather. And Victoria Harbour's Light House is a towering ode to our favourite conversation starter. The building projects Melbourne’s weather in real-time. Every night after dark, see stunning abstract light installations. Stick around to see the lights forecast tomorrow’s weather on the hour, every hour. Will it be rain, clouds, wind or sunshine?

Order too-cute-to-eat desserts

Food, art, or just perfect Insta-fodder? Melbourne's most Instagrammable desserts are a bit of everything. Start with a novelty cupcake topped with a bunny or teddy bear from The Butter Room. Then embrace the whimsy at Musu and Co. The adorable emoji cakes are inspired by Jellycats.

Colourful cakes including one with a candle, legs and smiley face. — Musu and Co

A spread of cakes and drinks on a red tablecloth. — The Butter Room

Go for gold at a luxury shoe boutique

Golden Goose’s Melbourne digs 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 Golden Goose's range of handmade, distressed sneakers. Speak to the sneaker creator to co-create your new pair of star-detailed shoes.