Hot air balloons flying over the city.

The best Melbourne experience gifts

Left your shopping to the last minute, or just not sure what to get? These excellent experience gifts take mere minutes to book in and offer hours of enjoyment. And if you need a little extra help, the Melbourne Visitor Hub now has a representative from Experience Oz available to help visitors book tickets to shows, experiences, walking tours and more. This new service is open daily, from 9am to 5pm.

Blockbuster events to book

An exquisite Cartier diamond tiara, suspended against a black background.
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Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: CARTIER

Featuring nearly 400 extraordinary jewellery objects, alongside rare archival materials.

A nighttime photo of a path in a park, illuminated by vibrant orange, green, and pink light beams and strings creating an immersive light installation; part of Lightscape at Royal Botanic Gardens.
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Lightscape

Melbourne's favourite winter tradition Lightscape returns to Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.

A small tour group looking up from the ground floor of the La Trobe Reading Room.
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State Library Victoria Unlocked

On this exclusive tour, gain access to State Library Victoria before the doors open to the public.

A man looking into the eyepiece of a large telescope, pointed towards the night sky at the Melbourne Observatory.
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Stellar Nights

Embark on a journey through time and space with this guided tour at the Observatory.

The full cast of the musical Book of Mormon on stage singing and dancing, with a painted sky coloured background and other theatre props.
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The Book of Mormon

Australia’s biggest ever musical comedy returns this February.

Flinders Street Station lit up in blue at dusk during Melbourne's RISING festival, with city buildings in the background.
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RISING: Melbourne

A festival of new art, music and performance in the heart of Naarm/Melbourne each winter.

A woman in a ball gown standing by herself, her eyes downcast, in the top left corner of the image but upside down is a group of people socialising.
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La Traviata

Glamour, riches and a tragic secret: La Traviata is the story of a courtesan falling in love.

Four hot air balloons floating in front of the Melbourne city skyline during sunrise, with skyscrapers visible in the background.
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Melbourne Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight

Float over Melbourne's iconic landmarks in a sunrise hot air balloon flight.

A smiling woman with blond hair holding up a whole cherry pie in a dish in front of her chin, with steam rising from the pie.
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Waitress The Musical

The irresistible Broadway hit about resilience, friendship and hope.

A woman at a food show dressed in a colourful dress and presenting a product to onlookers.
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Good Food and Wine Show

Celebrity Chefs, Bakers Alley, Cooking Classes and Sampling

A room with coloured vinyl records displayed on illuminated shelves and a person standing in front a mixing desk with four turntables.
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RISING: The Vinyl Factory – Reverb

ACMI and RISING present The Vinyl Factory: Reverb, a major exhibition of vinyl culture and music.

The interior of State Library Victoria's iconic Domed Reading Room during a nighttime event.

Library Up Late x RISING

Immerse yourself in a night dedicated to inspiration and imagination at State Library Victoria.

Misty lights on the oval as AFL football players line up before a game.

AFL Round 11: Richmond v Essendon

Come along to Dreamtime at the 'G on Friday night to celebrate Indigenous culture and history.

Crowd of seated AFL fans wearing Big Freeze branded beanies.

AFL Round 13: Collingwood v Melbourne

The Big Freeze game between Collingwood and Melbourne is celebrating its 12th anniversary.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on stage, playing live to an audience.
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ABC Classic 100 in Concert

Enjoy the fourth edition of the popular live edition featuring highlights from the countdown.

River cruises and boat hire

Three long narrow boats with people seated in them and a guide standing at the rear of each boat, punting on the lake at Royal Botanic Gardens.
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Punting on the Lake

Glide between the bays and islands of Ornamental Lake on a guided boat cruise.

People seated in a river boat with outside seating, passing city buildings.

Melbourne River Cruises

Sit back and relax as your captain details the history of Melbourne on a river cruise.

A sunset view of kayaks on the water, looking towards Bolte Bridge in Melbourne.

Kayak Melbourne

Guided paddling tours through Melbourne along the Yarra River and Victoria Harbour.

A group of women on a boat toasting with champagne glasses with a pizza box on the table.

GoBoat Melbourne

Be your own captain by renting a picnic boat, with no boat licence required.

A group of people on a small boat on the Yarra River in Melbourne.

On a Boat

Experience the Yarra River by boat on your own private cruise.

A group of people riding yellow and red water bikes on the Yarra River, with Melbourne's city skyline in the background.

Waterbikes Australia

Pedal the Yarra by waterbike - an unforgettable adventure through Melbourne’s heart.

Boat travelling beneath a bridge on a river.

Classic Steamboat Cruises

Public and private cruises and transport to events along the Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers.

Lady Cutler boat on the Yarra River with Melbourne Star Observation Wheel in the background.

Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat

Cruise Melbourne on the Lady Cutler Melbourne Showboat, offering a range of cruising events.

Foodie experiences, tours and tastings

Dishes of food and drinks on a restaurant table.
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Putt, Wine and Taste Melbourne

A day of fun and flavour with mini golf and mystery dining in the center of the city.

Two different hands holding two wine glasses, resting on a restaurant's dining table, a plate of food and napkins also on the table.
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Mystery Sidedoor City: Wine and Asian Fusion Bites

Enjoy off-menu bites and paired drinks at a hidden Melbourne venue on this guided tasting adventure.

A person pouring out a measure of Aperol into a metal measuring cup.
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Cocktail Making Class

Mix, shake and sip your way through the ultimate cocktail class in a hidden Melbourne bar.

Tour group standing on the steps of the Royal Exhibition Building.
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Romance, Glamour and Migrants: An Italian Food History Walk

Find out why Melbourne is obsessed with Italian food on this cultural and culinary walking tour.

A plate of fluffy pancakes with ice-cream and chocolate over the top.
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Chocolate Family Adventure Day

Enjoy an all-inclusive, stress-free family outing filled with fun, creativity, and delicious treats.

People lined up at a cheese stall at Queen Victoria Market.
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Mystery Picnic Date: Melbourne Laneways

Solve clues and riddles to collect your special gourmet picnic on a unique foodie adventure.

Plates of delicious looking smoked meats, olives, bread and tomatoes.
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Talk and Tapas Evening Walking Tour

Walk Melbourne’s laneways, hear its history and enjoy drinks and tapas on this three-hour tour.

Dishes of Asian food with cutlery and glass on a table.
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Mystery Sidedoor: 5 Plate South East Asia Tasting Menu

Enjoy off-menu bites and paired drinks at a hidden Melbourne venue on this guided tasting adventure.

Melbourne walking tours

Two pink cocktail glasses on a dark bench.
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Mystery Rooftop Bar Hop

Solve clues to unlock rooftop bars, cocktails, snacks and stunning Melbourne city views.

A small group of people on a tour on a pathway with yellow grass on one side and a large building on the other.
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Walking Tour: Robin Boyd's Neighbourhood

A walking tour exploring the architectural streetscapes, landscape and local history of South Yarra.

Hand holding up a bitten chocolate, with two people in background, blurred.

Chocoholic Tours

This chocolate walking tour visits some of the city's best chocolatiers with exclusive experiences.

Group of people on a walking tour of Melbourne.

Hidden Secrets Tours

Indulge and discover the city's hidden charm with Melbourne's original laneway walking tours.

Three people walking with a Fit City tour guide through a leafy laneway in central Melbourne.
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History and Donuts Walking Tour

History, laneways and donuts – explore Melbourne’s sweet side on this 2.5-hour walking tour.

A tour group gathered in front of a green neon 'Melbourne' sign, all laughing and enjoying themselves in a huddle.
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The Complete Melbourne Walking Tour

Uncover the best of Melbourne's laneways, history and more in this three hour walking experience.

Three people standing on a street corner as a tram passes by

The ultimate guide to walking tours in Melbourne

Guided tours that weave through Melbourne's hidden gems, foodie spots and street art.

Tour guide talking to a crowd of people with Melbourne city skyline in the background.

Melbourne Sights Walking Tour

Uncover the stories behind Melbourne's landmarks, gardens and events on this walking tour.

People walking past stencil artwork of cats on a white wall in a Melbourne laneway.
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Art, History, Food and Wine Tour

The perfect introduction to Melbourne – street art, curious tales, wine tasting and tapas.

Three people standing for a selfie on the ground at the MCG.
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Sports Precinct Walking Tour

Explore Melbourne's sports precinct on foot with a local guide, including a tour of the MCG.

A red cocktail with a cloudy dome, on a black tray next to two strawberries.
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Mystery Basement Bar Hop

Solve clues to unveil three hidden basement venues and enjoy prepaid drinks and a snack.

High tea experiences

A three-tiered high-tea offering with cakes and small savoury bites, someone pouring tea from a pot.

Collins Coffee House

Modern Australian cafe located in a heritage building, specialising high tea and brunch.

A formal round table set for afternoon tea with empty tables and chairs blurred in the background.

The Windsor Hotel's Afternoon Tea

A century-old tradition, afternoon tea at The Windsor is an unmissable experience.

Large glass exterior window of a cafe showing three levels of assorted cakes and desserts on display, surrounded by floral arrangements.

The Tea Rooms 1892

Located in Melbourne’s famous Block Arcade, the Tea Rooms are steeped in history.

A display of individual desserts on a dark tray.

Oxi Tea Room

Afro-Asian tea room serving modern high tea and desserts with unique Taiwanese and Kenyan teas.

Customers seated at cafe tables in a room with mirror and plants.

Hopetoun Bake Shop

A modern English bakery by Hopetoun Tea Rooms, offering biscuits, cakes, scones and sandwiches.

Three coloured gin-based cocktails with platters of snacks.
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Gin-dulgent High Tea Experience

Take your seat for a guided gin high tea like no other with bottomless sparkling.

A display of savoury and sweet treats on a three tiered serving plate as part of a High Tea menu.
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High Tea at the Stamford Plaza

Relax and enjoy a High Tea in the heart of Melbourne.

Australian children's author Jacqueline Harvey, smiling at the viewer, with long blond hair framing her face.

Ooh La La! High Tea with Jacqueline Harvey

Celebrate the release of Jacqueline Harvey's latest book at a high tea with the author.

Customers sitting on stools behind a white napery table with three-tiered cake stand and glasses of bubbles.

The Tea Room

Enjoy morning or afternoon tea at the National Gallery of Victoria.

A high tea experience featuring a tiered stand filled with pastries and savoury bites.
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Afternoon Tea at InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto

An exquisite selection of tea-time delights inspired by history and crafted with native ingredients.

The best family experiences

Bluey stage show human and puppet cast with tree background.
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Bluey's Big Play

This is Bluey brought to real life as you’ve never seen it before.

Characters from the PAW Patrol TV series performing live on a theatre stage, with streamers in the air above them and a large audience watching them.
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PAW Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue

The beloved pups of PAW Patrol hit the stage in this interactive live show.

A magician holding a crystal ball against a purple background.
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Melbourne Magic Festival

Casting its spell with performances and workshops for all ages this winter.

Koala in a gum tree at Melbourne Zoo.

Melbourne Zoo

Journey through a world of wildlife in the heart of Melbourne.

Workshops and activties

A person wearing blue rubber gloves creating an Ikebana arrangement, which is the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging.
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Botanica 001: Ikebana Workshop

A contemporary ikebana workshop exploring form, balance and negative space in an intimate setting.

Workshop class participants smiling in a studio setting, holding up mosaic pots and coasters they have made.
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Mosaic Making Workshop for Beginners

Learn the art of creating beautiful mosaics from start to finish.

Floral accessorie made from silk and beads.
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French Embroidery Workshop

Learn to craft an anemone brooch, from hand-dyeing silk to beadwork.

Woman in blue dress sitting in a garden, with face upturned.
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Forest Therapy

Unwind with forest therapy (shinrin-yoku) and immerse your senses in nature.

A hand-drawn sketch of a teapot with a blue and white design and gold touches, with a handwritten note alongside it.

Winter Sketching with Alissa Duke

Learn to sketch on location in the historic exhibition house of Fairhall.

Bowls of food on a workshop table during a cooking workshop.

Hands-On Traditional Gnocchi Making Masterclass

Learn to make traditional potato gnocchi from scratch in a relaxed, hands-on masterclass.

The best activities and attractions

People walking around the outdoor balcony area in front of the Royal Exhibition Dome.

Royal Exhibition Building Dome Promenade

The Royal Exhibition Building opens its doors to a unique view unseen for 100 years.

Purple velour-covered seating in an intimate cinema space.

Cinema Nova

Cinema Nova is Melbourne's home of quality arthouse and contemporary cinema.

Gold-plated Eureka Tower skyscraper and cityscape against the city skyline and blue sky with clouds.

Melbourne Skydeck

This 300m high public observation deck captures everything that is special about Melbourne.

A group of friends playing darts at Oche Melbourne, with platters of food on the tables near them.

Oche

Oche Melbourne - Darts with a twist

Circular doorway illuminated with pink neon and a ping pong sign.

Ballers Clubhouse

Melbourne's largest bar and games venue, in the heart of Chinatown.

Exterior of Holey Moley mini golf venue at night.

Holey Moley Golf Club

Holey Moley offers a mini golf course and bar with 27 themed holes plus a karaoke room.

People enjoying drinks and burgers at a bowling alley.

Kingpin Crown

Entertainment destination at Crown, with bowling, laser tag and the Playtime arcade.

Interior of Heroes Bar showing brightly coloured ceiling and wall decorations over a crowd of heads.

Heroes

Vibrant and lively vertical laneway of private karaoke rooms, open mic karaoke bar and rooftop bar.

Patrons seated at tables inside a restaurant eating and drinking.

Yum Sing House

Modern Asian dining and a late-night bar with the hedonistic spirit of 1960s Hong Kong.

People laughing and having fun on MotoGP arcade games.

Archie Brothers

One-stop entertainment venue with arcade games, bowling lanes, dodgem cars and cocktail bar.

People skating in an indoor ice rink with disco lighting.

O'Brien Icehouse

An ice arena for public skating and ice sports events, located in Docklands.

A giant ball pit with brightly coloured geometric patterns and neon shapes on the walls.

Hijinx Hotel

No beds here. Just ball pits, bold colours, brain-teasing challenges and a lot of laughter.

More gift shopping ideas

Two women walking past a florist with shopping bags and a bunch of flowers in their arms.

Best Mother's Day gifts under $50

Treat mum to treasures from Melbourne-owned brands and boutiques.

A woman browsing in a stylish home decor and fashion boutique. A giant paper lamp is in the foreground.

The best hidden shops in Melbourne

Find secret stores, iconic hidden gems and more.

A perfume store with an art deco interior and large arch windows.

Melbourne's most instagrammable shops

Our guide to the best looking shops in Melbourne, guaranteed to light up your Instagram feed.

A woman in a bookstore

Where to go late-night shopping in the Melbourne CBD

Whether you're looking for a last-minute gift or browsing after class, these stores are open late.

A woman browsing in a boutique with accessories and a large Akari lamp.

Melbourne's best homewares shops

Find the best lighting, indoor plants and interior decor.

A person walking past an old book store with windows full of rows of books on display

Melbourne's most iconic shops

These iconic Melbourne shops are home to some of the city's most colourful retail characters

Bouquets of flowers for sale in a shop.

Gifts and homewares

From homewares to handcrafts or vintage items, it's easy to find that special gift in the city.

Museum shop items for sale including dinosaur book and figurines.

Museums Victoria Store

Nurture curious minds with a range of gifts for children and adults alike.

Florist store, set in a classical Victorian stone building.

Pollon Flowers

Pollon Flowers is noted for creative floral arrangements and their stunning window display.

Stranger Than Paradise Gifts shop exterior.

Stranger Than Paradise Gifts

Unique gifts and toys sourced from around the world.

Two smiling people standing side by side, holding a wrapped gift between them.

Queen Victoria Women's Centre Shop

A social enterprise gift store celebrating local women and gender diverse artists and makers.

A gift shop with taxidermy animals everywhere.

Rare shops you can only find in Melbourne

Melbourne is full of unique shopping spots you can only find in the city.

Last updated on Mon 4 May 2026

Only In The City

Only in this City of Ours
Selection of books on display.

Metropolis Bookshop

Metropolis carries a specialist range of books focusing on art, design, popular culture and more.

A family of four standing in a grand library with antique desks, large white walls and a dome ceiling.

Things you can only do in the city

There's only one place to find these rare Melbourne experiences and secret spots.

A Ferris wheel in the city at sunset with colourful reflections on the river.

Melbourne’s most Instagrammable experiences

You won't need filters at the city's most photogenic spots.

Discover more

Stationery on shelves inside Milligram store.

Milligram

Milligram carries 50 leading international and local stationery brands, along with cards and gifts.

Bookshop with the walls lined with shelves of books.

Kay Craddock – Antiquarian Bookseller

Antiquarian and second-hand books, dating from the 16th to the 21st centuries.

Balls of different coloured wool and yarns.

Morris and Sons

A haven for craft enthusiasts, stocking a wide range of knitting and needlecraft supplies.

Display wall of books on shelves, all covers facing out.

Mary Martin Bookshop

A book-lover's delight, where the service makes the difference.